Expresses 20150211

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Taxi rank deserted

Local drivers cite pirate taxis as reason for avoiding rank } Teboho Setena THE Phomolong Taxi Rank is yet to be utilised fully since the handover last year in April, raising the prospect of it becoming a white elephant. Local taxis line up at the entry and exit point at the intersection of the main road, instead of within the rank where commuters are expected to board.

Express Goldfields & NFS reliably learnt that local taxis are yet to make use of the rank reported to have cost the Matjhabeng Local Municipality about R21 million in construction work.

While agreements between the Matjhabeng Local Municipality and the local taxi associations are still pending, local drivers cite pirate taxis as the main reason for deserting the Phomolong Rank, accusing illegal taxis of “poaching” commuters. They do not seem interested in making use of the rank which has been specially constructed for taxi business.

Mogorosi Mogosi, chairperson of the Phomolong Taxi Association, said while pirate taxis were a menace, the decision to not make use of the rank was because it was placed awkwardly. “For now we only make use of the office situated within the rank.

This is mainly for meetings,” said Mogosi.

He said in terms of the initial agreement regarding the use of the rank, the local association would only pay for water and electricity. However, he pointed out that taxis from Ventersburg transporting commuters between the two towns were also expected to use the rank.

Mogosi said the local association had about 44 affiliated owners with the core of their business being to transport people to and from Welkom, Virginia and Kroonstad.

Weeds have begun to grow on the pavement, as the rank is not being used.

This is in sharp contrast to advocacy that taxi associations be granted the right to manage ranks, as made by Phillip Taaibosch, president of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco). He made a strong case for taxi associations to manage ranks during the Matjhabeng Local Municipality’s handover of two taxi ranks recently, adding Santaco would lobby Sebenzile Ngangelizwe, executive mayor of Matjhabeng, regarding this prospect of taxi associations taking full management of ranks.

Ngangelizwe handed over the two ranks to local associations for use last Wednesday (04/02). One of the ranks is in Bronville and

TAXIS line up for commuters at the exit and entry intersection of the Phomolong Taxi Rank and the main road in the Phomolong Township in Hennenman. the other in Meloding.

According to Taaibosch, the management of taxi ranks by taxi associations will foster a culture of ownership, pride and dignity in the industry, which he said contributed billions to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country.

PHILLIP TAAIBOSCH (left), president of the South African National Taxi Council (Santa­ co), and Sebenzile Ngangelizwe, executive mayor of the Matjhabeng Local Municipali­ ty at the handover of the taxi rank in Bron­ ville.

Photos: Teboho Setena

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2015

NEWS

Learners fixing up the future } Teboho Setena

SIX learners of the Lekgarietse Secondary School in Thabong have proven that you can rise above your circumstances.

The crew, with skills for repair and maintenance, recently repaired 54 chairs and 60 desks at the school.

Motsamai Tshabalala, Puseletso Lefisa (both gr. 11), Malefetsane Ramatobo, Ishmael Nkhahle (both gr. 12), Kamohelo Motaung and Mpho Moji (both gr. 10) volunteered to repair the broken furniture, answering the school management’s clarion call.

The furniture had been neglected and was stacked in a storage room where it was gathering dust – yet it needed only handyman skills to be repaired.

It was two days’ work for the six boys, assisted by Kleinbooi Daliwe, the School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson.

The concerted effort has seen the furniture returned to classrooms – improving the conditions at the school.

Moses Sibuyi, Lekgarietse’s acting principal, says the repair of the furniture was proposed by the Lekgarietse SGB and the school management.

“Only these six boys pitched up to repair the furniture after we had made a clarion call to learners to be part of the maintenance project,” says Sibuyi.

“The boys’ work has saved the school from wasteful expenditure – to purchase what we already have and which just needed to be fixed – while it also revealed the skills the boys possess and a career path they can pursue.”

He believes the maintenance project will go a long way in curbing wasteful expenditure and gradually developing the artisan skills of the six learners.

According to Sibuyi, the initiative has seen the school saving about R30 800, the estimated price of purchasing 54 chairs and 60 desks brand new.

The work by the six boys is seen as a step in the right direction to empowering themselves with much sought-after artisan

skills and knowledge in maintenance to make a living as an employee or entrepreneur.

“This signals a change in the mindset of the boys. They are struggling academically – hopefully they will see the positive in this and build on it by enrolling at a further education college to upscale the skill they already have, so they are employable candidates after completing school. They are not from privileged families.

“I was not discouraged by only six showing up, they did a good job.”

Sibuyi says what is encouraging about the boys, is their willingness to participate in programmes initiated by the school. He says the six boys serve in the school’s maintenance programme, which is ongoing.

“The long-term plan is to sustain the maintenance programme, with the objective to identify learners with artisan skills.”

Sibuyi appeals for assistance through the donation of tools, two drills, a 10 m electrical extension cord and a set of screwdrivers to get the maintenance project in full swing.

The issue of the neglected furniture at Lekgarietse is one of the many cases of the severe state of neglect due to a lack of maintenance skills which continues costing the country millions and resulting in notably decaying infrastructure.

According to Statistics South Africa, the number of South Africans actively seeking employment remains one of the biggest challenges the country faces.

This further highlights the maintenance skills shortage threatening the recovery of the country and advanced development.

A recommendation made is to train people in the field of artisanship to arm them with skills possessed by the six learners of Lekgarietse.

People willing to donate the tools requested can call 057-397-2106 during office hours.

HANDYMEN: Moses Sibuyi (left), the Lekgarietse Secondary School’s acting principal, and Kleinbooi Daliwe, the School Governing Body chairperson, with learners who repaired the school’s furniture. From the left are Ishmael Nkhahle, Puseletso Lefisa, Motsamai Tshabala­ la, Mpho Moji, Malefetsane Ramatobo and Kamohelo Motaung.

Photo: Teboho Setena

CANSA HOPEFULS: These women also participated in the Cansa Relay For Life in Wel­ kom staged last Saturday (07/02) at the Griffons Stadium. They are from the left Sarah Maree (volunteer), Lizzy Makhathini, Claudette Pamphin, Caroline Sixabhayi (survivors) and Brenda Plaatjies (volunteer). The event is a fun, overnight team event which is volunteer­driven and community owned and is also part of an international movement that unites cancer survivors and the communities that care about them.

Photos: Teboho Setena

Competition your chance to shine THE Goldfields Mall invites you to warm up your voice, polish your saxophone, dust off your ballet shoes or go buy a tambourine . . . “Come show us what you’ve got,” says Tanya Lloyd, Goldfields Mall general manager.

The “Heart of Welkom” is once again hosting Welkom’s Got Talent – this year in conjunction with the Goldfields Casino, Vista and Express Goldfields & NFS. The main prize this year is R20 000 in cash as well as the opportunity to perform as an opening act at one of the Goldfields Casino’s scheduled concerts within six months after winning the contest.

All sound requirements for the performance will be arranged by the casino as well as any other costs relevant to the performance.

The first round of auditions was held in Hennenman this past weekend (07/02).

It was only the start of various other auditions still lined up for the remaining weekends in February. “This coming weekend we’re expecting a big one,” says Lloyd about the conveniently located auditioning venue in Thabong. ) 14 February – Lephola Secondary School, 8218 Nkoane Road, Thabong – from 09:00. ) 21 February – Goldfields Casino – from 09:00. ) 27 February – Goldfields Casino – from 15:00. ) 28 February – Brandwag Primary School, Odendaalsrus – from 09:00.

Free registration forms are available at the Goldfields Mall Guest Relations Desk between 09:00 and 16:00 daily. Limited entry forms will also be available on the day at the various auditioning stations.

Kindly note that no member/s of the top three acts for both Welkom’s Got Talent 2013 and 2014 may enter this year’s competition.

Contestants should report to auditioning venues half an hour before the times mentioned above. Please note that contestants, including band members, may only enter once, that is only form part of one act.

Entrants should be 16 years of age when entering the competition. However, children under the age of 18 must be accompanied to each round by their parent or a legal guardian.

Any instruments, backtrack, props, et cetera, should be provided by the

GLORIA LEBATLA, a contestant at the Hennenman auditions, received a ticket to proceed to the next round of Welkom's Got Talent.

Photo: Supplied contestants themselves and backtracks must please be supplied in an audio CD format. Cellphones, USBs and iPods will unfortunately not be accepted.

At auditions contestants must perform one item not exceeding 45 seconds.

Contestants may either enter as an individual participant or as a group with a maximum of four members per group.

All judging will be done on an equal basis, therefore, groups and solos will be judged together.

Successful contestants will receive a call-back audition invite immediately after their performance. This round will be hosted at the Goldfields Casino Conference Centre on Saturday, 14 March, from 09:00.

The grand finale is scheduled for 23 May. If you believe you have what it takes to win the biggest talent show in the Goldfields, you need to get to the Goldfields Mall as soon as possible.

For any queries, contestants may contact Judy Moran at the Goldfields Mall Centre Management Office on 057-352-4251 during office hours.

Also keep a close eye on Vista and Express as we will provide you with detailed information on a weekly basis or go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Goldfields-Mall to stay up to date with the latest Welkom’s Got Talent news.

RELAY FOR LIFE: Participants in Cansa’s Relay For Life held last Saturday (07/02) in Welkom are from the left Stompi Thantsi, Martlie Swart, Seyeng Ntjabane and Elsa Oberholzer.

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2015

3

NEWS

Projects unveiled to end off term } Teboho Setena THE residents in the townships of Welkom, Odendaalsrus, Virginia and Ventersburg saw a new dawn after the Matjhabeng Local Municipality had handed over completed projects and unveiled new development projects worth millions.

These projects were unveiled during a roadshow, which culminated in a feast of celebration last Wednesday – this as the current leaders are working to end their term of office on a high note ahead of the 2016 local municipal elections. The forthcoming elections will end the current councillors’ term of office.

Sebenzile Ngangelizwe, executive mayor of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, with his entourage of councillors, criss-crossed the four townships handing over new and completed projects. These include waste water treatment works in Kutlwanong, Odendaalsrus to the tune of R24 108 537; satellite fire station in Mamahabane in Ventersburg worth R14 320 092 and two taxi ranks, one in Bronville, Welkom, and one in Meloding, Virginia, constructed to the tune of R15 783 430 and R20 632 193 respectively.

Construction work of these completed projects started during the 2014 financial year.

Ngangelizwe stated that both completed and new projects respond to the needs of the citizens of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, adding that as a municipality they would continue to do so.

“We have already handed over a number of completed development projects this financial year, and there will be more to come before the end of the 2014-’15 financial year.”

Regarding taxi ranks, Ngangelizwe is optimistic that opportunities for creating small businesses have opened, further encouraging residents to grab opportunities arising from new developments. “Car

SEBENZILE NGANGELIZWE, executive mayor of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality (left), and Philip Taaibosch, president of the South African National Taxi Council, unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the Bronville Taxi Rank in Bronville, Welkom, last Wednesday (04/02).

Photo: Teboho Setena washes and guesthouses could be established within the vicinity of taxi ranks to the benefit of both visitors and taxi operators and owners,” he said. “Upon constructing the Meloding taxi rank, we considered the fact that it networks with the train station so that people should not struggle to access reliable transport and to ensure they

reach their destinations safely. By so doing, we also curb criminal elements preying on people.”

The taxi ranks have facilities that include offices, toilets, kitchens and secure shops to be rented by vendors. The new projects were unveiled at the following townships: Kutlwanong Z waste water treatment works,

storm water and water connections; and Mamahabane Z storm water project and satellite fire station.

The Matjhabeng Municipality has budgeted R88 095 893 towards new development projects in Ward 1 in Mamahabane, Ventersburg and Ward 18 in Kutlwanong, in Odendaalsrus.

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2015

NEWS

Crime tackled in schools THE Thabong police cluster continues tackling crime trends threatening education in Thabong to ensure the environment in schools is conducive to learning.

Last week Monday (02/02), as an effort in line with the schools safety programme routine, members of the Thabong police’s Social Crime Prevention Unit visited the Lekgarietse Secondary School to address the learners.

They discussed the negative impact of crime and emphasised the importance of discipline among the learners.

“The visit was in line with the plan to enhance the social partnership with the Department of Education, while ensuring that school safety is maintained. The visits to schools are conducted on an ongoing basis,” said WO Malebo Khosana, spokesperson of the Thabong police cluster.

He said though the initiative seemed to yield positive results, there had been a few reports of theft of school property, computers and appliances, as well as the theft of personal belongings, such as mobile phones.

The success of the partnership programme has seen a decrease in crime at the Thatagauta Secondary School, earning Const. Ntombe Monnaruti the recognition of the Department of Education and the Thabong police cluster.

Khosana said the tough talk against gang elements in schools and drug abuse among learners would be ongoing.

“We conduct visits to schools throughout the year during which learners are addressed about these issues. The learners are also addressed by their peers who are part of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) youth structures, such as the junior station commander and deputies, as well as

DISCUSSING SAFETY AT SCHOOL: WO Matshidiso Boselesele addressing learners of the Lekgarietse Secondary School during a visit as part of the school safety programme last week Monday (02/02).

Photo: Supplied junior CPF chairpersons.

“Experts within police ranks also disseminate information to discourage learners from being part of criminal gangs,” said Khosana, adding that though safety remained a concern due to crime, it had not

posed a serious threat to learning in schools.

In further creating a climate that is conducive to learning at schools, WO Matshidiso Boselesele during the visit to Lekgarietse strongly emphasised the importance of

discipline among learners, as well as them respecting teachers, to avoid the temptation of crime.

“Do not bring knives and dagga to school. Avoid gangsterism when you are at school, because you will take it with you to the streets,”

Social inequalities root of racism THE juncture of race and class in South Africa cannot be ignored.

Issues of race continually come to the fore in the South African narrative.

Despite the abolition of apartheid in 1994, race and racial discrimination continue to be thorny issues for South Africans in their educational, employment and social environments.

The demise of this system has not revolutionised the lives of the majority of South Africans.

In the run-up to the 103rd celebrations of the ruling ANC, there has been reports of racial discrimination in the Western Cape.

The minister of higher education, Dr. Bonginkosi “Blade” Nzimande, also made the assertion that the South African media perpetuate hate speech by allowing racial comments in their publications.

Though it can be argued that these assertions by ANC can be supported by facts, I aim to provide an alternative view to what is normally understood in the discourse on racial experi-

My view Benedict Leteane Social Observer ence: prejudice against blacks or permanent segregation between blacks and whites.

I endeavor to address two fundamental questions: What does racial experience look like for born-free South Africans?

When they invoke race, what is it they are conversing about?

I strongly believe that, though racial discrimination might still be prevalent in South Africa, our experience of it has changed.

I will provide two points to illustrate my views: Firstly, a brief look at the historical background and secondly, the ways in which the relationship between race and class gives rise to social inequalities.

The system of apartheid, which commenced in 1948, formalized racial segregation.

Numerous acts gave privileges to whites, but denied blacks those

same privileges. The entire country was racially institutionalised.

It was within this institutionalisation where blacks encountered copious challenges and experienced marginalisation.

They were denied access to participate in many spheres of the country, such as education and economy.

However, post-1994, as the country entered into democracy, a number of policies and laws were implemented with the goal of addressing the inequalities created by apartheid.

Amongst the many problems created by the apartheid government was the underdevelopment of rural areas.

As a result of this, many South Africans moved to urban areas for employment.

The movement to urban areas

meant desegregation between races.

This desegregation brings me to the second point, which is the relationship between race and class.

So many black people move to urban areas and integrate with whites.

This racial integration gives rise to social inequalities.

Research has shown how black children are ashamed to allow their white friends to visit them because of their perceived socaial inequality.

While one cannot ignore the existence of racism in the country, it is also important to realise how the experience of race has shifted from just racial discrimination to class discrimination.

Attending a multiracial school and living in an urban area does not symbolise racial desegregation.

There are other aspects of racism which need to be addressed.

Before we complain about hate speech, let us look at the social inequalities which are much more vital to humanity than offensive statements.

said Boselesele.

Boselesele’s emphasis to avoid the temptation of drugs followed the 30-day suspension of four learners who had reportedly been found smoking dagga on the school premises.

Police bust nine suspects THE Allanridge Visible Policing and Detectives Unit has seen nine men, including a most-wanted burglar, busted for committing a spate of crimes in Allanridge and the township of Nyakallong. The suspects include Zimbabwean nationals. They were all busted last Monday (02/02) following intensive investigation by the police. The suspects are expected to appear in the Odendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court this week.

Molebogeng Lechesa, spokesperson for the Welkom police, said the charges ranged from burglary, theft of motor vehicles, robbery, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of suspected stolen property. The Zimbabweans will also face a charge of being in South Africa illegally.

Lechesa said one of the men arrested was wanted for a string of burglaries in Allanridge. The suspected stolen goods discovered during the two-day operation included a windscreen, spare wheel and speakers of a motor vehicle, a plasma television, battery, battery charger, All Star tekkies, two welding machines and a grinder as well as a drill machine.

Lechesa said the goods had been discovered at different houses during the operation.

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2015

5

NEWS

Preaching with music THERE is hope for the living.

This is the message Rev. Teboho Motheo is spreading in his debut praise and worship album. The album is titled Hlola Le Rona, meaning be with us.

This is another form of gospel music to spread the Word of God. Motheo uses his music to encourage jobless men and women as well as to help people who have lost their spouses. He also encourages educated, unemployed youth never to give up.

“I’m encouraging people to be faithful and to continue praying, because God will be with us during these trying times,” he said.

“The music is intended to help and give people hope. The idea of releasing a CD was born out of a need to motivate the public in general to continue praising and worshiping the eternal God who has answers to all difficulties.”

According to him, the response by the public was positive. Over 50 copies have already been sold since the album’s release in January.

The CD is available at R80 per copy at various music outlets. For more information, Motheo can be contacted at 073-200-438.

‘The idea was born out of a need to motivate the public to continue prais­ ing and worshiping the eternal God who has all the answers.’

X Rev Teboho Motheo

Police call on the community for help ) REWARD of R20 000 for useful information The police in Thabong are offering a R20 000 reward for useful information regarding the investigation into the killing of Mokhele Ishmael Lebeko.

The victim was stabbed to death with a knife on 23 November last year by an unknown suspect(s) still on the run. The deceased was attacked in James Ngake Street in Thabong at about 02:50.

WO Malebo Khosana, spokesperson of the Thabong police, said the deceased had a wound to the chest.

“There is no information that could give clues to what happened that led to him being stabbed to death.”

Anyone who has information must call the investigative officer, Const. Ian Thokoa, at the Thabong Detective Unit, on 078-473-0110 or 057-910-2300 during officer hours.

) Police seek relatives of deceased man The Odendaalsrus police seek the relatives of an unknown man whose body is still at the Government Mortuary.

The body was discovered in an open field in the Odendaalsrus township of Kutlwanong in K9 on 2 September last year.

The deceased could be between the ages of 25 and 35.

The deceased was wearing a white tracksuit top with blue stripes on the sleeves, a red Adidas track top, a blue and white sporty hat, black Levi’s jeans and Reebok tekkies with yellow stripes.

The police are appealing to the community to help with information about the whereabouts of the deceased’s family.

Anyone with information can call WO Ditaba Marumo of the Odendaalsrus Police Station on 057-916-2437/2434 during office hours.

Support curbs addiction

REV. TEBOHO MOTHEO unveiled his debut album of praise and worship titled Hlola Le Rona.

Photo: Supplied

THE Tough Love support group is holding a series of meetings at the Deo Doxa Church at 220 Stateway on Tuesdays at 19:00.

The Tough Love group supports people who are addicted to all kinds of substances, such as drugs, alcohol and prescribed medication.

“We also support the families of these loved ones.

“Our meetings consist of

No CD. No Music!

small group discussions, as well as impact sessions to help empower the addicted and their families to understand how addictions develop and how they can overcome these addictions,” says Past. Jackie Botes, group facilitator.

The meeting takes place every Tuesday at the same and venue.

Those interested in attending can call Botes on 083-566-4663.

During STI/Condom week (10-14 February) Health4Men outreach teams will provide free condoms, water-based lube sachets and sexual health material at various national LGBTI events and venues.

Free HIV testing and counselling is available at your nearest Health4Men clinic.

Visit h4m.mobi on your phone or our facebook page for more info.

Health4Men provides services for men who have sex with men

6

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2015

NEWS

Double-take LOOKALIKE: The duo of Nnana Likotsi (left) and Puleng Ra­ mokoma confused people into thinking they were sisters.

These friends were among the scores of people that attended the opening of the Bronville Taxi Rank in Welkom last Wednesday (04/02).

Photos: Teboho Setena

Open taxi rank festively THE Mvano Traditional and Cultural Group from Meloding, Virginia, offered the crowd a taste of culture with their performance at the Matjhabeng Local Municipality’s opening of the Meloding Taxi Rank in Virginia last Wednesday (04/02).

PULENG RAMOKOMA (left) and Nnana Likotsi.

THE well-known international motivational speakers and happily married couple, Dr David Molapo and his wife Dr Mamikie, will be guest speakers at a one-day couples enrichment seminar. This will be held at the Ernest Oppenheimer Theatre in Welkom on 28 February.

The speakers will focus on a number of aspects to enrich relationships and family enrichment issues will be discussed to motivate people to prosper. The seminar will start at 18:00. Admission is R150 per

What’s on Fax information to: 086-676-3805 Email: teboho.setena@volksblad.com

Before 13:00 on Wednesdays

person. The price includes refreshments. For booking and details, call Rinah van Wyk on 076-201-8116. ) The deadline for What’s On entries is Wednesday at 13:00. Send information about events to teboho.setena@volksblad.com.

THE Meloding Setswana Group dances to entertain the crowd at the Matjhabeng Local Municipality’s function at the opening of the Meloding Taxi Rank in Meloding, Virginia, last Wednesday (04/02). Photos: Teboho Setena

Dancing maestros delight THE Matrix Pantsu­ la, an acrobatic group of four tal­ ented male dancers, greatly enthralled the crowd that at­ tended the official opening of the Bronville Taxi Rank in Welkom last Wednesday (04/02).

From the left are Sarel Mokoteli, Tu­ melo Chabeli and Anele Mtyantombi.

At the back is Tatelo Mohatlane.

Photos: Teboho Setena

GOSPEL SINGER TEBOHO MOHLOLO performing at the opening of the Bronville Taxi Rank in Welkom last Wednesday (04/02).

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2015

7

NEWS

It’s all or nothing for derby rivals } Teboho Setena

Shaping up to be tough opponent THE Welkom Police’s netball team keep fit by playing regular games during the week and on weekends against various clubs, community teams, corporate companies and institutions within the Goldfields region. The team members are from the left, front: Eunice Tolo and Mandi Seqwebu; back: Mojabeng Molefe, Pulane Molupe, Nosimilo Mandla, Tshegofatso Tsoai, Teboho Mokobo, Sandra Radebe and Lerato Moahloli.

THE police netball team in action against the team of a local supermarket.

Photos: Teboho Setena

THE stakes are high as rival football sides Dinonyana FC and Sibanye Golden Stars chase a local derby win in the Free State stream of the South African Football Association (Safa) ABC Motsepe League.

Both teams know what is at stake in Saturday’s derby in the Bronville Stadium.

The teams go into the derby confident to grab maximum points to follow up wins from the previous derbies against Harmony and Days FC. Stars boast of wins in derbies against Days (4-1) and Harmony (1-0). Dinonyana’s sole derby win was 3-2 against newcomers Days from Odendaalsrus.

Stars have the edge over rivals Dinonyana in derbies having won two in the last season of 2013-’14. The latter side will be gunning to turn the tables against their highflying opponents and Saturday’s fixture gives an opportunity to stake their claim in the derbies involving clubs in the Goldfields.

Stars last tasted victory when they narrowly beat Harmony 1-0 in a derby last month. Dinonyana’s last victory was 3-1 over the Bloemfontein-based Bubchu United, also in January.

The two local teams had a mixed bag of results in their two previous matches.

Stars suffered a double blow, losing 1-0 to Mangaung Unite on 31 January and 2-0 to Hunters on Saturday (07/02).

Dinonyana salvaged a point on Saturday (07/02) when they shared the spoils with the Free State Academy after a narrow 1-2 loss to Super Eagles on 31 January.

Both Stars and Dinonyana are desperate for a win, as it is time for them to make a move, of course upwards, on the log ladder to settle in the top half of the 16-league stream.

Three points separate the two teams after 13 league fixtures played thus far. Stars are in eighth place on the league table while Dinonyana are notched in 12th position.

They need to make an upward move that will see them avoid battling the dreaded relegation by the end of the current season.

Both teams are desperate to get their season going after a slow start which has seen them lose ground greatly in the challenge for this year’s championship, which offers R1 million in prize money to the winning team.

READY FOR BATTLE: Dinonyana FC mid­ fielder Simon Masisi would like to lead his side to a win in the derby. Photos: Teboho Setena

GIVING HIS ALL: Sibanye Golden Stars for­ ward Tshepo Sehau is to charge for his team in the derby.

Proteas looking for good start

AIRBORNE: Dinonyana FC striker Vusimuzi Ludwala (green) battles for an aerial ball with the Free State Academy’s defender Snethem­ ba Sdeba during the two clubs’ ABC Motsepe League match played last Saturday (07/02) at the Bronville Stadium in Welkom.

FLYING HIGH: Harmony FC defender Phindile Mkhunjulwa (red) beats opponent Lebohang Leballo of the Central University of Tech­ nology (CUT, Free State, during their Free State stream of the South African Football Association’s ABC Motsepe League fixture played last Saturday (07/02) at the Bronville Stadium in Welkom.

Photos: Teboho Setena

Harmony pays for misjudging CUT } Teboho Setena THE Harmony Football Club paid for underestimating the gutsy Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, in a league fixture played on Saturday (07/02).

The Bloemfontein-based side hammered inconsistent Harmony 4-2 in the Free State stream of the South African Football Association ABC Motsepe League match played at the Bronville Stadium.

Harmony’s line-up – which excluded their tried and tested goalkeeper Tankiso Pholosi

– failed to conjure up any magic despite having experienced Kleinbooi Taaibosch leading the midfield battle. The local boys failed to exploit home ground advantage and succumbed to the visiting team’s youthful players.

The visitors had the hosts’ backs against the wall, dictating play with every offensive move.

The hosts trailed 2-1 by half-time and this signalled imminent defeat.

The boys from Bloemfontein piled on the pressure, won the match 4-2 and salvaged maximum points which saw them ascend the league standing to notch position seven on 19

points. The CUT has been unbeaten in four matches while Harmony continues to lose ground in the championship race. The local lads have descended to position five, losing their former position to opponents Mangaung Unite who they face in a tough league encounter at the Bronville Stadium on Saturday (14/02). The kickoff will be at 18:00.

Meanwhile, last Saturday (07/02), Dinonyana drew 1-1 with the Free State Academy, a development side of the Premiership team Free State Stars.

THE Castle Lager Proteas will begin their ICC Cricket World Cup contest against Zimbabwe in their opening fixture of the tournament on Sunday (15/02).

They will face off against their neighbours in Hamilton and will be looking for the best possible start in their hunt for glory in the global championship staged by Australia and New Zealand.

South Africa has reached three world-cup semi-finals – 1992, 1999 and 2007 – and lost each of them.

Disappointingly, the Proteas officially placed eighth when South Africa hosted the tournament in 2003.

In this championship the South African men have a chance to win the trophy which has been eluding them since the country was re-admitted internationally.

The following countries are competing in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup: India, West Indies, South Africa, Zimbabwe, England, Scotland, United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand and Afghanistan.

South African fixtures: ) 22 February: India vs South Africa, Melbourne Cricket grounds, 05:30. ) 27 February: South Africa vs West Indies, Sydney Cricket ground, 05:30. ) 3 March: Ireland vs South Africa, Manuka Oval, Canberra, 05:30. ) 7 March: Pakistan vs South Africa, Eden Park, Auckland, 03:00. ) 12 March: South Africa vs United Arab Emirates, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, 03:00.

8

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2015

Griffons take on Pumas

Calling all sports stars

JUNIOR MANTJIE, the midfielder of the Har­ mony Sports Academy, has been included in the South African boys u.17 national team for the 2015 African Championship.

MOLEFI NTSEKI, coach of the South African national u.17 boys team. Photo’s: Teboho Setena

Ready for junior championship

} Teboho Setena RISING football star of the Harmony Sports Academy, Junior Mantjie, is reaping the rewards of hard work. He has been included in the South African u.17 national team to represent the country at the 2015 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Youth Championship in Niger. Illustrious head coach Molefi Ntseki chose this left-footed player to represent South Africa at the continental championship to be staged in Niger from 15 February.

Mantjie can only thank his lucky stars as two of his teammates of the Harmony Sport Academy have been excluded from the team that jetted off to Niger last Saturday (07/02).

Born and bred in Bothaville, this is another important stepping stone in his journey to realise his dream of playing football at a higher level.

The excluded pair is midfielder Felix Noge and centre-back Thulani Dhladhla who have been left out because of injuries sustained during the team’s preparatory camp last month.

Dhladhla’s injury is set to sideline him for about five months before he can return to action. Noge, who formed the core of the junior side during the qualifier round for the youth competition, seemingly did not fit

into coach Ntseki’s plans. He hoped to do well at the junior continental championship featuring South Africa, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali and Cameroon in Group B, with Group A consisting of Niger, Guinea, Nigeria and Zambia.

Dhladhla’s initial inclusion came as a surprise as he was called up late last year, playing as a substitute for Reeve Froster in South Africa’s 4-3 win over Egypt.

The Harmony Sports Academy defender was a late inclusion in the team selected by Ntseki following the suspension of tried and tested central defender Katleho Mohame.

The South African u.17 national boys’ team, led by Ntseki, hopes to capture the 2015 CAF African Youth Championship, emulating the achievement of the South African u.20 men’s team that won the 2015 Commonwealth Cup championship in St Petersburg, Russia, last month (26/01).

The victorious side made history when they vanquished big nations like Russia, Belarus and Finland en route to winning the Commonwealth Cup, narrowly beating Finland 2-1 to lift the Commonwealth trophy. The South African u.20 team, charged by David Notoane, is set to start soon to prepare for another continental tournament, the CAF Youth Championship scheduled for Senegal in March.

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SUPERSPORT’S LET’S PLAY and Express Goldfields & NFS are looking for youths, both with disabilities and able-bodied, who excel in sport for the monthly Let’s Play Sports Star of the Month competition.

Nominations are now open for the SuperSport Let’s Play Sports Star of the Month for February.

The competition recognises athletes who excel in the various sporting codes in the Northern Free State, including the Goldfields.

Are you good at sport or is someone at your place of education, primary or secondary school good at sport? Then we encourage you to nominate them. Through this initiative of SuperSport in association with Express Goldfields & NFS, we want to find and give recognition to learners who excel in sport or who are helping others to be more active.

The SuperSport Let’s Play Sports Star of the Month competition is meant for every athlete aged 6 to 18, taking part and excelling in the various sporting codes. One athlete chosen from all the nominations received for February will receive a fabulous Let’s Play hamper.

Monthly winners automatically qualify for the prestige prize of SuperSport Let’s Play Sports Star of the Year to be announced at the year-end function.

Send your nomination today for the Let’s Play Sports Star of the Month for February. Nominations must include your name and surname and age as well as contact details.

Persons nominating candidates must also include their contact details. In a short paragraph (200 words or less) state what you or the person you nominate, have achieved in sport to qualify for the Let’s Play Sports Stars of the Month.

Email the nomination to supersport@zpr.co.za or send a fax to 086-552-4922. Nominations close on 20 February. For more information call Lynne Landman on 051-522-9574.

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LOCAL rugby side the Griffons will start the season with an away fixture against the Pumas in Nelspruit in this year’s Vodacom Cup tournament featuring 16 clubs campaigning in the First Division.

The Vodacom Cup kicks off on the weekend of 6 March with the final scheduled for the end of May. The format of the competition is unchanged from last year with all clubs – both in the South and North section – competing to qualify for the quarterfinal.

The tournament pool matches will be contested within the two sections.

The quarter-finals will be cross-sectional, with the top two teams from each section hosting the third and fourth sides from the other section in the first knock-out round.

The North section is made up of the Blue Bulls, Golden Lions, Griffons, Leopards XV, Limpopo Blue Bulls, Pumas, Valke and the Welwitschias from Namibia, while the South section consists of the Boland Cavaliers, Border Bulldogs, Eastern Province Kings, Free State XV, Griquas, Sharks XV, SWD Eagles and Western Province.

Last year the Griffons failed to reach the quarterfinal of this tournament, but salvaged pride by winning the Currie Cup First Division after beating the Valke 23-21 in the final.

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