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WEDNESDAY 25­27 MARCH 2015

PANIC: Armed police stand on guard as angry residents of Kutlwanong crowd the Kutlwanong Police Station.

Taxi war boils over

Ten arrested, taxis impounded

} Teboho Setena A TAXI WAR has erupted between taxi owners of Odendaalsrus and those of Welkom – causing panic among passengers.

The war involves members of the Welkom United Taxi Association (Wuta) and those of Kutlwanong, who have formed an interim body called the Kutlwanong Taxi Structure (KTS).

The bone of contention is the rights to transport passengers and to operate on routes in the two Goldfields towns, Odendaalsrus and Welkom.

A meeting held last week between leaders of the two associations and representatives of the Free State Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport proved futile.

Last Wednesday (18/03) and Thursday (19/03) the public in both towns witnessed a standoff as the fight ensued between rival associations. On Wednesday (18/03), fed-up taxi owners and drivers closed off the Kutlwanong Taxi Rank, including all exit and entry routes into the township. Business came to a standstill.

Kutlwanong residents who work in mines in Welkom were left stranded as taxis did not operate. School children attending school in Welkom were also affected and were forced to remain home. This was done so that taxis from Welkom could not operate.

Early Thursday morning (19/03), taxi owners and drivers from Welkom, believed to be members of Wuta, hit back, blockading all entry and exit points into Welkom.

The flow of traffic was disrupted as an army of men stopped all minibuses suspected to be from Kutlwanong, forcing commuters off those minibuses. Passengers on their way to work were left stranded.

At the intersection near the Bongani Regional Hospital and the Welkom campus of the Central University of Technolgy (CUT) tempers reached boiling point and almost erupted into violence.

Angry taxi-owners of Kutlwanong attrib-

The flow of traffic was dis­ rupted as an army of men stopped minibuses, forcing commuters off. Passengers on their way to work were left stranded. ute their actions to the fact that the Free State Transport and Public Register did not grant them the same rights as their Welkom counterparts to do business.

Speaking anonymously, owners and drivers told Express they were confined to routes in Kutlwanong while taxis from Welkom operated on all routes. They transport commuters between Welkom and Odendaalsrus and also within the Kutlwanong township.

“We are very much against that decision.

Kutlwanong taxis do not operate in Welkom, Thabong and Bronville, yet taxis from Welkom have that privilege,” says the owner.

Aggrieved taxi owners of Kutlwanong are blaming the register for the chaotic situation which has caused instability in the industry.

Welkom taxi owners say they will continue to operate on all routes since they have been granted those rights.

Early Monday morning (23/03), taxi owners of Kutlwanong had their minibuses impounded by the police in Welkom. The intervention by the police public order unit to quell off the bitter battle seems to have not stabilised things as the situation remains tense.

About ten residents of Kutlwanong were arrested and are still in custody following a clash with police. Worried taxi commuters told Express they feel unsafe. ) Watch a video of the protest at www.express-news.co.za.

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Photo: Teboho Setena

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH 2015

NEWS

Thabong SAPS best in country THE Thabong Police Station has received another National Excellence Award as the best station in the country. This is the second year in a row Thabong has scooped this award.

The award was presented at this year’s annual South African Police Service’s (SAPS) National Excellence Awards function held on Friday (13/03) in Johannesburg.

The station was voted the best by the panel of judges who reviewed the station’s performance against the criteria for the competition. The criteria used to evaluate the nominees were: performance chart, front-line service delivery, corporate image, neatness/appearance, client satisfaction (survey), partnership with and effectiveness of its Community Policing Forum (CPF).

The station was also honoured provincially for being the best policing model in the Free State.

Sergeant Mamello Mokhuoane, spokesperson of Thabong, said the station’s success had resulted in various stations in the province taking a leaf out of its book and implementing its best practices.

Brigadier Cois Muller station commander, said it was through hard work, diligence, commitment and dedication in performing their duties that Thabong SAPS had reached this milestone.

“It was also the team spirit displayed by core management, members and the Community Policing Forum, and the support from the Thabong Cluster Office and the Free State Provincial Office that really pulled us through.”

He also attributed their success to strong partnership with stakeholders.

“I may be the captain of the ship at the Thabong SAPS, but it was not my own doing that the station got this prestigious award.

It is through the strong partnership with and contributions from the Community Policing Forum (CPF) under the leadership of Serake Leeuw, and all the members of the Thabong SAPS.” He said as the station commander of Thabong he was honoured and proud to receive the award on behalf of the Thabong SAPS. “Winning the trophy is one thing, but the challenge is to maintain our standards so that the trophy stays with us for years to come. Let us continue to work together in the race for 2016.”

He also raised concerns about liquor abuse being the cause of the spate of murders, assaults and rapes that had taken place. These are some of the main challenges faced by the station this year.

Major General Lerato Molale, the Thabong Cluster commander, praised the members for this achievement.

“I still stand by what I said to all the members of the Thabong SAPS last year when they were announced as winners of the best station: The whole country has taken note of the fact that you are the best and that this is not by chance. This is evident in the accolades that we receive annually. We appreciate and acknowledge the good work that you are doing and encourage you to keep it up,” said Molale.

FROM the left are the commander of the Thabong Police Cluster, Major General Lerato Molale, station commander, Brigadier Cois Muller, and Lieutenant General Thabethe Mpembe, the Free State commissioner.

Photo: Supplied

Three men sentenced for robbery, murder THE Virginia Magistrate’s Court recently sentenced three men each to eight years in prison for murder, robbery and house-breaking. The accused were found guilty for the crimes committed separately in Virginia and Meloding in 2012 and 2014.

The accused are Paseka Lebona (19), Jan Hoffman (27) and Thabo Khangi (30).

Lebona was convicted and sentenced for murder after stabbing his victim with a knife last year in March in Stelte Park in Meloding.

Khangi was sentenced for stabbing and robbing his victim of R350 and shoes in 2012, while Hoffman was convicted and sentenced for house-breaking and theft in Eureka Park last year in July. He stole a television worth R8 000. He was busted after the police had found it in his possession last July.

SOME of the frustrated elected 40% Traditional Council members from Tsheseng. They are from the left Mabidikoe Maloka, Thabo Majorobela, Jeremane Lekgetho, Maseabata Tsosane, Elliot Thebel, Fani Nhlapho and Moorosi Tsotetsi.

Photo: Supplied

Council members’ future, duties unclear } Tladi Moloi QWAQWA. – Olly Mlamleli, the Free State MEC for Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements has appealed to the newly elected 40% Traditional Council members to patient and give her time to get things right.

This is after the council members had expressed concern about their immediate future and demanded clarity following the delay for them to take up office to carry out responsibilities assigned to them.

Apparently the council members were elected in August 2014. According to them, they should already be working. However, they are still in the dark as to their future and when they will begin with their duties.

Lazarus Lekgetho, the spokesperson of the 40% Traditional Council, said they have been in the dark for a long time, adding that the community members had been asking what their job description was because they had

done nothing for them.

“The community has elected us and now they want to see us working for them.

However, we are unable to work because we have not been placed in office officially. We have written numerous letters to the office of the Mlamleli, asking about our future, but until today we have not received any explanation,” said Lekhetho.

Mlamleli has confirmed that the elected people have not started with their work as yet.

She said her office had been waiting for the minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Pravin Gordhan, to complete some documents before giving elected council members the go-ahead.

“I understand their frustration, but I would appreciate it if they could be patient for a while. There is basically nothing that we can do until the minister is done with the paper work,” said Mlamleli.

She said the minister was going to sign

documents to determine the council members’ job description and the service to render to the community.

“The documents will serve as guidance to our province,” said Mlamleli.

Mlamleli has promised to meet the council members to explain the current situation and has acknowledged that Ledika Moloi, the chairperson of the Free State House of Traditional Affairs, raised their concern to her in a recent meeting.

“The problem with the council members is that some have set the standard high for themselves.

“They are now frustrated because they have not started working. They are going to work.

“We are going to call all of them together with Moloi so that we can explain the current situation. If we do not do that they will continue getting the wrong information from wrong people. We want to talk to them before the minister completes the paper work,” said Mlamleli.

Help find woman THE Western Cape Department of Social Development appeals to the public in the Free State to help with information concerning the whereabouts of a woman by the name of Thabile Mraca.

The woman is wanted urgently in connection with a boy (11) and a girl (15) who she apparently left in the care of a woman known as Nongakubani who resided at Sendelani in Welkom. The mother of the two children never returned to fetch them.

Kanyisa Dondashe, of the Department of Social Development in Philippi, says the two children are still without basic documentation such as birth certificates. She says efforts to trace the mother have been unsuccessful. The maternal grandmother, Bhabhashe Elizabeth Mraca, was contacted through the SABC’s Khumbulekhaya, to fetch her grandchildren.

The children are currently living with her in Cape Town.

Anyone with information about Thabile Mraca should call Dondashe on 021-834-7000 during office hours.

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH 2015

NEWS

Municipality hands over projects } Teboho Setena THE Matjhabeng Local Municipality has handed over two complete development projects, fast-tracking the development of new residences in Extension 15 in Bronville.

Much to the delight of residents, Sebenzile Ngangelizwe, mayor of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, officially handed over the two projects last Thursday (19/03).

The projects include a cemetery and a paved road stretching 2,55km. The municipality reportedly forked out R2 999 299,77 and R10 536 684,84 respectively for these projects.

The development projects in Bronville, Ward 11 of the Matjhabeng Municipality, are part of other projects the municipality had budgeted for in the previous financial year. Other completed projects X two cemeteries X are yet to be handed over in Meloding, Virginia. These projects were all launched last year and are in line with the Matjhabeng council’s mandate to improve the lives of its residents.

Ngangelizwe said the projects were significant in that they have had some economic spinoffs for the locals, by creating temporary employment for both men and women during the duration of the construction as well as opportunities for skills development.

He emphasized that more significant development projects would be unveiled to further advance the development of the area and improve the lives of the people in and around Extension 15.

Although appreciative of the progress made, residents want the council to speed up delivery. Due to the non-existence of a sewerage system, residents in the new settlement still have to use unhygienic pit toilets to relieve themselves.

SURROUNDED by residents of Ward 11, both young and old, Sebenzile Ngangelizwe, mayor of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality (right), cuts the ribbon to officially open the paved road in Extension 15, Bronville, last Thursday (19/03). Left is Vicky Morris, Ward councillor.

Photo: Teboho Setena The Matjhabeng council has yet to lay out a sewerage system. The residents have improvised by creating pit toilets themselves, using their own corrugated iron sheets. Many raised concerns about the pit toilets, pointing out that they are

hazardous as they cannot escape diseasecausing germs.

They further pointed out that illnesses such as tuberculosis were caused by pit toilets. The residents told Express Goldfields & NFS they had been using pit

toilets instead of bucket toilets for more than ten years since the establishment of the residential settlement.

Those that can afford it, use chemicals to control the bad-smelling odours and minimise the health risk.

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH 2015

NEWS

Police empower communities THE Welkom and Odendaalsrus units for Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCPS) continue to be vigilant, stepping up patrols and promoting crime prevention in Kutlwanong, Odendaalsrus.

On Thursday (12/03) the two units teamed up with members of the Odendaalsrus Community Policing Forum (CPF), crisscrossing Kutlwanong, informing residents about crime and self-protection measures.

The joint effort came after the kidnapping of two teenage girls, aged 12 and 14. The girls were allegedly held captive as sex slaves for a period of 23 days in a shack in the backyard of a house in K7 in Kutlwanong, Odendaalrsus. Six members of a gang known as 300 Spartans in K7 in Kutlwanong have since been arrested in connection with the kidnapping.

They are facing charges of kidnapping and statutory rape of the two teenagers. They kidnapped the two girls, allegedly for sex trade purposes.

The police and CPF members, led by Captain Bizzah Ntsiane, visited Kutlwanong sections K6, Block 2 and 5, including the Kutlwanong taxi rank.

The pay-point facility that is utilised for payment of social grants beneficiaries in Block 5, was also covered.

“Women, especially young mothers, were educated about child neglect and their role as parents. They were advised not to neglect children and not to waste money received from grants at taverns.

“Women and children were also

MEMBERS of the Welkom and Odendaalsrus Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCPS) Unit together with the Community Policing Forum during a crime awareness campaign in Kutlwanong, targeting areas of concern in section K6 and Block 5. advised not to visit taverns at night and not to walk home alone as they could become victims of

rape,” said Molebogeng Lechesa, spokesperson of the Welkom Police Precinct.

Batswadi ba tswanetse ho kgalema botlokotsebe BOTLOKOTSEBE bo jele setsi naheng ya rona, le metseng eo re phelang ho yona ka kakaretso. Re bona batho ba tlatlatjwa le ho nkelwa tseo eleng tsa bona ka dikgoka le mahahapa. Tse ding tsa ditlolo tsena tsa molao, di qetella ka tahlehelo ya maphelo ka tsela e sehloho, e sa amoheleheng, eleng ya polao.

Re a tseba hore mabaka a susumelletsang ditlolo tsena tsa molao a fapafapane, a tloha tlhokehong ya mesebetsi holotswa bokgobeng ba dithetefatsi.

Taba e nngongorehisang, ke batswadi ba patang diketso tsena tse soto, tse etswang ke bana ba bona. Ha ngwana wa hao a kena ka thepa e theko e thata katlung o re o e nka kae, o tseba hantle hore ha a sebetse? Ha ngwana wa hao a kena mesong diaparo di le madi, ebe ke ngwana wa mang a lemaditsweng ke yena?

O tla bona motswadi a kgotsofalletse ho shebella TV e kgolo hahae, eo a tsebang hantle hore ha a e reka, ebe pelo ya hae ereng ka monga TV eo, hoba o e fufulelletswe? Ha o nka diaparo tseo tse kganatshetseng madi o di hlatswa, na oke o ipotse hore ke madi a mang ao? Ke mang lehlatsipa leo la ketso tsa ngwana hao? Ebe le a phela moo le leng teng? Le nketswe eng?

Ha se hore batswadi ha ba tsebe

A re bueng

David Kareli Social Observer diketso tsa bana ba bona tseo ba di etsang bosiu, haholoholo ha ba tla hae ka yona thepa eo e ba e utswitseng. Potso ke hore re etsa eng ho thibela seo?

Dibekeng tse mmalwa tse fetileng ho ne ho tlatlapuwa mabenkele a matswantle kappa bitswang hore ke melata, mme ba bang ba batlatlapi ba kwallwa.

Ka letsatsi la nyewe, motswadi e mong ke ha are: “ke utlwile bohloko hampe hore ebe mora waka ha a thola bail (tokollo ka tjhelete).”

Potso eo ke ipotsitseng yona ke hore; ebe Mme eo ore ho lokile ebe mora hae o entse ketso tseo, mme ho fosahetse ebe o di tshwaretswe? Ebe o itse dijo (groceries) tse ngata bo bokaalo tseo ngwana hae a keneng ka tsona o di nkile kae?

Ha se batswadi kaofela ba etsang ketso tsena, ba bang ba kgona ho tlaleha diketso tsa bana ba bona sepoleseng. Boholo ba batswadi ba baleha kapa hona ho

qoba ho tshwarisa bana ba bona.

Ha ho bolele hore o tlabe ole motswadi ya mobe ho tlaleha ngwana hao sepoleseng, empa o tlabe o pholosa maphelo a batho ba bang. Ba bang ba batswadi ba kgaohane, hobane e mong a ne asa thabele diketso tse empe tsa ngwana, mme a mo tlaleha.

Malapa a mang ha a phele hamonate, a phela ka letswalo ke tsona diketso tsena.

Ke kgothalletsa batswadi ho thusa twantsho ya botlokotsebe. O keke wa tseba, mohlomong hosane lehlatsipa e tlabe ele wena.

Ke Tau ya Rampai e reng: mehoma mobung, Tjhaba sa Rantsho se none. ) Mang kapa mang ya a batlang ho ngola kholomong ena, a ka ikopanya le Teboho Setena 057-3571304 Kapa romela email ho: teboho.setena@volksblad.com Mongodi ha ana ho lefiwa.

Where necessary Express edits some columns.

Information leaflets regarding safety measures and legal steps to be taken against criminals, sexual

offences and domestic violence were issued during a public gathering in Block 2.

Give blood, save a life THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) appeals to the public to support its blood collection campaign by donating blood in order to save lives. Every unit of blood is vital. Once tested and deemed safe for transfusion, it is separated into red blood cells, platelets and plasma. Therefore a unit of blood can save up to three people’s lives. The SANBS needs to provide over 1 million blood products to patients annually and without the generosity and commitment of their donors; it would be almost impossible.

Why do patients pay for blood transfusions?

The SANBS is tasked with collecting, transporting, testing and storing blood required for patients daily. For this reason, the SANBS charges a fee for the service and this is billed depending on the blood product that is required by the patient together with all other operating costs. It is important to note that the SANBS does not sell blood to patients but provides a service that ensures that all government and private hospitals meet their daily blood needs. As a non-profit business, ownership of SANBS assets are not vested in its members. If the SANBS should stop operating, its assets would have to be transferred to an organisation with similar goals and objectives.

Why is it important to be a regular donor?

The SANBS requires more regular blood donors to consistent-

ly meet the demand for this resource. Regular donors are encouraged to donate blood every 56 days or a minimum of three times a year. Regular blood donors are the safest donors, because their blood is tested regularly.

What tests are done once blood is donated?

The SANBS adheres to international standards as well as taking the local prevalence of viruses into consideration. Every unit of blood is individually tested for Blood Group, HIV, Hepatitis B & C as well as Syphilis. In 2005 the SANBS introduced a more sophisticated test called the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAT) which has resulted in the quality of the blood collected to be amongst the safest in the world.

To donate blood one must be between the ages of 16 and 65 years; weigh more than 50 kg; be in good health; live a sexually safe lifestyle and consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.

People who meet these requirements are encouraged to become regular blood donors. Supporters of the campaign can visit the SANBS Welkom branch at The Strip, Shop 36, Stateway Welkom. from Mondays to Saturdays at the following times: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 09:00 – 16:45 Tuesday: 09:00 – 18:00 Thursday: 10:00 – 16:45 Saturday: 09:00 – 13:00 Public Holidays: Closed

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH 2015

NEWS

Public get in on talent show action THE chosen acts of Welkom’s Got Talent are gearing up for a showcase during the public rounds, as the competition now gets down to business.

The judges have completed seven exciting weeks of various auditions and elimination rounds for this year’s Welkom’s Got Talent Competition. The process has seen 24 contestants make it through to compete for the 2015 title.

“We are excited and look forward to the top 24 acts that will soon be showcasing their talents to the public,” says Tanya Lloyd, Goldfields Mall general manager.

A workshop, meant to fine-tune the contestants ahead of the preliminary rounds starting on 18 April, was held at the Goldfields Casino on Friday (20/03).

The intensive workshop was coordinated by Helèt de Wet, an experienced actress and drama teacher, who gave the contestants valuable feedback to assist them on their journey to becoming a professional stage act.

The preliminary rounds will be held at the Goldfields Mall and are open to all to attend. The following contestants will be performing on the respective days:

SINGER Katleho Ramakoae.

Preliminary round 1: 18 April 1. Ragamuffin (rock group) 2. Brown Zongolwa (female singer) 3. Siyabonga Mukonazi (poet) 4. Vuyani (V-Beatz) (beat boxer) 5. Bianca Meyer (female singer) 6. Goodness Mokau (female singer) 7. O Zion (gospel duo) 8. Neo Hlohlongoane (poet) 9. Eugene Katleho Ramakoae (male singer) 10. Alicia Theron (female singer) 11. Thabang Selikoe (female singer) 12. Osama Bin Singing (male singer)

POET Neo Hlohlongoane.

Preliminary round 2: 25 April 1. Freestyle (rock group) 2. Gloria Lebatla (female singer) 3. Lesego Tsiu (poet) 4. Undefeated (pantsula dancers) 5. Antonie Fritz (male singer) 6. For His Glory (gospel group) 7. Tebogo Ntshidi (rap artist/singer) 8. Lee-Anne Venter Haywood (female singer) 9. Precious Leeto (female singer) 10. Itumeleng Nthoba (male singer)

11. Amohelang Letsatsi (female singer) 12. Hope A Capella (a capella group) The ultimate winner can look forward to the following amazing prizes: ) R20 000 in cash; ) R5 000 in fashion vouchers sponsored by Just Property Group the Goldfields Mall; and ) the opportunity to perform as an opening act at one of Goldfields Casino’s scheduled concerts within six months after winning the contest.

POET Lesego Tsiu.

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

Contestants can call Judy Moran at the Goldfields Mall centre management office on 057-352-4251 during office hours.

Also keep a close eye on the Vista and Express Goldfields & NFS for detailed information on a weekly basis.

Alternatively, go to www.facebook.com/ pages/Goldfields-Mall to stay up to date with the latest Welkom’s Got Talent news.

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH 2015

NEWS

VINCENT BONES will perform at the Welkom’s Got Talent grand finale on 23 May.

In high spirits at hand-over LOCAL gospel singer Teboho Mohlolo (left) were joined by residents when he performed at a Matjhabeng Local Municipality event to hand over completed development projects at Extension 15 in Bronville, Welkom, last Thursday (19/03).

Photos: Teboho Setena

PROUD OF WORK DONE: This group of residents who were employed for the duration of the construction and paving of the road (on photo) in Extension 15 in Bronville, received skills development certificates. The recipients are from the left Nthoesele Moletsane, Lucy Sesele, Mabuti Makume, Nthabeleng Makume, Pule Mafabatho, Pant van Zyl and Elisa Mafabatho. They were presented with certificates at the Matjhabeng Local Municipality’s handover of completed development projects last Thursday (19/03).

RECOGNISED FOR HARD WORK: Dr Clement Moreku (left) and Dr Luzaan Schlebusch together with their promoter, Dr Awelani Rambuda (middle).

Rambuda congratulated the two on receiving their Philosophiae Doctor Educationis degrees at the graduation ceremony at the Welkom campus of the Central University of Technology (CUT).

This event was held on Friday, 13 March.

Foto: Teboho Setena

Bones set to inspire

SINGING sensation Vincent Bones, winner of the 2014 South African Idols Competition, will wow the audience at this year’s Welkom’s Got Talent grand finale.

The event will be held on 23 May. Bones will be a guest performer to bring the curtain down on the talent search initiative for this year, the third edition of the competition.

Bones shot into the limelight following a stunning performance that revealed his talent. The 29-year-old Bones’s inspiring life story touched many South Africans during the audition phase of last year’s competition. After his mother and uncle had passed away, Bones left Eldorado Park in Gauteng on a train at the tender age of 12 and became a street kid in Sunnyside, Pretoria.

A stint in Boy Town turned his life around and he now works as a church worship leader at the Eagle Christian Centre in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, where he lives with his wife and their baby boy.

Bones describes his musical style as old-school R&B, retro-soul.

“I love the old stuff, like Teddy Pendergrass. So even if I don’t know the song, I get the meaning behind it and interpret it in my own way,” Bones says.

Bones, who was invited by the Welkom’s Got Talent pioneers, aims to inspire the contestants to show their talent.

Contestants may call Judy Moran at the Goldfields Mall centre management office on 057-352-4251 during office hours.

Also keep a close eye on the Vista and Express Goldfields & NFS for weekly information or go to www.facebook.com/pages/Goldfields-Mall to stay up to date with the latest Welkom’s Got Talent news.

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH 2015

7

SPORT THE Mamello Ladies FC team is made up of players who are learners of the Mamello Secondary School in Meloding, Virginia. The team will campaign in the Lejweleputswa Region’s Absa League of the South African Football Association (Safa). From the left are, front: Sibongile Ndlebe, Kelebogile Ntsidi, Ntaoleng Dlamini, Ntswaki Maleme, Lerato Sexhaxha, Mamothinsi Gashule, Tseleng Tsoake, Mpho Leraisa and Khosiwe Manzinyo; back: Mpinane Mankayi (manager), Ntombiyoxolo Kulumane, Maserame Dogo, Lebohang Mokhahlane, Thembeka Jacobs, Boitumelo Moeketsane, Nyalleng Motsoeneng, Puseletso Sabela, Tsholofelo Lebatla, Mamokete Seilamashi and Motau Tlhaole (coach).

Photo: Teboho Setena

Not giving up TOUGH PLAY: Sello Nhlapo of Marquard Secondary (in the blue and orange) battles for the ball under pressure from the Welkom Gimnasium trio of Jhaun Jansen van Vuuren, Bradley Pretorius (left) and Armand van Aswegen during the two schools’ friendly match at the Welkom High School’s sports day staged on Saturday, 14 March.

Griffons chasing first win in cup } Teboho Setena

and 7-61 to the Pumas.

The upcoming game will be FIRST DIVISION rugby the Namibians’ third fixture side the Down Touch in their backyard and it will Griffons return to action be expected from them to against the Welwitschias conjure up some magic to from Namibia on Friday turn around their dismal (27/03), hoping to register form in the tournament. their first win in the The Griffons will in turn Vodacom Cup. be expected to capitalise on The two clubs will the hosts poor form in the battle it out at the Hage competition.

Geingob Stadium in Oersond Gorgonzola, Windhoek.

Griffons coach, will rely on Both sides are looking the likes of Vuyo Mboto and for their first win in the Johan van der Hoogt to competition. spear-head his charge.

This will be the The tried and tested pair Welkom-based team’s was influential against the second fixture of the Pumas, with each managing THE Griffons coach, Oer- to score a trie. season. sond Gorgonzola.

The first, against the However, it was not Steval Pumas, was played enough to earn them a win earlier this month. that would have seen them in the champiThe Griffons lost 18-58 against the onship race.

Pumas, who are currently leading with 15 With the result against the Pumas points, followed by the Xerox Golden Lions water under the bridge, the Welkom side and the Vodacom Blue Bulls in second and will pull out all the stops in Friday’s tough third position respectively in the north fixture against the lacklustre Welwitschias. section of the tournament, featuring 16 The Griffons, Welwitschias and Assupol clubs.

Limpopo Blue Bulls are yet to record a The Welwitschias lost 3-53 to the Lions win in the championship.

New sports show on TV

GAME ON: Sello Nhlapo kicks the ball to pass to his on-coming teammate while under pressure from the trio of Jhaun Jansen van Vuuren, Bradley Pretorius (left) and Armand van Aswegen.

APRIL sees a fresh addition to SuperSport’s acclaimed line-up, as celebrated presenter Dan Nicholl takes the helm of his new lifestyle-themed show on Wednesday nights on SuperSport 1.

This has been made possible through a partnership with life insurance player, Bright Rock.

The first broadcast will be on Wednesday (01/04), at 20:30.

Each week a trio of guests, drawn from both the sporting and entertainment worlds, will join Nicholl live in studio for a light-hearted evening of banter.

Focusing on the people and their stories, and generally (but not always) ensuring a laugh, The Dan Nicholl Show will showcase familiar South Africans, and the occasional international guest, in an unseen light.

The three-part, 26-minute show will include a three-minute insert in each episode.

This gives the show the chance to

include extra stars, with European Ryder Cup captain, Darren Clarke, and Ethiopian running legend Haile Gebrselassie among the guests in season one.

With a live studio audience cheering on the guests and the inserts adding a cutting edge to the show, SuperSport is set for an exciting new addition to its line-up, with MasterChef judge Pete Goffe-Wood, former Proteas captain Graeme Smith and former Bafana Bafana star Shaun Bartlett lined up for the first episode.

With Nicholl joining the likes of Juan Mata, Lennox Lewis, Ralf Schumacher and Ruud Gullit as a Laureus ambassador, the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation is the official charity of the show.

Laureus projects will be featured throughout the season, as will Nicholl’s fellow Laureus ambassadors and Laureus Academy members.

“We’re delighted to showcase Dan to our viewers,” said Brandon Foot, acting chief executive of SuperSport.

MY BALL: Kamohelo Chaoana of the Marquard Secondary School (left) goes for the ball passed by his teammate Sello Nhlapo, still grounded after tackled by the Gimnasium player Jhaun Jansen van Vuuren, with his teammates Bradley Pretorius (second from the right) and Armand van Aswegen (right) still in action. The Marquard pair won the battle for the ball, but their team lost the match 14-28. Photos: Teboho Setena

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH 2015

Pitso Mokoena sees the 2008 victory as his great­ est achievement against the odds. He said he did not have enough time to prepare the team.

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PITSO MOKOENA, coach of the Harmony High School soccer team, keeping a watchful eye on his players during a training session.

Photo: Teboho Setena

Harmony ready for championship

THE Harmony High School u.19 boys football team from Virginia are hard at work shaping up for when the 2015 Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Championship commences in April. The tournament is set to start with a cluster fixture and sees current coach Pitso Mokoena continue in his quest to scoop the third title nationally.

The Harmony side, boasting of core players of the Virginia Sports Academy, have over the years dominated in the Free State. This year will be no different as the coach targets the national title.

Mokoena has been with the school since 2008 and boasts of two national titles – in 2008 and 2011.

A third national trophy has been eluding the former Free State Stars star midfielder.

Mokoena sees the 2008 victory as his greatest achievement against the odds. He said he did not have enough time to prepare the team the year in question and had to deal with players’ injuries which had left his side depleted, having just 12 players to

FINANCIAL 1420

compete at the 2008 national final.

Against all odds, Mokoena inspired the team to win the 2008 national trophy.

“Winning the 2011 Kay Motsepe Schools Cup was easier. I think that the 2011 team was the best team I have coached.

They were talented and they made my job very easy,” he said.

Mokoena said this year he would play with a completely new team, the majority fast-tracked from the u.17 team that had won a key knockout tournament in 2014.

The core of the u.17 players is part of the Virginia Sports Academy side currently campaigning in the SAB Castle Regional League in the South African Football Association (Safa) Lejweleputswa regional.

Mokoena said the new breed of players to be promoted would join seven of last year’s u.19 players as he continued the development programme.

“All are currently training together, but we will select the best players for the Kay Motsepe Schools Cup and it does not

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necessarily have to include last year’s players.

We also compete in open tournaments and leagues against other teams other than schools to give the players experience, for them to grow and learn this way,” said Mokoena.

In the opening fixture of the cluster phase of the Kay Motsepe Schools Cup, the Harmony boys will clash with local rivals Marematlou Secondary School from Virginia. Mokoena said they would not underestimate them.

“Every year teams grow, they have new talented players and there’s no guarantee that Harmony will win every year. But we try to be optimistic.

“We have always represented the Free State in this tournament and we know that other schools in the Free Sate are gunning for the title and are working hard to make sure that they get that title, we don’t take competition lightly.

“Local rivals HTS Louis Botha from

Bloemfontein are a very strong team. They are the team that could well give us a challenge.

“In 2013 they took the provincial title away from us for the first time and they will be a threat again this year,” said Mokoena.

Mokoena’s coaching philosophy is based on hard work and a good relationship with his players.

“Soccer is an ever-evolving sport and as a coach you need to develop your skills by attending coaching clinics, getting more qualifications and equipping yourself with current trends,” he said.

According to Mokoena, the biggest challenge is dealing with the players’ attitudes.

“You sometimes have players that think that they are the best thing that has happened; they tend to be egotistical.

“As a coach you need to be able to bring them back down to earth and ground them. I try to make it a team problem which needs to be resolved as a team,” said Mokoena.

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