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WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL 2014
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DA AND ANC SUPPORTERS protested outside the Northern Cape High Court.
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Photo: Emile Hendricks/PHOTO24
Furore over John Block
Insults hurled between DA, ANC members during court case
} Boipelo Mere ANDREW LOUW, the DA premier candidate in the Northern Cape, voiced his dissatisfaction at the constant appearance of ministers in court over corruption. He spoke during the court appearance of the Trifecta three, John Block, Alvin Botes, businessman Christo Scholtz and provincial ANC treasurer Yolanda Botha, the past two days. Insults were hurled between members of
the DA and the ANC while the court proceedings were in progress in the Northern Cape High Court. The ANC members went to support their chairperson, Block, and fellow comrades whilst the DA was protesting outside court in an effort to make their voice heard against corruption. Just like the ANC, the DA was committed to spend the day outside court to hear the outcome of the case. The defence lawyers for Block and his
comrades in the Trifecta court case submitted an application for a withdrawal of their case. The defence lawyer, Jaap Cilliers, pointed out that it was the state that had to prove or disapprove the charges against the accused. He added that the state had used evidence of forensic auditor Trevor White which had proved to be against the evidence of all the witnesses called. Although the case is continuing before
Judge Violet Phatsoane it is clear that the state has somehow faltered in their presentation of the case. ) By the time of going to print the judge was expected to give her verdict in the case. If Block is found not guilty, it will be for the third time in his political career. He was charged with corruption for misusing state funds to travel to a jazz festival in Cape Town and again for corruption involving the building of 33 parliamentary houses in Kimberley.
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL 2014
NEWS
NC school gets ICT EDUCATION for learners in about 50 schools in the JT Gaetsewe District Municipality in the Northern Cape is set to become more interesting thanks to the introduction of wireless network in the area. The Science and Technology deputy minister, Michael Masutha, today launched wireless network, which will give thousands of learners access to the internet. The Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) project is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) aimed at demonstrating alternative models to establishing information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure in rural areas. Speaking at the launch held at the Learamele Special School, Masutha said having access to ICT will help rural communities to access information. “These days it is common knowledge that ICT has a positive impact on people’s lives,” he said. “As a department, in partnership with other stakeholders, we have developed a ten-year roadmap,” he said. A gr. 9 learner from the nearby Iketletso Middle School, Thato Kgosierileng, expressed his excitement at having access to the internet.
“Now I am able to search for information on the computer without having to go to the library,” he said. A teacher at Learamele, Boitshoko Bannane, said the use of computers will expand learning possibilities. “This will help learners conduct research. I have also noticed that the learners have developed a great deal of interest in learning using computers,” he said. The Education district director, Vuyisile Teise, said the introduction of computers would improve the learning process. “The learners will now be able to download information from computers. Everything is now on their fingertips,” he said. The DST launched the initial phase of this initiative in Sekhukhune in Limpopo and Ekangala in Mpumalanga in 2010, connecting 212 public facilities including schools, circuit offices and colleges. The project is supportive of the Schools Connectivity Project which aims to connect approximately 27 000 public schools in the country. This connectivity project is led through the e-Connectivity Forum, headed by the deputy ministers of Communications and Basic Education, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams and Enver Surty, respectively. ) SAnews.gov.za
CUTTING THE RIBBON: The Groenpung Primary School principal William Block, Ishmael Rebang (headboy), Kedibone Erasmus (headgirl) and Frik Rademan, AVBOB Group CEO. Photo’s: Boipelo Mere
Education is a priceless gift } Boipelo Mere
NO more punishment for not submitting homework for the Groenpunt Primary School learners. That is all thanks to the Avbob Foundation who donated a mobile school library to the school as part of their Corporate Social Investment Programme. Two learners of Groenpunt Primary, Kedibone Erasmus and Ishmael Rebang (13), were proud to be afforded the opportunity to participate in the ribbon cutting of their own mobile library. Groenpunt Primary is the 12th school nationwide to receive one of the 30 mobile libraries from the Avbob Foundation. All 30 libraries have to be handed over in three years’ time (2013 to 2015). Erasmus, who is the head girl at the school, left the guests close to tears when she thanked the stakeholders for making their dreams of encouraging reading come within her community. She was even identified by Marius du Plessis, the Avbob Group communications manager, as “a potential insurance broker” after her brave speech. She told Express Northern Cape Reporter how difficult it has been for them to keep schedule with their school curriculum. “We have been using the public library in Greenpoint at the Community Centre. “Sometimes we would find it closed, resulting in us being punished at school the next day for not submitting our homework. I am going to read every day in our own library from now on,” she said. The head boy, Ishmael Rebang,.added: “We will utilise it to read every day and do our homework. We will also encourage our peers to use it and keep it neat.” The Avbob Foundation, Touch Africa NGO, and the Department of Education are in the first phase of the physical roll-out of the project which is the
ISHMAEL REBANG could not wipe the smile off his face after stepping into their new library.
handover of the libraries. According to the Avbob Group’s communications manager, Marius du Plessis, Avbob started the initiative of converting the containers into libraries in 2013. The second phase will be putting programmes into place to ensure long-term sustainability of the libraries and improve literacy levels within communities. He said the first phase was a threeyear flagship project aimed at ploughing back into the communities that they did business in. “The Department of Education fully endorsed this project as they also play the role of providing us with expertise and advice which we really appreciate,” he added. “I am so excited,” said the school principal, William Block. “You don’t know how grateful this community is today. We cannot say thank you enough. For us this is a dream come true because we can use this library to improve our literacy levels.” Block promised that he would ensure that they proved to Avbob that the library did not travel 750 km from Port Elizabeth for nothing. The excited community leader, Jahn Pietersen, promised that the community would look after the library in order for future generations to use it. Emphasising on that the community had to guide the children in the right direction, he blamed society, including himself, for being the reason why Greenpoint children succeeded in dodging school to spend the day at the park. “That is because we do not care enough. We all have the responsibility of looking after them and showing them the library instead,” said Pietersen. “I keep on remembering that our (Greenpoint) community was complaining that we are not getting a double storey school during the time when the high school was being build. If the high school was a double story, many of our children would have been in hospital from injuries because nowadays our high school children’s classes are on the roof.” He was referring to reports that the Greenpoint High School learners went to school on a daily basis, only to spend the day sitting on school’s roof. Rademan highlighted that he was sure that the selection panel made a good choice by choosing Groenpunt as only the very special schools are chosen. “I believe that this is a very deserving school, and I expect it to produce great leaders. Thus we are also going to donate this podium that I am standing on to the school.” Avbob staff proceeded to plant trees in the school yard.
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL 2014
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New clinic will help many in need } Modiri Gabaatlhole THE handing over of a luxurious new clinic in Deurham by the Department of Health proved to be the perfect occasion for the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) Developmental Trust. At the event last week the trust handed over a cheque to the value of R11 831 773 to the Department of Health. The event was attended by senior dignitaries in the Northern Cape Provincial Government fraternity including amongst others the Northern Cape premier, Sylvia Lucas, MEC for Social Development, Tiny Chotelo, MEC for Coghsta, Alvin Botes, speaker of the Northern Cape Province, Kenny Mmoiemang, district mayor of the JTG District Municipality, Sofia Mosikatsi, Sishen Iron Ore Company Community Development Trust (SIOC-cdt) CEO, Vusani Malie, and many other senior luminaries. The trust handed over the cheque of which the amount includes the roll-out of health related projects by the trust in 2014. These projects include the popular ‘Re a fola Health which was launched in 2012 and was extended to the Gamagara Municipality in 2013, and has recorded great successes since its inception. The amount also includes the conversion and renovation of the existing under-utilized administration block at the Tshwaragano Hospital in Batlharos to a fully functional nursing training facility. This renovation will be
Pictured from left are the MEC of Health in the Northern Cape, Mxolisi Sokatsha, the Northern Cape premier, Sylvia Lucas, the JTG Developmental Trust chairperson, Omphemetse Mogodi, the JTG Developmental Trust CEO, Tumelo Mpolokeng, and the SIOC-cdt CEO, Vusani Malie.
Photo: Modiri Gabaatlhole
achieved by also providing mobile classrooms next to the existing building as well as the necessary furniture and equipment. The CEO for the John Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust, Tumelo Mpolokeng, enlightened everyone in attendance on how the trust has a sound relationship with the Department of Health
and how all the health projects come about. The CEO also highlighted the objectives of the nursing facility in saying: “This project will provide adequate numbers of competent, caring nurses to meet the increasing health needs of the district and improve the quality of care at the Tshwaragano Hospital
and the district as a whole. Good news also is that the nursing facility will have the capacity to accommodate more than 60 nurses and act as a satellite of the Hendrietta Stockdale Centre in Kimberley.” The John Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust promises to continue its assistance to the
Department of Health and JTG District as a whole in uplifting communities and in creating self-reliance within its catchment areas. “The trust will continue to guide those in need around the district and help in taking the first footsteps towards human dignity and prosperity.”
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL 2014
NEWS
ARA’s advice on responsible drinking WITH the Easter weekend fast approaching, readers who will be travelling are urged to follow these tips from The Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol Use (ARA). Osborn Mahanjana of the ARA confirms that drivers and pedestrians should play their part by drinking responsibly to prevent deaths or accidents. “Alcohol affects a person’s judgement and slows down their reaction time. Driving while over the limit is illegal and should not even be considered. People who have over-indulged and then decide to walk home should also be wary.” Mahanjana emphasises that alcohol is a matter of individual judgement and accounta-
bility. Drinking sensibly means you can enjoy yourself – and stay safe. Here are some simple tips: ) Before deciding to go out, ask yourself how you intend getting home. Keep in mind that if you are staying in a different city you should check what metered taxi or shuttle services are available. Also plan your outings so that you are not far from your accommodation without safe transport home. ) Once you have a list of taxi drivers, keep the contact details on your cellphone and ensure that you have enough money set aside for this should you not be in a position to drive or walk home. ) It is cheaper and sensible to club together
with your friends to hire a car or mini-bus with a driver. ) You can ask a friend to be the designated driver for the night and agree upfront who that person is and that he or she will remain sober. ) If you are planning to host the party at home, make sure you consider beforehand how you will handle friends who have overindulged. Either arrange alternative transport for them, or offer them a spot on the sofa until morning. While not drinking and driving is an important part of responsible alcohol use, there are other ways to enjoy your drinks with friends and family:
) Drink plenty of water before, during and after drinking alcohol. ) Always eat before drinking alcohol and try to eat while drinking – choose foods that are high in fat and carbohydrates like a burger and chips. ) Don’t swim when you’ve had alcohol. ) Drinking on the beach is against the law and can be dangerous, as well as drinking at a river or a dam. ) Do not supply drinks to underage persons. The South African legal drinking age is 18. ) Avoid drinking with partners who are prone to aggressive behaviour. ) Avoid lifts from strangers, especially when intoxicated.
DIFFERENT congregations attending the launch of the National Easter Road Safety Campaign for 2014.
Minister prays for road safety } Boipelo Mere
“IF you are naughty, you will be behind bars this Easter.” This promise was made by Dipuo Peters, the minister of Transport, when she launched the National Easter Road Safety Campaign for 2014 in Kimberley last week. According to the minister, a tired driver is equal to a drunken driver. “If you are tired, o tshwanang le motho oo tagilweng (you are as good as a drunken person). By law a driver is supposed to rest every two hours or every 200 km.” She stated that the R5,3 billion that was spent on road accident victims caused a delay in service delivery, as that money
DIPUO PETERS, the minister of Transport, pleading with churches to pray for the nation. Photos: Boipelo Mere
could have been used for something else to better lives. In the continued effort to spread the message of road safety, in line with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety Campaign 2011-2020, Peters and her entourage interacted with motorists, passengers, pedestrians, community members and the media during the launch. Speaking at the prayer service with various churches, Peters pleaded with the churches, and especially mothers, to pray hard for road safety and the reduction of bloodshed in South Africa. “I plead with you to pray and say ‘Kwanele’. This is a time when we need prayer more than any time before,” the minister said. Peters called upon all road users and public transport operators to take personal responsibility for their safety on the roads, as they will be travelling to various destinations during the Easter holidays. “Fa ba sa itse go itlhokomela sentle, re tla ba tlhokomela ka go ba tswalela mo tronkong. Ba tla tshwarwa ka laboraro go fitlhelela beke e e latelang ka labobedi morago ga Easter, fa bay a go tlhagelela kwa kgotlatshekelo. Ka mokgwa oo, re tla bo re ba boloka,” warned Peters (If they cannot take care of themselves, we will do it by arresting them on Wednesday and keep them jailed until next Tuesday after the Easter weekend. That is when they will appear in court. That way we will be saving them). She added that drunken driving, reckless driving, unroadworthy vehicles and no mercy for those taxi drivers were the causes of road carnage. She sent a stern warning to drivers who go on a car spinning spree after drinking alcohol. ) Go to www.express-news.co.za to listen to Minister Dipuo Peters’ stern warning to road users.
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LEARNERS dressed in their new jerseys. Seated in front are the PSA liaison officer in Northern Cape, Steve Ledibane, school principal Kelebogile Moea and the provincial chairperson of the PSA for Educator Labour Relations Council, Marcia Solomons. Photo: Supplied
One man’s error school’s gain } Boipelo Mere
Win a luxurious holiday for a family of four THE luxurious chalets at the Basotho Cultural Village in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park imitate the style of an 18th century Basotho village. Express and SANParks are running a competition in which one lucky reader who enters before the end of April stands a chance to win a weekend stay for a family of four at the Basotho Cultural Village in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. All you need to do, is to visit the Express mobi-site (www.expresspaper.mobi), login and enter by answering an easy question. If you have not registered before, now is your chance. To register, go to the mobi-site by opening your phone’s internet browser, type www.expresspaper.mobi and enter. Follow the instructions to register. Directions on how to enter the competition will be on the site. The winners will be announced in the Express edition of 7 May. Photo: Christo van Staden
“THIS is a blessing for us,” said the principal of the Kim-kgolo Primary School, Kelebogile Moea. She was beaming when she told Express Northern Cape how they benefitted from the Public Servant Association (PSA) manufacturer’s error. Instead of delivering the 81 school jerseys to the Mankurwane Primary School in Galeshewe, the PSA had to take the jerseys to the Kim-kgolo Primary School because of the school jersey’s colouring mistake. The principal could not stop describing the learners’ excitement on the day of the handover.
According to the PSA liaison officer, Steve Ledibane, the handover is part of their Social Responsibility Programme where they identify underprivileged learners to restore their pride at different schools. “We are approaching winter and the PSA’s aim is to make it easier for the learners,” he says. He explained that, due to the manufacturer’s mistake, which they did not anticipate, they had no choice but to take the 81 jerseys to the matching school, Kim-kgolo. “We will still honour our commitment of continuing with the programme at Mankurwane Primary the next round,” promised Ledibane.
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL 2014
NEWS
Manage your budget CONSUMERS are reeling from price pressures and will have to start spending strictly according to a budget while treading cautiously to cover their key financial risks, says Karin Muller, head of Sanlam Growth Market Solutions, after the release of the Consumer Price Index figures in March. While consumer inflation edged up from 5,8% in January to 5,9% in February (just under the SARB target ceiling of 6%) this might not be the experience of most consumers, given that people’s inflation experience is based on their own budget and how they spend their income. According to Sanlam, the reality of price increases is felt across the board. “However, not only are consumers still trying to absorb the 50 basis point interest rate increase announced in February, but we are also having to manage our budgets to deal with a monthly consumer inflation increase of 1,1% – with food, petrol and health insurance as the main contributors to the upward pressure,” says Muller. Muller says the CPI shows food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation increased
to 5,4%, from 3,5% a mere two months ago. Bread and cereal products increased by 1,8% month on month on average, with super maize meal up by 4,0% month on month and white bread increasing by 2,6% month on month. The petrol price increased by 39 c/l in February resulting in a 2,9% monthly increase in the petrol index. This takes annual petrol inflation to 14,0% for the past year – mainly as a result of the 20,4% increase in the oil price and a 23,7% depreciation in the Rand over the period. Muller says health insurance fees, surveyed in February each year, carry a weight of 7,9% in the consumer basket and showed an average increase of 8,3%. She says tough economic times call for a disciplined approach to personal financial management, ensuring that families are not placed at unnecessary risk. “Striking a balance to make ends meet can easily take us down a road of multiple choices and the key is to protect what you have while managing your needs.”
} Boipelo Mere
The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen. Janet Basson, extends her gratitude to the community who assisted the police tirelessly in locating the suspect. Since the murders and attempted murders, the community were continuously informing the police of the possible whereabouts of the suspect. “They were the eyes and ears of the police, and this is what community policing is all about; working together towards a common goal: to ensure a safe and secure environment for all,” said Basson. The suspect is still in hospital and has been charged even though he could not physically appear in court yet.
Axe murder suspect found THE police in Douglas have arrested a 53-year-old man in connection with the axe killings of his family members. John Langeveldt was spotted by a worker at the golf course on Sunday, 13 April, at about 13:20. The police and the community have been searching for him since 5 March. The worker contacted the police who found Langeveldt lying in nearby bushes. He was arrested and taken to the Douglas Hospital for medical treatment and is expected to be transported to Kimberley for further treatment.
Ensuring all South Africans are reached THE DA in the Northern Cape handed over the DA’s Braille version of the 2014 manifesto, Together for Change, Together for Jobs, to the Ivy Cross Centre. The DA, who strongly believe that the blind community is still largely side-lined, said this is for the visually impaired South Africans to be allowed to fully engage in political processes. Through this Braille manifesto handover programme, 23 222 people with disabilities and their families in the Western Cape and Northern Cape will be helped. From the left are Kelebogile Mathikga (Braille teacher at the Ivy Cross Centre, Andrew Louw (DA premier candidate) and Thabo Morie (student and worker at the Ivy Cross).
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NEWS
RDP title deeds restore dignity } Boipelo Mere AN elderly couple, Andries Modise and his wife, Meisie were amongst the many excited Sol Plaatje residents who expected to collect their title deeds from the Club 2000 hall. He could only remember that they are over 60 years. Andries’s name was called for him to receive his title deed in public from the Mayor of Sol Plaatje David Molusi. According to the mayor, 1194 title deeds from 18 wards in the municipality were to be handed to the house owners last week. They were warned by all speakers including the mayor not to sell the houses after the event. “Keep this document safe as it is also your good story to tell. It is your child’s legacy,” advised the mayor. Molusi told the deed recipients of an incident where a mother of four children was kicked out of her own house had been sold by one of her children without her knowledge. “We will take back those houses if you sell them for profit, because we build them for a purpose. O e tsenye mo pottlementeng (put it in a safe box).” Maria Makgwadibane (42) from Soul City was excited when she was also called to receive her title deed. She was in disbelief that she could be deserving of a title
‘This title deed brings dignity to our people. There are elderly people who stay in shacks . . . the elderly are prioritised.’ – Alvin Botes
THE Sol Plaatjie mayor, David Moludi, addressing the residents. Photos: Boipelo Mere
ANDRIES MODISE’S WIFE MEISIE could not contain her tears of excitement when they received their title deed. “Ek is so bly,”she exclaimed. deed. She assured the Express Northern Cape reporter that she had now seen it all. “I will never sell my house. It is for my three children, I even told them so,” she emphasized. She started living in Soul City in 2000, when it was still called ‘Puts Sonder Water’ due to that fact that there was no water.
“I persevered until we were moved around and placed in straight lines, then the water and the bucket system came. They then build us the mud houses, “Then I got my new house after the mud houses were demolished,” Makgwadibane said. Elisabeth Jacobs (72), also stated that she would keep her RDP
house for her grandchild who is looking after her. “I have been living in Phutanang for more than eight years and have always been asking myself whether the house is really mine. I was afraid that one day someone would come and chase me out of it,” she says. The MEC of Cooperative Governance, Housing and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Alvin Botes, also shared an incident where a woman decided to give her title deed to her boyfriend, who later kicked her out of the house. “This title deed brings dignity to our people. There are elderly people who live in shacks. That is not the criteria we use, the elderly are prioritised.” Botes said. Botes continued to warn the mayoral committee to serve the
people with authority and avoid embarrassing the ruling party. The Sol Plaatje Municipal Manager Goolam Akharwaray, said that municipality had been withholding title deeds on purpose in an effort to prevent the RDP house owners from selling them before five years. “This way we have been succeeding in preventing residents from selling their property for at least five years. “But the method we are currently introducing is to put a clause on the tittle deed that prevents them from selling the property. “The new method will also prevent the administration nightmare caused by the previous method,” Akharwaray explained.
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL 2014
TLADI MOLOI
JABULANI DLAMINI
SIDWELL GUDUKA
BOIPELO MERE
TEBOHO SETENA
Who will win Premiership title? WHO will win the Absa Premiership title? Express’s writers give their verdict. MAMELODI SUNDOWNS, Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits are in a three-horse race to be crowned champions . . . but who will finish at the top? With just over four weeks of the 2013-’14 Absa Premierhip League season remaining, the division’s top two teams are separated by three points in one of the most fiercely contested title races since the competition had begun in 1996. The Brazilians, who no longer have to divide their attention between the Premiership League and Nedbank Cup, are sitting at the top of the log, and they have been in excellent form. Amakhosi lie second, and they have one game in hand – although that does not guarantee them three points. The Soweto giants are also still competing in the Nedbank Cup competition. Mathematically, Bidvest Wits are also still in with a chance to win the league championship if they win all their remaining matches. But that will only happen if Sundowns and Chiefs falter. Express’s writers give their verdict on who will prevail: Tladi Moloi Who? Kaizer Chiefs Why? I think Kaizer Chiefs stand a good chance of winning the league championship this season. They may be sitting second on the table, but they have proven themselves to be a good team, and so have Mamelodi Sundowns. However, Pitso
Mosimane seems to run out of ideas at times, despite all the quality players he has at his disposal. Mosimane’s men still have to play against Supersport United in the Tshwane Derby and that is where his side might kiss the league title goodbye. They also have Maritzburg United waiting for them on the last day of the season. Guess who is guiding United? Steve “Mr Mind” Komphela. Before even talking about this, let us look at their game today against the giant-killers Black Aces. They might have the upper hand in this one considering the fact that some of their players on loan to Aces will not take part in the game due to contractual agreements between the two clubs. Coming back to Chiefs, they have lost two league
games in a row but they will bounce back to their winning ways. They are used to this kind of pressure. They will go on to beat every team that comes their way, but let me tell you the Wits game against Chiefs will be a hell of a game. Jabulani Dlamini Who? Kaizer Chiefs Why? The mighty Amakhosi have the pedigree to bounce back from their demoralising defeat to Mpumalanga Black Aces which saw the Brazilians overtake them to go to the summit of the Absa Premiership standings. In Stuart Baxter, Chiefs seem to have found the right man for the job. He seems to continuously bring out the best in his players and all he has to do now is simply show them that the league is theirs to lose not Sundowns’ to win. While Bidvest Wits still have an outside chance to clinch it, I believe Chiefs are hungry
enough to fight to keep the trophy for a second successive season. Whatever happens, this one is going down to the wire. Sidwell Guduka Who? Kaizer Chiefs Why? Because they are the best team in it. I backed them before the season and while it is tempting to switch to Mamelodi Sundowns, I’ll resist. My money is still on Chiefs. I believe they have the pedigree to successfully defend their league title. They may have two difficult trips to Polokwane City and Bidvest Wits to contend with, but Stuart Baxter’s side certainly has the quality and no other distractions. However, they played their best in most of the games but failed to perform in the games that were vital (against Sundowns and Black Aces). The outcome of those two matches affected their position on top of the log.
This was a huge disappointment for the team and the fans as they saw their dream becoming a blur. Now they have to win all their remaining matches and hope that Sundowns will lose or draw so that they can have the PSL title in their hands. I put it to you, Amakhosi will prevail eventually. Boipelo Mere Who? Kaizer Chiefs Why? Kaizer Chiefs are more than likely to be crowned the Absa Premiership champions this season. The league seems destined for a photo finish as the present champions Kaiser Chiefs and the star-studded Mamelodi Sundowns stand toe-to-toe for the 2014 crown, and pocketing the R10 million prize. Not because Sundowns have experienced a drought in the past, but because the Chiefs are the only team in the PSL who have the
never-say-die attitude and the tendency of fighting to the bitter end. Kaizer Chiefs have played one game less than Sundowns. If both sides manage to win all their remaining games Chiefs will win it on goal difference. Teboho Setena Who? Mamelodi Sundowns Why? The really big titles in sport are the ultimate confirmation of excellence. Thousands of people have the talent, but only a chosen few are made of the right stuff. The bookmakers have put their money on Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns given
the two sides’ prospects to lift the title over thirdplaced Bidvest Wits. The Students are like vultures waiting for the kill, and could spoil the party for the title race is far from over. Second-placed Chiefs are four points off the lead and also have the title in their sight with one of their last four games against AmaZulu and the leaders Sundowns braced for Maritzburg United. The title will be claimed the last day of the league on 10 May. A lot of things can happen between now and the end of the season. Chiefs and Sundowns wish that they could win. As it stands, Chiefs
need four points to regain the lead and to become best placed to wrestle the title from Sundowns, who are required to collect four points to have their hands firmly on the crown. It is no longer the coaches but rather the team. The players with the ability and mental strength to execute the game plan will be the champions. If Amakhosi tie on points with Sundowns, it will be motivation enough to ensure the title is theirs. Such a scenario will put the Brazilians under immense pressure – costly mistakes are inevitable. Sundowns have the edge unless the unthinkable happens.