Northern Cape
TEL: 053 8312331
WEDNESDAY 23 JULY 2014
WWW.EXPRESSNEWS.CO.ZA
FREE
Madiba legacy continues
Gaasca gives food to needy } Boipelo Mere
MANDELA DAY is fast becoming an international day of renown. Celebrities, politicians, artists and faith-based organisations use Mandela Day to celebrate the day Nelson Mandela was born. This day was also declared an international day by the United Nations. In the Northern Cape various activities occurred throughout the week. The day itself – 18 July – resulted in a hive of activities by various government departments, NGOs, churches and youth formations. At the Galeshewe Association for the Care of the Aged (Gaasca) it has become a norm that various formations would gather there to offer help to the elderly. This year Gaasca decided to up the tempo by giving food to the people rummaging Kimberley’s landfill site. The Gaasca bus left early for the dump with volunteers and pots full of hot soup and bread which they dispensed to the people living there who were very happy to get something to eat. According to Irene Ndlovu, the coordinator of Gaasca, they decided that they will not only receive without also giving. “The hand that giveth, is the hand that receives. “Therefore, to us, Mandela Day is deemed complete if every single living being gives to the needy,” said Ndlovu. She added that she was grateful that Gaasca was fortunate throughout the years and to see so many institutions and government departments coming to their aid this year in helping with cleaning, gardening and feeding the elderly. Past. Lilly Fritz, who is also a founder and president of the Women’s Empowerment Movement International in the Northern Cape, said that in giving, her organisation feels it has completed Mandela’s dream of a happy nation that is one nation in love. “Mandela was a Godsent, he was a visionary and a miracle worker for love and peace. “It is through Mandela and his colleagues that women in this country are free and equal to their brethren, may his soul rest in peace,” said Fritz. ) Go to our website at www.express-news.co.za for more pictures.
GLADYS MOTINNGWE (in green) serving Mongezi Vis with Buti Vuma behind him (wearing sunglasses)
Photo: Boipelo Mere
2
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 23 JULY 2014
NEWS
Serial rapist on the loose THE police are appealing to After befriending them, he members of the public for any pulls out a large knife and information that may lead to threatens them to continue the arrest of an alleged serial walking with him in a casual rapist. way. The suspect, aged between He is not aggressive and lures 30 and 40 years old, has been his victims to quiet areas. He linked to 15 cases of rape in insists that his victims look at the Northern Cape. him while raping them. He committed these crimes He speaks Tswana and in Modderrivier, Kimberley, Afrikaans very well. Kagisho, Galeshewe, Roodepan Anyone with information can A SKETCH of the call Maj. Mandla Kheswa on and Pabalello. rape suspect. The suspect, who is reported 082-337-3347 or WO Obrey to be neatly dressed and has a Kgatwane on 083-263-0750, or fresh smell, chooses his victims when they contact Crime Stop on 086-001-0111 or SMS leave taverns. the Crime Line on 32211.
Crisis jeopardises future of pupils } Boipelo Mere THE John Taolo Gaetsewe District is still plunged in a crisis as it was two years ago, when the residents of the district were up in arms against the Northern Cape government, accusing it of failing to construct roads leading to their different villages. For the past two months the community in that district closed the N14 and forced all schools in Joe Morolong to close. This has led to pupils failing to sit for the half-yearly examinations, a fact that is detrimental particularly for this year’s matriculants. This year’s action by the residents comes as the Northern Cape government has already advertised the tender for the construction of the road. The community wants the government to construct 130 km of the 720 untarred roads in JTG as premier Sylvia Lucas announced last month. According to the resident, JTG is the home of manganese and iron mines in South Africa with tons and tons of those minerals leaving for the coastal areas where they are shipped overseas. In the process the roads are damaged by the transportation of the minerals. According to one of the leaders of the Road Forum in the community of JTG, Lucky Kaebas, the action is not politically influenced, like government suspects, it is community driven. Kaebas said; “The situation is so bad that not even a grader can drive there, because the roads are bumpy for stretches of kilometers. “People die unnecessarily due to the dust of the roads as they get exposed. We hear from the media that government is doing this or that to solve the problem, but they never come to speak to us.” Asked why they cannot let children go to school, Kaebas said that those children were directly affected, because many of them used the roads on a daily basis as they travelled from one village to the other to attend school. “Our children understand what is happening, they are part of this struggle. It would also be stupid for anyone to send their children to school when they know that it creates unnecessary strife between community members. All of us are united for the realization of our goals,” said Kaebas. He stated that everybody was concerned because the children were not attending school. “We cannot take chances of allowing government to continue to lie to us,. There are many other service delivery issues. “The reality is that the real distance of roads that need upgrading is at least 720 km. If they continue to say that they will upgrade 57 km that they promised in 2007, when will they finish? “Even the schools are in a terrible
THE efforts of the Northern Cape Department of Education HOD, Tshepo Pharasi, to convince schooling to continue, failed. Photo: Boipelo Mere
condition.” The Department of Education said it was unfair for the children to suffer, as the parents were being intimidated. According to Sydney Stander, the spokesperson for the Department of Education in the Northern Cape, the HOD Tshepo Pharasi spent the whole of last week in Joe Morolong in preparation for the re-opening of schools. “We even visited the villages of the 55 schools that were closed where we distributed pamphlets to inform the community on our recovery plans for the learners. “On Monday when the schools opened, learners didn’t pitch for school. Even the administration block of one of the primary schools, Ditshipeng Primary, was burned down on Monday night,” said Stander. Kaebas however condemned the burning of the school and emphasised that the actions could not be linked to the members of the forum. “Our motto is that no schools should be burned. We will rather keep our children at home. “If we burn the schools, then it means we will be destroying our own property. Those who burned the school, should be brought to book,” he said. Stander said that the department hoped the provincial government came up with something extraordinary to solve this matter. For updates on the JTG issue log onto the website www.express-news.co.za for daily updates.
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 23 JULY 2014
3
NEWS
Tutors teach sense Unique Jacobs “OUR aim is to improve Maths and Science at school and university level.” These are the hopes of three university students from Kimberley who prefer to use their time doing something positive. Moonga Sichimwi, Alvin Bezuidenhout and Prinsloo Legoshe are all 20-year-old students of Physics and Civil
Engineering at the University of the Free State (UFS), University of Pretoria (UP) and the Central University of Technology (CUT) respectively. Almost a month ago they decided to start a tutoring business to help struggling matriculants and university students make sense of Mathematics, Physics and Engineering subjects. During university holidays they come home and spend their weekends tutoring.
Making use of their own study materials and question papers they are starting out small, but would like to expand and make people aware of their business. In their free time these youngsters either participate in sport such as hockey, cricket and chess, or they spend their time reading and socialising. Interested students can contact them on 074-585-5145 or at moongajr@gmail.com.
THE Department of Correctional Services heeded the call by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to all citizens, shopping malls and outlets to support its Book Flood Campaign’s vision of putting a book in every child’s hands. During their Mandela Day 67 minutes Initiative in partnership with the Thebe ya Kgomotso NGO at the Mankurwane Primary School, the department gave the children books, while the pre-school children were given hampers with goodies. Photo: Boipelo Mere
Campaign launched THE Department of Basic Education (DBE) launched its Book Flood Campaign in celebration of International Nelson Mandela Day. The campaign is aimed at fostering a reading culture amongst learners beyond the classroom and making the habit of reading every child’s right. The initiative will run for a month, ending on 18 August. The first launch took place at the DBE headquarters in Struben Street, Pretoria, followed by a public launch at the Menlyn Shopping Mall. The department has called for donations for sponsoring libraries and library resources, starting reading and book clubs and for people to register at schools to be volunteer readers and library assistants. “The richer the learning environments in schools, the better children learn. Where
schools have a library or book collection, an internet connection or teacher resource centres, learners do better,” the department said in a statement. The DBE is extending an open invitation to all citizens, shopping malls and outlets to support its Book Flood Campaign’s vision of putting a book in every child’s hands. The campaign is inspired by one of Mandela’s quotes: “One of the sad realities today is that very few people, especially young people, read books. Unless we can find imaginative ways of addressing this reality, future generations are in danger of losing their history.” Mandela Day inspires individuals to take action to help change the world for the better and empowering communities across the globe. The running slogan for the day is Take Action, Inspire Change. Make Every Day a Mandela Day. - SAnews.gov.za
THREE university students who use their time tutoring Mathematics, Physics and Engineering subjects. From the left are Alvino Bezuidenhout, Moonga Sichimwi and Prinsloo Logoshe. Photo: Supplied
4
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 23 JULY 2014
NEWS
Housing scheme for working class
PICTURED with the confiscated goods are from the left, front: WO Thuso Setumisho and WO Lucas Letebele; back: Serg. Mogakolodi Pitoro, WO Godfrey Molatane, WO Fusifoso Foso, Det. Segwai Molawa, WO Kooko Seakgwa, Det. Brown Seboloke, WO David Masire and Const. Xolani Shwabane. Photos: Lt Donald Mdhluli
Suspects in court
TWO suspects, Benjamin Mongale (27) and Thapelo Modise (28), appeared before the Pampierstad Magistrate’s Court today on charges of armed robbery, as well as house-breaking and theft. That is after their arrest last week in Pampierstad, following a tip-off from the community that the suspects were in possession of firearms. Members from Pampierstad Shift A assisted to swiftly arrest the two suspects. After their arrest, the police discovered that the two suspects were being sought for armed robbery of livestock at a nearby farm. The robbery happened on Sunday, 6 July, at about 13:00. On this day the two suspects entered a farm and held a 40-year-old man hostage. The victim was tied up and one suspect fired a shot on the ground. The suspects got away with ten sheep to the value of about R9 000. The preliminary investigation led the police to discover a firearm, as well as nine
sheep that were already slaughtered at the time of the arrest. Another firearm was also confiscated as the investigation proceeded. The victim managed to identify the two suspects. More investigations revealed that one of the firearms confiscated was alleged to be the one that had been stolen from a police officer in a house-breaking and theft reported in May. Other items stolen during this housebreaking were also recovered from the suspects. The investigation is at a sensitive stage and some information cannot be revealed at this stage, but there are intentions from the police to link these two suspects with other cases, including murder. During their court appearance, the suspects remained in custody for further investigation. They are due to appear before the Pampierstad Magistrate’s Court again for formal bail application.
Police looking for suspect(s) DETECTIVES of the Galeshewe police are on the lookout for a murder suspect or suspects following the shocking discovery of the body of Thobane Edward Gxalaba (53) on 5 May 2013. Gxalaba’s body was found by a neighbour at about 07:00 inside a deserted house on the corner of Rosa and Moeketsi Street, number 2. Gxalaba sustained multiple stab wounds to his body and head and the THE deserted house where Edward Gxalaba’s (53) body was found. police are thus Photo: Supplied appealing to the public to assist them in their investigation. Sergeant Attie Browers on 053-807-6000 or Anyone with information that can lead 082-469-0138. to the arrest of the suspect(s) in this Crime Stop can also be contacted on heinous crime can contact Detective 08600-10111 or SMS’s sent to 32211.
THE government is currently in talks with the private sector to introduce a new housing scheme for public servants who fall under a pay bracket that cannot afford a home loan or qualify for low-cost housing. The Public Service and Administration minister, Collins Chabane, announced this when briefing journalists prior to tabling the Budget Vote for his department in parliament on Thursday. His announcement comes after the Human Settlements minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, also alluded to holding similar talks with banks to cater for the working class in the same pay bracket outside the public service. “We have reached a point where we think government will have to intervene. “There is a housing subsidy now, but the problem persists, and we have to tackle the problem differently. That is where the issue of the housing scheme becomes important for us. “For us, the task was to explore the possibility of setting up a housing scheme. We have done all the paper work and the number crunching. We have looked at the various models and we think we are ready to finalise it,” he said. Chabane said this plan had already been discussed with labour unions, and that it
Celebrating Mandela Day RIGHT: Bonolo Masilo (left) and Kgothatso Raadt (both five years) from the Mankurwane Primary School in Galeshewe were amongst the pre-school learners who were spoiled by the Department of Correctional Services and the Thebe ya Kgomotso NGO on Mandela Day. The children each received a packet containing goodies and toys. Photos: Boipelo Mere
BELOW: Galeshewe-based gospel choir members of Badumedi ba Jehova spent Mandela Day cleaning the Mankurwane Primary School’s yard ahead of the reopening of schools after the holidays. According to the members, it is where most of them went to primary school, and they also used to use the school hall to practise, thus they felt the need to give back.
would, once finalised, form part and parcel of future wage negotiations as far as the housing allowance was concerned. He said while public servants got paid a housing allowance, it was still not enough for them to get decent accommodation. “There is a problem, and the problem is that a majority of public servants – particularly at lower (salary) levels – is not able to access bonds in the markets. They are not able to access low-cost housing. “Let me tell you an anecdote. I am sitting as a public service employee. I am a clerk, and I have to process low-cost housing for those who can’t afford it. I process a house for people who are not working, and I go home and sleep in a shack. “This category of people has a housing subsidy, but this housing subsidy cannot translate into a house,” he said. He said the housing market was not friendly enough to afford people at that level an opportunity to own a house. The minister said for this reason there was a need to find a formula in the form of a scheme to help this category of people afford housing. “I think we are at a point now where we can provide a solution to the problem,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 23 JULY 2014
5
NEWS
PE TRUS MOLEMELA
MATLABE “MAX” TSHABALALA
DEMITRI “JIMMY” AUGOUSTI
Celtic have new owners Photos: Sidwell Guduka
Augoustis sell Celtic to Tshabalala family for R42 million } Sidwell Guduka IT is official Bloemfontein Celtic are under new management. This was confirmed by the Augoustis (former owners) and Tshabalalas (new owners), and it finally ends the speculation about the future of the Mangaungbased club. “It is official, we are the new owners of the Bloemfontein Celtic Football Club. We signed a deal with Jimmy Augousti and we’ve formally taken over the team.” “I’m very excited,” Matlabe “Max” Tshabalala, the managing director of Celtic, told Express. “We’ll be working with the Augoustis during the transition until the end of this month so that we can get the contract and the books under control,” he said. Tshabalala’s family takes over the club
from the Augoustis (Jimmy and Ikie) who bought it from Petrus Molemela for a reported R600 000 in 2001. “I want to thank the Augoustis for what they’ve done for me. “The deal went very smoothly and I’ll be with Ikie at the office to sort out the contracts of both the players and the admin personnel. “The Augoustis will be with me until the end of the month,” said Tshabalala. “The Tshabalala family has people that will run that team and everything; I was just representing them. “We have professional people to take care of the club,” he added. Tshabalala has assured the multitude of Celtic fans and the Free State people in general that the club will remain in the province. “As I have mentioned previously, Celtic will still be based in Bloemfontein.
“We are going to run the club from the same offices Celtic are currently using. We are also going to play our home matches in Mangaung,” he explained. Ikie also confirmed the sale of the club to Express yesterday. “The deal was concluded on Monday,” he said. “It was an emotional decision to sell the club after being in charge of it for 13 years. “Selling the club is something we never planned, but we had to to consider certain factors before we made up our minds,” he added. Celtic was founded by Norman Mathobisa and Victor Mahatanya in 1969 and they named it Mangaung United FC. In 1984, businessman Petrus Molemela took over the club and changed the name to Bloemfontein Celtic after Glasgow Celtic of Scotland, hence the green and
white stripes. In 2001 Molemela sold a majority share to Jimmy Augousti, a former Celtic player. This was after the club had been relegated to the lower division. The club regained its PSL status three years later and ever since they have grown to be one of the most colourful outfits in South African football, with the most passionate and innovative supporters. ) Media reports suggest Celtic was sold for an alleged R42 million. ) To read more about this story, visit www.express-news.co.za.
BLOEMFONTEIN CELTIC were crowned the Charity Showdown champions in Johannesburg last Saturday.
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Coach happy with Charity champs } Sidwell Guduka ERNST MIDDENDORP, Bloemfontein Celtic coach, has expressed his satisfaction with his team after their Charity Showdown success this past weekend. Phunya Sele Sele defeated Amazulu 2-0 in the final to be crowned champions of the
inaugural pre-season tournament at the Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday. Vuyani Ntanga and Gabadinho Mhango’s efforts in the second half were enough to earn Celtic a hard-fought victory. Middendorp’s men booked their place in the final by beating hosts Bidvest Wits 1-0 in the first
semifinal, while Amazulu beat Mpumalanga Black Aces 2-1 in the other semifinal on the same day. Both teams, Celtic in particular, put out vastly different sides to the ones which had done duty earlier in their semifinal encounters. “I’m very happy with the way
my team played in the Charity Showdown. “These types of games are good because we use them to try different combinations before the new season starts,” said Middendorp. Celtic, who will be launching their new kit at the Sanlam Plaza in Bloemfontein on Friday at
12:30, will lock horns with Wits in the MTN 8 Cup in Johannesburg on 1 August. The kick-off is scheduled for 20:00. Siwelele will start their league campaign with a home fixture against Aces in the Free State Stadium on 10 August at 15:00. ) For more sports stories, visit www.express-news.co.za
6
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 23 JULY 2014
NEWS
Fun walk raises funds for charity THE provincial SAPS personnel started their Mandela Day activities by embarking on a 3 km fun walk on 17 July in an effort to raise funds. The funds raised were utilised to purchase cleaning material for the various places that had been identified for cleaning on Mandela Day. On Friday, members of the Provincial Crime Detection Unit also donated their time by painting and cleaning the Relebohile Community Centre in Diamant Park in Greenpoint where approximately 200 children are fed on a daily basis. A vegetable garden was also started at the same premises.
The Provincial Legal Team donated 45 blankets to the aged people at the Seochoareng Oldage Home in Galeshewe where they shared hot soup and bread with the elderly. The Provincial Women’s Network and police members of the SAPS in Hartswater also took time off to spoil the elderly in Hartswater and handed out 67 blankets, soap and packets of sweet to the elderly people. The police members at the SAPS Hartswater also prepared hot soup and bread which was welcomed and enjoyed by the guests on that chilly day. They were further entertained by the SAPS Choir who made the day memorable.
HOLDING onto her walking aid, Emily Serebolo was on sight as workers build her new home.. Photos: Supplied
Shack gets makeover
EMILY SEREBOLO (72) from Santa in Kimberley’s life was changed for the better on Mandela Day. The granny, who stayed in a cold, tiny one-room shack which was small and leaked when it rained, with her two children and her grandchild, received a new shack from the Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison. The structure was donated by the Transport Regulations Directorate in the department with stakeholders such as the SAPS and the local ward committee coming on board with other donations. The elderly also received groceries, new curtains, warm clothing and blankets. The Directorate’s director, Lesego Wolfe, said the effort was an act of kindness inspired by the human heart after the department’s area EPWP safety volunteer had identified the elder to receive aid. “This is also to honour the call of Tata Madiba. We also want to highlight efforts of this working government to say we can
MEMBERS proudly marching with the banner in Kimberley.
Photos: Supplied
THE Serebolo’s old home. relate and we want to help,” he said as he hugged the elderly. “We want you to be in a better position and for you to see a difference from when we had arrived. “We want you to be safe and warm,” he added.
POLICE MEMBERS assisting a child from the Relebohile Community Centre in Greenpoint to paint the structure.
Reaches out to the elderly THE Department of Education teamed up with The New Age and Miss South Africa finalist Lizzy Stuffa to spend their Mandela Day by cleaning Baby Lerato’s home, start a food garden and hand out presents for the baby. Pictured are Stuffa and Roseline Taylor from the Department of Education holding baby Lerato on the day. Photo: Boipelo Mere
THE Women Empowerment Movement International joined South Africans and the world in the celebration of 67 minutes on Mandela Day. On Friday they served the elderly people at Gaasca in Galeshewe. After delivering a short spiritual ceremony the movement served a warm meal as the movement’s youth movement, Kids for Christ, entertained the elders with their dancing skills that they had prepared specifically for that day. Here are from the left Johannes Salome from Gaasca, Justine Links, Jeanette Mkhatshane, Virginia Keetile(Gaasca), Winnie Mosikare and Lilly Fritz, the founder of the Women Empowerment Movement. Photo: Boipelo Mere
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 23 JULY 2014
7
NEWS
Tips help you save electricity UNDER these cold weather conditions it is important to save electricity. Here are some tips on how to do this: ) Turn the geyser’s temperature down to 60 °C. Maintaining this temperature uses less electricity than 70 °C. ) You use less hot water when you shower than when bathing. Only fill the kettle with as much water as you need. Wash a full load of dishes and use cold water for laundry washing. ) Switch off equipment when not in use and plug appliances out at the wall after use. Also switch off the geyser when you leave your home for an extended period of time. ) Reduce excessive heating or cooling. Use localised equipment rather than central air-conditioning or heating
systems, and only heat or cool occupied rooms. Fan or oil heaters with thermostats are best, and avoid under-floor heating. In summer use a fan rather than air-conditioning. ) Insulate the geyser, as a geyser “blanket” maximises heat retention.
Agreement signed THE Red Ants will give the Gauteng Human Settlements Department 48 hours before executing an eviction. This comes after Human Settlements MEC, Jacob Mamabolo, signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the security relocation and eviction company in Johannesburg last week. According to the agreement obligations, the Red Ants will be expected to carry out evictions in a manner that does not violate the dignity and human rights of those affected by the eviction. The Red Ants will also assist with the protection of vulnerable groups in the event of an eviction. Mamabolo said under the agreement, the department would communicate whenever an eviction was eminent or was anticipated by the Red Ants. He said a senior department official would always be available when their intervention or assistance was required when the Red Ants were notified of an eminent eviction. Once such information is received, the senior official from the Security Directorate of the department will forward the same information to the Rental Tribunal and the MEC’s office. Mamabolo said part of what they would be doing with the Red Ants would centre on verifying the validity of the eviction order. He announced that a syndicate using illegal eviction orders had been arrested
for allegedly trying to evict 350 families from a flat in central Johannesburg. Mamabolo said while the agreement showed that vulnerable groups would now be treated with dignity during eviction, there were cases that would never be tolerated by government. “There are cases that we will never tolerate and this includes illegal invasion of land or property, hijacking of any building, taking over houses meant for the poor and the use of women and children as shields during the illegal occupation of land to score cheap political points,” he said. Red Ants CEO, Johan Bosch, said: “I think it will clear a lot of misunderstanding, because government will know what we will be doing and we know what government wants . . . In the past, government would just see an eviction taking place but (lacked) more information on why it was happening. “Now with this agreement, the department will be fully aware of all the evictions we will be carrying out. “Through this agreement, we can report back to the department whether things went right or wrong, and we will be open for advice. If they want to mediate between parties, they will be welcome to step in, but it should be before the eviction.” – SAnews.gov.za
8
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 23 JULY 2014
NC side a hit in Mahikeng } Boipelo Mere
Nominate a sports star
For more news and photos visit www.express-news.co.za
ARE you good at sport, or is someone in your school or place of education good at sport? Are you motivating or training others to be good at sport? Are you getting people active at your school, community or gym? Express Northern Cape wants to hear from you. SuperSport and Let’s Play, in association with Express Northern Cape, has launched a special initiative. Express Northern Cape wants to find and give recognition to learners at either primary or high school level who excel in sport, or helping others to be more active. The SuperSport Let’s Play Sports Star of the Month is a competition for anyone aged 6 to 18. You can nominate yourself or be nominated by a friend or teacher, lecturer or coach at your school or place of education. You can even be nominated by a family member or friend who know how good you are. From all the entries received each month, one will be chosen as the SuperSport Let’s Play Sports Star of the Month. The monthly winner will receive a Let’s Play hamper. At the end of the year one entry from all the monthly winners will be chosen as the SuperSport Let’s Play Sports Star of the Year. Nominations received before the 20th of every month will be included in that month’s selection. Nominations received after the 20th of every month will be carried over to the next month’s selection. Your nomination must include your name, age, contact details and a short paragraph (less than 200 words) about your achievements ) You can email your nomination to supersport@zpr.co.za or send a fax to 086-552-4922. ) For more information, call Lynne or Juanré at Z PR on 051-522-9574.
THE team representing the Northern Cape in the annual u.21 SAB League Championships in Mahikeng was an instant hit and a favourite team at the tournament. Although the team did not make it to the finals, they reached the quarter finals, where they lost 0-1 to KwaZuluNatal. The Northern Cape’s fortune seems to be turning as they are slowly becoming a force to reckon with in the soccer fraternity. Reports coming from Mahikeng indicate that the boys from the Northern Cape made a statement and had many scouts exchanging numbers with them. The SAB League is the largest grassroots football division administered by the South African Football Association (Safa). Gregory Afrika, the coach of the Northern Cape u.21 side, says that the team gave the best performance in five years. “Remember that in 2009 we reached the final and we lost to the Free State. We were unstoppable at that time, as we were this time in Mahikeng. “The Northern Cape has the potential to go all the way. All we need as a province is to develop coaches who will in turn develop good players,” said Afrika. According to Afrika, he has six outstanding players in this team: Elroy Baartman, Gregory Afrika, Christopher Balie, Zizan Coetzee, Howard Mabaso and Evrin Vries. According to Muzi Chonco, the SAB
THE Northern Cape u.21 SAB League team for 2014. manager for sustainable development and corporate social development, the SAB is constantly striving to be a force of good within the society and has proven its commitment to grassroots football development through decades of investment in the SAB League. “We have no doubt that the youth diversion programme, coupled with participation in the SAB League, will help unleash the full potential of these future stars, expose them to positive role models, and help them refrain from risky behaviour, particularly irresponsible alcohol
Department behind team } Boipelo Mere THE Department of Sport, Arts and Culture wishes the Steach United Football Club a successful tournament in the National Second Division play-offs that started yesterday. The team from Galeshewe, has been drawn to compete with three other teams in group B of the tournament and will qualify for the National First Division (NFD) if they end up as group winners. Nine teams from two second division streams of four and
five teams respectively will participate in the play-offs. The winners of each stream will gain an automatic promotion to the National First Division. The same two teams will also play against each other to determine the overall Second Division champions who will walk away with a R1 million cash prize. The runners-up will receive a whopping R500 000. This game will be played on Sunday in the King Zwelithini Stadium.
Photo: Supplied
use,” said Chonco. Meanwhile SAFA has turned its attention to Durban where the promotional play-offs for the first division, called ABC Motsepe, is taking place. The Northern Cape is fully represented by Steach United, who promised the province that by this coming Sunday the province would have a representative in the first division. The task for Steach United is not that big – they only have to beat two teams and draw with one and they are in.