EASTERN FREE STATE
‘Lekitlane was ranked as one of the richest pioneering businessmen in the Free State, generating millions through business and consortiums with other associates.
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Finances troubled tycoon Saw wealth ebbing away, leaving him a ‘broken man’
} Teboho Setena THE suicide of tycoon Masopha Jonas Lekitlane may have had more to do with his guilt regarding fluctuating finances and tax evasion than family duty. The well-known businessman allegedly shot himself on 31 December – mere hours before the dawn of the new year. Lekitlane’s body and the gun was found in his vehicle. It was parked at the Masiza Scrapyard, just a stone’s throw away from the Bongani Regional Hospital in Welkom. The 57-year-old Lekitlane was buried last Wednesday at the Thuhloane Cemetery in Thabong, Welkom. It is alleged that he left a suicide note for his surviving family, stipulating his funeral proceedings and where he wished to be buried. Lekitlane was ranked as one of the richest pioneering businessmen in the Free State, generating millions through business and consortiums with other associates. Yet, according to informed sources, he saw his wealth ebbing away, leaving him a “broken” man. To casual observers, it appeared that the well-known businessman had committed suicide because he was unable to cope with losing the sort of riches most can only dream of. Amidst his financial troubles, Lekitlane, affectionately known as Charlie, found himself on the wrong end of the law, contravening tax. According to a charge sheet which Qwaqwa & Eastern Free State is in possession of, he pleaded guilty to failure to submit Income Tax Returns from 2008 to 2012 at or near Welkom and in the district of Welkom. The charges of tax evasion originate from his failure to submit individual Income Tax Returns and that of the Lekitlane Family Trust registered at the South African Revenue Service (Sars) for income purposes. Lekitlane was the trustee and representative of the Lekitlane Family Trust, which owned property in respect of which rental income was received. He pleaded guilty during his appearance in the Welkom District Court in July last year. He faced eight counts of tax evasion, contravention of Section 66 of the Income Tax Act, Act 58 of 1962 read with sections 25 and 234 (d) of the Tax Administration Act No. 28 of 2011, failure to submit the Lekitlane Family Trust and his individual Income Tax Returns. With counts 1 to 4, taken
THE late tycoon Masopha Jonas Lekitlane’s framed photo was placed on his coffin in the Freddie Meyer Hall where his funeral was held last Wednesday. Photo: Teboho Setena together for sentencing, the deceased was fined with R20 000 or 12 months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for three years. For counts 5 to 8, taken together for sentencing, he was also fined with R20 000 or 12 months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for three years. Lekitlane was further ordered to submit the outstanding returns for both the trust and individual Income Tax Returns on or before 30 September 2014. According to the charge sheet, Lekitlane was in control of the trust and responsible
Fire damages Lekitlane’s house } Teboho Setena GRIEF-STRICKEN family members of the deceased businessman Masopha Jonas Lekitlane have been dealt another heavy blow after a fire partly destroyed his upmarket house in Jim Fouché Park on Monday morning. The fire broke out just five days after the 57-year-old Lekitlane had been buried in Thabong, Welkom. About six members of Lekitlane’s family who occupied the house at the time escaped unharmed. Some found refuge in the neighbourhood while the firefighters battled the fire that started at about 09:00 on Monday morning. Other members of the family reacted in time to move out some of his vehicles. The cause of the fire, as well as the cost of damages to the house, is still unknown. It took firefighters approximately 40 minutes to extinguish the flames that almost destroyed Lekitlane’s remaining riches.
The deceased Lekitlane was one of the 14 people who are on trial for allegedly defrauding the Free State Department of Education of R30 million in tenders. The deceased’s co-accused are facing charges ranging from corruption, extortion, money laundering and racketeering. The other accused include Teboho Lioma, former director of the Free State Department of Education, Nelson Majola, an attorney, Isaac Soee, Virginia Moseia, Sekese Motaung, former senior administrator of the Department of Education, Motseke Mphuti, Teboho Motajane, Maria Letsela, Vuyisile James Majola, Gertrude Ramaema, Teboho Motajane, Malehana Letsetla and Nteboheng Lesetla. They are set to appear again in the Bloemfontein High Court regarding the tender fraud and corruption case on 2 May. Five other people, including Sandile Tsopo, husband to Ouma Tsopo, senior ANC politician in the Free State, have already been convicted and sentenced. Tsopo’s appeal against his four-year prison sentence failed.
for performing the duties of the trust as required by the relevant tax acts. Even after receiving final demands for submission of Income Tax Returns, Lekitlane failed to adhere to it beyond the submission due date of the tax years from 2008 to 2012. The court found that the deceased had committed various offences over a period of time which caused the treasury to suffer economic losses, adding that his conduct adversely affected broader taxpayer compliance. Regarding findings in mitigating factors,
the Lekitlane Family Trust appeared to operate at a loss. During the tax years in question, the deceased was allegedly unable to request audited financial statements from the auditing firm PwC. ) Attempts by Express to get comment from the Lekitlane family proved fruitless as the family refused to speak to the media. Qwaqwa Express & EFS understands the deceased left strict instructions in his suicide note that no-one must speak to the media.
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Lehlohonolo makes school proud } Tladi Moloi BETHLEHEM. – “I like to break records. I wanted to get distinctions in all my subjects.” These are the words of Lehlohonolo Molehe (18), who passed his matric with flying colours. Molehe, who matriculated at the Thabo Thokoza Secondary School in Bohlokong near Bethlehem, got four distinctions: in Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Orientation and Life Sciences. He obtained level 6 in English, Sesotho and Geography. The optimistic Molehe has put Thabo Thokoza back on the map. The school had to wait seven years to brag about a learner in the top 50 again. The previous top 50 candidate, Pakiso Mokoena, achieved this in 2007. The hard-working Molehe said he was not surprised with his achievement and added that he should have done better. “I knew from January that setting a big target for myself would pay off in the end. I was once told I should always shoot for the sky, because if I don’t get there I will fall among the stars,” he said. Molehe, together with his school’s principal, Maekane Nthinya, was invited to the Free State Department of Education’s annual well-done function which was held in Bloemfontein last Tuesday. His name was announced among the 50 best students in the Free State. His hard
work has also earned him a bursary, courtesy of the Free State Department of Education. He said he was going to study a Forensic Science degree at the University of the Free State. “I knew that working hard would repay me in the end and now I am going to school without asking my parents for money. I would like to thank all the people who have supported me throughout the year. My parents and the teachers who were patient enough to make me a better person,” he said. Meanwhile, the school obtained a 97,1% pass rate in the 2014 matric exams, which shows a 21,5% improvement from the previous year. Nthinya said he was happy with the achievement even though they had aimed for 100%. “We will make sure that we build on what we have achieved. I am going to invite the parents to a meeting on 23 January to map a way forward. We need 100% and I am adamant that it is possible with their help,” he said. He said one thing that they would make sure of, was that they worked on improving the quality of the results. He wants half the students to have admission to diploma studies and the other half bachelor degree admission. Nthinya said they had known that Molehe was going to be in the top 50. “The boy has made us proud and we wish him all the best in the future,” he said.
THE Ficksburg police officers cordoning off the crime scene.
Photo: Supplied
Remains found in shallow grave } Reporter FICKSBURG. – Human remains were recently found in a shallow grave at an open field in Katlehong near Ficksburg. Capt. Phumelelo Dlamini of the Ficksburg police’s Communication Services said the Ficksburg police received a complaint from the community on Tuesday at about 10:00 about the human remains at an open field in Katlehong.
LEHLOHONOLO MOLEHE of the Thabo Thokoza Secondary School in Bohlokong near Bethlehem poses with Maekane Nthinya, the principal of the school. Photo: Tladi Moloi
He said the police had rushed to the scene and found human bones protruding from a shallow grave. “The rest of the skeleton was still beneath the ground. “The scene was cordoned off for further investigation by police forensics specialists who came from Pretoria. “They will do human identification by gathering the DNA from the skeleton to try and identify the deceased,” he said.
Missing since 2011 THE family of Joseph Mokoena (47) requests members of the community to help them in finding their loved one. He was last seen in 2011. Apparently he was somewhere in Slovopark in Soweto. Anyone who might know of Joseph’s whereabouts can contact Sam Mzizi on 078-482-2842.
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Rape suspect to re-appear for bail application } Tladi Moloi TSHESENG. – A 27-year-old suspect, Mosiuwa Mofokeng, who is facing charges of rape, is expected to re-appear before the Tseseng Magistrate’s Court for a bail application. He appeared briefly at the same court on Friday and his case was postponed. Mofokeng was arrested last Tuesday through the help of the community.
According to police spokesperson, Sgt Mmako Mphiring, an 11-year-old girl was allegedly raped by an unknown person on Tuesday at approximately 17:00 in the Tseseng Village. She later spotted her alleged rapist and with the assistance of the community the suspect was arrested. “It is alleged that the girl was with her two other friends walking in the street in the Makeneng Village when she spotted the
suspect. “She immediately ran to a nearby house requesting help to phone the police and was assisted by her sister. They followed the suspect whilst her sister phoned their father at work to contact the investigating officer in the case. “The police officer investigating the case acted swiftly and rushed to the victim which community members still following the suspect.
“Upon noticing the police officer, the suspect started to run away and was chased by about 80 to 100 members of the community. “He was caught in a donga at the Thaba Bosiu Village and handed over to the police,” he said. Mophiring said his arrest could resolve three other cases of rape committed with the same modus operandi in the Namahadi and Phuthaditjhaba area.
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No excuses for loss of top spot } Sidwell Guduka TATE MAKGOE, MEC for Education in the Free State, hosted a well-done function for the top 100 matric learners in the province. Speaking during the press conference at the Central University of Technology, Free State, in Bloemfontein last Tuesday, Makgoe said that the top 100 class of 2014 deserved their achievement because they had worked hard for it. “These are the best brains in our province. You’ve been working very hard and that’s why you are smiling today. You did extremely well. And you deserve your achievement,” Makgoe told the top ten performers who attended the media briefing. The MEC said he had no excuses after the Free State had lost its title as the number
one province in terms of the matric results. “We’ve got no excuses. As a province we had performed well in the past three years. When we came in 2009, our percentage was at 69,4. “But from 2012 until 2014 we have always been above 80%. Since that period we have been counted as one of the best provinces that delivers education,” explained Makgoe. The Free State, which achieved an 82,8% pass rate, dropped to third position after North-West (second position with 84,6%) and Gauteng (first position with 84,7%). In 2013, the Free State was the best province after having achieved an 87,4% pass rate. The province went down by 4,6% in last year’s matric results. ) For more stories, visit www.express-news.co.za.
WELL DONE! From the left are Tshepo Mosoeunyane, Moloi Maleke, Tate Makgoe, MEC for Education, Ruvé van Rooyen, Ace Magashule, premier of the Free State, Lucky Hlatshwayo and Sydney Malope, HOD of the Department of Education. Photo: Sidwell Guduka
An ideal study choice MANY of last year’s matriculants now find themselves in a situation where their plans to study towards a degree this year were thwarted by marks which did not allow them to make the cut. However, an education expert says that there is still an option for those who remain determined to study towards a bachelor’s degree: that of pursuing a Higher Certificate, which will allow them to take the next step without having to repeat matric. Dr Anne-Ka van den Hoek, academic manager at the Independent Institute of Education, South Africa’s largest and most accredited private higher education institution, says a Higher Certificate is a great option for these prospective students. “A Higher Certificate in Business Principles and Practice, a Higher Certificate in IT in Support Services or a Higher Certificate in Events Management, for instance, will give students access to a BCom, a Bachelor of IT in Business Systems, or BA the year after completion. And the good news is that the higher certificate is available to anyone who only achieved an HC pass in their National Senior Certificate. “So you do not have to give up your degree dreams. The key is to fully engage with your Higher Certificate, so that you can develop some of the key skills you may have been lacking that resulted in you not achieving a Bachelor’s pass to start with.” Van den Hoek says it is important that matriculants check that the institution they register with for a Higher Certificate supports all students with focused academic literacy modules and a fullyear programme designed to bridge the gap between school and higher education. She says that Higher Certificates have replaced many foundation programmes, as they provide students with an opportunity to gain a full qualification, while at the same time mastering those essential skills needed for higher education success – broadly
known as academic literacies. “These range from how to engage successfully with academic material, to how to review information and present it appropriately with the level of synthesis required for successful academic study,” she says. But she also warns that, while all degrees at public and private higher education institutions are subject to the same quality-assurance requirements, they are not all alike. “Students should not only look at entrance requirements, but also at the curriculum and the alignment of that curriculum with their future career aspirations. This is particularly important for those degrees that can be quite generic, such as a BCom or a BA. “A focus on strategic management, for instance, raises the bar on one’s study of business management and differentiates graduates. And becoming a lawyer is not the only career path to follow a degree with a legal focus. The integration of legal subjects with business management in a BCom degree forms a solid basis for a career in corporate governance or leadership. “Corporate communication, on the other hand, is an entire professional field that encompasses the traditional disciplines of communication and public relations, but takes them to the level required in the modern corporate world that includes stakeholder management.” Van den Hoek says that those students who were not accepted at the institution of their choice, did not gain a Bachelor’s pass, or who need to strengthen their academic abilities before studying for a degree, will all do well to consider the Higher Certificate route. “It may take you a little bit longer to get there, but the experience and ultimate achievement will be well worth it, and will set you on the road to the career you’ve dreamed of, but deemed out of reach.” – Lange 360 on behalf of the Independent Institute of Education
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Top spot mix of hard work, talent } Sidwell Guduka A WELKOM GIRL has been named as the top matric learner for the Free State in 2014. Eight distinctions and dedication earned Welkom Gymnasium learner Ruvé van Rooyen this honour. She spoke to Express Eastern Free State at the Central University of Technology (CUT) in Bloemfontein last Tuesday, where she was attending a press conference for the top 100 learners in the province. This event was hosted by the Free State’s MEC for Education, Tate Makgoe, and Premier Ace Magashule. The 18-year-old got a full house of distinctions in Afrikaans, English, Mathematics, Life Orientation, Accounting, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Advanced Programmed Mathematics. “I am very happy to be the top matric learner in the Free State,” Ruvé said. “The fact that I’m number one in the province has not sunk in yet.” Ruvé had expected to be one of the top matric learners in her home town, but the results held a bigger surprise for her. “I guess my results are a mix between working hard and being naturally smart. I was dedicated to my school work and I sacrificed a lot of things to focus on my books. Of course, God gave me the wisdom to achieve the best results,” she said. “I want to thank my excellent teachers for their support system and my parents for always being there to support me. I’m the only child in the family and my parents gave me everything I needed. They are my biggest supporters and are very proud of me. They motivate me a lot and make sure that I focus on my studies,” she added. This year Ruvé will start a qualification in BCom Chartered Accountancy at the North-West University in Potchefstroom.
THE BEST: Ruvé van Rooyen received eight distinctions in her matric exams last year.
Photo: Sidwell Guduka
Reservists acknowledged for service
GOOD WORK: Brig. Matsietsi Mahloko and her station commanders sitting in the front row, with the Phuthaditjhaba police reservists after receiving their certificates. Photo: Supplied
PHUTHADITJHABA. – The Phuthaditjhaba Cluster police reservists were handed their certificates for excellent service for performing volunteer duties in fighting and reducing crime by assisting seven police stations. The function, which was held at the Phuthaditjhaba Robala Lodge on Friday, came as a surprise to the police reservists. In her short speech the Phuthaditjhaba Cluster commander, Brig. Matsietsi Mahloko, acknowledged their good work. “It is because of you that we always make an impact in the fight against crime within this cluster. You assist us at any given time when we need you at various operations. That is why today I felt it worthwhile to appreciate your wonderful work under the leadership of your commander, WO Nyane Malape. You even availed yourself at difficult times when we buried our own permanent police members. We will always recognise your excellent service within this organisation.” On behalf of the cluster station commanders, Col Nkai Molefe from Harrismith showed his appreciation for the good work and encouraged the reservists not to become despondent, but keep their heads held high for voluntarily rendering service to the community without a payment. Speaking on behalf of the reservists, police reservist Const. Mookgo Ellah Notsi thanked Brig. Mahloko for the wonderful surprise of handing out certificates of recognition. She requested that the same gesture be conducted yearly in the cluster to boost their morale. She also thanked her officer for the arrangement of the event.
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Imperialism is the new oppressor MBUSI MUSAWENKOSI RADEBE, Bohlokong, Bethlehem: PEOPLE, as we are in a new year with the continuous ability of analysing ideas, thoughts and forces we respect, we also have to gain perspective and converse about oppression of a different kind. We constantly speak about capitalism in the West and we are in awe of its economic prowess. Obviously, we as Africans are challenged in this regard, we are in need of economic freedom and liberation from debt. The concepts of socialism and/or imperialism could easily define the principles of the
East. The East for a long period has denied that they are interested in an ethically-motivated domination movement, especially Asia’s “Dragon/Tigers”, just as the Nazis and the Soviet Union before them. The East wants control of the military of politically desperate states. A good example was when progressive forces left South-Africa in a disgraceful position by not welcoming the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. The position of indigenous people to escape
Western exploitation is now revived by the East in dominating BEE requirements over to black people and government is scared to act against cheap labour practised by the descend-
ants of the East. South-Africa is not vocal on this type of imperialism to be dealt with. We need a spirit with full national sovereignty in relation to our socio-economic initiatives which should be controlled by the African working class. All developed states are daily
turning to us to be the “job-seeking” generation with a head of state dependant and poorly advised on decision making. Socialism Imperialism (SI) is very tricky in that leftist movements narrowly focusing only on the West. Our political approach does not need a go-ahead or blessing from states that economically liberated themselves centuries ago. The reality is that even progressive formations that are advisory are to be accommodated, but careful analysis of their motives is needed because the truth is that South Africa is rich in minerals and can be easily exploited. SI is unassumingly moving slowly to conquer all in its path.
No degree, no top job WEEK IN and week out we read disturbing news about politicians who have faked their qualifications in order to acquire top positions in government or parliament. The first incident of SABC COO, Hlaudi Motsoeneng, opened a Pandora’s box and after that we got to see cases such as SAA executive, Pallo Jordan, and Ellen Shabangu to name a few, being publicly questioned about their credentials. One would have to wonder, why now and why after all these years is this information only being brought to light? Well, I think the chickens are
coming home to roost for the ruling party. The ruling party has lost Cape Town and is rapidly losing Gauteng as well as the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, all because the ruling party deploys incompetent and unqualified cadres all for the sake of comradeship. They are putting the interests of the individuals in the party first before the people.
They are losing the metros and slowly, but surely, will be tested in the coming 2016 municipal elections. Deploying a cadre who is not qualified for a certian position, can only open the door for maladministration, corruption, nepotism and racketeering and time after time this is revealed in the Auditor General reports. The cadre redeployment programme is crippling this country. Our country is going to the dogs. I dare all public office bearers to publish their qualifications and declare their matric certificates.
Be realistic about those resolutions EVERY YEAR we make New Year’s resolutions. The success rate for achieving these resolutions is very low. However, this does not deter us. Year-in and year-out we do the same thing. Some wise man said it is insanity to do the same thing again and again and expect different results. So let us see what we can do differently. The usual resolutions have to do with losing weight, going to church more regularly, reducing debt, taking better care of ourselves, quitting smoking or drinking, and helping others. The first thing to do is to write the resolutions down with timelines. They must be SMART – specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound. For example: I want to lose 10 kg by June; or I want to pay off two clothing accounts and close them by September. You must have a plan with details as to how you are going to achieve your resolutions. Have details as to what you should do and how you are going to do it. You should not have more than three resolutions. If you achieve two out of three it is a 66% success rate, but if you achieve two out of ten it is 20%. One sound idea is all you need. Choose a definite goal, and place all your energy, all your willpower, and all your effort into achieving that goal. It is easy to have excellent goals and plans, but you must have persistence. Willpower and desire, when properly combined, make an excellent pair. Lack of persistence is one of the major causes of failure. I read somewhere about a man who was digging for gold and found nothing. After losing hope, he stopped digging and decided to sell the land. After quitting, he discov-
My view
ered that he had been only three feet from the gold. Another thing is: Never stop because men say no. The majority of unsuccessful people generally are influenced by the opinions of others. Close friends and relatives often handicap one through opinion and sometimes through ridicule, which is meant to be humorous. The next thing to keep in mind, is that if you do not know what it is, you will not achieve it. No one is ready for something until he or she believes they can acquire it. There are lots of people who believe themselves “doomed” to poverty and failure because of some strange force over which they believe they
have no control. They are creators of their own misfortunes because of this negative belief, which is picked up by the subconscious mind and translated into its physical manifestation. They say it takes about 21 days to form a habit. If for example you want to lose weight, make it a habit to exercise and eat less. They say in losing weight 80% depends on what you eat and 20% on exercise. Those who have been on yo-yo diets will tell you it is easy to diet, but difficult to maintain your goal weight. So make it a habit or a lifestyle. It is essential for you to encourage the positive emotions as dominating forces of your mind and discourage and eliminate negative emotions. One comes finally to believe whatever one repeats to oneself. Make your mind believe positive thoughts. Anything acquired without effort and without cost is generally unappreciated, often discarded. You will therefore need to sacrifice to reach your resolutions. Definiteness of decision always requires courage. For 2014 I only had one resolution: to reduce my debts. I am happy to say I have achieved that. I have been able to pay off my overdraft. I have reduced one of my bonds by almost 70%. I am not bragging – I am giving God the glory. For 2015 one of my resolutions is to play golf. I have made a pact with my colleague, so we are going to practise golf together. For you to achieve your resolutions, make a pact with a friend or a family member. ) Contribute to this column by sending your piece, of no more than 500 words, to Jabulani.Dlamini@volksblad.com, or call 051-404-7910.
and a couple of substitute appearances halfway into the campaign, Manzini could be returning to Bloemfontein sooner than expected. “Bloemfontein Celtic wants him back . . . There is a big chance of that happening,” Tim Sukazi, Manzini’s business manager, told
KickOff.com. Sukazi also added the fact that the player had seen little gametime had been the deciding factor. During his time at Celtic, Manzini scored 12 goals in 38 appearances. – KickOff.com
Advocate Kuni Ditira Author
It is easy to have excellent goals and plans, but you must have persistence. Willpower and desire, when properly combined, make an excellent pair. Lack of persistence is one of the major causes of failure.
Manzini set for return to Celtic
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LERATO MANZINI is set for an early return to Bloemfontein Celtic after battling for game time at SuperSport United. The 23-year-old striker joined Matsatsantsa a Pitori from Phunya Sele Sele on loan for the whole 2014-’15 season. However, with just three starts
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Warriors coach aims for top 4 } Tladi Moloi
JUMPED SHIP: Morena Ramorebudi, who joined the National First Division outfit African Warriors from the Maluti FET College FC. Photo: Tladi Moloi
QWAQWA. – Morena Ramorebudi, the new African Warriors head coach, is adamant that his team can fight for a place in the top four of the National First Division (NFD) and qualify for the promotional play-offs. He said the team had quality and experienced players that could fight for a better position. “I have to make sure that the team is out of the relegation zone at the end of the season. I would be happy if we can finish in the top eight. But we still have a chance to finish in the top four. We still have more games to play,” he said. Ramorebudi, who guided the Maluti FET College for four seasons, jumped ship late in December to take the coaching reigns at Maihlome Ihlasele. He penned an 18-month contract with the struggling Warriors. He came in to fill the boots of Abram Nteo who had left the team early in December to re-unite with Thami Ngubane at the Royal Eagles in Durban. Ramorebudi joined Maluti in 2011 from Bloemfontein Young Tigers. He made name when he thrashed Orlando Pirates 4-1 in the last 32 of the Nedbank Cup. However, he left the college boys rooted at the bottom of the log table with 8 points in 16 games. He rubbished rumours claiming
“I would be happy if we can finish in the top eight. But we still have a chance to finish in the top four.” that he had left the team because of pressure and the position he had found himself in. “It is not true that I left the team because it was in the relegation zone. I did not leave them for a team which is in the comfort zone. Warriors’ position on the table is not good and it means I have to drive them out of that position,” he said. He said that he had felt it was time to leave after he had achieved some of his goals with the team. “When I arrived there, my aim was to unearth the local hidden talent. I also wanted the team to play the kind of soccer that everyone would like to watch. “I am happy that I did manage those things. I left the team at the time that they were starting to realise the importance of winning games and believe me they will go out of that position,” he said. He said he would like to see the two Qwaqwa-based teams, Warriors and Maluti, playing quality football at the end of the season.
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Ready to lead Bafana
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EPHRAIM “SHAKES” MASHABA is on a mission to grab the cup trophy at the 2015 African Nations Cup final. Photo: Lefty Shivambu
All eyes will now be on coach Mashaba } Tladi Moloi and Teboho Setena
number one on the continent, while Senegal and Ghana are 4th and 5th respectively. Mashaba’s glory-hungry men have recently proven to be a tough team to beat. They are unbeaten in 12 games which include official and friendly games. Bafana Bafana’s best run in the competition away was in 1998 reaching the final, but losing to Egypt. For that effort they won a silver medal. A bronze medal in 2000 was the last silverware for Bafana Bafana. Many are waiting impatiently to witness who will lift the trophy on 8 February. But the big question for the South African is whether the National Senior team could cope and go all the way and win the cup like the class of 1996. The Express sports team is looking closely at the teams as the tournament is only three days away. Ghana and Cameron come to this tournament with might as they have both won it four times. Ghana is fifth on the CAF Fifa rankings and 37th in the world. The West African giants have won the cup four times X in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982. They beat the Sudan 0-3, Tunisia 2-3, Uganda 0-2 and Libya 6-7 after a 1-1 draw. The Black Stars will be hoping to add the fifth tittle to their trophy cabinet by winning the 2015 tournament. Players to watch: Asamoah Gyan, Jordan Ayew, Christian Atsu, Mohamed Awal and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu. Cameroon are currently 8th in the CAF Fifa Rankings and 42nd in the world. They have won the
MADJID BOUGHERRA, Algerian captain.
EPHRAIM “SHAKES” MASHABA, head coach of Bafana Bafana has another chance to complete unfinished business of 2004 following his controversial sacking after he guided the team to the African Nations Cup final in Tunisia. The outspoken mentor was fired in 2003 on the eve of Bafana Bafana’s departure for Mauritius for a Cosafa Cup match as part of their build-up for the African Nations Cup finals X a match the team lost. He was sacked for refusing to obey orders by the then leadership of the South African Football Association – to include overseas-based players. Now water under the bridge, Mashaba has to prove his worth by guiding Bafana Bafana to coup the 2015 continental showpiece which kick offs on 17 January, culminating in the final on 8 February in Equatorial Guinea. South Africa has been drawn in Group C of the CAF Orange Africa Cup of Nations alongside Ghana, Senegal and Algeria in Malabo and Equatorial Guinea. Mashaba believes they have been handed a tough draw but added that with good planning they have a good chance to get through the group stages. In three meetings, Bafana Bafana have won once against Algeria with two draws and have played Ghana on nine occasions, winning five of those clashes. Against Senegal, South Africa has only managed two draws, losing the rest. Algeria is ranked
YAYA TOURÉ, Ivory Coast skipper.
STÉPHANE MBIA, captain of Cameroon.
ASAMOAH GYAN, the skipper of Ghana.
The big question for the South African is whether the National Senior team could cope and possibly go all the way and win the cup like the class of 1996. cup four times X in 1984, 1988, 2000 and 2002. The Central African nation Cameroon won the cup in the hands of Nigeria 1-3, 0-1, 3-4 (penalties) and Senegal 2-3 (penalties). Players to watch: Nicolas N’Koulou, Vincent Aboubakar, Stéphane Mbia and Clinton N’Jie. The Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) is rated 28th on the World Fifa rankings and third in Africa. The West African giants have won this tournament once in 1992 beating Ghana 10-11 on a penalty shootout after the game ended 0-0. They were the runners-up in 2006 and 2012 losing in the final to Egypt and Zambia respectively. In 1965, 1968, 1986 and 1994 they finished third. Players to watch: The Elephants will be hoping to win the tournament for the second time and surely players like Wilfried Bony, Gervinho, Yaya Touré, Kolo Touré and Salomon Kalou will be keen to guide their team to a victory with their experience. Algeria is currently top of the CAF FIFA ranking and 18th in the world rankings. A team from North Africa has lifted this cup once in 1990. That was after they had defeated Nigeria 1-0. They were the runners-up in 1980 losing in the finale 3-0 to Nigeria. They finished third in the tournament in 19984 and 1988. The current squad would like to be remembered and that will only be by winning the cup. South Africa, Mali, Zambia, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Tunisia and Congo have all won this cup once. DR Congo, the Cape Verde Islands and Gabon are the countries which will take part in the competition but they have never won the African Cup of Nations. Group A (Bata) Equatorial Guinea Burkina Faso Gabon Congo (Brazzaville) Group B (Ebebiyini) Zambia Tunisia Cape Verde Islands RD Congo Group C (Mongomo) Ghana Algeria South Africa Senegal Group D (Malabo) Cote d’Ivoire Mali Cameroon Guinea