Expressqq 20150121

EASTERN FREE STATE ‘The community wants the may­ or to resign with immediate ef­ fect as he has failed the commu­ nity dismally. The MAP must go out and Eskom must take over.’

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WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015

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HUNDREDS of residents from Tshiame A and B near Harrismith marched to hand over their memorandum of grievances with some of the community members showing their messages on placards.

Photo: Tladi Moloi

Fury after dark Christmas

Angry community members demand mayor’s resignation } Tladi Moloi HARRISMITH. – Fuming community members of both Tshiame A and B near Harrismith want Vusi Tshabalala, the executive mayor of the Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) Local Municipality, to resign.

They also demand that the municipality hand over the electricity supply to Eskom.

These shocking demands come after the community spent a dark festive season without electricity. The community has been without electricity for over a month as a result of a power sub-station which was burnt down after the cables had been stolen.

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In demonstrating their frustrations, thousands of community members from Tshiame A and B marched to the Sediba Hall in Khalanyoni on Wednesday to submit a memorandum of grievances.

The memorandum was handed over to Mohaunyana Bodibe, assistant director: Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) in the Free State, who was accompanied by Matebesi Lakaje.

“The community wants the mayor to resign with immediate effect as he has failed the community dismally. The MAP must go out and Eskom must take over,” the memorandum reads under the demands.

The leader, Linda Mbongo, said things would have been different if only the mayor had spoken to them from the day the electricity had gone off. He said the mayor had been shying away from them, but kept “going on air to lie”.

“The electricity went off on 10 December and no formal notice to the community was given by the mayor. The community only heard on the radio what the problem was.

Promises were made, but not kept by the mayor and the MAP,” he said.

The memorandum further read that “the community believed that the mayor had to inform them by holding meetings so that the community could hear first-hand. He

should have provided us with the correct information from when the problem started.”

Apparently the community wanted to block the N5 Road on 31 December to demonstrate their frustration, but they were promised that the electricity would be back on 8 January. That never happened.

The community has given seven working days to the office of the premier, Ace Magashule, to come with the answers to their demands.

Bodibe said they had noted with concern the problem in Tshiame and promised that he would submit the memorandum to the premier.

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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015

NEWS

THE community of the Petsana Township near Reitz marches to the Nketoana District Hospital to hand over their petition.

Photo: Tladi Moloi

Petsana objects to ‘closed’ hospital } Tladi Moloi REITZ. – The community of the Petsana Township near Reitz wants their hospital back. About 100 community members marched to the Nketoana District Hospital on Thursday to hand over their petition to the management of the hospital.

According to Majola Dumezweni, the chairperson of the Petsana Residents Association, the hospital was no longer performing its primary function and had become useless to the community of Reitz.

He said the hospital could not admit patients anymore, because of a shortage of nurses and doctors.

He added that they were against the idea of the Nketoana Hospital falling under the Phekolong Hospital in Bethlehem.

“We are aware that the hospital has been ‘shut down’ and that problem has been there since 2010.

Ace Magashule, the premier, knows about the problem of this hospital, but up to today he has done nothing,” Dumezweni said.

When asked why they were saying the hospital had been “shut down” while there were nurses and security at the hospital, the vocal chairperson explained the community’s concerns.

“That is with regard to people who are still coming to work. It is just a general way of showing people that the hospital is operating, but medically the hospital is not serving its primary purpose of assisting the patients. The medical ward, the one with the services which are mostly needed by the community, is not working.”

‘The medical ward, the one with the services which are mostly needed by the community, is not working.’

– Majola Dumezweni He said patients had been transferred to Phekolong in Bethlehem.

“The resources of this hospital have been moved to Phekolong, where the top management of the hospital have been taken to. They are only helping women who give birth. What irritates me, is that you will find that the assistant

nurses are the ones who are entrusted with that job.”

He said the closing of the hospital had increased the financial burden of the community at large.

“Our people have to travel to Bethlehem to see patients and we know people don’t have money, yet they have to spend it on transport.”

He said they wanted the hospital re-opened and added that the Free State Department of Health had to employ nurses and doctors who would work there.

Tsietsi Makume, the chief executive officer of the hospital, has shied away from admitting that there were some challenges at the hospital.

“I haven’t had a chance to read the content of the petition. What is going to happen, is that I am

going to send it to our head office in Bloemfontein. We will come back with the response after 14 days as per their request,” Makume said.

One of the security officers at the hospital, who wanted to remain anonymous for safety reasons, confirmed that there were problems at the hospital and added that many people had been turned away without receiving any help.

“We are just coming to work, but the reality is that we are not working here,” said an insider.

“I have been here for ten years and for the past seven years things have been like this. We have never received any explanation whatsoever from the management on what is happening.

“We hope this march will change things.”

UFS first-years get taste of campus life } Sidwell Guduka

LOTS OF ADVICE: Dr Choice Makhetha addressed hundreds of students and parents during the UFS’s welcoming ceremony for first-years.

Photo: UFS

THE new first-years at the University of the Free State (UFS) have been advised to balance their lives between academics and socials – and warned against being complacent in their studies.

These were the words of welcome to newly-enrolled Kovsie students this past weekend.

The first-years had been invited to bring their parents along to interact with university officials and to explore the campus.

Speaking at the welcoming ceremony held at Red Square on the UFS’s Bloemfontein campus, Dr Choice Makhetha, vice-rector: external relations at the UFS, prepared students for what is to come.

“Once your loved ones and parents have left, you will be in charge of your own lives. You will have to make decisions for yourself, taking full responsibility for your lives What you eat or drink will be your business,” she said.

“Whether you go to classes or not will also be your own decision.

“Whether you join friends or you make time for yourself, is up to you. Whether you sleep or you study overnight will be your

decision.

“So those who get this kind of freedom for the first time must tread carefully and allow their conscience to guide them,” Makhetha said.

“Remember whatever choices you make, good or bad, there will be consequences.”

She said the students had chosen an exceptional institution to further their education, one that had zero tolerance for racism, sexism, discrimination and intimidation.

“You have chosen to study at the UFS for a particular degree. How you use your 24 hours is going to count greatly,” she continued.

“Make sure you prepare for classes. Read broadly on the subject and do not just depend on the material you will be given in the class.”

Encouraging the students to use the opportunities available at the university, she told them about the opportunity first-years had to experience international exposure.

“Some of you will have the chance to travel the world to go to Japan, China, the UK, USA, and to travel our beautiful African continent. Use these opportunities.

“On campus you will meet other students who come from different countries.

“Make use of these opportunities and build a bigger circle and a broader network.”

Makhetha also encouraged students to respect everybody on the campus, irrespective of the positions they held.

“You have chosen to be part of the UFS family. That also means you have chosen to treat other people with respect, love and dignity.

“It doesn’t matter who that person is, whether he is a cleaner or lecturer; we all have one thing in common Z our humanity.”

The UFS will be hosting the global leadership summit in July later this year.

The summit is held every second year and it brings participating students from countries accross the world.

“We are looking forward to hosting this event.

“As many as 180 international students will be taking part in the summit. Let’s use this opportunity to interact with the world.” ) Like our facebook page Express-News or follow us @Express_News03.

EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 3

NEWS

New shoes a gift from the heart } Tladi Moloi BETHLEHEM. – Mantombi Mokoena (49), who hails from Egypt in Bohlokong near Bethlehem, could not hold back her tears when shoemaker Moratehi Mokoena and his friends handed over a pair of shoes to each of her two daughters.

She said she was happy about the donation, because she had no money to buy the shoes.

“I am happy that my daughters will have something new on the first day of school,” Mokoena said.

“I am not working and that makes our life difficult. I used to receive a social grant, but they have stopped it. I don’t know why, but it was not the first time they did it. Sometimes I get it, sometimes not.”

Moratehi (34) said he had approached some friends from the market near the road in Egypt to donate money to buy shoes for the girls.

He decided to help the girls after they had brought their shoes to him to be fixed.

“When I looked at them, I realised that I was going to have to charge the girls too much money.

“I asked the friends who were sitting with me at the market to help and they agreed.” he said.

He said it was the first time they had done something like this and added they were hoping to also help others.

“I asked myself how the two would feel on the first day of the new year with those old shoes.

“We did not know their family background, but we could sense that something was not good.”

Baphethile (16) and Ntombizoto Mokoena (13), gr. 10 and gr. 7 learners of the Bethlehem Comprehensive School, said they were happy with the donation.

Ntombizoto said she wished God would protect the men who saw fit to help them.

“They are real fathers. We did not expect that to happen,” she said.

‘I asked myself how the two would feel on the first day of the new year with those old shoes . . .I asked friends who were sitting with me at the market to help and they agreed.’ – Moratehi Mokoena, shoemaker

HELPING HANDS: Moratehi Mokoena (left) and friends hand over a pair of shoes each to Baphethile (16) and Ntombizoto (13) Mokoena as a donation.

Photo: Tladi Moloi

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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015

NEWS

Ace visits class of 2015 } Sidwell Guduka

“LOVE, compassion, integrity and my spiritual convictions in the morals and values modelled by Christianity are some of the qualities I want my daughter to exemplify in her womanhood.”

Photo: Mlungisi Louw

Deciding on which school not easy

} Selloane Khalane “LIFE has just begun little one, go on, I am with you.”

These words were echoed by my mother on my first day of school eons ago. Unlike my daughter, Karabo, who was more concerned with me ruining her “school swag” by breaking into the ugly mommy cry, I clinged to my mother for dear life and wailed to my classroom at the Sentinel Primary School in Qwaqwa.

Little did I know that years later I would be fitting Karabo into her “pampoenrok” and brushing her cornrows with silent tears of anxiety and pride, in preparation of her first day of school.

Selecting a school for my child was not an easy task. I was daunted by the task of selecting a school that would cement principles that I already instilled in our home and to also provide her with quality education that would set the character of a hopeful future.

A culture of stout work ethics, diversity and a school curriculum that supported all aspects of my child’s development, including social, emotional, physical and cognitive needs, were top on my list.

I wrestled between taking my daughter to an Afrikaans- or English-medium school, being a black parent who is predominantly fluent in English and Sotho.

Already fluent in English, Sotho and Afrikaans, my six-year-old daughter already had a critical advantage over her peers.

I ultimately chose the “pampoenrok” school lead by 106 years of excellence, when I decided to enrol my daughter at Oranje Girls’ High.

While we have the best pass rate in South Africa because of the lowest passed standard I needed some kind of comfort in knowing that I am sending my child to a school that prides itself in quality versus quantity. A school that will not promote a child who has not performed well to a higher level for the sake of “numbers”.

Given the ghastly history of our country and the connotation attached to the Afrikaans language from the apartheid era, I had to weigh the pros and cons of enrolling my daughter into an Afrikaans school.

I weighed heavily on the quality of education provided by the school and the

My view Selloane Khalane Volksblad journalist kind of young woman I wanted my daughter to grow into in her journey into adulthood.

My decision was not swayed by the language, but rather by the quality education and integrity the school champions.

Love, compassion, integrity and my spiritual convictions in the morals and values modelled by Christianity are some of the qualities I want Karabo to exemplify in her womanhood.

These are qualities I recognised in the women who had previously attended the school.

The big debate of whether my daughter would lose her own sense of identity and cultural heritage reared, but I know that it remains my sole responsibility.

I am responsible for ensuring that she maintains her Ndebele roots and home languages while being afforded the opportunity of being exposed to various other cultures.

I can attest to the benefits of schooling in a multiracial school, because it gave me the platform to interact with other cultures and that has consequently taught me tolerance for others having a perspective different from mine.

In my adult years I realise how being bilingual gives one a certain advantage in the workplace.

Businesses take advantage of adding bilingual speakers to their payrolls and benefit extensively because of the larger market of clients and customers they can capture.

By encouraging my daughter in being fluent in languages that still dominate a lot of workplaces I am creating a future with wider possibilities that will not be hindered by language barriers.

Beyond choosing a school that will groom a lady with a solid education I strongly believe that Karabo, along with many others her age, is the hope of a true rainbow nation that South Africa so desperately needs.

“WHO is that new learner sitting in the classroom and why is he not wearing a school uniform?

“He is not a new learner – he is the premier of the Free State!”

The children at the Bainsvlei Combined School in Bainsvlei, outside Bloemfontein, were surprised to see that Premier Ace Magashule had joined them for lessons when the school re-opened last Wednesday.

The premier, who was accompanied by officials from his office, visited the school to motivate teachers and learners to excel in their studies. He interacted with both the teachers and learners during his visit.

“Our visit to this school is to motivate the teachers and learners, and to say well done to the matric class of 2014.

“We are also here to encourage the class of 2015 and the rest of the learners to work hard this year. They must know that nothing beats hard work,” Magashule told reporters.

“This school is doing very well. I’m

impressed with the work that is being done by the principal and his team. In 2009, Bainsvlei achieved a mere 14% matric pass rate, but they keep improving. The school obtained a 100% pass rate in both 2011 and 2013.

“It shows that the teachers and principal are doing a great job. They deserve a pat on the back,” he said.

The school achieved an 80%, 93% and 98% matric pass rate in 2010, 2012 and 2014 respectively.

Tau Seheri, the principal of the Bainsvlei Combined School, expressed his delight with Magashule’s visit.

“We appreciate the premier’s visit to our school. It really means a lot to both the teachers and learners. He was just here to motivate us to work hard and we appreciate that,” Seheri said.

The majority of the learners at Bainsvlei come from surrounding farms, but a lot more children from the townships have been enrolled at the school of late. ) For more stories, visit www.expressnews.co.za.

LEARNING A LESSON: Premier Ace Magashule (left) with Andile Sefadi in the classroom at the Bainsvlei Combined School in Bloemfontein last Wednesday.

Photo: Sidwell Guduka

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This gives you a chance to have local events in the paper. You can also send us newsworthy photos. Just send a message to 060-914-1180. Keep on following us, as we will have interesting topics to debate and will give you the chance to send birthday wishes to your loved ones.

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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 5

MOTORS

Cross Coupe GTE a head-turner from VW VOLKSWAGEN has introduced the Cross Coupe GTE concept ahead of its debut at the Detroit Motor Show.

Built on Volkswagen’s modular MQB platform, the Cross Coupe GTE stretches 484,6 cm long, 202,9 cm wide and 173,5 cm tall, dimensions that make it slightly bigger all around than the Audi Q5.

The concept takes the form of a five-seater crossover with a sharp, understated look that accurately previews the design language that will influence all of Volkswagen’s upcoming crossovers.

The Cross Coupe GTE’s front end is characterised by headlights that are seamlessly integrated into a full-width twin-slat radiator grille and a muscular-looking front bumper with three air ducts.

Pronounced wheel arches add a rugged touch to the overall look, while a thin strip of chrome trim that connects the trapezoidal tail lamps emphasises the crossover’s road presence.

With room for up to five passengers, the Cross Coupe GTE’s cockpit boasts brushed aluminum accents and a straightforward, function-overform dashboard that is dominated by a touch screen flanked by two sets of air vents.

The instrument cluster has been replaced by a configurable 31,2 cm screen, a technology already found on a number of Volkswagen products including the eighth-generation Passat that is sold in Europe and the third-generation Audi TT. Power for the Cross Coupe GTE comes from a plug-in hybrid drivetrain consisting

of a 276-horsepower 3,6 litre VR6 engine that works jointly with two electric motors linked to a lithium-ion battery pack.

Shifting through a six-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission, the three power sources generate a combined output of 355 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque.

The crossover offers five driving modes called E-Mode, Hybrid, GTE, Off-road and Battery Hold/Battery Charge, respectively.

In E-Mode, the VR6 shuts down and the crossover is driven by the bigger of the two electric motors.

In Hybrid mode, the three power sources work together to return the highest possible fuel mileage. GTE mode lets the driver tap into the hybrid system’s maximum power output and enhances the driving experience by modifying the throttle response, the transmission’s shift points and the steering rack’s stiffness.

In Off-road mode,the front electric motor works as a generator that sends electricity to the rear motor, increasing the crossover’s off-terrain prowess via what Volkswagen calls an electric driveshaft.

Finally, Battery Hold/Battery Charge lets the driver top up the battery on the go and saves its charge for a later time. Volkswagen has confirmed that it will start production of its long-awaited seven-seater crossover late next year in its Chattanooga, Tennessee, plant.

A smaller five-seater model inspired by the Cross Coupe GTE will likely arrive shortly after.

– www.digitaltrends.com.

The crossover offers five driving modes called E­Mode, Hybrid, GTE, Off­ road and Battery Hold/Bat­ tery Charge, respectively.

MOTORS

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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015

NEWS

Members look out for each other } Tladi Moloi BETHLEHEM. – The members of the Itekeng Social Group from Bohlokong near Bethlehem recently gathered for a year-end party. Itekeng (stokvel) consists of 12 members.

According to Puseletso Mokoena, one of the founder members, Itekeng was launched in 2007 with the aim of saving money.

“We were a group of 18 when we started.

Unfortunately, four of the 18 members died while the other two left because of financial problems,” she said.

Mokoena said they had decided to contribute money to give to the two members of the group every month.

“Each member is contributing as per agreement, and then we give that money to the two members.

“The rule is after you have given the money, the person should come back to the next meeting with proof of what was bought,” she said.

She said she was impressed with the way things were going in the stokvel and added that being together for that period had promoted unity among the members.

“We are from different families, but looking at us you would think that we are indeed family.

“We share our problems and help each other. The secret of the group is we have old people who are honest in everything and they are willing to guide us,” she said.

MEMBERS of the Itekeng Social Group from Bohlokong near Bethlehem recently gathered for a year-end party.

Photo: Supplied

Taste of success THE 2014 gr. 12 class of the Rekgotsofetse Secondary School from Fateng tse Ntsho near Paul Roux recently enjoyed a braai after they had received a 85% result in the matric exams.

Mkgobe Lekgoaba, the de-puty principal of the Sekoko Primary School, hosted the party for the learners. Apparently, he had promised to slaughter a sheep for them if they could achieve a 100% pass and that promise was fulfilled last year before the final examination. He did something for them to thank them for their hard work.

Take united stand against attacks REV. THEUNIS BOTHA, Christian Democratic Party (CDP): THE Christian Democratic Party (CDP) welcomes the thwarting of two farm attacks on Sunday, in which a total of ten alleged attackers were apprehended.

In the first case, at Cullinan, the four attackers were apprehended before they could reach the farmer and his family.

In the second, at Bothaville, the farm attack took place, but thankfully without loss of life, as a result of excellent cooperation between farmers and the police, with all six attackers being apprehended.

We urge politicians of all parties to take a united stand and send out a clear message that farm attacks will not be tolerated.

In the Bothaville case, all six alleged attackers were Zimbabweans. Our farmers are definitely not fair game for foreign farm attack safaris.

HUNDREDS of enthusiastic first-year students at the University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus during the launch of the Orientation Week that ends on Sunday. They will learn about matters relating to academics, support services provided by the university such as financial aid, sporting activities, residence life, health and counselling services. Hosiah Nkoana, deputy director: residence and student affairs, is seen here addressing them.

Photo: Supplied

EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 7

NEWS

Warriors and Maluti go head to head } Tladi Moloi QWAQWA. – Morena Ramorebudi, the African Warriors head coach, has been drawn to face his former employer, Maluti FET College, in the last 32 of the 2015 Nedbank Cup Competition.

This also presents a chance for Ramorebudi to lock horns with his good friend, Fourteen Monnanyane, who is a caretaker coach at Maluti.

The two have been working together as head coach and assistant at Maluti until Ramorebudi jumped ship to go and fill the coaching post at Warriors.

It is an open secret that the two teams have been struggling in the National First Division (NFD) league, but it is also a given that one of the two teams will have a chance to represent Qwaqwa in the last 16 of the cup competition.

Warriors knocked out Maluti in the last 32 of the cup a season before last, winning by 4-2 after a 2-2 draw.

This time Maluti will be hoping for revenge while Ramorebudi will not like to lose to his former team.

The date and venue for this cup derby is yet to be confirmed.

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Soccer League (PSL), officially drew the battle lines on Thursday night – a first step towards determining who will be crowned champions of the 2014 - 2015 Nedbank Cup. At stake is the grand prize of R7 million.

Fans will remember how a packed Moses Mabhida stadium staged the grand finale

when Orlando Pirates lifted the coveted Nedbank Cup trophy after beating a resilient Bidvest Wits 3 Z 1 in 2014.

Thulani Sibeko, group executive for marketing, communications and corporate affairs at Nedbank, is excited about the fixtures.

“As a bank for all, we are thrilled by the prospect of using the Nedbank Cup once again to connect with South Africa, as we demonstrate how we continue to enable customers, current and future soccer stars, as well as their communities, to make their goals happen.”

The full Nedbank Cup Last 32 fixtures read as follows: Bellvue Winners Park vs Vasco Da Gama Bidvest Wits vs Free State Stars AmaZulu vs Golden Arrows Mpumalanga Black Aces vs Maritzburg United Orlando Pirates vs Tornado FC University of Pretoria vs Moroka Swallows Mamelodi Sundowns vs Thanda Royal Zulu SuperSport United vs Polokwane City African Warriors vs Maluti FET College Black Leopards vs FC Cape Town Bloemfontein Celtic vs North West Shining Stars/Roses United Chippa United vs Natal United Phiva Young Stars vs Jomo Cosmos Kaizer Chiefs vs African All Stars/Edu Sports FC Platinum Stars vs The Magic FC Mainstay United vs Ajax Cape Town

Nominate sports stars now 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, in your community or at your gym?

Express Eastern Free State (EFS) wants to hear from you.

SuperSport’s Let’s Play identified the need among the youth to get more active in sport.

With this in mind, SuperSport and Let’s Play, in association with Express EFS, annually present a special initiative.

We want to find and give recognition to learners at either primary or high school level who excel in sport or who are helping others to be more active.

The SuperSport’s 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 any teacher, lecturer or coach at your school or place of education.

The winner is chosen from all the nominations received for that month.

The monthly winner will receive a Let’s Play hamper filled with goodies.

From all the entries received each month, one player will be chosen as the SuperSport Let’s Play Sports Star of the Month.

At the end of the year, one player 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 and a short paragraph (less than 200 words) on what you have achieved and your contact details.

You can email your nomination to supersport@zpr.co.za or send a fax to 086-552-4922.

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The successful applicant should meet the following minimum requirements: - Senior Certificate (Grade 12) - Computer and typing skills (Ms Word , Excel, etc.)

- Telephone skills - Basic office administration Proficiency in English would be an added advantage Interested persons meeting the above requirements are requested to email a detailed CV to: hr@mna-sa.co.za or post to Makhaotse, Narasimulu and Associates. PO BOX 28580, Haymarket, Pietermaritzburg 3200.

Closing date: 6 February 2015.

Applicants who have not been contacted within one month from the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.

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Young striker excels BETHLEHEM. – Free State Stars have promoted teenage striker Mbuyiselo Thethani to the firstteam squad.

The 18-year-old, who hails from Ventersburg, impressed in the club’s development team in the third-tier ABC Motsepe League.

“I am very excited to be part of the senior team.

“I was not anticipating to graduate so soon, but it’s an indication that hard work pays off,” Thethani told Stars’ official website.

He added: “I have to admit that it will not be easy breaking into the first 11, competing with experienced players like Richard Henyekane and company, but I believe in my ability and I will make life difficult, as I will also be pushing for a place in the starting 11.”

– KickOff.com

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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015

However, after the play­offs things turned sour for those who had fought with the team throughout the season, as they had to be dropped.

EASTERN FREE STATE

For more sports news and photos go to www.express-news.co.za

WHERE ARE THEY? The Free State Development Academy team that won the Safa Thabo Mofutsanyana SAB League and went on to claim national victory.

Photo: Tladi Moloi

Winning team scattered } Tladi Moloi

BETHLEHEM. – The Free State Stars Development Academy playing in the South African Football Association (Safa) ABC Motsepe League, has started the league in fine form.

Now under the mentorship of David Vilakazi, the development team of the Absa Premier League campaigners, Free State Stars, are in sixth position on the log table with 15 points in ten league games. They are 13 points away from the league leaders, FC Hunters.

The team was promoted to the ABC Motsepe League after they had been crowned the SAB national champions, winning the promotional play-offs which were staged in Virginia near Welkom last year.

At that time Themba Sithole and Edwin “Da Great” Mofokeng were in charge of the team.

Sithole returned to work with Kinnah Phiri in the senior team after the booting of Tom Saintfiet, who was the head coach of the team.

The combination worked well and saw the team winning the SAB League promotional playoffs.

However, after the play-offs things turned sour for those who had fought with the team throughout the season, as they had to be dropped.

Apparently, Sithole was not happy with the work rate of some of the players, which resulted in him going out of the province to search for new talent.

Truth be told, he has a special eye for identifying talent, like he did with the likes of Luyolo Nomandela, Thabo Matla and Edward Manqele, just to mention a few.

Only four members of the team that won the league survived the

axing, while others were dropped to the lower team, which is playing in the Safa Dihlabeng Mayoral League.

Lebusetsa Miya, Lehlohonolo Tshabalala, Moqebelo Tshabalala and Cosmas Mzizi are four of the 18 players who are still with the team.

Express Eastern Free State found out where the boys with the gold medals are.

Kgotso “Mzeke” Mofokeng was part of the Free State SAB u.21 squad that won the national championship last year and he caught the eye of many teams.

He was initially earmarked by big spenders Mamelodi Sundowns for their development team. He was later snatched by Amazulu where he is currently playing for their development outfit.

Moeketsi (Max) Mosia, a veteran player who served the team with loyalty, has hung up his boots after he was not called

to be part of the ABC Motsepe squad.

He said he could have still fought for his position in the team, but he could not join them for training sessions, because he knocked off late at work.

Seobi Tsatsi is one of the veterans who were rock solid in the last line of defence. However, he could not sacrifice his job for football. He is now working and has no time to train with the team.

The former Carara Kicks striker Mamello “Slender” Mokoena could not wait long in the team to be coached by Sithole. He requested his papers immediately after the team had lifted the cup. It is alleged that he was not on good terms with Sithole following their squabble over a salary agreement back in the day at Kicks which saw him being relegated from the team after a while. He is now at home

searching for a team.

Teboho Sibeko, a player with an educated left foot, has joined the Super Eagles in the ABC Motsepe League after he went out of favour. He went back to his team as he was playing for the Eagles development outfit.

Nani Mgomezulu, Mahlomola Motloung, Lehlohonolo Tseki, Monaheng Mokoena and Dion Mokoena have found a new home in the Baken Park-based outfit Karolo FC which is campaigning in the Dihlabeng Mayoral League, and they are enjoying their football.

Tiisetso Hlaole, Mosebetsi Mokoena and Ntokozo Zondi are playing in the third team which is playing in the Dihlabeng Mayoral League.

Tankiso Mohlakoane and Tshepiso Masoeu passed their matric in 2014. They have decided to further their studies and to not play football for a while.

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