Daily Archives: May 15, 2012

Yeye to miss last match

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BY Tiyani Mabasa

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane will miss the club’s last match of the season against AmaZulu on Saturday at the FNB Stadium. 

Yeye has just returned from a long lay-off owing to a knee injury and he suffered another setback when he was cautioned against in Chiefs’ 2-1 win over Free State Stars over the weekend.

Letsholonyane received two yellow cards earlier in the season and his booking against Stars was his third of the campaign, which culminated in the suspension.

Also sitting out the clash against AmaZulu is Tefu Mashamaite, who will also be serving a one-match suspension.

However, Chiefs will welcome back Lucky Baloyi who missed the trip to the Free State also due to suspension.

Sundowns could dump 10 players

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BY Lovemore Moyo

Mamelodi Sundowns will reshuffle their squad again, with up to 10 players to leave or be loaned out – including all three foreigners not in the first team. 

Sundowns are keen to offload many of the reserve team players with first-team contracts.  
  
Word is that Nigerian midfielder Solomon Okpako, who has battled for regular game-time since joining at the beginning of the season, will be part of that list.
  
Also due to leave though on loan is Zimbabwean striker Simba Sithole who has battled to break through into the team despite being registered as one of the club’s five foreigners this season.
  
Fellow Zimbabwean Lionel Mutizwa, whose injury at the beginning of the season led to him not being registered, will also be let go, although there have to be negotiations about his contract, which is still running.
The duo of Tshepo Ramokala and Lucky Nguzana will definitely leave at the end of the season.

 
The club is also considering letting go of Innocent Mdledle, while the interest in out-of-favour defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele might tempt the club to let him go.
 
Mphahlele has attracted the attention of Platinum Stars, SuperSport United and Bloemfontein Celtic.
  
Further word from within the club is that one “big name player” could be let go if the club finds a way of selling him, as he is no longer giving his best for the club.
  
The player in question has not made as much of a contribution as was expected this season, with his body language reportedly “no longer being that of a hungry player”. 

Lovemore Moyo

History beckons for Klate

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By Rodney Reiners

iol spt may15 Daine2

Daine Klate must, somehow or other, be related to Lady Luck.

How else does one explain the remarkable feat the Orlando Pirates winger is on the cusp of achieving, if the Soweto side win the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title on Saturday.

If Pirates do take the championship for the second successive season, it would mean that Klate will become the very first footballer to win a title in the SA top-flight five times in succession. Before Pirates, he was in the SuperSport United squad that won the title for three successive seasons.

In addition, if Klate gets his fifth league winners’ medal, he will join an illustrious band of players who have already done so, which includes Ace Ntsoelengoe, Andre Arendse and David Kannemeyer (this trio, however, did not win their titles consecutively as Klate has done).

It’s a two-horse race going into the final day, with log leaders and defending champions Pirates on 55 points and second-placed Moroka Swallows on 53, with one game to play.

Both title-challengers are away from home on Saturday – the Buccaneers taking on Golden Arrows in Durban and Swallows facing Maritzburg United in Maritzburg.

“Five winners’ medals would be great,” Klate said on Pirates’ website. “I am an ambitious individual and I want to win all the time.

“Over and above the objectives I would like to achieve as an individual, the team goal is the main target as this is a team sport.”

But if the 27-year-old Port Elizabeth-born footballer is to achieve this personal slice of history, his Pirates team first has to negotiate a tough fixture against Arrows.

Arrows coach Muhsin Ertugral is adamant that his men will not just lie down and play dead.

They are determined to make the Buccaneers earn the title.

The Durban team was thrashed 4-1 by Ajax Cape Town over the weekend, but Ertugral wasn’t too concerned about it.

“Don’t worry about that result and performance,” said Ertugral. “We rested many of our regular players, like Collins Mbesuma, Clifford Ngobeni and Elrio van Heerden, for the match against Ajax. These top players will all be back for Pirates. We won’t be giving the title to them, that’s for sure.”

Meanwhile, Ajax are still in with a chance of snatching a place in the top eight of the PSL standings.

Currently ninth on the log (40 points), the Cape side is in a tight race with Bloemfontein Celtic (7th, 41 points) and AmaZulu (8th, 40 points).

The good news for Ajax, ahead of their last fixture against Black Leopards in Polokwane on Saturday, is that they come off that fantastic 4-1 victory over Arrows.

In that match over the weekend, coach Maarten Stekelenburg gave a first start to the emerging Toriq Losper, and the young midfielder turned in a competent, mature performance.

He was composed throughout, kept shape well, and hardly gave the ball away. He certainly looks a decent prospect for the future.

Celtic’s last match is against SuperSport United, while AmaZulu face Kaizer Chiefs.

This week’s PSL fixtures

Tomorrow: Cosmos v Black Leopards

Saturday (all at 3pm): Kaizer Chiefs v AmaZulu; Mamelodi Sundowns v Free State Stars; Santos v Jomo Cosmos (Athlone Stadium); Black Leopards v Ajax Cape Town; Golden Arrows v Orlando Pirates; Platinum Stars v Bidvest Wits; Bloemfontein Celtic v SuperSport United; Maritzburg United v Moroka Swallows

Kenny Kunene ‘devastated’ about divorce

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IOL Pic ss kenny kunene2

By Marvin Adams

Millionaire businessman Kenny Kunene and his wife Mathato are divorcing.

The ex-convict playboy, who’s known for eating sushi off half-naked models, told a local newspaper that they have decided to split after realising that “they have different visions in life”.

Kunene broke the news on his own reality show So What? on e.tv.

The ZAR nightclub owner has denied rumours that started last year that his alleged affair with a young radio presenter is to blame for their separation.

And Kenny expressed sadness that his 16-year marriage has come to an end.

“I was so devastated when Mathato first told me her reasons she wanted a divorce,” he explains.

“I went for two weeks without even shaving my head and beard. But I accepted it, mainly because I knew she wasn’t divorcing me because she doesn’t love me any more.

“We are just at different places in life.”

Meanwhile, Kenny denies rumours that he’s run out of money.

“Just because we closed down ZAR, it doesn’t mean that money has run out. Right now I’m wearing a R15 000 pair of jeans and an R8 000 Gucci shirt,” he insists.

 

“I still travel on a private jet, as people can see on my show. I still drive my cars and I stay at my penthouse in Sandton.

“I finance my reality show and I bet it’s the most expensive local production and I don’t even get paid for that or get any revenue from it.” – Daily Voice

It’s him, young rape victim tells court!!!

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stephen isaacs rape trial

By Shellee Geduld

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A 10-year-old rape survivor burst into tears when she told the Western Cape High Court about the night her life changed.

Clutching her teddy bear, the child testified via a video link-up and did not have to face the suspect.

She spoke softly as she recounted the horrific rape and assault that left her paralysed in her right arm as well as both her legs.

Doctors have told the court that while she can understand perfectly well, she cannot speak properly and will always have problems when trying to talk.

The young girl cried as she recounted the horrific details.

Wearing a pink bow in her hair and a pink tracksuit, the little girl leaned back into the arms of a court assistant – Ivan Marco – assigned to help her tell her story.

The girl, who was nine years old at the time of the brutal attack, told the court on Monday that Stephen “Foxy” Isaacs had dragged her into bushes near her Darling home after promising to buy her sweets.

Isaacs has pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping, rape, assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm and attempted murder for the attack on the evening of October 23, 2010.

With tears streaming down her cheeks, the girl told trial Judge Lee Bozalek that she had been looking for her mother when she met Isaacs.

She said he took her hand and told her he was going to buy her sweets. But instead of going to the shop, she said Isaacs took her to a place she didn’t know.

She said he began dragging her into nearby bushes and she fell and scratched her face as she tried to escape.

The girl began sobbing when she was asked to tell the court about what happened in the bush.

 

She calmed down after a few minutes and told the court that Isaacs then undressed her.

Turning away from the camera and staring at the wall, the young child said: “Hy (Isaacs) sê vir my ek moet sy penis lek.(He told me to lick his penis)”

She said when she refused, he began to smack her and then choked her.

Using her left hand she demonstrated how Isaacs put his hands on her throat and strangled her.

She said Isaacs later laid on top of her with his jeans and underwear pulled down to his knees.

“Toe druk hy sy penis in my koekie in (He then shoved his penis in my vagina),” she said.

She said she “fell asleep” and when she woke up it was Saturday afternoon.

Her clothes were lying on the ground next to her and she put them on and went looking for help.

 

She said some boys found her and called her mom.

And when her mother arrived she told the court she lied, claiming a car had knocked her down. But when she got to the hospital, she told her mom: “Stephen het my verkrag (Stephen raped me).”

She told the court she had told her mother not to cry because: “Ek gaan weer reg kom (I will be okay again).”

When Isaacs’ lawyer Paul Bernard asked her if she was mistaken about the identity of the man who raped her, she burst out crying and said: “Is hy. (It’s him)”

Her story drew gasps from the public gallery that was filled with her family members there to support her.

And while people listening to her story struggled not to cry, the brave young girl reminded everyone that her life is not over as she giggled at Marco.

Her laughter filled the courtroom when Marco told her: “Ek is dom en ek het nie so lekker gehoor (I’m stupid en did not hear properly)” and asked her to repeat something she had whispered in his ear.

* This article was published in the Daily Voice

 

Cops form human chain at DA March

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Da march 2

By Carol Campbell and Devereaux Morkel

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The police formed a human chain by linking hands in front of Cosatu supporters to stop them from getting to DA marchers in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Democratic Alliance protesters taking part in the march earlier took off their blue shirts in fear of being targeted by Congress of SA Trade Unions supporters.

While marching down Jorissen Street in Braamfontein, they were met head-on by Cosatu supporters wearing red T-shirts.

Cosatu supporters intimidated the DA crowd and stopped them from proceeding to Cosatu House.

At least two people were injured when rocks were thrown. Paramedics could not make their way through the crowd so the injured were taken out on the DA’s truck.

Parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko told the crowd they were on the same side, fighting for economic freedom.

“I felt sad that South Africans, who fought for tolerance and freedom, couldn’t exercise those rights today,” she said.

Rocks and broken branches littered the road.

Earlier there was a loud bang, believed to be the police firing teargas at Cosatu supporters.

In a statement, the DA’s Kate Lorimer said there were not enough police and metro police officers present.

“The legal DA march has been met by an illegal gathering of violent Numsa and Cosatu members who are throwing bricks and stones at peaceful DA marchers,” Lorimer said.

“It seems though as if the cops were unprepared and it was only after the stone throwing that the SAPS finally sent in a police vehicle to block the Cosatu attack.”

Several hundred DA supporters earlier started their march at Beyers Naude Square in the city centre to protest against the union federation’s opposition to the youth wage subsidy.

DA leader Helen Zille, youth leader Makashule Gana, Mazibuko and national spokesman Mmusi Maimane led the protest. The planned route was along President, Rissik, Jeppe, Sauer, Burger, Jorissen, Melle, and Simmonds streets.

Meanwhile, Cosatu supporters in red T-shirts waited outside the federation’s offices.

“We are here to welcome the DA when they arrive,” Cosatu spokesman Patrick Craven said.

Earlier, police said the protesters could not end their march outside Cosatu House in Braamfontein. Instead it was agreed they would finish at least 50m away, on the lawns of the Joburg (formerly the Civic) Theatre.

The DA believes the youth wage subsidy will create at least 423,000 jobs for young, unemployed South Africans.- Sapa

Barker: We won’t just make numbers

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Steve Barker © Backpagepix

University of Pretoria coach, Steve Barker has indicated that they intend to make their stay in the Premier Division permanent.

 

Tuks were promoted to the elite league despite losing 3-2 to Black Aces yesterday. This was thanks to the fact that Blackburn Rovers, their closest rivals, also lost their game against Chippa United.

“We promise that we not going out there to make numbers. We going to work hard during the off season and make sure that we are competitors and add value to the league. Getting there is one thing but staying there is a different thing.”

The University of Pretoria became the third Tshwane based side in the Premiership Division. Barker could not contain his excitement following the achievement.

Tuks, as they are affectionately known, will play their last National First Division fixture at home to Thanda Royal Zulu next Sunday.

“Unfortunately we didn’t get the job done against Aces which could have been better. Celebrating after a loss is not always so ideal. We keeping our celebrations and big party for next week at home in front of our home fans. Hopefully we will be able to put in a better performance than we did today,” Barker said.

“Certainly, it’s been a relief for the whole club. We have worked very hard to get ourselves in the position that we are in. We understand that the hardwork starts in the PSL. It is not an easy league to play in but we looking forward to the challenge.”

Tuks have been consistent campaigners in the NFD in the past few seasons and deservedly so, it was in due time that they were promoted to the elite league.

Palacios: We must remain calm

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Augusto Palacios © Backpagepix

Augusto Palacios, the Orlando Pirates coach, has called for calm heads as they enter the most fragile part of the Absa Premiership defence this weekend.

Pirates will face Golden Arrows in an Absa Premiership decider at the majestic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. It’s a win-at-all costs for Pirates who are currently on pole. Swallows, the other contenders, are second with only two points separating them and the Sea Robbers.

Palacios said it was important for his players to be in a relaxed mode ahead of this crucial game in Durban.

“In order to relieve pressure we went to do aerobics, we went to the swimming pool, we played volleyball and we had a braai because I did not want the players to practice too much with the ball. I wanted the players to be hungry in the last 2 games and this week we will create other activities,” the Bucs coach said.

“Yes, there is pressure to win here because Pirates is a big team and we know we have to play for the team, the supporters, our families and then for ourselves.”

The star-studded Pirates staged a magnificent come-back against Bloemfontein Celtic this past weekend. Pirates were trailing Celtic 1-0 for the better part of the match, but it took an impressive two goals to change things around and keep their title hopes alive.

“It’s an honour to have this kind of players in my team, I have players who play for Bafana Bafana and one player from the Zambian national team (Chansa). “

“I am very happy with the character we showed, we know that we made an earlier mistake, we did not play the way we needed to play in the first half, but in the second half we pushed our midfield more forward and attacked more from the wings.”

“I must give credit to the players, it was not an easy game because Celtics were unbeaten for six games and they have a solid defence, but we knew the goal would come if we continued to pressure and it did arrive.”

“When the chairman visited us today in the hotel, he made it very clear that it is not about three points but six points.”

Palacios said the Arrows game will be tough this weekend.

“We go to another difficult away game and we need only a win, because if we draw we are out.”

“Our minds are very clear and that is: win the next game, after we win the next game, then we can be champions, but I cannot say we have we have won the league until then.”

 

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Palacios: We must remain calm

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Augusto Palacios © Backpagepix

Augusto Palacios, the Orlando Pirates coach, has called for calm heads as they enter the most fragile part of the Absa Premiership defence this weekend.

Pirates will face Golden Arrows in an Absa Premiership decider at the majestic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. It’s a win-at-all costs for Pirates who are currently on pole. Swallows, the other contenders, are second with only two points separating them and the Sea Robbers.

Palacios said it was important for his players to be in a relaxed mode ahead of this crucial game in Durban.

“In order to relieve pressure we went to do aerobics, we went to the swimming pool, we played volleyball and we had a braai because I did not want the players to practice too much with the ball. I wanted the players to be hungry in the last 2 games and this week we will create other activities,” the Bucs coach said.

“Yes, there is pressure to win here because Pirates is a big team and we know we have to play for the team, the supporters, our families and then for ourselves.”

The star-studded Pirates staged a magnificent come-back against Bloemfontein Celtic this past weekend. Pirates were trailing Celtic 1-0 for the better part of the match, but it took an impressive two goals to change things around and keep their title hopes alive.

“It’s an honour to have this kind of players in my team, I have players who play for Bafana Bafana and one player from the Zambian national team (Chansa). “

“I am very happy with the character we showed, we know that we made an earlier mistake, we did not play the way we needed to play in the first half, but in the second half we pushed our midfield more forward and attacked more from the wings.”

“I must give credit to the players, it was not an easy game because Celtics were unbeaten for six games and they have a solid defence, but we knew the goal would come if we continued to pressure and it did arrive.”

“When the chairman visited us today in the hotel, he made it very clear that it is not about three points but six points.”

Palacios said the Arrows game will be tough this weekend.

“We go to another difficult away game and we need only a win, because if we draw we are out.”

“Our minds are very clear and that is: win the next game, after we win the next game, then we can be champions, but I cannot say we have we have won the league until then.”

 

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Absa Premiership End of the season nominees announced

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Siyabonga Nomvethe © Backpagepix

The nominees for the 2011/2012 Absa Premiership Awards, in no particular order are:

Absa HOT Young Player

Lucky Baloyi – Kaizer Chiefs

Ronwen Williams – SuperSport United

Lehlohonolo Masalesa – Bidvest Wits

Absa Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season

Wayne Sandilands – Mamelodi Sundowns

Ronwen Williams – SuperSport United

Moeneeb Josephs – Orlando Pirates

Absa–lutely Awesome Goal

Clifford Mulenga – Golden Arrows vs Bloemfontein Celtic

David Mathebula – Moroka Swallows vs Orlando Pirates

Benni McCarthy – Orlando Pirates vs Maritzburg United

Absa Premiership Coach of the Season

Gavin Hunt – SuperSport United

Gordon Igesund – Moroka Swallows

Steve Khompela – Free State Stars

Absa Premiership Player of the Season

David Mathebula – Moroka Swallows

Siyabonga Sangweni – Orlando Pirates

Siyabonga Nomvethe – Moroka Swallows

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