Monthly Archives: June 2012

Zuma son’s assets seized

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President Jacob Zuma’s son Edward has had his car and furniture attached for unpaid debt, according to media reports on Sunday.

The sheriff in Durban seized his BMW X5 on Friday and removed sofas, a fridge, entertainment system, camp chairs and bar stools on Friday, the Sunday Times reported.

Zuma’s lawyer, Siphiwe Mncango, negotiated with the sheriff for the assets to be returned.

He told the weekly that arrangements had been finalised to pay a R1.5 million bill to a wedding co-ordinating company.

“It was just a technicality… the assets that were seized will be returned,” he was quoted as saying.

According to the weekly, a truck later returned the goods.

Edward married Phumelele Shange in October last year. Their reception for 500 guests was held at the Tala Game Reserve near Camperdown, The Star reported earlier this month. – Sapa

 

South American ‘El-Classico’ for 8-Nation International tournament

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BY Obakeng Maje

Sunday’s (3 June) 8-Nation International Tournament Final at the Cape Town Stadium sees a renewal of old rivalries between Brazil and Argentina.

The match kicks off at 16H30.

Brazil had Pele. Argentina had Maradona.

Romario, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka and Neymar continued the Brazilian legacy.

Likewise Caniggia, Batistuta, Crespo, Agüero and Messi for the Spanish speaking nation.
There has never been much separating these two giants of the beautiful game, who once again go head to head.

The two South American countries have dominated youth international football for many years: Argentina have won the FIFA Under-20 World Cup seven times, Brazil have lifted the same trophy five times.

In the group stages, Brazil beat Japan 4-1, Kenya 4-0 and Cameroon 1-0, before triumphing over Amajita 4-3 in a thrilling semi-final.
They were taken all the way to penalties by South Africa before they were able to finally book their place in the final the match have ended 2-2 after 120 minutes.

Brazil coach Ney Franco admits it was a relief to see his team edging out the hosts to earn their place in the final against old foes.

“The game was equal, a wonderful and beautiful game. We expected a tough game. They are very strong at the back line. Very strong on the counter, we knew they would come at us strong.

“I’m very happy to be in the final, especially after such a tough game against South Africa. Now we look forward to the South American classic, another difficult game on Sunday.”

Key players for Brazil are likely to include their number seven, Misael Bueno, through which most of their creative play rotates.

Strikers Adelmison Bispo Jr and Bruno Mendes have both been amongst the goals, while centre back Wellington dos Santos is cool, calm and collected in defence and also a threat at set pieces.

Argentina coach Marcelo Trobbiani, like his South American counterpart Franco, also saw his team having to dig deep to earn a spot in the final.

“It was a very hard match against Japan, and it was a good triumph for us. Brazil has the composure, the touches on the ball. They are a very potent team on the ball with a lot of quality,” said Trobbiani.

Prior to defeating Japan, Argentina secured wins over South Africa (3-1), Nigeria (1-0) and drew 0-0 with Ghana.

Alan Ruiz has been their standout performer, dictating play from the centre of the park. Franco Fragapane has been their most potent player in attack. At the back, the inspiration and leadership come from captain Lisandro Magallan, who is excited at the way the team has progressed as the tournament has unfolded.

“I’m looking forward to an exciting final, I’m sure it will be a very tough and even game as it always is. The team is feeling very good ahead of the final. We’re very happy because we are a new group of players that has just been formed, and we are happy with the way we have gelled. We’re going to go out there and play our game and do our best,” said Magallan.

Prior to the final will be the third and fourth place play-off, which sees South Africa taking on a very talented Japan side.

This match kicks off at 14H00, also at the Cape Town Stadium.

 

Bafana Bafana complete preparations ahead of WC qualifier against Ethiopia

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BY Obakeng Maje

Bafana Bafana have completed preparations of their 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil qualifier where they will face Ethiopia.

The match will be played on Sunday, 3 June 2012 at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Phokeng near Rustenburg.

Bafana Bafana has been in camp since Monday, 21 May.

“We have prepared well. The team is ready, we did what we could with the time we had, and hopefully everything falls into place on Sunday. It’s a big game for us and a very important one. We have to give the country confidence by getting a win,” said Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane.

“It is important to finish top of the group so we can get to the next round. What is key is how you finish, but at the same time you don’t want to create stress for yourself, your team and the country so you have to start well, by winning your home games.”

Mosimane is aware that South Africa has not won a match in a long time (August 2011, Burkina Faso – Ellis Park), and will take a win in any form.

“We have a multidimensional and a balanced strikeforce which I think will deliver on the day, I am positive they will score. But then again, for me the score line does not matter, personally I need a win – it doesn’t matter whether we play well or not we need the three points. South Africa deserves a win, and we desperately need a win,” said Mosimane.

South Africa will be boosted by the proud record of winning six of their seven previous matches in the North West province, losing only to Spain (3-2) in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Bafana Bafana has triumphed over Mauritius, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Norway, New Zealand and Kenya.

Several players in the current squad have scored when Bafana Bafana played in the province – Siyabonga Nomvethe (Mauritius in 2000); Teko Modise (Cameroon in 2008); Siphiwe Tshabalala (Norway in 2009); Katlego Mphela (Spain in 2009) and Steven Pienaar (Kenya in 2011).

Bafana’s matches in Rustenburg:

29/04/00 COSAFA  v Mauritius  3-0 (Mayo 13′ pen, Sapula 69′, Nomvethe 78′)

27/01/01 WCQ  v Burkina Faso  1-0  (Bartlett 17′)

19/11/08 FRIENDLY v Cameroon  3-2  (Modise 6′, 23′, Parker 82′)

28/03/09 FRIENDLY v Norway  2-1  (Parker 7, Tshabalala 89′)

17/06/09 CONFED v New Zealand  2-0  (Parker 21′, 52′)

28/06/09 CONFED v Spain   2-3  (Mphela 73′, 89′)

09/02/11 FRIENLDY v Kenya  2-0  (Somma 2′, Pienaar 44′)

 

Bafana Bafana meet Banyana Banyana

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BY Obakeng Maje

 

South African football fans are in for a treat when Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana share the stage at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Phokeng near Rustenburg on Sunday, 3 June 2012.

Bafana Bafana take on Ethiopia in a 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil qualifier at 15h00 while the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana face Nigeria in an international friendly match starting at 19h00.

The two South African sides met on Saturday (2 June) morning at Bafana Bafana’s last training session at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace to wish each other luck. They also posed for pictures.

“We can only wish our ladies team the best of luck against Nigeria as this is part of their preparations for the Olympics. They have done us proud by qualifying for the Games, and we know they won’t disappoint. We are happy that they also came to see us to wish us luck as we embark on the road to Brazil,” said Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane.

“This is the first time that we will be playing in one venue on the same day, and I hope the fans will come in numbers to see Banyana Banyana and Bafana Bafana in action. We also want to take this opportunity to wish the boys all the best in their quest to qualify for the next world cup tournament. We know they will make us proud,” said Banyana Banyana head coach Joseph Mkhonza.

TWO CHARGED FOR FRAUDING THE LIQUOR BOARD

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BY Obakeng Maje

Zeerust :  Two suspects are arrested and charged with fraud on Thursday 31 May 2012.  It is alleged that the two Penny Ndona (44) and Petrus Molatlhegi (47) issued a fake handwritten liquor licence to a 41-year-old of Sandton Liquor Tavern, in Braaklagte. 

 

The hand written licence was discovered during the station operation on the 18 May 2012 and the matter was referred to Liquor Board for clarity. 

 

It was alleged that according to the records the licence number that was issued to Sandton Liquor Tavern, belongs to Barcellos Restaurant in Rustenburg.

 

 “The licence was issued without South African Police Station  inspection and recommendation. Ndona is an employee at Liquor Board in Mafikeng, she is the one who issued cash receipt of R200-00 for fake licence and Molatlhegi is a consultant at Liquor Board” Sergant Moiloa said. 

 

The two appeared before Lehurutshe Magistrate Court on 31 May 2012 charged with fraud, and were granted R1000-00 bail each. 

They will appear again before Lehurutshe Magistrate Court on  2July 2012.

SERIAL RAPIST AND MURDERER RECEIVES SIX LIFE SENTENCES IN RUSTENBURG HIGH COURT

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BY Obakeng Maje

The hefty sentences handed down by Judge Gura in  Rustenburg High Court on Thursday 31 May 2012 was widely welcomed by family, Police investigators, as well as the community at large.

  Many people attended the trial of the accused, 27-year old Reuben Tshepo Modise from Mabalstad, near Mabeeskraal. 

 

“The accused was on trial for the murder, robbery and rape of an elderly grandmother, the 55-year old  Mpho Caroline Mosheshe, who died on 11 September 2010 after she was strangled in front of her 6-year old grandson” Brigadier Ngubane said. 

The brave little boy ran away after his grandmother was murdered and hid in the bushes. 

“The toddler was later found and brought to safety.  After the arrest of the accused, and during an identification parade, the little boy, bravely and without hesitation, pointed out the murderer of his grandmother” Ngubane said.  

 

The accused was also found guilty of raping  four women and rob them of cell phones, handbags and clothing items in and around Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg. 

 

The accused would lure his innocent victims to a bushy and isolated area between the Rustenburg graveyard and the Olympia Park Stadium, pretending that he was going to employee them to sell cheap jewellery for him. All the victims were assaulted before being raped.  

 

His evil deeds commenced during February 2010 and continued until  12October 2010, ranging over a period of nine months.  On 13of October 2010, with the assistance from the community, the accused was arrested. 

 

It was heartbreaking to hear the testimony of some of the rape victims in court, reflecting on how the rapes, robberies and assaults have changed their lives forever. 

 

In handing down of the sentence, the Honourable Judge Gura remarked that the accused had to be removed from the community forever. 

The Rustenburg Cluster Commander, Maj Genl Patrick Asaneng has congratulated the Rustenburg Detectives, under the skilful guidance of Captain Anton van der Merwe, for a job well done. 

 

The investigating officer, W/Off Godfrey Mogari put in a lot of effort to ensure the arrest of the serial rapist. 

He is commended for his diligence and for the highly professional investigation, ensuring that this cruel offender is brought to book. 

 

Argentina edge past Japan into the final at the 8-Nation International tournament

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BY Obakeng Maje

Argentina was made to work hard for their place in the semi-finals of the 8-Nation International Tournament, advancing with a 1-0 win over Japan at Athlone on Friday (1 June) night.

Japan were the better side for the first half, but failed to make use of their chances, while Argentina only really found their stride in the final 35 minutes.

Japan made a positive impression during the opening 20 minutes – their quick pass-and-move football keeping the Argentina side working hard to limit the threat on their goal, which for the most part they did.

Bafana Bafana’s confidence boosted by moving up four places on the FIFA rankings

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BY Obakeng Maje

Bafana Bafana was counted among the best movers with a rise of four places from 71 to 67 on the latest Coca Cola FIFA World Rankings released on Friday, 01 June 2012.

South Africa is placed 14th on the continent.

The move should come as a morale booster ahead of South Africa’s 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil qualifier against Ethiopia that will take place on Sunday, 3 June at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Phokeng near Rustenburg.

Kickoff is at 15h00.

Bafana Bafana will share the venue with their female counterparts, Banyana Banyana, who will be hosting Nigeria in an international friendly match starting at 19h00, also on Sunday.

Both teams have been practicing in the Northwest Province – with Banyana Banyana’s eye on the Olympic Games to be held in London late next month, while Bafana Bafana are embarking on the road to Brazil in 2014.

“Everyone is anticipating a good game and a win from Bafana Bafana and we promise our supporters that we will go all the way and win the first game and get all three points,” said Khune.

“That is possible with the support of our fans. We know that in the past people have written us off saying we are not delivering as we were not scoring goals, but I think things will change come this Sunday. We haven’t tasted success in the last few games and that is why the nation has lost confidence in us, but I believe good days are coming back starting this Sunday. The more goals we score and win games the more it helps to bring back the crowds.”

But the Kaizer Chiefs captain has also cautioned that it won’t be an easy match despite the visitors being ranked 138th.

“The teams that we think are small are the ones that catch us by surprise because we go into the match thinking we are going to win. So we don’t have to underestimate any opponent because more often than not, small teams are highly motivated to play against the big teams and they will want to prove a point but we are up to the challenge,” added Khune.

Striker Eleazar Rodgers hasn’t been in the national team since 2008 after he played two games against Malawi. He made his debut a year earlier against the same Malawi.

“It’s an honour to be here, and it’s a good feeling because everybody wants to represent their national team. It’s a great opportunity that I got and will use it wisely if I get the opportunity to play. Opportunity is there to be taken, and sometimes we get an opportunity but take it for granted and it never comes back, so I have been lucky to get it the second time around,” said Rodgers.

The Santos marksman only joined the Bafana Bafana camp after the postponement of the National First Division play-offs which his club was involved in.

“Everything happens for a reason, things worked out the way they have and I believe God has put me here for a reason and I will just make the best of it,” he said.

Bafana Bafana will hold their last training session on Saturday (2 June) morning at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace.

Ethiopia, who arrived in South Africa on Friday afternoon, will complete their preparations at the match venue on Saturday evening.

SA U20 bow out of 8-Nation International tournament

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BY Obakeng Maje

The Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Friday, 01 June 2012 was witness to a thrilling 8-Nation International Tournament semi-final which saw Brazil inching out South Africa 4-3 on penalties after the match had ended 2-2 after extra time.

Amajita, spurred on by a lively and sizable home crowd, took the game to their more illustrious opponents in the opening 20 minutes.

The South Africans played some incisive, exciting football, at times mesmerising their opponents with the skill and pace of their attacks.

Snethemba Ngidi, Thabanbi Mthembu and Cebo Meyiwa were particularly prominent for the host nation in a storming opening, during which time their best chance saw Junior Sibande volleying a corner kick straight at the Brazil keeper.

So it was certainly against the run of play that Brazil were to score the opener in the 26th minute, the goal being netted from a low first time shot by Misael Bueno, following a pin point cross from Bruno Mendes.

Character was needed by Amajita, and the players obliged.

The equaliser was a well worked move, ending with Mthembu taking the ball on the edge of the box, running across a defender and lashing a 16-yard shot past Matheus de Oliveria; 1-1 on the half hour mark.

But, parity was only to last for 10 minutes when Amajita gifted Brazil a goal as Gershi Kock fumbled a routine shot, before he and defender Sibande became entangled and ended up combining to put the ball in his own net.

To Kock’s credit he had twice earlier done really well to rush off his line and intercept moves that had seen Brazil bearing down on goal.

After the restart Amajita were able to reassert themselves as they again found their rhythm.

In the 54th minute Mthembu broke clear of the Brazil defence, but succeeded only in dragging the ball across the goal, not missing by much.

Three minutes later Ngidi was also close when he curled a left-footed shot onto the roof of the net.

The hosts then lost their momentum somewhat and had to apply some last ditch defending to keep out a goal-mouth scramble 10 minutes from time.

But they soon regrouped before again starting to threaten the visitors’ goal.

And the reward for their persistence came, when, with eight minutes of regulation time left, Sibande whipped in a dangerous ball at the near post, which saw Mthembu doing superbly to head into goal from an awkward angle.

Closing minutes saw all the action taking place in the Brazil box as South Africa surged forward powerfully for a winner, but they could not find a way past a desperate Brazil defence, taking the match to extra time.

Amajita had the first chance of extra time when Maselaelo Seango hit a beautiful 35-yard shot which was bound for the top corner until de Oliveira made a superb diving save.

Seun Ledwaba then brought out another great save from de Oliveira with a shot from the edge of the box.

There was a chance apiece in the second half of extra time as Mthembu just failed to get a decisive touch on Ledwaba’s cross, while at the other end Jean Deretti was inches wide with a grass-cutter.

The game went to penalties and each team missed a spot kick, before Daylon Appolis was unlucky enough to see his penalty hit the upright.

Banyana Banyana ready for Nigeria

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BY Obakeng Maje

The South African Senior Women’s National Team (Banyana Banyana) has completed preparations for the friendly international match against Nigeria to be played at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Sunday, 3 June 2012.

Kick-off time is at 19h00.
 
The friendly encounter will be preceded by the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil qualifier between Bafana Bafana and Ethiopia which kicks off at 15h00.
 
Following two successive victories over Tanzania (4-1) in a friendly encounter and Zambia in the African Women’s Championship qualifier (3-1), the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana believe the friendly against the African champions will give them some challenge and more experience as they prepare for the London Olympic Games to begin next month.

Banyana Banyana’s last encounter against the African giants was during the 2010 edition of the African Women’s Championship that took place in South Africa.
 
Banyana Banyana captain, Amanda Dlamini believes the upcoming match will be a good test for the team as they prepare for the Olympics.

“We are expecting a tough encounter against Nigeria but we will be going into this friendly match brimming with confidence but that shouldn’t make us complacent as this is a different game altogether. The games we won have given us a boost and we should now go into this encounter ready mentally, focused and determined to do our best against them,” said Dlamini.

“We are expecting a competitive game. We look to apply all we have learnt during our training sessions to ensure we overcome the Nigerians.”

South Africa’s head coach Joseph Mkhonza believes the encounter against Nigeria is the kind of test they need as they prepare for the Olympics.

 “Playing Nigeria will be a real test of character for the players as we also look to be number one in Africa.   It’s not going to be an easy encounter but we hope to produce positive results. Our plan is to get our heads into the game from the beginning of the match and work on what we have learnt from the past two matches. It is important that we win this match as it forms a part of preparations for London,” said Mkhonza.