By Obakeng Maje

Klerksdorp-A total of R755,700, 00 dagga was recovered by the Hawks( Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the North West.

They arrested  a Lesotho National, Charles Moneuoa,30 for being in a possession of dagga in Orkney on Wednesday North West police said. “He was arrested at his house in Orkney” Captain Pelonomi Makau said.

“The suspect is believed to be the mastermind in selling of dagga in the area” she said. 

The arrested came about after the police received a tip-off from member of the community.

“It is alleged that the premise is used as dagga storage area. On arrival at his house two suspects who were at the suspects house, fired shots at police then fled the area” she adds. 

No one was injured in the shootout. Six grain and three plastic bags containing dagga to value of R470,000.00 were recovered.

The suspect appeared before the Orkney Magistrate’s court on and was granted a bail of R500,00.

“He will appear again on 17 January for further investigation” Makau said.

On the same day The Hawks arrested Emily Mninkisane,30 for being in a possession of dagga to the value of  R285, 700.00 after a tipoff provincial spokesperson said. 

After the police searched the house, six grain bags of dagga were discovered. 

“The suspect appeared before the Stilfontein Magistrate Court on 11th of January and is still in custody for further investigations” Makau said. He will appear again before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s court soon. 

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By Obakeng Maje

The South African Football Association (SAFA) on Friday, 11 January 2013 met with its commercial affiliates at SAFA House to update them on various issues including the FIFA match fixing investigation and new opportunities in the broadcast and global sponsorship environment.

The sponsors were also briefed on the state of readiness of the AFCON 2013 Tournament that included an update on ticketing and activation opportunities around the Men’s Senior National Team, Bafana Bafana.

The meeting further engaged in discussions on enhancing support for Bafana Bafana’s effort to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

On the match fixing report, SAFA informed sponsors’ representatives from Absa, Puma, SAB, Tsogo Sun and Tiger Brands that the matter will not be swept under the carpet but that it was important for the nation to focus its attention on supporting Bafana Bafana and making sure that AFCON 2013 becomes a resounding success.

“The meeting was very inspiring. We can only learn from exchanging notes and I think this forum gave us an opportunity to streamline our plans and consolidate them into a common vision. I am glad that our partners have appreciated the transparency that the Association has demonstrated in dealing with this matter and it has created an enabling environment for further interaction,” said SAFA President Kirsten Nematandani.

This progressive interface with the sponsors comes against the backdrop of Bafana’s Bafana international friendly match against Algeria at Orlando Stadium on Saturday night, 12 January 2013 which is part of Coach Gordon Igesund’s final preparations for the forthcoming AFCON 2013 showpiece that kicks off next Saturday with a match between South Africa and Cape Verde.

By Obakeng Maje

Johannesburg-South Africa will be facing Algeria for the third time on Saturday, 12 January 2013 in coach Gordon Igesund’s last competitive match before the AFCON kicks off next Saturday at the National Stadium just outside Soweto.

The clash takes place at Orlando Stadium in Soweto and kicks off at 20h15.

Algeria comes to South Africa with a high reputation. They are ranked 19th on the FIFA World Rankings compared to Bafana Bafana’s lowly 87 position.

The two sides have met twice before in Africa Cup of Nations clashes, South Africa winning the first one 2-1 in the quarter-finals at Soccer City in 1996 – the year Bafana Bafana hosted the competition and lifted the trophy. In the year 2000 they played to a 1-1 draw in Ghana.

Bafana Bafana completed their preparations on Friday, 11 January at the match venue, and have a clean bill of health with all the players available for selection.

“This match is a good exercise for us because the Algerians are very good, and ranked high above us so they will give a good test ahead of the tournament. A win will help us get the momentum of winning going, and the sooner we do that the better for the crowd to be behind us,” said Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund.

His words were echoed by captain Bongani Khumalo as well as most of the players:

“We don’t need any motivation for this match or for the tournament that begins in a week’s time. The players are all willing to sacrifice everything they have and do well for the country, so we are confident that we will get a positive result,” said Khumalo.

“The match against Algeria is very important to us as it is part of preparations for the AFCON, so we have to go for victory. There were some positives that we took from the clash against Norway and this will help us when we face Cape Verde because we want to go all the way in the tournament,” said midfielder Dean Furman who was rested in the 1-0 loss to Norway.

“We played well against Norway but did not convert our chances so that’s one of the areas we need to fix, but we are ready for AFCON,” said midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane.

SA v Algeria – head to head

27 January 1996Africa Nations Cup quarter-final

Soccer City, Johannesburg

SA won 2-1(Bafana: Mark Fish 72′, John “Shoes” Moshoeu 85′; Algeria: Lazizi 84′)

2 February 2000African Nations Cup finals Group B

Sports Stadium, Kumasi

1-1

(Bafana: Bartlett 2′; Algeria: Moussouni 52′)

AlgeriaGoalkeepers:Rais M’bohli, Azzedine Doukha, Cedric Si Mohamed

Defenders:

Rafik Halliche, Djamel Mesbah, Carl Medjani, Essaid Belkalem, Liassine Cadamuro, Faouzi Ghoulam, Ali Rial

Midfielders:Khaled Lemmouchia, Yacine Bezzaz, Hameur Bouazza, Medhi Lacen, Adlene Guedioura, Foued Kadir, Ryad Boudebouz, Mehdi Mostefa, Sofiane Feghouli, Saad Tedjar

Forwards:El Arbi Hillel Soudani, Islam Slimani, Mohamed Amine Aoudia

South Africa

Goalkeepers:Itumeleng Khune, Wayne Sandilands, Senzo Meyiwa

Defenders:Siboniso Gaxa, Tsepo Masilela, Bongani Khumalo (C), Siyabonga Sangweni, Anele Ngcongca, Thabo Nthethe, Thabo Matlaba

Midfielders:Siphiwe Tshabalala, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Lerato Chabangu, Oupa Manyisa, Thulani Serero, May Mahlangu, Dean Furman, Thuso Phala

Forwards:Katlego Mphela, Bernard Parker, Tokelo Rantie, Lehlohonolo Majoro