BY Obakeng Maje

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has noted with admiration the overwhelming support, love and commitment for Bafana Bafana by all South Africans.

The Association would like to thank the fans for the unrelenting support and urge the public to continue rallying behind our boys at all times.

While the outcome of the opening game against Cape Verde disappointed the majority of Bafana supporters, the other result featuring Angola and Morocco (which also ended in a goalless draw) has left Group A wide open with everything to play for.

“Bafana Bafana needs our support as we still have an excellent opportunity to progress further in this tournament,” says SAFA President, Kirsten Nematandani.

“Football is as much a mind game as it is one of skill and we urge the public to continue supporting and encouraging our boys to regain that winning mentality”.

Coach Gordon Igesund said the South African supporters are special.

“The crowd at Soccer City on Saturday was brilliant; they really tried to lift the team in what was very challenging playing conditions. We now need the public to go to Moses Mabhida Stadium in their numbers and give the boys the support and work as the 12th player. The dream of winning this tournament is still very much alive and we believe it is a question of time before we turn the chances into goals.”

“We will do our best to make our amazing supporters happy. They have been fantastic throughout and they need to be rewarded with performances that warrant their unwavering support,” said Igesund about the magnificent support the team has received from the public.

By Obakeng Maje

Bafana Bafana players believe they still have what it takes to proceed to the second round of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations South Africa 2013.

The 29th edition of the tournament kicked off on Saturday, 19 January and come to the end on Sunday, 10 February when the finals are contested.

Bafana Bafana played to a goalless draw against Cape Verde Islands in the opening match of the soccer showpiece. The second Group B match between Angola and Morocco also ended 0-0.

South Africa takes on Angola on Wednesday, 23 January at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in their second encounter of the tournament.

“We are looking forward to Wednesday’s game. All the teams in our group are good and Angola is no different, they have a lot of experience. We learnt from the past match that we have to be more patient, a bit more attractive going forward and try to create some chances so we can score goals. We kept a clean sheet and we are all positive about the next match, nothing else matters,” said defender Anele Ngcongca.

His views were echoed by midfielder Thulani Serero.

“I am not 100 percent fit but I am getting there with every match. Angola is a very strong side. We watched them on television and they are really an enterprising side. But I believe time has come to go there on Wednesday and get maximum points. We need to get the momentum going. A win will be good for the spirit and can change everything,” said Serero.

“For us to have any chance though, it is critical that we start scoring those goals. Everyone needs to be composed and play their normal game. One thing we learnt from the Cape Verde match is to be patient.”

Striker Katlego Mphela said it was imperative for Bafana to show character.

“At international level you need to keep trying, have a big heart and a strong mentality, more so because we are playing teams who have loads of experience.

“A perfect example was the Group B match between Niger and Mali, the latter kept on going and eventually scored – so that’s what we need to do, just keep on working hard,” he said.

“It is not long I have returned from injury and I am working on my fitness which is looking very good. If I am picked to start against Angola I think I am more than ready to do the business. We didn’t do well in our first game, and hopefully I will get a chance to score some goals so we can better our chances of proceeding to the next round. We have quality strikers in the team and I believe we will do well.”

Bafana Bafana will have their last training session at the match venue on Tuesday, 22 January starting at 16h30 before tackling Angola on Wednesday.

By Obakeng Maje

Mothibistad-A station commander who was arrested last week with allegations of being on possession of illegal firearm,robbery and theft appeared briefly at Mothibistad Magistrate Court today.

Captain Phodisho Anah Phorogotlho was reminded in custody and her case has been postponed until 01 of February.

“Captain Anah Phorogotlho appeared today before magistrate and her case has been postponed until the 01 February where she will apply for a formal bail” Andiswa Swaartbooi said.

“She was arrested in her office at Wrenchville police station after two foreigners implicated her in the crimes committed” Swaartbooi adds.

They were subsequently arrested and allegedly found with a Saps pistol.

Those suspects outlined that they were sent out by captain to rob various tuck-shops and commit other criminal acts.

By Obakeng Maje

South African Football Players Union would like to encourage all the players to make this year a turn around year by going back to school.

“We wish that all our members with matric can register with different institutions to further their studies, Even those who did not finish matric must go back to school and make sure that they matriculate” Peter Khoabane said.

Players are role models in the society and this will encourage even the community members to see the importance of education through players.

Players education is the priority to SAFPU programmes and that does not exclude the financial education.”

We (SAFPU) want to create the generation of educated football players as that will help our members during their carreer transition period” He said. “

We want to make it easy for players to be employed after their playing days” Khoabane adds.

There are few male players who are studying now than the female players as almost all Banyana Banyana players are studying and some are in possession of  Diplomas and Degrees.

Just last year when Banayana Banyana were preparing for the Olympic Games four of their players graduated with degrees and one with diploma.

“It is about time that players start to plan their future in an appropriate manner and be responsible” he said.

“We plea with all the Club bosses and parents to join forces with the Union in terms of making sure that the players study, Because one way or the other these are our friends, children or our brothers and we relate to them somehow. SAFPU would also like to wish all the teams that are playing in the AFCON the best of luck in particular Bafana Bafana” Khoabane concluded.

By Obakeng Maje

Bafana Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund says there is all to play for in their next game against Angola after all teams in Group A saw their respective matches end in a goalless draw.

After hosts South Africa had been held to a disappointing draw by Cape Verde, Igesund was content to see Angola and Morocco settle for another goalless draw, giving the under pressure hosts a good opportunity to have a crack at seeking a passage into the quarter-finals.

Bafana Bafana face Angola on Wednesday, 23 January 2013 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban relieved that their campaign is very much on track and that they are still masters of their own destiny.

Kick-off is at 17h00.

“We have our destiny in our own hands, following the draws from the two matches we are starting all over again and on equal footing. All teams have a point each and this means five or six points could get us through to the next round. It is back to the drawing board and we need to work hard. We have to change some things we did in our last match and approach Angola differently,” said Igesund.

“The most important thing for me now is to get into the players’ heads and try to free their minds because the performance against Cape Verde was not convincing at all. I have to get the players to believe in themselves again for us to move forward.”

Igesund says he had a talk with the team and they know what they need to do.

“The truth is the players were also disappointed about their showing; but it’s all behind us now we cannot undo it. They know they let a good opportunity slip by. The remaining two training sessions will be crucial for us to help us prepare thoughroughly for our next match, but I remain confident that with the six points on offer, we can get out of the Group stages.

Morocco and Cape Verde will meet in the second Group A match also played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium as part of a double header.

Free State – Two police officers were injured on Monday during a protest by Zamdela township residents in Sasolburg, Free State police said.

“It is critical now in Zamdela. We have police officials injured and they are being attacked by the mob,” said Constable Peter Kareli.

Residents, who were protesting against municipal demarcation plans, were throwing stones and had barricaded the road.

A police Nyala had become stuck in mud and protesters had attacked the officers inside.

“Water cannons have been used and some rubber bullets. The helicopter is also firing rubber bullets,” said Kareli. “The situation is volatile.”

The protests started on Sunday when residents came out of a meeting about municipal demarcation.

They were apparently unhappy about plans to merge Sasolburg into the Ngwathe local municipality, under which Parys falls.

Nearly 90 people were arrested and charged with public violence on Sunday when they ran amok and looted shops in the township.

“More people were arrested at around 3am this morning (Monday) as they continued to loot shops,” Kareli said.

The total number of those arrested since Sunday had not yet been officially tallied, but it was estimated that almost 150 people had been taken into custody.

Those arrested on Sunday were expected to appear in the Sasolburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday on charges of public violence. – Sapa

Durban – South Africa coach Gordon Igesund says the pressure to emulate the country’s 1996 triumph in the African Cup of Nations is affecting his players.

Speaking on Sunday in Durban – the team’s base for its remaining Group A matches – Igesund said the current squad should not be compared to the “legends” of 1996.

Bafana Bafana kicked off the 2013 tournament with a disappointing goalless draw against newcomer Cape Verde in Johannesburg on Saturday.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Bafana v Cape Verde

“There’s a lot of talk about the ’96 squad, it’s right in our faces,” Igesund said. “The players are seeing this and reading this all the time … It’s something that wasn’t there and shouldn’t be there. It’s been created. So we have to deal with it.”

Lucas Radebe, Mark Fish, Neil Tovey and Mark Williams were part of the 1996 squad which lifted the continental crown on home soil.

“Our players want to emulate that, the nation wants them to … I think it’s a good motivation,” Igesund said. “The ’96 squad is full of legends and they’ve done a magnificent job but it’s created pressure.

“(Players) should not be thinking about that right now, they should be taking each game as it comes.”

South Africa plays its next match against Angola on Wednesday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, before facing Morocco in its final group match next Sunday. Angola and Morroco also played to a goalless draw in its opening match Saturday.

AP

By Obakeng Maje

Mahikeng-North West province ANC held a celebration event this past weekend at Moretele.

The aim was to re-form and rekindling the objectives of the ruling party.

One of the issues that form part of discussions was the possibility of re-naming the province.

“We will be discussing the possibility of re-naming the North West province after one of its stalwarts,Moses Kotane” Supra Mahumapelo said.

The chairperson of ANC North West said the issue will be discussed first by the ruling party members and will be opened to the public afterwards.

Moses Kotane was born and bred in North West(formerly Transvaal & Bophuthatswana) and died in 1978 in Moscow after he suffered from stroke.

He was an activist and worked for different political parties and was a secretary-general of SACP.

Have your say,would you like the province to be re-named or stays as it is?

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By Obakeng Maje

Itsoseng-North West police opened an inquest case at Itsoseng  Police station after a 23 year old man was found dead yesterday(saturday)at Verdwaal 2.  

“The victim was found dead, lying in front of the door with foam coming out from his mouth” Setlhako said. “A white unknown poison was found next to him” colonel Emelda Setlhako said. 

An investigation continues. 

By Obakeng Maje

Jouberton- Police are investigating a case of murder after a man was stabbed with a screwdriver on saturday about 22:22.  

“It is alleged that an argument ensued between the deceased and the suspect after the deceased accused the suspect of kissing his girlfriend” police said. 

“The deceased allegedly took out a screwdriver and tried to stab the suspect” setlhako said. 

The suspect allegedly overpowered the deceased and he stabbed him several times on his upper body and he died on the scene. 

The suspect is still at large and investigation continues