Bafana Bafana and Oldham Athletic midfielder Dean Furman is confident that South Africa will qualify for the 2014 Brazil FIFA World Cup.

South Africa resume their “Road to Brazil” qualifying campaign when they take on the Central Africa Republic (CAR) on Saturday, 23 March 2013 at the Cape Town Stadium.

England-based Furman spoke to SAFA media officer, Matlhomola Morake about AFCON and the way forward in Bafana colours.

Matlhomola Morake (MM): Back in England, playing club football, how are things going?

Dean Furman: The relegation battle is hotting up, we have tough games during this period, very physical encounters and sadly we lost this past weekend but we have to keep fighting. The battle is on and I am hopeful we will survive relegation. The advantage is that we are playing teams that are around us, so it makes it a bit easier. Should I be selected for the CAR clash, I will miss the away match to Shrewsbury to be played on the same day (23 March).

MM: Have you recovered from the rigours of the AFCON tournament?

DF: Yes, I have recovered and have been playing regularly at my club. I only have great memories from the tournament and will take a lot of positives because the truth is we had a great tournament, so we must just build on that.

MM: How was the experience of playing in your first AFCON, especially on home soil?

DF: It was a proud moment for me playing in front of more than 50 000 fans at home wearing their Bafana Bafana jersey. It is something I never thought I would experience in my lifetime and I shall be forever grateful for the opportunity of representing my country on such a big stage. It was also a proud moment for my family and the tournament is one of the things that will forever stand out in my career for a long time to come. The people of Durban, where we played most of our matches, made this tournament a very memorable one for me and I would like to thank everyone for the memories.

MM: And the penalty miss in the match against Mali, do you still think about it?

DF: Yep, and that will probably stay with me for a very long time. The other day I found myself practicing penalty kicks again and thinking of what could have been….. “What if I hit it like this, or like that, or what if I had put it at this corner or that corner,” but it’s all in the past now and we have to learn from such experiences. Credit should also go to the Mali keeper for making the brilliant save. Funny thing is that I was one of the better penalty takers during our practice sessions at Bafana Bafana, that is why I was so gutted. I have to admit it was the worst way to exit a tournament when we were doing so well, but then again it’s such things that make us stronger.

MM: We are now facing CAR in a 2014 Brazil World Cup qualifier, what’s your take?

DF: It is a massive game for us and for the country. Now that the AFCON tournament is behind us, our next challenge is to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil. That is the pinnacle of football, the world stage where every player wants to showcase their talent. We hope the people of Cape Town and South Africa in general will come out in numbers to support us as they did during the AFCON. We also need to thank them again because it was through their backing that we were able to do well in the tournament.

MM: What should South Africa do to qualify for Brazil starting with this match?

DF: It’s a fact that we had a great tournament, so we have to continue from where we left off. Our performances were good and if we return to action with that mindset there is no reason we should not do well and find ourselves top of the group. We need to take the confidence from that tournament into the qualifiers. If you remember well, we started slowly against the Cape Verde Islands, were good against Angola, even better against Morocco and we dominated against Mali. That in itself shows we grew as the tournament progressed and it gives me confidence that we will do well.

MM: How should we approach the first game?

DF: We have some tough away qualifiers coming up in June (Ethiopia and CAR), so it is crucial that we win our home games, starting with CAR in about two weeks and Botswana in September. But also we should not be afraid to take our chances away because we have shown that we can win on the road as we did in Kenya last year. We are now left with four matches and should treat every one of them as key to our aspirations of qualifying for Brazil 2014. But I have great confidence in this team that we will qualify for this tournament.

2014 Brazil WC Qualifiers:

Group A

PosTeamPld W D LGFGAPts  

1Ethiopia211 0314  

2Central African Republic210 1223   

3South Africa202 0222  

4Botswana2011131  

2014 BRAZIL WC qualifiers

Date Venue Matches   

22/03/13 CTSouth Africa – Central African Republic  

22/03/13 TBA Ethiopia – Botswana  

07/06/13 TBA Botswana – Ethiopia  

07/06/13 TBA CAR – South Africa  

14/06/13 TBA Ethiopia – South Africa  

14/06/13 TBA Botswana – Central African Republic  

06/09/13 TBA South Africa – Botswana  

06/09/13 TBA CAR – Ethiopia  

BY Staff Reporter

Just two years ago, the names of exciting talent Jermaine Seoposenwe and Robyn Moodaly were unheard of in South African women’s football across all age groups.

But such has been the rise to stardom of the two girls that it is proving difficult to name a Banyana Banyana squad without them on the list nowadays.

Having shone at the Under 17 Women’s World Cup held in Trinidad and Tobago in 2010 (where the two who had recently matriculated) with their fine display under Solly Luvhengo and Joseph Mkhonza’s (then assistant coach) guidance, the two were always destined for greater things. Their stay with the Basetsana Under20 side was short-lived as they soon graduated to the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana side owing to their outstanding performances in the juniors’ setup.

“I learned a lot and quite quickly from my time I was under coach Solly (Luvhengo) and I am putting all those elements together here with Banyana Banyana. Together with the lessons we were taught off the field, I suppose that is why I have not struggled to adapt from the juniors to Banyana set up,” explains Seoposenwe.

Regarded as one of the top players in the team currently in Cyprus, Seoposenwe who turns 20 this year and plies her trade for the Sasol League side University of Western Cape Ladies where she is studying Bcom General, she remains humble about her outstanding dribbling and scoring abilities.

“I don’t believe I am a star, I just play my normal game and work hard for the sake of the team’s success,” she added. 

Speedy winger, Robyn Moodaly, who formed a deadly combination with Seopesenwe from their days with the junior national teams, has 13 caps for Banyana Banyana and will be playing her first tournament with the team in this year’s Cyprus Cup tournament having been promoted from the juniors in 2011.

“It is an honour and I am excited to be here with the team. The graduation though comes with lots of pressure, but I am positive and hoping to get a chance to play, even if it is for a few minutes so that I can show my worth,” said the East London-born girl.

Moodaly came on as a substitute in the practice match against New Zealand on Saturday in Larnaca where she showed flashes of brilliance playing on the left wing where she formed a good understanding with midfielders Refiloe Jane and Amanda Dlamini.

“I have to put my individual ambitions aside and work hard for the team and if we can build on from the good practice outing against New Zealand last Saturday, I think I will have a good tournament here in Cyprus. If we are able to create and score goals and close down teams, I believe we can start well with a victory over South Korea whom we have studied over the past few days,” explained the 19-year old speedy winger.

After the Cyprus tournament, Moodaly will start packing her bags as she embarks on a journey to the United States where she will study at AIB College and also play football for the same school.

“It is really exciting to get such an opportunity to move abroad and showcase my talent. I would like to see how things are done internationally while still work hard to remain within the radar of the Banyana selectors,” she said.

Banyana open their Cyprus Cup encounter with a match against South Korea on Wednesday, 2:30pm (SA time).

The side is aiming to do better than the 10th spot they managed here at the same tournament last year. The Sasol-sponsored side’s next games are against Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Edward ‘Hlokoloza’ Manqele says Mamelodi Sundowns have set their sights on displaying an inspired showing in the next league match against Moroka Swallows on Tuesday night at Loftus Stadium, and is banking on the home support that the team has been enjoying of late.

“We want to continue our unbeaten run and put on another sterling performance, especially for our supporters, who have proven to have found their voice again. Apart from the newly found self belief amongst the players, our supporters have also been our major source of inspiration in our turnaround of fortunes”

Hlokoloza, who just returned to action, after battling with some weight problems and lack of action, which were attributed to injury also credited the team’s back room staff for their commitment in keeping the players fit and motivated.

“I’ve been working very hard, behind the scenes in a bid to regain fitness and get back into shape, and I must thank the back room staff for their efforts. We have become a tight family, that encourages and work for one another”

“There’s usually frustration when, players are out of first team contention, but now even on the road to recovery, one can find motivation because of the result bearing methods implemented at the club”

With the next league match against Swallows in mind, Manqele has called on supporters to turn up in their numbers to support the team and spur them to victory.

Match Details:

Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Moroka Swallows

Date: Tuesday, 05 March 2013

Venue: Loftus Stadium

Kickoff: 19:30

Orlando Pirates coach, Roger de Sa, could hand Luvuyo Kelepu his PSL debut when the team host Bloemfontein Celtic at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.

Bucs are back in South Africa following their successful trip to the Comoros Islands, which saw them progress from the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. They will now turn their attention to the Absa Premiership.

Pirates’ defence has been hit with injury in recent times, with Siyabonga Sangweni, Rooi Mahamutsa and Robyn Johannes all recovering from their respective injuries.

Coach Roger de Sa has allowed both Ayanda Gcaba and Bheki Nzunga some game time in the absence of the team’s regulars, and news reaching the Siya crew is that Kelepu could very well be handed his debut.

The former Carara Kicks defender is said to be doing well at training, much to the delight of the Pirates technical team. Kelepu joined Bucs during the past transfer window, after impressing the club’s coaching staff in a friendly game played in January.

A Soccer-Laduma source within the defending league champions camp revealed to the Siya crew that the 24-year-old could be given an opportunity to make his debut.

“The coach is impressed with the player. There is a possibility that he will be given a chance to play soon. The coach has been monitoring his progress at training. He wants him to be ready,” said the source.

For more details go to www.soccerladuma.com

Stuart Baxter says Kaizer Chiefs are fully focused on their match against Chippa United tomorrow, despite the looming Soweto Derby.

Klerksdorp, North West – Two men who confessed to being involved in the murder of ANC North West official Obuti Chika were tortured by the police, the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court heard on Tuesday.

Moses Jones Botman, for Jeffrey Letuka, said his client was tortured and forced to confess.

“Because there were no visible injuries, it does not mean he was never tortured,” Botman submitted.

The State told the court on Monday that Letuka and co-accused Sihlangu Sekhakhane had confessed to being involved in the crime.

However, in his own affidavit, Sekhakhane also denied committing the crime, and also claimed police officers had assaulted him and that he was made to sign a confession under duress.

They are accused with North West provincial African National Congress Youth League chairman Papiki Baboile, ward secretary Paul Molomonyane, councillor Itumeleng Molebatsi, municipal worker William Malefo, taxi driver Kgotso Kali, and local government MEC China Dodovu.

According to an affidavit by the police, Letuka claimed after his arrest that Kali approached him and a friend and asked them to kill Chika.

Kali allegedly handed Letuka and his friend two explosive devices and promised them R50 000 for killing Chika.

Baboile and Molefo were with Kali during the meeting with Letuka and his friend. They returned later, said they could not raise the money and took back the explosives.

In a sworn statement by Kali, he denied attending any meeting or promising any money to Letuka or Sekhakhane.

Prosecutor Riekie Krause said on Monday that Sekhakhane had confessed to killing Chika and had led police to his gun. Forensics had later matched the bullets which killed Chika to this gun.

She told the court Sekhakhane had claimed to have met Kali in a BMW X5 shortly before the crime. Krause said Baboile owned a BMW X5.

Kali had allegedly told him that, before he could attend the ANC’s conference in Mangaung in December, Chika had to be killed.

Chika, 33, was shot at point-blank range in the driveway of his Klerksdorp home on December 14. He died in a local hospital. – Sapa

Klerksdorp, North West – Two men who confessed to being involved in the murder of ANC North West official Obuti Chika were tortured by the police, the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court heard on Tuesday.

Moses Jones Botman, for Jeffrey Letuka, said his client was tortured and forced to confess.

“Because there were no visible injuries, it does not mean he was never tortured,” Botman submitted.

The State told the court on Monday that Letuka and co-accused Sihlangu Sekhakhane had confessed to being involved in the crime.

However, in his own affidavit, Sekhakhane also denied committing the crime, and also claimed police officers had assaulted him and that he was made to sign a confession under duress.

They are accused with North West provincial African National Congress Youth League chairman Papiki Baboile, ward secretary Paul Molomonyane, councillor Itumeleng Molebatsi, municipal worker William Malefo, taxi driver Kgotso Kali, and local government MEC China Dodovu.

According to an affidavit by the police, Letuka claimed after his arrest that Kali approached him and a friend and asked them to kill Chika.

Kali allegedly handed Letuka and his friend two explosive devices and promised them R50 000 for killing Chika.

Baboile and Molefo were with Kali during the meeting with Letuka and his friend. They returned later, said they could not raise the money and took back the explosives.

In a sworn statement by Kali, he denied attending any meeting or promising any money to Letuka or Sekhakhane.

Prosecutor Riekie Krause said on Monday that Sekhakhane had confessed to killing Chika and had led police to his gun. Forensics had later matched the bullets which killed Chika to this gun.

She told the court Sekhakhane had claimed to have met Kali in a BMW X5 shortly before the crime. Krause said Baboile owned a BMW X5.

Kali had allegedly told him that, before he could attend the ANC’s conference in Mangaung in December, Chika had to be killed.

Chika, 33, was shot at point-blank range in the driveway of his Klerksdorp home on December 14. He died in a local hospital. – Sapa

Pretoria – While several police officers appeared in two separate court cases in the country on Monday following incidents of police brutality, a Limpopo man claimed R1.7 million from the minister of police after he was allegedly manhandled by officers.

Marthinus Christoffel Vorster, 23, of Phalaborwa, said in papers before the Pretoria High Court that on April 12, 2010, he was arrested by police and detained for questioning.

Vorster said he was not informed of his constitutional rights, was not presented with a warrant for arrest, nor was he told at the time what the charges against him were.

He was simply taken to the offices of the SAPS in Phalaborwa. There he waited for three hours in an office, before being taken in a police van to the offices of the Hawks in Polokwane, Vorster said.

For more details go to www.iol.co.za

KwaZulu-Natal – A father used his tie to lash his young son to him, and walked into the surf, drowning them both off a North Coast beach.

Dhaniram (Niresh) Ramdass, 39, had feared he would not see his son again, a grieving family member said on Monday. 

Ramdass, who had been living apart from his wife for less than a week, was meant to have taken his son to the Tongaat Charity Fair.

Moments before the double drowning at the La Mercy Beach on Saturday, eight-year-old Lavesh had called his mother Usha, 30, on her cellphone and told her he was at the beach with his father. 

But before his wife, a nurse, could question Lavesh further, the call was cut.

Less than two hours later both bodies washed up on shore, not far from where witnesses had earlier seen the father and son sipping on a cool drink.

Lavesh’s classmates at Victoria Primary, in oThongathi, lit candles in his memory. Looking on is principal Laljeeth Maharaj, his form teacher Prem Sukdeo and teacher Ansuya Naidoo. Photo: Puri Devjee

DAILY NEWS

Police are investigating a case of murder and an inquest docket has also been opened.

The boy had been living with his uncle, Vinesh Ganesh, and maternal grandmother in Isnembe, near oThongathi (Tongaat), since he was a baby because of his mother’s irregular working hours.

A devastated Ganesh, speaking on behalf of Usha, said Ramdass had called him on Friday night and told him he wanted to take the child to the charity fair on Saturday morning.

He said he had already taken the child to the fair on the Friday night, but did not want to deprive him of time with his father.

“My sister and her husband were having domestic problems. She wanted him to quit drinking. When Niresh was under the influence of alcohol, he was abusive towards my sister,” Ganesh said. 

Usha had moved out on Wednesday and was staying with her brother and son in Isnembe.

Ganesh said he had seen Ramdass on Wednesday evening when he visited his son. He said he had spoken to him at length about his marriage.

“I told him that Usha wanted to save her marriage, but only if he gave up drinking completely. He promised to sort his life out. He said he wanted to be with his family.”

For more details go to www.iol.co.za

Johannesburg – The ANC has rejected “with contempt” the accusation made by murder accused Oscar Pistorius’s father that “the ANC government is not willing to protect white South Africans”.

“Not only is this statement devoid of truth, it is also racist,” ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu said in a statement on Tuesday.

Pistorius faces a murder charge after shooting dead his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Henke Pistorius reportedly told a British newspaper that the country’s lawlessness and high crime rate had forced his son to arm himself.

Henke Pistorius spoke to The Telegraph’s journalist over the weekend about the guns he and his son own.

“Some of the guns are for hunting and some are for protection, the handguns,” he was quoted as saying.

“It speaks to the ANC government, look at white crime levels, why protection is so poor in this country, it’s an aspect of our society.”

Mthembu responded by saying:

”It is sad that he has chosen to politicize a tragic incident that is still fresh in the minds of those affected and the public.

“This tragic incident has affected two families that are still trying to come to terms with what happened and this latest racist slur is not assisting these families.

“We think it is ill-advisable for anyone to start apportioning undue blame.”

Earlier

on Tuesday, Oscar’s uncle Arnold Pistorius said Henke’s comments did not represent the views of Oscar Pistorius and his family.

“The Pistorius family owns weapons purely for sport and hunting purposes,” Arnold Pistorius he said in the statement, which was issued by Vuma Reputation Management.

“Oscar and the rest of the Pistorius family distances itself from the comments. Henke’s interview with the newspaper was unapproved by our media liaison team,” he said.-Sapa