Johannesburg – Cosatu on Saturday denied any involvement in leaking suspended general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi’s charge sheet to the media.

“[We] challenge anyone who makes such claims [that we leaked the report] to substantiate or withdraw them,” Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven said in a statement.

 

“Cosatu never intended to inform the media about the charges being delivered, but was forced to do so only after this information had already been leaked and published by others.”

 

Turning to social networking site Twitter on Saturday, Vavi said: “Leaking charges is gross violation of my rights! It’s an attempt to conduct media trial hoping trump up allegations will dent my reputation.”

 

His spokesperson John Dludlu said Vavi felt he was being treated unfairly.

 

“Like the continuous selective leaks of details of the forensic probes against him during the five months of his illegal suspension, we believe the purpose of this week’s latest leaks is to subject Mr Vavi to a media trial with the hope that some, if not all, of the trumped up charges against him will stick like mud,” Dludlu said in a statement.

 

On Friday, The Mail & Guardian reported that the Cosatu leadership wanted Vavi fired from his position without any notice.

 

The newspaper said it was in possession of the 33-page charge sheet dated 13 January 2014.

 

The charge sheet was served on Vavi last week, five months after he was put on special leave by the trade union federation.

 

Charges

 

Vavi was facing nine charges, according to the report. They were:

 

Recruitment and employment of the junior Cosatu employee without going through the relevant challenges

 

Relationship with the Cosatu employee

 

The conversion of the junior to permanent employee

 

Supervision of the woman he was accused of having an affair with – alleged failure by Vavi to supervise her work performance has allegedly led to travel expenses amounting to R483 737 in 2012 and R778 624 in 2013 not accounted for

 

Distribution of internal grievance and response on Twitter before Cosatu could hear the grievance

 

Personal expenses and personal travel paid for using a Cosatu credit card

 

Claiming during a Carte Blanche interview that the administrative secretary of Cosatu had interviewed the junior employee for her position

 

Breach of suspension conditions

 

Utterances derogatory of Cosatu and its leadership, which include a statement posted on Numsa’s website shortly after Vavi was suspended in which he questioned the motive of his suspension.

 

Disciplinary inquiry

 

According to the newspaper Vavi’s disciplinary inquiry would be chaired by one of the country’s top legal minds, Advocate Wim Trengove. He would be authorised to make findings on all the charges and also decide on the appropriate sanction.

 

Vavi would be allowed legal representation at the inquiry.

 

Dludlu said Vavi hoped the country would see through the “malicious agenda”.

 

“The basic rule at all times is that the onus and the burden of proof lies with the one making allegations. Mr Vavi is no different – he remains innocent until proven guilty.”

 

Dludlu said Vavi was confident of his innocence and would be vindicated.

 

SAPA

Johannesburg – Four people were killed in an accident on the Golden Highway’s N12 off-ramp, Johannesburg emergency services said on Saturday.

The accident happened on Friday afternoon as police were on the road, clearing rocks, spokesperson Synock Matobako said.

 

“The rocks had been thrown onto the freeway by criminals. They stand on top of the bridge, throwing rocks at passing cars. When you stop, they hijack your car,” said Matobako.

 

He said the driver of the Opel Astra hit a rock which was still on the road.

 

“He swerved and got onto oncoming traffic, hitting a Toyota Yaris.”

 

The driver of the Yaris, who was travelling alone, was instantly killed.

 

There had been four occupants in the Astra.

 

“Two of the occupants, including the driver died on the scene. A third person died in hospital while the fourth passenger was admitted to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. He is in a critical condition.”

 

Matobako warned motorists to be careful of the Golden Highway area as police had claimed that several motorists had been victims of the hijackings using the stone-throwing modus operandi.

 

“It is a very dangerous area. It’s a hotspot. If you stop after getting hit by a rock, you will be hijacked,” he said.

 

SAPA

Johannesburg – Residents of Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, were protesting on Saturday because they were evicted from their homes earlier in the week, Gauteng police said.

Some residents were evicted from their RDP houses on Wednesday, said Captain Riana van Aarden.

 

The protest reportedly began on Friday.

 

“The situation is under control as police are on the scene,” said Van Aarden.

 

She could not confirm how many people were taking part in the protest.

 

SAPA

The South African Women’s National team (Basetsana) will be looking to do the nation proud in the crucial second leg FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Nigeria set for the Dobsonville Stadium next Saturday, 25 January 2014 (kick-off: 16h00).

 

Basetsana head coach, Sheryl Botes believes her squad has what it takes to challenge the West Africans despite a 6-0 loss to Nigeria in the first leg.

 

Four African nations (South Africa, 

 

Nigeria, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea) will do battle in the final qualifier to determine the two continental representatives at the seventh edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s Cup set for Canada between 5-24 August later this year.

 

“We knew what we were up against when we traveled to Nigeria. It is unfortunate that we were travelling a day before the match and the jet-lag took its toll on the girls and we didn’t perform the way we would have liked to on the day.

 

“As we now look at preparations for the second leg, I am expecting a better performance from the squad and believe they can do well in front the home crowd. We urge the South African supporters to come out in numbers to show support for the girls,” said Botes.

 

The Falconets of Nigeria are a force to be reckoned with on continental football having qualified for every edition of the U20 women’s World Cup since 2002.  They finished as silver medalists in the 2010 edition hosted by Germany and were semi-finalists in the previous edition (2012) in Japan.

 

“Having played a team like Nigeria as a former player, I know the experience of playing a team of their caliber and think we have a chance of playing to our full potential,” said Botes.

 

Basetsana assemble for camp at the Garden Court, OR Tambo hotel from Sunday (19 January) and will train at the Edenvale Football grounds from Monday (20 January).

 

Botes will be expecting University of Western Cape central defender, Vuyo Mkhabela and HPC midfielder Koketso Mamabolo on Monday while US-based striker, Robyn Moodaly will arrive on Wednesday (22 January).

 

Basetsana squad for return leg match:

 

No.

 

  Name

 

  Club

 

  Province

 

  Goalkeepers

 

  1.

 

  Kaylin Swart

 

  University of Western Cape (UWC)

 

  WC

 

  2.

 

  Regirl Ngobeni

 

  High Performance Centre (HPC)

 

  GP

 

  3.

 

  Katlego Moletsane

 

  Golden Ladies FC

 

  NW

 

  Defenders

 

  4.

 

  Vuyo Mkhabela

 

  UWC

 

  WC

 

  5.

 

  Meagan Newman

 

  HPC

 

  WC

 

  6.

 

  Lesego Nkoane

 

  HPC

 

  GP

 

  7.

 

  Nomonde Nomtsheke

 

  Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies FC

 

  FS

 

  8.

 

  Chamelle Wiltshire

 

  HPC

 

  GP

 

  9.

 

  Caryn van Reyneveldt

 

  Spurs WFC

 

  WC

 

  10.

 

  Tiisetso Makhubela

 

  Torino FC

 

  NW

 

  Midfielders

 

  11.

 

  Nomvula Kgoale

 

  HPC

 

  LP

 

  12.

 

  Koketso Mamabolo

 

  HPC

 

  LP

 

  13.

 

  Amanda November

 

  Pioneer FC

 

  EC

 

  14.

 

  Amogelang Motau

 

  HPC

 

  LP

 

  15.

 

  Gabriella Salgado

 

  HPC

 

  GP

 

  16.

 

  Thembi Kgatlane

 

  HPC

 

  GP

 

  Strikers

 

  17.

 

  Shiwe Nogwanya

 

  Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies FC

 

  FS

 

  18.

 

  Mosili Makhoali

 

  Celta Vigo FC

 

  GP

 

  19.

 

  Robyn Moodaly

 

  AIB College

 

  USA

 

  20.

 

  Sduduzo Dlamini

 

  Tottenham FC

 

  KZN

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

Bafana Bafana captain Itumeleng Khune has been ruled out of the 2014 CHAN Group A clash against Nigeria on Sunday, 19 January at the Cape Town Stadium.

 

Khune suffered an ankle injury on Wednesday night (15 January) and was taken for a scan the next day.

 

He trained on the side-lines at Bafana Bafana’s final training session at the Clyde Pinelands grounds while coach Gordon Igesund broke the news to the media.

 

“Khune will not make it for tomorrow’s match. We will have to do without him for this crucial encounter. We have very capable replacements in Moeneeb Josephs and Siyabonga Mpontshane who I believe will pull us through, but I will most likely go with Josephs,” said Igesund.

 

“Hopefully we still have more matches after this one and Khune will be able to join us. For now his health is important. Rather not use him now and have him available for the latter stages of the tournament instead of playing him tomorrow and losing him for a longer period of time. The risk is too high.”

 

The Bafana Bafana captain said he was disappointed that he will be not be part of the proceedings against Nigeria.

 

“I was really looking forward to this match as it is one that will decide our fate in the tournament. I am very sad and disappointed that I will not be playing. It is not nice missing such an important fixture for your country, but I believe Josephs and Mpontshane are capable of doing a great job. But then again these things happen – injuries are part and parcel of the game and hopefully I will be back in the side for the following match,” said Khune.

 

Khune said he was confident of a win against the Super Eagles.

 

“We stand a very good chance of getting victory over Nigeria. We just need to go out there and apply ourselves like we have been at training and in the past matches. I have been receiving messages of support for the team from all over the country, fans saying they will be at the stadium and that is what we need, it is a good morale booster to know the country is behind us. With that kind of support and the belief that the players have, we should be able to emerge victorious after 90 minutes and go on to the next round, but it won’t be easy because Nigeria is a good side too. We are confident though that we will make it,” he said.

 

Josephs has been capped 23 times for Bafana Bafana and last played for the national team in a friendly match against Mozambique on 11 September 2012.

 

In the other Group A match, Mali will face Mozambique at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

 

That match also kicks off at 19h00.-TDN

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By SAPA

Johannesburg – A woman accused of assaulting her husband appeared in the Meadowlands Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, police said.

 

Constable Sibusiso Chauke said Flora Segobela, 39, was released on a warning and would be back in court on February 5.

 

She called her husband on Sunday to visit her at her home in Zone one, in Meadowlands, Soweto, where she lives. He found her with a boyfriend and an argument ensued.

 

Segobela allegedly assaulted her husband and a group of bystanders joined in, Chauke said.

 

Sapa

Bafana Bafana defender Vuyo Mere says they are in a good position to proceed to the quarterfinals of the 2014 CHAN tournament at the expense of Nigeria.

 

 

 

The two nations meet in a crucial clash with both needing points to advance to the last eight – a draw or a win will see South Africa through while the Super Eagles need an outright win.

 

 

 

The match takes place on Sunday, 19 January 2014 at the Cape Town Stadium. Kick-off is at 19h00.

 

 

 

“It is going to be a tough one, but the good thing is that it is in our hands and we are not expecting any favours from anybody. We are facing a team that also wants to proceed to the next round. They are a good side but we are more than ready and we have prepared well. The technical team is coming up with every weapon we are going to need on Sunday, so we will be ready for them,” said the Platinum Stars captain.

 

 

 

“We have done our homework as players. We watched their games and have seen their weaknesses and strengths but we should not just dwell on those. We know that given a chance they will bury their chances when they get them. As a defence we have to work extra hard to stop them from getting goals because our strikers will also be working hard to score at the other end. We all have to take the responsibility to take the team forward.”

 

 

 

Fellow defender Buhle Mkhwanazi, who has played in the heart of defence in the past matches against Mozambique and Mali, echoed his words.

 

 

 

“Without doubt it is going to be a difficult one because they need all three points just as much as we need them. Even though they started slowly, they are becoming stronger with each game and I think for us to win everyone has to come to the party, but I believe we will come out tops,” said Mkhwanazi.

 

 

 

The Tuks defender believes South Africa’s current position give them an advantage.

 

 

 

“Being on top of the group is a confidence booster and shows we are doing something right. We started well and I do not see us losing this match and our aim is to maintain our position at the top of the group. Nigeria plays a similar style of football that we play, so I am confident we can match them. They are also a bit physical but having played Mali we are ready for that kind of battle,” added Mkhwanazi.

 

 

 

“The last time we played them we lost 1-0 in Durban in the Nelson Mandela Challenge. But history does not count much in this match because it is a different set of players all together. We have to go there with the belief that we can win and we will. I will be happy if I see us in the final, and with the quality players we have I do not doubt we can get there, but it is one game at a time.”

 

 

 

Mali and Mozambique clash in the other Group A match, which will be played at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. Kick-off is also at 19:00.-TDN

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Last week coach Rodolfo Zapata was invited by the Argentine Soccer Coaches Association to be guest speakers at their Annual Soccer Coaching Academy in Buenos Aires city.

 

Over 250 new coaches attended the Coaches Academy with the goal to improve their coaching technique for soccer skills and develop a healthy, positive attitude, teamwork, and good sportsmanship.

 

Rodolfo Zapata encouraged the aspiring coaches to develop a plan that allows the players in their programs to express themselves, their talents and their freedom. 

 

“Everyone sees soccer in a different way, and it’s important to allow the athlete to express themselves. You can teach technique and you can increase fitness and endurance, but you

can’t teach the decision,” coach “Rolo” Zapata said.

 

In his message to the coaches, Zapata expressed the importance of finding athletes who wanted to put in the work to get better and are not afraid of what it takes to win. “My main goal is to find players that can find the answer to win the game”, he said.

 

The coaches at the academy were interested in what major

characteristics coaches look for in potential players.  

 

The US-Argentinian coach said he looks for two things: he likes athletes with technique, and skills.

 

Also he spoke about his experiences in Africa and United States.

“Rolo” Zapata agreed they like the direction that soccer is taking in the US and attribute much of its growth to organizations like United States Youth Soccer Association.

 

“In Africa there is a greater breadth of talent than ever before, and that success isn’t restricted to the usual five or six nations. The quality of football played in the continent has improved significantly.” Zapata said.-TDN

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