Daily Archives: October 23, 2014

Banyana Banyana go down fighting


Johannesburg- Banyana Banyana went down 2-1 to the Super Falcons of Nigeria in the semi-final match of the 9th edition of the African Women’s Championship on Wednesday afternoon, 22 October, at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Katutura, Windhoek.

Vera Pauw made four changes to the team that beat Algeria 5-1 on the weekend. Thoko Mndaweni started in goals and Simphiwe Dludlu, Refiloe Jane and Shiwe Nogwanya returned to the starting 11.

But a first half brace by Nigeria’s Asisat Lamina Oshoala knocked South Africa for a spot in the final. Refiloe Jane pulled one back for Banyana Banyana midway through the second half, but it was a question of too little, too late.

Banyana Banyana had some great goal scoring opportunities in the opening minutes of the game.

First, Leandra Smeda made a cross into the box, but Jane failed to connect with a header after only eight minutes. Moments later, 100-goal hero Portia Modise followed with another great chance, but she could not find the back of the net.

Thoko Mndaweni, who sat on the bench in the group stage matches made several great saves in the opening minutes of the game, keeping Banyana Banyana in the game.

Mndaweni cleared the ball out of danger in the 10th minute, before parrying a shot out for a corner a minute later and clearing again in the 17th minute in a one-on-one situation.

Banyana Banyana came close to breaking the deadlock in the 20th minute from a set-piece just outside the area, but Modise’s shot went wide.

Nigeria took the lead after a goal mouth scramble as Asisat Lamina Oshoala’s shot went past Mndaweni in the 37th minute.

Banyana Banyana almost equalised five minutes later after the Nigerian keeper had spilled the ball. However, her defence saved the day for the West Africans.

Soon after, Nigeria extended their lead when Oshoala completed her brace from a long range shot which went past an outstretched Mndaweni.

A challenging second half awaited Banyana Banyana as they went into the break trailing 2–0.

Jane pulled one back for South Africa in the 67th minute after an assist from second half substitution, Sanah Mollo.

But any chances for a remarkable comeback were thwarted by the resolute Nigerian defence despite wave after wave of Banyana Banyana attacks.

Sasol Banyana Banyana will have to battle it out with either Cameroon or Ivory Coast for a third place on Saturday, 25 October.
-TDN
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Taung’s Itekeng Social Club receives a bakkie as donation


By Obakeng Maje
Taung- The Itekeng Luncheon Social Club members could not believe their eyes after they received a bakkie as a ‘sign of donation’ from Meals on Wheels Organization.

The donation came about after the social club’s request.

Ramohula Joseph Mbunda,81, who is a Project Manager at Itekeng Lucheon Social Club based in Matolong village, near Taung said the bakkie will help them a lot as they were in need of a transport. “We were using wheelbarrows to deliver food to elderly people whom we serve. So the bakkie will come in handy and will be used to transport food to various areas where our aged people are” he said.

Various stakeholders came out to experience the donation. The North West Social Development, Age In Action organization and Meals on Wheels were part of the hand over.

Meals on Wheels Director in Tans-Orange Area office said that Meals on Wheels caters for older people.

“Meals on Wheels For The Aged is a multi-faceted welfare service aimed at helping the elderly of our country to live out their sunset years in dignity and relative comfort. The service includes Old-Age Homes, Frail-Care Centers, Service Centers For Senior Citizens, and the well known Meals on Wheels For The Aged meal delivery service” he said.

Rantsoabe said all of these services function under the umbrella of Meals on Wheels Community Services,which is a non-profit organization.

The Meals on Wheels service utilizes voluntary helpers who prepare and deliver nourishing meals to the disadvantaged elderly in the comfort of their own homes.

As a rule, the service enables Senior Citizens to remain in the community for far longer than would otherwise be the case.

“We like to believe that the service also enables Senior Citizens to enjoy better health for far longer than would otherwise be the case” Rantsoabe said.

Senior Citizens from all walks of life benefit from the Meals on Wheels For The Aged service, and people from all walks of life make up the voluntary teams.

Itekeng Luncheon Social Club is part of Meals on Wheels and Mbunda said poverty is the biggest challenge in they encounter in Taung.

Dineo Chuaka who is a Supervisor Social Worker shared the same sentiment. “The challenges we come across especially in Taung, are elderly persons who are neglected and some of them being left to raise their grandchildren. So our message to the society is, let take care of our elderly people as they are vulnerable. Let’s make sure we do not leave the alone without enough care” she said.

“The meals are usually prepared in specially equipped Meals on Wheels kitchens and are then delivered by way of a special delivery vehicle that is manned by a driver and a “hopper.” “Hoppers” not only present the meals to the Senior Citizens, but they also lend an ear to the lonely, offer guidance and advice wherever this is needed, and refer Senior Citizens to various other services that can make their retirement years more pleasant and more meaningful” Rantsoabe said.

Meals on Wheels Community Services Director Mpho Rantsoabe said dignity is a sweet fruit that Senior Citizens thrive on, and it is a sweet fruit that they who see to the needs of the aged are always trying to preserve.
-TDN
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