Monthly Archives: May 2025

A principal and teacher fired for having sexual relations with learners

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Picture: Golfview Secondary School in Mahikeng

By BAKANG MOKOTO

13 May 2025- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Tuesday welcomed the recent dismissal of a Golf View Secondary educator and Letsatsing Secondary School principal found guilty by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) of improper relationship and sexual assault on learners. The civil society led organisation promoting the Positive Charter of Values and Ubuntu said that abuse of the most vulnerable in the school system constitutes a national crisis that cannot no longer be tolerated.

The Convenor of the MRM Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele, commended learners who blew the whistle on the two perpetrators describing their actions as heroic. Kgwele said shocking exhibits of a video of a Golf View Secondary teacher, Modise Mokomele allegedly having sex with a pupil, a photo of her private parts and one of her lying on his chest, while they were in bed together reportedly shared with a teacher by one of the learner’s friends, were shown during the ELRC arbitration hearing held last week Tuesday.

“The ELRC also dismissed Paseka Molefe, the principal of Letsatsing Secondary School in Mmabatho, after finding him guilty of grabbing her waist and apparently saying it was pleasurable to grab.

“The said educators had betrayed the trust bestowed upon them to act in loco-parentis and the best interest of learners. Their unprofessional conduct was a violation of the South African Council of Educators’ code of professional ethics as well as Educators Code of Conduct and thus brought the teaching profession into disrepute,” he said.

Kgwele applauded Golf View Secondary and Letsatsing School Management, as well School Governing Bodies (SGBs), including the North West Education Department for taking necessary steps to hold the alleged perpetrators accountable. He further said the inclusion of their names on the Sexual Offenders Register will guarantee that they are no-where near learning institutions.

“We commend the North West University (NWU) students for their outreach programme on sexual harassment, which encouraged the Letsatsing learner to speak out on her ordeal at the hands of Molefe.

“This underscores the importance of meaningful dialogues and partnership with higher education institutions and other stakeholders necessary to promote sound family and community values during the year MRM has dedicated as the Year of the Family to address among others strengthening the  of families to care for children,” said Kgwele.

He added that intensifying such initiatives will assist reduce teenage pregnancies and the prevalent sugar daddy syndrome that is robbing school girls of their innocence and childhood. Kgwele said the ruling should serve as a deterrent and encourage other learners with similar experiences to speak out because it does not matter how far back incidents of sexual harassment and or rape took place, the SAPS Family Violence and Sexual Offences Unit will investigate reported cases in order to bring justice to victims.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said: “The department acknowledges the findings of ELRC regarding Molefe and Mokomele, who have found to have committed a serious sexual misconduct involving learners. Both Molefe and Mokomele, have not yet indicated whether they intend to appeal the sanction through labour court or not.

“The department encourages learners to speak out and not to remain silent in cases of sexual victimisation within schools. Furthermore, the department emphasises the importance of teachers fostering a caring parental relationship with learners and maintaining appropriate boundaries to ensure a safer and respectful learning environment.”

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Monna o ‘bolailwe’ kwa Phaphosane

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

13 Motsheganong 2025- Monna wa dingwaga di le 38, o tlhokafetse kwa motseng wa Phaphosane, gaufi le Ganyesa ka Lamatlhatso. Go ya ka magatwe a sa totobalang, go begwa fa monna o, a ne a tlhaselwa ke baagi morago ga go mo latofatsa ka bogodu.

Go begwa fa monna o, a ile a thuntsiwa le go fisetswa mo ntlung.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Sepodisi se butse kgetsi ya morago ga loso morago ga gore monna a fitlhelwe a tlhokafetse mo ntlung. Dipatlisiso di tsweletse.”

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Recall of various vehicles with defect in SA   

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Picture: More vehicles being recalled in RSA/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 May 2025- The National Consumer Commission (NCC) said Stellantis South Africa (Pty) Ltd has informed it that they are recalling the Jeep-Wrangler and Jeep-Wrangler Chrysler 300c models due to a defect in the Takata airbag. NCC said, according to the supplier, the passenger airbag inflator may rupture, due to excessive internal pressure, during normal airbag deployment events. The NCC spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba said in the event of an inflator rupture, metal fragments could strike the vehicle occupants, which may result in serious injury or death. Ntaba said these vehicles were made available for sale from 2014 to 2016. Consumers are required to visit the nearest authorised dealership for a repair or replacement of the airbag.

“Stellantis South Africa (Pty) Ltd is recalling the Citroen C4, DS4 and DS5 models distributed from 2009 to 2016. These vehicles are being recalled due to a driver’s and passenger’s airbag inflator that may rupture during the airbag deployment phase.

“The potentially high energetic deployment of the inflator may lead to metal fragments detaching from the bursting inflator, and these parts could fly in the direction of the driver or occupants in the vehicle, capable of causing serious injury or possibly death in a worst-case scenario,” she said.

Ntaba further said Mercedes-Benz AG South Africa has notified the NCC that certain CLA (118 platforms) vehicles, “the length of the brake hoses on the rear axle might not have met the specifications”. She added that the brake hoses of the rear axle might come into contact with surrounding components, chafe over time, and subsequently cause brake fluid to leak.

“This, according to the supplier, will lead to a reduced braking performance in one of the two brake circuits, increasing the risk of an accident caused by the brake fluid loss. Same with the S-Class (model series 223). Mercedes-Benz AG South Africa is recalling these vehicles due to brake hoses on the front axle.

“The brake hoses may gradually start to leak in hot and moist areas after an extended operating period. As a result, the brake fluid could leak out, impairing brake power in one of the two brake circuits, increasing the risk of an accident. The recalled vehicles were produced between 2020 and 2023,” said Ntaba.

She said also Audi South Africa informed the NCC that they were recalling the Audi -Tron GT vehicles. Ntaba said the recall is as a result of a high high-voltage battery.

“This is caused by some individual cell modules of the high-voltage battery that may display technical irregularities. The high-voltage battery may overheat, resulting in an acute fire hazard, with the associated risk of severe fatal injuries to people inside and or outside the vehicle, as well as significant property damage,” according to the supplier.

“A total of 46 affected vehicles were made available nationally. Consumers with affected vehicles should submit their vehicles to any Audi SA-approved Dealer for checking and, if necessary, module replacement. The affected vehicles were produced on 27 October 2021 onwards,” said Ntaba.

Meanwhile, the Volkswagen of South Africa Limited notified the NCC that they were recalling the VW Polo Sedan.  According to the supplier, the latch plates for the rear seat belt were produced with insufficient hardness.

Ntaba said, therefore, in the event of powerful deceleration (accident or hard braking), “there may be a reduced retention or protective effect and related increased risk of injury.” She said 905 affected vehicles were made available for sale nationally from 2 April 2025 onwards.

“Affected consumers are urged to contact an approved Volkswagen dealer for a check and, if necessary, replacement of the affected components. Volvo Car South Africa is recalling 27 Volvo (XC90 models years 2020-2022). The recall is as a result of a potential issue with the high-voltage battery. According to the supplier, the issue may lead to overheating of the battery cells when the battery is fully charged, and in a worst-case scenario, the overheating in the high-voltage battery may lead to a thermal event.

“Consumers with affected vehicles are requested to book their vehicles into the nearest approved agents or dealerships for a check and the replacement of defective components where necessary,” said Ntaba.

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Committee to conduct urgent oversight visit to Alexkor SOC LTD

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By REGINALD KANYANE

13 May 2025 – After a briefing from the Equitable Access Campaign (EAC) on its petition to the Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Thoko Didiza, relating to allegations of general accountability failure, maladministration and corruption at Alexkor SOC Ltd, the Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Petroleum Resources has resolved to conduct an urgent oversight visit to Alexkor. The committee said EAC is composed of small-scale marine diamond miners, who were contracted to Alexkor.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Mikateko Mahlaule said the campaign petitioned Didiza, to request Parliament’s intervention in addressing the alleged wrongdoings at Alexkor. Mahlaule said Didza then referred the petition to the committee for further processing.

“We thanked the EAC for bringing Parliament’s attention to all matters of wrongdoing at the company and reiterated the committee’s commitment to getting to the bottom of the allegations. The emergency oversight will form part of the fact-finding mission to deepen our understanding on the complexities around Alexkor’s operation, governance, as well as the alleged maladministration, unfair business practices and corruption.

“An oversight visit to Alexkor has always been on the committee’s programme and given the EAC’s petition, the committee believes that exceptional reasons exist to treat the matter with urgency. Alexkor is a state-owned company established in terms of the Alexkor Limited Act of 1992 as a listed schedule 2 public entity wholly owned by the government, with the Minister of Minerals and Petroleum Resources as the shareholder representative,” he said.

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Committee wants SACP leader, Chris Hani’s killer re-arrested  

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Picture: SACP leader, the late Chris Hani

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 May 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services today received a briefing on the process leading to the cancellation or revocation of parole for inmates serving life sentences, highlighting concerns about granting parole to those who show no remorse for their crimes. The acting Committee Chairperson, Janho Engelbrecht said committee members were referring to one inmate in particular, Janusz Walus, who was serving a life sentence for the murder of South African Communist Party leader Mr Chris Hani.

Engelbrecht said members took exception to the fact that after Walus’s release, he said in an interview that if given the opportunity, he would repeat his actions.

Walus was deported to Poland after serving his sentence.

“Members further enquired if it was possible to request that Walus be returned to South Africa, as they wanted him re-arrested for his utterances. Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald told the committee that Walus’s sentence falls within the terms of the Van Vuren Constitutional Court judgement, which referred to those sentenced to life before 1 March 1994.

“The judgement confirmed that a life sentence meant serving at least 10 years of a sentence or 15 years in the case of serious circumstances. Thereafter these inmates are placed on parole for a period of three years. Over 360 lifers benefited from the Van Vuren judgement, including Walus,” he said.

Engelbrecht further said the committee heard that Walus benefited from the Van Vuren finding, as he killed Hani in 1993. He added that Walus served his sentence and three-year parole period before he was deported.

“Regarding the cancellation of parole for Frans du Toit and Theuns Kruger, who brutally raped Alison Botha in 1997, the Minister explained that it is first for the Parole Board to assess an application and make a recommendation to the National Council for Correctional Services (NCCS). The NCCS will then assess the recommendation on the basis of all the files and make its own decision, which is sent to the Minister. Before making his determination in this matter, the Minister considered a risk analysis, among other things.

“He said the department received notice of litigation from Botha’s legal representatives indicating that, among other things, there had been no victim consultation in the parole process. The Minister indicated that the department received legal advice on the matter. He also considered the utterance of the Judge in the case, who said neither of the two should ever be allowed out on bail due to the brutality of the crime,” said Engelbrecht.

He said the committee noted the Minister’s conviction on the matter and his stance that he is prepared to fight his decision to cancel the parole in court. Engelbrecht said they appreciate the fact that he took all matters into consideration when he made his determination.

“The committee also received a briefing on the process of overhauling South Africa’s parole system. The committee expressed serious concern about the number of vacancies on Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards. The committee heard that the Department of Correctional Services has had to defend a number of disputes in various courts owing to conflicts in the contracts of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Correctional Service Parole Board.

“In an effort to put an end to this problem, a number of engagements were held with affected parties, including obtaining a legal opinion on how the matter could be resolved. The legal opinion obtained culminated in the drafting of a revised contract,” he said.

Engelbrecht said the committee will monitor these matters very closely, as it is important to fully capacitate them.

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Monna o tlhokafetse mo kotsing ya sejanaga

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Setshwantsho: Moswi, Lebogang Dhlomo/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

12 Motsheganong 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo. Se se tla morago ga gore monna wa dingwaga di le 31, a tlhokafale mo kotsing ya sejanaga.

Go begwa fa sejanaga sa modiro wa Polo Volkswagen le sa Citi Golf Volkswagen, di ile tsa thulana ka dinko mo tseleng e magareng ga motse wa Mokassa 2 le Lokgabeng, gaufi le Taung, mo letsatsing la Tshipi.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are moswi, Lebogang Dhlomo yo go begwang fa ele moagi wa kwa motseng wa Buxton, gaufi le Taung, o ile a gaelelwa mo sejanageng se a neng a se palame modiro Citi Golf. Van Rooyen are Dhlomo o ile a tlhokafalela kwa lefelo la tiragalo, fa bapagami ba le bararo ba ile ba tabogisetswa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung, morago ga go itemogela dikgobalo.

“Kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo e butswe, fela ga gona ope o tshwerweng,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

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African historian Prof Toyin Falola receives honorary doctorate

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Picture: African Historian, Professor Toyin Falola

By REGINALD KANYANE

12 May 2025- One of the world’s most-cited African scholars, Professor Toyin Falola, has received an honorary doctorate from the North West University (NWU). The university said the degree was conferred on 9 May 2025 during a graduation ceremony held at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus.

The NWU vice-chancellor and principal, Professor Bismark Tyobeka said Falola’s recognition marks a significant milestone in the university’s relationship with the eminent historian, who delivered a public lecture recently on humanities education for African futures. Tyobeka said Falola, renowned for his extensive scholarship in African history of University of Texas at Austin, culture and decolonial studies, received the degree in recognition of his academic achievements, global influence and decades-long public engagement that has shaped African historical discourse across continents.

“Falola is standing out for social justice and decolonisation. This highlights the university’s contributions to curriculum transformation and African-centred scholarship. The North West University distinguishes itself from its contemporaries through its commitment to social justice and the decolonisation of the curriculum.

“This approach emphasises equality and enables students to engage freely with diverse populations from Africa and beyond without fear,” he said.

Tyobeka further said in 2023, Falola donated 27 books to the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus library, 12 of which he either authored or co-authored. He added the volumes exploring topics such as decolonisation, African politics, philosophy and historical methodology.

“That was also the year he delivered his public lecture on the campus, hosted by the Indigenous Language and Media in Africa research focus area. His global influence includes advisory roles for institutions such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, particularly on issues related to refugees, peace-building and cultural policy.

“The NWU honorary doctorate adds to a long list of awards Prof Fabola has received, including the Lincoln Award, the Amistad Award and the Nigerian Diaspora Academic Prize. For the NWU, the recognition is not only retrospective but forward-looking – part of a broader mission to honour scholarship that originates in Africa and speaks to the world,” said Tyobeka.

Meanwhile, Falola praised the university’s reputation for research excellence and graduate impact, acknowledging its efforts to equip students for real-world challenges and celebrate African identity through education. He pointed to the university’s role in producing socially responsible, value-driven graduates who excel in fields ranging from politics and governance to economics, science, engineering, sports, arts and academia.

“I wish to emphasise the value of knowledge beyond classroom walls. Numerous studies have shown that education transcends official instructions since values are first taught at home or in the community.

“I would like to commend the NWU for integrating formal instruction with value-based education. I feel fulfilled whenever I see an institution that passionately integrates these two elements because that is what education is truly about. Education liberates the mind from mental slavery,” said Falola.

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Molapisi admits there are challenges in various municipalities, but he won’t resign

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Picture: The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi

By OBAKENG MAJE

12 May 2025- The uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) in the North West is calling for the immediate resignation of the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi. The party alleged that there is administrative paralysis at various municipalities under the leadership of Molapisi.

The uMkhonto weSizwe provincial convenor, Alfred Motsi said they strongly condemns the continued administrative paralysis and lack of governance across multiple municipalities in the province. Motsi said the recent placement of Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality under Section 139(1)(a) is yet another indication of a systemic collapse that has become a norm under the ANC-led government.

“We call for the immediate and total dissolution of municipalities such as Ditsobotla, Kagisano-Molopo, Madibeng, Matlosana, Moses Kotane and Mamusa Local Municipalities. These municipalities have become synonymous with instability, maladministration and deliberate evasion of accountability.

“Year after year, some of them are placed under administration without any lasting solutions—proof of a governance system that is both broken and deliberately kept dysfunctional. The ANC continues to use its majority in municipal councils to shield corrupt officials and councillors from accountability,” he said.

Motsi further said investigative reports—particularly close-up reports are consistently left incomplete or are never tabled at all, because they expose deep-rooted corruption and incompetence among both senior officials and ANC councillors. He added that this is not just negligence—it is a deliberate and strategic cover-up.

“We further demand the immediate resignation of the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, and the North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi, whose continued tenure only serves to maintain the decay and dysfunction. They, along with many other provincial leaders and administrators, have failed to serve the people of North West with the dignity and urgency they deserve.

“It is time to clean the house. All officials and councillors who have consistently failed to deliver basic services, mismanaged resources and ignored the cries of our people must go. The people of the North West deserve clean, transparent, and accountable local government. Enough is enough,” said Motsi.

Meanwhile, Molapisi spokesperson, Lerato Gambu said: “Ditsobotla, Mamusa, and Kagisano-Molopo are among the municipalities that are struggling in both the administration and the council. Ditsobotla Local Municipality has been experiencing challenges because of instability in both council and the administration, which resulted in poor service delivery.

“The municipality is currently placed under Section 139 (5) (a) and (c) of the Constitution read with section 139 the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003, which gives the provincial government authority to impose the Financial Recovery Plan in this municipality.”

Gambu said the Mamusa Local Municipality has also been experiencing challenges in the administration. He said at the council’s request, COGTA seconded Frans Mabokela as an acting Municipal Manager in accordance with Regulation 20 of the Regulations on Appointment and Conditions of Employment of Senior Managers and Section 54A (6) of the Municipal Systems Act.

“Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality has been placed under Section 139 (1)(a) of the Constitution, which states that when a municipality cannot or does not fulfil an executive obligation in terms of the constitution or legislation, the relevant provincial executive may intervene by taking any appropriate steps to ensure fulfilment of that obligation, including— (a) issuing a directive to the Municipal Council, describing the extent of the failure to fulfil its responsibilities and stating any steps required to meet its obligations,” said Gambu.

He said, additionally, the municipality faces some difficulties, including a high vacancy rate, inability to table an adjustment budget and instability in the administration and council. However, Gambu said Molapisi will not entertain the call to resign by the MKP.  

“These views are nothing, but a political witch-hunt and borders on populism of the highest order. Municipalities are functional with systemic challenges, which make it difficult for them to function optimally. Some of the challenges include the political instability in few councils, vacancies in senior management positions, debt owed to Eskom and Bulk Water accounts, as well as little or no revenue generation.

“Through the one-on-one engagement sessions with municipalities, performance plans for each municipality were drafted with clear directives to be implemented to turn around the situation,” he said.

Gambu said this is just one of many initiatives that the department is implementing in an effort to achieve “ideal municipalities” as they push towards ensuring that “every municipality must work”. He said through this initiative, all municipalities must be viable and able to collect revenue.

“They must be able to deliver basic services to communities. This includes being accountable and responsive to the needs of the communities. All municipalities must also have capable, ethical and principled leaders in both council and administration.

“Councils must exercise zero tolerance on corruption, maladministration, and nepotism. What is happening in Kagisano-Molopo is not a systematic failure by the ANC-led government, but the constitution of the Republic of South Africa empowers both the national and provincial governments through Section 154, to support and capacitate municipalities,” said Gambu.

He said the support is aimed at ensuring that municipalities can render basic services. Gambu said therefore, invocation of Section 139(1)(a) by the provincial government should be viewed in the spirit of addressing anomalies at municipalities and ensuring that local government functions optimally, with service delivery as its apex priority. Gambu said the dissolution of municipalities is not an end in itself.

“We have identified the existing challenges across our municipalities. We continue to work in partnership with both SALGA and the provincial treasury and other stakeholders to arrive at an ideal state of municipalities.

“We aim to assist municipalities in achieving clean audits. The national department of COGTA supports our efforts and plans to turn around municipalities and we believe if we set our eyes on the ball and avoid noise, we will achieve our goals,” he said.

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Mashatile to attend Albert Luthuli’s inquest case

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Picture: The ANC Deputy President, Paul Mashatile

By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 May 2025- The ANC Deputy President, Paul Mashatile is set to attend the proceedings of the inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of the late Nobel Peace Laureate and former President-General of the African National Congress (ANC), Chief Albert Luthuli. The inquest, currently underway at the Pietermaritzburg High Court, seeks to uncover the truth behind Luthuli’s tragic and contested death in 1967.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said Mashatile’s presence affirms the ANC’s unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, restoring dignity to the families of victims of apartheid-era atrocities and ensuring historical accountability.

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SA qualifies for the 2025 African Nations Championship after beating Malawi

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players in celebration mood after scoring against Malawi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI  

12 May 2025 – South Africa has qualified for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after beating Malawi 2-0 at Loftus Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Malawi arrived in Tshwane with a confident swagger after winning the first leg 1-0 at home in Lilongwe a week ago, but the South Africans quickly found their rhythm and opened the scoring through Victor Letsoalo in the 12th minute.

Captain Neo Maema put the issue beyond doubt when he scored the second in the 87th minute to win 2-1 on aggregate over the two legs. Coach Molefi Ntseki was elated after securing qualification to the continental tournament to be co-hosted for the first time by three East African countries – Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda – in August 2025.

“My voice might not be what I want it to be, but I think it is out of the celebration that we have been doing after we qualified for the CHAN tournament after a period of 12 years.

“This is for the country, this is for SAFA, this is for all the players that were part of the first and second leg against Egypt, the first leg against Malawi, and now the second leg where we came out victorious and qualified the country to go and play in the CHAN tournament,” he said.

Ntseki further said the most important thing was for them to call all the players that they have today in the camp, even though the first group of players that they sent call-ups to could not make it in the first leg against Malawi. He added that those who reported for camp did their best and then they managed to play the game until the 87th minute, of which their game management in terms of their concentration levels dropped a bit, and then they conceded from a set-play.

“But today, I think we were very resolute in terms of our technical plan, the application of each individual player who was on the pitch. So we really say thanks to the players and the whole technical team and SAFA as a whole,” said Ntseki.

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