Daily Archives: June 27, 2025

Banyana Banyana arrived safely in Morocco

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Picture: Banyana Banyana players during training session

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

27 June 2025 – African champions Banyana Banyana have finally settled in Morocco following a more than 24-hour long journey from Johannesburg that included delayed flights and a lay-over in Ghana. The Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team departed from OR Tambo International Airport on 24 June 2025 and arrived in Morocco on 25 June 2025, to conclude their final preparations ahead of the start of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which is scheduled to be staged from 5-26 July 2025.

Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis said: “It was a long and tiring trip, but we have arrived and nicely settled in, and we managed to have our first training session. The South Africans are currently in Casablanca for the final leg of preparations and will move to their base camp in Oujda on 3 July 2025.

“This is the first time Banyana Banyana returns to the North African country since they were crowned continental champions in July 2022. It’s a new place where we arrived, but it’s still Morocco. It’s very exciting to be here to finally get started.”

Ellis said there is a big tournament coming up and they have to be ready for it. She further said they are looking forward to the upcoming days to continue with their preparations.

Banyana Banyana opens the defence of their title against Ghana on 7 July with Tanzania next on their radar in 11 July 2025. They will conclude their Group C matches with a fixture against Mali on 14 July.

Honneur Stadium in Oujda will host the group stage matches.

Meanwhile, Ellis announced a squad of 26 players on Monday and will name the final 21 closer to the start of the top women’s football continental championship.

Jermaine Seoposenwe and Kgaelebane Mohlakoana will join the Senior Women’s National team in Morocco from their respective clubs.

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Mokgosi: “Orbit College FC’s victory epitomises resilience”

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Picture: The Orbit College FC player against Vape Town City player in a match/Facebook

By REGINALD KANYANE

27 June 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said he wishes the newly-promoted team, Orbit College Football Club well following their promotion to the Betway Premier Soccer League. This comes after Mswenko Boys as Orbit College FC is affectionately known, defeated Cape Town City 1-0 on Wednesday at the packed and electrifying Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg.

Mokgosi said Mswenko Boys demonstrated courage and resilience throughout the campaign.

“We witnessed a remarkable performance by Orbit College FC, which guarantees them a spot in the Premier Soccer League. As a province, we congratulate them on this historic victory which epitomises resilience and courage but further gives impetus to our ongoing efforts to set our province on a path of growth and development.

“The provincial government will explore various ways and means to support the team in the forthcoming PSL season, as well as partnering with the private sector to guarantee its success,” he said.

Mokgosi further said the private sector and in particular mining houses around the Bojanala area will have to be roped in to assist the team through various means to ensure its sustainability and growth. He added that the success of the team will yield different economic spin-offs for locals.

“This promotion will culminate into the creation of various economic opportunities for the people of the North West and in particular the tourism and retail sector. It further impresses upon us to prioritise the refurbishment of infrastructure such as our stadiums and training facilities,” said Mokgosi.

Meanwhile, the North West Sports Confederation president, Thebe Sekoto said the promotion of Orbit College to the Betway Premiership is more than just a big win in football. Sekoto said it is a proud and important moment for the North West.

“What started as a small college football team has now become one of the top clubs in the country. Their fast rise from the lower leagues to the top division has excited fans across the North West and brought back hope and pride to the province.

“This moment is important not only for the team, but for the whole community. Teams like Orbit are more than just football clubs. They create jobs, bring in investment, help young people grow and bring people together. Promotion is not just a prize, it is a chance to improve our communities,” he said.

Sekoto said having a North West team in the Premiership again puts the province back on the national stage. He said he believes this proves the province is ready to host big events, grow young talent and take part in major sports conversations.

“This achievement means two big things. For Orbit College, it shows how a small team with big dreams and hard work can reach the top. For the province, it supports the idea that sports can help build better communities and boost the local economy.

“The North West has waited for years to have a team in the top league again. Now, with Orbit’s success, that dream has come true. Their story, built on discipline, planning and belief, shows what can happen when talent is given a chance,” he said.

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A policeman nabbed for corruption

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Picture: A policeman. Sergeant David Smous nabbed for corruption/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

27 June 2025- A police officer (46) attached to Potchefstroom Detectives was arrested for corruption during an undercover operation by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) on 25 June 2025. It is alleged that a Crime Combating Unit (CCU) member was driving a state motor vehicle when it collided with a private motor vehicle in February 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused, as the Investigating Officer, Sergeant David Smous, allegedly solicited R10 000 in exchange for dropping the case. Mokgwabone said investigations conducted after the matter was reported to the ACIU.

“This led to the arrest of Smous. He was granted R2000 bail upon appearance in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 26 June 2025. The corruption case was postponed until 17 July 2025,” he said.  

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng indicated that, Smous is deeply disappointing, disgraceful and an insult to the image, trust and reputation of the SAPS, his colleagues and his family. Asaneng said his arrest should send a strong message to his ilk that they do not have a place in the SAPS and in the community.

“This abominable conduct will not and must not be countenanced and will be subjected to the harshest form of punishment in order to send a strong warning and message to those who decide to sell their souls, dishonour and denigrate their oath of office through greed and corruption.

“I would like to caution that, corrupt tendencies that cause reputational damage to the South African Police Service (SAPS) cannot be tolerated,” he said.

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