The South African Masters and Legends Football Association (SAMLFA) will commence a series of roadshows in the nine provinces.

Limpopo province will be the first to host the former professional players at the Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane on Friday 22 March 2013 starting at 2pm.

SAMLFA Committee member Nkosi “Let Them Dance Molala” says convening the first provincial Imbizo in Polokwane is informed by SAMLFA’s success in staging a successful legends match against Germany at the Peter Mokaba stadium in August 2012. 

Molala says the meeting will focus on updating members about the achievements and challenges of SAMLFA following the unification of the three structures, namely the 2 South African Masters Football Associations and the South African Soccer Legends. 

The provincial Imbizo’s will focus on the following:

• SAMLFA’S strategy to support renewed efforts to reposition football development programs 

• SAMLFA’s pledge to support Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula’s Volunteer Corps program

• SAMLFA’s joint strategy with the South African Football Coaches Association (SAFCA) on technical related matters    

• Establishment of Provincial committees where they don’t exist.  

• Plans for elective National Congress 

“The roadshows are meant to meaningfully engage our colleagues throughout the country, they are long overdue following the unification process, and we are grateful to our Sponsors Aspen and the Polokwane Municipality for making this event possible, we therefore urge all former professional football players in Limpopo to join us at the Peter Mokaba stadium on Friday the 22nd of March 2013, full details of other provincial roadshows will be disclosed in due course. ” Said Molala.

SAMLFA takes this opportunity to wish Bafana Bafana success in the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying match against Central African Republic. Let us all rally behind the team; our support will propel them to achieve their 2014 Brazil destiny.

By Obakeng Maje

Lethabong-North West police are investigating two murder case after a 30 year-old man shot and killed his girlfriend and her mother in Lethabong village.

Police said a 28 year-old woman obtained a protection order against her boyfriend.

“According to information received, a boyfriend allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend’s house and a quarrel ensued between them” Amanda Funani said.

It is alleged that the boyfriend drew a gun and shot at his ex-girlfriend in a stomach and chest.

The embattled boyfriend pounced on a 44 year-old mother and shot her three times in a chest and chin after she tried to intevene.

“A 28 year-old woman was rushed to a local clinic with gunshot wounds. She unfortunately passed on shortly after arrival” captain Amanda Funani said.

“The suspect is still at large and two cases of murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunitions were registered against the suspect at Lethabong Police Station” she said. 

Police are asking the community to assist them with any information that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrator. 

Anybody with information can contact Warrant Officer Lebogo 082 3753 791 or 082 4161 054. Investigation continues.

As the valuables of expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema go on auction this week, there is still no sign of the expensive watches, designer clothing and finer things that were part and parcel of the lavish lifestyle that the politician once enjoyed.

At the end of January, the valuables were removed from the Sandown home which Malema was renting to be auctioned off in a bid to pay his R16 million tax bill.

But the list – seen by The Sunday Independent – is purely made up of household valuables, and the R250 000 Breitling watch that Malema sported in the past and the Gucci suits are nowhere to be seen.

For more details go to http://www.iol.co.za

Three months before the SABC’s suspended chief financial officer was appointed, Communications Minister Dina Pule held “secret meetings” with her, according to an internal report.

The minister apparently offered Gugu Duda the job.

For more details go to http://www.iol.co.za

Pretoria – The High Court in Pretoria has granted AfriForum an order stopping the Madibeng municipality from cutting electricity supply to Hartbeespoort, the lobby group said on Friday.

“The North Gauteng High Court granted an urgent court order (on Friday) to AfriForum in terms of which the Madibeng Municipality may not cut the electricity supply to any premises without 14 days’ notice,” said AfriForum organiser Ian Cameron.

The court further ordered the Madibeng municipality to immediately reconnect electricity to all premises where power was cut without the required notice.

AfriForum approached the court on Friday to stop the Madibeng municipality from disconnecting the electricity in Hartbeespoort, in the North West.

It said the municipality had cut the electricity to almost 100 households since March 8, without the required 14 days’ notice.

The organisation has been approaching courts to stop a number of municipalities from cutting power because they owe Eskom money.

On Wednesday, an interdict was granted by the High Court in Pretoria compelling the Matlosana (Klerksdorp) municipality in North West and Eskom to agree on terms of repayment of the municipality’s electricity debt, and to halt power cuts.

AfriForum said the court prohibited Eskom from cutting electricity supplies to residents of Klerksdorp and Jouberton without first giving 90 days’ notice to all parties.

The organisation made an urgent court application on the issue on Wednesday.

AfriForum official Ivan Herselman sought to have the municipality honour its commitments to Eskom, and simultaneously to prohibit Eskom from cutting electricity supply.

Eskom threatened to cut the power unless the council paid R91.8 million in arrears.

The two parties held talks on Wednesday morning, after which Eskom agreed it would not cut the power to Matlosana.

Mayor Michael Khauoe said an agreement was reached, and the municipality “honoured” the first part of the agreement by paying R47m.

But he said the municipality had no dealings with AfriForum and that the agreement was reached with Eskom alone.

“We have not spoken to AfriForum. We have no business with them.”

AfriForum said it was “relieved” that residents would not be left without power.

The court also instructed the municipality to report to the court on April 16 on progress made regarding the payment of the electricity account.

Eskom said it complied with the provisions of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, which required it to publish notices and give affected customers a chance to make submissions before it resorted to disconnecting supply.

About 40 percent of Eskom’s total sales go to municipalities, which Eskom supplies in bulk, while they in turn supply electricity to households and businesses in their areas of supply.

In another case, the Msukaligwa (Ermelo) municipality in Mpumalanga was scheduled to meet Eskom officials on Friday to prevent it from cutting power to the town.

Herselman said if talks between the municipality and Eskom did not yield results before the cut-off date of April 25, the lobby group would approach the courts to oppose the disconnection.

He said Eskom had published a notice that the provision of power to the municipality would cease on April 25, because the municipality owed it R65m.

Mandla Zwane, the spokesman for Msukaligwa municipality, said he had not yet received feedback from those who had represented the municipality at the meeting. – Sapa

Klerksdorp, North West – A taxi driver was shot and wounded and a police officer was stabbed during an altercation in Klerksdorp, North West police said on Saturday.

“Police are investigating two cases of attempted murder after an argument ensued between a 38-year-old officer and a 37-year-old taxi driver,” Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said in a statement.

The taxi driver was allegedly asked to stop after committing a number of traffic offences in full view of the officer, who was on-duty in a marked car.

The driver stopped the car and allegedly had a heated argument with the officer, which led to him taking out a knife and chasing after the officer.

“The taxi driver got to the officer and stabbed him in the back. The officer took out his firearm and shot a warning shot in the air but the driver did not retreat as he advanced to stab him again,” said Ngubane.

The officer then allegedly shot the driver in the chest.

Police arrived on the scene shortly afterwards, and the two were taken to hospitals in the area. – Sapa

Nedbank Cup

Full-Time: Chiefs 2-0 Polokwane

Date: 16 March 2013

Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium

A goal in each half from Sthembiso Ngcobo and Kingston Nkhatha saw Kaizer Chiefs with a rather comfortable 2-0 win over Polokwane City in the Last 16 of the Nedbank Cup at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night.

The first 45 saw Polokwane with a lot of the ball, but for all their possession the NFD side struggled to break down the stubborn Amakhosi defence due to lack of skill and vision.

Consequently, the side from Polokwane let rip from long range but were unable to get the better of a superb Itumeleng Khune.

Instead, it was the Premiership side who proved to be more clinical in front of goal and accordingly took a one goal lead into the half time break through Sthembiso Ngcobo.

Polokwane City, though, started very brightly and Kagiso Mashini brought the best out of Khune in the 15th minute. The City attacker let rip from 25-yards, but Khune produced a great save diving high to his right.

Polokwane continued to see more of the ball, but it was at the other end where the game’s first goal came.

A corner was worked into the box in the 32nd minute, and with Polokwane unable to fully clear the ball, Siyabonga Nkosi played pin-point through ball for Ngcobo who slotted home in clinical fashion from 14-yards out.

Five minutes later, Siphiwe Tshabalala nearly doubled his side’s lead with a 22-yard effort, but he saw his shot just skim the wrong side of the post as Chiefs took a one goal lead into the half time break.

The second 45 saw the NFD side doing all the running as they tried to find their way back into the match, but much like the first half, they really lacked the quality to trouble the Chiefs goal.

Instead, it was the Amakhosi who looked the more threatening going forward and Ngcobo nearly grabbed his second in the 54th minute.

The Chiefs striker broke behind the Polokwane defence, using his pace to get the better of them, as he found himself one-on-one with the goalie, but despite rounded the keeper he saw his shot from an acute angle cleared off the line by the defence.

In the 74th minute Chiefs stepped one foot into the quarterfinals as second half substitute Kingston Nkhatha found the Glamour Boys’ second goal.

A mistake in the defence allowed Bernard Parker to pounce on the loose ball and drive towards the goal, where he proceeded to cut it back for an unmarked Nkhatha who produced a superb first-touch finish into the bottom right-hand corner form 14-yards out, 2-0.

Chiefs slowed the game after the second goal and controlled the midfield batter as the won 2-0, and sealed their place in the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup competition.

For more details go to http://www.soccerladuma.com

CAF Champions League

Result: Zanaco 0-1 Pirates

Date: 16 March 2013

Venue: Nkoloma Stadium

Orlando Pirates put in a tough shift in the Zambian heat to beat Zanaco 1-0 in their first round first-leg CAF Champions League clash on Saturday.

The Sea Robbers would have been eying an away goal coming into the game and it took just five minutes to arrive as Ndumiso Mabena rattled the back of the net.

Another boost was the fact that Benni McCarthy returned to action as he came on from the bench late on in the game as he continues his return to full fitness.

The conditions were not the best for the visiting side, as they had to deal with a difficult surface which cut up and was not really suited to a flowing passing game.

This meant that set-pieces would be vital for both sides and the decisive moment came via a Daine Klate corner as Mabena got up to power a header home.

Pirates coach Roger de Sa admitted after the game that he knew it was going to be difficult in those conditions, but was pleased with the way that his side adapted and defended.

The result means that a draw or victory of any kind at home in the second-leg will see them through, where they are like to face African giants TP Mazembe in the next round.

Pirates: Senzo Meyiwa, Thabo Matlaba, Happy Jele, Lucky Lekgwathi (c), Ayanda Gcaba, Onyekachi Okonkwo, Andile Jali, Daine Klate, Tlou Segolela, Ndumiso Mabena, Collins Mbesuma.

For more details go to http://www.soccerladuma.com

Police should not cower in the face of unwarranted attacks on them-Premier Modise

Citizens who have no regard for the law should not expect any sympathy from the public, North West Premier Thandi Modise said in condemning the stabling of a 38-year-old Klerksdorp police officer by a 

 taxi driver on Saturday.

“Those who choose to undermine law enforcement officers and attack police officers thinking that their actions will be justifiable in the light of the criticism on police brutality should not expect any sympathy from the public. Police should not cower in the face of unwarranted attacks on them or look away when crime is committed because lawlessness cannot be the order of the day,” stressed Premier Modise.

In wishing the injured police officer a speedy recovery, Modise said the alleged actions of the taxi driver involved in the incident suggest that he could be one of those who think that police should be immobilised into inaction against lawlessness.

“The Media article by SAPA on the incident suggests that the police officer involved acted in self defence and within the confines of the law. We welcome investigations into the incident and hope that they would clear the police officer if at all the attack on him was unwarranted. While we are opposed to police brutality, we are equally opposed to attacks on law enforcement officers by taxi drivers and any section of our communities,” she added.

According to the police, the taxi driver was allegedly asked to stop after committing a number of traffic offences in full view of the officer, who was on-duty in a marked car.

The driver stopped the car and allegedly had a heated argument with the officer, which led to him taking out a knife and chasing after the officer.

“The taxi driver got to the officer and stabbed him in the back. The officer took out his firearm and shot a warning shot in the air but the driver did not retreat as he advanced to stab him again,” said Spokesperson of South African Police Service in the North West Province, Brigadier Thulane Ngubane who confirmed that police are investigating two cases of attempted murder.

The officer then allegedly shot the driver in the chest.

Police arrived on the scene shortly afterwards, and the two were taken to hospitals in the area.

Nedbank Cup

Result: FS Stars 1-2 Celtic

Date: 16 March 2013

Venue: Charles Mopeli Stadium

Bloemfontein Celtic fought back from a goal down to beat local rivals Free State Stars 2-1 in their Nedbank Cup last 16 clash at the Charles Mopeli Stadium on Saturday.

Luyolo Nomandela had given Ea Lla Koto the lead but Lyle Lakay equalised and substitute Lennox Bacela snatched victory late on for Phunya Sele Sele.

The game got off to a slow start with both sides having to try their luck from distance but the hosts would then take the lead in the 19th minute.

Nomandela latched onto a lobbed pass from Dove Wome and fired past Patrick Tignyemb to continue his stunning form.

Celtic were struggling to get things going but had a chance in the 36th minute when Joel Mogorosi curled a shot at goal only for Kennedy Mweene to make the save.

Wome then saw a shot deflected just wide of the target on the stroke of half-time as Stars went into the break with a narrow advantage.

Celtic came out a different side in the second period as Johannes Motlhaping fired a shot just over early on before Wome had a shot turned around the post.

Lakay would then bring the game level in the 65th minute when he latched onto a loose ball and fired a piledriver into the bottom corner via the fingertips of the goalkeeper.

Chances came for both sides in the final few minutes but Bacela would decide matters when he got onto Lerato Manzini’s flick and slid his shot past the goalkeeper to send Celtic into the quarter-finals.

FS Stars:  Kennedy Mweene, Enva Wiltwer, Daniel Cardoso, Luyola Nomandela, Dove Wome, Angelo Kerspuy, Sadate Ouro-Akorika, Mbhuyiselo Sambu, Danny Venter, Paulos Masehe, Fikru Lemessa

Celtic: Patrick Tignyemb, Tsietsi Mahoa, Johannes Motlhaping, Dominic Isaacs, Limbikani Mzava, Lyle Lakay, John Aruwah, Joel Mogorosi, Kurt Lentjies, Lerato Manzini, Ruzaigh Gamildien.

For more details go to http://www.soccerladuma.com