Category Archives: NEWS

Deputy Minister of Department of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo to pay a visit after a boy drowns in a water canal in Hartswater

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Picture: A water canal along Vaalharts area/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 October 2024- A boy (13) from Bonita Park Informal Settlements in Hartswater, allegedly drowned in a canal on Tuesday afternoon. It is alleged that, the deceased was swimming along with his friends when he was washed away.

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said, the body of the deceased was retrieved in a water canal in Maphoitsile village, in Taung on Thursday.

“The police are investigating a case of inquest,” she said.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the Vaalharts Water User Association (WUA) said, they would like to warn communities living near water canals to not swim or conduct any recreational activities in such moving bodies of water as they pose high risks of drowning.

The Department of Water and Sanitation spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa said they urge parents and communities to keep children away from running water as it poses endangerment to their lives.

“This follows a drowning incident of a boy from Bonita Park, an Informal Settlement located along the Vaalharts Main Canal, in Hartswater. It is reported that on the day at around 4pm, the boy disappeared under water, while swimming in the canal.

“The police were alerted and their divers retrieved the body. It should be noted that the canal is running at full capacity as the WUA had undertaken maintenance over the past weekend on dams in the Taung area,” said Mavasa.

He further said the water is currently running at 1.3 metres per second in speed, and volume can go up to 100 000 cubic metres per hour. Mavasa added that this means the water levels cannot be dropped at this time to ensure that dams with low levels recover, and the municipalities and irrigators continue to have access to water.

“As soon as it is possible to lower water without the risk of putting lives in danger due to no access to water, it will be effected.

“The Vaalharts Main Canal stretches about 140 kilometres from the Vaal River at Warrenton in the Northern Cape, passing through the towns of Jan Kempdorp, Hartswater, Magogong, Taung and ends at the Pudimoe Water Treatment Works in Pudimoe, which ultimately treat and transfer potable water to Vryburg in North West,” said Mavasa.

He said the canal is part of the Vaalharts Water Scheme, which has about 1200 kilometres of canals managed by the WUA, of which the Vaalharts Main Canal is the longest and largest.

“Drowning incidents are prone around canals and other water bodies during summer season, where temperatures are high and members of the community seek to cool off.

“The department would like to appeal to community members to desist from swimming or fishing in canals as it is dangerous to do so, and this is in the interest of their safety,” he said.

Mavasa said the DWS and the Vaalharts WUA has put up No Swimming signs along the canal to caution the public on the dangers of swimming in canals and regularly conduct public education and community awareness campaigns on dam and canal safety.

He said awareness campaigns are also conducted for school kids, teachers and parents as well as interactions with the municipality.

“The WUA also provides training to volunteers in communities around such infrastructure to be lifesavers and provide them with the necessary life-saving equipment to enable them to assist members of the community who find themselves in life threatening situations around water bodies,” said Mavasa.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo plans to visit the area on 19 October 2024, to assess the situation.

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2024 Sasol League National Championships heat up

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Picture: 2024 Sasol League National Championships

By REGINALD KANYANE

17 October 2024 – Day 2 of the 2024 Sasol League National Championships were held in Knysna, Western Cape on 16 October 2024, as the majority of teams’ fates will be decided by Day 3’s matches.

The opening match of the day saw the North West University losing their second consecutive match of the tournament, as they lost 2-3 to Royal Wizards of the Northern Cape. Royal Wizards currently sit top of Group B and will meet Kovsies FC from Free State on day 3 to determine the winner of Group B, as both teams have 3 points.

Super Strikers of Mpumalanga earned their first three points with a 1-0 victory over Gauteng’s FC Raycon in the second match of the day and will have to wait for the day 3 match between Ramatlaohle of Limpopo against Gauteng’s Raycon, to see if they go top of Group C.

KwaZulu Natal’s Ezemvelo Ladies faced a very fierce University of Cape Town in the last match of the day. These two teams shared the spoils after a 1 all draw and the winner of Group A will also be determined after day three’s action, when Sophakama Ladies go head-to-head with the University of Cape Town.

Day 3 of the Sasol League National Championships will be action packed as teams fight to be determined Group winners.

The opening match of the day will see FC Raycon go up against Ramatlaohle Ladies to determine the winner of group A, while the University of Cape Town will be hoping to hammer Sophakama Ladies to edge out Ezemvelo at the top of group C.

The last and most scintillating match of the day will be the group B encounter between Royal Wizards FC and Kovsies FC.

The semi-finalists will then be determined after the third match, with a follow up draw to be held to see who will go head-to-head in tournament deciding matches, as the winners of the semi-finals will gain promotion to the Women’s National League.

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Deserving learners awarded at Voorspoed Primary School 

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Picture: Deserving learners awarded at Voorspoed Primary School

By OBAKENG MAJE 

17 October 2024- A Grade 7 learner, Tshegofatso Mosiatlhaga (12) from Voorspoed Primary School in Hartswater, who received a top achiever award, said she is incredulous. On Friday, the school held its annual award ceremony to honour their best learners. 

“I am very grateful and honoured to receive this award. It is awesome to see that hard work pays off. I am very proud of myself, my parents and teachers who always give me advice to study hard. 

“So, I would like to advise others to also study, work very hard and be consistent,” she said.

Tshegofatso’s mother, Gaopalelwe Mosiatlhaga was also over the moon. She said she always encourages her daughter to study harder. In most cases, she listens even though sometimes she becomes very playful. 

“Also, the gifts that I buy for her contribute immensely towards her achievements. Normally, I will buy her educational gifts and that has assisted her a lot to understand her school work. 

“Gifts like chess and scrabble, just to name a few, play a pivotal role in the understanding of a learner. Last year, Tshegofatso was in a spelling competition because of scrabble,” she said.

Gaopalelwe further said it is not easy to raise a child, especially a teenager because there is a lot that is happening. She added as parents, they come across new challenges almost every day, but with the grace of God, she manages. 

The school principal, Mark Anthony Digopo said he uses an open door policy to enable teachers to teach at their best and learners to learn to their utmost.

“It is imperative that we have these kinds of awards. This year, they were wonderful because most of our learners, especially into intermediate and senior phases, have received more awards. 

“Yesterday, we had the foundation phase and most of the learners received their certificates. The fundamental reason why we are awarding these learners, is to ensure that they are enthused,” he said. 

Digopo said awards of this nature, vouch to the intrinsic motivation and propel learners to work harder. 

“Our pass rate is pleasant even though we believe there is ‘room for improvement’. In essence, there is a ‘glimmer of hope’ that we might reach a 90% pass rate,” said Digopo. 

Meanwhile, the School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson, Katlego Shakwane shared the same sentiments. Shakwane said they are proud of these learners’ achievements and the accolades they received.  

“This awards are based on their hard work and dedication. More than anything, hard work without principle gets distorted along the way. So, big up to the deserving learners,” he said. 

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‘Monnamogolo o teketilwe a shupilwe ka dithunya’ 

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Setshwantsho: Monna wa kwa Dikhuting, Christopher More 

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

16 Diphalane 2024- Monnamogolo wa kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, gaufi le Taung, are o tshelela mo letshogong, mme ga itse gore a lebe kae. Christopher More (70), are go na le banna ba ba itirileng kgogomodumo mo botshelo jwa gagwe, mme sepodisi ga se dire sepe. 

“Ke ile ka teketiwa ke banna ba ngwaga o fetileng, ba be ba sala ba fisa ntlo le sejanaga saka. Ke ile ka hudugelwa kwa Tlapeng, gape ba nteketile ba ntshupile ka dithunya. 

“Re ne re tsenetse kopano ya morafe kwa kgotlha, mme go ile ga fitlha moruti o a ileng a bula ka thapelo. Kopano ene ele mabapi le matikiri a epiwang motseng,” More wa tlhalosa. 

Are kwa kopanong eo, go ile ga nna le dikgoga-kgogano, mme ba ile ba gamarega fa ba bona moruti a tlogela kopano, mme a apara diaparo tsa tshireletso (bullet proof). More are moruti o ile a tsena mo sejanageng sa gagwe a tsamaya. 

“Rona re ile ra tsamaya, gonne nna ke ne ke ikutlwa tlala. Erile fa re sentse rele mo tseleng, re ne ra bona dijanaga di le pedi di feta ka lobelo, mme di lebile kwa kopano eneng e tshwaretswe teng. 

“Fela pele ga re tsena kwa re dulang teng, dijanaga tseo di ile tsa fitlha le go emisa fa thoko ga rona. Re ile ra makadiwa ke go bona banna ba le bane, ga mmogo le moruti, ba fologa ka dithunya. Ba ile ba re tshwara le go re teketa ba re shupile ka dithunya,” More wa tlhalosa. 

Are ene ya re morago ga moo, ba ile ba tsena mo dijanageng tsa bone ba tshaba. More are mme moragonyana, go ile ga fitlha sejanaga sa sepodisi. 

“Ke ile ka ba lotlegela se se diragetseng. Re ne ra tsena mo sejanageng sa sepodisi, le go leka go lelekisa dijanaga tseo, mme ene ya re fa re tsena kwa motseng wa Manthe, re ile ra bolelelwa fa dijanaga tseo di ile kwa kgosing. 

“Re ile ra leta le mapodisi kwa tseleng, mme moragonyana, re ile ra bona dijanaga tseo di tswa kwa kgosing le go leba kwa motseng wa Dikhuting. Mapodisi a ile are a leka go di lelekisa, fela go ile ga retela,” More wa tlhalosa. 

Are go ile ga tlhaga sejanaga se sengwe kwa morago, mme se ile sa kgoreletsa sejanaga sa sepodisi gore se se tshware dijanaga tse ba neng ba di beile maroa. More are, sepodisi se ile sa itlhoboga fa se tsena ka Dikhuting. 

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophrima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are: “Sepodisi se butse kgetsi ya go teketa ka maikaelelo a go ntsha dikgobalo. Fela, ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse.”

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‘Transport sector is the heartbeat of SA economy’

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Picture: Transport Month celebtraion in South Africa

By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 October 2024- October has been set aside as a Transport Month in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) since 2005. According to the North West University (Potchefstroom campus) Communication Specialist, Bertie Jacobs, this is being done because the transport sector is essential to the country’s well-being.

Jacobs said people should imagine the human body and all the veins that run through it. He further said these rivers beneath the skin carry the lifeblood.

“They are the undercurrent of life’s pulse, and they work steadily and tirelessly carrying all the oxygen and nutrients we need to survive. The transport sector are the veins within our nation, and they carry the lifeblood of our economy.

“From distant towns to urban centres, it returns the vital flow of goods and people to sustain industry and life. In 2024, South Africa’s transport sector teeters between decay and potential renaissance,” said Jacobs.

He added that an intricate web of rail, road, and air networks keeps the nation moving, but corruption and crumbling infrastructure hamper progress. Jacobs said there are a number of important questions to be asked.

“Do we have the resources and capabilities to stem this backward tide? Can we make the necessary upgrades to patch the deep wounds in our transport sector, or do we merely have band-aids for a system in flux? Our transport sector is determining and will determine South Africa’s economic trajectory.

“Are we heading in the right direction? At the North West University, we have undertaken to find answers and provide possible solutions for the problems plaguing our transport sector,” he said.

He said they do this through their research, the establishment of partnerships within industry and government as well as through their teaching and learning, where we equip students with the skills and expertise to make discernible, impactful contributions to the sector.

Jacobs said their theme for Transport Month is: “How transport gives the country’s economy traction, and it all starts here.”

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A soccer commentator aims to break barriers 

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Picture: The renowned soccer commentator, Eddie Mogorwe/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

16 October 2024- A local soccer commentator, Eddie Mogorwe (50), said it takes discipline, dedication and determination to be a great soccer commentator. Mogorwe, who is now a renowned soccer commentator in the local space, said one needs to be knowledgeable about the rules of the game. 

He further said one should also be able to recall relevant information like how teams have performed in previous matches. Even though Mogorwe was discouraged by some individuals when he started to embark on his commentary journey, he never let detractors deter him. 

Now, the Manokwane-born soccer commentator said, he is happy to finally find his niche. 

“I was inspired by the likes of SABC’s Motsweding FM commentators such as Aubrey JR Motlung, the late iconic Cebo Manyaapelo and of course Oatile Jacobs. When I look back where I come from, I can only say, God is great.  

“I have learnt a lot over the years and I now possess a variety of skills and qualities, including the knowledge of the game. Commentators need to be able to speak clearly and engage an audience, while also being able to work well under pressure,” he said.

Mogorwe said even though he started to be a commentator in 2009, he only had a breakthrough in 2017. He further said he is grateful to be one of the household commentators in and around Taung.

“I was happy to receive a recognition award after a great display at the Boemma Top 16 Soccer Tournament that was held in Modimong village a few months ago. Actually, this is my second award. 

“So, this really shows that if one is resilient enough, nothing can stop him or her. I was inspired by the legends and they gave me goosebumps every time they were behind the mic,” said Mogorwe. 

He added that he is now called to display his craft outside the North West and many people have fallen in love with his commentary skills. 

“I would like to work for Motsweding FM one day. Many people can recognise me and I am grateful that I was not demoralised. I also want to urge those aspiring commentators to take their craft seriously. 

“There are so many challenges in this industry, but if you are buoyant, you can make it. So, to all those who continue to show me their unwavering support, thank you,” he said. 

Mogorwe, who started his school days at Baisitse Primary School in Manokwane and went on to Batlhaping High School to further his studies, said he knew that one day he would be a commentator. He urges young people to stay away from alcohol and substance abuse. 

“Taung has an abundance of talent and they should not be deterred by their backgrounds,” said Mogorwe.

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Housing backlog to be addressed    

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Picture: Some of delegates during oversight visits in North West 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

16 October 2024- The North West Department of Human Settlement said it will address the current housing backlog they are currently faced with. This includes ensuring that all blocked projects are unblocked, contractors are back on site, and contractors who abandoned sites are reinstated or new contractors are appointed. 

The acting Head of Department (HOD), Dr Ben Bole said the department was responding to questions from the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs during their oversight visit to housing projects in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality recently.

Bole said the committee visited projects in Maquassi Hills, Ventersdorp, Kanana and other areas to assess progress made on blocked and other departmental projects. 

“During the visit, the committee noted some dissatisfaction with the progress made on the construction of houses and called on the department to fast track the process of delivering houses in the province. 

“The committee further urged the department to implement consequence management on officials and contractors, who continue to abandon projects and not do their work as expected,” he said. 

Bole further said the committee expressed mixed feelings on several projects, however acknowledging progress made in unblocking blocked projects and completing other projects. He added that the committee also expressed satisfaction on the level of delivery, quality and processes followed by the department in prioritising elderly, women, people with disability, child headed households and other vulnerable groups.

“In some of the projects, the committee was informed that contractors had abandoned the site mainly because of administrative challenges facing the department such as the serious budget cuts, the hike in material prices and the old housing quantum,” said Bole. 

Meanwhile, the acting Chairperson of North West Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Chris Jokubus Steyl, called on the department to ensure that it follows proper processes in liaising with the national department and provincial treasury to request extra funds to resuscitate blocked projects and appointing contractors in most of those that have been abandoned. 

According to Steyl, the department must work around the clock in making sure that beneficiaries receive houses and that contractors are paid on time in 30 days as directed by the provincial treasury. “It is critically important that we ensure that the department delivers houses. We are also responsible to make sure that we conduct oversight, to ensure that government funds are spent appropriately and that the department is delivering as according to its mandate. We therefore need reports from the department, about its plans in addressing the serious challenges the department is faced with,” said Steyl. 

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The late Tito Mboweni to be laid to rest  

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Picture: Former Minister of Finance and SARB Governor, the late Tito Mboweni

By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 October 2024- Tributes continue to pour in for the former South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor, Tito Mboweni, who passed away on 12 October 2024, at the age of 65. The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has declared a special official funeral category 2, in honour of Mboweni. 

Ramaphosa said Mboweni was the democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Labour from 1994 to 1999 in the Cabinet of Founding President, the late Dr Nelson Mandela. 

“He served as Governor for a decade from 1999. From 2018 to 2021, Mboweni served as Minister of Finance. We would like to reiterate our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mboweni. 

“He served the nation as an activist, economic policy innovator and champion of labour rights, wit-h a sharp focus on fiscal discipline and economic transformation. Mboweni has been accorded a special official funeral category 2, which will take place at Nkowankowa Stadium, Tzaneen, Limpopo on Saturday at 10am,” he said. 

According to Ramaphosa, the funeral will feature ceremonial elements provided by the South African Police Service (SAPS). He further said he has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations from 16 until the evening of 19 October 2024.

The National Assembly (NA) Speaker, Thoko Didiza described Mboweni as a distinguished and versatile people’s servant, who dedicated his life, passion, and vast expertise to the service of the people of South Africa.

“Mboweni’s activism spanned both the struggle for freedom and the consolidation of democracy in our country. As a dedicated anti-apartheid activist, he passionately fought for justice, equality, and the liberation of all South Africans. 

“He laid the groundwork for the democratic values he later championed in public service. After the dawn of democracy, he became the first Minister of Labour under the cabinet of President Nelson Mandela,” she said. 

Didiza further said in this role, Mboweni was instrumental in shaping South Africa’s labour policies during a critical time of transition, ensuring that the rights and dignity of workers were protected and enshrined in the new democratic order.

She added that as one of the first generation of Members of the first post-apartheid Parliament, Mboweni contributed to the establishment of laws and policies aimed at dismantling the legacy of apartheid and building a more inclusive and just society.

Meanwhile, the ANC Veterans League president,  Snuki Zikalala said: “We salute the legacy of Mboweni. We are shocked and saddened by his sudden passing. He is one of the ANC’s best sons, serving the ANC and the government in many capacities, including as the Minister of Labour, Finance, and Reserve Bank Governor.”

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A suspect nabbed for business robbery and attempted murder

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Picture: A vehicle that was allegedly used for business robbery in Bonita Park/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

16 October 2024- A man (42) was arrested for business robbery, malicious damage to property and attempted murder in Taung. It is alleged that, five suspects robbed a tuck shop in Bonita Park, near Hartswater on 15 October 2024. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said a team comprising of Hartswater K9 unit, Pampierstad Visible Policing and Detectives, and Taung SAPS, were mobilised to operationalise information received that the suspects allegedly fled in a red Toyota Corolla in the direction of Taung.

“With the assistance of a drone search, one of the suspects, was found hiding in the bush and was successfully arrested at approximately 6pm.

The search team, assisted by the Northern Cape SAPS Airwing, is continuing with a search for four suspects who are believed to still be at large. The police are investigating cases of business robbery, malicious damage to property, and attempted murder,” she said. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the inter provincial collaboration together with the community, which led to the arrest of the suspect. 

Otola said anyone who has information regarding the incident is urged to report to SAPS at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App. She said all information will be handled confidentially. 

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Movers and Shakers in football honoured!

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Picture:  Mamelodi Sundowns Women’s Football Club player, Boitumelo Rabale/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

16 October 2024- The South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA), in partnership with Hollywoodbets, proudly announced the winners of the SAFJA Women’s Footballer and Male Footballer of the Year awards for the 2023/24 season at a prestigious ceremony held at Southern Sun Hyde Park in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Mamelodi Sundowns FC made a clean sweep in both categories, with striker Boitumelo Rabale named the Women’s Footballer of the Year, and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams securing the Men’s Footballer of the Year award. This year’s men’s category introduced prize money for the first time. 

Rabale, delivered an outstanding 2023 season, playing a pivotal role in Sundowns’ treble-winning success. The team secured the league title, the COSAFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers, and the CAF Women’s Champions League. 

The Lesotho international scored an impressive 19 goals for the African Champions and was rewarded with a prize of R20,000, an increase of R5,000 from previous years. Her fellow nominees Kaylin Swart, Bongeka Gamede, Chuene Morifi, and Sphumelele Shamase each received a consolation prize of R2,000.

Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams showcased remarkable consistency throughout the season for both club and the country, making the SAFJA accolade his sixth nomination and fifth win for the year, which also includes a spot on the Yashin Ballon d’Or trophy shortlist. Williams kept 30 clean sheets and conceded just 19 goals in 46 appearances.

The awards ceremony also honoured outstanding achievements in sports journalism. For the second year in a row, Mazola Molefe won the South African Football Journalist of the Year award. His fearless reporting, coupled with well-sourced breaking stories, set him apart in a competitive field that included top journalists Lorenz Kohler and Mthokozisi Dube. 

Molefe’s commitment to uncovering major stories around clubs such as Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, demonstrated his journalistic excellence.

In the Young Journalist category, rising star Sinethemba Makonco earned recognition for his impressive contributions to the field, capturing the award.

This initiative aims to inspire young journalists to pursue excellence and develop a passion for quality sports reporting.

SAFJA Chairperson Velile Mnyandu said: “Rewarding and acknowledging our members’ exceptional work has always been paramount to us ever since we started these awards. This year, as promised during the last edition, we introduced the Young Journalist Award. 

“Through this award, we aim to promote a culture of excellence, quality reporting on football matters, and an endless passion for the craft.”

Hollywoodbets Senior Sponsorship Coordinator, Menzi Ngcobo said Hollywoodbets is delighted to partner with SAFJA in recognising the incredible talent and hard work displayed in South African football. Ngcobo said this partnership reflects their ongoing commitment to uplifting the sport and rewarding excellence across the board. 

“Congratulations to all the winners and nominees. You have shown remarkable dedication and skill. We are proud to celebrate these achievements, which not only honour individual performances but also inspire the next generation of footballers and journalists,” he said.

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