Picture: The Bantwana Batwana players in training/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The South African U17 Women’s National Team (Bantwana), have begun their preparations for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia. The young ladies will face the East African Nation in a two-legged affair.

Of the 2^nd round of qualifier on 2 February 2024 away from home and on 10 February 2024 at home, where they will be looking to progress to the last round of qualifiers for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

Bantwana Bantwana coach, Ntabeleng “Dunga” Modiko told http://www.safa.net that, Bantwana will be looking to secure a spot to the Dominican Islands, in what will be South Africa’s third appearance at the junior world cup for women.

Modiko further said the team began their month- long camp on 15 January 2024 and focused on fitness levels.

“This has been a very taxing week for the girls, as we have to regain fitness before anything else. We are happy with the progress they are making and we have asked them to dig deep because we begin the year with very crucial matches and they have to show up to gain a spot in the team.

“We have a huge preliminary squad and it was pivotal that we worked on fitness this week because it is never easy to begin a camp after the festive season. Therefore, we have been hard at work this week ensuring that the players are at a certain level of fitness before we dive into the tactics of our qualifiers,” he said.

Modiko added that, they have had fitness tests and a few sessions where ball possession, small build ups and regrouping have been the main focus. He said this coming week, they will be looking to cut the squad down to the 23 players that will represent the country in the qualifiers.

“We are also ensuring that the players are up to date with their studies, since the opening of schools this past Wednesday. The education factor has been catered for.

“We have a tutor in camp to ensure that players are not only focused on football, but also mentally get back into the classroom, as they are at a critical age of their education,” said Modiko.

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players ready to face Namibia after a disappointing loss

By OBAKENG MAJE

Bafana Bafana shifted focus to Namibia ahead of crunch AFCON match. This comes after the Bafana Bafana camp has put the disappointment of losing their opening match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations this week to Mali behind them and they are now looking forward to the next assignment on the tournament calendar.

Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos’ charges lost 0-2 to Mali on 16 January 2024 and will hope to bounce back from the setback when they face neighbours, Namibia on 21 January 2024 at the same Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium. Mamelodi Sundowns FC player, Teboho Mokoena said, the players understand what is at stake on Sunday and what is expected of them.

“We know what we need to do better and what lies in front of us. It is not the start that we had wanted or set ourselves up for, but it is the result that we now have to stomach,” he said.

Sphephelo Sithole said he has cast his eye on the match against the Namibians and feels that a victory is a must to avoid putting pressure on the South African senior men’s team in a group that also has Mali, Tunisia and Namibia. 

“I think the next game against Namibia is a must-win. We have to win it because a result means that our chances are better. So, for me, we have to win. For me, we have to win every game.

“So far, we have been treated well. We have all we need to be comfortable away from home and to focus solely on football,” said Sithole.  

Namibia will go into this game against their neighbours on a high after beating Tunisa 1-0 on Tuesday.

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Picture: The City of Matlosana’s CFO, Percy Phetlha/Twitter

By OBAKENG MAJE

The City of Matlosana’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mercy Phetla (38), the GMHM Construction and Projects employees, Matshepiso Mothelesane (39) and Nomthandazo Mokasule (49), were arrested for fraud. It is alleged that in June 2023, a service provider purchased a vehicle worth R1.4 million for Phetlha.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said, the trio handed themselves over to the Klerksdorp-based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit on 18 January 2024.  

“The investigations by the Hawks Serious Corruption revealed that, the service provider has a contract with the municipality. The trio was arrested and appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 18 January 2024.

“They were granted a R35 000 bail each and their case was postponed to 1 March 2024 for further investigation. They have been ordered to hand over their passports to the investigating officers and all documents relating to the GMHM to be immediately removed from Phetlha,” she said.

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Picture: The firearm allegedly found in the suspect possession/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (23) was arrested for house-breaking, theft, and illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm. A case of burglary was reported at a farm, near Karos on 7 January 2024, where a rifle was allegedly stolen.

The ZF Mgcawu District Police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said: “The police of Upington Crime Office, received a tip-off that led to a house in Karos, where the suspect was allegedly found in possession of the suspected stolen rifle.

“The police issue a stern warning to firearm license holders to ensure that, the safekeeping of their firearms at all times.”

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