Vera Pauw – we still have a chance


Johannesburg– The South African women’s national team, Banyana Banyana find themselves in an unfavourable situation following a 1 – 1 draw against Ghana in their second match of the African Women’s Championship campaign, played at Independence stadium last night.

Banyana Banyana put on an impressive show and with a bit of luck could have collected maximum points against Ghana to keep their hopes of getting out of the group stages alive.

“We and Ghana were both in the same situation and we remained in the same situation. We now need to win our respective final games to progress to the next stage. We started-off well in the first half but we struggled a bit in the second. It was a tough match for us. Ghana stayed dangerous till the last minute, I can only compliment my players for their fighting spirit,” commented Banyana Banyana coach, Vera Pauw, after the match.

After losing their first match 1 – 0 to Cameroon last Sunday and playing to a draw last night, Banyana Banyana and Ghana are now joint bottom of the log in group B with only one point from two matches each.

All is not lost yet for the Sasol sponsored women’s national team when looking at the other team’s points in the group. With one more match to be played to determine which two teams proceed to the semi-finals, Cameroon have 6 points, Algeria with 3, while Banyana Banyana and Ghana are sitting with a point each.

Cameroon beat Algeria 2 – 0 earlier before the South Africans took to the field against Ghana, thus leaving the group open and giving South Africa a chance to make amends in their last match which is against Algeria.

Pauw said “We are very relieved that we are still in the tournament, thanks to Cameroon for beating Algeria. We are still in the competition and have a chance to proceed to the next round.”

South Africa has to finish among the top three teams at the tournament to qualify for the 2015 African Women’s Championship, scheduled for Canada.
-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

We are stlll on track – Mashaba


-Bafana Bafana head coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba says the team is still very much on track for qualification for the CAF Orange Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2015 despite being held to a goalless draw by Congo Brazzaville at a rain-soaked Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Wednesday, 15 October.

The match, which was attended by high profile dignitaries that included among others, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, Premier of Limpopo Stan Mathabatha, Executive Mayor of Limpopo Ms Thembi Nkadimeng, Bishop of the ZCC Church Barnabas Lekganyane, Mamelodi Sundowns President Patrice Motsepe and several SAFA NEC members saw Congo stifling Bafana Bafana’s rhythm with some robust play.

This was the second match in four days between the two nations after Bafana Bafana defeated Congo 2-0 in Pointe Noire last Saturday (11 October 2014).

“It was a tough game like we expected. They came with a game plan which was not to lose, they were happy to settle for a draw. Those who saw our first game against them last week can see they were a different ball game altogether. They came here to defend and frustrated us. We had chances to score but we couldn’t. But we are still on track, our boys are doing well, I don’t think we need to press panic buttons,” said a rain-drenched Mashaba after the match.

“We are not disappointed at all. We would have loved to seal qualification today but it did not happen so we are not disappointed at all. We are happy with a draw because it is a fair result. We still have another six points to play for but we need to make sure that we get the maximum points in our next game with Sudan to put the matter to rest.”

Mashaba is also concerned that his charges fire on all cylinders up front when playing away, but do not at home. With four matches played, South Africa scored five goals in two away fixtures but have not had returns in two home clashes.

“It is a concern that when we are home we don’t score yet when we play away we find the back of the net on a regular basis. We need to find out what is happpening because it is the same strikers who play. The good thing is that we are creating chances but we are just not converting them,” said Mashaba.

Elsewhere, Nigeria registered their first victory in the qualifiers when they defeated Sudan 3-1 with two goals from Ahmed Musa and one from Aaron Samuel while Salah Ibrahim found the back of the net for Sudan.

South Africa is still top of Group A with eight points, one above second-placed Congo. Nigeria is third with four while Sudan is bottom of the group with three points.

In their next clash against Sudan next month, Bafana Bafana will not have the services of defender Thulani Hlatshwayo who has been suspended after collecting his second yellow card in the campaign.

South Africa hosts Sudan on Saturday, 15 November 2014 at a venue still to be determined. Four days later (Wednesday, 19 November) Bafana Bafana travel to Nigeria for their last fixture of the qualifiers.

This is how South Africa and Congo lined up:

South Africa:
Senzo Meyiwa, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Eric Mathoho, Rivaldo Coetzee, Sibusiso Khumalo, Dean Furman, Andile Jali, Mandla Masango, Thulani Serero (Oupa Manyisa 67’), Tokelo Rantie (Sibusiso Vilakazi 80’), Bongani Ndulula (Kermit Erasmus 63’)

Subs:
Darren Keet, Tefu Mashamaite, Siyabonga Nhlapho, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Oupa Manyisa, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Kermit Erasmus

Congo:
Massa, F N’Ganga (Boukama 77’), Baudry, Moutou, I Nganga, Ngonga, Ndinga, Oniangue, Gandze, Dore, Bifouma.-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

ANC Women’s League condemns the Killing of a 20 year Old Disabled Boy


Klerksdorp- The ANC Women’s League in the North West province condemns the brutal killing of Sipho Nhlahlo, a 20 year old boy who had a physical disability and whose body was left to rot on the open streets of Jouberton, Extention 7 in Klerksdorp in the early hours of Sunday morning, 12 October ANC Women’s League Condemns the Killing of a 20 year Old Disabled Boy

2014.

Nhlahlo who stayed with his siblings, was kidnapped from his home at the time of no supervision by alleged suspects who were later arrested for their crime.

“It is alleged that his decomposed body was mutilated for ritual purposes as it was found with no brains and private parts, including buttocks, later to be thrown at an area where commuters could see it” ANC North West Women’s League secretary Meokgo Matuba.

Since the 1913 anti-pass campaign in the Free State, South African women have remained resolute at the forefront of the struggle for the liberation and emancipation of our people as a whole, not only women. To this date women are still at the forefront on the struggle against a violent and crime infested society.

“We are distraught and disgusted by these inhumane acts of evil and we will make certain that we defend and fight against such, as the gallant fighters we are and always have been.

“We pay tribute and appreciate the work performed by our forces, our South African Police Service (SAPS) in whom we have placed our outmost trust to guard and protect the lives and rights of all human dignity as enshrined in our constitution, for a speedily response in handling this case” Matuba said.

ANCWL North West said women will never cease to exist, fight and ensure that all rights of people are protected, dignified and given equal opportunities as they pave way for the second phase of the transition towards a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous society.-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Going back to basic in decreasing disaster risks


Rustenburg – Going back to basics by making sure that street lights are operational, storm water drainage pipes are in good condition and approved building constructions follow the stipulated standards is one of the ways that municipalities can deal with disaster risk effectively.

This is the message by the Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance, Andries Nel, at the disaster risk reduction celebration that took place in Rustenburg yesterday.

Deputy Minister joined North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo, Local Government and Human Settlements MEC Collen Maine and the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction representative Sharon Rasu to address the older persons of Bojanala Platinum district as part of this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction which is commemorated on 13 October.

In commemorating of the day the province of North West led by the Premier committed to adopt key principles for inclusive approach to disaster risk reduction. The province will ensure that:
Specific requirements of older persons are understood by policy makers in municipalities and are responded to within all disaster risk reduction activities.

Older persons’ capabilities and capacities are not overlooked due to their physical limitations but they are involved and encouraged to participation in community decision making.
Older person’s knowledge, skills and wisdom is acknowledged, valued and engaged by government as an invaluable asset in disaster risk reduction.

This year’s commemoration focuses on the older persons and the contribution they can make in the strategies to build disaster-resilient communities and general disaster risk mitigation.

According to the recent Census, 41% of the population in South Africa constitute older persons. General improvement of health care and access to government social services have resulted to improved life expectancy putting more pressure on governments to accommodate older persons in their policy development.

Disaster risk management practitioners in the country have recognised this as an opportunity to tap into the older persons’ experience and knowledge of disaster risk management – a call supported by the government.-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Postmasburg alleged ‘rapist’ sought


By Obakeng Maje
Postmasburg- Northern Cape police are investigating a case of sexual assault after an unknown man allegedly sexually assaulted two boys, says lieutenant Sergio Kock.

According to police, four boys aged 9 and 10 were allegedly playing in the streets at Postdene, in Postmasburg when unknown man in his twenties pounced on them. 

“Police are requesting assistance in the search for a suspected rapist. On 23 April 2014 at approximately 15:30 four boys(9 and 10) respectively were playing on the pavement in Postdene, Postmasburg when an unknown suspect approached them” Kock said.

The suspect allegedly requested the boys to go and buy him some cigarettes.

In their return, the suspect allegedly raped two of the victims. “He is in his mid-twenties, 1.7m tall, slender-built and dark in complexion” he said.

Police request anyone who could assist police with any information that could lead to any arrest, can forward it to Detective Constable David Mongake on 078 302 4353 or sms anonymously to 32211.

The investigation continues.   
-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

PREMIER MAHUMAPELO OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES SETSOKOTSANE PROGRAMME IN MAHIKENG  


Mahikeng- Bokone-Bophirima Premier Supra Mahumapelo will officially launch the versatile transformative programme called Setsokotsane at the Montshioa Stadium in Mahikeng on Friday, 17th October 2014.  

Led by the Premier and all Members of the Executive Council, Setsokotsane will pull all government resources together in a bid to speed up service delivery, eradicate poverty and create a responsive, caring and accountable Government in Bokone-Bophirima.

“Communities often raise concerns about the slow intervention by government, weak interactions with communities and poor monitoring of projects. Setsokotsane programme seeks to respond to such challenges which also include amongst others potholes, water, lights in our streets, housing and crime”, says Premier Mahumapelo. 

Setsokotsane Programme which will be launched in all four Districts of the Province and attended by Community Development Workers, Community Development Practitioners, Expanded Public Works Programme workers, Ward Councillors and Tribal Councils, will be addressed by the Premier.  

The Ngaka Modiri Molema District Launch is scheduled to be held as follows:

Venue: Montshioa Stadium, Mahikeng

Date: Friday 17th October 2014

Time: 09H00
-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Congo hold Bafana Bafana to a draw


Johannesburg- Bafana Bafana were held to a goalless draw by a revamped Congo Brazzaville side at a pouring Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday night.

The result delayed Bafana Bafana’s celebrations for a place in the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for Morocco next year. A win could have guaranteed Shakes Mashaba’s side a place at Africa’s biggest football showpiece and although they remain in the driving seat, those celebrations now remain temporarily on ice.

Bafana Bafana never rose to expectations as Congo man marked most of the key players including Thulani Serero and Tokelo Rantie. Both had to be substituted in the second half as persistent rains made structured play almost impossible.

It was Rantie who made the first foray in the 9th minute but his surge on the byline was cleared by the Congolese.

Congo seemed content trying to disturb Bafana Bafana’s rhythm in the opening minutes and having managed to do so, fashioned some really threatening moments late in the first half.

One such threatening opportunity came in the 35th minute when Congo won a corner and from the resultant kick, captain Senzo Meyiwa who is turning out to be the rock for the revived side, pushed the ball out of danger from the line.

With Congo really looking competitive, Bafana Bafana hardly created meaningful opportunities in the first half as Rantie was caught offside on a number of occasions.

In the second half, the rains which bucketed down Polokwane seemed to increase the tempo and both teams lost possession and in the process created few meaningful chances.

However, Mandla Masango and Kermit Erasmus fashioned some good opportunities but the match was always destined to end in a goalless draw.

Once again, Andile Jali and Dean Furman’s combination was a joy to watch and late in the second half created some great opportunities.

Bafana Bafana remain top of the Group on 8 points, one ahead of second placed Congo.

Their next game is a home fixture against Sudan.-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Banyana Banyana, Ghana share the spoils


Johannesburg- Banyana Banyana played to a 1-1 draw against Ghana in their second group B African Women’s Championship match in Windhoek, Namibia on Wednesday night.

Coach Vera Pauw made only one change to the team that narrowly lost to Cameroon in the first match on Sunday. Nompumelelo Nyandeni, who registered her 100th cap in national team colours started ahead of Refiloe Jane in the middle of the park.

Nyandeni put on an amazing performance and was voted the Player of the match.

Banyana Banyana started off determined knowing the importance of collecting maximum points. They looked dangerous with veteran striker Portia Modise and Shiwe Nogwanya occasionally threatening upfront.

Captain Janine Van Wyk marshalled the defence with authority, making great tackles and kicking the ball out of danger on more than one occasion in the opening 15 minutes of the match.

With Modise and Nogwanya not allowing the Black Stars of Ghana defenders to bully them, Banyana Banyana got the opening goal in the 18th minute. Nogwanya capitalised on the Ghanaian keeper’s mistake of spilling the ball in the box from Mamello Makhabane’s shot from a set-piece.

Nogwanya made no mistake as she popped up to put the hard running Banyana Banyana in the lead.

The South Africans showed great fighting spirit as they continued to push forward with urgency to get the second goal. Makhabane came close to doubling the lead in the 31st minute with a shot from just outside the box, but the Ghana keeper was alert and parried the ball out of danger.

Ghana levelled the score in optional time, after Elizabeth Cudjoe connected well with a cross from their captain Leticia Zikpi in the box, slotting one past Roxanne Barker.

The tempo in the second half seemed to have slowed down a bit as both teams pushed for the elusive winner.

South Africa face Algeria in their last match of group B this Saturday, 18 October 2014 at 17h00 in which anything less than victory will see them eliminated from a place in the World Cup.-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Samaritan’s purse to roll out pilot programme on love and care for children


Mahikeng- Operation Christmas Child (OCC) pilot project aimed at bringing back the consciousness of the church to love and care for children targeting 146 000 children countrywide is to be extended to the North West Province for roll out during November.

The first phase of the programme in the province targeting the training of 250 Sunday school teachers and those involved in children’s ministry in using the OCC material as an evangelistic tool, equipping and preparing children who are crying to be people of worth for discipleship. 
On graduation day, the 7500 children from around Mahikeng and Rusteburg  who would have completed the Greatest Journey Discipleship Course will receive books, bibles and christmas shoe gift boxes.

Local OCC team members nominated during recent vison casting briefing meetings held with Pastors are coordinating nomination of sunday school teachers to participate in  the one-day discipleship training supported by the Samarian Purse.

The nondenominational evangelical Christian organization has been providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world since 1970.-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

Hunt for suspects after Cape Town cop’s mother killed


Johannesburg – Western Cape police were on Wednesday searching for people linked to the murder of a police officer’s mother in Manenburg, Cape Town.

“No arrest has been made as yet,” said Captain FC van Wyk.

The police constable’s 71-year-old mother was shot dead on Monday night and his 44-year-old brother was shot and wounded during the attack.

“Cases of murder and attempted murder are under investigation,” said Van Wyk.

Western Cape community safety MEC Dan Plato said in a statement on Wednesday the man and woman were family members of Constable Lutfie Eksteen, a member of the SA Police Service’s anti-gang and drug unit.

“My sincerest condolences to Constable Eksteen, the extended family, colleagues and friends for their loss and trauma experienced,” said Plato.

He urged the Manenburg community to work with police to arrest the people involved in the attack.

“We cannot allow such a brazen and heinous attack to deter the SAPS to act against unscrupulous criminals, murderers, gang bosses or drug lords,” said Plato.

The provincial community policing board on Wednesday condemned attacks on police officers and their families.

“Our members who under trying circumstances and challenges passionately pursue their duties in serving and protecting our communities,” chairperson Magdalene Moos said in a statement.

“Our men and women in blue are also human beings and an attempt on the lives of these officers is an act of treason and must be dealt with the severest of punishment.”

SAPA