Author Archives: Ezimtoti News

The sky is the limit

By Tana ‘Lulu’ Malinga
Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club is proud to announce that Red Bull is their new sponsor going forward.
Red Bull aims to give wings to the male and female players and supporters since the both teams are doing very well domestically and continentally.
The pursuit of excellence has seen the men’s team secure an unprecedented sixth Premiership league title in the 2022/23 season, further enhancing the club’s status as the leading club in South Africa with a record 13 PSL titles.
Additionally, in February, the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies were named the Best Women’s Club in Africa by the International Federation of Football and Statistics (IFFHS) for 2022.
As the Brazilians continue to strive for ‘limitless’ success on and off the field, the club recognised a natural synergy to partner with the global brand.
Red Bull teaming up with Mamelodi SunRed Bull appreciates the club’s philosophy of ‘The Sky is the Limit’, and the joint focus on high performance meant an immediate connection with a club that has a powerful presence across the sports landscape.
With a new season underway, Mamelodi Sundowns Chairman Tlhopie Motsepe spoke about the importance of bringing a global brand to the club.
“Everyone at Mamelodi Sundowns is proud that a globally recognised brand such as Red Bull has chosen to collaborate with our football club. This partnership highlights the growing attention that African football, our athletes, and our supporters are attracting from the rest of the world.
“By simply looking at our mottos, ‘Red Bull Gives You Wings’ and ‘The Sky is the Limit’, one can see that the values of both organisations are rooted in uplifting people and inspiring others. We look forward to exciting our supporters as we take both organisations to new heights.” Michael Yormark, president of Roc Nation Sports International, said it was a wonderful moment to see this partnership come to fruition.
“We know Mamelodi Sundowns is one of the most successful, ambitious and dynamic football clubs, while Red Bull is renowned for ‘giving wings’ to people and their ideas, and that they have a product that vitalises body and mind. It’s this brand alignment and shared ambition that we recognised would be an ideal fit for all parties involved.”

By KOPANO MONAHENG
MARUMO Gallants FC have failed to win their first match of the season when they drew 2-2 with Casric Stars FC on Sunday afternoon.
Marumo looked like they were going to win the match after conceding too early in the first half with just eight minutes played but they showed character and equalised 10 minutes later.
And they pushed for a win in the 25th minute and went to half-time break leading the 2-1 at Solomon Mahlangu stadium in Mpumalanga.
But their lead did not take them far as they conceded yet again under 10 minutes in the second half. They made the very same mistakes they made in the first half of conceding early and that’s what coach Pitso Dladla had to deal with in their next fixture against log leaders Hungry Lion on 2 September.
They’re currently on sixth position on the Motsepe Foundation championship table.
But the Limpopo side are now confident going into the second match of the season as they have spotted their own mistakes and they will want to rectify them.
Speaking after the game on Sunday, coach Pitso Dladla, said they now know where they lacked strength and they go into their next match ready and firing.
“Casric dominated us in terms of ball position but I am happy now that we have seen some espect of the game where we lacked and we would like to improve on that going into the next match,” said Dladla.
He said every single player in his team can make it to the starting lineup if they work hard in training. No one is quaranteed a starting lineup irrespective of whether they played in the first match or not.
The Bahlabane ba Ntwa will play their first few matches at the University of Technology grounds in Vaal as the Dr Molemela Stadium is still undergoing renovations.
Kickoff for their Saturday match is 3pm and supporters are urged to rally behind the team to ensure that they collect maximum points on the day.
In other matches, Maritzburg United won 1-0 to Milford FC.
Hungry Lions 2-0 Pretoria University
Orbit College 2-1 Platinum City

Fans in Stellenbosch will be the first football lovers to be afforded the opportunity to win big when the exciting AmaFanDayz rolls into town this weekend.

In what promises to be a potentially thrilling encounter when Stellenbosch FC host SuperSport United at the Danie Craven stadium on Saturday, 26 August, fans will be rewarded for supporting their teams through the AmaFanDayz halftime competition.

One lucky fan stands a chance to win their share of R3 million should they score in a penalty shootout against, the chosen goalkeeper, DStv Star Hope Mbhele.

The renowned actress is popularly known for her role as MaBusi in popular Mzansi Magic telenovela, Umkhokha.
The successful penalty kick winner will be crowned the Fan of the Match and will walk away with R100 000 cash.

If the fan has an active DStv Compact subscribtion or higher, the prize money will be doubled to R200 000.
In celebration of HER, and Women’s month, DStv will also be adding a female-only segment in the AmaFanDayz competition for the month of August. Ladies are encouraged to come to the stadium, sign up and stand a chance to win the big prize.

To enter the competition, fans are encouraged to visit the DStv activation zone inside the stadium, then sign up with DStv promoters to stand a chance to be one of four participants in a sudden death penalty shootout against Hope.
In the lead up to the match, DStv will be hosting a AmaFanDayz roadshown on Thursday 24 August, at the Stellenbosch University (1pm – 3pm), and on Friday, 25 August at Kayamandi Shopping center (1 – 5pm) where local fans and students in the Cape Winelands will be given an opportunity to win match tickets and branded merchandise.
On match day, fans who sign up for the AmaFanDayz competition will recieve a blue ticket which gives them access into the Blue Zone, a dermacated seating area which offers entertainment and free merchandise.
DStv customers should stay tuned to SuperSport for top-notch content, as once again all 240 DStv Premiership matches will be shown live on TV or via streaming on the home of entertainment, the home of Diski. To be part of the DStv Premiership conversation, follow #DtvPrem #BabizeBonke on social media.

By KOPANO MONAHENG
WE ALL have dreams and ambitions we would like to one day achieve.
For many of us, we need to get an education to make our dreams a reality.
During this year’s Sasol TechnoX, which lasted from 14 – 18 August at the Boiketlong Sport Centre in Sasolburg, Free State, thousands of pupils and students attended the event physically and virtually.
Sasol TechnoX is Mzansi’s leading Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths, and Innovation (STEAMI) career exhibition which aims to equip the next generation of innovators with the knowledge and skills necessary to propel South Africa forward.
The exhibition provides a hands-on experience, showcasing various aspects of technology while inspiring pupils to explore the exciting array of disciplines and career opportunities offered by science, mathematics, and technology.
One of the pupils who looked curious at the equipment displayed on the scene of a crime was a 13-year-old, Samkelisiwe Malindi.
Samkelisiwe is a grade 7 pupil at Gugulethu Primary School in Namahadi Frankfort.
“I want to study Forensic Science,” she said.
“Many people commit crimes in our country and most often get away with it. I want to help the government to reduce crime by making sure that criminals are put to a place where they belong.”
Forensic Science introduce students to various biological and physical evidence types found on crime scenes. It covers aspects relating to the scientific basis of the recovery of evidence and the subsequent analysis of this evidence.
Forensic scientists collect, preserve, and analyse scientific evidence during the course of an investigation.
Some forensic scientists go to the scene of the crime to collect the evidence themselves, while others occupy a laboratory role, performing analysis on objects brought to them by other individuals.
Captain Dr Dean Swanepoel, provincial head for criminal record and crime scene management, said matric is a minimum requirement for people who want to pursue a career in forensics. But he also said that matriculants who are interested in becoming forensic experts can contact them at their offices in Bloemfontein to undergo a three year training. He also suggests that schools can even invite them to talk to pupils about careers in policing. This might encourage more pupils to study forensic science and policing.
Gaopaleloe Mothoagae, vice president for corporate social investment programmes at Sasol Foundation, said they are celebrating their 21st year this year since the exemption of the exhibition.
However those in attendance at this year’s event includes Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Buti Mamela; Education MEC, Makalo Mohale and Sasol employees and the general public.

Aspiring forensic expert, Samkelisiwe Malindi. Photos by Tana Malinga

Sasol exhibition was a success.

By KOPANO MONAHENG
WE ALL have dreams and ambitions we would like to one day achieve.
For many of us, we need to get an education to make our dreams a reality.
During this year’s Sasol TechnoX, which lasted from 14 – 18 August at the Boiketlong Sport Centre in Sasolburg, Free State, thousands of pupils and students attended the event physically and virtually.
Sasol TechnoX is Mzansi’s leading Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths, and Innovation (STEAMI) career exhibition which aims to equip the next generation of innovators with the knowledge and skills necessary to propel South Africa forward.
The exhibition provides a hands-on experience, showcasing various aspects of technology while inspiring pupils to explore the exciting array of disciplines and career opportunities offered by science, mathematics, and technology.
One of the pupils who looked curious at the equipment displayed on the scene of a crime was a 13-year-old, Samkelisiwe Malindi.
Samkelisiwe is a grade 7 pupil at Gugulethu Primary School in Namahadi Frankfort.
“I want to study Forensic Science,” she said.
“Many people commit crimes in our country and most often get away with it. I want to help the government to reduce crime by making sure that criminals are put to a place where they belong.”
Forensic Science introduce students to various biological and physical evidence types found on crime scenes. It covers aspects relating to the scientific basis of the recovery of evidence and the subsequent analysis of this evidence.
Forensic scientists collect, preserve, and analyse scientific evidence during the course of an investigation.
Some forensic scientists go to the scene of the crime to collect the evidence themselves, while others occupy a laboratory role, performing analysis on objects brought to them by other individuals.
Captain Dr Dean Swanepoel, provincial head for criminal record and crime scene management, said matric is a minimum requirement for people who want to pursue a career in forensics. But he also said that matriculants who are interested in becoming forensic experts can contact them at their offices in Bloemfontein to undergo a three year training. He also suggests that schools can even invite them to talk to pupils about careers in policing. This might encourage more pupils to study forensic science and policing.
Gaopaleloe Mothoagae, vice president for corporate social investment programmes at Sasol Foundation, said they are celebrating their 21st year this year since the exemption of the exhibition.
However those in attendance at this year’s event includes Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Buti Mamela; Education MEC, Makalo Mohale and Sasol employees and the general public.

The South African Football Association (Safa) is looking for a new Coach Education Manager.

The purpose of this position is to coordinate, implement, monitor and provide feedback on all matters pertaining coach education and fundraising efforts, building a positive brand and reputation through the promotion of the Association’s vision and mission.

The incumbent will develop, implement, monitor systems and procedures necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the coach and education functions.

Closing date for the vacancy is 29 August 2023, no late applications will be considered. Kindly use the email address provided on the advert for application purposes.

Click on the link below to apply:

https://www.safa.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Coach-Education-Manager-Job-Spec.pdfS

Source: SAFA

Orlando Pirates grabbed a slim advantage in their CAF Champions League First Preliminary Round tie against Djabal Club of Comoros, winning 1-0 in the away leg fixture played at Stade Moroni Malouzini on Saturday afternoon.

Reacquainted with the same outfit they faced to kick off their 2012/13 campaign – where they fell on the final hurdle – the Buccaneers had to deal with a demanding away trip to the capital of the island nation ahead of the decisive home leg.

The contest in Moroni kicked off with a highly frustrating first 45 minutes for the Buccaneers, who could not find the decisive touch despite dominating proceedings.

Relebohile Mofokeng did manage to call the keeper into action early on, drawing a save from the keeper who parried the ball out of play.

Pirates had further first-half chances through Monnapule Saleng and Bienvenu Eva Nga, both bringing out the best out of the Djabal shot stopper.

The home side did have a chance of their own late in the opening period, with the Bucs defence breathing a sigh of relief after watching the ball sail over the bar following a looping header from inside the box.

Just as he did at the start of the first half, Mofokeng was in the thick of the action after the second-half restart, firing a shot which drifted just wide of the target.

The Soweto Giants maintained control of the game, with striker Zakhele Lepasa finding an opportunity shortly after being brought in on the hour mark, but his effort was deflected out.

The Pirates goal came under threat 66 minutes in as the hosts surged forward, but skipper Innocent Maela was on hand to cut out the danger.

Most of the action was however concentrated at the other end, where the visitors remained in the ascendancy, as Saleng was denied by the keeper from close range in the 79th minute.

Bucs’ efforts eventually paid off three minutes from the final whistle where a swift move from the opposition half delivered the ball into the hosts’ penalty area, where Lepasa was in the perfect place to pounce and make it 1-0.

Kabelo Dlamini had an opportunity to double the lead inside injury time, but there was not enough time for either side to alter the scoreline as Pirates clung on to take a slim lead into Friday’s clash at Orlando Stadium.

Pirates XI: Ofori, Mthethwa, Maela, Monyane, Mako, Makaringe (Ndlondlo 82’), Monare, Saleng, Hotto (Otladisa 61’), Mofokeng (Dlamini 82’), Eva Nga (Lepasa 61’). Do

Source: Orlando Pirates

Banyana Banyana’s march to the second round of the FIFA Women’s World Cup will serve as inspiration when a SAFA delegation meets with the football governing body in Sydney, Australia on Thursday (3 August 2023) to talk up South Africa’s interest in hosting the global tournament in 2027.

The SAFA delegation, comprising of President Dr Danny Jordaan, SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao, 2027 Bid Committee chair Tumi Dlamini, Bid Lead Russell Paul and SAFA Women’s Head Romaney Pinnock, are in the Australia city to impress upon FIFA as to why it is important for South Africa to be awarded the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The other bidding aspirants to host the tournament – Brazil, joint bids from Mexico and the United States, and then Belgium, Netherlands and Germany – will also be in attendance to state their own cases.

“This is the first time that the Bid Committee will meet with the leadership of FIFA since SAFA made its submission in March. While there will likely be other opportunities for meetings of this nature in future, I strongly believe that first impressions last,” said Bid Committee chair Dlamini.

“So, it is going to be critical for us to make the most compelling case for why the FIFA Women’s World Cup must be hosted in Africa for the very first time. Other bidding nations will be present and we will likely be able to meet them and have engagements with them as well.

But the most important thing is for us to keep our eyes on the ball, the big prize. Whilst it might be very tempting to see what their proposition is, our objective this week is to make a case for South Africa. And that is where our focus will be.”

Dlamini said while it is still early days, the strong South African delegation would make their case to FIFA.

“I have no doubt that with the strong delegation that we have, ours will be a successful mission. Having said this, it  is still early days in the bidding process. This first step, although crucial, is not by any means the most determining step.

There is much still to be done by the Committee both at home and abroad in terms of our campaign. We have a lot to do with the support of the people of Suth Africa and the whole continent,” she continued.

“It will also be crucial to make a compelling social case along with the business case for the World Cup to be hosted in South Africa.

Like all major decisions being made by large institutions and corporations the world over, every business decision must be premised on the fact that such a decision will have a lasting social impact on society.

There can be no better place than in Africa for FIFA to demonstrate its commitment  to women empowerment and transformation of the life of a girl child.”

By KOPANO MONAHENG
WE ALL love the internet, don’t we?
Everyone uses it to find information, download pictures and videos of their favourite celebrities and do research for academic purposes.
But the receiving and sending out of information can be a big challenge if one does not have data or there’s loadshedding.
Nobuntu Mpendulo, director of library and information services at the City of Joburg, said we live in digital age and to attract more young people to visit libraries was of utmost importance.
She spoke to the media during a briefing where the city and Nestle South Africa were working together to bring solar power to the city libraries.
The event took place at the Randburg Library centre on 1 August.
The aim of providing solar energy was to ensure that people still visit these facilities even during loadshedding times.
Nobuntu said it is that time of year again when pupils and students are preparing for exams and they can come to these facilities without worrying about electricity cutoffs and there’s free WiFi at the centre.
According to Nobuntu, other libraries will, in the future, be provided with solar power to ensure that no one is missing out.
This is real empowerment to the pupils and students. She said technology and education go hand in hand and libraries are the cornerstone to provide exposure and create opportunities for pupils.
Nontando Khubisa, Nestle brand manager, urged the corporate world to work together to improve the quality of a black child in the country.