Author Archives: Ezimtoti News

By Ezimtoti Reporter

Wheelchair Basketball South Africa (WBSA) coach Trooper Johnson can focus his under-23 World Championship qualifiers preparations around two key points, which should equip the team to produce a solid performance, ending this Friday with a tie against Kuwait.

The team needs a leader up front, one that will trouble opposition defenders by running into spaces and free up fellow attackers to exploit weaknesses in the opposition defence.

Players have to know when to make a move, and to master all this, needs a special talent. Not unlike in football, where you have to make a run and control the ball, players in wheelchair basketball have to focus on where to go, reading defenders, and running into spaces. He said players who were not born with this kind of disability and who before used to play football understand the concept very well. They understand space better on the field than those who were born disabled. But those who were born disabled are far better at controlling their wheelchairs, though they are not so good at making spaces up front. He has to practice these two techniques as they will help him win their matches in Cairo next year. The boys will be in Egypt on 20-30 January next year to compete against eight other African wheelchair teams, which include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Algeria, and Libya.

Countries that do well in Egypt are going to the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation showpiece to take place later next year.

The Sasol U23 Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team, also known as the Sasol AmawheelaBoys, know Mzansi will rally behind them, as they also did with the Banyana Banyana and Bafana Bafana recently.

“As the nation rallies behind this team, our effort further fuels their dreams and helps them reach what may be considered the impossible,” said Sasol manager for sponsorship and brand, Dean Somerset.

Trooper said the boys know it’s not going to be easy to win all their games, as all teams in the tournament want to win as well, to make their countries proud.

Moroka Swallows football club will not be among the teams which will compete for the DStv Premiership title this coming 2024/2025 season.

Following the final approval of the Premier Soccer League, (PSL) today, Marumo Gallants Football Club officially confirms the acquisition of Moroka Swallows Football Club.

Gallants will take over Swallows with immediate effect.

The club also confirms that home games for the upcoming season will be played in Bloemfontein, Free State. Gallants will provide more details of plans once staff, technical teams and players have been addressed.

At this stage the club will not be issuing further comments or taking interviews – a date will be communicated for a press briefing that will take place shortly

Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams were the standout winners at the 2023/24 PSL Awards held on Sunday evening.
       Maswanganyi’s exceptional performance earned him the DStv Premiership Players’ Player of the Season, DStv Premiership Midfielder of the Season, and Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament awards. Williams was honoured as the PSL Footballer of the Season and also took home the DStv Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season award.
      Orlando Pirates’ rising star Relebohile Mofokeng also made his mark, winning both the DStv Premiership Young Player of the Season and the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player of the Tournament awards.
      Mamelodi Sundowns’ duo, Rhulani Mokwena and Grant Kekana, were awarded the DStv Premiership Coach of the Season and Defender of the Season titles, respectively. Meanwhile, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Thabiso Lebitso of Orlando Pirates won the DStv Premiership Top Goal Scorer and Goal of the Season awards.
Devin Titus of Stellenbosch FC earned the Carling Knockout Player of the Tournament award, while Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine received the MTN8 Last Man Standing award.
      Prince Nxumalo of JDR Stars was recognised as the Motsepe Foundation Championship Top Goal Scorer. In the DStv Diski Challenge categories, Ntando Nkosi of Mamelodi Sundowns was named the Player of the Season, while Thabang Mahlangu of SuperSport United was the Top Goal Scorer.
       In the match officials’ categories, Sikhumbuzo Gasa and Romario Phiri won the Assistant Referee and Referee of the Season awards, respectively.

2023/24 PSL AWARDS winners:

, PSL FOOTBALLER OF THE SEASON Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) ,

, DSTV PREMIERSHIP PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE SEASON Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates)

, DSTV PREMIERSHIP COACH OF THE SEASON Rhulani Mokwena (Mamelodi Sundowns)

, DSTV PREMIERSHIP GOALKEEPER OF THE SEASON Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)

, DSTV PREMIERSHIP DEFENDER OF THE SEASON Grant Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns)

, DSTV PREMIERSHIP MIDFIELDER OF THE SEASON Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates)

, DSTV PREMIERSHIP YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASON Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)

, DSTV PREMIERSHIP TOP GOAL SCORER Tshegofatso Mabasa (Orlando Pirates)

, DSTV PREMIERSHIP GOAL OF THE SEASON Thabiso Lebitso (Orlando Pirates)

, MOTSEPE FOUNDATION CHAMPIONSHIP TOP GOAL SCORER Prince Nxumalo (JDR Stars) MTN8 LAST MAN STANDING Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates) CARLING KNOCKOUT PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT Devin Titus (Stellenbosch FC) NEDBANK CUP MOST PROMISING PLAYER OF TOURNAMENT Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates) NEDBANK CUP PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates) DSTV DISKI CHALLENGE PLAYER OF THE SEASON Ntando Nkosi (Mamelodi Sundowns) DSTV DISKI CHALLENGE TOP GOAL SCORER Thabang Mahlangu (SuperSport United) PSL REFEREE OF THE SEASON Sikhumbuzo Gasa PSL ASSISTANT REFEREE OF THE SEASON Romario Phiri

Source: PSL

By KOPANO MONAHENG

REDUCING unemployment in Mzansi, particularly when it comes to the youth, is critical but also one of the biggest challenges faced by the government.

Unemployment is a big problem in South Africa right now. The Quarterly Labour Force Survey from Q4 2023 shows that 59.4 % of Mzansi’s youth are unemployed.

Parents whose children are in school today, dream of a better future for them.

But a lot needs to be done to ensure this dream is a success.

Africanbank is going around Soweto primary schools, motivating pupils and encouraging them to go to school and become educated.

Through one of their CSI projects, which is called the Winter School Uniform Drive, they have managed to buy hundreds of Soweto pupils stationery and uniforms so that these pupils can look presentable.

The uniform not only makes the pupils look presentable, but it also motivates them to want to achieve more in terms of their academic merits.

During a handover at Batsogile Primary School in Klipspruit, one parent said she has three children in the same school, and all of them are going to receive school uniforms and stationery from the bank. “I’m so excited,” said the mum. “I’ve been unemployed for over a year now, and my children have been looked after by their paternal grandmother.”

She couldn’t afford to buy her children school uniforms and stationery. However, she thanked the bank for putting big smiles on her children’s faces.

The vice principal at Batsogile Primary School, Kesentseng Tshukudu really appreciated the support they got from the bank and hopes this initiative can go a long way towards bettering the lives of African children. She said there’s more that they need to improve at the school, but there’s now light at the end of the tunnel.

There are three languages taught at the school, which are SeTswana, IsiZulu, and SePedi, with over 400 pupils.

Percy Maphumulo, head of sustainability at Africanbank, said the aim of this project this youth month was to provide assistance to parents whose children go to school daily wearing torn or incomplete school uniform. He said a majority of the parents there are unemployed which makes life difficult for them to buy these children some necessities.

By KOPANO MONAHENG

THE DStv premiership league title has so far eluded the Sea Robbers for more than a decade now, but the Jose Riveiro’s boys have been making their supporters happy by winning at least a cup league since he signed for Bucs two seasons ago.

          The Buccaneers finished second on the 2023/2024 DStv Premiership season table with 50 points from 30 matches, 23 points below Amasandawana who finished top on 73 points, having lost just a single match this past campaign.

However many thought Pirates were a better team this past season that would go all the way to unseat Mamelodi Sundowns who have thus far managed to win the Premier Soccer League title seven times in a row, a success most teams in the elite leagues would dream to achieve, someday.

        But the Buccaneers seemed to have lost their momentum towards the end of the last campaign losing two of their last three matches, this is thanks to Stellenbosch FC who were also not doing well losing three matches in a row and that allowed Bucs to secure second spot.

      The highly regarded clash against Sundowns tomorrow at the Mbombela Stadium (3pm kick-off) has, for many years, been deemed the one match with the ability to make or break a player’s career on Mzansi football scene.

In this regard, the coaches on both sides have to make sure their players are motivated and made ready for the match.

      Everytime the two teams play, there’s plenty of goals being scored and that on its own makes this encounter even more interesting. Coach Jose Riveiro has made it clear that they’re going to Mbombela to win it for the Happy People, no other way around. He said despite Sundowns losing their last match of the season does not mean that Bucs have an upper hand to win the match.

         They have to go there to compete and make their supporters happy once again this season and to defend the Nedbank Cup is the dream they want to achieve. Bucs have already this season won the MTN 8 trophy and winning the double trophy would surely make the fans even more happy.

         Riveiro said the Tshwane side won’t be affected by one loss against the Cape Town City at the end of the current campaign.

Amapiano songstress and dancer Zee Nxumalo will headline the opening ceremony of the much-anticipated 2024 Nedbank Cup Final. Three-time champions Orlando Pirates will go head-to-head with the current PSL champions and four-time winners Mamelodi Sundowns for a chance at glory at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, 1 June 2024.

The chart-topping songstress will take the stage with the dynamic duo Shakes & Les to give an electrifying performance that’s sure to create an unforgettable atmosphere for the 2024 Nedbank Cup Final. Stadium MC, Big Mike, will ramp up excitement while winners of the fan competition will be announced.

Twenty-two lucky fans, selected from the Ke Yona Ya Rona weekly competitions, earned an all-expenses-paid trip to the final and now have the chance to win their share of R5 million and R500,000 for stokvel groups. The tournament provided fans nationwide with the opportunity to win weekly prizes, with the ultimate cash prizes available to those who also opened and transacted on the MiGoals Plus and Stokvel Accounts.

Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Nedbank, remarks, “As the opening ceremony sets the stage for the 2024 Nedbank Cup Final, we’re thrilled to showcase the dynamic fusion of music, entertainment and football. We’re also excited to electrify the atmosphere by adding an extra dimension to this highly anticipated event to celebrate the passion of our fans with the announcement of the competition winners who embody the spirit of the Ke Yona Ya Rona campaign. It’s a testament to the success of the tournament and our ongoing commitment to curate leading experiences and rewarding football supporters nationwide.”

Local fans are also encouraged to make their way to the Promenade Shopping Centre for a pre-awareness activation ahead of the final game on Saturday. The activation will be used to interact with community members, challenge fans to a Legendary Shootout game and create excitement for the final game. Attendees will also be encouraged to share activation content on social media for a chance to win great prizes.

The fun does not end there; this year’s final will also encompass an innovative blend of social media interaction and live football commentary. Real-time social media comments about the #NedbankCup will be transformed into dynamic commentary by a SuperSport commentator.

These lively exchanges will also be broadcasted on SuperSport’s additional language offering, fostering engagement across diverse communities. Fans can experience this interaction on Nedbank’s X page as well, where they can join a dedicated ‘Space’ to hear their comments delivered by their favourite commentator. The more fans engage with the hashtag and comment, the better their chances of winning a share of R5000 in cash!

Tickets are sold out for this blockbuster and non-ticket holding fans are encouraged to join the excitement virtually, and tune into the live broadcast on the SuperSport PSL Channel (202) and SABC Sport.

Gates will open at 11:00am, and all ticket holders are urged to arrive early to ensure smooth entry.

Learn more and stay up to date with all the Nedbank Cup activities by visiting the Nedbank Cup website or by following @Nedbanksport on X.

Tshegofatso Mabasa has capped off an impressive season by winning his first DStv Premiership Player of the Month award for his performances with Orlando Pirates in May, while Rulani Mokwena of Mamelodi Sundowns has been rewarded with the DStv Premiership Coach of the Month award, for the third time this season.

In the Buccaneers’ five matches in May, Mabasa led the domestic league with his five goals including one in the final day, which secured a place in the CAF Champions League for his club, narrowly ahead of Stellenbosch FC on goal difference. His goals in May also saw the formidable Mabasa win the league’s top goal scorer award, which was also secured on the last day of the season ahead of his nearest rival. He is the second Pirates player to win a monthly individual award this season, after Thabiso Lebitso.

Mabasa beat Cape Town City’s Jaedin Rhodes, OswinAppollis of Polokwane City and Sanele Barns from Richards Bay to the May award.

During the last month of league football this May, Mokwena oversaw four wins, two draws and a defeat from their seven matches, a period in which Sundowns were unstoppable until the slip up to suffer their first defeat of the season to Cape Town City on the last day of the season. During this period, Sundowns scored 10 goals, and only conceded three. With his May success, Mokwena has won the award for the third time this season, having previously won it in August and April.   

Mokwena beat Cape Town City’s coach Eric Tinkler to the award, with the Citizens also having had a good month and getting the big scalp away to Sundowns.   

Moroka Swallows’ midfielder LindokuhleMtshali, has won the last DStv Premiership Goal of the Month award for the season, as he took home the prize for May. Mtshali showed great technique in executing his goal from the edge of the 18-yard area in Swallows win over Stellenbosch FC.

All the three winners will each receive R7, 000 from league sponsors, DStv, for their accolades.

Judges for April:NkarengMatshe (Convenor Sowetan), Ofhani Munyai (Far Post), Vusiwe Ngcobo (SABC Sport), Daniel Mothowagae (City Press), Clyde Tlou (SuperSport)

Source: PSL

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has announced the nominees for the 2023/24 PSL Awards.
The Mamelodi Sundowns duo of Teboho Mokoena and Ronwen Williams, alongside Stellenbosch FC striker Iqraam Rayners, have clinched nominations for the prestigious PSL Footballer of the Season award, determined by the votes of the 16 Premier Division coaches.
Additionally, both Williams and Rayners have secured nominations for the DStv Premiership Players’ Player of the Season category, alongside the dynamic Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder, Patrick Maswanganyi.
In the DStv Premiership Coach of the Season category, Stellenbosch FC’s Steve Barker faces off against Rhulani Mokwena of Mamelodi Sundowns and Jose Riveiro of Orlando Pirates.
The nominees for the MTN8 Last Man Standing include the trio from Orlando Pirates: Sipho Chaine, Zakhele Lepasa, and Patrick Maswanganyi. Meanwhile, the Carling Knockout Player of the Tournament category sees Stellenbosch FC’s dominance, with Thabo Moloisane, Devin Titus, and Rayners all earning nominations.
For the Nedbank Cup categories, the Orlando Pirates pair of Tshegofatso Mabasa and Maswanganyi together with Stellenbosch FC’s Rayners have been nominated for the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament while Shandre Campbell (SuperSport United), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), and Devin Titus (Stellenbosch FC) got the nod for the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player category. Youngsters Jody Ah Shene (Cape Town City), Ntando Nkosi (Mamelodi Sundowns), and Langelihle Phili (Stellenbosch FC) were nominated for the DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season category. Voting and Nomination Procedures: • Footballer of the Season: Nominations and voting were exclusively conducted by the Premier Division head coaches. Only one head coach per club was authorized to vote, and coaches were prohibited from nominating or voting for their own teammate.

• DStv Premiership Player’s Player of the Season: Nominations and voting were solely managed by Premier Division players. Each club was allowed a maximum of 30 votes, with the provision that no player could nominate or vote for their own teammate.
• DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season: Nominations and voting were overseen by the Diski Challenge head coaches. Only one head coach per club was authorized to vote, and coaches were prohibited from nominating or voting for their own teammate.
• Match Officials: Nominations and voting were conducted by the SAFA National Referees Committee Panel.
• All Other Categories: Nominations and voting were undertaken by a judging panel comprising football journalists, analysts, and commentators. A comprehensive list of the judging panel will be publicly disclosed following the PSL Awards ceremony.

Source: PSL

By Phuthi Mathobela

Brothers For Life duo has never found their luck in the entertainment industry.
Afro-soul duo made up of Velile Rum (36),and Nkosinathi  Gumede, (34) said that there are days that they wish people can recognise their work. The musicians from Randfontein outside Joburg told Ezimtoti News that their music life has always been difficult since they  joined the music industry. Nkosinathi said they  started off as hairdressers in order to finance their music but still they were struggling. He said they had been working on a project  that isn’t  even done yet as they are not doing well financially.  “There are too many challenges that we came across. Most of them were unforseen,”           “We had to start off independently with no sponsor nor a deal. We had to finance our projects by ourselves, and cover traveling costs,”he said.                    Nkosinathi said they had to pay for their  studio time as well.                  “We were finding it difficult to do some a lot of things due to a long period of unemployment. Sometimes opportunities would come around during the dark days and you’d find that it’s financially difficult for us as a duo to get there,”Velile said.                              He said with time they learned to hustle for their music and invest in it.                            “We were working as hairdressers specialising in dreadlocks at Randfontein CBD. This was from around 2013 to nearly the covid 19 season,”.                 “At that time we could afford to record 70% of our  album and shot one music video. After that the economy changed and our salons couldn’t be profitable as they used to be, so finishing up our album has become a difficult battle that we fight on a daily basis,”he said.                 
The musician said the feeling of giving up would come around for both of them  due to financial reasons and opportunities being far.                            However the duo couldn’t give up because they are both passionate about their talent and they made a commitment that whether the music pays or not.        Velile said they won’t stop making it because of the love of the music they have.
“What’s instore for us is the success of our album. We looking forward to the support from our surroundings,” “We targeting a high number of streams and downloads. We also plan to do our own events and market our own music so it can escalate heights,”he said.

By Rapule Ramalepa

BUILD One South Africa, a newly established political party known as BOSA is ready to lead the country in the upcoming national elections to take place on May 29.

BOSA leader, Mmusi Maimane, told the media during one of their campaigns in Gauteng. He stated clearly that they want to work with people who are eager to take Mzansi to the highest top.
     “Under the plan, we focus on the delivery of energy, transport, and logistics; ensuring adequate housing for services and making sure communities are safe; as well as educating young people that the pass mark is not 30 but 50 percent,” he said.
     Maimane announced his party’s plan to build a world-class government at the Union Buildings in Tshwane.
   He said his call is to create an executive ethics ombudsman who will sit in the office of the presidency to ensure that proper lifestyle audits are done in order to fight corruption.
      Maimane said would ensure the development of infrastructure for growth and work towards eradicating corruption.
“To attain this, we talk about leaders. In BOSA, candidates were appointed by the community.”
      He said his lifelong dream is for the president of South Africa to be directly elected by the people because, in that way, they will be accountable.
Maimane said it is his responsibility to reform for the future and to think about what happens after the ANC.
        “We can’t sit back and allow a captured government to continue to govern. We leave our citizens in a place of frustration,” he said.
Maimane added that the fight to put a government that will change at the Union Buildings has begun.
          “I want to say to every businessperson that you can anticipate a government that will make it easier to start your business and that will ensure that your rights are protected.”
      He said on May 29 they will put a grand coalition of the opposition.
“This is the moment to give the ANC the right it always wanted: a day in court and a process of renewal.”