Bafana Bafana draws to Burkina Faso threatening Mashaba’s position

By Queen Dithebe

The South African football team draws to Burkina Faso (BFA) tonight in Ouagadougou. This is a bitter sweet result as Ephriam Mashaba, the Bafana Bafana football coach was told by the South African Football Association (SAFA) that he could lose his job if the team fails to beat BFA.

Click here for more on Mashaba and SAFA:

http://tinyurl.com/gqkmtqg

SAFA demanded a win in this match as the South African team failed to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. Mashaba, however, was very optimistic about the outcome of this match and said to Supersport “I could not have asked for a better, organised and balanced team. We have assembled a good squad with good spirit and a group of players who know what it means to don the Bafana jersey.”

The South African team arrived in Ouagadougou without star player Tokelo Rantie who failed to report his absence on the day. Thamsanqa Gabuza and Hlompo Kekana were expected to use their experience and lift Bafana against BFA. The goal post was guarded by Itumeleng Khune who according to Supersport, is the most capped player in the South African team. During the last minutes of the game it was the turn of Khune to grab the spotlight once more, the Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper closed off with a top save - this time with his foot - to keep out the opposing team’s header attempt. 

In head-to-head stats, Bafana and Burkina Faso have met seven times previously. Supersport wrote: “Bafana Bafana showed early signs of intent with Mpho Makola the main protagonist. The Orlando Pirates midfielder made to rue a poor first touch in the third minute with the goal in his sights before seeing a powerful shot whistle past the left-hand upright moments later.” 

The game heated up in the second half of the match with South African team player D. Furman scoring a goal leaving South African fans and coach in nervous excitement. After the 90min mark Mashaba was ready to take it home. However, SA’s victory was short lived as Burkina Faso’s B. Diawara scored a goal during extra time. This resulted in Bafana Bafana striving for a second goal during the last few minutes of the game.

This being a home game for Burkina Faso, fans filled the stadium with excitement waiting for a win. Bertrand Traore and Jonathan Pitriopa are players that threatened the success of Bafana Bafana with goal keeper D. Diakite standing guard at the posts.

South African football analyst, James Kurtani says that Mashaba should expect scrutiny from SAFA after the game against BFA. “I mean Bafana failed to qualify for Afcon, it drew in this game. I see no feasible improvements in the team’s results.” Kurtani says that Mashaba is entrusted with leading the team to greater heights however he has failed repeatedly to do so.

At the end of the match, Mashabas players were disappointed as they could not hold long enough for a win in this game. However, a point will be granted due to the missed penalties by players Jonathan Pitriopa and Alan Traore from the opposing team. There is still uncertainty about Mashaba’s position as coach of the South African football team.

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Amakhosi explains rejection of Italian playmaker

By Queen Dithebe

Image source: Diski365

Kaizer Chiefs clarifies why it said no to the Italian player Gerardo Eliano Cozzolino. "He doesn't have extraordinary pace, yet you wouldn't expect that from a playmaker in any case." Steve Khompela said. 

Cozzolino has been on trial for the group at 25 years old years and left an impact on the mentor Steve Khompela's partner J.Paintsil. Conceived in Italian who is an inhabitant of a town in Cape Town was as of late on a two-week trial with Chiefs subsequent to being spotted playing for ABC Motsepe League side Atlantic National. 

"They're really searching for a playmaker with a decent shot and ball control." A source from Soccer Laduma told Supersport. 

In any case, it appears just as the club have picked against marking the assaulting midfielder in the wake of choosing there are as of now enough choices accessible in the midfield division

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Mashaba puts in new players for Ghana game tonight

By Queen Dithebe

Image from Gallo images 

Shakes Mashaba has put in Brighton Mhlongo and other new players to play in the Ghana game tonight in Durban. This is after Mashaba’s revamp of players in the Bafana Bafana game in the last two days preceding the match.

Mashaba was spotted by sport 24 saying "There were always going to be changes in personnel but we thought because of the travelling, we needed some fresh legs hence we went for this team. It is a strong side that should compete."

Mashaba has secured his five top players in the squad who drew against Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou. Itumeleng Khune, the team’s goalkeeper complained about a stomach bug which he claims to have gotten from the feasts in Burkina Faso. The star player says he hopes that this will not affect his performance in the game tonight.

This list of the players that will be participating in tonight’s game are: Brighton Mhlongo, Abbubaker Mobara, Isaac Nhlapo, Thulani Hlatshwayo (captain), Thabo Matlaba, Ayanda Patosi, Oupa Manyisa, Dean Furman, May Mahlangu, Eleazer Rodgers, Sibusiso Vilakazi.

“The team has secured a 1-1 World Cup qualifier draw against Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou on Saturday and anticipates victory in the game tonight in Durban”, Mashaba says.

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Bafana Bafana coach releases 3 players before Ghana game

By Queen Dithebe

Ephraim Shakes Mashaba, the South African football team coach released 3 Sundowns players from the friendly game with Ghana tomorrow. This was tweeted by the Bafana Bafana on Monday the 10^th of October.

The three players who were released were Tebogo Langerman, Hlompho Kekana and Keagan Dolly. The players were released ahead of their participation in the (Confederation of Afroican Football) CAF Champions league final.

Bafana Bafana drew in a match against Burkino Faso on Saturday night and Bafana wishes to claim victory against Ghana on Tuesday at 20h00.

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“The solution to the quota system debate is time”, rugby fan says

By Queen Dithebe

Jonathan Nelson, a Springboks fan says that the quota system needs time in order for South Africa to fully appreciate its effect in South African sports. The rugby fan says that extensive efforts need to be made in national teams including training with non-white players and careful selection in schools.

Currently disguised as transformation, the quota system has caused great controversy in the sport industry. There has been much debate about this system and its impact on sport and individuals that play sport in South Africa.

In an attempt to address past injustices by the Apartheid government and in an attempt to level the playing fields, the government enforced affirmative action in sports. The quota systems were implemented in “white sports” such as rugby and cricket to afford black players the opportunity to participate in these sports. It is evident in media and government that not everyone agrees with this system. The quota system has been implemented for years but there still exists a ton of debate and no consensus has been reached.

http://www.chronicle.co.zw/importance-of-the-quota-system/

The South African cricket team, the Proteas, have been given requirements in order to adhere to the quota system. Each team has to include 6 players of colour including 3 black Africans.

The Springboks, South Africa’s national rugby team has had to undergo some adjustments in team selection.  The rugby committee has committed to 50 percent non-white players to participate in the 2019 rugby world cup.

Issues that arise from the Quota system

The issue that rises from not adhering to the quota system includes banning of sport teams from participating in international sports. The sports minister, Fikile Mbalula says that South Africa’s major sporting codes will not participate in the international tournaments until they transform.

CEO of AfriForum, Kallie Kriel said to News24 that sporting federations have become spineless and that the quota system is to the detriment of sports in general. “There is much concern about the standards of the national teams dropping. This is because players will be chosen on the colour of their skin instead of merit. Players that have years of practise and experience will sit bench while non-white players dominate regardless of skills.”

Benefits of the quota system

Johan Smith, a sports director at Monash South Africa says the quota system has a positive effect on South Africa as a whole. Smith who coaches his own rugby team called the Lynx Rugby team South Africa says “there is diversity in what was predominantly known as white sports. Non-white players can now participate in sports such as rugby and cricket and white players can participate in soccer which is known as a black sport. “

Children growing in communities where sports like rugby and cricket were not promoted will now see older generations that are now participating in the sports and this may instigate a desire to pursue careers in those sports.

http://aceproject.org/ace-en/topics/pc/pca/pca03/pca03b/mobile_browsing

It is unrealistic to expect all parties to agree on the quota system and its regulations. However, the ideal situation is for the quota system to be beneficial to all parties – the country, the sport and the individuals. “Before people can accept the quota system it should be understood at a grassroots level”, Smith says. The sports director says this includes understanding the reason behind its implementation, the future of it in sports, the negative and positive implications of it.

“The solution is time. Any change takes time. If the teams need support and if internal adjustments need to be made in order to keep the non-white players on the same level as their white counterparts then why not?” Nelson says.

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Gym supervisor helps students tone up for summer

Steve Tromp the gym supervisor helps students tone up for summer by encouraging students to engage in sport and fitness. "Seeing progress is dependent on how you push yourself when being active. You cannot stay in your comfort zone and see results" Tromp said.

The Monash South Africa gym has been a "go-to" for students that have sport and fitness goals. Rikky Fredez, an international student, says that assistants in the gym help students with training and advice on how to make better use of the facilities. "The gym has hosted various events encouraging students to participate. These include fitness endure challenges, Mr and Mrs Fitness competitions and smaller internal challenges to trainers", the student said. 

Tromp says that these competitions enable students to continue to push themselves and in the same way this principle can resonate to their academics and other areas of their lives. Students are excited about the various challenges posed by the supervisor. Tromp says he hosts frequent workout sessions during the week if students want to start their fitness journey. “End the semester of fit and healthy you will thank yourself!” the supervisor said. 

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Victory will always be bittersweet for Caster, Monash student says

By Queen Dithebe

Shanita Pretorius, a Journalism student at Monash University South Africa expresses concern about the results of the 800m race on Thursday

Students at the Monash South Africa (MSA) say that Caster Semenya will never be able to fully enjoy her victories in the Olympics. Shanita Pretorius, a Journalism student says “the speculations about the gold medalist not being woman enough rob both her and South Africa from fully celebrating her victories.”

Semenya claimed her victory on Thursday by a winning heat time of 1:58.15 seconds in the 800m securing a place in the finals on Sunday. This was four seconds slower than her season best of 1:55.33 secs. South African fans claim that if she breaks the final race on Sunday the 21^st, it is likely to be the latest staging part in the saga of her career.

Caster Semenya has been a household name since 2009; winning gold at the world championships in Berlin. The athlete continued on with her athletic career and won a silver medal for South Africa in the 2012 Olympics in London.

Semenya’s victory was short-lived as her muscular appearance raised suspicion in fellow runners and viewers around the world. The pressure from fellow runners and coaches resulted in this athlete having to undergo rigorous testing. Semenya was diagnosed with a naturally occurring condition called hypoandrogenism. This condition is known to cause elevated testosterone levels.

The athlete’s former runners argued that her condition gave her an unfair advantage. This resulted in Caster having to take pills that decrease testosterone levels because of the world athletics. Last year, a Court of Arbitration for sport ruled the international Association of Athletics as illegal. This enabled Semenya to continue on competing in the Olympics.

To further understand the controversy over Caster Semenya click here:

http://nyti.ms/2bqOwEB

During the Rio 2016 Olympics, some of Semenya’s 800m runners wanted authorities to revisit rules that limit the amount of testosterone allowed in competition.British Olympian, Paula Raddifte, told the BBC “It is not just Casters rights but all the women with elevated testosterone that need to be balanced with those that don’t.”

After intense celebration this women’s month, women all around South Africa are celebrating women like Caster who are representing our country on a global platform. Janine Miller, a woman activist said “By winning a gold medal for her country, women like Caster shut down the voices of inferiority and disempowerment that haunts so many women today.”

Miller furthers goes on to say that women like Caster are role models for the youth and many people can aspire to compete with the greats in the years to come.

Caster Semenya will compete in the 800m final on Sunday competing against Kate Grace, Joana Jozwik and 5 others in this highly anticipated event. Many South African fans have begun with their celebrations anxiously awaiting Semenya’s final race. “She has done amazing thus far. I know she will finish off strong”, Miller said.

Click here for the schedule for Caster’s final 800m race on Sunday

http://bit.ly/2bkUTXO

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Former Banyana Banyana player opens up about injury that ended her career

By Queen Dithebe

Zanele Sukazi, commonly known as “Momo” by South African soccer fans, says that her knee injury robbed her of her life-long dream. The former national team striker says that she could never open up about the injury to the public as she felt like she failed herself and her country.

Momo Sukazi, born in Piet Retief, a small village in Mpumalanga, left home at the age of 23 to pursue a career in soccer. This was against the wishes of many of her family members telling her not to participate in sports and rather choose a more secure career in teaching. Sukazi’s mother, Philisiwe Nkosi, a domestic worker at the time wanted a better future for her young girl however Sukazi had dreams of her own.

Sukazi started participating athletics at school level where she realised she was very fast in comparison to the other players. One of the coaches at her school, the late Garry Madonsela, asked her to try out soccer which she chose over athletics. Sukazi began to attend regularly and fell in love with the sport.

The striker said “My coach said to me that I have great potential and that I could play for the national team. Sukazi said that the coach instilled a new desire to pursue a career in soccer. To not only represent her community but her country. 

Sukazi said she used to admire national team players like Veronica Pewa and Nompumelelo Nyandeni. Although she was inspired, she was not really sure about being selected. “No one came to Piet Retief to come select players. Little did I know that that man was predicting my future” Momo said.

“I had to leave home for my dream and sadly, I did not speak to my family for a year. I wanted to play soccer and I was going to stop at nothing.”

Nanet Hutton, a pub and grill manager helped her pay for tertiary studies at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Later on she got a bursary and was part of the university’s national team. Sukazi played for the university team for 3 years. In 2012 she was selected to play for Banyana Banyana. “We played for University Sports South Africa (USSA) and I got selected. The first person I called was my little brother, Sanele Nkosi.” Sukazi said.

The journey in Banyana Banyana 

“When you play you think of your country. You have to do your best.” Sukazi said

The striker said playing for the national team was very challenging. The main challenges she faced were unhealthy competition in the team.

“I overcame this by holding on to representing my country.” Sukazi said.

She participated in the COSAFA Cup in 2011 against Zambia, Zimbabwe and other African neighbouring countries. She also participated in the Olympics Qualifier in 2011 and 2012 playing against Ethiopia and then went on to play in Brazil. She made news headlines when she scored a second goal for South Africa in a match against Tanzania in 2011.

Sukazi was ecstatic and was hungry for more. However, the dream came to an end earlier than anticipated. 

The knee injury that ended her career

During one game everything changed for Sukazi. It was during a June 16 tournament in 2012 and she was playing for UJ. “I was the top goal scorer and we were playing in the semi-finals. The PSL team was practising there aswell.” Sukazi said the Supersport coach was there watching the game and her and Disebo, another team player were about to be called out as they were the best players in that match.

“As I was about to defend, some girl in another team kicked me so heard my knee twisted. The pain was excruciating. It was unbearable. I thought it was the end.” Sukazi said.

Sukazi was on bedrest for 2 months and underwent physio and was on crutches for 2 years. She could not play for South Africa anymore. Phindile Mdhlahla was her res roommate who took care of her when she was on bedrest. “I had to take care of her. Her family told her not to play soccer but I guess she loved it”, Phindile Mdhlahla, her caretaker said.

"No one will ever understand what I went through." Sukhize said.

http://www.iol.co.za/sport/soccer/banyana-make-two-changes-to-squad-1086068

After extensive physio and two years on crutches Sukazi can now walk and plays with local and varsity teams including the Monash South Africa soccer team. She intends on trying again for the national team in the near future. “I am so happy to see her walk again, run again and play again.” Mdlhahla said

 “I feel like I did not represent my country to the fullest, I feel like my success was short lived. I will make my country proud and most importantly I will make myself proud“, Sukazi went on to conclude.

Zanele Sukazi shares her last words of motivation in this video:

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