SA’s Puma jersey a joke

The boys smile for the camera after
the announcement of Puma
being the official new sponsor for
Bafana. 

By Mohau Ramashidja

When SAFA CEO Leslie Sedibe said, "I can assure you that when Bafana play against Burkina Faso next month, they will be in the new Puma jerseys." A well of excitement was tired up in most South African football fans.

But today most South Africans curse June the 7^th as the day a culture of euphoria was brought dead to the ground by releasing Puma as the new national technical sponsor.  

Choose your favorite

 


New SA Jersey

  

Old and over-used 



                  

“PUMA is delighted to announce that it has entered into a new partnership with the South African Football Association to become the official technical supplier to the SAFA. Starting immediately and lasting beyond the next two FIFA World Cups, PUMA will provide the official playing kits for all South African teams including the National ‘A’, Youth and Women’s teams.” Quoted from puma.com

As South Africa said its goodbyes to the dazzling Addidas jersey, only good memories like Siphiwe Tshabalala’s 2010 FIFA world opening goal would remain.

Since Puma made its debut on the African soil in 1997 by becoming Cameroon’s official sponsor; South Africa is the 12^th prey to fall on the paws of the predator, following: Namibia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Senegal, Malawi, Togo, Burkina Faso, Morocco, And the African champions Egypt.

Being aware that the contract with the new technical supplier will last for a period of seven years; covering the next two FIFA world cup tournaments; S.A fans sought a platform to lash out their grievances concerning the new jersey.

Various websites such as www.lifeissavage.com and www.Faraitoday.com turned to be that voice most S.A fans needed, here are some of the comments which where found on these sites. “Little too old for my liking. The green reminds me of the color from the safari outfits my Afrikaans teacher used to were,” responded lifeissavage.com

 “I rest my case… this is a joke! How was this design selected what was the brief? Who selected this jersey? No no no no,” stated Mzwakhe Mhlongo.

“Hayi I have to say, I had to look at it 4 times cause I was thing maybe I’m missing something but hayi, really looks unfinished too empty and dull. I’d be ashamed plying in a jersey like that as the national team hayi no,” stated Tandeka Masilela.

“No! No! No! This is not a national jersey no! I don’t like it but I hate it! Even if it’s for free I won’t take it. It’s good for Baroka FC (amateur club in the Vodacom League) I think. Come on come on Mr. President what’s wrong,” Stated Trntombela.

It is clear that majority of South Africans agree that Puma failed to come up with a suitable Jersey that would compliment Bafana Bafana’s progress in the FIFA ranking. Hope the SAFA President got the message.

Sources:

http://faraitoday.com/2011/06/07/new-bafana-jersey-by-puma-revealed-hot-or-not/

http://lifeissavage.com/heres-what-the-new-puma-bafana-jersey-looks-like-pic/

http://www.puma.com/

Letter of concern

I write to you dear child

For I heard that you’ve realized your years of existence

I write to you

For your brothers have reached and passed the very age you are in

I write to you

For Africa stands because of your presence

I write to you

For the world awaits your debut on the world stage

I write to you…

You rare breed amongst confused specimen

I write to you

For I long to reveal what dwells within you

Man have turned to disappoint you

When I remained watching

I was present when your tear drop brought

The universe into a halt

I was present and saw your heart bleed

I was not pleased

Many have come and left you with great cries

They left for you had fulfilled your calling to their lives

I write to you

For the is a young lion that wants to be released into the wild

Before time

The world says “now”, but await my call

You young rare breed, a definition of uniqueness

Be not conformed to the common trends of this world

Be yourself

Young one, the one who is close to my heart

Life is too precious

Keep it and you will live

I heard

The appearance her eyes arouses mixed emotions in thy well

I heard

Her lips are the kind of lips you dream to embrace

A rib of your rib

You want your head to lie on her bosom

Like a bud in his young age

Is green and attractive to the eye

But a tree that is to come thereof is great and fruitful

Yet the eyes of Man do not see the potential.

Do not be flattered nor undermined

Push for greatness.

Young lion know that I’m

Writing to you with a great concern

That causes my womb ache

I’m aware of the continuous temptation

That is present in your life

It is meant to strengthen you

Thus don’t submit to it

Take it as training for your development

Remember thy brother Sampson,

Tempted by beauty,

Called for greatness,

He died in the way

I write to you

For you are my greatest concern

I write to you

For you won’t fail

I write to you…

For I am pleased with your constant discipline

Your ear and act draws you near to me

I am pleased for you heard me when I spoke

Love: The One Who Loves You Most      

Determent winner

Called from birth for more

Desire strikes him

Discipline poured on him

He blinds his eyes not to see what he knows is wrong

Blinded by desire, present circumstances keep him alert

Sharpened and shaped to meet her love

His character blossoms

Causing strangers to be at ease around him

A rough precious stone under a furnace process

Through pain he starts to realize his worth

Fear to open up has disappeared from his sight

An African warrior, he overcomes every wall set to hinder him

Calm and loving he remains when

Demons pour out of the barren wombs of his enemies

Love is his core

“It is in our hands”

By mohau Ramashidja

With the scarcity of job opportunities at a rising toll in South Africa. Only a precious few manage to escape this plight many South Africans are facing. Age 34 George Mongwayi who lived most of his live on a wheel chair is an absolute maestro when coming to bending wires into recognizable forms. URNEWS.com had an interview with him to find out more about the man.

Disabled George Mongwai shows off what
 he can do with a simple plier

At what age did you start designing wire cars? At the earliest age of 12, that’s when I started playing around with wires.

Who came up with the business idea amongst the two of you? Both my partner and I came with the business idea. It was after we had both attended a workshop which encouraged us to use our hands.

Where do you get your wire material to design these cars? From generous donors and sometimes we buy it from people.

How much wire do you use to design only one car? When we create something out of wires we make sure that it is appealing to the eye. One item like the car you just saw can cost R500.00 worth of wire.

What is the core drive of this wire business you are into? We make sure that when we design these cars, they come out as we desire them to be. Money comes second and the beauty of the thing comes first.

What kind or models of cars do you design? We design different kinds of cars, but most of the time we dwell too much on designing the old models; we find pleasure in bringing back the old school into 21^st century.

How long can it take you to design one car? I’ll tell you one thing, this is not child’s play; it takes us plus-minus two to three weeks, even a month to finish one car. I don’t mind coming here every day for one thing because I am a perfectionist about what I do.

Most people living with disability have given up on life and rely on government grants for survival, what makes you different? To be disabled it does not mean it’s over with your life, accept your disability and know that it is God who is in control of your life. It is then that you will realize that life is more precious to live than to end it in one go.

Where do you see yourselves in the coming years? It is going to take us a lot of time to get where we want to be but we will continue pushing, we can’t always wait for the government to do things for us. It is in our hands.

Siphiwe Khumalo Holding up
 his creation

Why didn’t you give up on live as a person living under your condition? I want my life to be a portrayal and a sounding trumpet that will say to many people, ‘work hard and use your head. Never underestimate your intellectual capacity and discourage your ideas. Thing about your ideas carefully and implement them.

Where do you get your inspiration from? I love what South Africa has to offer in the aspect of culture and nature. Unlike other artists who on one culture; I tackle all cultures to symbolize a united South Africa.

What is your wildest dream you wish to accomplish in wire art business? My dream is to design something like the Union Building. I don’t know how many years it’s going to take me but I would love to see myself having designed the building with wires.  

 What new things do you wish to design with wire art? “I want to design things that no man has ever thought of designing. Something like a grasshopper or an ant, even a fly,” after a short laugh he concluded, “at the end the day is art.”  
 

 The business partners work on their
 latest design

Every day is a struggle for George Mongwai and his partner to keep the business running. Anyone who is willing to sponsor their business may contact Mr Mongwai on 078 888 7962

Orphans receive a blanked of comfort during winter




Orphans recieve food parcels and clothing from
Tholulwazi Home based care.

 

By: MohauRamashidja

Tholulwazi Home Base Care and Training in partnership with a Facebook group called Difference Makers gave out food parcels and clothing to orphans in block BB and DD.

Tholulwazi hosted the event in a community park in block BB near Christ Gospel Church. Tholulwazi emerged as a hand of grace out of the heart of a 51 year old Venice Lekwane, who was inspired by her past experiences as a child to start a home for the sick and the orphans. “My mother passed away when I was 9 years old. I know how it feels like of having to grow up with without experiencing the love of a mother. That is why I decided to start Tholulwazi,” she said.



Smiles brought to the orphans
as they recived goodies.



Having endured criticism from people for taking care of those living with HIV/AIDS and orphans, it currently stands as a hero in the community, taking care 180 orphans.

The day was filled with laughter and joy as local musicians took centre stage to dazzle the crowd with performances.

The success of the day was rooted in the special contributions made by donors such as; Topika, Block BB and Mabopane BP filling stations, MTZ’s electrician, Sechaba Research Centre, and many more. “We felt that we needed to build a strong working relationship with Tholulwazi to provide for those in need in the community of Soshanguve,” said Block BB manager, Sophie Khoza.

With 15 years in operation, the Home gave special thanks to a faithful contributor for her constant support throughout the years, who ensured that basic food and cleaning supplies were provided for to Tholulwazi. “It is painful when one goes to bed with an empty stomach. I saw it being pivotal to give out a helping hand to those who are in need,” said Gertrude Semono.

Before food parcel were handed out,those who gathered in the even lit candles to commemorate those who had lost their lives to HIV/AIDS.

As the day progressed to the end, smiles were brought to the orphans as they received food parcels and new clothing to sustain them throughout the winter season. “Tholulwazi has proven to be a great help to struggling families in and around this community, it understands that there are some families who can’t afford to provide for their loved ones. Most especially during this time of winter their help is much appreciated,” concluded a beneficiary B.JDingaan.

A fall of the Pharaohs for AFCON QUALIFIER

BY: Mohau Ramashidja

The AFCON qualifier match between South Africa and Egypt turned out to be entertaining. With the Pharaohs in chase for a win, desperation remained visible for the South African side to see. “They are desperate people who understand that a win will do for them to qualify.  You can just image how this game is important for us to win against Egypt,” said Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane before the match.

The battle between the Pharaohs and the Bafana squad kicked off right in the center of Egyptians’ capital city, Military stadium. With South Africa standing without a lose at the top of their group stage, they were determined to keep matters unchanged.

In the first six minutes of the match, it was a ‘do as I do’ situation, as the Egyptian’ side remained reciprocal in every tackle and attempt on goal made by the Bafana side.

As the match progressed. The Pharaohs went all out to come up with maneuvers to serge through the opposition’s defense. But Bafana was solid enough to disappoint their competitors.  It was a game of pace and basic football, the only act to slow each other down was through the act of foul play.

And it was in the 23^rd minute that South African captain Siphiwe Tshabalala who got a yellow card after stopping a promising pass with his arm.

Besides having a slow defense, frustration was an extra weight on the Pharaohs, granting South Africa a platform to be impressive defensively and prove dominance in the mid-field.

Being on a chase to secure a goal and avoiding to being scored, Pharaohs had to stretch every muscle in their body to kick the ball out of play when their opposition attacked. In the 27^th minute SA’s defender Sangweni’s header was denied by the Egyptian keeper, living the fans to gasp for air.

The Pharaohs starting to lose momentum, the Egyptian fans came in to play by flashing green laser lights onto Bafana players’ eyes. But that didn’t stop South Africa to prove dominance in their play.

Only with his seventh appearance in the national squad Andile Jali conducted the South African mid-field with no problems from the opposition.

Having beaten the Egyptians 1-0 the first time around, S.A striker Katlego Mphela sought to produce a 2010 march the 26^th déjà vu only to be denied by the keeper who appeared to be prepared for the challenge this time around.

In the second half the Pharaohs showed more thirst for goal, only to be denied by Itumeleng Khune who kept all attempts on goal at bay.

Failure to keep up with the pace Egypt was force into making a substitution to maintain control of the game. It was in the 56^th minute that after a well sheared ball amongst S.A players– to a vital touch just to dumb the keeper, that Mphela missed the opportunity to secure a lead. Approaching the twilight of the match Egyptian football lost rhythm and flair. Running out of options, Egyptian keeper found himself out of the goalpost to help his side in attack. With the Egyptian nets unattended to Tshabalala’s shot was unable to find its way to the back of the net.

Every striking attempt by the Pharaohs turned out to be Khune’s opportunity to show off his goalkeeping skills. Forced into substitution S.A striker Parker made his was out of the field due to an injured leg.

With time running out, no option was left for the North African referee to increase the time by seven minutes. With the whole off Egypt hoping that the additional time would work in their advantage. It was South Africa who had more desire for goal, but Tlou Segolela was denied by the ever-focus Egyptian keeper.

Match ended at 0-0.     

PSL awards a night for stars

By Mohau Ramashidja

Stars came out, not to play this time, but were dressed for the night to attend the annual Premier Soccer League awards hosted at gold reef city, Lyric theatre.

The awards were in smooth sailing as the first lady of sport Carol Manana and Thomas molambo harnessed the ceremony to the successful end.

The night kick off with some entertaining performances by Chommie then moved on to the Telkom knock out challenge awards.Out on national duty, the ‘smiling assassin’ Knowledge Musona walked away with the Telkom knock out player of the season award worth R200 000, price money.

The second tournament to render out awards was the MTN 8. Though Orlando Pirates were the big winners of the tournament, Moroka Swallows’ Siyabonga Nomvete came out to be the last man standing in the tournament and walked away with R150 000 in his pocket.

The Ke yona Nebank cup was the third tournament to honour players who remain outstanding throughout. Although Pirates proved dominance in the night by walking away with the Nebank first price, they were adamant to be to prove dominance in the Nedbank young player of the season award. Being in a very stiff category consisting of Thobani Mngwango, Raymond Monana; the Gautrain Tlou Segolela outpaced his competitors to claim the award worth R25 000.Pirate being an envy of envy team for their spectacular performance, it was Andile ‘Gattusso’ Jali who did the honours of adding salt in to an open wound and walked away with the R 100 000 of the Nedbank cup player of the tournament award.

With 303 appearances for Orlando Pirates, captain Lucky Legoathi was easily noticed amongst the crowd due to his ups and downs to go and fetch all trophies Pirates had won during the 2010/2011 season.

Approaching the twilight of the season Pirates and Ajax Cape town were skating on slippery ice, with both teams hoping that their opposition would make a slippery mistake and fall in the attempt to win the League. It was Olando Pirates who came out victorious to obtain the title when the premier soccer league came to its end.

Even though the PSL campaign ended,Ajax Cape Town had something to pride themselves with. ThulaniSerero, walked away with 4 out of 5 awards he was nominated for namely: Absa Premiership Player of the Season, Absa Premiership Players' Player of the Season, Absa Premiership Red-hot Young Player of the Season and PSL Footballer of the Year.

Fans were in a shock of their lives as Ajax amsterdum bound Thulani Seroro commanded respect from his opposition who thought that Pirates where distend for a walk in the park in the award ceremony. “Good players were up for it like Jali, Jimmy Tau and Knowledge Musona. They did well and I am surprised that I took all four,” he said.

South Africa was in shock when Kaizer Chiefs Itumeleng Khune Didn’t make it to the short list of the Absa Premiership goalkeeper of the Season. And this time around it was Bloemfontein goalkeeper Patrick Tignyembe who claimed the R50 000 award.

A three year season Reign of Super Sport coach Gavin Hunt was cut short as a new face made its appearance to obtain the coach of the season award. After a hard work during the season Ruud Krol walked away with the R75 000 coach of the season award.

The Absa-lutely asome goal of the tournament award went in favor of Tlou Segolela and the ‘smiling assassin’ Knowledge Musona prevailed to be the top goal scorer of the season standing at 15 goals.  

The First Division teams were given attention and Black Leopards Rodney Ramagalela came out to be the top goal scorer of the First Division Inland Stream. Carara Kicks Atusaye Nyondo proved to be the top goal scorer in the First Division Costal stream walking away with R25 000.

Oland Pirates’ captain Lucky Legwathi walked away with the Chairman’s Award, resulting to a R100 000 in his pocket.

To conclude the proceedings of the evening, objective men in the field of play– otherwise known as match officials and referees were honored for their duties throughout the PSL season. Daniel Bennet was spotted as a referee of season who showed no fear or favor towards teams and players.  And a match official who emerged to be impressive among the rest was none other than Zakhele Siwele.