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Grocott's Mail Sport, Africa Media Matrix, Grahamstown (2025)

04/05/2024

Makhandans take advantage of free aerobic sessions for a whole month

By Chris Totobela

A local fitness club launched free aerobic and fitness sessions for the whole of April, and Makhandans took full advantage of the generous offer.

Fitness lovers in Makhanda came out in droves and grabbed the opportunity offered by the Joza Aerobics and Fitness Club.

Experienced instructor Nomawethu” Sweshy” Simama led all the free sessions and was pleased with the effort showed by members of the public.

She explained the idea behind this initiative. “We wanted to market our club and also give our community an opportunity to work with us and enjoy proper fitness activities while using this as a strategy to recruit new members.”

Simama was pleased with how the community responded. “We had a full house everyday of training, there were new faces everyday and they were willing to learn.”

She also mentioned that this was their way of giving back to the community and that most of the new participants felt more motivated and confident after each session. She thanked all those who took part in the free sessions and looks forward to seeing most of them join the club permanently.

She asked Makhandans to be on the lookout for more similar initiatives as there are even more lined up for this year.

The initiative went a long way in promoting a healthy lifestyle in the community and help improve the fitness and wellness of Makhandans.

You can also read the story here: https://grocotts.ru.ac.za/2024/05/01/makhandans-take-advantage-of-free-aerobic-sessions-for-a-whole-month/

04/05/2024

Lily White on fire at Lavender Valley with hard-fought victory over Aberdeen

By Chesley Daniels

The opening round of the SCORE EPRU Grand Challenge Bottom 12 Competition saw home side Lily White of Makhanda record an impressive 22-17 win over Aberdeen, in front of a large local crowd at the Lavender Valley Sports Ground on Saturday afternoon.

The Blues (Lily White) were in front at halftime leading by 8-0.

Hundreds of rugby followers and lovers came out to support their local Grand Challenge team, the Blues, who entertained them with some exciting and spectacular running rugby. Both teams scored three tries as the fixture was played in a very good spirit and rugby was the ultimate winner at the end of the day.

In the first half, both teams ran on to the field with their new sponsored SCORE rugby jerseys from the title sponsor and very much eager to kick the competition off on a winning note. The home side started confidently, putting pressure on the visitors with their high intensity game.

Although the Blues took the game to the visitors and dominated the early stages, they couldn’t manage to turn the pressure into points. Both teams also had numerous scoring opportunities but made unforced errors at crucial stages with the try line in front of them. Lily White dominated at scrum time and received numerous scrum penalties but opted to kick for touch instead of taking the points on offer by kicking at goal. A late first half try and penalty by the home side saw them heading into the break with an 8-0 lead.

The second half was even more physical and with intent, as both teams came hard at each other. The Blues’ skillful backline started to give the ball more air and running good lines out wide.

Centre Lakhanya Sam was a handful with ball in hand on attack and put his players nicely into space in open play.

Aberdeen didn’t lie down either and came hard at the Blues, running at every opportunity with the ball possession on offer. The visitors scrumming improved immensely later in the second half and gained much needed confidence by winning a few scrum penalties.

Aberdeen reduced the lead with a try by eighth man Ricardo Saaiman who scored the first of his two tries. Siya Hoyi extended the lead for the Blues with a fine try, taking the score to 15-7. Aberdeen continued to put pressure on the home side and that led to Saaiman scoring his second try of the match. The Blues lead 15-12.

The home side then capitalized and replied immediately with a converted try to put the pressure back on the visitors, extending the lead to 22-12. The Blues’ tackling let the team down in the second half as they conceded soft tries due to sloppy defending.

Andy Jantjies scored a late second half try for Aberdeen to narrow the lead to 22-17.

An intense last period of the match almost saw Aberdeen scoring the winning try with their inside centre Ricardo Minaar taking a gap from a loose ball and sprinted almost 60 metres to score, but was tackled just short of the try line. The final whistle went off moments later as Lily White grabbed a narrow 22-17 win.

Blues captain and eighth man Masona was voted the Grocott’s Mail/Daniels MEDIA Man of the Match for his sterling all-round performance, leading his side to a well earned victory. He was strong and powerful with ball in hand on attack, solid in the scrums and his brutal tackling was just outstanding. He also ensured numerous turnovers at the breakdowns.

The Blues’ secretary, Reggie Waldick, was very happy with his side’s opening win. “I am very happy with the win and it’s always important that we should win our home games. Our forwards played very well but we could see our team is still unfit and we need to improve our poor tackling. We are surely ready for St Marks this weekend in Alicedale and we are going there to win.”

You can also read the story here: https://grocotts.ru.ac.za/2024/05/02/lily-white-on-fire-at-lavender-valley-with-hard-fought-victory-over-aberdeen/

04/05/2024

Stars dig deep to beat Makhanda’s Brumbies in top 12 opener

By Chesley Daniels

The opening of the Eastern Province Rugby Union (Epru) SCORE Grand Challenge Top 12 Competition eventually took place with hosts Trying Stars 1st XV registering a hard-fought 29-20 bonus-point win over Makhanda’s side, Grahamstown Brumbies, at the Wentzel Park Sports Ground in Alexandria on Saturday, 27 April.

The home side led 14-5 at halftime.

A fully packed Wentzel Park was the fortress venue for the two top sides who locked horns in a much anticipated Sedru derby, competing in the Premier Top 12 “Strength vs Strength” competition in front of thousands of rugby enthusiasts from both Ndlambe and Makana municipalities. This was the second win for Stars over Brumbies and the league win saw Stars continue their dominance over Brumbies in recent years.

As expected, the encounter was hard, physical, brutal and was played at a very high pace. Stars made the game fast and quick while the Brumbies’ scrums were again outstanding and their lineouts worked very well, especially the driving maul.

Trying Stars started the match with the wind conditions in their favour as Brumbies kicked off the match with the ball traveling less than 10m. Stars gave away a free kick which led to a try by Brumbies scrumhalf Cullen Williams, after deciding to take a quick tap as the visitors took an early 5-0 lead. Captain Kelvano King ensured that Stars gained much-needed momentum after conceding points with a beautiful try of his own from the restart as Garth Oosthuizen slotted the conversion, giving stars the advantage on the scoreboard 7-5.

The centre pairing of Flinn Cannon and Sihle Mendile ensured that the midfield was rock solid on defence and created good running lines ensuring that the Stars forward pack set up a driving maul which led to Sipho Bloko scoring another try for the home side. Garth Oosthuizen successfully converted as Stars went in to the break with a decent 14-5 lead.

The second half started with Stars awarded a penalty due to a kick-off infringement by the Brumbies. Brimming with confidence, Oosthuizen went for a penalty conversion, increasing the lead to 17-5. Brumbies answered with a beautiful set piece maul from a lineout, which led to them scoring a try by Garin Strydom close to the right hand corner. Stars were still leading 17-10 at this point.

The wind conditions in the second half had Trying Stars on the back foot as Brumbies utilized the wind advantage in their favour by keeping Stars in their half of the field. Utilizing their big and bulky forwards, Brumbies produced a good effort and added points on the score board again via a try by Nolen Soyes, thereby reducing the deficit to just two points with the score on 17-15 in favour of Trying Stars.

Brumbies’ forwards continued their scrum dominance and were rewarded with numerous scrum penalties, but could count themselves unlucky not to convert the pressure into points.

Trying Stars utilized their impact from the bench introducing Eric Nogayi, Charles Vena and Schalk Cannon. Schalk immediately made his presence felt and continued for the remainder of the match.

Trying Stars’ Luqmaan Mallick ensured that his side kept possession by winning the aerial battle. With the changes made, the forward pack of Stars received that added boost they were longing for. The inter play from the forwards ensured that Flinn Cannon and Sihle Mendile utilised the open space in midfield which set up winger Earl Maarman for a beautiful try. The conversion was missed as the home side again extended their lead to 22-15.

Brumbies returned with a beautiful kick which found touch on the 5m line of Stars, setting up a maul which led to a try by Bradley van Heerden, taking the score to 22-20 with mere minutes left before the final whistle.

The referee called last play after the restart and Gregan Williams, winning the aerial battle for Stars, was determined to add to their winning margin. Prop forward Wonga Wakashe and Thembi Mangwawi set up Schalk Bloko who utilized the space in front of him with a storming 20m run before passing to Luqmaan Mallick who offloaded again to Kelvano King, who then dotted down under the poles for his brace. Oosthuizen converted and the final whistle sounded with Trying Stars emerging 29-20 winners. Brumbies also received a bonus point for scoring four tries.

Stars’ coaching staff hipped praises on their centre pairing of Flinn Cannon and Sihle Mendile who ran great lines in the midfield on attack as well as their prop Tembi, who stood firm under the extremely difficult conditions and against the strong dominant scrum of Brumbies.

The evergreen captain of Stars, Kelvano King, was awarded the Grocott’s Mail/Daniels MEDIA man of the match for his outstanding and clinical performance. The current EP Mighty Elephants scrumhalf scored a brace of tries and his attacking prowess once again proved vital for his side on attack, executing his trademark tap-and-go and high intensity favourite game.

OTHER RESULTS BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES:
1. Brumbies 1st Reserves beat Trying Stars 17-12
2. Brumbies 2nd won 14-0

You can also read the story here: https://grocotts.ru.ac.za/2024/05/02/stars-dig-deep-to-beat-makhandas-brumbies-in-top-12-opener/

04/05/2024

Bashiyeke bebambe ongezantsi abathandi bebhola eMakhanda

NguChris Totobela

Abalandeli nabathandi bebhola ekhatywayo baseMakhanda bashiyeke bebambe ongezantsi emva kwemidlalo yeMakana LFA ngosuku lwabasebenzi, umhla wokuqala kuMay.

Amaqela amabini ajijisana ngendawo yokuqala kwicandelo B loompondo zihlanjiwe ebedlala imidlalo yawo yokugqibela. Omabini lamaqela eze kule midlalo yawo yokugqibela ebambene ngamanqaku angamashumi amabini anesithoba emva kokuba bedlale imidlalo elineshumi elinesithathu. ISophia Stars biqubisene ne Juventus logama iRhodes University yona ibivana amandla neLalibela Lions.

ISophia Stars ize kulo mdlalo ikhokela ngamanqaku ewafakileyo emnatheni amathathu, ntoleyo ebangele ukuba omabini lamaqela axhomekeke kule midlalo yawo yokugqibela ukuze ayazi ukuba leliphi elizakujongana nqo ne XI Attackers kumdlalo wobuntshatsheli.

Le midlalo yokugqibela yalamaqela kuye kwanyenzeleka ukuba imiswe lingekapheli ixesha emva kokuba kuphawuleke ukuba amanqaku ayathululeka macala omabini kwaye amanye enziwa ngendlela engaqondakaliyo.

Ngethuba imiswa lemidlalo bekusele kufakwe inqwaba yamanqaku nanjengoko enye kutyholwa ngokuba bikhokela ngamanqaku alishumi elinesihlanu eqandeni logama kwelinye icala bekukhokelwa ngamanqaku alishumi elinesibini eqandeni.

Umqeqeshi we Rhodes University uThembelani “Bravo” Mzalazala uthethe wenjenje: “Kudala ndabalumkisa abo basemagunyeni ngalo mcimbi kodwa zange bawuse so. Le into eqhubekayo ibonakalisa ngokuphandle ukungabikho kwesikhokelo esiqinileyo kwibhola yethu, kwaye sijongile ukuba izolungiswa njani le nyewe.”

Ongu mqondisi wezemidlalo kwiSophia Stars uThulani Msipha uthe: “Bicacile kwamhlamnene ukuba le into izakwenzeka kodwa ke khange kunakwe nto, yilonto sikule meko namhlanje.”

Unobhala jikelele weMakana LFA uAkhona Heshu usingqinile esi siganeko. “Onke lamaqela abandakanyekayo kule nyewe sizakuwabizela kwikomiti yoluleko nalapho azakufumana ithuba lokudandalazisa oko kwenzekileyo.

Sizakusenza isibhengezo esichanekileyo ngesigqibo okanye amanyathelo esizakuwathatha emva kokuba sivile inkcazelo epheleleyo yokwenzekileyo.”

Abalandeli bebhola ekhatywayo basothukile sesisiganeko kwaye kulindeleke ukuba isonjululwe le ngxubakaxaka kungekudala nanjengoko ingabeka ichaphaza elibi kwibhola yalapha ekhaya.

Ungalifunda eli nqaku apha: https://grocotts.ru.ac.za/2024/05/02/bashiyeke-bebambe-ongezantsi-abathandi-bebhola-emakhanda/

04/05/2024

Pepesi’s rocket steals it for Maru in the local derby

By Chris Totobela

On Sunday, football lovers made their way to JD Dlepu Stadium to witness a rare Hollywood Bets Regional L

eague Sunday game between two local sides. Maru hosted Young Eagles in a very exciting encounter that was filled with flair.

The game started at a blistering pace, with both teams showing their intentions as early as the first minute. Eagles tested Maru’s goalkeeper from the kickoff, all the way from the halfway line, but it was a routine catch for him. Maru combined with some neat passes and went on to score in the second minute of the game, when Aviwe Payi’s shot rattled the upright, bounced back into play and was finished off by Lukhanyo Vena, to give Maru an early lead.

Eagles replied a few minutes later after Maru’s left-back was taken to the cleaners by the Eagles’ right winger who played a hard and low cross that was tapped home. Hard and dangerous tackles flew all over the field, and quite a number of them went unpunished.

Both teams went to the halftime break level with one goal apiece.

In the second half, after absorbing pressure for some time, Maru took the lead with a well-taken header by Vuyani Skeyi after a corner kick. Eagles immediately found an equaliser after miscommunication at the back, which allowed Aphiwe “Neyma” Tom to tap home from close range to complete his brace.

Both teams went toe to toe, searching for a winner, and it took something special from Luyolo “Pepesi” Matiwane to separate the two sides. Matiwane overlapped and found himself with acres of space behind the Eagles’ defence and fired home a rocket that left the keeper for dead, to win the game for his side.

Eagles went in search of an equaliser, but Maru’s goalminder staved off the attempts, with some breathtaking saves, to make sure that his side walked away with all maximum points at the final whistle. Maru redeemed themselves after losing two previous regional league local derbies to City Pirates and Jacaranda Aces, respectively.

You can also read the story here: https://grocotts.ru.ac.za/2024/05/02/pepesis-rocket-steals-it-for-maru-in-the-local-derby/

02/05/2024

King Killer Fule chasing his second title

By Chris Totobela

Makhanda’s very own champion, Bongani “King Killer” Fule, flew Makhanda’s flag very high in the recent boxing tournament held in Kariega. The Extension 6 resident and former Kutliso Daniels student exchanged leather with Mossel Bay’s Masixole Ntunga in a featherweight bout over six rounds.

The former Junior lightweight Eastern Cape champion knocked out Ntunga, who was making his professional debut in the first round. Fule’s next move will be to challenge for the Eastern Cape title in his new division and become the first boxer in Makhanda to win two titles in two different divisions, and this will allow him to challenge for the national title later on.

Speaking to Grocott’s Mail, Fule had a few people to thank for his success: “I would like to first thank God and my ancestors for my talent. Special thanks to my number one supporter who has been with me through thick and thin, my grandmother Nonceba Fule. Where would I be without Astron Energy Gunubie Garage, who have been supplying me and Mshu One boxing management with diesel to travel to all my fights?”

“Lastly, I would like to thank my supporters from Makhanda, who always show me love whenever I’m around, and together with them, we are unstoppable. Tyamzashe Boxing Gym, thank you for everything.”

Fule is taking some time off to see his grandmother and will be travelling to East London soon to prepare for his next fight.

You can also read the story here: https://grocotts.ru.ac.za/2024/05/02/king-killer-fule-chasing-his-second-title/

02/05/2024

RU still searching for their first win in Sasol League

By Chris Totobela

On Saturday, the Rhodes University women’s football team hosted Nav Galaxy from Eziphunzana in East London in their Sasol League clash. Galaxy came to this encounter at the back of a loss as they tasted their first defeat last weekend at home against Volcano ladies when they lost by 2-4.

On the other side, Rhodes University came to this encounter after four defeats, including last weekend’s walkover against Gqeberha-based Bay Stars. Less than twenty people made their way to the Great Field to witness this clash.

The game started slowly but gained momentum as it continued, and the visitors made their intentions very clear. RU sat back in the first few minutes of the game, defending too deep. Galaxy was caught offside several times as they rushed things up front. The home side absorbed a lot of pressure and tried to catch Galaxy in transition, but their lone striker did not have enough support as she was always isolated. There was a big gap between the defenders and the midfielders, which allowed Galaxy to dictate terms in midfield. The gap between midfielders and forwards was also too big, and most of the time, the forwards did not really know what to do with the ball and often came back with it looking for support.

The home side did an excellent job of pressing the opponents, but something had to give at some point, as chasing the ball is more tiring than having it. RU’s defence finally succumbed to pressure in the 20th minute when their defence was stretched and caught napping by a good cross that was tapped home into an open net. It only took two minutes for Galaxy to double their lead, and the third one came in the 32nd minute when a cloud of defenders blocked the goalkeeper’s view, who saw the long-range shot slightly late as it whistled past her to the back of the net. RU tried to fight back, but their fight was cut short by the halftime break whistle.

In the second half, Galaxy tried to change into another top gear, forcing the home side to give away possession too cheaply. In the 65th minute, the home side was dealt a massive blow as their number-one goalkeeper got injured and was substituted. In the 68th minute, the reserve goalkeeper handled the ball outside the box, and Galaxy scored their fourth goal from the free kick. The fifth and the sixth goals came in the 70th and the 75th minutes, respectively, while the seventh and the eighth goals came in the 80th and 83rd minutes, respectively.

RU made a few substitutions, which did not have any impact on the game, and the final whistle came as a huge relief. It was a reasonable effort by the home side, but much work still needed to be done. They need to take more shots at goals and also work on their fitness, as they looked a bit unfit.

Lastly, they needed to attempt to keep the ball more, as opponents could not harm them if they didn’t have the ball. One creative ball player in the middle of the park to help the team go forward with short passes instead of aimless long balls. There were glimpses of hope, but with time and hard work, the home side will close the gap between them and their opponents. The final score was 8-0 to Galaxy.

You can also read the story here: https://grocotts.ru.ac.za/2024/05/02/ru-still-searching-for-their-first-win-in-sasol-league/

01/05/2024

Appreciation Post for TyreMart and BKT Tyres’ World Cup rugby balls donations

By Chesley Daniels

Alicedale United Women’s Rugby Club thanks BKT Tyres, one of TyreMart’s suppliers in Makhanda, for their generous donation of World Cup rugby balls this Thursday.

Speaking to Grocott’s Mail, Tyremart manager Robert Van Der Merwe expressed the importance of sports in “promoting teamwork and enthusiasm on the field and off.”

“Our Tyremart [Makhanda] and Port Alfred team are family-oriented, with children involved in sport on a school level as well,” he said.

He adds that the company strives to support community initiatives.

Expressing immense gratitude for the rugby balls, team coach Danwyn Jewell says that it is hard to train without equipment.

“These balls will take some pressure off my shoulders as a coach when it comes to rugby practice. As a club, we are grateful for the donations,” said Jewell.

United player Paula Israel also expressed gratitude for the donation and is grateful for the support.

Alicedale United Women comprises players from Alicedale and Makhanda. The women’s team was established in 2023 and has already won second place in last year’s Sarah Baartman District Champs. One of the team’s players, fly-half Xenia Muller, is selected into the Eastern Province Queens Squad in 2024.

A personal note of thanks: On behalf of Alicedale United Women’s Rugby Club, I thank you for your generous donation. It will go a long way as these ladies are mostly unemployed, and this gesture would motivate them to excel in this sport.

You can also read the story here: https://grocotts.ru.ac.za/2024/04/25/appreciation-post-for-tyremart-and-bkt-tyres-ipl-world-cup-rugby-balls-donations/

01/05/2024

Derby Wins For Stars And Kowie

By Chesley Daniels

Two friendly rugby fixtures took place last week Saturday involving Sedru Clubs in the Ndlambe Coastal as Trying Stars and Kowie United recorded impressive dominant wins over arch-rivals and hosts Klipfontein United and Ndlambe Tigers, respectively.

Klipfontein United Vs Trying Stars – Never Quit Stadium

Klipfontein played host to the number one side in SEDRU Trying Stars, who also competed in the Epru Top 12 Competition. This was also one of the Coastal Derbies that took place over the weekend, which saw the visitors rightfully claim the bragging rights and claim a dominant 40-3 win in front of a large crowd. Stars also took a commanding 28-3 lead at halftime, scoring four tries in the process.

The Derby was, as expected, hard and physical and was played at a very high tempo as both teams executed a high-paced game. Aviwe Kolosa and Wonga Wakashe showcased brilliant running lines for Stars contributing, to Luqmaan Mallick (lock) securing the first points for the visitors. Garth Oosthuizen effortlessly converted from the left-hand touchline (7-0). Throughout the game, Edmin Lesley made notable contributions at 8th man, boosting the team’s performance from the back and setting up strategic plays. Collect effort led to Oosthuizen scoring his first try, and with Lucian Milborrow’s exceptional finish, extended Stars lead to 21 points.

Despite a minor error that allowed Klipfontein to score from a penalty kick, John Hutchinson successfully converted the penalty, taking the score 21-3 in favour of the Stars. The visitors maintained control, and Oosthuizen closed off the first half impressively with another try, facilitated by veteran and current EP Mighty Elephants player Kelvano King and Breyton Stemele, ensuring Trying Stars headed into the break with a solid and healthy 28-3 lead.

Second Half

Both teams made changes by giving their players game time to prepare for the upcoming Epru Leagues. Centre Flinn Cannon’s impact off the bench was significant, scoring two bulldozing tries shortly after entering the game. Jade Higgins seamlessly filled in at fullback, supported by the experienced players who provided stability, composure and calmness on the field. United felt the pressure throughout the game and could only witness as Stars ran riot around them, scoring six (6) tries in the process and ending the game with a dashing 40-3 win.

Stars Public Relations Officer (PRO) Phillipe Hutchinson and Interim Coach Allan Cannon are very pleased and happy with their team’s dominant performance against their neighbours United. “Recap of our recent match on Saturday against our neighbours Klipfontein United, where our primary focus was on testing various player combinations and giving opportunities to young talent in the 1st XV. We look forward to build on this performance and continuing to showcase our team’s talent in the upcoming Grand Challenge Top 12 Competition. This was actually a very important confidence booster heading into our first league fixture against arch-rivals Brumbies on Saturday at home.”

Man Of The Match

Senior utility backline player of Trying Stars Garth Oosthuizen was voted the Grocott’s Mail/Daniels Media Man of the Match for his outstanding overall contribution and performance. His accurate kicking boot on the day saw him succeed with 5 out of 6 kicks at goal with a 90% kicking rate whilst also scoring 2 tries and contributing half of his team’s points on the day.

Ndlambe Tigers Vs Kowie United – Station Hill Sports Ground

Tigers played host in the other Coastal Derby in front of a decent local crowd in Port Alfred on Saturday. Kowie secured an impressive, comprehensive 19-7 win after leading 7-0 at halftime. United also got the first punch in by winning the first of the two Derbies and claiming bragging rights. Kowie’s explosive backline was on fire and looked dangerous with ball in hand on attack, putting their opponents under pressure at the back. They also kept the ball away from the big, powerful forwards of Tigers, who were very solid up front. The scrumming was evenly matched, with Tigers losing out on numerous scoring opportunities. In the end, it was the United side who capitalised on the home side’s mistakes and took their chances afforded to them by putting points on the board.

Man Of The Match

Captain Mason Brooks earned the Grocott’s Mail/Daniels Media Man of the Match for his solid all-round performance. He was brilliant with ball in hand on attack and his kicking boot was on song.

You can also read the story here: https://grocotts.ru.ac.za/2024/04/25/derby-wins-for-stars-and-kowie/

01/05/2024

Abila esoma Amakonokono elungiselela itumente ezayo yamanina

NguChris Totobela

Iqela lebhola ekhatywayo lamagqiyazana, ekuphela kwalo apha eMakhanda, libila lisoma limaxhaphetshu lilungiselela itumente yamanina ezakubanjwa ngosuku lokubhiyozela ulutsha (27 kuTshazimpuzi). Eli qela, iAfrican Connection WFC, nelalifudula lingudlezinye kule ngingqi yeSarah Baartman, lakhiwa okutsha ngabadlali abaselula kakhulu kwaye lincediswa liziko lokulolonga abadlali elikwizinga eliphezulu kule ngingqi. Oyena mdlali omdala kweli qela uneminyaka elishumi elinesixhenxe kuphela, kwaye oko kubonakalisa ikamva eliqaqambileyo leli qela.

UOwam Dyonashe, ongomnye wabadlali abaphambili kweli qela, uncome indima sele yenziwe leli ziko. “Iqela lethu linabadlali abancinci kakhulu kwaye sonke sizimisele ukuthatha eli qela silibeke phezulu logama nathi sizenzela igama.”

“Okwangoku eyona njongo iphambili yethu kukuba sifunde ukudlala ibhola ngendlela eyiyo, iziphumo azibalulekanga okwangoku. Iziko esihamba kulo kabini ngeveki, labadlali abakwizinga eliphezulu, ziyabonakala iziphumo zalo nanjengoko ukuqala kwethu ukudlala besisoyika xa sidibene namantombazana angooxholovane, kuba bebesityhiliza basisuse lula ebholeni. Kodwa ngoku bafika inyanga ifile xa sihlangene nabo.”

Eli qela lithe chu lizama ukubuyela endaweni yalo njengelinye lamaqela anobuzaza nabukhali, hayi nje kwingingqi yeSarah Baartman kuphela, kodwa nakwiphondo jikelele.

You can also read the story here: https://grocotts.ru.ac.za/2024/04/22/abila-esoma-amakonokono-elungiselela-itumente-ezayo-yamanina/

25/04/2024

Red hot Maru FC does it again

By Chris Totobela

Scores of local football fans made their way to JD Dlepu Stadium this past weekend to witness a significant tournament. Makana Municipality hosted the King Ndlambe Football Tournament as part of the Battle of Egazini Memorial Project.

All Makana LFA teams and Hollywood Bets Regional League local sides participated in the event.

The tournament was played in a knockout format, and there were exciting encounters, but in the end, there were only two teams left to battle for the prize. The two in-form sides currently in Makhanda – Maru FC and XI Attackers – who recently locked horns in the Easter soccer tournament final, met each other again, in a space of few weeks, in the final on Sunday afternoon.

Siviwe Mandevu of Attackers taking on Maru defenders. Photo: Chris Totobela

The game kicked off at 15:00 in a packed JD Dlepu stadium. Both teams started at a high pace, trying to force each other to make errors. Attackers had the first shot at goal, but it flew over the crossbar.

Maru settled much quicker into the game and started dictating things in midfield while creating clear goal-scoring chances. Aphiwe Payi of Maru had two clear chances to put his side in the lead with the wide-open goal, but he fumbled both chances. Maru’s aerial prowess proved vital as they punished the Attackers’ defence after they failed to deal with a cross from the right wing after the young goalminder of Attackers carelessly gave away possession.

He was made to pay by a well-taken Lindokuhle Mdoko’s header. The goalkeeper was at it again as he fumbled a shot from a freekick and conceded a corner kick. From the set piece, Mbongeni Mali headed home to double Maru’s lead, giving them a two-goal advantage going into halftime.

Immediately after the break, Maru put the final nail in the Attackers’ coffin as Vuyani Skeyi drew three defenders around him before backheeling the ball to an unmarked Lindokuhle Mdoko, who just directed the ball with his head into the back of the net to complete his brace. Attackers netted a consolation goal from a free kick via the boot of Bongani Hashe but it was too little too late.

Hard and dangerous tackles flew all over the field, and some went unpunished. The referee blew the final whistle and was confronted by an Attackers’ official. A fight broke out between the duo, but they were immediately separated.

Speaking to Grocott’s Mail after the match, the Attackers’ coach, Thanduxolo Faxi, apologised to the match referee. “We would like to apologise to the referee for this unfortunate incident. He handled the game very well, and I think their fight was not about the game itself.”

Ward 2 councillor Ramie Xonxa handed over prizes to the finalists and spoke to Grocott’s Mail immediately after the presentation. “This tournament is very important to the history of Makhanda. It commemorates the battle amaXhosa, amaNdlambe to be specific, which took place on 22 April 1819, and I think it is important for our young people to know about this event. It is the army of amaNdlambe that fought the British army in the Battle of Egazini, and that is why we decided to host this tournament in their honour.”

Xonxa added that the tournament would take place every year. “I would like to thank all the teams that participated in this event. I would also like to thank the Sarah Baartman Municipality for donating prize money and Makana Municipality for the trophy and medals.”

Maru walked away with the first cash prize, R5000 in cash, a trophy and gold medals, while XI Attackers went home with R2000 and silver medals.

You can also read the story here: https://grocotts.ru.ac.za/2024/04/22/red-hot-maru-fc-does-it-again/

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