My Soweto derby

It's been a rough and tumble for Orlando Pirates with Mamelodi Sundowns winning 6-0 against them, and drawing four games against Platinum Stars; Bidvest Wits;Cape Town City and Polokwane City. The question is, can they turn their run of form against Kaizer Chiefs?

It's all about the Soweto Derby! Saturday will welcome one of the biggest sporting events on the South African calendar. We expecting new faces on the day, hopefully they can positively have an impact on their teams performances. Fans are expecting to see a different Orlando Pirates, a team based approach, aggressive compared to the last five games where we saw a Pirates relying more on individual qualities. As for Kaizer Chiefs, fans are saying the Soweto derby favors Kaizer Chiefs based on their past performances but we all know that a team is as good as it's last match.

So we have Amakhosi who have form and momentum and Pirates, with Kjell factor. But us Kaizer Chiefs fans, we know the time is now for Coach Steve Komphela to claim responsibility and make his intentions clear regarding fighting for silverware. Honestly for years we've been waiting for coach Steve to step up and claim his seat amongst the elite in the South African coaching fraternity. There's expectations, excitement and fear, a whole lot of things. For the fans, the derby is everything, but we still expect fans to behave accordingly and have sportsmanship. Winning the Soweto derby you are giving the fans pride, a voice, it is something to talk about until they meet again. Tomorrow we meet again my friend, my closest rival.

Katsande; coach Steve komphela and G. Lebse

The fact that coach Steve is from my home town Kroonstad, my score prediction is 2-1 to Kaizer Chiefs. I stand behind it, I guarantee it...#Amakhosi4life!!

By Jc Mthombeni

FNB UJ fall short on the opener of Varsity Cup season:

UJ vs NWU PUKKE: PUKKE GRIND A WIN OUT IN A VERY HOSTILE, FULL OF ZIL #ORANGEARMY HOME GAME.

UJ Sheriff

The stage was set, it’s a rainy day in Auckland Park, and most would say this match favours PUKKE since they there defending champions. Overall looking at the game I personally give it to the UJ fans. The OrangeArmy brought the spirit, UJ Sheriff managed to amplify the crowed with his dance moves encouraging the UJ rugby “boytjies” to give a hell of a fight indeed. For the opener of the Varsity Cup season one could assume the fixture was little of a curve ball but most definitely UJ were the underdogs of the clash.

Observing the two halves PUKKE came of the blocks quicker, managed to settle and make their intentions clear. NWU PUKKE rugby team had moments where they play had been exceptional, showing glimpses of their 2016 form. On the opposite side UJ expected a tough game, maybe a more relentless PUKKE which was not the case and left opportunities to wrap up the game. Rain played its part in the match, causing players to be more cautious of their handling, conversions and penalties. Not only that I got the feeling that both teams (UJ vs NWU PUKKE) played very defensively, but who blames them when you want a strong, positive start to a highly competitive cup season.

This is not the end for FNB UJ and inevitably they will get better and stronger. It's a new era of players, senior player making way and giving opportunity to young deserving players. There's also change in Captaincy which affects the cohesion of the team but pre-season has worked wonders for both teams which looked sharp. undeniably there are a lot still to work on for both teams to achieve the level of rugby played last year season. It was a tense game between the defending champions and the FNB UJ, FNB NWU PUKKE managing to hold on their first win of Varsity Cup 2017 season.

UJ Stadium

All thanks must go to the University of Johannesburg, all the sponsors, STEINHOFF, Steers, FNB for their investments to making Varsity Cup rugby possible. The platform is contributing immensely to the development of our South African rugby. See you on 6 Feb 2017, FNB UJ vs FNB UFS SHIMLAS 18:30.

By Jabu Mthombeni

FASU Games 2016: University Of Johannesburg opens their doors for Africa

Hello; Bonjour; Mangwanani; Eti sen

University of Johannesburg with co-hosts Tshwane University of Technology hosted the FASU Games 2016. Various sporting codes (basketball, football, chess, table tennis, volleyball, athletics,) participated in six days of high competitive, cold weather, high physical sport exercising. On the 26th of June 2016, the FASU games opened with an opening ceremony, which involved Universities from Africa namely Univ of Botswana; Univ of Johannesburg; Univ of Cape Town; Univ of Zimbabwe; Univ of Ghana, Legon; Makerere Univ of Uganada, dignitaries from different organisations, councilor of City of Johannesburg and Tshwane (Pretoria) capital city of South Africa, all were welcomed respectively, acknowledging their long service in sport in Africa.

UJ Sheriff (Mc of the opening ceremony)

Imbizo Hall at UJ Soweto campus 

FISU and FASU dignitaries 

Once again sport unifies Africans, from all parts of Africa. The great former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela said sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. FASU games 2016 indeed spoke to the youth of Africa on and of the play ground. Great opportunities were served, from national officials participating giving us accurate results to work integrated learning opportunities that will work as a stepping stone elevating students involved in work experience.

Before I conclude, want to give a big praise to my University, that they hosted an international event successfully, with great devotion, commitment to their responsibilities. UJ together with the City of Johannesburg well done on the amazing service. Not forgetting that the Univ of Johannesburg Basketball team won the 3*3 a side.

UJ basketball 3*3 team

UJ Basketball 3*3 team

Well done University of Johannesburg!!!

 

Varsity Hockey 2016 - Battle of the Titans

Given the nature of sports, it's not surprising that athletes have had some inspiring and motivational things to say about hard work, leadership, perseverance, wining and most importantly the jubilation of putting all those elements in use to attain their goals.

We left with one day to the countdown for Varsity Hockey. The University of Johannesburg is our host co-joined with Maties ( STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY). Everybody is welcome, entrance is for free so bring your family, friends, couples and the hockey fanatics. Maties being the defending champions, all the participating teams will want to take their throne, so expect a high competitive tournament  mixed with some exceptional skills, dribbling, vision and GOALS. It's Varsity Hockey fever, and I personally believe UJ has got a surprise up their sleeve. Having a home ground advantage, it will play to UJ's favour and the support will most definitely instill fear in the opposition.

Here is the fixture table:
On the link it will view all the fixtures regarding the Varsity Hockey 2016 tournament. Click on the link and view the times and don't be late for the action.

ONLY 1 DAY LEFT

JOIN US: FREE ENTRANCE

FOOD, DRINKS AND MUSIC AVAILABLE

STARTS: 13:30

VENUE: RADNOR STREET, MELLVILLE

Behind every glory there's a story...

Hi

 Beautiful weekend filled with amazing talent showcase. Rugby World Cup has got us on a threshold, the intense competition amongst the teams is phenomenal. Must say the Springbok's did us proud against Wales although the game was very close. There's high expectations for the Springboks and the amazing performance of the All Blacks certainly got Sabc (South African broadcasting corporation) scared of broadcasting the game (All Blacks vs France). Maybe a good move to divert panic amongst the Springbok die hearts but those who got access to Supersport can admit that the All Blacks humiliated France. From my observation of the match, it was more like a message being sent to the teams who dare to stand in front of the All Blacks.

New Zealand vs South Africa

It's a bitter sweet time to be a South African right now with on going protests against rising tertiary fees but we truly want the Springboks to remain focused and remember the patriotism the sport of rugby has inflicted on the people of South Africa. I personally hope they see and honour the courage the South African youth posses and on that they can gather up strength and "gees" to once again inflict pain on the All Blacks. 

#Feesmustfall campaign

There's a story being written by the South African youth and it will grow globally and liberate others. Youth protests are growing all over the country, Rhodes University in Grahamstown, the Tshwane University of Technology and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth are involved in the #Feesmustfall campaign fighting the rise of tuition fees. All three campuses at the University of Free State (UFS) were shut down on Wednesday in light of the protests.The Revolution is being televised and we the South African youth are tired of exploitation. Some of us compare 2015 student protests to the June 16, 1976 movement. Students feel they not disposable resources and that they need to be taken into consideration and their standards of living.

1976 soweto uprising (Hector Pieterson)

To conclude this post I want to say that these are things that matter to me, I want to see the Springboks conquer they biggest rivals but as the youth of South Africa I take pride in my fellow peers and their struggle is my struggle. We don't afford the rising tuition fees of our institutions and we feel compromised as youth. Education is a necessity and without it we realize that we are nothing so the Blade Nzimandes & the Habib's must hear our cry and attend to these issues with great importance.

Fifa allegations view to be true…

Hi once again to my football followers.

Not so long ago the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Mr Fikile Mbalula came to the rescue of SAFA's (South African Football Association) integrity stating "we do not bribe". Well this afternoon South Africa was hit with the information that former SAFA head of national teams is suspended for six years from all footballing activities for the next six years for his role in alleged match fixing scandal relating to international matches Bafana Bafana played prior to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Safa President Danny Jordaan, middle - Lindile Ace Kika and Kirsten Nematandani (former SAFA president)

As a proud South African football follower and overall supporter of the sports fraternity I'm happy the IEC (Independent Ethics Commitee) could get to the bottom of this saga and stamp their authority to no tolerance of dirty tactics trying to pollute the beautiful game.

No money is big enough to buy the beautiful game of football and any other sports code matter fact. We need to continue supporting federations like SAFA, FIFA etc. to get rid of these officials corrupted by money & deceitful ways. Let's respect the game, the fans who pay lot's of money to watch the games and lastly the sports players that invest ridiculous amounts of blood and sweat.

Brings me great pleasure to see the end of this saga and It's true what they say: "Where there's smoke there is fire". Let this be a warning to those corrupt officials, you shall be "smoked" out! South African Football Association will grow from this disturbing incident and it's inevitable only good things will come from Mr D Jordaan leadership team.

ZuluLand to host the Commonwealth Games:

Its's confirmed that Durban, City in the East Coast of South Africa will be hosting the 2022 Commonwealth games. This is a tremendous success, based on the commitment and devotion put in to lure in and attract such a big occasion to the African continent. "Games will begin on 18 July 2022, what would have been the 104th birthday of former South African president Nelson Mandela and finish on 30th July"BBC.

It will be the 22nd staging of the event which is held every four years. Athletes from more than 50 countries compete and most of the countries used to be British colonies. Again this is the 1st in the African continent in the competition's 85-year history. There are ongoing debates about South Africa affording to host the event or not while there are concerning issues we could invest in. Questions like how is the event going to impact our economy, issue of unemployment etc.

At the moment South Africa is struggling, the Rand is getting weaker, the mining sector is retrenching, people are losing their jobs. People of South Africa are expecting jobs to be created from this great event being hosted by S.A, and we expecting tourism sector to also make business and open doors to new, greater ventures.

 Nonkululeko Hlophe

I welcome and celebrate the great news of South Africa hosting the 2022 Commonwealth games and I hope we can unite to make it an exceptional experience for the athletes, tourists, and our African neighbors. This is a great opportunity to eradicate xenophobia and find better ways of accommodating our African brothers and sisters. I believe despite the challenges that face us as country that we will host a phenomenal Commonwealth Games, we will create jobs for youth, jobs will be created in the tourism sector and a profit will be made that will benefit better living standards for the people of South Africa.

Sports continues to play pivotal role in the nations relations, addressing unity within Africa & Commonwealth countries. We seven years to improve and stage a professional, spontaneous, filled with joy and culture of the Zululand.