Latest news with #SafaEhlanzeniU20League
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Calcutta woman gets licence to coach and gives young footballers hope
A local woman, Priscilla Mthombeni (44), did not miss the chance to uplift herself – and by extension, her community – earning a licence to coach soccer, making her mark in a male-dominated industry. Mthombeni was among the 30 coaches who graduated on Sunday, May 4, after an eight-day course at KaBokweni Stadium. With just over a year of coaching experience under her belt, Mthombeni has showed nothing but courage to uplift the football skills of youngsters in her community. Although she has never played football herself, her love for the sport led her to start her career by joining the coaching team of Calcutta Youth Desk FC, made up of young players from disadvantaged backgrounds. She is currently the coach of the local Ben William FC U17 boys team that participate in the annual Forek U17 Developmental League. ALSO READ: Nsikazi soccer enthusiasts take first steps in coaching career She said she is inspired by her stepfather, Amos Maphanga, who is a former coach. 'I love watching soccer and I have managed to use sports to create crime awareness campaigns in the community through annual sports tournaments that engage the youth and steer them away from crime,' she said. Mthombeni is a police officer based at the Calcutta Police Station and specialises in social crime prevention. Her efforts have yielded impressive results for her team, with football academies scouting some of her talented players. Mthombeni's passion is to continue inspiring players in her community, despite the many challenges they face. 'Many of my players lack essential equipment, including soccer boots, and I am often forced to dig into my own pocket to help, but I can't help every player. Funding for transportation and food for the team when we have to travel are some of the challenges. I am committed to finding ways to uplift these youngsters.' ALSO READ: TS Matsulu determined to go top of Safa Ehlanzeni U20 League log She said her team will be participating in the Sports is your Future tournament in Ximungwe in June and hope to win some soccer kits. Ben William FC will be among 32 teams that will go head to head in the tournament. Mthombeni said she wants to demonstrate the impact that a person can have in their community by providing opportunities and support. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
KwaMhlanga entrepreneurs walk 300km to provincial government for change
A group of five passionate KwaMhlanga-based entrepreneurs embarked on a seven-day walk from eMalahleni to the Mpumalanga Provincial Government Complex in Mbombela to bring attention to the plight of unemployment and lack of opportunities in their area. Raymond Mthimunye (39), Rogger Maela (33), Karabo Modupi (25), Stanley Khoza (45) and Vincent Zimu (33) walked 300km from May 3 to May 9. These men are skilled in woodwork, business management, and marketing and design, and they aimed to the present practical solutions to the provincial government and plead for support. They also showcased one of their of woodwork products, a small coffin covered in Ndebele art designs. They carried this coffin on their journey. Maela said they sought inclusion in provincial development programmes, equipment grants and mentorship programmes, and access to funds such the Mpumalanga Premier's Youth Development Fund (MPYDF). 'Unemployment has crippled our communities. Many young people are qualified, but sitting at home, frustrated and without opportunities. There is a rise in depression and substance abuse due to youth unemployment. Our biggest concern is that most programmes don't reach us in our townships and villages. The government should decentralise opportunities and create manufacturing incubators in places like KwaMhlanga,' said Maela. Maela said the coffin they carried symbolised the death of the dream of the youth and the burial of their potential, unless the government intervenes. He said it also represents rebirth and a call to action. Maela said the walk had its challenges. 'We faced exhaustion, muscle pain and harsh weather, but we kept going through faith and unity, with support from communities along the route,' said Maela. ALSO READ: More than 5 000 snares removed across the Lowveld On arrival at the government complex, they met with the Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, with whom they raised their concerns. 'Meeting the premier was an honour. He listened to us, welcomed our memorandum and acknowledged our efforts. It felt like the beginning of something real. We left with hope and a sense of validation,' said Maela. Ndlovu reiterated the government's commitment to assisting the youth with numerous opportunities, citing the MPYDF. ALSO READ: TS Matsulu determined to go top of Safa Ehlanzeni U20 League log 'I am incredibly impressed with their business idea, but regrettably they did not have to endure the agony of walking for days to engage with their government. We have all these programmes throughout the province, aimed at helping our people. I have linked them with the Disability, Employment and Transition Division and Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency to formalise and navigate other regulatory requirements for their businesses,' said Ndlovu. While commending them for their resilience, he expressed that the information they received at the provincial government is available at their local municipality. 'I must commend these guys for their outstanding display of good behaviour. They have showed remarkable respect by not destroying any public infrastructure to draw attention to their cause. Their action serves as a positive example to a harmonious and respectful environment for everyone,' Ndlovu said. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Idlabantu FC end TS Galaxy Academy's winning streak in the Safa U20 league
Idlabantu FC put a swift end to TS Galaxy Academy's winning streak in week 14 of the Safa Ehlanzeni U20 League. TS Galaxy were defeated 2-0 at the Valencia Sports Complex on Monday, April 28. The mini Rockets dominated in the opening minutes of the game, leaving Idlabantu FC with few opportunities to score. They created lot of chances in their opponents' final third, but did not manage to convert them into goals. This lack of action sent both teams to the dressing rooms goalless at half-time. Coming back strong, it only took five minutes for Idlabantu FC's Steven Banda to score in the second half, after TS Galaxy's goalkeeper, Karabo Monareng, made a costly mistake in his box. Khanya Mthinfi scored the second goal. ALSO READ: KaBokweni DJ spins to success Despite their thrilling win, some of Idlabantu FC's players collected yellow cards: Njabulo Mashabane for wasting time, Thabang Maluleka for a reckless foul and Linda Mgwenya for unsporting behaviour and equipment violation on the pitch. Idlabantu FC's coach, Junior Makhubele, said his team benefitted from the experience they received in the previous league, adding that their confidence was high. 'Our aim was to draw or be in the lead by half-time. We had to use analysis and strategy to win this game. This was our second time playing against TS Galaxy, and not the first time defeating them. With very few resources, the boys continue to show hunger and dedication to winning the league,' Makhubele said. TS Galaxy''s coach, Thulani Mngomezulu, expressed his disappointment in the team's performance, highlighting that they lost their shape after Monareng's mistake. ALSO READ: Two locals walk 209km from Bushbuckridge to Waterval Boven Tunnel 'We have won three games in a row and I believe that today was just like any other football day. We will need to go back to the office and address our errors as a team to regain our streak,' said Mngomezulu. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
