SOWETAN

Steve Komphela was part of the decision that led to a mass clearout at Kaizer Chiefs

Marc Strydom | 01 June, 2016 15:25

Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela and team manager Bobby Motaung during the 2016 Carling Black Label Champion Cup launch at Park Station on May 03, 2016 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Image by: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images

Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela and his technical team were inclusive in the decision-making process that has led to 20 players being shown the door by the club in an apparent large-scale rebuilding process of Amakhosi’s squad.

Chiefs communications manager Vina Maphosa said on Wednesday he could not comment on the individual technical aspects of the players who have been released from contracts, or whose contracts will not be renewed, which will be addressed at a press conference at the end of June.

Maphosa did confirm that Komphela was instrumental in the process of arriving at the names of players to be culled at Chiefs, whose need to rebuild their squad was patently clear in a season where they ended trophy-less and in fifth position in the PSL.

• Kaizer Chiefs release 20 players in massive clear-out 

“The memoire I got was that the decision was made by the collective at Chiefs, inclusive of the technical team,” Maphosa said.

The Chiefs’ communications manager also confirmed that right-back Siboniso Gaxa is among the players who will be leaving Amakhosi.

There has been confusion over Gaxa’s name being on the list of four players whose contracts have not been renewed. In October Chiefs tweeted that Gaxa had renewed his contract until 2018.

“The contractual issues at this stage – the direct answer is that it’s between the club and the player,” Maphosa said.

“As soon as there is word coming from the club on that [Gaxa’s contract issue], we will inform the media. What we are confirming is that as far as Pa Gaxa is concerned he is on the list of players who have been released by the club.

• Void left by colossal Kaizer Chiefs defender felt this season 

“I can confirm that he is leaving the club.”

Chiefs’ injury-prone veteran centre-back Morgan Gould; and central midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane, believed to be on his way to SuperSport United, have also not had their contracts renewed.

• Kaizer Chiefs and Reneilwe Letsholonyane part ways 

As has goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse, who has indicated his desire seek out a club where he can earn more game time.

Players put on transfer are centreback Siyanda Xulu, strikers Bongani Ndulula, Edward Manqele, and Siphelele Mthembu, and the Ugandan pairing of Ivan Bukenya (midfielder) and Sula Matovu (forward).

Ndulula, Manqele and Mthembu scored one league goal (by Manqele) between them in 26 games last season.

That five players released – Ndulula, Manqele, Xulu, Matovu and left-back Keegan Ritchie – were signed in the last year must ask questions of Chiefs’ recent signing policy, which seemed to target quantity over quality. Ritchie was released as part of a swap deal that saw  SuperSport’s Sibusiso Khumalo going the other way to Naturena.

“All technical descriptions of individual players who have been released will be addressed at a press conference at the end of June,” Maphosa said.

“On the information that I was provided there was no indication or technical view on what the rationale is. But from my guess it appears that the only difference is that it’s a huge number [of players being released].

“It’s a process that we embark on every year since I have been at Kaizer Chiefs. Those questions on whether it’s rebuilding or refreshing, the chairman [Kaizer Motaung] and technical team will have to answer that.”

Amakhosi, the PSL’s defending 2014-15 champions, reached two cup finals in 2015-16, losing in 1-0 the MTN8 to Ajax Cape Town and 3-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Telkom Knockout.

The list of players released, as provided by Chiefs

Contract not renewed:

Morgan Gould

Siboniso Gaxa

Reneilwe Letsholonyane

Reyaad Pieterse

Released from contract:

Philani Cele

Ovidy Karuru

Levy Mokgothu

Simphiwe Mtsweni

Shandukani Mulovhedzi

Chris Matombo

Zitha Macheke

Put on transfer:

Siyanda Xulu

Bongani Ndulula

Edward Manqele

Siphelele Mthembu

Sula Matovu

Ivan Bukenya

On loan:

David Zulu (Chippa United)

Andisiwe Mtsila

Swap deal:

Keegan Ritchie (with SuperSport United’s Sibusiso Khumalo)

SOWETAN

e.TV wins set-top box court battle

By Sefiso Hlongwane | Jun 01, 2016 | COMMENTS [ 11 ]

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The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) on Tuesday ruled against government’s alterations to South Africa’s digital migration policy‚ which provided that it would not encrypt set-top boxes for digital broadcasts.

This ruling by the SCA comes after last year’s decision by the North Gauteng High Court‚ which granted e.tv leave to appeal government’s digital terrestrial television policy.

This after the very same court said the policy would remain in force with Judge WRC Prinsloo saying that Communications Minister Faith Muthambi understood the effect of the encryption amendment.

Also read: SABC announce 90% local content quota for TV

However‚ setting aside the provision in the Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy‚ which provided that Government subsidised set-top boxes would not have the capability to encrypt broadcast signals‚ the SCA ruled that e.tv’s appeal of the matter is upheld.

It found that Minister Muthambi’s failure to consult with e.tv‚ ICASA and USAASA and other interested parties‚ such as SOS Public Broadcasting Coalition has made the changes to the policy irrational and in breach of the principle of legality. The SCA also found that the Minister acted beyond her legal authority‚ claiming that she does not have the powers to give such a binding direction.

“By precluding the subsidised ST [set-top] boxes from having encryption capability the minister has made it impossible for e.tv and other broadcasters to broacast encrypted signals to television viewers who have subsidised ST boxes‚“explained Judge of Appeal CH Lewis in the judgment.

“This may place e.tv in breach of its licence conditions. It is not possible for e.tv — or anybody else — to fit these ST boxes with encryption capability after manufacture.”

In addition‚ Judge Lewis revealed that the free-to-air broadcaster would not be able to manufacture additional set-top boxes for the “five million households that cannot afford them” and still have to distribute them for free.

“The cost would exceed two years of its revenue‚ some R3bn‚” he said.

In response to the judgement‚ Mark Rosin‚ chief operating officer of e.tv‚ explained: “We are committed to the DTT platform‚ but want it to happen in an inclusive and organized manner. This ruling allows the possibility of a strong and stable DTT platform to South African free-to-air television viewers offering the best local and international content.”

SOWETAN

Twala the only player who played like he understood the tradition of Chiefs jersey: Mark Williams

By Mninawa Ntloko | Jun 03, 2016 | COMMENTS [ 0 ]

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Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Mark Williams says only one player in the current AmaKhosi squad covered himself with glory last season and the rest should not have been allowed to come near the club’s famous gold and black shirt.

The outspoken Williams was critical of a side that could only manage a fifth-place finish and said only midfielder William Twala understood the weight of expectation that comes with pulling on the club’s jersey.

‘‘Twala was the only player in the whole team who played like he understood the tradition of the Kaizer Chiefs jersey‚” Williams said‚ without mincing his words.

The 26 year-old winger only joined Chiefs in January and it speaks volumes that Williams believes he was still better than players who played from the start of the season 10 months ago.

Chiefs announced a massive clear out of players this week in a dramatic move that raised eyebrows and took many fans by surprise.

But Williams said the decision was a long time coming after the disappointing season Chiefs had.

‘‘The club had to do that if they are to compete with (league champions) Mamelodi Sundowns next season. Some of the players they are releasing were not really quality. That is the truth. We are talking a bout a big team here.”

Williams — who played for Chiefs between 1996 and 1997 — said all eyes are on Chiefs and what they do next will be very crucial.

‘‘What they are going to buy is going to be very interesting. The question is are they going to buy quality?“

The club is expected to announce new signings at the end of June.

DAILY SUN

NATIONAL

5 HOURS AGO

STATS SHOW MANY 21-YEAR-OLDS STILL AT SCHOOL!

   

By  Doreen MokgoloFriday, June 03, 2016 12:30

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STATISTICIAN-GENERAL Pali Lehohla said a large number of pupils over the age of 21 are still at secondary school.

Speaking in Tshwane yesterday at the release of the General Household Survey for 2015, he said: “We have identified a noticeable number of pupils older than the ideal graduation age for primary and secondary schools.

“At the age of 21 more pupils are found in secondary schools than at university and TVET combined.” He said 88% of children over the age of five at educational institutions were in primary or high school.

“The quality and coverage of early childhood development services for children under four is poor. The attendance at non-fee schools has increased sharply over the past 10 years.”

He said the number of black people attending university had increased but their pass rate was still poor. People relying on the state had also increased between 2002 and last year.

The survey showed that 70,5% of households went to public hospitals and only 23% used private doctors, clinics and hospitals.

Lehohla added that 89,4% of households last year had access to piped water.

“Nationally, 62% of households rated the quality of water they received as good. Although household access to water improved by 4,4%, there were still people who fetched water from rivers, streams, pools and dams last year.”

He said people living without proper sanitation went down from 12,3% in 2002 to 4,7% last year.

Godllywood NEWS

UCKG's Godllywood self-help group inspires women to develop a spirit of appreciation

31 MAY 2016 | SAVE | EMAIL | PRINT |  PDF    ISSUED BY: UNIVERSAL CHURCH OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

The May meeting of the Godllywood self-help group highlighted the importance of developing an attitude of appreciation and gratitude, rather than one of dissatisfaction and complaining, as these are essential attributes if women want to achieve excellence. The initiative, organised by the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God's (UCKG), Godllywood group, provides input for personal growth and helps women develop their potential, live more fulfilling lives and influence others positively through their Godly example.

The theme for 2016 is The Year of Excellence. Previous meetings have looked at defining goals, developing a humble attitude, self-confidence and self-discipline. The May meeting’s focus was on appreciation.

At the beginning of the meeting, women watched a video clip of a psychologist teaching stress management to an audience. Showing them a glass with some water in it, they were expecting the “is the glass half empty or half full?” question, but were asked “how heavy is this glass of water?” Answers varied before the speaker pointed out that the weight didn’t really matter but the longer it was held the heavier it became. The glass of water represented life’s stresses and worries and the lesson illustrated was the importance of putting the glass down before it became a burden. 

Hostess and speaker Mrs Marcia Pires asked the thousands of women at the Johannesburg venue, as well as those in provinces throughout South Africa and neighbouring African countries who watched the meeting through live-streaming, to consider how they are coping with worries and troubles. She said: “The length of time we carry problems, concerns and challenges defines how heavy life is for each one of us. I invite you to set them aside now so that you can focus on the message of this meeting and benefit from the work God wants to do in your life.”

Appreciation was defined as: to be grateful, to give value, to take care of, and to express thankfulness. Mrs Pires said: A lack of appreciation is something which causes distress and friction in any relationship. Many people dwell on what they don’t have rather than what they have already achieved. We set goals that cannot be realised and we become frustrated with ourselves. We dwell on the difficulties and everything becomes a reason for complaint. Complaining becomes a habit but it isolates us from others who do not want to endure our negativity.

Giving examples, she mentioned that a matric student may complain that they have to study and have no social life instead of focusing on the bright side of completing the first stage of their studies and looking forward to the opportunity to choose a career and invest in their future. Single people complain that they are alone but when they are married they resent their responsibilities and complain about their partner’s bad habits rather than being grateful for their husband. Others long for a house but when they have a home they complain about the housework and cost of upkeep. Many complain when they are unemployed, yet grumble that they have to get up early to go to work when they find a job. These are all examples of people who focus on the negative rather than what they have received.

Once again relating the meeting’s message to Biblical examples, Mrs Pires reminded the women of the story of the Israelites who were freed from a miserable life of slavery in Egypt after 400 years. Travelling through the desert, God provided for all their needs and protected them day and night, but instead of acknowledging His provision for them and appreciating their freedom, they were dissatisfied and complained. As a result of this lack of appreciation, they had to wander in the desert for 40 years with many never reaching the Promised Land. 

She said: “Without a spirit of appreciation, we focus on our adversities and fail to see God’s plan for our lives. To achieve excellence we need to develop an appreciative spirit and follow the Biblical command recorded in Philippians 2:14,16: To do all things without murmuring and disputing so that you shine as lights in the world. When we complain, we focus on negativity and feel weak and unable to face the situation. With an attitude of appreciation we stand out in our family or workplace and display excellence.”

Mrs Pires stressed the importance of showing appreciation to others, saying that if others receive appreciation they will appreciate you in return. Mothers have a responsibility to teach their children appreciation and should focus on the positive rather than saying their children could have done better. Positive reinforcement through appreciation from parent to child results in reciprocal appreciation from child to parent.

She said: In Genesis we read of God’s appreciation for His creation which was given to us for our enjoyment. Sadly, we do not appreciate what we have and pollute and destroy the environment. The greatest Biblical lesson of appreciation is that God called Abraham his friend, Moses his servant, and David a man according to His heart. God appreciated those Fathers of the faith. Today He calls you and me: His beloved, chosen, precious in My eyes, a chosen nation, a royal priesthood. The Almighty God has taught us appreciation through His example of first appreciating us. We should appreciate Him and all He has done for us.”

Acknowledging the importance of appreciation, Mrs Pires shared three tips on how to learn this attitude:

1. What do you see? We need to make a choice about whether we will see the negative aspect (glass half empty) or the positive potential (glass half full). Pay attention to how you look at the situation. 
2. Your words and gestures. Start working on what you say. You have to put thoughts into words and express appreciation. Understand that those around you are trying to please you regardless of whether they achieve your expectations. Encourage them through positive words of appreciation. If your words and attitudes have been negative, work on changing them. By showing appreciation through your actions you teach others to be appreciative.
3. Stop moaning and complaining. This is not a suggestion on how to correct a bad habit, but is a Biblical order to do things without complaining. When we work with pleasure we make more effort, receive more pleasure and enjoyment, and achieve excellence.

The meeting closed with Mrs Pires encouraging women to make a vow to stop this attitude of complaining and being negative, and to focus on the positive things in their lives. She said: “What we have is not our right. It is a gift from God. We should never take this for granted.”

Meetings are held on the third Saturday of the month at 11am at the Universal Church 25 Plein Street, Johannesburg. Everyone is welcome to attend. 

For further information, please contact the church’s public relations department on 011 224 3447 or pr@uckg.org.za