Scenic footrace awaits
Entries for the 2026 Mimosa Mall Marathon in Bloemfontein opened on 1 December
After the phenomenal success of the race earlier this year, Bloemfontein's biggest running celebration returns on Saturday 28 February
The 2025 instalment, which was presented in March had record participation with double the number of entries compared to that of its debut year, 2023
Thousands of runners took part – from elite athletes chasing qualifying times to families tying up for the 5km fun run
They filled the streets with energy colour and community spirit and turned Bloemfontein into a festival of fitness and pride
The event continues its proud partnership with the Louzanne Coetzee Foundation and raises funds to empower athletes with different disabilities and promote inclusion through sport, a cause that is at the heart of this event
With preparations well underway the 2026 Mimosa Mall Marathon, hosted in partnership with the Bloemfontein Striders will deliver an even more elevated experience
The marathon will once again be an official Comrades qualifying race and offer runners the chance to test their endurance on a fast scenic and well-supported route through the city
Runners and fans can look forward to refreshing race day experiences live activations and a true celebration of Bloemfontein s community spirit, all centred around the heartbeat of the city Mimosa Mall
“The response to this year s marathon was beyond anything we imagined said Neelofar Issa general manager of Mimosa Mall
“Watching the streets come alive with runners families and supporters reminded us how powerful sport can be in uniting a community The Mimosa Mall Marathon has truly become more than a race it is a shared moment of pride for our city, culture and community, and we cannot wait to make 2026 even more extraordinary
Jeannine van Zyl, general manager of Novus Media Community News in the Free State and Northern Cape also expressed excitement about the 2026 event
It is a privilege to be the media sponsor of the Mimosa Mall Marathon for the second year running
There was such a great atmosphere on race day this year and we are sure there will be more runners who want to be part of the 2026 event
We look forward to seeing the race grow, to get more of our readers engaged and active When we come together as a community in this way we do not just build health and fitness - we also build overall well-being and a healthy mind An event
FOCUS ON: MAHINDRA
Festival a celebration of dealership’s proud heritage
The Mahindra Fusion Fest 2025 cultural celebratory event is headed to the Free State capital, Bloemfontein on Saturday 13 December, from 17:00 It forms part of the incredible journey of investment in South Africa by the vehicle manufacturing company Mahindra
Inspired by the creative spirit and past successes the upcoming Fusion Fest will be held at the Mahindra Bloemfontein dealership premises situated on the corner of St George and President Boshoff Street
This festival promises an unparalleled experience of tailored music, fashion, and art - courtesy of the official sponsor Mahindra South Africa
The Fusion Fest represents a significant investment by the company In South Africa this vehicle manufacturing company celebrates 20 years of investment with the company also operating a local assembly plant in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Hosting the Fusion Fest at the Mahindra Bloemfontein dealership premises is significant as this state-of-the-art venue is located at a designated heritage site and the branch is also marking 20 years of operations this year
The branch is one of the biggest Mahindra dealerships in South Africa - and one of the
oldest, having been established in 2004 when the Indian manufacturer first opened its doors in South Africa The local dealership celebrates three years at its new premises too
This eagerly awaited event features a mix of creativity and top-quality vehicles, marking a new decade of growth and prosperity
The vehicle manufacturing
company has partnered with the established YEZ Models agency to bring the glamour to the Mahindra Fusion Fest: a runway show featuring different local creative fashion designers and tailor-made garments Members of the public are welcome to attend and bring along friends to be part of an unforgettable experience to mark this 20-year milestone
Cnr Street George & President Boshof Street FROM 5PM UNTIL LATE
Entries for the annual Mimosa Mall Marathon are now open. PHOTO: Reblex
The Bloemfontein Mahindra premier dealership,set to host the Mahindra Fusion Fest for 2025. PHOTO: Teboho Setena
Conman handed a hefty sentence
TEBOHO SETENA
The Free State division of the High Court, in Bloemfontein, has sentenced a Kroonstad conman, Sello Cedric Pinkoane (52), to a minimum of 14 years’ direct imprisonment for fraud of multimillions of rands
The case involved R64,8 million The court found Pinkoane guilty on charges including fraud, uttering and money laundering
The court handed down the sentence on Wednesday 3 December, based on compelling evidence
Pinkoane’s conviction and sentencing were the culmination of an investigation by the Welkom Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit The investigation uncovered malicious criminal activity by Pinkoane, who enticed the victim with a purported tender deal with a mining company in the Free State
Lt Col Zweli Mohobeleli, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said the fraud began in January 2017, involving
Sello Cedric Pinkoane
the defrauding of an older businesswoman of a whopping R64,8 million
He confirmed no money or assets were recovered from Pinkoane to compensate the victim, from Lesotho
“The accused had approached an older businesswoman with a business proposition, claiming to have secured a lucrative tender with one of the leading mining companies He told the victim that he was in urgent need of vehicles and cash,” said Mohobeleli
“The businesswoman
obliged and purchased six Isuzu bakkies and gave the accused money in addition”
He said when the victim later inquired with the mining company, she discovered that the accused had never secured a tender
“It was revealed that Pinkoane had forged her signature and changed ownership of the vehicles, which he sold to the mining company, ” said Mohobeleli
Police reports indicate Pinkoane was a fugitive from justice with other pending cases, including escaping from lawful custody on 15 February 2023, and the theft of copper cables and aluminium
He committed these crimes while he was a fugitive
The Steynsrus police, working with the Zamdela Tactical Response team, rearrested Pinkoane on 24 January after receiving intelligence information about his whereabouts
According to police reports, Pinkoane was caught red-handed stealing copper cables and aluminium on a farm outside Steynsrus
He was with two accomplices at the time of the arrest
Police officer faces trial
TEBOHO SETENA
The preliminary hearing in a murder case involving an officer of the Bloemspruit Police Station in Bloemfontein is set to continue in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on Monday 15 December
Const Moketsi Moeketsane, who is the suspect in the matter, has since been released on bail set at R500
He was granted bail during his appearance on 13 November
Moeketsane allegedly fatally shot his fellow female officer, Const Nthabiseng Rachel
Mapuru (32)
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), responsible for investigating complaints against the SAPS and municipal police services, is continuing its investigation into the shooting of the deceased officer
Mapuru’s fatal shooting occurred on Saturday 8 November
Details surrounding the incident are sketchy and are part of the ongoing investigation by the IPID
Phaladi Shuping, spokesperson for the IPID, said according to information received, the
incident had happened when members of the Bloemspruit Visible Policing (Vispol) were about to disperse after a parade at the station
Moeketsane and the deceased were among the police members who were at the parade
Shuping said according to the report, the deceased officer was seen with the suspect, who was fiddling with his service pistol
The other police officers reportedly heard a gunshot, and then they saw the deceased officer Mapuru fall to the ground, bleeding from the head
FATHER JAILED AFTER GIVING SON A FATAL BEATING
TEBOHO SETENA
The Bloemfontein Regional Court has sentenced a father to 20 years' direct imprisonment after finding him guilty of the murder of his own son
The 27-year-old convicted father severely beat his six-year-old son, who succumbed to the injuries sustained during the ordeal
The father's details have been withheld for the protection of the surviving child
The court handed down the sentence on 1 December
This verdict was the result of a police investigation conducted by WO Solomon Mokgobo, attached to the Bloemspruit Police Station
The alarming and unexplained brutal beating of the boy took place on the morning of 9 June 2023
Lt Col Thabo Covane, who is the spokesperson
for the Free State police in Bloemfontein, reported the incident
He said the cruel act occurred at the family's home, which is located in the Khayelitsha settlement
"While bathing his son, the father lost his temper and started assaulting the young boy with open hands and clenched fists
"This happened in full sight of his 14-year-old son, who is the brother of the deceased victim
The older brother left for school while the father continued beating the victim," he said Covane said that when the older brother returned from school, he found the victim lying motionless, on a couch inside the house
"He was not breathing
"Police and emergency services personnel who were called to the scene declared the victim dead " he said
Court intensifies the fight against rampant sexual crimes
The Sexual Offences Court within the Botshabelo Magistrates’ Court is envisaged to intensify the work of dealing with rampant sexual offence cases
Mamoloko Kubayi, minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, officially opened the court on Thursday 4 December in Botshabelo
This specialised court is dedicated to handling cases related to sexual offences It is designed to address the specific needs of these sensitive matters, particularly where vulnerable victims are involved
The court is equipped with trained personnel, appropriate facilities, and procedures aimed at providing comprehensive support to victims of sexual offences
It adds to the 16 operational courts dedicated to effectively dealing with sexual offence cases
According to the department, more than 40 existing courts have been upgraded across the country
The country is grappling with rampant sexual offence cases
According to the department, there have been more than 100 000 cases involving child victims reported over the past six financial years Of these cases, it reported that more than 22 000 were sexual offences
The court offers specialised services that conventional courts cannot provide to victims of sexual violence
These specialised courts are envisaged to increase the likelihood of successful prosecution and strengthen community confidence in the justice system
“The court provides a child-friendly environment and ensures that victims do not have to testify in the same room as perpetrators Specialist professionals are available to support victims in giving their testimonies in an enabling environment
“This provides them with speedy access to help,” said Kubayi
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development,Mamoloko Kubayi (right),with the Free State premier,Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae,at the official launch of the Sexual Offense Court in the Botshabelo Magistrates’Court on 4 December Photo: Supplied
Present at the launch of the Botshabelo Sexual Offences Court included the likes of Free State premier, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, and Mangaung Metro mayor, Gregory Nthatisi
“Sexual violence constitutes one of the most devastating offences in our society,” said Letsoha-Mathae
“It impacts not just the individual survivor, but also families, communities, and the nation at large
“Survivors frequently encounter prolonged delays, secondary trauma, stigma, and barriers that impede their access to justice
“This court has been established as a direct response to those challenges It signifies a commitment: that survivors will be acknowledged, safeguarded, and treated with empathy and expertise”
Letsoha-Mathae stated that in addition to work done by non-profit organisations, funded organisations that are not doing what they are meant to do, would be monitored for their impact in helping communities, “particularly women and children, who are the most vulnerable and victims of abuse, sexual violence, and gender-based violence and femicide”
PHOTO: Supplied
Evolving history explored
Art enthusiasts are welcomed to attend an exhibition that celebrates a woman and her trademark accessory the handbag.
Titled On the Arm of Every Woman, the exhibition has been extended to run until 6 April 2026 at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein It officially opened on 9 August, coinciding with the celebration of Women’s Month in South Africa This extension makes it one of the longest running exhibitions, affording the public ample chance for learning and viewing
“The primary reason for the extension is to provide a longer viewing period for the public This allows more people from Bloemfontein, as well as those visiting the city or traveling through it, the opportunity to view the collaborative showcase of historical handbags and contemporary artworks that explore narratives of female identity and empowerment,” says Karen Marais, senior exhibition officer at the art museum
On the Arm of Every Woman was
With a handbag on her arm,a visitor is photographed viewing some of the items on display as part of the exhibition titled On the Arm of Every Woman,ongoing at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein PHOTO: Supplied
inspired by an exquisite collection of vintage handbags It explored the evolution of female empowerment through handbags and art The exhibition featured a thoughtfully
curated selection of beautifully crafted artifacts and artworks, overseen by three female curators
This unusual curatorial approach created fresh visual narratives by
combining historical handbags with contemporary and classical works of art
The exhibition employed a dual narrative strategy The central focus was on handbags They ranged from delicate historical reticules to bold contemporary designer statements This demonstrated how the accessory has transcended its practical origins
The handbag initially reflected women ’ s domestic roles However, it transformed dramatically in the post-war era This change established a new relationship between women and their possessions Power became something to be carried, not merely worn
The exhibition takes visitors on a transformative journey It explores how a simple accessory came to carry the profound weight of identity It also highlights independence and social change
The title reimagines a familiar saying with new significance A woman no longer needs a man on her arm She carries the tools, symbols, and truths of her own journey
The handbag serves as a marker of her success and autonomy
Art museum offers educational exhibitions
With the festive recess upon us, the public can visit the Oliewenhuis Art Museum for a free, full day of art and leisure Visitors are invited to pack a picnic to enjoy in the front garden while exploring the fascinating exhibitions on show, strolling through the Sculpture Park, or exploring the scenic walking trails For children, the unique African Carousel offers rides for just R5 (cash only)
The exhibitions on view include:
■ Beyond Walls: Emerging Contemporary Voices
Curated from the ArtbankSA’s Collection, this runs from 4 December to 6 April 2026
Unlike traditional museum collections confined to institutional walls, ArtbankSA operates as a dynamic platform that circulates emerging artists’ work through leasing and sales to collectors and the general public This exhibition captures the essence of this fluid model, presenting works that exist in active dialogue with diverse spaces and communities It not only offers a viewing experience but also provides an opportunity to acquire contemporary artworks
■ The Co-Incidence of Conditions, a solo exhibi-
tion by Wessel van Huyssteen, which runs until 8 February in the Annex Gallery
Van Huyssteen’s current practice encompasses detailed watercolour studies alongside largescale visually impactful stitched textile works
These labour-intensive “stitchings,” created from industrial fabrics like viscose and nylon, serve as material critiques of fast fashion's ecological impact and global supply chains The artist’s focus on manual craftsmanship highlights the value of physical process in an increasingly automated world
■ The exhibition Sutha Ke Fete The Art of the Basotho Blanket, ongoing until 15 February in the Reservoir Gallery
The Sanlam Art Collection compiled an exhibition featuring a selection of Basotho Blankets from various collections including the collection of the National Museum This exhibition is a visual experience accompanied by informative text, photographic and video materials
Two additional exhibitions will be open on Friday 12 December, and these will end in April next year
■ Marks of Mastery: Celebrating the Lives and Legacies of Justinus Khoalibe, Ben Botma, Christiaan Diedericks, and Andries Gouws It officially opens on 12 December and will end on 6 April 2026 This exhibition celebrates four extraordinary artists whose work forms an integral part of the Oliewenhuis Art Museum's Permanent Collection Justinus Khoalibe, Ben Botma, Christiaan Diedericks, and Andries Gouws, each a master of in their chosen medium, left an indelible impression on the South African art world before their passing in 2024 or 2025 Through a selection of sculpture, charcoal drawings, prints, and paintings, this exhibition not only reveals their technical brilliance but also the distinctive creative voices that defined each practice
■ Timeless, from 12 December to 6 April, as part of the Permanent Collection Gallery
A selection of timeless artworks from the Oliewenhuis Art Museum’s Permanent Collection Curated with the intention to create a collectively shared and enjoyable visual experience for all in the spirit of Reconciliation Day
Recognition given for labour of love
A trailblazing Bloemfontein artist and entrepreneur in the arts and entertainment industry, Khahliso Pitso, has received special recognition with the Central Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, rewarding his continued contribution to the industry
This is his first individual recognition
A delighted Pitso was recognised at a ceremony held on 15 November in Bloemfontein This was the fourth instalment of the annual event recognising role players, including groups in the arts and entertainment industry It is organised by the Alah Yen Arts Foundation
Pitso's involvement has spanned over 35 years, ranging from managing performing artists and music groups, to ensuring their progress
“I feel very happy about receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at this stage in my life It means a lot when people recognise your importance while you are still alive
“This recognition shows that people recognise my selfless contribution to the industry and the impact that I made in their lives and the artistic fraternity in general I will forever be grateful and thank those who saw it fit to recognise me with this rare and respectable award," he said
Pitso previously received Lifetime Achievement awards alongside the 3rd Base group
The awards were the Golden Bean Free State Music Awards in 2013 and the Central Music Awards in 2022 These two awards were successes achieved by 3rd Base during the respective periods He has worked in collaboration with various individuals in the arts and entertainment industry
award.
Through his lifetime of practical experience in the entertainment industry, Pitso gained more acknowledgement His pioneering spirit inspired him to establish a company, My Flow Entertainment CC, focusing on the promotion of performing acts, including that of the late Peter
Will history judge harshly?
MODISE RANTSIENG
We have become accustomed to disorderliness, arrogance, and disrespect in our once-beloved City of Roses during the democratic era
The most disturbing trend is carelessness which is compounded by the arrogant behaviour displayed by informal refuse collectors Of course, one cannot outright disregard and condemn the services that these people are rendering to the inhabitants of the city
Yes, they play a vital role in ensuring that our residential areas, our streets, and business sites and buildings are kept clean, but what I cannot tolerate is their conduct when they move about in the streets
We need to be conscious of the domino effect of their unacceptable behaviour during peak hours, when traffic is heavy in the mornings and afternoons You see them pulling their oversized plastic refuse bags right in the middle of the road with no respect for other road users whatsoever This irrational behaviour often leads to unnecessary road rage incidents where motorists clash with one another due to time-wasting or unsafe driving, resulting in numerous near-miss incidents, and some accidents and fatalities It is as if they are more entitled to use the roads than any other taxpayer
Go to the CBD area and you will undoubtedly regret it The narrow walkways are consistently unfriendly and can be very hostile towards those who would be there for business or work-related errands The pedestrian walkways are forever overcrowded with informal traders ranging from fruit and vegetable stalls, hairdressers, salons, and braai stalls including rogue criminals and drug addicts
The health and safety conditions leave much to be desired, especially considering that in most cases many of those people do not even bother to look for toilet facilities when they are conducting their businesses They consequently feel no shame about relieving themselves anywhere whenever nature calls The smell is extremely disheartening and unbearable, to say the least
These despicable circumstances are disheartening for those of us who are still very passionate and patriotic about the city that was at one stage referred to as the City on the Move City of Roses How can we seriously hope to see new investors coming to open their businesses in a place where indiscipline and criminality supersede law and order?
What I find even more devastating is the fact that our province is regarded as among the poorest in the country The deafening, heartbreaking cries of our people due to joblessness, hopelessness, and desperation are ones that no one could ever have imagined after the 1994 emancipation of our nation
Looking back, the cleanliness, law and order, as well as discipline that were prevalent in the years prior to 1994 cannot be denied by any reasonable person Every time we discuss this appalling situation, people hide behind the unfounded claim that foreign nationals are responsible for this chaotic, horrific, and shameful face of our city
What meaningful, doable, and implementable actions do we take to display our love and patriotism for what rightfully belongs to us, our children, and future generations? How will history judge us?
What has happened to those historic and memorable parks, buildings, and heritage sites that we used to cherish and treasure? Those that we used to visit on Sunday afternoons for photography sessions and picnics with our families and our loved ones?
There would be no need for policing to ensure that we left them tidy after our visits, all due to the love, discipline, and patriotism that we had within us Think of the historic railway locomotive that used to be the symbol of history and heritage in front of the railway station It is imperative to go back to our drawing boards, think deeply, and take concerted patriotic action to resuscitate the once-glorious, historic status of our currently decaying city ■ Rantsieng is a teacher by profession; as well as a counsellor, author and social activist
Ntwane Khahliso Pitso with his
PHOTO: Supplied
Act must follow word
Employees at the Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority (FSGLTA) are waiting with bated breath for the implementation of an agreement on outstanding increases in salaries for the previous year
A deal ending the impasse was reached on 2 December, and saw the return to work of about 120 workers who are members of the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu)
The union struck a deal based on a revised offer with this entity of the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Destea) Workers resumed their duties at their workplace on the following day Workers took to the picket lines on 24 November, after negotiations had deadlocked, putting pressure on the entity to pay outstanding salary increases
Unhappy workers demanded the immediate payment of outstanding increases after the entity had reportedly reneged on the signed agreement and had further opted for no increases for the past financial year of 2024-’25
Khauhelo Mnqibisa, Nehawu’s secretary in the Free State, confirmed that the
agreement reached covered 1,5% and 2,5% increases for the past financial year “The agreement reached provides for a 2,5% increase for employees earning up to R600 000; and 1,5% for those earning R600 000 and above Payment will be backdated to April 2024, with implementation scheduled for this December,” said Mnqibisa Employees reportedly last
received an increase in the 2023-’24 fiscal year
According to Mnqibisa, the revised deal was a victory for workers “It would alleviate their burden due to the high cost of living and provide for their families,” he said The union strongly objected to the proposed offer of 2,1% and 4,8% by the FSGLTA board and management
for the 2025-’26 fiscal year
Mnqibisa explained that the 4,8% was conditional for workers earning below R600 000, and 2,1% for workers earning R600 000 or more per annum
He said with the offer, the board had opted not to pay outstanding increases for 2024-’25 This angered workers and prompted them to go on strike
Student housing sector bids a win-win
LIENTJIE MENTZ
The landlords of student accommodation in Bloemfontein, who have injected an estimated R4 2 billion into the local economy, are facing a crisis This could lead many to shut down, leaving students stranded and devastating local businesses
Gert van der Merwe, chairperson of the Multi-Let Owners Association, says they want to be part of the solution to regulate student housing, but face challenges with requirements for accreditation
This comes in response to the intended implementation of the unconstitutional new by-law on student accommodation and additional requirements for accreditation, unique to Bloemfontein campuses
“According to our calculations, the universities in Bloemfontein bring R7 billion into our city,” Van der Merwe said
“The students living in communes are responsible for an estimated R4 2 billion of that, with R2 8 billion brought in by on-campus and large student housing developments,” he said
Multi-Let represents around 300 owners of communes with 6 000 beds
Byone Salmon, one of the board members, said their members are heavily invested and want to improve the state of the whole Universitas
“We want property prices to increase, and we want to be part of
the solution”
The group acknowledges the legitimate concerns of some residents regarding noise and parking
“The proposed bylaw unfairly scapegoats all student housing instead of targeting the few bad operators,” they say “The system to legalise our properties is not working as it is taking too long, due to challenges facing all parties involved, including the Mangaung Metro, University of the Free State (UFS), and landlords alike "
They propose five criteria for the Mangaung Metro and tertiary institutions that could be considered to fast-track permissions to operate whilst going through the process of obtaining special consent use or rezoning This includes, but are not limited to:
■ formal registration of properties with the metro;
■ the appointment of a town planner to apply for special consent or rezoning;
■ proof of previous provisional accreditation that confirms property compliance with the National Student Housing Policy by tertiary institutions;
■ proof of active cooperation with local neighbourhood associations; and
■ a mandatory Code of Conduct to regulate landlords and their tenants in areas they operate in
“We want to be partners in creating peaceful, dignified and integrated communities,” said Van der Merwe
Employees at the Free State Gambling,Liquor and Tourism Authority (FSGLTA) have returned to work after a revised salary increase deal was struck with their union,the National Education Health and Allied Workers’Union (Nehawu) PHOTO: Teboho Setena
Youths exposed to a life after school
LIENTJIE MENTZ
Boys of the Kidz Care Trust had the opportunity to get some working experience at the Bon Hotel Bloemfontein Central
Marita van Kraayenburg, manager at Kidz Care, said this formed part of the Independent Living Project in which the boys are exposed to job opportunities
At the beginning of their school holiday, three boys worked at the Bon Hotel for a week, helping clean the hotel rooms Tshepo Mafereka, Leloko Majara and Tumelo Pule said they enjoyed
it, but it was hard work After the week they said that they did not know there was so much that has to be done to get rooms prepared for guests
John Ntleko, of Bon Hotel management, said it was a pleasure to have the boys working at the hotel “They could see that there are wonderful work opportunities here”
Van Kraayenburg thanked the hotel staff for giving the boys this opportunity
“The Busamed Bram Fischer International Airport Hospital also welcomed some of our boys to learn more about jobs there We really appreciate businesses that open
Showing gratitude for another birthday
Family and friends celebrated a
their doors so that these young men can see opportunities for work and get some insight into how businesses operate”
The rest of the Kidz Care boys joined those who shadowed in Bon Hotel, for a full hotel breakfast
On 7 December, the boys enjoyed a pool party at the Credo Home of Hope “The boys loved to splash around and have fun It is just always a huge challenge to transport them somewhere,” Van Kraayenburg said They need a vehicle like a minibus, or a bigger vehicle, to drive the children to school and events such as these work weeks and small, but special, parties
At the Bon Hotel Bloemfontein Central are from the left,front: John Ntleko (Bon Hotel) and Neo Pule (social worker); back: Tshepo Mafereka,Leloko Majara,Shaun Atlee (child and youth care worker) and Tumelo Pule. PHOTO: Lientjie Mentz
Thebe (spouse of McThebe), Dibolelo Matang and Obakeng Molatedi PHOTO: Supplied
tournament,is
Wednesday, 10 December 2025
Everything on the l Wome
TEBOHO SETENA
The stage is set for identifying talented women footballers with this year’s Dlala Ntombazana Women’s Tournament, scheduled for Saturday 13 December It is expected to unleash talented future stars.
The participating teams will battle it out for top prizes, which include the main trophy, at the Bochabela Primary School in Bloemfontein
The objective of the tournament is twofold: to identify players with potential and to continue promoting women ’ s football
This year marks the fifth instalment of the competition It is organised by the illustrious coach Edwin Lisene, who had a successful stint with Richmond United Ladies FC, as well as the now defunct Bloemfontein Celtic women ’ s team
He said hosting the tournament was inspired by the goal to identify talented players, some of whom have gone on to represent South Africa internationally both
A grassroots women’s football tournament is necessary for upliftment. – Edwin Lesene
at the junior U20 and senior levels – Banyana Banyana Some of the players have gone on to ply their trade internationally after securing contracts
“A grassroots women ’ s football tournament is necessary for upliftment, as it provides a crucial platform for skill development and social empowerment,” said Lisene
A success story is the discovery of Nthabiseng Majiya, currently on the books of the Mamelodi Sundowns women ’ s team She had a good stint at the Northern Cape team, United
“I identified Nthabiseng through this tournament and later recruited her to play for Richmond Ladies She is the ambassador of the tournament and has been invited to be part of the tournament,” said Lisene Nthabiseng originates from the Free State town of Philippolis and is a regular fixture in the country’s senior team Banyana Banyana She was part of the squad
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that won the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon)
Nthabiseng burst onto the football scene playing for Bloemfontein Strikers FC while at school Her career took a dramatic turn after being enlisted by Richmond United
She was the second-highest goal scorer in the Hollywoodbets Super League in her maiden 2021 season and was named the Hollywoodbets Super League Young Player of the Season for both the 2021 and 2022 seasons
The eight teams to feature in this year ’ s Dlala Ntombazana Women’s Tournament are: Bloemfontein Ladies, Napoli, Falcons Ladies, Dinonyane Ladies from Welkom, Diamond Ladies from Kimberley, City Ladies, Lewete Ladies and Tse Nyane Ladies Clubs will compete on a knockout basis to determine the two finalists The overall winner will take home a gold medal plus a floating trophy, while the runner-up will receive a silver medal The club finishing in third position will get a bronze medal Individual prizes include the golden boot award for the player finishing as the top goal scorer, player of the tournament, goalkeeper of the tournament, and young player of the tournament
Nthabiseng Majiya,invited as the ambassador of the
one of the gems discovered Photo: Supplied