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WATER shortages are affecting dozens of suburbs across Nelson Mandela Bay as daily consumption reaches 390-400 million litres nearly 50% above the system’s 280-million-litre capacity
According to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), the crisis has been worsened by infrastructure failures, power outages and ongoing maintenance at key treatment facilities
In a statement, the Municipality has revealed that the unprecedented demand, combined with recent upgrades at the Nooitgedacht Water Treatment Works, has left numerous areas experiencing intermittent or no water supply “When water is consumed almost as fast as it is supplied, reservoirs cannot build reserves, making the system vulnerable to even minor disruptions,” the municipality explained, likening the situation to “filling a bathtub while the drain is open ”
During essential improvement works at Nooitgedacht, which included installing a new industrial compressor, the facility operated at reduced capacity, producing between 160-180 million litres daily instead of its usual output, creating a deficit of approximately 20 million litres per day
The water crisis has reportedly been further complicated by a series of power outages affecting key infrastructure The Loerie Water Treatment Works experienced electricity cuts on 16, 27, and 30 November, whilst the Motherwell Pump Station was disrupted on 25 November
Even brief power dips can cause pumps at Nooitgedacht to trip, requiring specialist teams to restart operations Vandalism has added another layer of complexity to the water woes
A major leak caused by deliberate damage to the Motherwell-Chelsea pipeline necessitated replacing a 700mm valve, which halted water transfers from Nooitgedacht for 24 hours
Additionally, the 400mm pipeline serving Fairbridge Heights and Vanes Estate has suffered recurring bursts
The extensive list of affected areas spans much of the metro’s western and central suburbs The Chelsea Reservoir zone, which supplies areas including Baywest, Sherwood, Lorraine and Sunridge Park, has been particularly hard hit
Meanwhile, the Emeraldhill Reservoir zone, serving suburbs such as Walmer Heights, Newton Park, and Greenacres, is also experiencing significant disruptions Areas supplied by the Lovemore Heights Reservoir, including Broadwood, Miramar, and Sardinia Bay, continue to face intermittent supply issues
Additional affected zones include Kwanobuhle, where the top portions are experiencing water shortages, and areas served by Rosedale supply infrastructure In response to the crisis, NMBM is implementing enhanced monitoring through regular SCADA system meetings and
improving incident reporting procedures
The municipality has also announced plans to intensify efforts against water losses through revamped Non-Revenue Water programmes
“NMBM remains committed to stabilising the water network, improving operational response, and strengthening communication with residents,” the municipality stated, urging all residents to “use water sparingly at all times ”
The municipality has introduced new protocols requiring all water-related complaints to be directed through the Call Centre for proper logging and response A dedicated superintendent will now notify councillors immediately when issues arise that could result in water outages
Residents in affected areas are advised to store water where possible and report any leaks or water-related issues through official channels as the municipality works to restore a stable supply across the metro
WHILST the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has announced the opening of municipal swimming pools for the 2025/26 summer season, many communities are spending another summer with dilapidated facilities as promised upgrades remain stalled
Last week, the municipality announced that seven outdoor pools Gelvandale, Zwide, V
escalating crime, illegal dumping and gang violence in the area
“While we appreciate the decision to relocate the pool, we remain vigilant to ensure that the process is executed efficiently and that the Schauderville community regains access to safe recreational facilities without undue delay,” stated the DA Eastern Cape Provincial Chairperson, Yusuf Cassim In May, Cassim welcomed a formal re-
waiting for feedback We want our pool where it used to be at the centre point We don’t want relocations ”
Ward 11 elected committee member Christopher Moss echoed these concerns, saying: “According to the councillor, the project is on hold They need to extend the road first, then they will start with the pool,” he shared
“But another conflicting story is that they will



A TRANSFORMATIVE home-based care course run by the WMC Bread of Life Trust has changed the lives of 17 women from Gqeberha’s Walmer Township, who graduated with enhanced skills on Friday, 28 November
The course, which commenced on 20 October, welcomed women from diverse backgrounds, many with little formal education and some pursuing their first-ever qualification
“Several arrived with little formal education, and for some, this would be their first qualification,” said Robyn Myburgh, Logistics and Operations Manager of the WMC Bread of Life Trust “A number of the ladies were sponsored by their employers, where they serve as domestic workers; others made payment arrangements, and several were blessed through generous donors who believe deeply in community upliftment ”
Determinationdespitechallenges
From the outset, the participants’ resolve
was evident, Myburgh added
“Each woman carried a look in her eyes that never faded, even when the work felt overwhelming or completely new,” she observed “Their resilience became the backbone of the entire course ”
The programme was expertly guided by Nonceba Mdaka from Sonwabise Projects, a retired nurse whose experience proved invaluable
“Nonceba brought not only expertise but compassion, patience and heart, walking alongside the ladies every step of the way,”
Myburgh shared
The intensive training comprised two weeks of theoretical instruction followed by two weeks of practical experience at respected facilities across Gqeberha, including Somerson Retirement Village, Maranatha, Cheshire Homes and CP Bradfield
On Friday, 28 November, 17 women celebrated their graduation in an emotional ceremony
“It was a deeply moving moment tears of joy, pride and gratitude flowed freely as many shared just how life-changing this opportuni-
ty has been,” Myburgh reflected
The results have been immediate and tangible The three employer-sponsored participants have returned to their workplaces with enhanced skills, whilst four graduates have already secured employment through facilities where they completed their practical training
For 39-year-old mother-of-three, Ntombizanele Williams, the course fulfilled a long-held calling
“If something happened in my location, such as someone being sick or getting stabbed or hurt, I was always the one they called for help,” she explained
“Someone asked me one day why I don't do a course, but I never had an opportunity before By the Grace of God, I got this opportunity from the Methodist Church ”
Having previously cared for an elderly couple for six months, Williams found the structured training invaluable
“It helped me a lot; it is something I wanted to do for a long time We were taught how to
THE morning sun cast long shadows across the road as Freddie Oosthuizen (56) pushed off from Gqeberha on Wednesday, 26 November, his bicycle wheels beginning an ambitious journey to Namibia, via the Garden Route and Cape Town
But this time, every pedal stroke brought searing pain a reminder of the life-changing operation needed to treat his double hernia Oosthuizen, from Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, is now appealing for sponsorship to fund a crucial hernia operation and continue his charitable cycling endeavours across South Africa
His latest tour, though cut short in Mossel Bay, represents just the latest chapter in a story of courage, endurance and determination “I started cycling at a very young age in my life,” Oosthuizen reflects “Just after I turned 20, I already started riding long distances on a bicycle ”
His early cycling achievement speaks to his fearless approach to long-distance cycling
“I have successfully cycled from Newcastle to Gqeberha, then I went via Bloemfontein, Colesberg, Graaf-Reinet, Kariega, Despatch and Gqeberha that was 1,400km that I completed at that time when I was still young, in 10 days, without much experience ” His adventurous spirit has characterised Oosthuizen’s approach throughout his cycling journey
“I just jumped in and did it,” he shared with the PE Express, though he admits, “I have not achieved much success when it comes to fundraising for charity organisations ”
Journeyundertakendespitephysicalpain
Oosthuizen’s latest adventure began with careful planning, though the execution proved more challenging than anticipated
“I first left Johannesburg by bus on November 25,” he shared “So, on November 26, I cycled from Gqeberha, the first day to Jeffreys Bay and there I knew people who gave me ac-
commodation,” he explains
The second day tested his endurance in ways he hadn't expected “The next day I stretched to Plettenberg Bay, where I started at 05:30 and only arrived there at 20:00 in the evening and unfortunately, I was not successful in finding accommodation,” he adds
Despite reaching Mossel Bay on the third day and finding respite with family in nearby Hartenbos, Freddie made the difficult decision to halt his tour a choice driven by pressing health concerns
His initial plans to cycle from Gqeberha
to Cape Town and then Namibia have been placed on hold
The reason for stopping became increasingly clear as Oosthuizen’s condition worsened “I need to have a double hernia operation,” he explains “I thought that cycling like this I could establish a back-a-buddy and see if I could get a sponsor for my operation ”
The physical reality of cycling with this condition has become unbearable
“At the moment, it is very uncomfortable to cycle with a double hernia,” he shared “I am pedalling with extreme pain, pressure, stress

change people, beds, and nappies, and we had a good teacher ”
Breakingthecycleofunemployment
Nolusindiso Faku, a 33-year-old unemployed mother, discovered the course whilst registering for a food parcel “The Methodist Church told me about the course, and then I decided to do it because of the way they supported me and gave me hope,” she said
For Faku, the training revealed the deeper aspects of care work “What I’ve learnt is not to just assist someone there is an exchange You are connected to the person to emotionally support them, not just physically Some are old and some are not staying with families, and we have to play that role for them ”
The course has provided these women with not only practical skills but also renewed confidence and hope for the future Several graduates now stand equipped with qualifications that offer the potential to earn a salary and support their families
“These women are truly the epitome of hard work, dedication and perseverance,” Myburgh concluded
and discomfort, so it doesn’t help me at this stage to complete my original plan to cycle to Cape Town and then to struggle to Walvis Bay in this condition ”
Oosthuizen’s efforts to raise awareness and support for his journey haven’t yielded the response he’d hoped for “I already advertised on Facebook that I was going to do the cycling but got very little support,” he admits Preparation for the tour presented its own challenges “A month or two beforehand I got a sponsor to be able to buy a bicycle, but it is not the right bicycle to tour with, but I started getting everything together,” he says Despite the limited response, he remains grateful for those who have supported him
“I want to personally thank all the people for their support,” he emphasises, acknowledging the individuals who provided financial assistance to help him begin his journey from Gqeberha
Looking ahead, Oosthuizen’s determination remains unshaken “My plan, if it is the Lord’s will, is to start over again next year in Gqeberha ”
His approach to long-distance cycling has always been uniquely independent “I am used to long-distance riding and I do it solo So, I ride sometimes in the evening or during the day,” he explains
His personal achievements speak to remarkable endurance: “The furthest I’ve cycled in a day is 200km, but the furthest I did now was from Jeffreys Bay to Plettenberg Bay ” As he faces this challenging period in his cycling career, Oosthuizen’s determination to continue raising funds for charitable causes while managing his own health needs reflects the spirit that has driven him to achieve great distances
Those wishing to support Oosthuizen’s operation and charitable rides can go to the following link: www backabuddyco za/campaign/ operation-funds~3












THE renowned Bala Family, one of South Africa’s most celebrated musical dynasties, will reunite for a special Christmas concert at the Boardwalk International Convention Centre on Monday, 22 December
The event, “Christmas with The Bala Family,” marks the first occasion the entire family will perform together on a single stage The lineup includes siblings Zwai, Pinky, Loyiso and Phelo, alongside their mother, Veronica
“This is more than just a concert - it’s a heartwarming homecoming and a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate what truly matters,” organisers said whilst announcing the event
Speaking to the PE Express, Zwai Bala explained the evening’s concept: “The theme is holiday music, so the repertoire will include popular carols as well as some of the Bala Family favourites and feel-good solos and collaborations ”
This marks a significant milestone for the musical family, as Zwai confirmed: “Yes, this is the first annual Christmas concert ”
The choice of Christmas music

Loyiso and Phelo
holds deep personal significance for Zwai, rooted in his childhood experiences
“Growing up in a Christian home, going to church first and then the big lunch was the tradition,” he recalled “The Christmas clothes were certainly a highlight ” However, his appreciation for Christmas carols developed gradually through different church experiences
METHODIST congregations in the Eastern Cape have united in a powerful stand against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with church leaders declaring that protecting women and children is fundamentally “God’s business”
On Thursday, 26 November, Methodist churches from Lorraine, Walmer, John Masiza, Newton Park, Westering and Jeffreys Bay came together for a special service addressing the crisis of gender-based violence in South Africa
Audrey van Wyk, Mission and Outreach Minister at Walmer Methodist Church, delivered a stark message about the church’s responsibility in tackling the issue
“The body of Christ is bleeding!” Van Wyk declared “If over 85% of SA is Christian and if 33% of women in SA have experienced physical violence, that is 7,310,389 women over all nine provinces And if 15 women are murdered in SA every day, then surely Gender-Based Violence is very prevalent in the body of Christ, and therefore it is our business to prevent and protect women and children!”
The statistics cited came from a 2024 study conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council
The service featured the John Masiza Methodist Choir and the Yokhuselo Haven, who shared insights about their work supporting victims and included prayers for survivors and families
Van Wyk grounded the church’s response to GBV in scripture, referencing 1 Corinthians 12:26: “If one part suffers, we all suffer ”
“Preventing and protecting women and children from GBV is the church’s business because this is our God’s business - caring for the oppressed, the marginalised, the widow, and the alien,” she explained
The minister outlined specific steps for churches to take responsibility, urging congregations to “switch off” harmful attitudes
and “switch on” protective measures
She called on churches to examine “patriarchal ways, habits and roles we instil in our communities using the Bible” and to look at “the words used when speaking about God, women and men in church services and gatherings ”
“Both men and women are equally made in the image of God, and men do not have to forego their identity, place, or worth when women become breadwinners or are placed in leadership positions ”
Creating safe spaces
She encouraged ministers to listen for “subtle calls of distress” in children’s ministry, fellowship group meetings and people coming to worship services
Churches are being urged to educate women about various forms of abuse, including gaslighting, verbal degrading, denial of job opportunities or less pay due to gender, posting of hurtful online images, online threats, shameful videos and social exclusion professionally or socially due to gender
As a practical demonstration of this commitment, Walmer Methodist Church has established “Wellspring,” an information, support, counselling and skills development initiative run by the WMC Bread of Life Trust
The service, which operates from Walmer Methodist Church, offers walk-in support during morning hours at no cost to the local community
“Let us as the church unite and be visible to care by ‘suffering with’ the parts of the body that are bleeding so that they can be honoured and each woman and child fulfil their God-given purpose,” Van Wyk concluded
The initiative represents a significant step by South African Methodist churches to address gender-based violence within their communities
“Christmas songs weren’t a great feature at the Methodist church and the Old Apostolic,” Zwai noted
“However, when one year we visited the Anglican church where our uncle was a priest, the service was full of these songs and that stuck with me ”
It was his formal musical education that truly cemented his love for festive music
“But it was at Drakies, the choir
school, that we really got into it with the Noel tour at the end of every year,” he explained “We did so many different arrangements of carols and sang many solos in the city halls across the country ”
Musical legacy spanning decades
The Bala family’s musical journey began in the 1980s when siblings Pinky and Zwai Bala won a national television competition,
launching their careers and taking them to Johannesburg for the first time
Zwai later achieved significant success as a founding member of the iconic South African group TKZee
The family’s collective achievements reached international recognition through The Bala Brothers, an award-winning trio featuring Zwai, Loyiso and Phelo, who performed on international stages and shared platforms with world-renowned artists
The “Christmas with The Bala Family” concert will also showcase Bala Voices, a youth vocal ensemble mentored by The Bala Family
Audiences can expect a blend of classic Christmas carols and reimagined festive favourites, infused with African soul and storytelling The evening will feature intimate family moments, collaborative performances and conclude with a candlelit finale
Tickets are available through Webtickets, with options including Early Bird, VIP and Group of Four packages
Date: Monday, 22 December 2025
Venue: The Boardwalk ICC Dress Code: Festive Chic - light summer elegance with Christmas touches
DON’T miss the last open day of this year’s Arthur’s Christmas Wonderland this Saturday
Arthur Muller and Darrelle Lee-Muller have thousands of Christmas decorations they’ve accumulated over the years, and each year they decorate their home from top to bottom, alternating decorations to give Wonderland visitors something different to look forward to
Many of the decorations are one-of-a-kind, come from various other countries or have been hand-crafted or hand-painted by Arthur and Darrelle
Don’t miss the chance to see Arthur Muller’s Christmas decorations at 2 Esau Meyer Street in Salisbury Park Arthur’s Christmas Wonderland will be open on 13 December from 14:00 to 17:00
Entry is R20, in aid of Aurora Special Care Centre When coming down Buffelsfontein Road, turn right into 28th Avenue by Mount Pleasant Superspar, then take the second street into Esau Meyer Street
For more info, contact Arthur at 082 565 4216 or visit Arthur’s Christmas Wonderland on Facebook and Instagram

MarketinthePark: A market will be held on Sunday, 14 December, at St George’s Park, Central from 09:00 to 13:00 There will be craft art food and bric-a-brac as well as live music. Stalls are free to children and charities. Children are encouraged to bring unwanted toys, books and crafts for sale For more info contact Maureen at 082 257 4691. Boot Sale: Don’t miss the boot sale at La Roche Market on the corner of Forest Hill Drive and La Roche Drive (next to As-
tron Garage) on 14 and 21 December from 08:00 to 12:00 For more info, contact 061 454 5754. PE Christmas Expo: The 11th Annual Port Elizabeth Christmas Expo will take place at Walmer Town Hall, Main Road, Walmer on Sunday 21 December from 09:00 to 14:00 If you have something to sell, antiques and collectables, toys, jewellery, accessories, home décor, vintage items, gifts, arts and crafts and more, contact us for an application form! WhatsApp 083 588 5823 or email christmasexpope@gmail.com with your name and what you would like to sell Send your Diary entries for the last edition of the PE Express for 2025 to peexpress@novusmedia.co.za. The last edition of the PE Express will be on 17 December, and we will be back on 7 January The deadline for entries is Thursday, 11 December, at 16:00 Entries may be in Afrikaans or English.












EP Media en Novus Media kan nie bevestig of enige van die geadverteerde dienste of produkte veilig is vir gebruik of die verlangde uitwerking of resultaat sal hê nie. Lesers word gewaarsku om die adverteerder se getuigskrifte deeglik te oorweeg en na te gaan EP Media en Novus Media aanvaar hoegenaamd geen aanspreeklikheid ten opsigte van enige van die geadverteerde dienste of goedere nie.


WE understand the festive season is gaining momentum, but things are getting a bit weird at the Fairview Polytrack in Greenbushes
Last Friday’s meeting was not exactly business as usual when the leading stables left empty-handed, and a single saddle star turned the card into a personal highlight reel with four winners in a row
It’s not often that you see the two big yards of trainers Alan Greeff and Dean Smith both missing out on a single winner at a Fairview meeting
Visiting jockey, Muzi Yeni, took this opportunity to ride the Jackpot – meaning he won the four races in a row that form the Jackpot This is very seldom seen at a meeting, and it was a brilliant effort from Yeni
He won two races for the Kelly Mitchley stable and two for the Western Cape yard of Glen Kotzen
The last of his four winners was the big race on the day – the Founders Trophy over 1600m – won by Hat’s Pride
It was also a good day for trainer Juan Nel, who combined with jockey S’manga Khumalo for two winners
Will things return to ‘normal’ at the next Fairview meeting?
That is the question that will be answered when eight races are run this coming Friday
The stables of Greeff and Smith will no doubt be ready to strike back Watch out! With Yeni and the other visiting jockeys in top form, the local riders couldn’t get
a look in This means the battle for the local jockey title will resume in earnest this Friday
After celebrating their birthdays this past weekend, Charles Ndlovu and Stallone Naidoo will be ready to add to their winning tally
There will be no feature race, but the Pinnacle Stakes over 2200m is packed with quality This should be the highlight of Friday’s meeting
After Friday’s action, there are meetings on the 19th, 22nd and 29th to make sure the office parties continue at the races
This month, the celebrations are overflowing in the Bold Silvano Room Not only are the connections of the winning horses celebrating, but it is great to see the Employee of the Year photos taken between races – smiles all around!
Elsewhere in the country, the focus is on the Western Cape summer season Some of the Fairview stables will be represented at these Cape Town meetings, where they will take on the best in the country
Other news that caught the attention of racing fans this past week was the announcement of a record R10 million prize fund for next year’s Hollywoodbets
Durban July
The 130th running of Africa’s most iconic race is going to be something special
This year, My Best Shot, trained by Greeff, was the first horse from an Eastern Cape stable in 21 years to run in the July Let’s hope Nelson Mandela Racing will be represented again in next year’s spectacle
HENK STEENKAMP
DIT is nie hoe die veelsydige sportster van die Hoërskool Framesby, Kylie Klaasen, haar jaar wou afsluit nie
Sy het ’n ernstige kniebesering by die Topskole Netbaltoernooi in Gauteng opgedoen Klaasen was vir Suid-Afrika se o 17span gekies, maar kon weens die besering nie saam na Eswatini toer nie
Voor die besering toegeslaan het, het Klaasen nie net op die netbalbaan geskitter nie, maar ook in atletiek en tweekamp uitgeblink
Kylie het netbal vir die Oostelike Provinsie Skole gespeel en was ook in aksie by die nasionale byeenkomste in atletiek en tweekamp
By Framesby se jaarlikse prysuitdeling het Klaasen toekennings vir al hierdie prestasies ontvang
Sy is ook bekroon as die senior netbalspeler van die jaar en as Framesby se Sportmeisie van die Jaar
Klaasen is nou besig om haar knie weer sterk te maak Sy is volgende jaar in matriek en wil slaggereed wees om dit nog ’n groot jaar op die sportveld te maak

SELBY MADIKANE
SevenUnitedFCwintheZAFASummerCup
ZAKHELE Football Association (ZAFA)
Premier League champions Seven United FC collected their second silverware of the season after they defeated Royal Blues FC 1-0 during the ZAFA Summer Cup final at the Dynamos Grounds in KwaZakhele on Sunday
Swartkops FC came to face United during their semi-final Swartkops supporters were jubilant when their side scored their opening goal early in the first half
As the game approached its dying minutes, one of the Swartkops’ players was penalised for deliberately touching the ball with his hand in the penalty area, and the referee awarded a penalty that was successfully taken by a United player The supporters of United were on top of the world after they saw their side win 4-3 on penalties
In the other semi-final, Royal Blues FC claimed a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Golden Brothers FC Brothers easily won the third-place play-offs as Swartkops players did not turn up
In the final, United clinched the ZAFA Summer Cup title in their 1-0 victory against Blues ZAFA president Themba Ximiya commended all the teams that took part in the tournament “The standard of the tournament was high because all the teams gave their best This was a tough final, and both sides played an attractive game I would like to thank all the clubs that took part in our tournament The ZAFA officials, local organising committee, match officials and supporters made our tournament a resounding success,” said Ximiya
Special awards:
• Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Nkosinathi Tshawe Siganeko (Royal Blues FC)
• Top Goal Scorer of the Tournament: Kwanele Hulushe (Royal Blues FC)
OldGreyFCwinlocalderby
OLD Grey FC (OGFC) overcame the onform Gqeberha United FC 2-0 in their ABC Motsepe League Coastal Stream game at Despatch Sports Grounds on Friday
The first half ended in a stalemate OGFC drew first blood after their prolific striker, Lonwabo Bayeni, found the back of the net in the 57th minute OGFC continued to search for their second goal, but the home side kept things tight at their back line
The Blues, as OGFC are known, increased their lead to 2-0 after Zenilimikhaya Matenjwa banged in the second goal in the 63rd minute This all-important victory allowed OGFC to jump to second place on the log table while Gqeberha dropped from second place to fourth place on the log table
MARU FC redeemed themselves in their 2-1 home win over FC Buffalo City Relatives at Rhodes University Prospect Fields in Makhanda on Saturday Following their two successive defeats, MARU FC’s recent victory pushed them to third place with 16 points Buffalo City are still at the top of the Coastal Stream
Other ABC Motsepe League results:
Komani United FC 1-2 Seven Stars FC Sundays River Valley Academy FC 2-0 EMI FC
Camdeboo Football Academy Development 0-1 Amavarara FC
Inland Stream results:
Bush Bucks FC 0-2 Fast Eleven FC
FC Ravens 3-0 SA Spear of the Nation FC Amaxesibe FC 0-1 Matta Millan FC FC Battalion 1-0 Sinenkani FC Bizana Pondo City FC 1-0 Mighty Eagles FC
Upcoming Fixtures:
Coastal Stream: Saturday at 15:00
• Amavarara FC- Sundays River Valley Academy FC at Dumpy Adams Sports Grounds
• EMI FC - Komani United FC at Lady Grey Stadium
• FC Buffalo City Relatives - Gqeberha United FC at Sisa Dukashe Stadium
Seven Stars FC - Old Grey FC at Dumpy Adams Stadium
• Camdeboo Football Academy Development - MARU FC at Botanic Gardens Grounds
Inland Stream: Saturday at 15:00:
• Fast Eleven FC -FC Battalion at Newrest Stadium
Sinenkani FC -Amaxesibe FC at Mphuthumi Mafumbatha Stadium
• Mighty Eagles – FC Ravens at Umthatha Stadium
• Matta Millan FC – SA Spear of the Nation FC at Mbhashe Stadium
• Bush Bucks FC – Bizana Pondo City at Umthatha Stadium on Friday at 16:00
Khanya Goqoza hunting talent in Motherwell NU11
YOUNG Royal Bucks FC coach, Khanya Goqoza, is serious about finding talent in Motherwell NU 11
Goqoza said that his mission was to see all children taking part in sport in Motherwell NU 11, where he lives According to Goqoza, young talent goes unnoticed as most clubs focus on senior teams Goqoza, who is 17 years old, explains, “I told myself that I had to make a remarkable contribution in my community I noticed that many kids are talented in football, but most clubs want a ready-made player If the clubs see the talented players, they recruit them Certain clubs fail dismally in developing football players because they do not develop a player from scratch ”
The Ncedo Secondary School Grade 11 learner revealed that his football passion started at Rangers FC when he was nine years old, before he joined Royal Bucks FC Currently, Goqoza coaches u/13 and u/15 at Royal Bucks on his own “I coach the u/13 and u/15 teams alone This is a huge workload for me on my own If two coaches could come on board, things would be easier for me ”
“The reason I introduce the young boys to football is that I want them to get the football basics, not the win-at-all-costs mentality I introduce them to the basic skills of football However, a player needs to be taught football skills from an early age to prepare them for their future football careers Losing is not failure, but it is part of learning The player must not be scared to make mistakes The coach is there to help them ”
Goqoza guided the Bucks u/15 team to win the Motherwell Football Association (MOFA) League competition recently The Bucks u/13 team lost three times in the MOFA finals Additionally, Goqoza, who plays in the Bucks reserves as a defensive midfielder, revealed that when junior and reserve team game times clash, he dedicates his time to the juniors
HighburyFCdropsthreepoints
Nelson Mandela Bay side Highbury FC conceded three points after they lost 1-0 to Cape Town City FC during their Motsepe Foundation Championship game at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday The Metro Lads and the Citizens shared a goalless draw in the first half In the second half, City managed to find the back of the net, courtesy of Jaedin Rhodes, in the 72nd minute Highbury have lost their last four games in succession, having recorded their last 1-0 victory over Upington City FC at Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium in Upington on 1 November Overall, Highbury have lost four times in their last five games of the year Highbury are out of the race for the top eight Consequently, they have dropped from seventh place to 10th place on the log table
Highbury will look to redeem themselves when they host Lerumo Lions FC at Nelson Mandela University Campus Grounds next year on 23 January
Despite their poor start to the season, City have jumped from fifth place to fourth place on the log table The former PSL Premiership outfit has improved tremendously, as they have 22 league points The Capetonians’ challenges have built their resilience Despite their 2-0 loss to their neighbours, Midlands Wanderers FC, during the KZN derby at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg, Milford FC are still on top of the log table with 27 league points

