PHOTO:
Residenttakespotholerepairsintohisownhands
SHANTIJAFTA
AKARIEGA resident who previously stepped in to clean up aneglected public space has now taken on another responsibility usually carried out by the municipality by repairing potholes in the town.
Earlier thisyear, Barend Lombard, founder of the “I Love Uitenhage” Facebook page, led acommunity-driven clean-up and restoration project at Waterfall Park in Bubbs Avenue. With the parknearingcompletion, Lombard turned his attention to the deteriorating condition of nearby roads.
His latest initiative follows aprevious UD Express report highlighting the growingnumber of large,unrepaired potholes across Kariega.
Lombard said he decided to begin repairing potholes near Waterfall Park after residents repeatedly raised concernsabout damaged roads,broken pavements and water leaks. “As you know, ‘I Love Uitenhage’ started to clean the old Waterfall Park in Bubbs Avenue earlier this year. We did it in phases andas money became available. Nowthat theactual park is almost done,with only the lights remaining, Istarted
to lookatthe area around the park and the potholes were right there,” he said.
He challenged residents to donate abucket of pothole repair mixor
contribute money as part of their67 Minutes for Mandela Day. Although only afew people responded, the donations were enoughtobegin the first repairs. Lombard documented
the processonsocial media, explaining thatrepairingone large pothole required about two-and-a-half buckets of pothole mixatacost of approximately R530. Theremaining material was used to repairthree smaller potholes nearby.
He said the exercise highlighted how deceptive potholes can be. “Not all potholes will be this deep, but it taught me one thing. Potholes can be deceiving in size if you just look at the surface. Thedepth is where the volume comes in.”
Lombard added that local business ownerChristopher Hiscock of CH Mechanical and two employees stopped to assist by sweeping the road and coveringthe fresh repair with dust to prevent tar from sticking to passing vehicles
Looking ahead, Lombardsaiddeciding wheretorepairnext would not be easy. “Everyperson believes that their street is the most important one, but Iwill have to see which of the mainroutes arefirstupfor fixing and then move to the lesser-used roadswith the most potholes.”
He acknowledged that funding would determine how much work could be done. “It all depends on the support Iget from the community and businesses because it is acost-
Paramedic killedwhileresponding to emergency
SHANTI JAFTA
AFATAL collision that claimed the life of aparamedic responding to an emergencyhas prompted renewed callsfor motoriststo exercise greater caution at intersections, even whentheyhave the right of way
Department of Transport spokesperson Makhaya Komisa urged road users to remain vigilant following the head-on collision involving aBester EmergencyMedical Services (EMS) ambulance and aToyota Hilux at the intersection of William Moffett Expressway and Cape Road in NewtonPark, Gqeberha, on Wednesday morning, July 15
According to Komisa, the crash occurred at about09:30 while the ambulance was respondingtoa medical emergency.
He stressed that motorists
should always exercise caution when approaching intersections, warning that having the right of way does not eliminate the risk of acollision.
“Your safetywill always guarantee your safe arrival at your destination. Emergency services need tobeprioritised when responding tolife-saving situations,asthe law permits and exemptsthem while they are responding,” hesaid.
SouthAfrican Police Service spokespersonCaptainSandra Janse van Rensburg said preliminary investigations indicate that the traffic light was green for the driver of the ToyotaHilux at the time of the collision.
ly
exercise. Imust also confess that Iamnot an expertinroad building, so Iamwillingand capable of filling small to medium-sized potholes. The bigones Iwill leave to the experts.” Lombardsaidthe response from residents had been encouraging, although supportfrombusinesses had been limited. “The response from the residents is heart-warming, while local businesses areveryquiet except for afew who have helped in the past. An initiative like this needs community leaders and bigbusinesses to buy in.”
He believes residents have arole to play in improving their town but saidthe municipality must also fulfil its responsibilities.“Everybody has aresponsibility towards hisorher community. TheKariega community has now stepped in to fill that gap left by the municipality,”he said. Lombardalso called on Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe to prioritiseservice delivery.
“I hereby ask Mayor Lobishe to really look at the cards in her hands and decide how she is going to play them beforeNovember.Community service should be the ultimate goal for any mayor,sowhy is it not for you?” he said.
“The impact caused bothvehicles to overturn,”she said A25-year-old maleparamedic travelling as apassenger in the ambulance sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
The ambulance driverand the driver of the ToyotaHilux were injured and transported to hospital for treatment.
Police haveopened acase of culpable homicide,and theinvestigation remains ongoing.
The deceased hassincebeen identified by Bester EMSasAdvanced Life Support paramedic Sthembiso Wiseman Twala, while his injured colleague has been identified as Leletu.
In asocial mediatribute, Bester EMSdescribed Twalaasa dedicated healthcare professional who lost his lifewhile answering acall for help.“It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce
the passing of oneofour own, Advanced Life SupportParamedic Mr Twala, whotragically lost his lifewhileresponding to a medical emergencyinthe lineof duty,” the organisationsaid.
Bester EMSsaidTwala was morethan aparamedic, describing him as atrusted colleague, loyal friend andadevotedservantofthe community.
“He wore theBester EMSuniformwith immense prideand honour, always placing the needsofothers beforehis own.
Hiscompassion, professionalism,courage andunwavering commitment to saving liveswill never be forgotten.”
The organisation said Twala made the ultimate sacrifice
while responding to assist someoneinneed.
“Although his life was cuttragically short, his legacy of selfless servicewill live on in themany liveshetouched.”
Bester EMSalsoasked thepublic to keep Leletu,who was seriouslyinjured in thecollision andremains in hospital, in their thoughts andprayers.
Paying afinaltribute, theorganisation said,“Thank you for yourdedication,yourcourage, yourkindness andfor serving with suchhonour. Youanswered every call withouthesitation, andtoday yourfinalshiftcame to an end
“Your shiftisdone. Rest easy, brother. We’ve got it from here.”
TwokilledinseparateKwaNobuhleshootings,twoothersinjured
SAPS in KwaNobuhlehave opened amurder case andtwo counts of attempted murder followingarecent shooting incident in KwaNobuhle, Kariega.
According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, it is alleged that on Tuesday, 14 July, at approximately 16:37, police responded to acomplaint of ashooting at the corner of Ponana Tini Road and Mbengo Street in KwaNobuhle.
“Upon arrival,members found the body of an 18-year-old male who had sustained multiple gunshotwounds tothe chest,” she said. “He was declared deadat the scene.”
Janse vanRensburg added that it was further established that two other victims, aged 27 and 32, had sustained gunshot wounds during the incident and weretransported to hospital for medical treatment.
“The circumstances surround-
ing the shooting areunder investigation, and no arrests have been made.”
In aseparate incident, Janse van Rensburg said asecond murder case was registered after police responded to another shooting at approximately 17:00 in Hlosi Street, KwaNobuhle.
“On arrival, membersfound the body of a21-year-old woman lying in the street with agunshot wound to the head. She wasde-
clared dead at the scenebyemergency medical personnel,”she said. “Themotive for the murder is unknown, andnoarrests have been made.”
Janse van Rensburgaddedthat it could notbeconfirmed at that stage whether the two shooting incidents were related. “Detectives are investigating all possible leads,” shestated.
“The investigationsare still at an early stage,and the deceased
have yet to be officially identified.”
Police areappealing to anyone with information that could assist in either investigation to contact LieutenantColonel Makaula on 082 441 8135, CrimeStop on 08600 10111, or submitinformation anonymously viathe MySAPS app.
“All information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” sheconcluded.
Barend Lombard during the recent fillingofpotholesonBubbs Avenue, Kariega.
PHOTO: ILOVE UITENHAGE (FACEBOOK)
Picturedare Bester Emergency MedicalServicesrepresentatives honouring fallen paramedic, Sthembiso Wiseman Twala. PHOTOS: SHANTI JAFTA
Picturedare BesterEmergency Medical Serviceshanging across in honour of Sthembiso Twala at the accident scene.
Kariegasoccerclubreceivesboost
SHANTI JAFTA
LOCAL soccer club, AtlanticSpurs, located in McCarthy Informal Settlement, recentlyreceived anew kit from the Ward 49 councillor, Georgen Miggels.
According to founder Mornay Valtein, the recent handover will instil dignity in the players, as players previously used to lendeach other their sweaty kit for thechancetoparticipate.
On what receiving this newsoccer kit means for Atlantic Spurs and its players,Valtein said, “Based in an informal settlement,the clubdoes not have much financial assistance. The project will definitely instil dignityinthe players, who nowhave their own kit instead of borrowing. It givesthem asenseofvalue. With four divisions (U11, U13, U15, U17),whichhad previously been sharing, having this kit now will stop the ‘inhumane’act of sharing sweaty kits and socks.”
He added that the divisions now have asense of belonging,going from alack tohaving.“The kidscan now play with more pride,” hesaid.
Valtein said the club,which was founded in 2018, currently has more than 100 registered junior players across its four age groups, as wellasasenior team. While footballremains at the heart of theproject, he emphasised that the club’s mission extends far beyond the sport itself.
“Our main goal is not just football,”hesaid. “Football is the tool we use toteachyoung peoplethat theycan achieve anything if they work hard. We wantthem to believe they can become doctors, teachers or whatever career theychoose. We want them to dream beyond the circumstances they come from.”
Roadrepairsset forKariegaand Despatch
MOTORISTS travelling along Daniel Pienaar Road in Kariega have seen a temporary pothole repair carried out to improve road safety, while alarger municipal pothole repair programme is expected to get under way in Despatch this week.
Ward 51 Councillor Roelf Basson recently undertook atemporary repair to ahazardous pothole on Daniel Pienaar Road, saying the intervention was aimed at reducing the immediate danger tomotorists until apermanent repair can be completed.
The temporary repair follows ongoing concernsover the condition of roads across Kariega, where residents have repeatedlyraisedcomplaints about deteriorating road infrastructure and large potholes.
Meanwhile, Ward 52 Councillor Frans Swanepoel announced thatmunicipal repair teams arescheduled to begin pothole and stormwaterdrainage repairs in Despatch on Monday
According to Swanepoel, the repairs will be carried out using thecorrect road repair process, with damaged sections being cut out before hot asphalt is applied to create alonger-lasting surface.
The work will also include repairs to sections of the stormwater drainage system.
The developments come after months of complaints from residents across Kariega and Despatch about the increasing number of potholes damagingvehicles and creatingsafety hazards on local roads.
UD Express previously reported that Nelson Mandela Bay Municipalityhad experienced delays in repairing potholes owing to challenges with the availability of road repair materials andinfrastructure maintenancebacklogs.
UD Express approachedNelson Mandela BayMunicipality for comment on the current status of pothole repairs across the metro, including the work planned in Despatchand Kariega;however, no response had been received by the time of going to print on Wednesday,22July.
He said the club also runs astudycentre to encourageplayers to prioritise theireducation alongside sport, adding that everychild’s academic needs are considered individually
“We always respect what the parents want. If achild needs to focus moreonschool, we support that. But we also encourage them to stay active because sportteaches discipline, teamwork and commitment.”
Valtein said the club still facesseveral challenges despite receiving the new kit. One of the biggestconcerns is the shortage of soccer boots, withplayersoften borrowing boots from teammates before matches. “The size of one player’s foot is not the same as another’s. It’s not ideal, but it’sthe reality for many clubs,” he said
He added that training equipment,particularly soccer balls, is also in short supply, limiting the quality of training sessions. Another challengeisthe lack of suitable playing fields.
Atlantic Spurscurrently trains at McCarthy ComprehensiveSchool in the Kamesh precinct after previously using avenue that became unusable following years of vandalism.
Valtein believes greater involvement from parents and the widercommunity would make asignificant difference. “Sometimes the children don’t need money or expensive things. They justneed their parents and community memberstocome and cheer them on. It takes avillage to raise achild, and we want our community to become that village.”
Miggelssaidthe donation formed part of
Staff from theAllanridgeand UitenhageLibraries surprisedpatients, visitors and staff at theUitenhage Provincial Hospital’spaediatric ward with newhandmade beanies on Thursday,16July, ahead of theMandelaDay celebrations.Librarian BongiweMavaleliso said, ‘Eachyear, we select adifferentorganisationto reach out to thecommunityatlarge.This donation is our wayofshowing that we care beyond books.’ They donated 45 beanies on theday,and children alsoreceived asweet treat. The staff,who knitted the beaniesthroughout theyear, arealready looking forwardtotheir Mandela Dayproject for2027.
NompumeleloNgcoko, Uitenhage Public LibrarySenior Librarian,had ablast visiting the paediatricward at UitenhageProvicial Hospital
the ward’sdiscretionary funding programme, through which qualifying community organisations can apply for financial assistance.
“We encourage organisations every year to apply,” Miggels said. “AtlanticSpurs is one of the clubs Ihave encouraged for several years because Ihave seen the workthey do in developing young people from ayoung age.”
He explained that while councillors may motivate applications, the final decision rests with the Speaker’s Office and the relevant adjudication committee, provided applicants meet all the administrative requirements.
Miggelssaid community sportsclubs play an important roleinsteering young people away from crime, gangsterism and substance abuse.
“If young people's potential is not channelled in the right direction, they can easily become involved in drugs or gangs,” he said. “Sport provides discipline, purpose and even opportunities for future employment.”
He added that funding is available not only to sportsclubs, but also to churches, non-governmental organisations, arts and culture groups, and other qualifying community organisations operating withinWard 49.
Looking ahead, Valteinsaid the club hopes to continue growing both on and off the field, with ambitions of earning promotion to the SAFA Regional League withinthe next five years.
More importantly, he said, the club wants to continue providing asafe environment for young people living in the informal settlement.
“If thesechildren weren’t on the football field, many of them could end up involved in gangs or other negative influences,” he said. “We want to keep them active, give them hope and show them that wherethey come from does not determine where they can go.”
Pictured areMornay Valtein, Zachary Valtein, Brevan Joseph, GeorginMiggels (Ward 49 councillor), DanielBrowers,Jade-leeMaarman and David Hess. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Picturedare librarystaff members Nomfundiso Mka, Nompumelelo Ngcoko, Bongiwe Mavaleliso, NdumisoMnyango, Esmeralda Phillips andDesireé Strydomwithstaff from the paediatric unit Durelda Leeuw (sister),NomfundisoBenya (nurse)and Nompilo Luthuli (staff nurse).
PHOTOS: ANIKA DE BEER
Informaltradercelebratesbirthdaybyfeedingmorethan300
SHANTI JAFTA
AKWANOBUHLEinformal trader
chose to celebrate her birthday by giving back to her community, serving warm soup and bread to more than 300 residents in an act of kindness inspired by the growing need she sees around her.
Andiswa Bebula, better knownas Connie Bee, who owns alocal fastfood business, hosted the community soup kitchen as part of her birthday celebrations. Although she said she does not have much herself, she wanted to ensure that others had a warm meal to enjoy.
Speaking to UD Express,she said, “I’m agiver by nature,soitcame to my mind that Ishould celebrate my
birthday by calling kids in my area tocome andhavesoup and bread. To my surprise, it was not only kids who came, but elderly people as well.”
Connie firsthostedthe initiative in 2025, when around 200 children attended. Encouraged by the response, she decided to makeitan annualevent.
This year,she prepared three large pots of soup andbought 50 loaves of bread, serving about 350 people.
There waseven enough breadleft over to share withthe women who helpedprepare the vegetables.
She funded the initiativeherself, whilethree womenassisted with peeling vegetables and preparing the meal.“The community really enjoyed the soup. Even today Istill
get compliments from people. Some Idon’t even know, but they know me and they really appreciate what Idid forthem,” she said.
Connie said seeing so many adults queueing fora simple meal reminded her of the hardship many families face. “I’ve seen the need. People arehungry out there, it’snot even funny seeing ladies and guys in their 30s and 40s standing in the queue waiting for soup and bread. It means they arehungry,” she said
Although she runs afast-food container business to earn aliving, Connie hopes people will not confuse it with her dreamofhelping those in need.
She said her greatest wish is to host one daya soup kitchen every week, despite not yet having the fi-
NuwegebiedsjeugleiersvirOos-KaapVoortrekkers
DIE Oos-Kaap Voortrekkers
het aangekondig dat Bella CamarinosenPierre de Vries as onderskeidelik Gebiedsjeugleier en Adjunk-Gebiedsjeugleier van die OosKaap verkies is.
Die aanstelling volg ná 'n deeglike keuringsproses wat onder andere strawwe onderhoude en assesserings ingesluit het om die geskikste kandidate vir hierdie rolle aan te wys.
As gebiedsjeugleiers speel Bella en Pierre ’n sleutelrol in die beplanningenuitvoering van verskeie projekte.Hulle is ondermeer verantwoordelik vir die organisering van ’n jaarlikse gemeenskapsprojek, asook die Oos-Kaapse Jeugberaadkamp wat elke
Augustus plaasvind Alle Verkenners(hoërskooljeuglede) in die OosKaap word na die kamp uitgenooi.Tydens die kamp vind ’njeugberaad plaas waar die gebiedsleier, adjunk-gebiedsleiers en jeuglede idees deel en die toekoms van die beweging help vorm.
DieOos-Kaap Voortrekkers wens Bellaen Pierre alle sterkte toe methul termyn. “Ons is ongeloofliktrots op hul bereidwilligheid om te dien, verantwoordelikheid te aanvaar en ’n positiewe verskilindie gemeenskapte maak. Mag hulleleierskap baie jongmense inspireer en ’n blywende impak in die Oos-Kaap laat.”
nancial means to do so.“Iwon’trest until Imake aplan for my dream to come true. I’dlove to cook warm meals for people in my area.”
Born and raisedinKwaNobuhle, Connie startedher businessby baking traditional umbhako bread in 2019 afterstruggling to find employment. Today shealsoprovides school transportand sells various food products to supportherself. Explaining why shechosetogive to others on her birthday despite her own limited resources,Connie said she lives by the words:“Be the change you want to seeinthe world.”
“That’sjustme. I’mthe type of personwho will give my lastfor the next person to be OK. Iwas born like that,” sheconcluded.
DrostdyMuseumto hostreadingfestival
THE historic Drostdy Museum in Kariegawill become ahub of stories, imagination, and community spirit when it hosts the Uitenhage Drostdy Museum Reading Festival on 13 August 2026.
power of booksand storytelling. Organisers believe themuseum provides theperfect settingto connect literacy with thepreservation of local history and culture.
Hope,mobilitydeliveredtogirl(10)
PierredeVries en BellaCamarinos is verkies as onderskeidelikAdjunk-Gebiedsjeugleier en Gebiedsjeugleier vandie Oos-Kaap Voortrekkers
Organised by theFriends of the Museum, thefestival aims to inspire alifelong love of reading while bringing together learners, educators, families, andthe wider communitytocelebrate literacy in one of theregion’s most treasured heritage sites.
FOTO: VERSKAF
Fuel on Wheelsrecently hosteda fundraisertoget Despatchresident AbigailSmith (10) anew wheelchair, which wasa success. Fuel on WheelsfounderJohan Oosthuizen said theyare overjoyedthat theycould make adifference in Abigail’slife.‘Althoughher journey is stilllong, with many more hurdlesshe mayhavetocross,small impactslikethis are life-changing.’ He addedthat giving hermobilityallows hertomove freelyand confidentlyon herown.‘It mayseem small,but this teachesher independence and gives hopefor abrighter future.’ He addedthat hersmilewarms their hearts,and the generosityofthe public,the community,has blown themaway. ‘Wecould not havedonethis without the supportofthe community,’ Oosthuizen said.Picturedare role players involvedinthe fundraiser.From left are Lesa Harris (FuelOnWheels), Ronelle Oosthuizen, AdriSmith (Abigail’s mother), Riaana Bouwerand Anton Bouwer.
SUPPLIED
Open to learners from Grade RtoGrade 7, thefestival will offeradiverse programme of storytelling, oral reading, poetry, author read-aloud sessions, braille reading demonstrations, creative activities, and interactive reading circles.
Experienced adjudicators will provide constructive feedback, helping learners develop confidence, improvetheir reading skills, and enjoy theexperience of sharing stories in asupportive environment
Hosting the festival at the Drostdy Museum adds aunique heritage element to theevent, allowing young readers to experience therich history of one of Kariega’s most iconic landmarkswhilecelebrating the
Adding to theexcitement is thefestival’s “DonateaBook, Share aStory” campaign. Communitymembers are encouraged to donategood-quality children’sbooksfor thefestival’s Book Swap Table, where young readers will be abletoexchange booksand discover new stories at no cost.Every donated book creates an opportunityfor another childtoexperience the joy of reading and helps build astronger culture of literacy within thecommunity.
Book donations can be dropped off at OK Mosel,the Drostdy Museum, or Despatch Preparatory School during thedesignated collection times.
Organisers hope theevent will not onlynurture alove of booksbut also demonstrate the power of communities working together to ensure every child has access to reading opportunities. Schools across theregion are encouraged to enter their learners, while members of the public are invited to support theinitiative by donating children’sbooks.
PHOTO:
Connie Bee hosted thecommunitysoup kitchen as partofher birthday celebrations PHOTO: SUPPLIED
MJ’sJudoDojoShineswithnearly70-medalhaul
THEMJ’s Judo Dojo delivered an outstandingperformance at therecentSouth African Judo Championships at the FeatherMarket Hall in Gqeberha, proudly representing the Sarah BaartmanJudo Association (SBJA) and returning home withclose to 70 medals -nearly half of them gold.
The club’s judokas, ranging from sevenyear-olds to senior competitors, impressed throughout the national event with determination, discipline, and composure against some of the country’s top contenders.
“There was agreat balance of excitement and nerves throughoutthe team,which translatedinto excellentperformances on the mat,”said Sensei Reece Kramer ofMJ’s Judo Dojo.
“I couldn’t be prouder of what ourjudokas achieved. The medalhaul is incredible,but whatstood out even more was the way they competed and supported one another.”
Among the standoutperformanceswas seven-year-old Libby Nel,who showed remarkable courage and technical skill in her division. Owen Waitproduced one of the tournament’smost memorablemoments in agruelling 12-minutecontest against anationalchampion, which highlighted his resilience and endurance.
Kyle Preston secured impressivevictories over Africanchampions, while TiffanyBotes enjoyed an exceptionalrun, earningtwo gold medalsand abronze across both kataand fighting divisions.
Kramer attributed the club’s success to a philosophyofconsistent, year-round development ratherthan short-term training camps.
“You don’t prepare for nationals afew weeks before the event; we are always preparing.Infact, the work for next year has alreadybegun,”heexplained
Akey element of this preparation included regular fight nights that exposed judokas to realisticmatchscenarios.
“Judo is asport where one mistake cancost youthe fight. Our fight nights helped build confidence, sharpen decision-making,and
reinforcethe importance of grip control and tactical awareness.”
He also commended the coaching and management team forensuring everything ran seamlessly backstage, which allowed the judokas to focus entirely on their performance on the mat.
Reflecting on the exceptionally high standard of competition, Krameremphasised that every tournament is avitalopportunity fortechnical and personal growth:
“There arealways lessons to learn from both winning and losing.Without lessons, there is no progress. If youthink your judo is perfect, you’ve already lost. We want to keep learning, improving,and challenging ourselves.”
With the national event complete, MJ’s Judo Dojoisalready looking ahead to upcoming tournaments in the WesternCape and Gauteng later this year.
However,Kramer believes the club’sgreatest asset extends farbeyond thescoreboard —itlies in their unique culture and their pride in putting regional judo on the map.
MJ’s Judo Dojocoaches -Matthew Spear, Baden Westenberg, Teresa Vermaak, Marthinus Colesky, and Reece Kramer -together with their managers, parents, the SBJA network, and teammates, create an incredible support system
“The definition of special is something set apartfrom the ordinary, and that describes the spirit of MJ’s Judo Dojo perfectly. We are proudtobringthesetitlesback to theSarah Baartman district.We’renot striving to be good or even great -westrivetobespecial,” saidKramer.
Odean stelvisierhooginvrouerugby
SY het al vir die Oostelike ProvinsieenCheetahs se vrouerugbyspangespeel, maar mik nou na hoër louere, sê Odean van Dyk(26) van die Progress-klubopKariega.
Die veelsydige speler -syisewe tuis as losskakel en agtsteman -speel al rugbyvandatsy 22 jaar oud was. “My toekomstige planne is om vir ’n hoër span uit te draf,” sê sy Odean is ook kapteinvan Progress se span “Ons vaarheel goed, maar kon nog nie die OP-liga wen nie. Vir ons is dit dus’nkwessie van aanhou en aanhou.”
Sy sê daar is heelwat opkomende talent in die OP,maarsysal graag wil siendat meer vrouebydie spel betrokkeraak.
“Rugby is so ’n opwindendespel en helpom ’n mens se karakter te bou. Hoe meerspelers betrokke raak hoe sterker sal OP-klubs en die provinsialespanword. Hier is heelwat ontwikkeling aan die gang,maar diespelersgetalle behoort meer en vinnigertestyg,” sê sy.
Odean van Dyk wordomring deur Humansdorp-verdedigersin‘nvroeëreklubwedstryd. FOTO: VERSKAF
Odean hetin2024 die hele seisoen vir die OP gespeel en vanjaar vir die Cheetahs in Bloemfontein. Nouwil sy die volgende trappie in haar loopbaan klim-ensyglo sy het die talent om haar
UitenhageRolbalhoogtepunte
droom te verwesenlik. Sy is ook vol lof virdie 6-flank Bhuda Khule, wat ’n hardwerkende en uitstekende baljagter is. KwaruQueens en Motherwell is die spanne wat die pas aangee in die OP-liga.
HANNESSCHOEMAN
EASTERNCape boxing once again took centre stageoverthe weekend,withKariega and KwaNojoli (formerlySomerset East) sharing the limelight.
Thubalethu Boxing Club in KwaNobuhle produced two of the biggest stars at the UniversityofBotswana Championships, where Hlobanisa Hobongwana and Asemahle David had the crowdattheirfeet.
Hobongwana secured the gold medal after asuperbvictory in the final, while David won the silver medal. David’sbout was also awarded best boutofthe evening after he lost on asplit decision.
Owner, trainer and judge Mazizi Vumazonke had just returned from athree-day trainingcamp in Namibia with five of his boxers. They wereinvited by the Namibian Olympic Committee to prepare the country’s boxers for the Commonwealth Games and Olympics. Vumazonke also conducted acoaches’ workshop,a referees’ workshop,and ascoring machine workshop
On theirreturnfrom Namibia, Vumazonke, with histwo national team boxers, camped in Katlehong, Johannesburg, for another training session.
Meanwhile,inRussia, sensation Ayabonga Meko of KwaNojoli came out on top at an international event at theRussian World
MONDAY TO FRIDAY 7:30 TO 16:30
TO 13:00 NO
Uitenhagegasheer virgrootrolbal
HANNES SCHOEMAN
DIE Oostelike Provinsieserolbal-aksie skuifdie naweek na Kariega waar die Uitenhage-klub gasheer sal speel vir32spanne. Dieaksie vind Saterdag en Sondag plaas Dietoernooi,genaamd Saag Uitnaag Inggs Cup, behoortspel van hoogstaande gehalte op te lewer. Ditis’nmans-vierspel met 16 klubs wat elk twee spanne inskryf. Aan die einde van dietoernooi word die punte gekombineer om dieInggs Cup-kampioen aan te wys Intussen is dieUitenhage-klub oorgehaal vir’nspogvertoning teen van dieOPse beste spelers. Dieklub is reeds lank ’n faktor om mee rekening te hou en sal wil veg tot die bitter einde.
Uitenhagesespanneis:
A-span:ArthurLangley,WayneRidden,QuintonBarnard,JacquesErasmus.
B-span: Herman Steyn, DeonNel, Buddy Bekker,ErichHuman.
Games in Chita. For his splendid performance, he was named the best boxer of the tournament, which is amassive honour for the Eastern Cape. Mekoiscurrently one of the brightest stars on the rise in SouthAfrica.
Malan Swart(left)and Petri vander Watt at the tournament. PHOTO: CAYLEE DE KLERK
HANNES SCHOEMAN
Trainer Mazizi Vumazonke with Hlobanisa Hobongwana,Asemahle