Football Arena

By Walter Mabeba.

DOWN MEMORY LANE.

Leicester City is was one of the Predominantly coloured clubs, that gave the so called big three, Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Moroka Swallows a run for their money in the now defunct NPSL in the early 80's.

Established in the 70's as Noordgesigt Arsenal, there was a break up, and the club became Manchester United, and after another Breakup, under the leadership of legendary Ernest "Choppie" Myles, the club was named Leicester City. They affiliated to the Southern Transvaal Football Association. Promoted to the Federation Professional League for Coloureds and Indians(as per Group Areas Act) in the second division. In 1975 they won the league in the promotion division and also won the knockout series.

In the same year they were the first team from Transvaal to win the soccer award in the Alberton Callies Soccer Tournament that was as played in Durban. This was after the tournament has been running for 9 years.

They also took part in other tournaments including the Swaraj Tournament.

They left the Federation Professional League in 1977 and played in the experimental Mainstay Cup compensation organised by the South African Football Association to test if a Multi-Racial League would work or not. A league which was then formed in 1978 after the success of that competition, they were playing in the NPSL first division in 1978 where they displayed what was the biggest upset in the NPSL, knocking Orlando Pirates out of the Mainstay Cup.

They were relegated at the end of the season and played in the NPSL second division in 1979.

During the 1979 promotion play-offs, they beat Vaal Professionals(4-3) and Durban Bush Bucks(3-2) and made their way back to the NPSL first division for the 1980 season. They were knocked in the first round of the Mainstay Cup by AmaZulu and went on to finish on 14th position in a 18 team league above Pilkington United Bros, Pretoria Callies(relegated), Welkom Real Hearts(relegated) and Bloemfontein Celtic(relegated).

In 1981 it was the same position, a team clearly holding on and fighting for their dear life in the elite league.

At some stage in their NPSL Stint, they surprised many football pundits, beating both Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows with Big Margins. If my memory serves me well, they beat both Pirates and Swallows 4-1.

During that year they had players who were brothers but came from two came two separate families in the form of Allan Freese, Howard Freese and Trevor Freese, Charles Macket, Peter Macket, Winston Macket, Charles Macket and Tyrone Macket. Adding to the seven mentioned stalwarts, they also had, the Angus Bowers, Allan Hughes, Gregory Cupido, Keith Stellenberg, Lesley Edgar's Tyrone Kruger, Thabo Makupu, who was the only black player in their arsenal, Vincent Smith, Jeff Martin, Gerald Jacobs, Brian Muir, Reginald Solomons, Mark Page, Kevin Dear, Frank Williams, Andrea Van Rgeede, and Gavin Easthope and Anthony Lewis as (Goalkeepers).

By the end of the 1982 season, they were eventually relegated after collecting just 12 points after 34 games. Earlier in the year they were knocked out of the Datsun Challenge by Highlands Park with a late winner from Stuart Lilley powerful header.

The end of the same year, they were relegated They never came back.

Most of their players, joined other clubs. The likes of Allan Hughes, Keith Stellenberg, Thabo Makupu, and Allan Freese joined Orlando Pirates, Charles Macket and Howard Freeze joined Casio Dynamos, Gavin Easthope and Winston Macket were snapped were snatched by Moroka Swallows, and Gregory Cupido jumped ship to Jomo Cosmos.

🕊️ ℝ𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕚𝕟 ℙ𝕖𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝔹𝕣𝕒 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕟 🕊️ 𝙴𝚍𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚍 '𝙼𝚊𝚓𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜' 𝙼𝚘𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚕𝚎𝚢 '𝚂𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚖𝚎𝚛' 𝚃𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚋𝚊𝚕𝚊𝚕𝚊! #SABCSportFootball #RIPScreamerTshabalala

STANS MEN: FRESH NEW IMAGES and VIDEOS UNEARTHED

This is brought to you by the Arthur Tseleng Foundation.

The story of the Stans Men team of Soweto, South Africa, is a powerful tale of hope, empowerment, and the transformative power of football. Created in 1975 by the legendary English footballer Sir Stanley Matthews, it showcases how sports can transcend barriers in the face of adversity.

The Vision of Sir Stanley Matthews
In 1975, during a visit to South Africa amidst the oppressive apartheid regime, Sir Stanley Matthews was inspired by the raw talent he observed among young black footballers in the townships. Recognizing the lack of opportunities for these gifted players, Matthews resolved to make a difference. He handpicked a group of talented youngsters from Soweto, naming them Stans Men, and coached them personally. The team’s manager was Arthur Tseleng, an educator from Orlando High School, who played a key role in organizing and mentoring the players.

The Brazilian Tour
One of the most extraordinary highlights of Stans Men’s journey was their tour of Brazil in 1975. Sir Stanley Matthews believed international exposure would not only refine their skills but also inspire the players.

In Brazil, the team had the incredible opportunity to meet the legendary Zico, one of the finest players of his generation. They were also scheduled to meet the iconic Pelé, but unfortunately, this meeting did not materialize due to unforeseen circumstances. Despite this, the experience of playing in a football-crazy nation like Brazil and interacting with its stars left an indelible mark on the young players.

Yesterday, we paid our former teammate at Mapetla Youth United a visit at Protea Glen, Collen Molokomme, known as "Cogza" in football circles. The latter was also part of the Mapetla Squad in the 1992 Godfrey Moloi's Annual Goodwill games, where we emerged as 1-0 winners after beating white city in the final. It was myself Kenny Mashaba, Known as "Hanana Ha", Peter Mashabela, Known as "Jingles", and Matata Moeti known as "Ngadlangadla" in football circles. To be precise, our visit was our other way to say "Get well Soon" since he has been suffering from a lung ailment. We were sending good healty vibes his way, and a little get well sunshine his way, because he has been a bright spot during our days of football, sending extra prayer for his recovery, to get better and get to his amazing self soon. The truth is injury and illness can strike anyone at any time, and if a colleague is going through a difficult time, we naturally have to show our support n whatever way we can. We also handed a team picture of our 1992 Mapetla winning squad to him as a memorabilia, to complement our thoughtful gesture. Through the grace of God, we trust he will make a rapid recovery.

With The Real Junior Khanye – I just got recognized as one of their rising fans! 🎉

Remembering Johannes "Big Boy" Kholoane.

By Walter Mabeba.

One can't talk about Kaizer Chiefs, and Orlando Pirates
without mentioning the name of Johannes "Big Boy" Kholoane, the man who
followed a glittering playing career that places him among the all-time
greats of the game, not only in the now NPSL, but also in the Federation League, that was dominated mostly by Coloureds and Indians during the apartheid regime.

Born in White City Jabavu on the 22nd November 1949, and blessed with rare skills and natural flair, "Big Boy" was a coach's dream player, who kept the game clean and beautiful.

Quite and unassuming footballer, he hammered fear into the hearts of opposition defenders.

Most defenders of that time, can attest to the fact that spending 90 minutes with the former dribbling wizard Could be quite hectic.

With a naughty twinkle in his eyes, he was a marvel to watch, a tear away left-footed winger known as number 11 during those days.

He left opposition defenders sprawled on the turf.

One of his trademark tricks was the 'nutmeg' (Shibobo), which he said he used as "a means of buying time to give defenders something to think about before they try to go into tackles.

But were did Amakhosi unearth such a talent? "I started playing for local amateur team called Mofolo Army Rockets. It was not long before I became known for my dribbling technique. It was common to see defenders running wrong way as I was heading for goal."

It was not until he went to High School, at Morris Isaacson that he became a star.

"I really played my heart and won the hearts of many soccer followers "he said.

From Mofolo Army Rockets, his next port of call was Blue Bells United in the now defunct Federation league, before he joined Rockville Hungry Lions.

After noticing his football prowess, and having played against other former stalwarts in the shape of the late Ryder Mofokeng, and JC Xaba at amateur level, the duo recommended him to that famed talent scout and former Amakhosi manager, the late Ewert "The Lip" Nene who recruited Kholoane to the Amakhosi family in 1973.

Small in stature he might have been, but he became popular with Amakhosi's fans for his match winning performances.

Statistics show that he was so impressive in his first game for the Phefeni Glamour Boys that he ended up scoring five goals in a match in which Amakhosi humiliated African Wanderes 10-1.

"Just to talk about Kaizer Chiefs team of those years excites me very much, "Said the Bra "Big Bigboy" also known as "Sikiza" by those who envied him.

"We boasted players such at the late Johnny "Magwegwe" Mokoena,the late Michael "Bizza" Dlamini, the late Petrus "Ten Ten" Nzimande, the late Jerry "Jair" Sadike, the late Herman "Pele" Blashcke, the late Patrick "Ace" Ntsoelengoe, and the Chiefd Chairman, Kaizer "Chincha Guluva" Motaung.

In the three years that he spent at Kaizer Chiefs, he was not simply the flavour on the month, or an over-hyped tabloid creation who would fade away as quickly as he had risen to prominence.

"Bra Big Boy" seemed to have an extra gear, a sixth speed, Amazingly the ball remained on the upper part of his foot, as if it was glued to it.

"I enjoyed playing before Big crowds. They inspired me to do my thing on the field, "boasted Kholoane who also went by the monicker of "Ma-Circus".

When the three glorious years he spent at Chiefs came to an end, the gentleman shook hands as he recieved a good offer from his former club, Blue Bells, and he packed his scoring boots and traveling bags and headed to Lenasia, where enjoyed his second stint in the Federation League.

However, his second stint did not last longer before he joined Orlando Pirates where he played until 1982 before he called it quits.

Just like he did wherever he played, Kholoane also won the hearts of the Buccaneers supporters with commendable performances and was part of the 1980 Mainstay Cup Winning team, along side, Ephraim "Jomo Sono, the late Amos "Heel Extension" Mkhari, the late Phil "Jones" Setshedi, Johannes "Yester" Khomane, the acrobatic Patson "Sparks" Banda, to mention only a few, after beating arch rivals Moroka Swallows in the finals.

Please get yourself a copy of Soccer Laduma on the shelves tommorow. My interview with Shakes Mashaba about the revival of Moroka Swallows.

In This Week’s Edition Of Soccer Laduma | Soccer Laduma In anticipation of this week’s 1345th edition of Soccer Laduma, we preview some of the features included.

DStv, the Home of iDiski rewards fans in the 2023/24 DStv Premiership Season

Today, DStv celebrated the fourth year of its sponsorship of the biggest football league on the continent, by launching an exciting new fan campaign for the eagerly anticipated 2023/24 DStv Premiership season.

DStv, in collaboration with the Premier Soccer League, announced an exhilarating AmaFanDayz campaign, where football meets entertainment, and the fans meet the DStv stars. The campaign focuses on rewarding DStv Premiership fans for supporting their teams and being loyal DStv customers.

“Fans remain the lifeblood of football. For our partnership with the PSL to remain impactful, we’re excited to be bringing fan innovation to the biggest league on the continent. We have seen how the game comes alive when stadiums are packed, or when fans banter about players or go to great lengths to show up for their favourite teams. Owing to this unwavering support, this season, through our exciting AmaFanDayz campaign, DStv will be rewarding fans for their loyal support in cash,” said Marc Jury, the Chief Executive Officer at Multichoice South Africa.

“At select AmaFanDayz matches, fans will be able to enter our halftime competition to stand a chance to win their share of R3 million.”

To enter the competition, fans must come to selected AmaFanDayz matches, visit the DStv activation zone inside the stadium and sign up with DStv promoters to stand a chance to win. During the first half, a random draw will be conducted to determine the lucky fans who will particate in the penalty kick competition against a DStv star in goals at halftime. The successful penalty kick winner will be crowned Fan of the Match and walk away with R100 000. If the fan is a DStv Compact subscriber or higher, the prize money will be doubled to R200 000.

Throughout the season, passionate local football supporters are encouraged to celebrate the wins, spectacular goals, and energy in stadiums across the country through the AmaFanDayz campaign.

DStv customers should stay tuned to SuperSport for top-notch content, as once again all 240 DStv Premiership matches will be shown live on TV or via streaming on the home of entertainment, the home of Diski. Customers and non-subscribers should brace themselves as Dstv will be launching a new platform called DStv Stream on the 1st of August, a refreshed standalone internet consumption viewing of DStv’s content.

It doesn’t matter where they are, customers will be able to sign up online and stream a live match all in less than 5 minutes. And for select games, they’ll be able to watch the game in a language of their choice. Stream DStv Premiership anywhere.

The 2023/24 DStv Premiership season, which will see the 16 DStv Premiership clubs battling it out for the sought after R15 million winners’ cheque and glittering trophy come May next year, will kick-off on Friday, 4th August when defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns make the short trip up north to play Sekhukhune United at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.

“Fans must get ready for a DStv Premiership season like no other. This one is for them. We believe AmaFanDayz is going to create great excitement in stadiums. We urge all our customers and fans to come to stadiums clad in their team colours and in large numbers to win big,” added Jury.

Moroka Swallows' head coach, Steve Khompela has described Andile Jali as a player and a coach.

First explaining why the Dube Birds brought in former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder to their nest, the former Bafana Bafana Skipper said, "It’s always difficult to bring any player to a team because it’s not only about them wishing to come to you. It’s about affordability and whether there is a need for such a player in your team,” he said during SuperSport’s DStv Premiership launch at Multichoice City on Wednesday.

“But Andile Jali comes in and he ticks all those boxes – do we need a player of his caliber? Yes. Would he have the influence? Yes. Would he have the impact? Yes. Would he improve us? Yes. Would he evolve anyone? Yes.

“So it is our responsibility to see that that transaction is smooth without upsetting any processes within Moroka Swallows.”

Komphela was then asked whether Jali is excited to reunite with him at the club, with the duo having previously worked together at Bafana Bafana and Masandawana.

“He is more than excited,” he explained.

“It’s strange, athletes don’t care as long as they play. Jali had been out for some time, there had been lots of rumours and offers and all that.

“A bit of a plus that I worked with Andile at national team, I worked with him at Sundowns…”

"Contrary to that he is a son and a father, he is a player and a coach, "said Khompela in conclusion about the 33 year old midfielder.