Irvin FC wins theTrompies Matsane Tribute Soccer Tournament!
Cunningmore A, Bushbuckridge — The Trompies Matsane Tribute Soccer Tournament, a beloved event for soccer enthusiasts in Bushbuckridge and surrounding areas, saw its thrilling conclusion this past weekend. The tournament, which kicked off on 11 May, attracted large crowds of football faithful who attended every game with great enthusiasm.
Initially, 16 teams participated, but by 18 May, the competition had narrowed down to four formidable teams: Irvin FC, Home Sweepers FC, Mkhuhlu Madrid, and Young Stars FC. The final showdown featured Irvin FC and Home Sweepers FC, promising an intense battle for the coveted championship.
From the outset, Irvin FC dominated the field, showcasing their prowess and creating numerous scoring opportunities. At the 20-minute mark, they nearly took the lead when a player received a perfect square pass inside the 18-yard box, only to be denied by a spectacular save from the Home Sweepers’ goalkeeper. Despite another golden chance from a counter-attack, the ball frustratingly stopped on the goal line with no Irvin FC player in sight to tap it in.
The first half ended in a goalless draw, but the intensity didn’t wane. In the second half, Home Sweepers FC found their rhythm, combining well in midfield and launching their own attacks. Both teams had multiple chances but failed to break the deadlock, leading to a 0-0 scoreline at full time.
The match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Irvin FC triumphed 5-4, securing their second consecutive tournament victory. They celebrated with a R20,000 cash prize and the tournament trophy. Home Sweepers FC, as runners-up, received cash and silver medals, while Mkhuhlu Madrid took home bronze medals for finishing third.
Selby Matsane, spokesperson for the event, shared the inspiration behind the tournament: “We aim to keep Trompies Matsane’s legacy alive because he made a positive impact in other people’s lives. This tournament also seeks to unearth the untapped talent in our rural areas, with the hope that club scouts might discover talented players and recommend them to semi-professional or professional clubs where they can make a living.”
Matsane further elaborated on the tournament’s inclusivity: “This year, we had 16 teams participating, mainly from Bush South and Bush Midlands, with hopes that teams from Bush North will join in the future. It’s not a political event but a family event in collaboration with his second home, the ANC. As a family, we resolved that there is no event of Trompies without the ANC, as he was raised by them. Otherwise, we would have betrayed him and he would turn in his grave.”
Reflecting on Trompies Matsane’s impact, Selby Matsane expressed profound admiration and respect: “As a family, his death took us by surprise because he never complained of anything, which confirms that God’s plan is not ours. We have lost a leader, a legend, a selfless person who prioritized and loved his family. He championed education for family kids, funded many of them, and was passionate about his charity programs. But we find solace and comfort that he left the baton to the family, especially Mandla Matsane and Mxolisi, whom he groomed in charity.”
Lastly, Matsane conveyed a message Trompies would have shared with the players: “He would urge the players to unleash their talents to the fullest and enjoy the game. He would further request them to refrain from alcohol and drug abuse, as these are key drivers and catalysts for failure in life or hindrance of success.”
The Trompies Matsane Tribute Soccer Tournament, proudly sponsored by the Bangwato Foundation and Makungu Security Services, once again brought the community together in celebration of local football talent and the enduring legacy of a cherished community leader.
African Transformation Movement (ATM) leader Vuyo Zungula has sparked controversy by vowing to
take a hardline, uncompromising approach towards criminals if his party forms a government.
Speaking at an ATM regional rally in Soweto on Sunday, Zungula stated, “Under the ATM, a criminal
will be afraid to think they can succeed as a criminal. Under the ATM, be rest assured the law will say
‘nja’ [dog].”
He went on to criticize current policies, saying, “We are not going to be playing sweetheart with
criminals. We are not going to protect people who do not respect the right to life for others.”
Zungula’s comments come after Police Minister Bheki Cele released crime statistics showing 7,710
murders from October to December 2023, a year-on-year increase.
The ATM leader vowed to reintroduce the death penalty abolished in 1995, citing Botswana as an
example where “no one is complaining about criminals.” He advocated for police having free rein to
use lethal force, saying, “If your life is under threat by a criminal, do not shoot the leg or up in the
sky, erase that thing.”
Zungula dismissed human rights concerns for criminals, stating, “We can’t be thinking about human
rights for criminals.”
In addition to his tough-on-crime stance, Zungula outlined other ATM policies like expropriating land
without compensation, providing every home with a farm for food security, and reindustrializing
South Africa to create jobs by reducing imports.
While his supporters may back the hardline rhetoric, critics are likely to condemn any proposal to
undermine constitutionally protected human rights or due process of law.
Hundreds of thousands of students may be left stranded after the Department of Higher Education
and Training deregistered several major private higher education institutions. Damelin,
CityVarsity, Icesa City Campus, and Lyceum College had their registrations cancelled by the
department’s director general, Nkosinathi Sishi, for failing to submit audited financial statements
since 2020.
The four colleges are owned by Educor, the largest private education provider in Southern Africa
operating over 60 campuses. Under the Higher Education Act, private tertiary institutions must
provide financial statements to the department for accountability purposes.
The South African Union of Students (SAUS) spokesperson Asive Dlanjwa stated the deregistration
was in students’ best interests, citing a lack of proper governance at the institutions over the past
2-3 years despite opportunities to restore credibility. SAUS believes the colleges should not be re-
registered.
In late 2023, the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) had raised concerns over
maladministration at Damelin and non-payment of staff salaries across Educor’s institutions.
However, Saftu could not be reached for comment on the recent deregistration.
One first-year Damelin Braamfontein student, who requested anonymity, expressed shock and
worry about her future education prospects after enrolling when unable to gain university
admission.
As per regulations, the deregistered institutions must provide academic transcripts and assist
students with transferring to other providers. SAUS appealed for calm, noting the decision does
not impact students who have already graduated.
Educor has yet to issue a public statement regarding the deregistration of its major tertiary
education brands affecting hundreds of thousands of current students.
South African actress Thuso Mbedu has added another impressive accomplishment to her repertoire
– co-writing a comic book. The multi-award-winning star took to Instagram to announce her
involvement in the latest episode of the “Niobe” comic series, a collaboration with Stranger Comics
and Sebastian A. Jones.
In her Instagram post, Mbedu expressed her excitement and disbelief at achieving this milestone,
something she had never imagined herself capable of doing. “Never in my life did I ever imagine that
I’d do something as cool as co-writing a comic. It’s something I would’ve wanted to do but never
actually thought I COULD do because how sway?” she wrote.
The actress, known for her acclaimed performances in projects like “Underground Railroad” and
“The Woman King,” co-wrote the latest installment titled “Niobe: She-Tribe.” Mbedu’s enthusiasm
was palpable as she shared the news with her followers, stating, “So I’m very happy to announce
that the latest episode of Niobe that I had the privilege of co-writing with @strangercomics
@sebastian.a.jones is finally live for presale now!!!!!! I’m so excited.”
Fans and comic book enthusiasts can pre-order the new “Niobe” issue, which will be available in
various formats, including art prints, physical comics, and digital downloads. Mbedu encouraged her
followers to get their copies through the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform, adding, “There will be
art prints, comics, and digital download options so get your copies which you can get on Kickstarter.”
With this accomplishment, Thuso Mbedu continues to showcase her versatility and passion for
storytelling, expanding her creative horizons beyond acting into the realm of comic book writing.