Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch sentenced to three years 

Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch sentenced to three years 

Orlando Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch has been sentenced to three years imprisonment for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily
harm. The sentence, however, was wholly suspended for five years on the condition that he is not found guilty of committing a similar offence during the period of suspension.

ALSO READ: Two Men gunned down at Playland Park in Tswinga Village 

Lorch was further ordered to pay a fine of R 100 000 to the non-governmental organisation, People Opposing Women Abuse [POWA]. R50 000 is due to be paid immediately [Tuesday] and the balance in installments. The 30-year-old was sentenced by the Randburg Magistrates’ Court, Gauteng.

The case relates to a complaint laid with the Midrand Police by his then-girlfriend, Fundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala, in September 2020. This resulted in his arrest and subsequent release on bail of R 2000.

Orlando Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch sentenced to three years
Thembinkosi Lorch

SENTENCED ANNOUNCED AGAINST ORLANDO PIRATES STAR THEMBINKOSI LORCH

The Bafana Bafana star was arrested on 07 September 2020, following an incident that happened at his place of residence in Midrand, on 06 September 2020.

Mathithibala said she was visiting Lorch when he left her at his home to go out with his friend. She said she saw that it was getting late and messaged him to return her car keys. On arrival, an argument ensued and Lorch became violent towards her and started to strangle her. Beat her whilst pulling her up and down. She called for help and his friend came to her rescue.

State prosecutor, Ms Michele Hart argued that the medical evidence corroborated the evidence of the complainant. The accused did not have any injuries which meant that he was the aggressor. The accused and his witness did not create a good impression in court as they were found to be non-credible witnesses.

“The NPA will continue in its fight against Gender-Based Violence to protect women from being subjected and/or targeted by perpetrators of GBV.”

Burnley shares update on Lyle Foster mental health

Burnley shares update on Lyle Foster mental health

English Premiership club Burnley has provided an update on the mental health of Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster. Foster has made it no secret that he suffers from mental issues.

ALSO READ: Limpopo to pursue international license for Hoedspruit Airport

The club announced on Thursday that the former Orlando Pirates player was currently in the care of specialists.

LYLE FOSTER CLUB BURNLEY’S STATEMENT ON HIS MENTAL HEALTH

“On behalf of Lyle Foster and his family they have asked us to share with you an update on Lyle’s illness,” the club said.

“Recently, Lyle let us know that he continues to live with issues around his mental well-being and has reached out for help.

“He is currently in the care of specialists. Giving him the support and care he needs to help him back to full health,” said Burnely.

Burnley shares an update on the mental health of Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster
Lyle Foster

“With the love and support of his family and everyone at Burnley Football Club we will do all we can to provide everything he needs to get better.
We ask for your understanding and respect Lyle’s privacy around this matter. We will not be making any more comments until further notice.

“One in four people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year. According to the PFA – over 75% of professional footballers have experienced some kind of mental health issue.”

Head coach Vincent Kompany has also emphasized that Foster will be given the much-needed support when he is ready to return.

Lyle has been having issues with his mental well-being. As a club, we have very quickly made a decision to fully support him, support his family, and Obviously offer him access to all the expertise and clinical support that he needs. At the moment we wish him a speedy recovery. We wish him to be in a better place by the time he is ready to come back to us.”

The 23-year-old first spoke about his suffering from depression in July this year. He has once again reached out for help.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is expected to name his 23-man squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Friday. Foster is not expected to be part of the squad.

Broos names Bafana squad for October friendlies

Broos names Bafana squad for October friendlies

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has named his final 23-member squad for the international friendly matches in October.

Bafana will take on eSwatini on 13 October at 18:00. They will then travel to Ivory Coast on 17 October 2023.

ALSO READ: Joel Masutha part ways with Venda FC

Broos is using the two matches to finetune his squad ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. South Africa is also set to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.

“We have again three injured players for the moment, players who played in the previous games,” he said.

 “It’s a pity, but I think for 80-85 percent that the team is made [for AFCON].

“There can be changes, certainly there can be changes, but I’m very happy that we are already so far,” said Broos on Thursday.

“With those two games now, Eswatini and Côte d’Ivoire, I can really make the choices next month for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.”

HUGO BROOS ON THE INCLUSION OF PASEKA MAKO

“First of all he’s better than last season. He plays good at the moment for Orlando Pirates, he’s quick and he’s very aggressive in duals.

“What I like is because he’s a defender and he is very offensive also. So this is always a quality, if you have that quality in your team it’s also very important,” explained Broos.

Hugo Broos names Bafana Bafana squad for October friendlies
Paseka Mako

“Defensively he’s not bad, not at all, the only thing maybe you can tell is he’s not a tall player. That can maybe sometimes be a problem if you play against teams with tall players.”

BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD FOR UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL BREAK

GOALKEEPERS:
Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Veli Mothwa [AmaZulu FC], Ricardo Goss [SuperSport United]

DEFENDERS:
Nyiko Mobbie [Sekhukhune United], Grant Kekana [Mamelodi Sundowns], Nkosinathi Sibisi [Orlando Pirates], Aubrey Modiba [Mamelodi Sundowns], Paseka Mako [Orlando Pirates] Mothobi Mvala [Mamelodi Sundowns], Siyanda Xulu [SuperSport United], Khuliso Mudau [Mamelodi Sundowns]

MIDFIELDERS:
Njabulo Blom [Sr Louis FC], Teboho Mokoena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Sphephelo Sithole [C.D Tondela], Sibongiseni Mthethwa [Kaizer Chiefs]

FORWARDS:
Mihlali Mayambela [Aris Limassol], Percy Tau [Al Ahly], Zakhele Lepasa [Orlando Pirates], Lyle Foster [Burnley], Lebo Mothiba [Strasbourg FC], Monnapule Saleng [Orlando Pirates], Bongokuhle Hlongwane [Minnesota], Themba Zwane [Mamelodi Sundowns].

Limpopo turns down offer to host Bafana matches

Limpopo turns down offer to host Bafana matches

The Limpopo province has turned down the offer to host the upcoming Bafana Bafana friendly matches, Limpopo Chronicle has learnt. Bafana Bafana are set to play against Namibia on 9 September and DR Congo three days later.

SAFA are expected to announce the hoist venues in the next few days. But this publication can reveal that the football mother body SAFA approached the Limpopo Department of Sport with the view to bringing the matches to the province.

ALSO READ: Limpopo club Magesi reinforce their squad 

SAFA Limpopo had identified the Peter Mokaba Stadium as the possible host for the matches. But the province has reportedly turned down the opportunity citing time and financial constraints. ”The matches are reportedly now going to be hosted in Gauteng.

KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape were also the other provinces believed to be keen on hosting the two matches.

Meanwhile, Bafana coach Hugo Broos on Tuesday named a 36-member preliminary squad for the two matches.

Limpopo turns down offer to host Bafana Bafana matches
Hugo Broos

BAFANA BAFANA PRELIMINARY SQUAD:

Goalkeepers:
Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Veli Mothwa [AmaZulu], Ricardo Goss [SuperSport United], Sipho Chaine [Orlando Pirates].

Defenders:
Nyiko Mobbie [Sekhukhune United], Grant Kekana [Mamelodi Sundowns], Nkosinathi Sibisi [Orlando Pirates], Aubrey Modiba [Mamelodi Sundowns], Thabiso Monyane [Orlando Pirates], Mothobi Mvala [Mamelodi Sundowns], Siyanda Xulu [SuperSport United], Given Msimango [Kaizer Chiefs], Innocent Maela [Orlando Pirates], Keegan Allan [Moroka Swallows], Ime Okon [SuperSport United], Sfiso Hlanti [Kaizer Chiefs], Zuko Mdunyelwa [Chippa United].

Midfielders:
Luke Le Roux [Varbergs Bois], Njabulo Blom [Saint Louis], Teboho Mokoena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Grant Margeman [SuperSport United], Bathusi Aubaas [Mamelodi Sundowns], Sphephelo Sithole [Tondela], Mlungisi Mbanjana [TS Galaxy].

Forwards:
Mihlali Mayambela [Aris Limassol], Themba Zwane [Mamelodi Sundowns], Kobamelo Kodisang [Moreirense], Khanyiso Mayo [Cape Town City], Iqraam Rayners [Stellenbosch], Pule Mmodi [Kaizer Chiefs], Bongokuhle Hlongwane [Minnesota], Percy Tau [Al Ahly], Zakhele Lepasa [Orlando Pirates], Lyle Foster [Burnley], Lebo Mothiba [Strasbourg], Monnapule Saleng [Orlando Pirates].

Legendary former Bafana coach Clive Barker has died 

Legendary former Bafana coach Clive Barker has died 

Former Bafana Bafana and 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winning coach Clive Barker has died, his family announced on Saturday.

Barker’s death was confirmed by COSAFA on behalf of the family. He died at the age of 78 after a battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).

In January this year, Barker was admitted to a Durban hospital where he was treated for an aneurysm, which affected blood flowing from his heart.

EX BAFANA BAFANA COACH CLIVE BARKER HAS DIED 

In a coaching career that spanned 42 years, Barker coached teams such as AmaZulu, Manning Rangers, Durban City, Durban Bush Bucks, Santos Cape Town, and Wits. His last club was Maritzburg United in 2016.

‘The Dog’ led Durban City to two back-to-back league titles in 1982 and 1983. Also led the Durban Bush Bucks to the honours in 1985.

He was also in charge when Bafana Bafana qualified for the first-ever World Cup in France in 1998. 

Legendary former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker has died
Clive Barker

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE FAMILY 

“It is with profound sadness that the family of former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker announce his passing on Saturday, 10 June after a brave battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).

Clive, 78, led South Africa to their only continental triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in 1996. He also steered the side to a maiden World Cup appearance in France in 1998. He is fondly remembered by fans across the country, as has been evident by the tremendous support he received after falling ill. 

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the medical professionals who cared for Clive over the past six months,” the Barker family says. “He fought a brave battle and we are relieved he is now at peace.

“Clive will be remembered for his role in helping to bring a nation together around the 1996 Afcon. But for us, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and he will be dearly missed.

“We have been overwhelmed by the enormous outpouring of love and support for Clive. Since he was first diagnosed with LBD. This is a testament to the coach, friend and mentor he was to not only several generations of footballers. But also anyone who crossed his path in the sport he so dearly loved.   

“We will provide details of the memorial service in the coming days, and ask the family’s privacy be respected at this very difficult time.”

Coach Broos names Bafana preliminary squad for Morocco

Coach Broos names Bafana preliminary squad for Morocco

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named a 34-member preliminary squad for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Morocco in June.

The Atlas Lions recently reached the semifinal of the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Both Bafana Bafana and Morocco have already qualified for the Afcon which will be held in Ivory Coast from 13 January-11 February 2024.

HUGO BROOS TO TRIM SQUAD:

The squad will also be trimmed to 23 players in early June. A reduced pre-camp will also be held from 31 May- 7 June 2023. It will also be made up of local and a few overseas-based players. The final squad will then go into camp on Sunday 11 June 2023.

The association also confirmed that it had fixed its outstanding issues with Stadium management. This is after there were also fears that the game could be jeopardized.

“This was an incredibly cordial engagement between two long-time partners. I am happy that our meeting was conducted in such a warm spirit. We are happy that all the issues have been resolved,” said the SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao.

Coach Hugo Broos names Bafana Bafana preliminary squad for Morocco
Hugo Broos

BAFANA BAFANA PRELIMINARY SQUAD:

GOALKEEPERS:

Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Veli Mothwa [AmaZulu], Ricardo Goss [SuperSport United].

DEFENDERS:
Given Msimango [TS Galaxy], Nyiko Mobbie [Sekhukhune United], Innocent Maela, Nkosinathi Sibisi [both Orlando Pirates], Taariq Fielies [Cape Town City], Siyanda Xulu [Turan Tovuz].

MIDFIELDERS:

Sphelele Mkhulise, Teboho Mokoena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Bathusi Aubaas [TS Galaxy], Thapelo Maseko, Grant Magerman [both SuperSport United], Njabulo Blom [St. Louis City], Miguel Timm [Orlando Pirates], Like Le Roux [Varbergs BoIS].

FORWARDS:
Monnapule Saleng [Orlando Pirates], Cassius Mailula, Themba Zwane [Mamelodi Sundowns], Zakhele Lepasa [SuperSport United], Khanyisa Mayo [Cape Town City], Kobamelo Kodisang [Moreirense], Mihlali Mayambela [Aris Limassol], Bongokuhle Hlongwane [Minnesota United], Percy Tau [Al Ahly], Pule Mmodi [Golden Arrows], Iqraam Rayners [Stellenbosch].2

Man wrongfully arrested for Senzo Meyiwa’s murder sues for R21m

Man wrongfully arrested for Senzo Meyiwa’s murder sues for R21m

The man who was wrongfully arrested in connection with the murder of former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain, Senzo Meyiwa, has been given a green light to sue the state.

Zamokuhle Mbatha is suing the National Prosecutor Authority, Minister of Police Bheki Cele, and two other officers for more than R21-million. This is after he was detained for 13 days

The matter has been put on the court roll for July next year.

SENZO MEYIWA MURDER CASE

Minister Cele has been included in the lawsuit because he is the current police minister. Even though not the minister at the time when Mbatha was arrested.

Mxolisi Ndwandwe who is Mbatha’s lawyer. Confirmed to Sunday Independent that the matter had finally been put on the roll for July 18, 2023. After more than eight years of ducking and diving by the state.

Minister of Police Bheki Cele

“We finally going to court after years of ducking and diving by the state, going back and forth for unnecessary reasons,” Ndwandwe told the publication.

“My client was wrongfully arrested and humiliated. But instead of acknowledging their mistakes, the state has been sending us from pillar to post.”

A senior police officer, who spoke to the same publication said the state must pay Mbatha. Apologise for their embarrassing mistake. Instead of wasting more money by going to defend their gross error in court.

“We as the police f***ed up big time in this case. They must pay this guy what is due to him instead of wasting more, in legal fees and whatnot,” the officer said.

HOW MUCH MBATHA WANTS

Mbatha was arrested four days. This is after Mewiya was shot and killed at his then girlfriend’s mother’s house in Vosloorus. When a police identity kit was released with a dreadlocked man identified as one of the suspects.

Mewiya was dating singer, Kelly Khumalo, at the time and the musician was in the house when the soccer star was shot.

Among Mbatha’s claims are R2.5m for malicious prosecution. An additional R5m for defamation as he was labelled him as a criminal who had murdered Meyiwa.

Mbatha is suing for a total of R10m with 15.5% annual interest since the day the lawsuit was filed in April 2015. An amount comes to more than R21m to date.

Bafana Bafana and Angola share the spoils in Mbombela

Bafana Bafana and Angola share the spoils in Mbombela

Bafana Bafana shared the spoils played to a 1-1 draw against Angola at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Joaquim Cristóvão Paciência opened the scoring for the visitors with a well take header in the 20th minute.

The home side werre awarded a penalty eight minutes later when Kaizer Chiefs forward Kgaogelo Sekgota was brought down in the 18 area box.

Bafana Bafana and Angola share the spoils in Mbombela
Bafana Bafana and Angola in Mbombela

Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa converted to make it level before the half time break.

Both teams failed to score in the second half and the match ended 1-1.

BAFANA BAFANA LAST MATCH END IN SPOILS

This was a last competitive friendly match for Bafana Bafana. They beat Mozambique in another friendly international on Thursday evening.

South Africa’s next match will be in a Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Liberia in March.

Hugo Broos names his Bafana Bafana squad for Mbombela friendlies

Hugo Broos names his Bafana Bafana squad for Mbombela friendlies

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has set his sights on maintaining his winning streak when they face Mozambique and Angola as he names his squad. Bafana will take on the two nations in friendly internationals in Mbombela next week.

They beat Sierra Leone 4-0 and Botswana 1-0 in two friendly internationals last month. Broos said he wanted to keep the momentum going when he announced his squad on Tuesday, 8 November 2022.

“Winning is the first objective,” he said.

KEEPING THE MOMENTUM AS HUGO BROOS NAMES HIS TEAM

“That is the most important thing. If we can win twice again, then we have four victories in a row. This would give us a boost for the games in March next year (in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Liberia).

“Secondly, what I saw against Sierra Leone, I would like to see it again, the same way of playing. Maybe it might not be as successful because. I think Angola and Mozambique are stronger than the Sierra Leone team we played against in September. So, it will be tougher.

“But I want to see the intention to do it. I want to see that at last we have a certain manner of playing and we can get results with it. This is maybe the biggest thing we have to do in the next two games and prove it was not a surprise only against Sierra Leone.”

BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS

Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Melusi Buthelezi (TS Galaxy).

DEFENDERS

Sydney Mobbie (Sekhukhune), Thabang Phete (Bataeh FC, UAE), Siyanda Xulu (Toran – Tovuz, Azerbaijani), Siyanda Msani (Richards Bay), Rushine de Reuck (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Grant Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns).

MIDFIELDERS

Miguel Timm (Orlando Pirates), Njabulo Blom, (Kaizer Chiefs), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Luke Le Roux Vargerb Bois (Sweden), Monnapule Saleng, (Orlando Pirates).

FORWARDS

Khanyisa Mayo (Cape Town City), Lyle Foster (Westerlo FC, Belgium), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol, Cyprus) Fagrie Lakay, Pyramid SC, Egypt), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Zakhele Lepasa (Orlando Pirates), Kgaugelo Sekgota (Kaizer Chiefs).

Meanwhile, the murder case of fofmer Bafana Bafana keeper Senzo Meyiwa is ongoing at Gauteng North high court. His childhood friend Tumelo Madlala took the stand. Saudi Arabia.

Sonia Booth airs Matthew Booth dirty laundry

Sonia Booth airs Matthew Booth dirty laundry

Sonia Booth has aired dirty laundry and accused her husband and Bafana Bafana legend, Matthew Booth of having an affair with another woman. 

The Miss South Africa 2001 second runner-up detailed her husband’s alleged affair in a string of Instagram posts shared on Monday.

MATTHEW BOOTH CHEATING 

“This was the start: 14 Feb 2022,” she wrote alongside a video in which Matthew is with two other sports commentators. She mentioned “every day is Valentine’s Day in the Booth household”.

According to Sonia, the former Sydney Olympics Matthew picked up a woman that morning from her house.

A second post shows two bottles of cologne – a bottle of Gucci Guilty and Bvlgari Man in Black. The caption reads. “They spent the night in Polokwane, and the following day he dropped her off at her house.”

The following post jumps to 10 July and shows three Play Trip notifications. In the caption, Sonia alleges that Matthew bought flowers. He also fetched the woman from her house, and took her for lunch at Fishmonger. 

On 4 August, Sonia alleges Matthew picked the woman up in her car and travelled to Empangeni. They reportedly stayed for three nights.

The fifth post shows a rescheduled meeting that was to take place on Friday, 4 November, which was their son Nate’s birthday.

SONIA BOOTH PAIN AS SHE AIRS DIRTY LAUNDRY

In the caption, Sonia added: “It was changed after I gave [the woman] an ultimatum that if @matthewboothza missed our son’s bday celebration, I will do exactly what I’m doing now…social media. Reneged on my ‘promise’ after meeting her husband this morning… [sic].”

Sonia then shared a statement in which she revealed the woman is also married. She contacted the husband, met with him and received his blessing to share the evidence she had collected.

Sonia continued with her posts, sharing a story about a cheesecake Matthew baked on Thursday, 3 November. Having baked it on Thursday night, Sonia shared that she and her family were excited. Thinking it was for their son’s birthday; however, by the next morning the cake was gone.