The Rep 28 October 2022

THE Rep
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Friday 28 Oc to b e r, 202 2
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Roman Callies go into knockouts
VICTORY: Roman Callies right wing back Asalinto Mvelase paces forward with the ball against
AmaRasta FC at the regional playoffs at Dumpy Adams Sports Complex during the Nedbank
playoffs on Saturday Picture: ABONGILE SOLUNDWANA
Noshumi and
Rasta defeated
ABONGILE
S O L U N D WA N A
Roman Callies FC is
through to the provincial
Nedbank Cup
tournament knockout stages to
represent Chris Hani district.
The Ezibeleni team attained
six points when they eliminated
Noshumi FC and Rasta FC at the
district playoff on Saturday at
Dumpy Adams Sports Complex.
Roman Callies won the first
game against Noshumi FC by 3-
0. The first goal was scored by
striker Akhwezi Tiso during the
first half.
However, it was the halftime
break pep talk that proved
fruitful when substitute striker
Mandilakhe Sibeko returned
with a second goal. Minutes
later, striker Solami Lutseke
brought in the third goal.
Roman Callies again
dominated in their next match
against AmaRasta FC when they
beat their Cofimvaba
opponents.
The opening goal of the
match was scored by Anje
Nongauza, but AmaRasta FC
retaliated with a goal and it was
game on.
Right back Asalinto Mvelase
replied with a second goal,
ending the first half by 2-1.
In the second half Mvelase
again scored and midfielder
Asavela Guga finished the game
with the last goal, ending the
game by 4-1.
Roman Callies co-coach
Lonwabo Bobotyana, who was
ecstatic with the victory, said:
“This is the furthest we have
gone in almost ten years.
“We were always getting
eliminated in the early stages of
the Nedbank tournament.
“This is a step in the right
direction for the rest of the
season.
“We are happy that we have
achieved our goal, which was to
be the best team in the region.
Now we have to set our focus in
the province.”
He said the team had started
off nervously in the first game
against Noshumi FC.
“They did not play according
to the plan but when we got into
the game it became easier for
them to score.”
In the second game,
Bobotyana said when they
played against AmaRasta the
players were a bit tired, but they
remained resilient and went to
half time break with a 2-1 lead.
He said their first game
would be in Mount Ayliff next
weekend after the toss has been
done ahead of the big game.
Komani soccer stars score big with UFS bursaries
ABONGILE SOLUNDWANA
Two talented local soccer players h ave
earned the opportunity to pursue their
studies at the University of the Free State
(UFS) while at the same time getting a
big shot at progressing their football
careers.
They are central midfielder Luvo
Dawethi, who has now moved from
Phoenix Bird to play for Seven Stars in
the ABC Motsepe League, and Phoenix
centre-back Sinethemba Williams, who
plays in the Sasol League.
The two were selected after
University Sports SA head coach and
scout Godfrey Tenoff came to Komani in
search of skilled players at last month’s
soccer trials organised by the Mengami
Sports Academy, in partnership with
Phoenix Bird FC.
Phoenix Bird FC coach Ringo Klaas
said Dawethi and Williams were not the
first of his players who had received an
offer from UFS.
He said right-wing Mihlali Fatyela
had also received an opportunity with
Transnet and was set to graduate this
ye a r.
Centre Athenkosi Mase, striker
Qhawekazi Masakazi and left-back
Pelisa Sidini had also been awa r d e d
bursaries in previous years and were
doing their second year at the university,
he said.
“We are happy that every year our
players are given a chance,” Klaas said.
The coach said Mengami Sports
Academy, which is based in Ezibeleni,
and Phoenix Birds FC, had developed
good relations with Tenoff over the
ye a r s .
“He comes to scout players and
during other times he comes to motivate
our players to strive academically by
making sure they produce good results
to stand a good chance of being
s e l e c t e d .”
He said the club’s mandate was not
only to see players develop and excel in
soccer, but also to instil a mindset to
prioritise academics.
“This is why we have extra classes
where we help each other with
h o m e wo r k ,” Klaas said.
“Those who listen to us and follow
through are the ones who get the
o p p o r t u n i t y.
“We may not be winning the league
but there are things we have to show for
the work that is put into the team.”
An excited Dawethi said: “We are
extremely grateful for this opportunity,
education is important.
“It is always great to play soccer
while studying simultaneously.”
SPORTS AND ACADEMICS: Soccer players who have received bursaries
from UFS are former Phoenix Bird central midfielder Luvo Dawethi, left,
and Phoenix centre-back Sinethemba Williams, right, seen here with
Phoenix coach Ringo Klaas Picture: ABONGILE SOLUNDWANA
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