Residents in Johannesburg should brace for planned water outages next week as Johannesburg Water conducts critical maintenance and infrastructure upgrades
The water utility has scheduled interruptions across multiple areas
Residents are expected to face low pressure or complete water cuts during the affected periods
ALSO READ: Gauteng Braces for Cold Front: Joburg Emergency Services Issue Winter Alert
Johannesburg Water has announced that Fleurhof suburb will undergo an 8-hour water shutdown on Tuesday
The outage is necessary to install a new pipe into the city’s existing water infrastructure
Joburg Water stated that this maintenance is part of broader efforts to enhance long-term service delivery to residents
“Residents in the area will experience low pressure and no water supply during the maintenance period,” Joburg Water confirmed in a public statement
The utility has assured the public that they are taking steps to mitigate the inconvenience
Further details about alternative water supply options are expected closer to the date
another major disruption is scheduled in Region G
This interruption is due to the relocation of a 300mm water pipeline
Residents in the affected area will again experience either very low water pressure or a complete loss of water during the work
Johannesburg Water plans to share information about alternative supply routes or emergency relief closer to the maintenance period
These planned outages come on the back of similar disruptions across the metro
with Johannesburg Water recently executing 42-hour and 11-hour shutdowns in other areas for routine maintenance and Eskom-related work
Level 1 water restrictions remain active across Johannesburg
These restrictions have been in place since 8 November 2024
as part of the city’s broader water conservation efforts
Johannesburg Water continues to monitor consumption levels closely
implementing a restriction programme that includes halting pumping at key pump stations and towers
This controlled approach helps maintain system stability and prevent emergency outages
“To manage high consumption and support the recovery of our systems
Johannesburg Water will continue to enforce the restriction programme according to the separate schedule,” the utility said
While water outages are inconvenient, they are often necessary for maintaining the reliability and quality of the city’s water system
Johannesburg Water emphasized that these upgrades and repairs are part of an ongoing effort to prevent future unplanned outages and extend the lifespan of the city’s infrastructure
Residents are encouraged to remain patient
particularly as the city navigates long-term water supply challenges linked to climate change
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JOHANNESBURG: A night-time collision between a packed minibus taxi and a pick-up truck has killed 15 people in rural South Africa
Five people were in hospital with serious injuries after the crash at around midnight on Saturday to Sunday near the Eastern Cape town of Maqoma
provincial transport spokesman Unathi Binqose official told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika
The drivers of both vehicles were among the dead and an inquest would be opened to determine what happened
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AVBOB celebrates a milestone by rewarding its members on a large scale
JOHANNESBURG - Johannesburg residents are blowing their fuses over a planned prepaid electricity surcharge hike
The city plans to increase the charge from R200 to R270 a month
READ | Eskom vows to keep you warm this winter
This is despite earlier promises to dial it down or ditch it altogether
The increase is included in the city's draft budget
It also raises network capacity charges from R130 to R200
OUTA’s Wayne Duvenage discussed the impact of this.
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JOHANNESBURG - The City of Johannesburg has expressed deep concern that Milpark Hospital refused medical care to an injured JMPD officer
The hospital cited an outstanding debt of R35 million owed by the City
READ: City of Joburg | Gauteng Health refutes debt claims
However, the City rejects this claim, saying it owes only R3,9 million, with payments being processed and paid weekly.
City manager, Tshepo Makola, says an investigation is under way on this incident and also a financial audit is being carried out to look at the debt owed to the hospital.
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JOHANNESBURG - Police have urged the public to steer clear of Moderfontein Road in Tembisa following a cash-in-transit heist.
It is understood that the criminals travelling in two vehicles blew up a cash van near Church Street on Monday morning.
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Bucs came into the match hoping to get a win to sustain title hopes while Amakhosi needed three points to strengthen their top-eight chances
The race for the Motsepe Foundation Championship has become a three-dog race
with Orbit College FC and Black Leopards posing a serious threat to log leaders Durban City
who made a dramatic comeback from the sixth position to the top three brackets in recent weeks
Orbit College have also positioned themselves well to challenge the league title after their recent results
This after having beaten Kruger United 3-0 away in Mpumalanga before the Free State-based side could turn the heat on Leruma United with a hard-earned 2-1 victory at home
Last season Orbit College approached the season very well
And they were at some point promising to gain promotion to the elite league
either via automatic promotion or through play-offs
But loss of focus towards the end of the season cost them dearly
The Pogiso Makhoye’s coached side finished on the 9th position with 39 points
Overall Orbit are the fifth-highest scoring club behind Baroka FC
Durban City and Hungry Lions who are on 36 and 32 goals respectively
Siyabulela Mabele (the club’s leading goal-scorer with 7 goals)
Katlego Cwinyane and Gomolemo Khoto (four goals each) have contributed half of their goals by far
Orbit are fully aware that any slip-ups in these matches could disadvantage their title chase
they have an opportunity of taking a home advantage against the visiting Baroka FC whom they welcome at the Olympia Park in Rustenburg in the North West
Victory against Bakgaga ba Mphahlele in this clash will see them maintain their second spot position on the log
The rest of Motsepe Foundation Championship fixtures are:
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Orlando Pirates completed a Betway Premiership ‘double’ over Soweto derby rivals Kaizer Chiefs after claiming a 2-1 win at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.
The Buccaneers came from a goal down to claim victory, bouncing back from their defeats to Pyramids FC (CAF Champions League) and Sekhukhune United (Premiership) in the past eight days to lay down a marker for a rematch against Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final next weekend. Pirates also closed the gap to league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns (who will be in action away to Cape Town City on Saturday night) to nine points.
As for the Amakhosi, this second successive loss extends their winless run in the league to seven matches, and is a further blow to their hopes of a top-eight finish. They remain in ninth, level with eighth-placed Chippa United, but have now played two more games than the Eastern Cape club.
The kick-off was delayed 30 minutes due to the late arrival of fans into the venue. Yet when the match did get going, it needed just 120 seconds to be set alight, as Chiefs claimed a stunning early lead: Dillon Solomons stole possession high up the pitch, drove forward and squared to Makabi Lilepo, whose first-time shot had the beating of goalkeeper Sipho Chaine’s right hand to make it 1-0.
Pirates were stunned by the early goal, but gradually worked their way back into the game and levelled at 1-1 in the 24th minute. Mohau Nkota played a well-weighted pass in behind the Chiefs defence for Evidence Makgopa, who provided a composed finish through the legs of goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma.
The team in black nearly claimed the lead just past the half-hour mark when Tapelo Xoki headed on target from Deon Hotto’s free kick delivery, but Bvuma made an excellent reaction save to tip the ball over the crossbar.
Pirates continued to grow in confidence and created a chance for Makgopa a few minutes later, though this time his finish lacked the precision of the equalising goal, with the ball flashing wide of Bvuma’s right-hand post.
Chiefs ended the first half strongly and nearly went back in front in injury time before the break, as Yusuf Maart’s cross from the left was directed toward his own goal by Mbekezeli Mbokazi, but Chaine made a sharp save at his near post to keep the score level.
The Buccaneers made a tactical switch at the start of the second half, as Kabelo Dlamini replaced defender Paseka Mako, and Deon Hotto slotted into the left-back slot. Dlamini almost made an immediate impact, whipping a shot from the edge of the box just over the target in the 50th minute.
Pirates went ahead for the first time in the 69th minute, as Hotto and Relebohile Mofokeng combined to great effect, with the latter driving a low, left-footed shot through a crowded penalty to find the back of the net and put the visitors 2-1 up.
Bucs created further scoring chances for Nkota and Mofokeng, but Chiefs were able to survive and keep themselves alive in the game. The Amakhosi introduced the likes of Edson Castillo, Ashley du Preez, Tashreeq Morris and Thabo Cele to try and force an equaliser in the dying minutes.
However, the hosts were reduced to 10 men in injury time when Bradley Cross picked up a second yellow card and was sent off, effectively ending their hopes of a late comeback.
Pirates will be back in league action on Tuesday, 6 May, with a clash away to Golden Arrows, before they meet Chiefs again in the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban next Saturday, 10 May.
Orlando Pirates (1) 2 (Makgopa 24’, Mofokeng 69’)
Chiefs: Bvuma, Solomons, Kwinika, Dove, Cross, Maart (Castillo 85’), Ngcobo (Cele 78’), Shalalala, Lilepo, Sirino (Du Preez 68’), Mmodi (Morris 78’)
Pirates: Chaine, Shandu (Ndlozi 65’), Xoki, Mbokazi, Mako (Dlamini 46’), Makhaula, Mbatha (Selepe 88’), Nkota, Mofokeng, Hotto, Makgopa (Radiopane 88’)
The Tshwane giants were yet again dominant against their opponents, who are staring at relegation.
That's it from this game. This is the season of T20s and we have so many of them on show. We will be back soon with another one. Bye bye for now...
Faf du Plessis, Player of the Match: Was a tricky wicket. The new ball moved. The intent was needed. If you stand still, you are a sitting target. The DLS is way more complicated than I can imagine. We were excellent on the field. On a wet outfield. We didn't bowl well in the last 3 overs. We gave away 20 runs more than what we expected. Three to four wickets early broke their back while batting.
21:48 Local Time, 19:48 GMT, 01:18 IST: Close to 20 minutes of play has been lost since we last went off. More overs are going to be reduced. Nothing new to update. But I really feel that the announcement shouldn't be taking too long now. We still are trying to hold on to the last straw of hope. So, we have it. JSK win by 6 runs (DLS).
21:37 Local Time, 19:37 GMT, 01:07 IST: The 22 yards and the nearby areas are well sheeted. And as mentioned earlier every minute lost will mean the overs will keep getting reduced. And we are assuming if we have a downpour of more than 15-20 minutes, we won't have a resumption. But then again my mathematics was never my strong point...
Rabada to Wihan Lubbe, no run, fuller length delivery, right up there, outside off. Wihan Lubbe jams the ball down on to the on-side
Wihan Lubbe, left handed bat, comes to the crease
Rabada to Bairstow, no run, very full, angled in, 139 clicks, Bairstow jams the ball back to the bowler
Kagiso Rabada [2.0-0-10-1] is back into the attack
Rashid Khan to Bairstow, 1 run, one run to end the over. Backed away and slashed it over point. The man at deep cover picked it on the bounce. Bairstow having a word with Rashid Khan. He had a word or two with Rabada earlier. Seems to be chirpy...
Rashid Khan to Bairstow, no run, rubbed the ball with his towel and managed to bowl an accurate flatter one. Bairstow looked to tuck it and misses
Rashid Khan to Leus du Plooy, 1 run, tossed up delivery, outside off, Leus du Plooy bends down and nudges the ball out on to the on-side for a single
Rashid Khan to Leus du Plooy, FOUR, and four more brings them closer to 136. Was a short ball, just outside off, googly, Leus du Plooy waited on it and pulled the ball wide of deep mid for a four. He called for two but he didn't know that he had timed it so well
Rashid Khan to Bairstow, 1 run, Bairstow isn't the best against spin. But he backs away and thrashes the ball down to deep cover for a single
Rashid Khan to Leus du Plooy, 1 run, stays back and punches the ball down to deep cover for a single. The conditions are wet. Won't be easy for Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan [1.0-0-8-0] is back into the attack
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PSL action continued on Sunday, May 4, as the 2024/25 season nears conclusion with a lot to play for.
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Off The Pitch
Premiership
FT #BetwayPrem •TS Galaxy 0️⃣-1️⃣ Richards Bay (Lindokuhle Zikhali'51)#PhakweGas #NatalRichBoyZ pic.twitter.com/Yn5T030vah
80' TSG 0-1 RB: The Natal Rich Boyz are defending with everything heading into the final ten minutes
70' TSG 0-1 RB: Galaxy now have 20 minutes to find the breakthrough
but they do have the numbers in their favour
54' RED CARD: Zikhali goes from hero to villain as he is sent off after picking up his second yellow card of the game
51' GOAL: The visitors finally get the breakthrough as Zikhali finds the back of the net
HT : #BetwayPrem •TS Galaxy 0-0* Richards Bay #PhakweGas #NatalRichBoyZ pic.twitter.com/2ewuUOTBFZ
40' TSG 0-0 RB: It's been a real frustrating half from both sides
with neither of them looking likely to score befroe the break
35' TSG 0-0 RB: Richards Bay will be desperate to pick up the win
especially after SuperSport United won on Saturday evening
25' TSG 0-0 RB: 25 minutes have gone in Tshwane but both sides have struggled to carve out chances
10' TSG 0-0 RB: The Natal Rich Boys have enjoyed most of the possession in the early stages
but we are still waiting for the first chance
Galaxy get the first half underway at the Lucas Moripe Stadium
1️⃣'#BetwayPrem •TS Galaxy 0-0* Richards Bay #PhakweGas #NatalRichBoyZ
RESULT: Cape Town City 0-2 Mamelodi Sundowns
77' GOAL: Sundowns finally double their lead as Rayners gets his name on the score-sheet with a clinical finish
73' CTC 0-1 SUN: City have made a double to change as Mokotjo and Goedeman replace Petrus and Amato
65' CTC 0-1 SUN: Williams has barley been tested on his return to action
but City are seeing a bit more of the ball now
55' CTC 0-1 SUN: Sundowns carve out another opening as Modiba picks out Sales
HALFTIME: Cape Town City 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
40' CTC 0-1 SUN: Sundowns go close to adding a second goal but Morena sees his low strike saved by Keet
33' GOAL!: Sundowns finally break the deadlock as Rayners breaks free down the right before picking out Matthews
20' CTC 0-0 SUN: Still no goals to report on at the DHL Stadium
but the game has been played at a lively tempo
10' CTC 0-0 SUN: It's been a lively start in Cape Town
where both sides have shown a desire to get goals
RESULT: SuperSport United 2-0 Chippa United
Full-Time ⏹️A solid 2–0 win! Bradley opened the scoring, and Saile sealed it with a beauty. Big performance, big three points!SuperSport United 2 - 0 Chippa United#MatsatsantsaUnified #BetwayPremiership pic.twitter.com/8jAfb4c5D2
90' SSU 2-0 CHI: Chippa will end the game with ten men after Sergio Kammies is shown a straight red for a dangerous challenge
#DikwenaTsaMeetse 🐊#TheBlueNation#BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/rNVOzVufXc
78' MAG 1-1 SEK: Sekhukhune finally get their reward as Ohizu finds the back of the net to level matters
48' SSU 2-0 CHI: The home side have doubled their lead
with Saile getting his name on the score-sheet
55' MAG 1-0 SEK: Magesi continue to hold firm in the second half
HALFTIME: SuperSport United 1-0 Chippa United
Half-Time⏸️ We lead 1–0 thanks to a cool finish from Bradley Grobler! 🔵#MatsatsantsaUnified | #BetwayPremiership pic.twitter.com/H5dYEMwLxN
45' SSU 1-0 CHI: SuperSport have defended well in the first half
but will be unhappy not to have scored more goals
35' SSU 1-0 CHI: Chippa have struggled to trouble the SuperSport defence so far
HALFTIME ⚽🐊Magesi (Abrahams 13') 1-0 Sekhukhune United #DikwenaTsaMeetse 🐊#TheBlueNation#BetwayPrem
30' MAG 1-0 SEK: Eric Tinkler's men are throwing bodies forward in search of the equaliser but Magesi are defending well
17: SSU 1-0 CHI: SuperSport get the breakthrough as veteran striker Bradley Grobler nods home Lyle Lakay's cross
15' SSU 0-0 CHI: Big chance for SuperSport to take the lead
but Saile fires straight at Nwabali in a one-on-one situation
13' MAG 1-0 SEK: The home side get the opening goal thanks to a strike from Abrahams
10' MAG 0-0 SEK: It's been a decent opening at the Seshego Stadium
where Sekhukhune need to win in order to reclaim third spot
90' RED CARD: Chiefs will finish the game with ten men as Cross picks up his second yellow card of the game
75' KC 1-2 OP: Chiefs have introduce Tashreeq Morris and Thabo Cele for the final 15 minutes
68' KC 1-2 OP: Pirates have completed the turnaround as Mofokeng fires past Bvuma from close-range
Three goals, three points ✨️Golden Arrows 0️⃣–3️⃣ Stellenbosch FC pic.twitter.com/BZyZ8jsxx1
55' KC 1-1 OP: The Buccaneers have enjoyed most of the possession in the early stages of the second half
with Dlamini going closest with an effort from the edge of the box
72' GA 0-3 ST: The visitors manage to bag a third goal on the day
with Thabo Moloisane getting his name on the score-sheet
70' GA 0-2 STE: Stellenbosch have doubled their lead in the contest courtesy of a strike from Lesiba Nku
60' GA 0-1 STE: Arrows continue to throw bodies forward
with Lukhele going closest after Masuluke is called upon to make the save
46' GA 0-1 STE: Stellies have been dealt an injury blow as Ismael Toure is replaced by Athenkosi Mcaba
HALFTIME: Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 Orlando Pirates
40' KC 1-1 OP: There are just five minutes left in the half
but Chiefs have looked livelier after a shaky spell
30' KC 1-1 OP: Bvuma produces a great reactionary save to keep out Xoki's header as the defence went to sleep
23' GOAL: Pirates level matters at the midway point as Makgopa bags his fifth league after being set up by Nkota
45' HALFTIME: Golden Arrows 0-1 Stellenbosch
15' KC 1-0 OP: Big chance for Pirates to equalise but Dove pops up with a big block on Xoki in the box
40' GA 0-1 STE: Five minutes left in the first half
2' GOAL: Kaizer Chiefs have taken an early lead as Lilepo gets his first derby goal with a first-time finish
1' UNDERWAY: Orlando Pirates get the first half underway at FNB Stadium
☠️ The #SowetoDerby begins! 💥⚫⚪🔴⭐#MatchDay#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/vkSubxQQZV
25' GA 0-1 STE: Arrows are pushing for the equaliser
but are yet to trouble Masuluke between the sticks
15' GOAL: Stellenbosch take the lead in Hammarsdale courtesy of a strike from Devin Titus
1' UNDERWAY: Golden Arrows 0-0 Stellenbosch FC
Kick-Off DELAYED: The match will now start at 15h30
Important Update!The match will be delayed by 30 minutes as supporters are still making their way into the stadium.The match will now kick off at 15h30. #Amakhosi4Life
14:30: Maswanganyi Left Out Of Pirates Squad
does not make the matchday squad for Pirates
We've arrived in Hammarsdale 📍 pic.twitter.com/L7HWQesXFO
13:38 - Orlando Pirates players walking around FNB Stadium
☠️🧵🪡⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/HaaT6ORDsc
Kaizer Chiefs will be without young forward Wandile Duba
who has netted five league goals this season
take to the field without central defender Nkosinathi Sibisi who was sent off in the defeat to Sekhukhune United on Wednesday
The Kampala Declaration on Building Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa officially launched in Johannesburg
2025 — The Kampala Declaration on Building Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa has been officially launched in Johannesburg
alongside the unveiling of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2035
The launch marks a pivotal moment in Africa’s agricultural transformation
coming just months after its adoption by African Union Heads of State in Kampala
Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE) at the African Union Commission (AUC)
described the moment as “a seed of hope planted in the fertile soil of Africa’s agricultural landscape.”
we gather to nurture this seed into a bountiful harvest
symbolising the transformation of our agriculture sector and the prosperity of our people,” said Vilakati
harnessing the power of agrifood systems transformation to drive our development and prosperity.”
The Kampala Declaration and the CAADP Strategy aim to transition African agriculture from basic food production to an integrated agrifood system that includes processing
and consumption—all while ensuring sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change
emphasised the role of data in achieving food security and nutrition goals
“Achieving transformation in agri-food systems will necessitate extensive data from various sectors to make informed decisions regarding food security and nutrition,” he said
“This requires addressing data deficiencies
micronutrient levels and food composition.”
Uganda’s Minister for Agriculture and current Chair of the African Union’s Specialised Technical Committee (STC) on Agriculture
Minister of Agriculture of the Kingdom of Eswatini; Mme
CEO of AUDA-NEPAD; representatives of Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
The CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) represents a significant policy evolution from the Maputo and Malabo Declarations
with a renewed emphasis on climate-smart agriculture
will address persistent challenges such as food and nutritional insecurity
and economic instability,” Vilakati affirmed
In a strong appeal to African governments and partners
Vilakati called for increased budgetary allocations
effective domestication of the new strategy
Let us harness the power of agrifood systems transformation to feed our people
we can make Africa’s agriculture a beacon of hope and prosperity for generations to come.”
The Government of South Africa was commended for hosting the milestone event
which aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision: “The Africa We Want.”
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The City of Johannesburg's Region D hosted the 2025 edition of the Soweto Sports Festival on the weekend of 3–4 May at the CTM Sports Centre in Meadowlands
This dynamic youth-focused event followed the success of the inaugural festival held on 2 March 2024 at the same venue
Organised by the City of Joburg's Region D Sport and Recreation team
the two-day sports festival showcased a range of sporting codes
and activities by the Soweto Basketball Academy
This year's edition expanded to two days to accommodate a broader number of participants and codes compared to the previous year.The Soweto Sports Festival forms part of the City's strategy to promote youth development
and community wellbeing through active participation in sport
Key partners included local sports federations such as South African Football Association and humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers
These stakeholders work in collaboration with the City's Sport and Recreation Directorate to select qualifying teams based on set criteria and development targets.For 2025
the focus was placed on developing young athletes in specific age groups: under-14s in basketball
volleyball and football; and under-17s in netball
The event aims to identify and nurture local talent
and introduce sporting codes like volleyball to township areas where such opportunities are limited.Among the festival's highlights was Gift of the Givers' donation of sanitary packs to support the dignity and wellbeing of young girls
Former captain of the SPAR Proteas Netball Team
who encouraged youth to take sport seriously as a path to opportunity for both personal growth and community upliftment.Winners across sporting categories were awarded trophies
medals (sponsored by the City's Sport and Recreation Directorate)
and gift vouchers courtesy of Dytabank.The City's Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Development
commended the organisers and participants for their dedication: “The Soweto Sports Festival is a powerful initiative that fosters community unity while uncovering future stars
and township youth often represent the most overlooked talent
This platform gives them visibility and encouragement
and it must continue to grow."The Region D Sports Festival stands as a key event in promoting youth sport
and social cohesion in Johannesburg's vibrant communities.Written by Maseipati Tsotsotso05/05/2025
Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune has explained why Orlando Pirates were the better side during their Betway Premiership Soweto derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday
Pirates managed to secure a league double over their Soweto rivals following a 2-1 comeback win
Amakhosi took an early lead with only two minutes played when Makabi Lilepo found the target but Evidence Makgopa levelled matters fore Pirates in the 24th minute
Relebohile Mofokeng combined with Deon Hotto to seal the win for Pirates
the former Bafana Bafana custodian explained that Pirates players were better than those of Chiefs because they have been together for a long period of time
“I think my answer will be simple on that,” Khune said as quoted by idiskitimes
“Remember coach Jose [Riveiro] has been with Pirates for three seasons and they have created that family bond with players
He has given them an opportunity; he’s been giving them regular game-time
Coach Nabi has now just arrived at the club and obviously is still trying to know the players better
“There’s been a level of inconsistency of the youngsters at Kaizer Chiefs because of that reason that the coach is new and he wants to get the right combinations
you would see Mduduzi [Shabalala] playing regularly
[Mfundo] Vilakazi came on as a sub a lot of times just to close down the game
they’ve been inconsistent because coach is trying different combinations
we would think that all these players are consistent
it’s standard and he just makes one or two changes
the new coach doesn’t get the results the next game he changes the entire team
trying different players in different positions
While the defeat left Chiefs ninth on the 16-team league table with 30 points from 26 matches
the victory saw Pirates reach 49 points and remained second on the log
Richards Bay bounced back to winning ways in the Betway Premiership with a 1-0 victory over TS Galaxy at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday afternoon
The win elevated the Natal Rich Boys to the 11th spot in the league standings - six points clear of the relegation zone
Richards Bay will host Golden Arrows in their penultimate match of the season on 17 May
#BetwayPrem - RESULT:Lindokuhle Zikhali's second half goal earns @RichardsBayFC_ all three points against @TSGALAXYFC. pic.twitter.com/JeKyUqTXcn
remained fifth in the standings after recording their ninth defeat of the campaign
Galaxy will wrap their league campaign with a match against Orlando Pirates in Soweto on 17 May
The Rockets did most of the attacking in the opening exchanges
but they couldn't keep their attempts on target as Kamogelo Sebelebele's header went wide in the third minute
before Puso Dithejane's effort missed the right post in the 10th minute
Salim Magoola was called into action a minute before halftime
and the Natal Rich Boys' goalkeeper produced a low diving save to stop Dithejane's dangerous shot-come-cross
The score was 0-0 at the interval in South Africa's administrative capital
Richards Bay came back as an improved side
and they took a 1-0 lead through Lindokuhle Zikhale in the 51st minute
the 20-year-old attacker went from hero to villain as he was sent off in the 54th minute
with the Natal Rich Boys were reduced to 10 players
Galaxy coach Adnan Beganovic reacted by introducing the third-highest goalscorer in the league
Richards Bay held on to their slender lead and they emerged as 1-0 winners over Galaxy
South Africa's Betway Premiership ended weekend action on a subdued note with Richards Bay winning at TS Galaxy by a 1-0 score
Richards Bay midfielder Lindokuhle Zikhali had an eventful day
The 20-year-old midfielder provided the only goal of the match for the Natal Rich Boyz early in the second half before receiving his marching orders for a second yellow card shortly after
High pressing from the visitors allowed Zikhali to pounce on a loose pass and he was in alone to finish past Rockets goalkeeper Ira Tape
Richards Bay's capable defense took over from there to hold on for the victory
An excellent campaign for Galaxy has given way to a poor final stretch that has ended any hopes of continental football next season
The team that vanquished Mamelodi Sundowns earlier this season has now failed to win their last five matches and are now battling to maintain a top-5 position
Richards Bay move a big step closer to safety from relegation and are now six points clear of the relegation playoff position in 11th place
Orlando Pirates cast another shadow over Kaizer Chiefs’ darkening season, weaving fresh heartbreak into a web of turmoil with a 2-1 triumph at the FNB Stadium on Saturday – a third defeat in five, as the once-mighty Amakhosi stumble further into the gloom.
In a season that began with promise only to falter when it mattered most, Pirates may have been wounded.
But they arrived for this clash unbroken – facing a familiar rival, whose own campaign had unravelled into disappointment.
Yet, with a rivalry steeped in legacy, this was no match for foregone conclusions.
Excitement was brewing from outside the stadium, with the thousands of fans streaming into the Calabash.
No one was giving anything away, and quietly, it was Pirates’ fans that were the more confident of the two sides as Amakhosi were hoping for what would be a surprise result to further dampen the Buccaneers’ hopes in their chase for the league title.
Goals from Evidence Makgopa and Relebohile Mofokeng dashed any hopes of a Pirates setback, as they levelled the score after Makabi Glody Lilepo’s second-minute goal.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro expressed satisfaction with how his team regrouped and fought their way back into the match after weathering an initial period of pressure from the home side.
“It was a really good football game, with emotions from the first minute until the last one, without taking any prisoners,” Riveiro said after his side’s victory.
“It was a slow start from our side, and Chiefs got the lead very early, and they also had a couple of good chances in that period.
“Little by little we started to get a bit of control, and we started getting closer to their goalkeeper, and luckily we managed to equalise, and it was important to neutralise their lead in the first half.
“I had the feeling that we finished the first half better than Chiefs.
“But they still had a good chance before halftime to get the lead again, and the game could have changed in that moment.
“But in the second half, we were more close to the football we were playing throughout the season.”
Coming into this contest, Amakhosi had only been able to collect two points from their last five matches, and they currently sit in ninth position with 30 points.
It’s been a season of stumbles for the Glamour Boys, a tale told too often – like a weary verse in a worn-out song – as they let another lead slip through their fingers.
And the Buccaneers carved their mark, dealing a cruel 12th blow to their disappointing season.
Chiefs mentor Nasreddine Nabi felt his side deserved something from the contest, especially after their good start to the match.
“It’s a game we feel that we shouldn’t have lost,” Nabi said after his team’s loss.
“When we look at the performances of the two teams, we started very well.
“And we feel that we had the opportunity to also kill the game when we were in our best moments – either the referee didn’t give us some calls, and we felt that we should have had a penalty when we were still leading 1-0.
“We unfortunately conceded goals when we were in possession of the ball.
“We lost it, and by technical mistakes, we conceded goals. But unfortunately, that is the reality of football.
“When we were in our best moments, we had the opportunity to kill the game. We needed to kill it and kill the confidence of the opponent.”
Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media
NO MATTER what happens next weekend and in the remaining matches of the season, Jose Riveiro has secured his status as an Orlando Pirates legend as Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs ensured that.
In leading the Buccaneers to completing a season double over Amakhosi, the Spaniard equalled the record of the most derby wins by a coach of either Soweto giants in the Premier Soccer League era.
This was his fifth win, the same number as that of former Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter.
The soft-spoken coach, who is leaving the club at the end of the season, could well go ahead of the Englishman before he returns home to Vigo.
All he needs to do is to ensure Pirates hold on to their Nedbank Cup title when they play the same Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium next Saturday.
And on the strength of this win, it would be folly to bet against him winning an unprecedented third, successive title of the country’s premier club knockout competition.
Pre-match, the general feeling was that Pirates were on a hiding to nothing – the Buccaneers having lost their two matches prior and the camp appearing somewhat disillusioned.
The superstitious among us were even pointing out that ‘bad things happen in threes’.
When Chiefs opened the scoring via Makabi Glody Lilepo within the first two minutes, the observant picked up that it was the third match in a row that Pirates were conceding a goal to a DR Congolese player.
Pyramids FC’s Fiston Mayele had scored the winner and his compatriot Tresor Yamba was on the mark for Sekhukhune United in their 1-0 victory at Orlando Stadium midweek.
Pirates were going to fall to a Congolese goal yet again it seemed, Chiefs particularly firing on all cylinders in the initial stages.
Amidst it all, Riveiro maintained his usual calm demeanour on the bench, standing occasionally to direct proceedings and then taking that trademark posture of his on the edge of the technical area to watch the match with his elbow on his knee and the chin balanced on his palm.
He had a game-plan, and he was not about to be dissuaded from it by Chiefs enjoying the upper hand.
After all, this is a Pirates team he has painstakingly built over three years, and he knows exactly what they can do and how they can do it.
And true to form, Pirates levelled matters through Evidence Makgopa before the halftime break, and normalcy was restored.
Pirates dictated matters henceforth, with Mohau Nkota making good runs on the wing and Relebohile Mofokeng occasionally showing off his immense skills.
Through it all, the coach they had referred to as a plumber when he first came over here watched like a hawk from the bench.
At times he would share ideas with his assistant Mandla Ncikazi as they plotted how to get the Buccaneers back to winning ways.
They need not have bothered much, because they had a talisman on the field, and he delivered, with Mofokeng scoring what turned out to be the winning goal as Pirates won a fifth successive match against their bitter enemies.
It was a victory that served to illustrate just how superb a coach Riveiro is, and explained just why Pirates had tried to get him to extend his stay at the end of his three-year contract.
But why should he stay on when he has proven himself already?
Sure, the league title has eluded him, and it is unlikely he will pull the rug from underneath champions Mamelodi Sundowns’ feet.
Yet, that failure should not be allowed to take away from the incredible work Riveiro has done as Pirates coach.
He has repeatedly spoken of how his life will never be the same from having associated with the Buccaneers.
He should know that Pirates are all the better for having had him as their coach.
Many years after he has left, Jose Riveiro’s name will be spoken of very fondly by everyone associated with Orlando Pirates.
And this fifth Soweto derby victory has made sure of that fact.
JOHANNESBURG - The Johannnesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) is urging residents to be mindful of fire incidents when using heating devices, following a warning from the weather service of a cold front set to hit the province.
Residents are encouraged not yo leave heating devices such as heaters, paraffin stoves, and candles - unattended while in use, to prevent the risk of fires.
With the drop in temperature expected from this weekend, EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said firefighting teams were on high alert in all seven regions of the city.
"The South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecast suggest extremely cold temperatures in the city of Johannesburg. Residents are urged to exercise caution while using heating devices, young kids are monitored to stay away from these heating devices. Our residents in the informal settlements who are using mostly imbawula to ensure that they are using it in a well-ventilated area."
File: This aerial picture shows funerals taking place next to a row of freshly dug graves at a section of the Westpark cemetery in Johannesburg
JOHANNESBURG - Johannesburg residents looking for burial space will need to explore alternative cemeteries
Westpark Cemetery near Melville is set to reach full capacity by month-end
WATCH: Discussion | Westpark cemetery to reach full capacity by May
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo are actively exploring additional land for potential new cemetery sites
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo Head of Cemeteries and Crematoria Azola Manyati discussed this with eNCA.