By Chris Totobela The 2024/25 Hollywood Bets Regional League season got underway on Saturday with the traditional Nedbank Cup preliminary round. In the first game, Maru FC edged XI Attackers FC by a single first-half goal. In the second game City Pirates FC were awarded a walk over as Alicedale-based Friendly City FC did not pitch up for the game, and the stage was set for the late afternoon final between old rivals Maru and City Pirates. Both teams started the game at pedestrian pace which was expected as the heat was still unbearable at the time. Maru had the…
Author: Luvuyo Mjekula
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By Chris Totobela The Makhanda’s football fraternity is once again under a dark cloud after the passing of a young, talented footballer. Nomveliso Zenani, affectionately known as Nhenhe in football circles, passed away last weekend. The sad news of Nomveliso’s passing was confirmed by her devastated father, Zanethemba Koliti. “We are still in shock.” The 22-year-old Nomveliso, who matriculated from Kutliso Daniels Secondary School in 2022, joined African Connection Women’s Football Club a few years ago and immediately made an impact. It did not take her long to make the right wing position her own. She played in big games…
By Chris Totobela The future of Makhanda’s boxing looks very bright and promising as one of the sons of the soil travels to Ginsberg this weekend in search of another title. Bongani “King Killer” Fule will exchange leather with Mdantsane’s Abelo “Bruno” Tokwe for the vacant Eastern Cape featherweight title over 10 rounds. Theirs will be the main bout of the eight-bout event at the Ginsberg Community Hall in eQonce on Sunday, 20 October, with the first bout starting at 2pm. Fule is excited about the fight. “I’m very happy for this opportunity and I thank God and my ancestors…
By Luvuyo Mjekula A 38-year-old man was shot dead in his Phumlani Location home in the early hours of last Friday morning. Police spokesperson, Captain Marius McCarthy, said the man and his girlfriend were in bed when they heard someone kicking the back door open. McCarthy said it was alleged that a balaclava-clad suspect entered the duo’s room, pulled the blankets and started shooting the man whose name has not been released by the police. The man was declared dead at the scene by paramedics. “We can confirm that SAPS Joza is investigating a murder case after attending to a…
By Chesley Daniels In a dominant display, Alicedale United crushed Humansdorp Protea Angels 75-5 on Saturday at Rhodes Prospect Field, securing their spot in the Sarah Baartman Women’s Rugby League finals. Alicedale United wasted no time, with flyhalf Brigette Coetzee scoring the opening try and converting it effortlessly. Inside centre Lervine Elbrug soon followed, extending United’s lead to 14-0. Coetzee continued to wreak havoc, scoring two more tries and converting both, taking United to 21-0. Just before halftime, left wing Ntombozuko Kondile broke through the defense, scoring in the corner. Coetzee’s conversion attempt sailed wide, leaving United 26-0 up at…
By Chesley Daniels In a thrilling GCB 1st League derby fixture, Willows Cricket Club defied the odds to claim a remarkable 1-wicket bonus point victory over Makana Sona. Fielding an under-strength 10-man team, Willows demonstrated exceptional teamwork, resilience, and determination to outshine their opponents. Makana Sona, batting first, struggled to build momentum and was bowled out for a modest 108 runs in just 22 overs. The top scorers for Makana Sona were Lonwabo Haya-Klaas Cricket Academy (17) and Phumelela (16). Willows’ bowling attack was led by Ruwayne Wayno Brooks, who claimed 4/30 in 8 overs. Alanzo Gysman (3/13, 4 overs)…
By Chris Totobela Makhanda’s ermeging star of the ring, Bongi Mbangeli, has done it again. The hardworking mother of one who also holds a black belt in karate, was once again voted the best referee in a boxing tournament held in Kariega last weekend. The Best of the Best Boxing Tournament was organised by former Eastern Cape Amateur Boxing Organisation (Ecabo) president Mazizandile Vumazonke and is not only about boxing, but is also used to train officials in different aspects of the sport. Speaking to Grocott’s Mail, Mbangeli could not hide her excitement. “Everything is happening so fast and I…
By Chris Totobela Makhanda’s only professional aerobics instructor who has shared the stage with the best instructors in the country, is hosting an exciting event on Saturday. Makhanda Aerobicsmania is taking place at the Joza Indoor Sports Centre starting at 8am and will go on until afternoon. Instructors from all over the country have already touched down and will share their skills with the public. This event will focus on Zumba, Hi-Lo, Box and Functional, just to mention a few. Event organiser Vuyokazi Smile, affectionately known as Vuvu, was pleased with the preparations. “Everything is ready for Saturday and professional…
By Chris Totobela Mfuzo Boxing Club is hosting a boxing tournament this Saturday at the Joza Indoor Sports Centre. This forms part of the club’s 29th anniversary celebrations and teams from all over the province are expected to take part. Hotspurs from Gqeberha, Thubalethu from Kariega, Sisonke from eMonti, Acemates from eQonce, Masibambisane from eCawa, hosts Mfuzo Boxing Blub, Golden Gloves Boxing Club and many other local clubs, will be flying Makhanda’s flag very high in the tournament. Speaking to Grocott’s Mail ahead of the event, Mfuzo BC’s chairman Mfuzo Dyirha confirmed their readiness. “We are ready for this weekend…