Authentic Football Chats

From a small town in Limpopo to owning the fastest growing digital news site, Tiyani Wa Ka Mabasa tells us how he pushed through the midst of uncertainty and overcame the fear of the unknown. The man who is deep rooted in journalism principles goes through the conversation with Kgothatso Malepe.   Kgothatso-- Who is Tiyani Mabasa? Tiyani— I was born in Rotterdam village in Limpopo. I come from a family of four. I am the eldest amongst four brothers. In fact, we were five brothers but, unfortunately, one passed on. I studied Journalism at Technikon Pretoria, before the name change to Tshwane University of Technology when I was doing my final year. Initially, I worked for TUT's Journalism Department in Radio Production, working with first years and then freelanced for Soccer Laduma, before taking up fulltime employment at Laduma in January 2006.   Kgothatso--When you were growing up, who did you look up to? Tiyani— I didn't look up to anyone, but I was inspired by my

Captain Kolobe Mamelodi Sundowns is not only blessed with passionate supporters but also blessed with committed leaders who wants to see the team grow day by day, Ephraim Maluleke interviewed one of the leaders from LIMPOPO YA BATHO province by the name of Mahlogonolo Lucky Mahlatji famously know as Captain Kolobe to find out how they keep the province going. Q- Growing up in Mahwelereng location in Mokopane, how did you reach to a point that Sundowns is the team that you are going to support for good? A- The style of play "ShoeShine & Piano" attracted me, watching players like Bennett Masinga, Samuel Ewe Kambule and Zane Moosa was a plus factor for me to fall in love with the team. By then I was only 14 years old and I think it was around 1989 when I started following Sundowns. Remember by then most of young stars used to love teams like Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates even Moroka Swallows, I remember drawing Mamelodi Sundowns logo on my desk at school and all my classmat

Former UJ Ladies FC player gets signed internationally 24 year old former UJ football player and Banyana Banyana football player signed a one year contract with an international football club “CD Badajoz” which is based in Spain. She was interviewed by Ofentse Pitso, get to know her more and how she started playing football.   Disclaimer: Interview was conducted last year before Amanda went abroad... Q: Tell us more about who you are, where you from and what are you studying? A: Amanda Mthandi was born in Orlando East, Soweto and moved to Kiblerpark when her parents bought a house that side. She is currently doing a bridging in Transportation Management in order for her to start her Btech. Q: When you were told that you will be playing for Banyana Banyana how did you feel and how was it attending the camp with players that have been playing for the team for a long time? A: She was notified by her captain who is also her friend, “Thato Letsoso” and was still playing for the squad at the

A great epitome of the saying “it takes a community to raise a child”, not only is he a great actor who keeps us entertained on SABC screens every weekday but Mr Patrick “Advocate Bopape” Bokaba has dedicated most of his time to touching lives of the future leaders of South Africa through his motivational talks and activations. We reached out to him to hear all about the beautiful work he’s been putting in communities, Kgothatso Malepe goes through the conversation with him.   Kgothatso—Your love for Mamelodi Sundowns is vividly portrayed through your social media interactions with the supporters, how you publicly speak highly of the club, where does the love stems from, why Mamelodi Sundowns?   Patrick—Many of us when we grew, we follow suit our fathers when it comes to football. I grew up in Atteridgeville, I played soccer, grade A soccer in high school and many people thought I’d make it as a professional, but you know, I also wanted to but you know God gives us a lot of tal

All South African football lovers have seen Highlands Park being led by this beautiful woman during warm-ups just before kickoff and also her being a rose among thorns on the bench, but who is Simone Conley? Kgothatso Malepe finds out.   Kgothatso—We have been seeing you on the Highlands Park bench, we have seen you warming up with players on matchday. Who are you and Where are you from?   Simone—I am Simone Conley, a Biokineticist, a football fitness trainer. I was born and bred in Edenvale. My parents moved to Meredale, I went to primary and high school in Meredale. I studied sports management and qualified for an honours in biokinetic then I decided to take a step further and do a masters degree. I knew that if I want to make it in this male dominated field, I have to take the academic route.   Kgothatso—Have you always been involved in sports from a young age?   Simone—I played a lot of sports, I did very well in netball and I represented South Africa. I chose the