GLITZY: The colourful occasion attracted a wide spectrum of sporting personalities including of supporters from different codes

By Pule Mokhine

The spirit of Patrick of late  “Ace” Ntsoelengoe”  reverberated inside  the giant marquee at a soccer stadium named after him when he was awarded posthumously with the Lifetime Achievement award at the 12th Gauteng Sports Awards on Saturday night.

The glittering ceremony hosted by the Gauteng Department of Sports was held at Ace Ntsoelengoe stadium in Mohlakeng in Randfontein, on the West Rand. The colourful occasion attracted a wide spectrum of sporting personalities including of supporters from different codes.

The set-up also typified glitz and glamour that is  usually associated with pomp and ceremony that suited the shindig in honour of the player who starred for Kaizer Chiefs from 1971 to 1988, and subsequently inducted into the North American Soccer League (NASL) Hall of Fame for his sterling contribution.

Ntsoelengoe also featured prominently in the now-defunct NASL sides Minnesota Kicks and Torronto Blizzards during an illustrious career spanning 11 years in North America.

The purpose of the provincial awards is to honour personalities that have excelled in various sports codes this year.

But the judges could not sidestep their recognition of “Mabheka Phansi”, as the former Amakhosi midfield maestro  Ntsoelengoe was affectionately known in soccer parlance for mesmerizing  opposition defenders with ease during  sterling contribution to his beloved Chiefs at the time to  put the province and country as a whole,  on the map.

When Ntsoelengoe ‘s name was called as recipient of the award, the venue erupted into

cheerful atmosphere as thought Ace was in the audience. But the late midfield genius’ daughters Bopelo Notsoelengoe and Ofentse  Ntsoelengoe, Ernest Ntsoelengoe  stepped to the podium cheerfully  to accept the award on dad’s  behalf.

During his stint at Chiefs, Ntsoelengoe held the distinctive record for the most goals scored in the Soweto derby at 19. The tally remains unsurpassed.

Also given the Lifetime Achievement awards were Aladin Stevens, retired five-time SA lightweight boxing champion; Wiseman Dlamini (wheelchair Basketball) and Wilhemina Grobbelaar (multi-codes).

The 63-year-old Stevens Stevens who fought as a southpaw, was one of the country’s best fighters of his division, having made five successful title defenses before losing the crown to Danny Myburgh at Carousel in 1992 and subsequently retired from boxing.

But the awards night was illuminated by wheelchair tennis star Kgothatso Montjane who bagged the Sports Personality of Year honour. Her prize also included a car.

Also snatching the Sport Woman of The Year with a Disabilty award, Montjane is the first black South African woman to play at Wimbledon and first black African to compete at all four grand slams in one calendar year.

Other winners:

Sportsman of year: Ahmad Mahomed (Kickboxing)

Sportswoman of the year: Zeney van der Walt (Athletics)

Administrator of the year: Stephen Maphike (Darts)

Sports team of the year: UJSSD Club (Multi Coded)

Most promising athlete of the year: Basetsana Mtsweni

FUDUWA SEES THE LIGHT

SOLIDARITY: Blind former winger Mokotedi humbled by surprise visit from soccer legends

By Masoja Cele

Erstwhile Witbank Black Aces and Kaizer Chiefs goal-machine the legendary Peter ‘’Fuduwa’’ Mokotedi was in a jubilant mood after he was introduced to his former teammates and rivals respectively at his home in Garankuwa Zone 4, Pretoria.

Last Saturday, the now blind Mokotedi received a surprise gallantry visit from his peers whom some he last saw before his calamity. The ex- Aces and Chiefs stalwart lost his vision back in the year 2000. Though, it was sombre at first glance but the jovial humour prevailed after the exchanged of pleasantries. The legends delegation shocked Mokotedi with a gift for him to have a wonderful Christmas and New Year like everyone else.

Mokotedi who was a net buster of note during his illustrious football career at the now defunct Amazayoni and Amakhosi put a radiant smile throughout the proceedings. Legends, mainly from Aces, Orlando Pirates, Chiefs and Pretoria Callies surprised the former galloping winger with an unexpected social call. The   objective of this drive is to give a helping hand to those ex-pros who are confronting destitutions. South African Masters and Legends football Association- Soweto federation were represented by former greats like McDonald ‘’Rhee’’Skhosana, Jackie ‘’Asinamali’’Masike, Joel’’Ace’’Mnini and Johannes ‘’Big-Boy’’Kholoane. While Emalahleni legends included

luminaries like Henry Mhongo, Alfred ‘’Ace ‘’Mkhoza, Thomas ‘’Junior’’Ngobe, Alfred ‘’Russia’’Masina, Russell Ndala, Cyprian ‘’Mahala’’ Maimane and William ‘’Danger’’Sibiya. Also in the midst was former Orlando Pirates dribbling wizard Jacob’’ Magic Feet’’Mafoko, who is an affiliate of the Tshwane Legends.

Former Chiefs great Joseph ‘’Banks’’Sethlodi stole the limelight with his rib-tickling tales. He reminded Mokotedi of their mischievous days at Chiefs. While Amazayoni legends the likes of William ‘’Danger’’Sibiya, Lazarus Mampane and Cyprian’’Mahala’’Maimane heaped the praises of the Garankuwa celebrated great. The Emalahleni legends believe that Mokotedi was one of the best player Aces had signed in their existing history. 

‘’ He was quick and elusive. Defenders struggled to pinned him down and scored amazing goals with his sublime skills’’ boasted Maimane.

Speaking to Weekly SA Mirror this is what Mokotedi had to say about the visit.

‘’it was a bag of mixed feelings. Firstly, it was painful and touchy. However, as we progressed the mood changed for the better. Before the visit I was disturbed thinking that my peers had turned their backs against me. How wrong I was? I think it’s all about waiting for your day in life. When I heard the names of ‘’Ace’’ Mnini , ‘’Junior’’Ngobe , ‘’Banks’’Sethlodi  the list is endless, my body became numb. It was even worse when ‘’Big-Boy’’Kholoane walked me from my yard to the delegation outside the house. And we exchanged banters.

I couldn’t believe that these are the legends that I played alongside and against. Again, gratitude on bended knees to all those who took off their time and came to visit me. Above all I want to thank God for the opportunity’’ laments Mokotedi.

• ‘’We thought it’s important for the legends to help one another when the need arises. We had planned to visit Mokotedi few months back but thank God finally we made it. This started with ‘’Ace’’Mnini after his hip-surgery. We hope to continue with gesture to help and encourage our peers who are facing health challenges’’ explained Kholoane.