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TIME really ies and I can't believe we are already half-way mark to the year 2015.MAY 31 will go down the historical books of the football fraternity after the conrmation of Moroka Swallows' relegation to the National First Division (NFD). This after the beautiful Birds failed to y against the NFD clubs, Black Leopards and Jomo Cosmos during their campaign to retain their Absa Premiership status via the NFD Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs.Bad news for some of

Maswaiswai players, especially those old ones is that the club's relegation has since signaled end of the road for their jobs in the club as PSL's rules don't allow clubs to feature most of players not under the age of 23.Let me take this opportunity to congratulate Kaizer Chiefs for winning the 2014/15 Season Absa Premier League title. Also to Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows, congratulations are also in order for winning the Nedbank Cup and the National First Division League title

respectively.For their effort in the Nedbank Cup, Sundowns will still have another opportunity of participating in the continental competition after their feat in the Nedbank Cup while Arrows earned their passage back to the elite league after winning the NFD league title.We also look forward to the Soweto derby in the form of the Carling Black Label Cup scheduled for July 25 at the FNB Stadium.

THE SAFA Transnet Football School of Excellence was started by ex Bafana Bafana captain, Neil Tovey, in February 1994 with the sole purpose of further developing exceptionally talented players that attended his many soccer clinics held around the country to feed into the professional ranks.Fast forward 21 years and the objective of the school is still the same. The school's Under-19 team are Gauteng's Ekurhuleni North district winners of the Kay Motsepe Schools Cup, sponsored by the Motsepe Foundation andSanlam, and while the coach, Lefa Mathebula would like to emulate the 2012 victory again this year and win the R1 million as national champions, that is not the focus of the school "We don't measure our success by wins but by the players we produce for professional teams." Mathebula said. "We obviously want the team to win theKay Motsepe Schools Cup this year but winning must be in the context of development. Every year the competition gets tougher and tougher, but we concentrate on the growth of our players." The School of Excellence has a policy of keeping coaches with their teams as they progress through the age groups, so Mathebula has been with this group of players since 2011 when they came to the school as under-14s."We don't have 18 and 19 year-olds at the school, he explains.

This is a young group of players, but they have been together for a long time and have grown into a tight unit," he said.Mathebula has been coaching since 1999 and is well qualied. He has a Level 2 SAFA coaching Qualication, CAFB licence, FIFA Grassroots CoachingQualication and a BTech in Sports and Exercise.He explained the school's selection process which involves going to all nine provinces to look

for the best young players. "We have a very strict Identication programme, looking for players that stand out above the rest.We look at technical prociency, athleticism, technical awareness and mental strength."The players have to go through a number of phases before they get offered bursaries at the school. We run a tight ship at the school and give opportunities to players that are willing to learn and take what we teach them and make a success out of it."The School of Excellence has produced many star players over the years.

Currently, Paseka Sekese, was part of the 2012 team that competed in the Kay Motsepe Schools Cup and currently plays for Bidvest Wits, as does his 2012team mate, Abednigo Mostatlhaga. Aubrey Mapahosa of Mpumalanga Black Aces is also a product of the school.While the road to the Gauteng inter-district phase has been tough, Mathebula is optimistic about the tournament this year, and thinks they might reach the

national nals."But we are taking each game and level as it comes," he said. "We don't want to focus on the bigger picture and lose focus on the next phase of the tournament," he said. There are several star players in the 2015 team. T w o o f t h e m : Siyabongakonke Mbatha and Edwin Sikhwama played for the under-17 national team at the 2015 CAF U-17 African Youth Championships, while another - Dlozi Ndaba - was one of four players in

the whole country chosen to travel to Brazil to participate in a talent search in the hopes of signing a contract with aEuropean club.Mathebula is a rm believer in a South African style of soccer and iscritical of the PSL-afliated academies who try to adopt a European style of play."People should denitely look forward to the South African style of football from us", he said. "We want to restore faith in our own style, embrace it and show other teams that South African football still exists."

3

BOUNCY Mapaseka Makhanya has retained her position at the top of the SPAR Grand Prix ladder, despite nishing eighth in the second Spar Women's 10km Challenger in Port Elizabeth recently.Makhanya's record-breaking win in Cape Town gave her a head start in this year's Grand Prix series. Her 10 bonus points for breaking the Cape Town record means she earned 30 points in the rst race, and 13 in Port Elizabeth, for a total of 43 points. She is six points ahead of her nearest rival, Lebogang Phalula, who nished third in Cape Town and second in Port Elizabeth, for a total of 37 points.Phalula's twin sister, Diana-Lebo, won the Port Elizabeth Challenge, but she was unable to run in Cape Town, because she was representing South Africa in the world cross-country championships in China that weekend. She is in sixth position with a total of 20 points, and has some way to catch up with runners who competed in both races. Last year's Grand Prix champion will be ruing her failure to break the record, which would have earned her bonus points that

would have pushed her up the ladder.The Kalmer sisters, Rene and Christine, are in third and fourth position, with 33 and 30 points respectively, while Cornelia Joubert is in fth position with 29 points.Two times winner of the Grand Prix, Irvette van Zyl, who is in joint eighth position with Thembi Baloyi, on 18 points, will be particularly delighted with her position. Van Zyl is expecting a baby in September, but says she wants to run as long as is possible.Makhanya won the Grand Prix in 2013, but had a quiet year in 2014. However, she made it knows that she wanted to reclaim the title this year, and will make every effort to run all ve races.The Grand Prix series was introduced in 2007, and has become South Africa's biggest and most prestigious women's road-running series. The top runners in the ve Challenge races held around the country earn Grand Prix points from each race.The 2015 winner will pocket a cheque for a whopping R150 000. The second prize has been increased by R20 000 to R50 000, and the third prize is now worth R30

000. There are cash prizes for the top 15 runners on the points table, making it worthwhile for runners to

compete in all ve races. The next Challenge race is in Durban on June 7.

MOPHELA Primary School from the Pinetown District won the under-12 Danone Nations Cup KwaZulu-Natal provincial nals that took place at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium recently. The school beat favourites, Mthethomusha Primary School 3-1 in the nal match.According to Danone Nations Cup ambassador and ex Bafana Bafana captain, Neil Tovey, who attended the tournament to talk to the players and give advice, the nal match was a cracker with both teams evenly matched. "Theteams that won through to the nal match were very good. You could see they were well coached as they played with structure and their passes were good. This was pleasing to see as at this age often the players get caught up in the game and just chase the ball. Both these teams were able to play wide and the players had foresight."For Sydney Mkhize, Mophela's team manager, the win was unexpected. "We havenever played in this tournament before and I told the boys that they must look at the provincials as a learning experience, never dreaming we would win. The boys came together as a team, bonded well and had a positive attitude which I think played a crucial part in our success." Winning their rst game 5 - 0 against Westville

helped boost the players ondence, admits Mkhize. "From that point we knew that these games were going to be smooth sailing for us. I anticipated that the games were going to be extremely tough, especially against the four invitational teams as they do not compete in our tournaments and we had no idea what to expect."

Mkhize highlighted Masihambisane and Mthethomusha as strong contenders. "Either of these schools could have won as they both had a strong side."The focus now will be on the nationals said Mkhize. "There will be no team changes as the boys are well balanced and they know

and understand their way around the eld. I am happy with the standard of football they portrayedon Saturday. Our focus now will be on the psychological aspect as we need to prepare the boys mentally as we know that the nationals will be a completely different ball game. "I noticed in the nal game, before we scored an equalizer, that the boys were playing with their hearts and emotions on the eld. Some of the players had tears streaming down their faces while kicking

and passing the ball, you could see that they wanted to win so badly. That's not what we are trying to promote with these junior teams, we want them to know and understand that at the end of the day there will be winners and losers.Losing does not mean that you are a failure it only means that you need to work extra hard next time around," said Mkhize.Scouts from Sundowns, Amazulu FC and Golden Arrows attended the provincial nals over the weekend and Mkhize admits that negotiations are about to start with some of the players.The week prior to the provincials the school invited Mabhuti Khanyeza, a striker from Golden Arrows, to the school to motivate the boys. "He told the boys to enjoy every game and to also make friends and then presented the school with a Golden Arrows jersey. The boys felt special which also helpedus." Said Mkhize.The national nals will take place at Reiger Park, Gauteng on 27th June. The winner will travel to Morocco to compete in the World Finals happening later in the year.

THE South African Senior Women's National Team (Banyana Banyana) eased into the third round of the 2016 Rio Olympic qualiers following a 5-nil victory over a Gabon at the Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday, 31 May.Banyana Banyana won the rst leg 3-2 in Libreville last weekend (Saturday, 23 May) to go through on a 8-2 aggregate.Head caoch Vera Pauw made no changes to the starting team that won the away match.A brace by Jermaine Seoposenwe and a goal each by Sanah Mollo, Amanda Dlamini and Reloe Jane was enough to give the South Africans victory.Banyana Banyana started the strongest with the mission to get an early goal, which came

in the eighth minute. Seposenwe put through a beautiful goal after receiving a pass from defender Noko Matlou, beat a Gabonese defence with pace and slotted in the opener.Jane and Dlamini had chances to score in the 20th minute but their efforts were dealt with by the Gabon goalkeeper and defence respectively.But Dlamini made up for it in two minutes later, extending Banyana Banyana's lead to 2-nil. Her shot on the edge of the box found the back of the net after some great combination play by the midelders.Jane also got in on the act when put her name on the score sheet – 3-nil to Banyana Banyana – in her third goal in South African

colours. It was a great goal that came after she turned the defender inside out and then coolly slotted home the ball passed the keeper.In the dying minutes of the stanza, Banyana Banyana goalkeeper, Andile Dlamini – who was up to this point a spectator - made a great save to keep the home in a comfortable lead at the break.Pauw's charges returned from the break with a mission to score more goal. Dlamini's shot fell into the keeper's hands in the 52nd minute, while her header went over the cross-bar three minutes later.A shortwhile later Seoposenwe completed her brace when Mollo's shot rebounded off the cross bar and fell into her path, and she put the ball away – 4-nil to

South Africa.Mollo put the nal nail on the cofn with a great header after receiving a well taken cross from Jane in 77th minute.Pauw made three second half changes to maintain South Africa's stranglehold of the match – Silindile Ngubane, Shiwe Nogwanya and Lerato Kgasago all came on for Amanda Dlamini, Jermaine Seoposenwe and Nothando Vilakazi respectively.Banyana Banyana will next take on Kenya in the next round after they defeated Botswana 1-nil in the second leg in Kenya. Botswana won the rst leg 2-1 in Gaborone, and Kenya go through on an away goal rule. The third round clash is scheduled for July.

MINISTER of Sport and Recreation South Africa, Fikile Mbalula's Statement on the allegations that the Government of South Africa paid a bribe to secure the rights to host the 2010 FIFA Football World Cup following remarks attributed to SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan. We remain concerned at the ongoing media speculation which only plays into the hands of those whose objective is to tarnish the good name and integrity of our country. We reject these falsehoods with the contempt they deserve. As a government and people of South Africa we are enjoined to combat such propaganda against our country.

Accordingly, we appeal to all our people, media included to desist from speculating on names of individuals who may or not be implicated in the allegations. Equally, we call on all those involved in the bidding and hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup to avoid expressing comments that can only play into the hands of those who seek to perpetuate negative stereotypes against South Africa in particular and Africa in general. Whatever the motive of those involved, nothing can detract from the fact that the hosting by South Africa of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the rst on the African continent, remains one of the most beautiful spectacle

and successful tournament the world has ever witnessed in FIFA's history. We frown upon any insinuations made in the indictment by the US authorities that suggest that the government of South Africa or any of its citizens have been involved in any wrongdoing without substantiating the allegations, let alone naming the alleged co-conspirators. We refuse to allow the reputation of our republic to be tarnished unduly without affording the republic and its citizens an opportunity to respond to any allegations made. We view this as an attack on our sovereignty. We wish to reiterate our earlier

communicated position that the government of the Republic of South Africa and the Local Organising Committee have not expended any public funds in the amount of $10 million towards bribery of anyone to secure the rights to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.Any inferences drawn from the statements attributed to Dr. Danny Jordaan which seeks to insinuate that our position is contradictory is therefore not only misleading but mischievous at best. We reafrm our position that no public funds have been utilised to pay any bribe or to commit any unlawful acts.

A press conference was held this Saturday at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, following Friday's FIFA Congress, which decided on the re-election of Joseph S. Blatter for a fth term in ofce as FIFA President, and only minutes after an extraordinary Executive Committee meeting– the rst with the new composition.Here's a summary of what FIFA President Blatter had to say:

The decisions concerning the next FIFA World Cups“We decided that the slot per confederations for 2018 and

2022 wouldn't change. We will stick to 32 teams: the same number and the same distribution from the last FIFA World Cups. Furthermore, with respect to the World Cup 2026, we conrmed that in accordance with the FIFA Statutes – art. 80, par. 4 stipulates that “the right to host the event shall not be awarded to members of the same Confederation for two consecutive editions of the FIFA World Cup™” – member associations from the Asian Football Confederation would not be able to bid. All others will be able to present bids.”

The unity of the Executive Committee“What I said in my statements yesterday is the following: I will take responsibility for the storm, but I will share it with the Executive Committee that met today. Because it's the government who has to take this responsibility. And this government is elected by the Confederations. However, I will shoulder this responsibility: I said this in the Congress and I say it again here.“The Executive Committee has reafrmed its unity and solidarity going forward. We will work with our institutions,

our bodies – the Ethics Committee, but also the Disciplinary Committee, Associations Committee and Audit and Compliance Committee. That way we will avoid similar future situations: where there are surprises that catch us on the back foot.“Of course I'm relieved: for being re-elected and secondly because this morning there was a good atmosphere in the Executive Committee and that guaranteed to me I'm not alone in this. We're in football: those who lose can win tomorrow. I'm the president of all, also of those who didn't vote for me.”-www.fa.com

THE Carling Black Label Cup is in many ways celebrating the success of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates and a chance for the two biggest clubs in South Africa to connect with their supporters. Kaizer Chiefs were crowned 2014/15 Premier Soccer League champions this past season, continuing the remarkable run of success for the Carling Black Label Cup duo.Since the campaign was launched in 2011, three of the four domestic seasons have seen one of Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates claim the league title and prove themselves to be the country's best.Orlando Pirates were champions in 2011/12, before Kaizer Chiefs won the league the following year and then again in this campaign.The odd season out was the 2013/14 season when Mamelodi Sundowns pipped Kaizer Chiefs to the title, but there was still trophy success for Orlando Pirates that year as they won the Nedbank Cup.There is no doubt that the Carling Black Label Cup provides momentum into the new season for the teams as having such a high-prole xture a week before the start of the new campaign sharpens

the focus of the players and technical team.It is not just about the high-quality football on the day that helps the clubs hit the ground running, but the build-up to the event where the intensity in training is lifted knowing that a Soweto Derby is on the horizon.Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter hinted recently that he felt the Carling Black Label Cup contributed to his team's Championship success this season."For me the Carling Black Label Cup is a good initiative which gives the supporters the chance to select a team of their choice, but at the same time it gives me an opportunity to assess as it is a big pre-season game," Baxter said. The fact that Kaizer Chiefs will go into the 2015 Carling Black Label Cup on July 25 as reigning champions will undoubtedly give the Orlando Pirates supporters more motivation to select a side they believe is capable of beating their Soweto rivals and perhaps make a point about theirpotential to dethrone them heading into the new campaign.Orlando Pirates may have found silverware hard to come by in the 2014/15 campaign,

but they are still ying the South African ag in CAF club competition and are now the

country's last hope on the continental stage.The club has been South Africa's best 'export' over the years, winning the CAF Champions Cup in 1995 and reaching the nal as recently as 2013.The away victory against the Guinea side AS Kaloum in Mali; could put Orlando Pirates one foot in the group stages of the Confederation Cup. It is also another chance for Orlando Pirates fans to see the players in action

and decide who is going to be the best starting line-up for the Carling Black Label Cup.Fans have already been voting in their hundreds of thousands with the line-ups for the 2015 Carling Black Label Cup starting to take shape.

There is an intriguing battle

between the goalkeepers at

Orlando Pirates, with Brighton

Mhlongo edging Siyabonga

Mpontshane in the early

running, but not by much. How

that pans out could be one of

the stories of the campaign this

year.

Midelder Thabo Rakhale is another who has found early favour with Buccaneers fans, who as expected have so far voted for a front two that contains Lehlohonolo Majoro and Kermit Erasmus. Kaizer Chiefs supporters have also been split over their front pairing and so far have Bernard Parker alongside David Zulu. Premier Soccer League Footballer of the Season Tefu Mashamaite is in the selection, while Itumeleng Khune is keeping Brilliant Khuzwayo out of the side so far.Kaizer Chiefs line-up (to date): Itumeleng Khune, Siboniso

Gaxa, Erick Mathoho, Tefu Mashamaite, Tsepo Masilela, George Lebese, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Willard Katsande, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Bernard Parker, David Zulu.Orlando Pirates line-up (to date): Brighton Mhlongo, Happy Jele, Siyabonga Sangweni, Rooi Mahamutsa, Thabo Matlaba, Thabo Rakhale, Oupa Manyisa, Issa Sarr, Siso Myeni, Lehlohonolo Majoro, Kermit Erasmus.Fans can vote to bring in their favourites by purchasing a Carling Black Label beer and dialling *120*660*. They then

enter their unique underliner code and #. Entry is 20c per 20 seconds on USSD or they can go to www.carlingblacklabel.co.za. That will automatically enter fans into the competition to be

the match-day Consumer Coach where the winners will get the opportunity to enjoy the game with the team on the bench and meet their heroes beforehand.

Seventeen cyclists who endured a gruelling nine days on the road for the 1965 Ride and backed by three support crew, received a hero's welcome when they peddled into Queen's College in Queenstown on Thursday.Emotions ran high as the cyclists were met by scores of learners, teachers and parents from the six surrounding schools in the area.The students encircled the school and cheered the cyclists on as they were led into the school by the Queen's College brass band.The 1965 Ride culminated in Queenstown after the cyclists left Heidelberg, Gauteng on 8 April and covered a distance spanning some 850 kilometres in nine days.The goal of the event is to r a i s e f u n d s f o r disadvantaged learners,

who would otherwise not have been able to afford a quality education.Though mentally and physically exhausted, the cyclists rolled into Queenstown with huge smiles on their faces, beaming with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.The 68 year old Tony Frost, initiator of the ride, described it as a tremendous success."The people who participated are not all from Queenstown, but from other cities around the country.""We were a group of people bound by a deep belief that education is what our country needs to grow positively and to move forward."Frost said although the cyclists have until June to complete their fundraising, they hope to reach the R1 million mark this year. Six beneciaries are already

benetting from the fundraiser.The ride has been undertaken each year since 2011 by a group of passionate cyclists, each tasked to raise a minimum of R30 000 to participate.Proceeds from the 1965 Ride go directly to a bursary fund that supports learners at six schools in the Queenstown area including Queenstown Girls' High School, Hangklip Hoërskool, Queen's College Senior and Junior Schools, Balmoral Girls' Junior School and Hangklip Laerskool.Tim Hendon, Chevrolet brand manager, said Chevrolet put their weight behind the event because Chevrolet is committed to nation-building and educating the youth.He commended the cyclists for their commitment towards changing the face of education in the country.

Hendon added that the Chevrolet Ute Force is a project that values children, their welfare, their education, their communities, and therefore supporting a project like the 1965Ride is in line with their objectives of improving education and circumstances of less fortunate communities.To date the 1965 Ride has secured over R2, 500 000, which has been raised through the fund-raising efforts of the cyclists.The 1965 Ride began in 2011 with ve cyclists and grew to 22 cyclists in 2014. Chevrolet has supported the ride for the third year in a row.Two Chevrolet Utility bakkies followed the riders on the journey from Johannesburg to Queenstown, staying with the riders every step of the way. Chevrolet also made a sizable contribution towards the bursary fund.

Tasked with the difcult job of improving upon the remarkable international commercial success of the previous generation the Rio model, Kia's engineers and designers have created a Rio family of models which combine European nesse with Korean spice to create a

form language that also communicates Latin air – for a truly global appeal.

InteriorTo complement the striking exterior styling, The Rio's interior design has also been transformed, with a clean sophisticated theme. The

concept follows the corporate Kia interior philosophy with the characteristic horisontal instrument panel, accentuating the feeling of width and space in the cabin. It is a theme which cleverly combines chic modernity with rationality and achieves a calm timeless quality. The enhanced quality and renement of interior materials and the attention to detail in t and nish have been design priorities for the Rio.

ExteriorWith the Rio, Kia has created a car that answers consumer demand for more quality, more choice, and an attractive, exciting design. This car is no evolution of its predecessor, it is a revolution. The bold and distinctive personality of the Rio represents a complete departure from its predecessor and ts perfectly into

the revitalised family of Kia products. Viewed head on, the Rio has its own unique interpretation of the Kia corporate grille which is integrated beautifully with the front lamps to create a new twist on the Kia family look. In this latest form, the Kia logo now sits above the grille. Below the grille, the treatment of front bumper and spoiler again shows signs of the Kia design DNA, with its distinctive on-road presence.

SafetyFor new Rio, an all-new bodyshell was created using a higher percentage of ultra high- strength steel (UHTS) than the third-generation model, enhancing the structure's strength and rigidity. To improve progressive deformation during a frontal impact special attention was given to strengthening the engine-bay longitudinal side members, the fender apron and the transverse dashboard bulkhead to absorb and disperse forces more effectively. 'Passive' safety equipment available will include front airbags for driver and passenger on the 1.2 and 1.4 models with up to six airbags (front, side and curtain) on the 1.4 TEC model. 'Active' safety equipment standard on all Rio models include ABS anti-lock braking and EBD.

Rio 1.2 Man R 179995Rio 1.4 Man R 203995Rio 1.4 Auto R 215995Rio 1.4 Tec Man R 216995Rio 1.4 Tec Auto R 228995

Kia Rio Pricing:

The Mazda6 Sedan is the 2nd of Mazada's new generation of cars to feature the full range of pioneering SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and "KODO - Soul of Motion" design.With this agship model Mazda is celebrating the pleasure of exhilarating driving experiences and the importance of emotionally appealing design. With the SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, this sedan also combines the most advanced safety features with outstanding fuel consumption. So once again Mazda has deed convention in achieving environmental and functional excellence without compromising the enjoyment of exciting, powerful driving and eye-catching drive. A striking car exterior with KODO design body stylingThis car's body styling is created around the 'KODO – Soul of Motion' design theme. KODO design is inspired by the smooth power and agility of the cheetah. So this car design has a sporty air that expresses motion when you look at the car, provoking an

emotional response from your rst impression.With a strong stance that conveys vitality, it's a dynamic looking car exterior that gives the driver a sense of excited anticipation about the driving pleasures that lie ahead.A luxurious car interior and rened, high-spec driving environmentMazda designers and engineers collaborated on this rened and sporty car interior to achieve an unprecedented build quality, level of craftsmanship and tasteful coordination of design elements throughout the driving environment. Every component feels well crafted and harmonised, from the leather seats to the Bose® car stereo available on the Platinum grade, enrich your enjoyment of the drive.Close attention has been paid to detail, visual and tactile impression, and intuitive, ergonomic design makes every interaction with the car feel just as it should. This is a car interior created to maximise your feeling of oneness with the car,

enhancing the driver's reassured sense of control over the car.An excellent car safety performance with leading car safety featuresThis car's superb safety performance is achieved with a body shell that's both lighter and stronger than before due

to advanced new materials we've used.The car is also a leader in active car safety features. The Adaptive Front lighting System on the Individual and Atenza swivels your lights into corners so night time driving is safer for you and for people on the road.

Mazda6 2.2DE Dynamic R404 000Mazda6 2.5 Dynamic R373 000Mazda6 2.0 Active R342 000Mazda6 2.0 Active auto R358 000Mazda6 2.5 Individual R399 500Mazda6 2.2DE Atenza R430 500

Mazda6 Pricing:

Opel is planning a big comeback in 2015 as it plans to launch multiple models in South Africa. The rst of the new kids is the all-new Opel Adam, a city car with personality and a multitude of options to personalise it to your own unique style. We racked up over 2 000 km in the Adam with its 1-litre turbo motor during our test period and here's what we discovered.

Small Turbo, Big GoSmall capacity petrol engines combined with turbocharging trickery are beginning to trickle in to our market. There's the Renault Clio, Ford Fiesta and the new VW Polo that have a relatively small engine turbo too. Adam has a great little engine, it cranks out 85 kW and 170 Nm and it feels perfectly suited to the Adam's size and personality.The engine is keen to accelerate and the torque delivery in the mid-range is impressive, especially during overtaking. Even at freeway speeds the Adam offers up ample reserves of in-gear acceleration if you need to put in a quick spurt. The engine gives the Adam a fun and energetic feel, even if the three-cylinder growl is somewhat muted. Fuel economy was reasonable too,

we saw 6.5L/100km over our near 2000 km run with the Adam.

How small is Adam?It's certainly a compact car made for snaking around town dodging trafc and nipping around obstacles without having to worry too much about hitting anything. The boot is small, but comparatively average amongst its rivals. I do wish the parcel shelf had been put on strings or folded back down automatically as the amount of times I left it up and then drove away with my rear view obscured was crazy.Rear access could be better as well, the front seats could do a better job of folding down and

sliding forward to let people in the back. The back isn't too bad once you're in, but I wouldn't want to spend a long time there.

High class interiorIn the section that matters in the Adam (the driver's seat) Opel has really done a stellar job. The Adam's interior is stylish and comfortable and it also features an easy-on-the-eye touchscreen and user interface. The materials used are soft to the touch, and the seats are very comfortable and supportive. The gadgetry is simple to connect to and the ability to integrate your phone with several apps already loaded on the car is really cool, although it seemed a bit hit and

miss with my phone as to whether it would connect properly.It's also nice to see things like blind-spot monitoring and auto-parallel and perpendicular parking. All these auto-park systems are great when they work, but they do have a tendency to 'not see' or miss a parking space you're after, leaving you looking like a bit of a fool to everyone around. The Adam is also tted with excellent safety equipment that includes six-airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP and hill start assist.

ConclusionThe cars in this segment sell mainly based on looks and customisation and the Adam has big green ticks in those boxes. It's got a great turbo engine and is fun to drive for your average user. Opel announced pricing at the end of January 2015 and actually undercut the expectation, see below for the pricing. That makes it one of the cheapest cars in the segment and undercuts the Mini by R70 000. The Adam is certainly worth a look and at that price should see buyers aplenty.

Pricing1.4l R189 900

The Isuzu KB double cab has been enhanced for the current model, following what GMSA says was constructive feedback from customers throughout South Africa.“We constantly strive to improve our products and with

the added advantage of the sixth-generation Isuzu KB being developed, engineered and built for South Africans in South Africa, we are able to introduce updates with quick turnaround times for maximum effect,” says Isuzu Brand

Manager at General Motors South Africa (GMSA), Mlungisi Nonkonyana.Subtle exterior and interior tweaks“The subtle new tweaks to the Isuzu KB are all geared at enhancing visual appeal and creating a better driving experience.”Updates to the bakkie comprise of a new overhead

storage compartment which includes a sunglass holder on LX extended cab and double cab models, while the LE and LX models come with new Anthracite Grey upholstery.LE models additionally feature a more striking Anthracite Grey radiator grille and a black rear bumper, while the LX double cab now features a chrome

lockable tailgate handle. All Isuzu KB models now feature a centre-high-mounted stop lamp.“The changes are now reected on a streamlined range of 18 Isuzu KB derivatives, all powered by our renowned diesel engines,” concludes Nonkonyana.

KB 250 D-TEQ LE R383 900KB 250 D-TEQ LE 4×4 R405 900KB 300 D-TEQ LX R426 300KB 300 D-TEQ LX Auto R440 100KB 300 D-TEQ LX 4×4 R483 500KB 300 D-TEQ LX (leather) R436 300KB 300 D-TEQ LX Auto (leather) R450 100KB 300 D-TEQ LX 4×4 (leather) R493 500

ISUZU KB Pricing:

Bou�que hotels are not for overnight accommoda�on as you head somewhere. These are premium establishments one goes to unwind and spoil themselves to all the good things money can afford in a quiet se�ng. Valley Lodge & Spa at Magaliesburg is such venue. The award winning four star hotel gets its name as it is nestled in the Magaliesberg valley. The two spellings for Magalies should not be confusing: Magaliesberg refers to the mountains and the areas around the range traversing western Gauteng and neighbouring North West province. Magaliesburg is the town located in the valley cut by the Magalies River.Because of its mountainous se�ng, the Valley Spa's loca�on is interlaced with rivers and streams, which fuel the indigenous vegeta�on and the abundance of animal and bird life. All these factors combine to provide an ideal escape for any occasion. Every need is catered for, from individuals or couples or family ou�ngs, or special

occasions such as weddings and other types of func�ons, including conferencing.Twelve venues, all with natural light, are available for these ac�vi�es, and can accommodate up to 180 delegates for all types of mee�ngs. All these func�on/mee�ng venues offer modern facili�es and are located among the lush greenery, to add to the inspira�on the lodge offers. There are 76 luxuriously styles rooms and suites, available in three room categories. The rooms are individually air-condi�oned, equipped with under-floor hea�ng in the bathrooms, electric blankets on the beds, tea/coffee sta�on as well as a mini bar fridge.Other facili�es Valley Lodge & Spa offers are an indoor pool, a floodlit tennis court and hiking trails. There's also a pub-style main bar with a billiard table and dart board. The spa area offers an indoor heated mineral pool, a hot tub, steam rooms and a fully equipped gym overlooking the garden.Guests also have access to plenty other facili�es and

ac�vi�es in the surrounding area, notably the Cradle of Humankind and the Sterkfontein Caves.Luxury is everything and for that fact compe��on is s�ff among facili�es offering such

accommoda�on. But when you are at the Valley Lodge & Spa, you know you move with the best as the lodge is the recent recepient of the pres�gious Gold Award for providing the best Overall

Accommoda�on, best Spa Experience and best Tourism Establishment throughout the West Rand by the Westrand Tourism authority. The lodge is located 29km north-west of Krugersdorp, along the R24 (Rustenburg Rd).

Are you looking for a memorable wedding, uplifting business meeting or conference, a weekend getaway or just a romantic dinner? All these and more can be enjoyed without frills but with much more hospitality and care at the Valverde Eco Hotel.The upscale hotel is situated on Beyers Naude Drive Extension in Muldersdrift, Gauteng. It is also 9km west of

Lanseria Airport, and about the same distance north of Lion Park. All its rooms feature country-style décor and a at-screen TV with satellite channels, WiFi, plus tea and coffee making facilities. Some suites also have balconies and four-poster beds.The en-suite bathrooms come equipped with a hairdryer and

complimentary toiletries. The Salsa Verde Restaurant offers culinary treats cooked with the freshest ingredients, some of which are sources from the on site aquaponics farming initiative. The hotel also caters for a variety of corporate and private

functions. Aloe Verde Day Spa offers a wide range of massages and beauty treatments. Guests can relax in the Africa-shaped swimming pool or enjoy an action-packed paintball game. Apart from the Lion Park, other closeby facilities include Silverstar Casino and the Cradle of Humankind. Breakfast is included, and the restaurant serves local and international cuisine. Other amenities include a bar/lounge, a spa, an outdoor pool and a barbecue area. The hotel has ve meeting rooms and a free airport shuttle. Over and above that the Valverde Eco Hotel is consistently rated amongst the top 10 hotels on TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel website.The hotel has also won several business awards for their greening initiatives, such as a water recycling program, solar geysers, waste separation and energy saving devices. Valverde can be contacted on 010 591 6840 and info@valverde.co.za

BLACK Leopards defeated Moroka Swallows 1-0 to move to the top of the PSL/NFD log standings and maximised theirCHANCES of returning to the PSL on Sunday afternoon at Thohoyandou Stadium.A brilliant goal by Roggert Nyundu in the 32nd minute handed Lidoda Duvha sweet revenge against Craig Rosslee’s men after losing 2-0 at Dobsonville Stadium two weeks ago.They now have seven points at the top of the promotional play-off table.Following the loss, the Dube Birds are demoted to the bottom of the standings with three points and the loss ends theirCHANCES of maintaining top ight status.The match started off on a high as both sides displayed attacking football, however, it was the hosts who threatened rst when a poor effort from the goal scorer in the 15th minute saw his set-piece straight to goalkeeper, Greg Etaa.In the 26th minute, Zeca Marques’ men continued to pile the pressure on Swallows when they received a corner kick, but the Soweto-based side's defence manned by

Ashraf Hendricks and Shere Lekgothoane dealt with danger.Just after the 30-minute mark, the hosts spurred on by the huge crowd managed to beat Etaa when Nyundu appeared in the middle of the park to unleash a rocket which gave the Nigerian noCHANCE to break the deadlock.A few minutes later, Rosslee’s

charges were under pressure when they conceded a free-kick. Sphelele Ntshangase delivered a great curler which Etaa parried over for a corner.As both teams went to dressing room with the hosts leading by 1-0, the Dube Birds came back stronger with substitute Luyolo Nomandela seeing his effort saved by keeper Avhashoni Tshinuna a minute after the restart.With the clock fast working against the visitors after the hour mark, Nyundu nearly made it two when he was denied by Etaa in the 66th minute from a set-piece as he was looking for the top corner, the Nigerian was equal the task.Two minutes later, a good run from Nomandela saw the Mamelodi Sundowns’ man combining well with Siyabonga Nomvethe who laid it back for the oncoming Lerato Chabangu, however ‘All You Need Is Love’ couldn’t keep his effort low as it ew over Tshinuna’s posts.

In the last 10 minutes, both camps ushered instructions into the eld but it was the homeside who was comfortable and defended well as they walked away with the three points.However, Marques will hope that Swallows defeat Jomo Cosmos at Dobsonville stadium on Wednesday night because Ezenkosi have four points and are placed at position two.Black Leopards: 1 (Nyundu 32’)Moroka Swallows: 0Black Leopards: Tshinuna, Nyundu, Nyirenda, Maphangule, Ntshangase, Mabotja, Mumuni, Madimba (Shivambu 57’), Ndou, Munyai, Mahangwahaya (Munganga 90+2’)Moroka Swallows: Etaa, Mngomezulu, Hendricks (Chabangu 54’), Isaacs, Lekgothoane, Baloyi, Sibande Mandic (Phalane 45’), Wana, Nomvete, Yende (Nomandela 45’)-Backpage TXT

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IT is ofcial that one club from the National First Division (NFD) will be promoted to the Absa Premiership at the end of the demanding NFD Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs.This after Moroka Swallows failed to retain their top ight league status following a narrow 1-0 defeat in the hands of Black Leopards over this past weekend.The outcome means Swallows will have to settle for life in the NFD as even their last match against Cosmos on June 3 will not help them achieve anything as victory for them will only see them nish their campaign with 6 points. For the records, Leopards nished their campaign with 7 points.Swallows face Cosmos at the

Vaal University of Technologies in a match which Ezenkosi will have to win at all cost to earn promotion. Out of the three matches played, Cosmos (4 points) have has

won one which saw them beat the same Swallows 4-1 before they could play to a goalless draw with Leopards who beat them 2-0 in the opening match.Should Cosmos win this match

they will then be promoted as they would have nished on top of the log with 7 points, same as Leopards but will have an advantage of a better goal difference as opposed to Lidoda Duvha.The club that to be promoted will join Golden Arrows who gained an automatic promotion after winning the NFD league title. As for Swallows, some of their veteran players might nd themselves without jobs as per Premier Soccer League rule for clubs in the NFD to feature players young as under-23 years in their clubs. Such players include the likes of Siyabonga Nomvethe (pictured), Lefa Tsutsulupa and Dikgang Mabalane just to mention few.

THE SPAR Protea Netball team arrived back in Johannesburg recently, fresh from securing second place in the European Netball championships in Northern Ireland.It was a successful tournament for South Africa, who lost only to England, but beat Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and Trinidad and Tobago.Coach Benny Saayman was happy with the outcome, but said there was still work to be done ahead of the Netball World Cup in Sydney in August."We were disappointing against England, but then we just kept getting better," said Saayman."The last match, against Trinidad and Tobago, was recognised as the match of the tournament. We had to ght hard, and Trinidad led for most of the match, but we came back in the nal quarter and

won the match 46-42. I was very proud of the girls, and of the way they fought their way back into the match."Saayman said at the start of the tournament, the players took some time to adjust to playing together again."They have all been involved in the Brutal Fruit Netball Premier League (NPL), so they have been playing intensively w i t h o t h e r combinations. But after the rst day, they started playing as a team again, and were able to rely on one another." She said the players were still making too many basic errors."Particularly against England, where we lost too many passes and the feeds into the circle were poor," said Saayman.

"We need to have more training camps before the World Cup, because it is essential that the players get to the point where they know

exactly where everyone else is. We have to get rid of these basic errors."She said the players and the coaching staff had both learned a good deal from the

tournament."We can come back and put what we learned into practice. The players will go back to the NPL, and then we have the

Diamond Challenge, where we can look at some other players. I am very pleased with the way our World Cup preparations are going," saidSaayman.