The Tourist industry in Cape Town is set for a major shot in the arm after the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) announced that the Mother City’s port will be expanding with the construction of a new luxury cruise-liner terminal.
The investment of about R179 million into this project by the V&A Waterfront will see the construction of a new cruise liner terminal with an international quality arrival and departure facility to welcome visitors to Cape Town.
The new terminal will also ensure a smooth transition for the tourist as the Transnet National Ports Authority seeks to sped-up the procedures involved in processing the tourists through the terminal from their liners into the City
Signage in the Company Gardens, Cape Town
Set in the shadow of Table Mountain the new terminal will be based at E Berth in Duncan Docks giving easy access into the City for tour operators and visitors.
The announcement of this news is a boost for the Tourism industry as it seeks to increase the more than R200m already generated by the tourism industry into the local economy.
The new terminal is set to benefit the City in many ways. The approval of this venture will ensure job creation from the onset starting with the construction of the new terminal through to increased employment opportunities in business sectors related to the Tourism industry.
Cape Town was recently voted the No 1 City in Africa and the Middle East by Time Inc.’s Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best List and secured a spot in the Top 10 Cities in the world coming in at No 9.
Table Mountain as seen from the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
The broad offering of top hotels, leisure activities and local destinations of interest coupled with a favourable rate of exchange ensures that Cape Town remains the destination of choice among travelers seeking to get value for their money.
As the gateway into Africa visitors to the Mother City will not only experience local sights and sounds but that of Africa as the City has seen an influx of people from all over the continent thereby improving the cosmopolitan aspect of Cape Town.
Cape Town Tourism continues to share the best of Cape Town at unbeatable value with the forthcoming Making Memories Weekend. Spending time with family tops the list for many visitors on holiday and this weekend adventure will make memories for a long time to come.
#helloweekend was created by Cape Town Tourism to showcase the fact that there is something for everyone, every weekend in Cape Town. Each weekend a theme is celebrated but the theme can also be enjoyed at any other time – although the special limited offer packages apply until the end of July 2015 only.
Whilst in Cape Town here are some ideas for a family itinerary to make many memories from:
Have a whale of a time spotting these magnificent mammals frolicking in the Cape Town waters. July heralds the start of calving season for whales bringing them close to shore. This is the ideal time for a family road trip along the False Bay Coast or to the whale capital of the world, Hermanus. Pack some “padkos” and stop at the many viewing points along the way to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants of the ocean.
A Humpback Whale breaching in False Bay
Walk the Boomslang and Check out the Dinos | Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
There is no better time to see fynbos in its full glory than in the winter months. Many species are in flower and the Fynbos Walk in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is a paradise of colour and birds. Adding to the adventure is the recently installed, 130m-long canopy walkway, ‘Boomslang’, which snakes through the treetops – a must see. Another installation to take in is the exhibit of nine life-size dinosaurs. Crafted in tin by Zimbabwean artist, David Huni, the exhibit highlights the growing threat of extinction to more than 60% of the world’s cycad plant species – many amongst them are from South Africa.
After all the fresh air you’ll want to tuck into a hearty breakfast or lunch at the Kirstenbosch Tea Room or Moyo Kirstenbosch, alternatively pack your own picnic basket and stretch out on the lawn.
Step into this underwater wonder world where kids and grown-ups alike will be wowed by the unusual, the spectacular and the scary creatures of the sea. Meet a rockhopper penguin, pick up and feel a variety of marine animals and plants at the touch pool, or watch the frenzy of feeding time in the shark tank. Kids will love the daily puppet shows and getting busy with fishy-themed arts and crafts activities. Guaranteed to be one of the top family weekend activities.
Walk to the very edge of the Cape Peninsula and experience a powerful sense of the endlessness of nature. Just 60km from Cape Town the Cape Point Nature Reserve makes for a great day trip. Catch The Flying Dutchman funicular to the upper lighthouse for some breath-taking views over the Atlantic Ocean, walk the Shipwreck trail to explore the remains of a few of the 26 recorded shipwrecks here, or step back in history at the monuments to early explorers Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias.
On your way back from the Cape Point Nature Reserve stop in at the Noordhoek Farm Village where free, fun activities, age-specific playgrounds, child-friendly restaurants and wonderful shops make an ideal pit stop for families before heading back to Cape Town.
Sometimes it is not just about arriving at the destination but the journey there. The open-top double-decker buses of City Sightseeing provide a sightseeing adventure for young and old. With hop-on, hop-off access you can create your own fun-filled day. The Red Route start at the Two Oceans Aquarium, runs through the CBD up funky Long Street to Table Mountain, Camps Bay and along the Atlantic Seaboard back to the V&A Waterfront. The bus caters very well for children with a specially created audio guide for the little ones to listen into.
The City’s Naming Committee this morning, 24 June 2015, considered and discussed the outcome of an extensive public participation process about the naming of the seven footbridges crossing Nelson Mandela Boulevard and Rhodes Drive.
Footbridge across the Nelson Mandela Boulevard, Cape Town
A total of 58 comments were received during the second round of public participation that took place during the month of April 2015 to provide interested parties with the opportunity to air their views. The majority of the participants indicated that they support either all or some of the proposals and, as such, the committee recommended that the footbridges be named as follows:
|a!kunta: |a!kunta (or Klaas Stoffel) was the first contributor to the Wilhelm Bleek and Lucy Lloyd Archive of /xam and !kun texts. He arrived in Mowbray on 29 August 1870 and stayed until October 1873. He was originally from an area called the ‘Strondbergen’ and belonged to a group of !xam who lived on the plains. He contributed some narratives and a large number of words and sentences to the archive.
Tuan Guru: Imam Abdullah Ibn Qadhu Abdus Salaam, known as Tuan Guru, is regarded as the Father of Islam in South Africa. Tuan Guru was a prince from Tidore in the Trinate Islands and a descendant of the Sultan of Morocco. He was banished by the Dutch invaders to the Cape in 1780 and was incarcerated on Robben Island for 12 years until 1792. After his release, he married Khadija van de Kaap. While on Robben Island, he wrote several copies of the Holy Qur’an from memory, possibly the first Qur’an in South Africa.
Ingrid Jonker: the iconic South African poet who committed suicide by drowning at the age of 31 in Sea Point. Her poem ‘Die Kind’ was read out by former President Nelson Mandela during the opening of South Africa’s first democratic parliament in May 1994.
Dawid Kruiper: a traditional healer and leader of the Khomani San in the Kalahari. He was well known for his role in the movie ‘The Gods Must Be Crazy II’. Kruiper spoke for the rights of indigenous people to the United Nations in 1994, and led the way for successful land claims for the San People in South Africa, culminating in the restoration of 40 000 hectares of land in 1999.
Father John Oliver: the Anglican priest from District Six who passed away in 2013. He founded the Cape Town Interfaith Initiative and spent many years building bridges between the different faiths, highlighting our similarity rather than our differences.
Taliep Petersen: a well-known and loved singer, composer and director of a number of popular musicals. He worked with David Kramer, with whom he won the Laurence Olivier Award – the highest honour in British theatre, considered to be the theatre industry’s equivalent of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
Father Basil van Rensburg: the South African Catholic priest who gained international recognition for his fight against the apartheid regime’s forced removal of the people of District Six. He mobilised public opinion against the mass removals, writing to newspapers and holding public meetings. He was born in Woodstock in 1930 and passed away in 2002, aged 71.The recommendation follows from an initial public participation process that was conducted during November 2013 and February 2014, during which the public was asked to propose names for the seven unnamed footbridges. This process was supported by a subsequent analysis by the City’s Public Participation Unit to determine which of the over 2 000 name proposals that were received indeed complied with the City’s Naming Policy.
In the end, 638 compliant naming proposals – ranging from well-known South Africans to general names honouring our rich cultural heritage and fauna and flora – were considered by the Naming Committee and after careful consideration, the abovementioned seven names were recommended for the final round of public participation that was concluded in May 2015.
‘The naming of these footbridges is an ideal opportunity to commemorate the people and events that influenced the character and culture of the city. This naming process is part of our efforts in building a new inclusive space where all of us feel at home. I want to thank our residents for the vigour and enthusiasm they showed in participating in this final round of public participation,’ said the Chairperson of the City’s Naming Committee, Councillor Brett Herron.
The seven names are recommended to Executive Mayor, Patricia de Lille, for approval. If the Executive Mayor supports these names, they will be recommended to Council for a final decision.
‘The naming of public spaces, bridges and roads, among others, is pivotal in building a shared community across different cultural, social and economic groups. We want to create a city where residents feel acknowledged, heard and valued and this is why we have invested so much time and effort in the public participation processes,’ said Councillor Herron.
Worshipers of the Muslim faith gathered in their numbers at vantage points from Sea Point to Bantry Bay and Three Anchor Bay even at the top of Signal Hill to view the crescent of the moon that heralded the start of the Holy month of Ramadaan.
Excitement grew as the setting sun unveiled the silver crescent between the clouds above the horizon.
Ramadaan is a time of fasting and spiritual renewal for local Muslims. Fasting is the practice of the abstinence of indulgence, be it eating, drinking and being mindful of what one says.
The fast lasts for 29 or 30 days and on the last evening Muslims return to their places of observation to get a glimpse of the moon that once again signals the end of the fast and the celebration of “Eid al Fitr”. Eid starts with morning prayers followed by a festive celebration.
On this day it is not uncommon to see Muslim children taking food to the neighbours in the community.
An oasis of giving Nakhlistan’s incredible Eid feed
Muslim Charity organizations ensure that meals and clothing is distributed in the poorer communities, this is a sight to see as the meals are cooked in huge pots overs open fires, soup kitchens are established and the needy clothed.
Cape Town has a large Muslim community; some arrived as tradesmen and skilled workers at establishment of the European settlement at the Cape while others arrived as political prisoners or slaves.
They came as tailors, philosophers, teachers, tanners, carpenters, cobblers, cooks and builders; settling above the City in what is known as the Bo-Kaap also known as the “Malay Quarter”.
The Malay Quarter is famous for its brightly coloured semi-detached homes and cobbled streets. As the Muslim community established themselves in the area they built Cape Town’s first Mosque, the Auwal Mosque in 1798.
As the Muslim community grew a second Mosque was built in 1820, the Palm Tree Mosque in Long Street followed by a third in 1844, the Nurul Islam Mosque.
Cape Town in Colour wishes the Muslim community a happy and blessed month of Ramadaan, may your homes be graced with warmth and peace and may you be gifted with many blessings during the Holy month.
The inaugural Cape Town Cup will set the Mother City alight with two international teams set to challenge two PSL teams in a two day double header football extravaganza. With everyone welcome, it’s bound to be football at its very best in this pre-season tournament.
Cape Town Stadium to host the Cape Town Cup
The City of Cape Town has announced a Cape Town Cup soccer tournament which will see host team Ajax Cape Town welcome Portuguese team Sporting Clube de Portugal as well as Crystal Palace FC and Supersport United.
Set to take place at the iconic Cape Town Stadium on 24 and 26 July, the tickets will be made available to the public via Computicket from 21 June onwards.
A draw was done to confirm that the first game on Friday, which kicks off at 17h45, will see Supersport United FC vs Crystal Palace FC. Following shortly after this at 20h15 will see Ajax Cape Town vs Sporting Clube de Portugal. Sunday’s action will start at 13h00 with the looser of the first of Friday’s double headers challenging the looser from the second match. The final with both the winners from the games played on 24 July will take place at 15h30 on 26 July with a penalty shootout to decide the champion, should there be a tie after regulation time – no extra time and then penalties if there is still a stalemate.
“The City of Cape Town is delighted to host the inaugural Cape Town Cup in our beautiful city. We look forward to welcoming the teams and their many fans. Our support for the tournament is part of the City’s strategy to position Cape Town as the events capital of Africa. Events play a pivotal role in generating visitor expenditure and growing our local economy. Soccer is a unifying sport and events like these bring citizens from all walks of life together. We call on Capetonians to come out in their numbers to support the event,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Tourism, Events and Economic Development Councillor Garreth Bloor.
With ticket prices ranging from R200 to R400, host team Ajax Cape Town is looking forward to the soccer loving fans attending in their thousands.
Ari Efstathiou, Ajax Cape Town CEO says that Ajax Cape Town is privileged to host Sporting Lisbon, Crystal Palace and SuperSport United for the inaugural Cape Town Cup, in conjunction with the City of Cape Town, next month.
“As a club, we continue to be leaders in the football industry, and hosting clubs of this calibre in our city is a start of a great future for the Cape Town Cup. Together with the City of Cape Town, we hope to grow this tournament in the years to come and host other big name football clubs in Cape Town. We ask for the support of the entire Cape Town community to make this event a hugely successful one, as we look to continue doing our share in maintaining the status and reputation that Cape Town has enjoyed as one of the most loved cities in the world. We will most certainly look to keep developing and escalating the Cape Town Cup, with the aim of turning it into a world renowned football spectacle.”
Sporting Clube de Portugal’s Mr João Gomes: “Sporting Clube de Portugal is very pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the Cape Town Cup. We are certain that participation in this tournament will be beneficial for the preparation of the first team for the season 2015/2016. We point out that for Sporting to participate in a tournament in South Africa has a special feeling because as early as July 28, 1997 we have a strong bond, the date on which Nelson Mandela became Member of Merit of Sporting Clube de Portugal.”
Phil Alexander, Chief Executive of Crystal Palace FC says, “Crystal Palace Football Club are delighted to be taking part in the inaugural Cape Town Cup as part of our 15/16 Barclays Premier League season preparations. Alan Pardew will be bringing a full first team squad and we are looking forward to sampling the tremendous atmosphere in the iconic Cape Town Stadium.”
SuperSport United CEO Stan Matthews expressed his delight at participating in the Cape Town Cup saying, “We have established a strong presence in the Western Cape not only through players from Cape Town in our team but especially via our partnership with Stellenbosch University, so we are looking forward to this tournament and our training camp in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This tournament gives us a chance to play against high quality international competition and give our players an opportunity to showcase their talents at the highest level. This will be our final preparation for the season and we will be going all out to play in the finals and start the season on a winning note.”
To keep up to date on all tournament news, fans are encouraged to follow @CapeTownCup on Twitter or visit the website http://www.capetowncup.co.za
Asics and the Springboks ushered in a new era in kit fabrication when they launched the Springboks 2015 World Cup jersey at a gala function in Cape Town on Thursday evening.
The latest technology, advanced mechanics and material was used in the design and production of the Springboks 2015 Rugby World Cup gear.
Weighing in at just 90 kg’s the new Asics jersey, is by far the lightest ever, and the combination of the materials that make-up the jersey allows for greater mobility thereby reducing fatigue.
Another technological advance conceived by Asics in the new Springbok jersey is the Super-Grip silicone weaved into the chest of the jersey, the Super-Grip silicone allows for better protection of the ball in a tackle while the new material’s high tensile strength and smooth surface makes it harder for the opposition to get to grips with the Boks under match conditions.
The jersey is finished off with 3D badging making for a high quality stand-out products by the Springbok jersey sponsors, Asics.
The manufacture of the new Springbok 2015 World Cup jersey was a collective effort with input from the players, SARU and the ASICS Institute of Sport Science in Kobe, Japan.
The 2015 World Cup Springbok jersey embodies not only the latest trends in the manufacture of sports apparel; it also embraces the latest social media craze – “selfies”.
Each number on the Springbok jersey is a collage of “selfies” featuring fans of the Springboks. As part of their homeground advantage the Springboks will have their 16th player, their fans on their backs for the duration of the 2015 IRB World Cup
For a limited period and by special order, fans can ensure that their “selfie” is on their own jersey when placing their order online at: – https://www.homegroundadvantage.co.za/.
The Springboks Rugby World Cup replica apparel will be available countrywide at all leading sports retailers from June 5, 2015.
It’s hard to comprehend that Newlands Rugby Stadium is 125 years old in a country that is only 363 years old and this weekend the home of South African Rugby is celebrating in fine style by hosting a double-header of great rugby for the local rugby fanatics.
Newlands Rugby Stadium celebrates 125 years old in style. pic WP Rugby
On Saturday 30 May, 2015, Western Province plays the PUMAS in the Vodacom Cup Final at DHL Newlands. Kickoff 2:10pm CAT (SA, GMT+2) followed by the DHL Stormers v the Free State Cheetahs in an all-South African Vodacom Super Rugby Derby at 17h05.
In 1888 the Western Province Rugby and Football Union decided to buy the grounds between the railway line at Newlands Station and the Castle Brewery along the Liesbeek River.
A mere two years later the venue hosted its first official game between Stellenbosch and Villagers, a full house of 2, 400 fans watched that game and in 1891 Newlands hosted its first rugby test between the British Lions and South Africa.
The popularity of the sport grew and so did this iconic stadium and in 1919 the first concrete structures was built to accommodate the huge rugby following in Cape Town.
Since then the venue witnessed a number of changes both on and off the field, a new grandstand was built in 1950, the south stand was added soon after followed but the Presidential Suite, elevators, the Sponsors Suites and Function rooms.
In 1970 Newlands Rugby Stadium became the home of SA Rugby and in 1992 the local rugby celebrated unification and the establishment of the Western Province Rugby Football Union, a major accomplishment at a tumultuous time in South Africa’s Rugby history.
Three years later South Africa hosted the Rugby World Cup with the opening match of the 1995 Rugby World Cup between the Springboks and perennial rivals, Australia at the Newlands Rugby Stadium. The Boks beat the Aussies 27-18 and went on to win the Rugby World Cup Final against the All Blacks when Joel Stransky flighted his drop kick over the bar to kick-off the celebrations.
Over the years the stadium hosted a number of events like conferences, concerts however in 2000 this iconic Rugby Stadium opened its doors to Football or Soccer as it is known around the world, when it became the home ground of Ajax Cape Town FC.
Today the capacity of the Newlands Rugby Stadium is 51,900 and over the years it has witnessed its fair share of heartbreak and celebrations.
This Saturday the Newlands Rugby Stadium will once again be bathed in blue when the “streeptruie” run out to the cheers of their fans….“WP, jou lekka ding” (pronounced VP) as Western Province take to the field in the Vodacom Cup Final and followed by the DHL Stormers chant later in the day.
No matter what your choice of sport Newlands Rugby Stadium holds a special place in the hearts of Capetonians, a testament to those men and women who served behind the scenes.
New laws about travelling with children come into effect on 1 June 2015. To assist travellers to South Africa with their plans, Cape Town Tourism has created a summary of some of the typical questions that come up for parents travelling with children or who wish to send their children on a trip.
Why is the government changing the child laws?
South African immigration authorities have noted that there is an unacceptably high volume of child trafficking over the country’s borders. The new laws aim to curb child trafficking but will result in considerable paperwork and advanced planning when travelling to and from South Africa with children.
When do the new laws come into effect?
1 June 2015
Who does this affect?
Anyone wanting to travel from or to South Africa with a child under the age of 18 years, parents who are travelling with their child but not their spouse and those who wish to send their child on a trip accompanied by someone other than a parent or unaccompanied. It does not affect those travelling within South Africa (i.e. you only need these documents if you cross South Africa’s borders by land, sea or air.
What will we need?
All children under the age of 18 leaving and entering South Africa will be required to have an unabridged birth certificate to accompany their passport – along with the relevant visa if required.
Various additional documents are required in various instances as outlined below.
Note that all documents must be dated within four months of the date of departure or entry. All documents must be original or certified as a copy of an original by a commissioner of oaths or equivalent authority.
What is an Unabridged Birth Certificate?
It’s a birth certificate that reflects the particulars of both parents of the child.
All children born in South Africa after 14 March 2013 were issued with a valid unabridged birth certificate automatically and free of charge.
Everyone born before that, and those from countries who do not automatically issue unabridged certificates, must apply for the document well before their travel date.
Do I need an unabridged birth certificate to travel around within South Africa?
No, but it will be required at all border controls by land, sea and air.
What about birth certificates that are not in English?
Should the birth certificate be in any language other than English, it must be translated into English in a sworn document by an authority in the country of origin. All supporting documents need to be original and duplicates must be certified.
There is no such thing as an unabridged birth certificate in our country, what must we do?
In the case of countries that do not issue unabridged birth certificates, a letter to this effect issued by the competent authority of the foreign country should be produced.
My child is adopted so our names are not on her birth certificate, what should I do?
The parents of adopted children should produce proof of adoption by means of an adoption certificate.
I am travelling with my child but not my spouse, do I need anything else?
If the child is travelling with only one of their parents, the traveller parent will be required to provide a passport and unabridged birth certificate (with particulars of the parents), as well as an affidavit from the non-travelling parent giving express permission for the child to travel with the other parent. The parent will also be required to produce a court order giving the accompanying parent full parental responsibility.
Legally separated parents should provide a court order when the other parent does not give consent.
I am a single parent, what do I need?
If the child’s unabridged birth certificate only reflects the name of one parent, parental consent from the absent parent is not required. If the parent’s name does appear, the other parent must consent in an affidavit. If the absent parent cannot be traced, a letter of special circumstances must be applied for.
My wife has passed away, what will I need in lieu of his consent?
Should one of the parents be deceased, a death certificate must be produced.
We are a gay couple (two fathers) and both our names appear on the Unabridged Birth Certificate. If we are both travelling with our child, will that suffice?
Yes, same sex parents are recognised as per the names on the unabridged birth certificate. Passports and visas (if necessary) will still be required.
My child is going on holiday with her aunt, what do we need to prepare?
If a child is travelling with someone other than a parent, additional documents to be presented will include an affidavit from the parents or legal guardian to state that the child is allowed to travel with that person, the contact details of the parents or legal guardian and copies of the identity documents and passports of the parents or legal guardian.
Where both the parents of the child are deceased and the child is travelling with a relative, the Director-General must approve such a person to enter into or depart from South Africa with that child. This affidavit may not be older than 3 months, dating from the date of travel.
My 17 year old son is going to spend a holiday with relatives in South Africa, he is flying alone, what do I need to do to?
An unaccompanied child requires a passport, unabridged birth certificate and visa if needed. They will also need a parental consent affidavit or court order signed by both parents or a legal guardian stating that the child has their permission to travel.
The affidavit must also feature the parent’s contact details. In addition, you will need a letter from the person the child will be staying with, featuring contact numbers and the physical address of the place where the child will stay. Documentation should also include thename and contact details as well as certified copies of the identity document or passport, visa or permanent residence permit of the person, as well as the contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the minor.
I want to send a child who is in alternative care in South Africa on an overseas programme. What do I need?
A child who is in alternative care should produce a certified copy of an authorisation letter from the Provincial Head of the Department of Social Development where the child resides on departing South Africa.
How to go about obtaining an unabridged birth certificate in South Africa?
Parents are advised to apply for an unabridged birth certificate well in advance as the process may take months (the indicated time is between 3 and 8 weeks).
Apply at any branch of Home Affairs bringing:
– R 75 in cash
– Both parents’ ID books as well as the child’s ID number
The decision to call it a day and finally hang up my football boots has not been easy; football has been an intrinsic part of my life for a long time and is part of my identity. I am however in a very good place and very comfortable with my decision. I still have a lot to offer and whatever the next chapter will bring, I hope it will put me in a position to do just that, albeit in a different capacity.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lance Davids during a Portugal v South Africa International friendly
My love for the beautiful game started at a very young age in the streets of Mitchell’s Plain and I have had the privilege of honing my skills under the care of brilliant coaches. I am filled with gratitude, because everything I’ve accomplished has not only been my doing, but would not have been possible without the support of so many people.
I still remember the sense of adventure and trepidation that came with leaving home for Europe at the young age of only 15 years old. This would not have been possible without the unfailing support of my family. There were so many moments during those first few weeks in a foreign country, different culture and language, very different to our Cape Town, that the easy way out would have been to pack up. In these times I had my father to guide and advise me. When he passed away I lost my mentor and confidante. I still find myself wondering in many situations what my dad would do.
Lance Davids playing for Djurgardens IF
To empower myself I made it my mission to learn the language very quickly and today I speak German and Swedish fluently.
Looking back at a professional career that spans over 15 years I realize how blessed I am and have an immense amount of gratitude for the role that so many have played:
My wife, Joyce – for your unwavering loyalty and support and for being such an awesome mother to our Liah. My career came with inevitable travelling, thanks for holding the fort in my absence.
• My mother; brother, Tarquin; sisters, Anthea and Yolanda and extended family. You are and have always been my rocks. I have been blessed to be born into such a supportive family. No words can ever describe the appreciation I have for everything you’ve meant to me.
• My host family in Germany, The Badmans – Thank you for providing me with a home away from home.
• My teammates – The very nature of this game require team work on and off the pitch, thank you for having my back. I can certainly say I played amongst some of the best.
• All the fans and supporters. This game is nothing without you. I appreciate all your feedback.
• As mentioned before I had the honour of training under some of the best coaches in South Africa and in Europe. These include:
i) Mr. George, who was my first coach at Parkhurst Ambassadors.
ii) Mr. Cunningham and Edgar Manuel at Hellenic
iii) Mr. Payne, for my debut at the then Bayhill Tournament.
iiii) Mr. Byrne, for your advice during my professional career and his dad, Mr. Budgie Byrne who travelled with me at the age of 14 to Arsenal and Manchester United.
v) The junior national coaches, Boebie Williams and Steve Komphela
vi) Senior national coaches, Stuart Baxter and Carlos Alberto Perreira;
vii) Gavin Hunt, under whom I’ve won my first league medal at Supersport United.
viii) Foppe De Haan, Roger De Sa and Muhsin Ertugral, one of the best tacticians in the game
ix) All my European coaches – what an honour it has been to train and play under your brilliance.
• Rob Moore, who has become more than just an agent to me. In many ways he now fulfils that role of mentor. I have a huge amount of respect for this man’s business acumen and how he looks after his clients.
• Lastly, Margaret Carolus, my teacher, whom I’ve had the privilege of working with while doing my studies in Sports Management. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Your input and support were invaluable.
Some of the major highlights in my career include:
My Bundesliga debut in 2003 playing for TSV 1860 München, making 21 league appearances.
• Being discovered by former Bafana Bafana coach, Stuart Baxter at the age of 18 in 2004 to represent the national team
• Voted best right back in the Swedish League in 2007 and 2008
• An invitation from Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United to trial in 2007.
• Winning the PSL league with Supersport United in 2009
• Captain of the national under – 20 and under – 23 teams
• Being selected by Carlos Alberto Perreira for the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad.
• Playing in the Afcon and Confederation Cup League
• Numerous Junior awards
Lance Davids passes Katlego Mashego in the colours of Ajax Cape Town
Yes. I’ve been blessed with a successful career and have accomplished much, but none of it would have been possible through determination, hard work and non-negotiable professionalism at all times. If I could pass on some advice to aspiring youngsters; work hard, recognize and use every opportunity to improve, the competition is tough. The world of professional football is attractive, make sensible and responsible choices, think of your future, invest and be prepared at all times.
It has been an awesome ride, doing what I love best and thank you to each and everyone who has been part of it.
Cup feva has hit the Mother City big time after Ajax Cape Town rallied from a goal down to beat Supersport United 2-1 in the last few seconds of the Nedbank Cup semi-final at the Cape Town Stadium to set-up a cup final against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Ajax Cape Town fans in full voice at the Cape Town Stadium
Cape Town’s radio stations have been abuzz with the latest news from the team camps, conducting interviews with players and coaches and even predicting scores in the run-up to the final.
Word from Ikamva is that their stock of merchandise is sold-out, local fans have hired 13 buses, 17 mini-buses and a convoy of cars in order to travell to Port Elizabeth, while some fans are flying to PE from all over South Africa to support Ajax Cape Town.
Support for Ajax Cape Town has come from all over the Mother City and South Africa.
Alistair Coetzee (the WP & Stormers rugby coach), Paul Adams (the Cobra’s cricket coach), Breyton Paulse (a Springbok rugby player and TV pundit), local Radio DJ’s, television personalities and even the ardent Chiefs and Pirates fans in Cape Town have pledged their support for Ajax Cape Town.
The Urban Warriors have a decent cup pedigree having won their first major trophy in 2000, beating a much fancied Orlando Pirates 4-2 in the Rothmans Cup Final just a year after the club set down their roots at Ikamva.
Ajax Cape Town 2000 Rothmans Cup win pic – Kickoff magazine
In 2000, local football pundits wrote them off as cannon fodder for the more fancied star-studded Orlando Pirates outfit. Ajax took the field with the likes of Carlo Scott, Dominic Isaacs, Dillon Shephard, Shaun Potgieter, Shaun Olivier, Sibusiso Mzizi, Jeremy Jansen, Moeneeb Josephs and Brett Evans.
Ajax went on to shock the local football fraternity with a resounding 4-2 win with a display of good attacking fast paced football, the goals coming from Carlo Scott (2), Brett Evans and Jeremy Jansen.
What made their cup win even more profound was the fact that many of the players in Red and White were considered too young to be playing Cup football let alone PSL football.
The Urban Warriors has continued that trend over the years producing an abundant array of football talent that has graced the “field of dreams” at every level in South Africa and on the biggest stages of European football, Steven Pienaar (Ajax Amsterdam, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton FC) and Thulani Serero (Ajax Amsterdam).
Under similar circumstances in 2007, the Urban Warriors took on the best team money could buy. They played Mamelodi Sundowns in the ABSA Cup Final at the ABSA Stadium in Durban, they had a team brimming with young talent the likes of Franklin Cale, Nhlanhla Shabalala, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Nazeer Allie, Brett Evans, Clifford Ngobeni and Bryce Moon.
The Urban Warriors gave a stunning display of football that showcased their European influences. Their a quick-passing, fast-paced attacking game plan saw the opposition run ragged over the regulation ninety-minutes. Goals by Bryce Moon and Franklin Cale sealed the game in Ajax Cape Town’s favour.
Ajax Cape Town 2008 Telkom Knockout Champions, celebrate with the trophy.
In 2008 Pirates got a second bite at the cherry when they faced Ajax Cape Town in the Telkom Knock-Out Challenge Cup Final at the Chatsworth Stadium in Durban.
The scene was set with the Johannesburg based team overflowing with the “best” football talent available in South Africa while Ajax relied on their tried and tested formula of producing their own talent.
The Urban Warriors took the field with players who came through their youth system, Sameehg Doutie, Nazeer Allie, Granwald Scott, Franklin Cale, Nhlanhla Shabalala, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Clayton Daniels, Clifford Ngobeni, Mkhanyiseli Siwahla and Andre Petim to name a few. Petim was drafted into the starting line-up after their number one Sean Roberts was injured in the run-up to the final.
The Urban Warriors withstood a late onslaught to beat Pirates with a brace of goals coming from the boots of Mabhudi Khenyeza.
Without sounding monotonous the stage is once again set for a momentous cup final, once again the Urban Warriors face a team assembled at great cost, once again the odds are not in their favour as the local pundits cast their votes in Sundowns favour.
Once again Ajax Cape Town can take the field with talent scouted from across South Africa and nurtured at Ikamva, Abbubaker Mobara, Rivaldo Coetzee, Cecil Lolo, Musa Lebusa, Nazeer Allie, Granwald Scott, Riyaad Norodien, Bantu Mzwakali, Tashreeq Morris, Franklin Cale, Jody February, Brandon Petersen, Toriq Losper, Yagan Sasman and captain Travis Graham.
Also in this team areplayers who won PSL silverware in the Red and White jersey Dominic Isaacs, Franklin Cale, Aidan Jenniker, Granwald Scott, Nazeer Allie and Nathan Paulse.
2014 Metropolitan Premier Cup Champions Ajax Cape Town.
One would think that playing in a major cup final would be unsettling for the youngsters but they have won trophies at home and abroad throughout their time in the Ajax youth academy.
Now you may say but that’s not the same as winning a major trophy in the PSL, well when you consider the bulk of this young side have won the U17 Engen Knockout Challenge 3 years in a row, the Metropolitan Premier Cup two years in a row and top that with the Copa Amsterdam title in 2013.
The Copa Amsterdam is the biggest U19 tournament in Europe and the young Ajax team had to overcome the likes of Borussia Mönchengladbach (Germany), Chelsea Ghana (Ghana), Men United XI (a U19 Dutch Invitational team), Cruzeiro EC (Brazil), Fluminense (Brazil) and Tottenham Hotspur (England) to win the title.
Ajax Cape Town Copa Amsterdam Champions 2013
A betting man would play a safe bet ahead of this game, however the Cape Town in Colour team is putting their money on this young Ajax side and looking at the history of Ajax’s cup pedigree it easy to see why.
Once again the game is set for a venue where Ajax Cape Town has yet to lose a Cup game.
Once again the Urban Warriors have assembled a side that has progressed via their youth ranks, once again Ajax face an expensively assembled side, once again the local football pundits are betting with their hearts not the heads.
Preparations in both camps have gone well, the teams have traveled to the “Windy City” ahead of the Cup final, the Sundowns and Ajax staff are excited at the prospect of travelling to Port Elizabeth to attend the cup-final, local fans adjourned in Red and White are set to leave the Mother City in a convoy of buses, mini-buses, and cars for the Nelson Mandela Stadium in support of their team.
All that is left is for the match official to get the game underway.
The Nelson Mandela Stadium is not going to be a place for the faint-hearted so buckle-up and be prepared for a roller-coaster ride of emotions as the player’s battle for the 2015 Nedbank Cup title.
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