Pius puts Cato Manor on the Map

Pius Maduna is not phased by the daunting task
of disciplining school children in the classroom and
disciplining professional soccer players on the playing ground.

Being a deputy principal in a primary school can be a handful on its own, but when you have to juggle that with being a professional referee, it seems almost impossible. Pius Maduna, Vice-Principal of Ngwenya HP in Chesterville Extension and new Professional Soccer League (PSL) referee, is handling the challenge like he was born to do nothing else.

The vice-principal has recently been promoted to officiate in PSL games, which means that he has to jet across the country to officiate in games. The task is not an easy one considering that he has to be at school the following morning.

Since his rise to the PSL, Pius has officiated in three games. The last game he handled, between Bush Bucks and Black Leopards, was televised live on Mabaleng.

The recent tournament held at kwa-Abraham is proof that Baker’s Mini-Cricket is still alive in Cato Manor.

Prizegiving day is becoming an annual event. Pictured during the second event is KZN’s SAFA president Alpha Mchunu.

Although Pius has a wealth of experience in refereeing, no amount of experience can quite prepare you for PSL games.

“Most soccer lovers are quick to judge when referees make decisions that go against their teams. Little do they consider the amount of pressure that referees are under. Imagine having to run 200 metres in 32 seconds or 50 metres in seven seconds, let alone having to cover at least 2.7 kilometres in 12 minutes or be 9.5 yards away when the ball drops so that you can see any misconduct during the game,” said Pius.

The Chesterville-based referee has been refereeing since his teacher training days in the early 1980's and has risen through the ranks with outstanding colours, coming top of the class in SAFA’s accreditation programme. This achievement means Pius can now officiate in trans-African club games such as the Mandela Cup and the Champion’s League.

To officiate in international games, Pius has to referee at least three Class A games without any disputes. Class A games are games such as Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs or Chiefs vs Sundowns.
“If you handle those games without any incidents then you stand a good chance of being selected for FIFA games,” said Pius.

Scene around Cato Manor

Ward 29 Councillor S’bu Gumede demonstrating that he is a hands-on leader during the official opening of the Good Hope Centre at Chesterville Extension.

Gcina Mhlophe, popular presenter of children’s TV programmes and Ward 30 Councillor Mpume Chamane during the opening of the Good Hope Centre at Chesterville Extension.

The opening of a satellite police station at the Bellair Shopping Centre will ensure the safety of both the customers and traders.