Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-05-20 i Star

Vodacom Group met five-year targets and lifted its full-year dividend 5.1% to 620 cents a share, even though it served 9.2 million fewer customers in the year to March 31. South Africa’s second biggest mobile network operator has also upgraded its medium-term operational earnings growth targets. CEO Shameel Joosub said Monday normalised earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation increased 7.8% to R55.52 billion in the past year and that the five-year target for this metric had been adjusted to double-digit figures from high single-digit figures. “As we draw the curtain on our Vision 2025 strategy, I am proud of the progress we made over five years to deliver on our targets. This was despite a challenging environment marked by a global health crisis, currency volatility, geopolitical tensions, inflation pressures…

Experts say R150 billion worth of exports hang in the balance during the trip This week’s meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and US President Donald Trump is being closely monitored by the international relations stakeholders as they have emphasised its significance for trade relations and the broader South African economy. Reflecting on the economic context, Andre Thomashausen, a Professor Emeritus for International Law at Unisa, indicated that South Africa’s access to the US markets was crucial because the trade balance with the US was nearly 100% positive and in favour of the South African economy. Thomashausen said a total of R150 billion of exports will hang in the balance on Wednesday, a price too big to pay for postures of national pride. “Imports from the US are…

South Africa’s poultry industry would like a seat at the table if there are any changes on import tariffs or quotas on the US imports, even though at this stage, it will be unaffected directly by a cessation of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Agreement (Agoa), said Astral CEO Gary Arnold. Currently, South Africa allows a 70 000-ton duty-free chicken import quota from the US, but this figure barely got filled last year, and there have been no chicken imports from the US this year because of the outbreak of bird flu in the US, Gary Arnold, CEO of South Africa’s largest integrated poultry producer Astral Foods, said on Monday. He said he was more concerned about the potential impact on the broader South African economy of lower exports to…

Despite the AI-fuelled headlines and promises of satellite connectivity, Africa's digital transformation still depends heavily on physical infrastructure: optical fibre cables. As global discussions increasingly focus on novel technologies, it's the unglamorous fibre networks snaking beneath our urban centres that silently determine which economies will thrive in the coming decade. Pieter E Viljoen, CEO of Yangtze Optics Africa Cable (YOA Cable), offers informed perspectives on this critical but often overlooked sector. With a master's degree in semiconductor physics rather than the typical accountancy background of most South African executives, Viljoen exemplifies how first-principles thinking informs both technical manufacturing and strategic leadership at the company's Dube Tradeport facility in KwaZulu-Natal. Physics versus engineering When I mistakenly referenced Viljoen's engineering background, he offered a telling distinction: "Physicists, we have to think out…

As a bitter cold wave sweeps across the country, the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services is raising the alarm, calling for heightened vigilance and caution during this freezing spell. This follows a warning from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an alert for freezing temperatures set to grip Johannesburg and parts of Gauteng from May 20, urging residents to brace for a sharp drop in temperatures. The SAWS noted that a cold front moved over the south-western parts of the country on Monday, bringing cold, wet, and windy conditions to the western areas of the Western Cape. Although this front was not very strong, it signals a stronger and more severe weather system expected to arrive today. The weather service also indicated that freezing levels will drop…

Four children, believed to be ages two and younger, died yesterday morning in a house fire in Mayfair, west of Joburg, the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) confirmed. EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the incident occurred at around 11am. “Our City of Johannesburg Emergency Management firefighters are responding to a house on fire incident in Mayfair, which was reported at around 11am this morning,” Mulaudzi said. He said that upon arrival, firefighters began conducting firefighting operations. “Unfortunately, there were about four bodies that were recovered, and our paramedics from GBG confirmed them dead on scene. “All the deceased are believed to be minors. “Their ages are believed to be from two and below,” Mulaudzi said. “Another one, we’ve been told, may be one year-seven months, and the other…

THE African National Congress (ANC) is mourning the death of its Women’s League Deputy President, Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe. She was also a Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Tourism. She passed away at the age of 64 at her home in Westville in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday. The party described her as a “lifelong activist and servant of the people”. “Lala kahle, Comrade Lungu. You walked with dignity, you led with humility, and you gave your all without asking for anything in return. Your name is inscribed in the story of our freedom,” the ANC shared in a tribute. Meanwhile, the Presiding Officers of Parliament, Thoko Didiza, Speaker of the National Assembly, and Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, have expressed their deep shock at…

Growing up in a school where the only sports available to us were netball and soccer, I felt boxed into something I didn’t enjoy. I didn’t like netball; all girls had to play netball, and it was clear that I wasn’t cut out for it. During team selections, I always made sure to position myself at the back, hoping not to be picked. When I was chosen, I’d find myself at the goalpost or standing on the sidelines, far from the action. The ball would rarely come my way, and I hated it. I’d make up excuses to avoid playing – telling my teammates I was sick or that my parents didn’t want me playing in the sun. But deep down, I always wanted something more, something different. I would…

I fully support transformation, but the way Employment Equity is being amended raises serious concerns. It was meant to redress apartheid injustices and uplift those who are still struggling – yet now it seems to benefit those who are already doing well. When policies reward the already wealthy or well-connected, the poor stay poor, and inequality deepens. That’s not justice – that’s elite capture. We need a transformation that is class-conscious, not just race-based. Let’s make sure rural youth, unemployed graduates, and township communities aren’t left behind while a select few rise higher. Let’s keep equity focused on empowerment, not enrichment.…

Immigration, asylum and refugee status have become controversial global issues and affect the politics of many countries. President Trump’s decision to grant refugee status to white Afrikaners is unique and makes a general political statement about South Africa. In only one other country this issue has emerged, namely. At three different points in time South African families applied for refugee status in Canada. The first one was granted in 2009 but revoked in 2014, the second one was in 2010, when their asylum application was denied but refugee status later granted, and in 2016 when their refugee status was also denied. The grounds on which refugee status is claimed are in all cases the same: the physical security situation is regarded as a threat to their lives, and it is…

For cricket enthusiasts, a visit to Lord’s is more than just a day at the cricket; it is the culmination of dreams nourished over countless hours spent watching games unfold on television. The iconic ground, often referred to as the “Home of Cricket,” is steeped in history and offers an array of unique features, from the Father-Time weather vane to the Members Pavilion and the futuristic Media Centre. Yet, nothing captivates bowlers’ minds like the revered Lord’s slope, a challenge that can make or break a game. “It is indeed a real thing,” explained former Proteas bowling coach Vincent Barnes in an exclusive interview with Independent Media. “The sheer size of it stuns you when you see it for the first time, especially if you are a bowler who hasn’t…

It will be a case of 16th in the English Premier League against 17th when Manchester United take on Tottenham in Wednesday night’s Europa League final in Bilbao. The reward for the winner? A place at Europe’s top table next season. It hardly seems fair that Ruben Amorim’s woeful United side and Ange Postecoglu’s equally dismal Spurs could be competing with Europe’s elite while Nottingham Forest could miss out. To put their struggles into perspective, even already relegated Leicester are in better form than Spurs and United at the moment. Both sets of fans will argue, rightfully so, that they don’t make the rules for the competition. However, the scenario is surely one that organisers Uefa could not have envisioned. It’s their greed that may be the cause of…

Renergen, the JSE-listed owner and operator of the Virginia gas plant in the Free State, is focusing on a listing on Nasdaq in the US, alongside the planning and funding of the Phase 2 expansion of the plant. operations. This was announced by chairman Dumisa Hlatshwayo during the release of the annual results on MOnday. The share price fell by 5.7 to R6.96 on the JSE on Monday afternoon, significantly down from R10.90 a year ago, and representing a free-fall from R35.11 three years ago. Renergen had initially attracted considerable interest among retail investors on the JSE; however, the share price has declined significantly due to numerous delays in the ramp-up to production of South Africa’s first onshore gas production platform. The results showed that revenue increased by 79.7% to…

Corporate governance hinges on a delicate triangle: the board, the board chairperson (chair) and the CEO. When in harmony, this dynamic provides clear roles and decisive accountability. When strained, it breeds confusion, factionalism and failure. Good governance requires clear roles and mutual trust. The board oversees strategy; the CEO manages operations. King IV Principle 7 mandates the board to appoint the CEO, ensuring alignment with strategy and ethical culture, and guarding against external interference. The board chair’s role is pivotal in balancing support and oversight of the CEO. How the chair and CEO relate shapes the board’s culture and success. If the chair and CEO are openly at odds, the board and management can splinter into camps and erode trust. Clarity, unity and open communication define healthy governance. When present,…

The marriage of finance and technology can be a powerful tool for development. But like all successful marriages, finding the right partner is essential. Mobile telephone banking is an excellent example of how communications technology and financial services have been united to broaden the reach of payments, loans, savings, transfers, and even insurance, especially to those without access to formal bank accounts. The question is, can technology transform other sectors in Africa the way fintech has so positively transformed financial inclusion? In agriculture, the answer is yes—but much more can be done. Africa’s agriculture sector—by many measures Africa’s most important economic sector—is a prime candidate for a 21st century renewal. Agriculture contributes at least 17 percent of sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP and more than half of total employment, supporting millions of…

After sinking R214 million into expanding and maintaining its quick serve restaurants in the past year, Famous Brands will invest more into Drive-Thru offerings and smaller delivery formats to meet consumer demands at a time revenues have been squeezed. Over the 12 month period to the end of February 2025, Famous Brands - which franchises and operates Debonaires Pizza, Steers, Wimpy and other counters - was affected by increased competition in the food industry and deteriorating infrastructure such as electricity and water. Famous Brands now expects low growth and low consumer discretionary spend within the South African market. However, it foresees tailwinds that include lower inflation, further interest rate cuts, improved business and investor confidence and a better national energy security in the outlook. “Economic headwinds in South Africa have…

Popular SABC1 soapie, Skeem Saam, is set to captivate audiences once again as it gears up for its exciting 14th season. Since its debut in 2011, the award-winning show has kept viewers on the edge of their seats with its engaging storylines and memorable characters, and the new season promises to deliver even more high-stakes drama and unexpected twists. Speaking about unexpected twists, the show is set to bring back two fan favourites. Lesego Marakalla will reprise her role as Turfloop’s slay queen, Rachel Kunutu. This will mark her first appearance since leaving the show five years ago to return to her studies full time. Marakalla’s return will not only reintegrate her into the Turfloop’s storylines but it will also reignite her tumultuous relationship with her estranged husband, Marothi Maphuthuma,…

Respected Ombudsman and retired judge Siraj Desai has confirmed that he will be closely monitoring the disciplinary proceedings involving Cape Town attorney Kaamilah Paulse, who faces serious allegations of professional misconduct. Desai currently serves as South Africa’s Legal Services Ombud, a position he has held since December 2020. Desai’s comments follow a landmark ruling by the Appeals Tribunal of the Legal Practice Council (LPC), which found prima facie evidence of misconduct after a complaint by Johannesburg-based father Asif Casoojee. “This matter came to our offices after the complainant was turned down by the LPC. He followed the appeal process. I’m pleased to hear that the appeal process is functioning optimally,” said Judge Desai. “We receive many complaints about attorneys in matrimonial cases, complaints about irregularity or undue influence. We will…

THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed its decision not to pursue prosecution in the rape of a 7-year-old girl known as Cwecwe in Matatiele, Eastern Cape. The child was raped, allegedly at Bergview College premises, a private school. According to the NPA, the case docket was initially submitted in November 2024 to prosecutors at the Matatiele Magistrate’s Court, as well as the case manager at the Matatiele Thuthuzela Care Centre. After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors concluded that there was insufficient basis to proceed with a prosecution. The assessment followed an interview and medical examination of the minor, which did not yield conclusive evidence of rape or sexual assault. Subsequently, the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) requested the docket for further review. After reevaluating the case, prosecutors in…

The case against Imanuwela David, Froliana Joseph and Ndilinasho Joseph relating to the break-in and theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm returned to court yesterday. Limpopo regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, said the matter was postponed to September 15 for trial in the Modimolle Regional Court. “The trio are facing counts of conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, two counts of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, and money laundering, which is applicable to the accused one, Imanuwela David,” said Malabi-Dzhangi. She said on Monday, the state was ready to proceed with the trial. “However, due to the medical condition of accused number two (Froliana Joseph), an application was made for a postponement by her legal representative.…

ECONOMIC Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa’s trip to the United States, calling it ill-timed and detrimental to South Africa’s sovereignty. Ramaphosa is scheduled to visit the US from yesterday to Thursday this week to mend relations between the two countries. tomorrow, Ramaphosa has a meeting with US President Donald Trump. However, Malema has denounced the visit, especially as it coincides with a critical period for the country, as Parliament is set to receive the national Budget speech for the third time. The Finance Minister is set to table the Budget tomorrow. “Once the Budget comes for the third time, it means it’s a crisis. You cannot leave your country in a crisis and go to America, where you’re going to be ill-treated,” Malema said.…

A Mabopane, north of Pretoria granny hailed as a hero to many women as she is the first black woman to pave the way for others who were in the past denied the right to own land to now rightfully claim what is theirs, will now ask the court to officially register her family home in her name. In recognising the rights of all women to own land, the Constitutional Court in 2018 spoke the final word and declared that a piece of legislation created by the racist and sexist apartheid era could not pass constitutional muster. In an unanimous judgment at the time, the apex court declared a section of the Upgrading of Land Tenure Rights Act unconstitutional, due to Mary Rahube and Louise du Plessis of Lawyers…

In the world of cosmetic medicine, a gentle new trend is taking over. It doesn’t involve surgery, implants, or synthetic fillers. Instead, it uses something simple and powerful – your blood. This natural method is called Platelet Rich Fibrin, or PRF, and it’s helping people enhance their appearance in a healthier, more organic way. PRF is a treatment that begins with a small blood draw. From that sample, doctors use a special spinning method called low-speed centrifugation to separate the most healing parts of the blood – platelets, white blood cells, and a protein called fibrin. Unlike an earlier version known as PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), PRF doesn’t contain chemicals or additives. That means it’s safer and works more naturally with the body. Dr Reza Mia, a well-known expert in…

When 49 white South African farmers landed on US soil under the banner of political asylum – endorsed by former President Donald Trump and rumoured to be bankrolled by Elon Musk – the headlines framed it as a humanitarian rescue. But this was no ordinary migration. This was a message. Behind the narrative of “white genocide” lies a darker, more calculated ambition: the quiet remapping of American identity through selective racial migration. These farmers, descendants of the Afrikaner settler class in South Africa, carry with them more than just agricultural skills. They carry a cultural legacy of land-based identity, language isolation, and colonial self-preservation – elements now taking root in the American soil. This is not about the individuals. It is about the symbolism. The Trump-era embrace of these farmers…

The investment that has been made in the growth of South African youth football paid off on the continental stage on Sunday, as the Under-20 men’s national team won the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. Amajita etched their names into the record books of continental football by winning their first-ever Africa youth championship. En route to the title on Sunday night, Amajita beat Morocco 1–0 at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, courtesy of a second-half goal by Gomolemo Kekana. That win means Amajita will head to the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in Chile in September as African champions, surpassing the class of 1997 who finished as runners-up. South African youth football has been on the rise recently, with the Under-17 men’s national team – Amajimbos – also qualifying for…

Tensions are running high in South African football as the PSL faces mounting pressure to resolve the abandoned clash between SuperSport United and Lamontville Golden Arrows – a fixture whose outcome could determine relegation for three top-flight clubs. With the league campaign nearing its dramatic conclusion, concerns around transparency, governance, and potential conflicts of interest have come to the fore, as the PSL’s legal machinery works behind closed doors to reach a verdict that could reshape the bottom of the table. Earlier this week, Cape Town City FC chairman John Comitis expressed outrage over the league’s delay in resolving the matter – a decision that could directly impact his club’s survival, who are currently occupy 15th spot in the league table. Should they remain in that position, the Citizens will…

The rand is set to drop further in the coming days after breaking R18 to the dollar briefly on Friday thanks to expectations that a National Budget will finally be passed on Wednesday. The rand briefly settled at around the R18.03 to R18.05 range by early afternoon, having opened at R18.01. Old Mutual chief economist, Johann Els, said that he wasn’t surprised that the rand broke through R18. “The rand actually spent most of September and October last year below R18, in other words with a 17 handle, at one stage even going as strong as R17.11 late September last year,” he said. Investec chief economist, Annabel Bishop, said the currency continues to “attempt to break through the R18.00 mark, a major resistance level,” after reaching R17.99 on Friday. She…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has confirmed that it is moving forward with the Conduct of Financial Institutions (COFI) Bill, which aims to provide a fair process for bank account closures. Following a series of delays that initially pushed the tabling of the Bill in Parliament to January, the FSCA announced on Monday that it is now set to submit the Bill to Cabinet for approval soon. In response to a list of questions from Business Report, the FSCA said the Bill adopts a principle-based approach, in other words, it contains high-level principles that financial institutions must adhere to, to ensure the desired outcomes in the financial sector. “However, it reinforces and extends the principles of fairness for termination of financial products and services already contained in the Conduct…

Last week Grok, the Elon Musk xAI powered chatbot, lost its mind. Someone posted a video on X of a procession of crosses, with a caption reading, “Each cross represents a white farmer who was murdered in South Africa.” Elon Musk, South African by birth, shared the post, greatly expanding its visibility. In response Grok started by debunking such a false claim about white genocide and thereafter (it’s mind was changed) it claimed that there was a genocide in South Africa. The chatbot even brought up the subject even when it was not asked about the matter. What is even more interesting is that this happened a week before the South African President was due to visit the United States of America to meet President Donald Trump who is…

WeBuyCars Holdings management said they had made significant increases and enhancements to their buying and selling capacity during the six months to March 31. The motor industry sales uptick in the first few months of 2025 signals an improvement in consumer confidence and a resilient appetite for mobility, despite broader economic pressures, management said at the release of the interim results on Monday. The group, which listed on the JSE on April 11, 2024, said it would pay a 30 cents a share interim dividend. Core headline earnings increased by 26.4% to R508.2 million after the number of used units sold increased 12.9% to 92 339, while the number of units bought increased 13.5% to 91 392. Management said they expect that enhancements to their internal finance application system and…

Two people have died following a protest at the Diepkloof Hostel in Gauteng, where residents have complained about the alleged ownership of parts of the hostel. Yesterday, a refuse collector who is yet to be identified was one of the people who died after being run over by a truck just a few metres from the hostel. Another person is also believed to have been knocked over by another truck close to the hostel. Speaking to the media, police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo indicated that the truck driver accelerated through a crowd in an attempt to escape the looting, injuring multiple people. “We are going to obtain a statement from him as he hit people. He is telling us what transpired,” he said. A truck with the tin fish was…

THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) yesterday announced that while it has noted the departure of Timothy Omotoso from South Africa, it will still proceed with the appeal on the acquittal judgment notwithstanding. NPA spokesperson, advocate Mthunzi Mhaga, said Omotoso is not required to be present in court when the NPA appeal is made. “The South African legal system does not require active participation or presence of an accused person during the hearing of an appeal by a court. An appeal process requires the involvement of the legal teams of the appellants and respondents, the Registrar of the High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), as well as the judiciary,” he said. Mhaga said there was no basis for authorities to block Omotoso from leaving South Africa. “Timothy Omotoso…

Afrikaner ‘‘refugee’’ Charl Kleinhaus, who is currently in asylum in the US recently opened up about how awful it was to leave behind his five-bedroom house and mother in South Africa while fleeing racial persecution. However, there may be cracks in his story as pictures have emerged of Kleinhaus rubbing shoulders with one of the most powerful people in the country, former president Jacob Zuma. It is unclear what the photo op with the uMkhonto WeSizwe (MK Party) leader was about but, the online rumour mill is spinning. Citizen sleuths dug into the refugee’s past to uncover a life of wealth and comfort which contradicts Kleinhaus’s claims. “I had to leave a five-bedroom house which I will lose now because I’m not going to pay for it. I also left…

THE Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, has confirmed the implementation of a new agreement between the South African Post Office (SAPO) and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), aimed at preserving nearly 6 000 jobs and supporting the recovery of one of South Africa’s most critical state-owned entities. Through the Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS), the UIF will inject over R382 million into SAPO over six months. The funds will provide immediate financial relief to 5 956 employees while enabling SAPO to implement a long-term turnaround strategy. “This is a bold and necessary step to protect workers and restore confidence in our public institutions,” said Meth. “The TERS programme is not just a financial mechanism – it is a strategic tool to stabilise employment, support economic recovery and ensure…

In a celebration of cinematic brilliance, the second annual Khuma Film Festival will pay tribute to veteran actor and award-winning icon Moditle “Boikie” Pholo, a beloved figure in South Africa’s entertainment landscape. The festival, taking place from May 28 to May 30 at the Philemon Masinga New Sports Complex Hall in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, North West Province, promises to shine a spotlight on Pholo’s significant contributions to the film and television industry, as well as his role in promoting the cultural richness of the North West. Pholo, famously known for his portrayal of Raitlhwana in the iconic 1980s sitcom Lesilo Rula, has had a prolific career that spans over five decades. His impressive repertoire includes appearances in esteemed productions such as the SABC 1 sitcoms Ga Re…

AfriForum has written to the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety and Transport in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, councillor Sibongile Tsoleli, raising serious concerns over the newly announced partnership between the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Mangaung Traffic Department. The partnership, which will see SANDF members provide “discipline and ceremonial training” to traffic officers, has been publicly praised by the MMC. However, AfriForum argues that introducing military training into a civilian law enforcement environment could have unintended, yet serious consequences, including blurring the lines of authority, drifting away from necessary community-based policing and poten tially risking public trust. “Traffic policing is a civilian function governed by constitutional principles, not a military theatre,” says Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety. “AfriForum respects the…

IT IS SO sad to read about animals being cruelly treated. As Gandhi said, ‘You judge a country and its people on how it treats its animals’. We can’t hold our heads up in South Africa. We read on a monthly basis about dreadful cruelties to man’s best friend and, of course, other animals such as cart horses, etc. The article in Friday’s paper about Jack a black crossbreed who has known nothing but suffering his whole life, is a case in point. He has lived his life on a chain tethered to misery at a Grassy Park home. I never understand the point of having a dog chained all day. It can’t act as a watchdog as it can’t get loose. But the sad thing is over the…

American author Mark Twain famously liked to quote former British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli on the limitations of using numbers to forecast the future: “There are lies, damned lies, and statistics.” Leinster supporters would likely agree. Over the four years of the United Rugby Championship (URC), their team has dominated the statistical charts and consistently finished top of the league table. By the numbers, they should have won the title comfortably — yet they fell short in 2022, 2023, and 2024, with the current tournament still undecided. Leinster fans won’t be holding their breath — they’ve been let down by statistics before. Still, a look at the data following the final league round of the URC illustrates why the Bulls are South Africa’s best bet for the title; why the…

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Monday that he was “absolutely” confident his side can secure one of the top five spots in the Premier League, which would guarantee Uefa Champions League football next season. While the English Premier League title has long been wrapped up by Liverpool, and Arsenal secured a top-five finish on Sunday, the race for the remaining three spots remains wide open. Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Aston Villa all sit on 66 points after 37 matches, while City are sixth with 65 points and have a game in hand over their rivals. The last time City failed to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition was the 2009/10 season. “If we’re not there (in the Champions League), then we don’t deserve it and will be in…