Soccer: Recent Episodes
SABC Sport
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Tshidiso Patjie’s 84th minute goal ensured that Baroka FC bagged maximum points against AmaZulu and moved four points clear of the relegation zone on the Absa Premiership log.
Nikola Kavazovic admits their prospects of automatic Absa Premiership survival are bleak following defeat to Lamontville Golden Arrows in Clermont on Sunday (28 April 2019).
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane says his team is capable of turning around the CAF Champions League semi-final tie against Wydad Casablanca at Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville this coming weekend after seeing his side losing 2-1 in Rabat in the first leg on Saturday (27 April 2019).
With just nine points to play for, yet ten points behind log leaders Orlando Pirates, Supersport United are out of contention to clinch the League but will look to solidify their place in the top four when they take on title-chasers Bidvest Wits in an Absa Premiership clash at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday evening. Matsatsantsa sits on 43 points on fifth spot, four points below third-placed Wits and Coach Kaitano Tembo knows his side is in for a tough period against “The Students”.
Highlands Park Coach Owen da Gama says he will be wary of Polokwane City ahead of their Absa Premiership encounter at Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa on Saturday. The Lions of the North will welcome the sixth placed team from Limpopo with the goal of vying for a spot in the top eight but first, Da Gama feels they need to overcome a team whom he describes as “good travelers.”
A share of the spoils in an Absa Premiership match between Free State Stars and Baroka FC has left the two sides still threatened by relegation.
Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt has been playing Ricardo Goss in goalkeeping ahead of the team’s regular Darren Keet.
Bloemfontein Celtic Coach Lehlohonolo Seema says his team owes a great deal of gratitude to Steve Komphela for the resilient way Phunya Sele Sele have faced a bumpy season.
Ndumiso Mabena scored in injury time to steal a 2-1 Absa Premiership victory for Bloemfontein Celtic against Polokwane City at the old Peter Mokaba stadium last night (Wednesday).
Bidvest Wits keep their League title chasing hopes alive after beating Black leopards 3-1 at Bidvest Stadium last night (Wednesday).
While they have nothing but pride to play for in the NFD, Dan Malesela wants his TS Galaxy team to get in a winning habit before they take on Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final next month.
Stellenbosch returned to the summit of the National First Division yesterday when they beat Nedbank Cup finalists TS Galaxy 2-1 at the Idas Valley Stadium in Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch Coach Steve Barker says it was a good win and was great to go back top in front of the home fans in a televised game.
SuperSport boss Kaitano Tembo drew with AmaZulu and failed to contend for top three on the log.
AmaZulu ensured they cannot be automatically relegated from the Absa Premiership after claiming a fighting 2-0 victory over SuperSport United in Umlazi last night (Wednesday).
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Orlando Pirates took another big step towards securing the Absa Premiership title last night (Wednesday) when they edged their top versus bottom clash 1-0 against Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
Experience, mental stability and strength will be key in deciding the league title race in the next few weeks. This is the view of Arrows head coach Steve Komphela when he analyses where the league title could be headed to.
When Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune got injured at the beginning of this year, the club medical team said he would only be back next season.
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane is looking forward to playing against Wydad Casablanca away from home in the CAF Champions League semi-final first leg clash in Morocco on Friday evening.
Chippa United Coach Clinton Larsen says that his boss Chippa Mpengesi is happy with his performance so far. Chippa are lying precariously on the log on the 14th spot with 24 points from 27 matches. They have won five matches, drawn nine and lost 13 matches. Larsen is confident Mpengesi will not fire him…
Polokwane City coach Jozef Vukusic says he is not going to rely on off-pitch problems to rattle Bloemfontein Celtic t in the sides Absa Premiership outing at the old Peter Mokaba stadium. Celtic’s last league match at home to Cape Town City was abandoned after some fans invaded the pitch and damaged some parts of Dr Molemela stadium during protest. Vukusic highlights Celtic’s challenges from off-season and at the start of the campaign as something that motivated the side.
Black Leopards head coach Dylan Kerr says tonight’s Absa Premiership match away at Bidvest Wits is an enormous one for both sides.
Kaizer Chiefs poor run in the Absa Premiership continued unabated on Tuesday night when they were held to a one-all draw by Golden Arrows at the FNB stadium in Johannesburg.
Kaizer Chiefs poor run in the Absa Premiership continued unabated on Tuesday night when they were held to a one-all draw by Golden Arrows at the FNB stadium in Johannesburg.
Having kept more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper in the league this season, Supersport United goal-minder Ronwen Williams has undoubtedly netted in a good campaign between the sticks. Despite conceding 29 goals, Williams has kept 13 clean sheets and saved more penalties than any other goalkeeper in the league so far. The Bafana international’s heroic saves have penned him for “Goalkeeper of the Season” award…
Cape Town City Coach Benni McCarthy says he does not care about the consequences but was not happy with the officiating from referee Eugene Mdluli
As the generation of Willard Katsande, Tendai Ndoro and Nyasha Mushekwi gradually vacates the limelight, a new crop of Zimbabwean attackers looks primed to seize centre stage in the PSL. Bidvest Wits forward Terence Dzvukamanja is one such emerging star. The 24 year old believes his best years are most certainly ahead of him as he diligently sets out to make a name for himself in South African football with the “Clever Boys”…
Ten man Cape Town City fought back to force a 1-1 draw against Highlands Park at a cold and windy Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday night. City had been reduced to ten men early in the Absa Premiership game after Kermit Erasmus was sent off for a malicious kick on Mothobi Mvala. Tendai Ndoro put Highlands into the lead ten minutes into the second half, and the visitors had chances to double their lead, but were caught on the counter by City late in the game when Craig Martin found an equaliser with five minutes remaining. Highlands Coach Owen Da Gama thought they were tactically on point on the night but were not ruthless enough in front of goal
Buoyed by their empathic 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in their last League outing, Supersport United now have a coastal date with Amazulu at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday night (kickoff 19:30). Still in with a mathematical chance to clinch the league, United are unbeaten in their last five games and lie fourth on the log with 43 points, seven adrift of log leaders Orlando Pirates. Matsatsantsa coach Kaitano Tembo insists it’s still anyone’s title as they look to lay their hands on a trophy they last held aloft nearly a decade ago
Mamelodi Sundowns beat Chippa United 3-2 in a league match at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday afternoon.
Mamelodi Sundowns beat Chippa United 3-2 in a league match at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday afternoon.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
At the beginning of the season, Sizwe Mdlinzo and Ayabulela Konqobe were chased away from the Chippa United camp after they were alleged to have misbehaved during the pre-season in the North West. From there Mdlinzo was taken up by TS Galaxy, a new team that had just been formed by former football agent Tim Sukazi after he had bought the status of Cape Town All Stars in the NFD. Mdlinzo will now be playing the Nedbank Cup semi-final this weekend but his friend Konqobe has not had that luck. It would appear that it’s off his own doing again after Amazulu recently terminated his contract for reasons that were not divulged to the media. In this interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mnyandu, Mdlinzo says it’s about time that the former U20 national team captain changed his ways.
Injuries continue to hamper the Amajita camp ahead of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Poland next month. The South African national U20 men’s team departs for Saudi Arabia tonight where they will play two international friendly matches against the U19 champions of Asia next week before departing for Poland to continue with their training camp. The team is already without vice-captain Nkosingiphile “Mshini” Ngcobo who is out on a long term injury and there’s also doubts about French based striker Lyle Foster according to head coach Thabo Senong. Amajita wrapped up their preparations at home today when they beat University of Johannesburg U21 team which plays in the Johannesburg SAB Regional League team 1-0. They will play two matches against Saudi Arabia and it’s preparation matches that make Senong excited. Including Foster, Senong has called up a squad of 26 players with some overseas based players to join the camp in Saudi Arabia and Poland respectively. The final 21-man squad is expected to be announced on the 13th of the next month with the tournament kicking off on the 23rd of next month until the 16th of June. Senong who has made history by qualifying for the U20 World Cup back to back and becoming the first South African coach to achieve that feat, now has to focus on preparing for their opening game against Argentina on the 25th of next month in Tychy. After bowing out in the group stages at the 2017 World Cup in South Korea, what are the targets for Senong and his team.
Former World Cup referee Jerome Damon has been appointed FIFA’s referee development officer for Africa. His job will be to support football associations who require help with their refereeing structures, getting the right places all over Africa and also training. Damon, who is also a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) training guru for Africa, is excited.The 47-year old Cape Town-born referee quit his job as a teacher to accept the appointment. He recently completed a VAR course in Morocco and will be conducting another one soon. He was twice named referee of the year in the country. Damon has officiated at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in SA. SA referees have been under flak in recent times. Only Zakhele Siwela went to the World Cup in Russia last year as an assistant referee. Damon says our referees are not bad.
Supersport United Coach KaitanoTembo says they still have an outside chance to win the ABSA Premiership title. Matsatsantsa beat their arch-rivals Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 on Wednesday to boost their title ambitions. They are currently fourth on the log with 43 points from 26 matches. Supersport win against Sundowns has blown the title race wide open with many teams still in with a chance to win the league. Matsatsantsa have won the PSL title three times between 2008 and 2010. Tembo says they want to finish as high as possible. Supersport young Zambian striker Ghampani Lungu scored the second goal against Sundowns to seal the victory. He was signed from Zambian team Power Dynamos at the beginning of the season. He was injured throughout the season, and Tembo says he is a good player.Matsatsantsa have also played with many young players this season such as Kamohelo Mahlatsi, Jamie Webber, Lungu, Sipho Mbule, Aubrey Modiba and Teboho Mokoena. Tembo says they are the future generation of the team. Tembo was also humbled with the kind remarks he got from Sundowns president Patrice Motsepe after the match on Wednesday. Motsepe congratulated him for the victory against his team.
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane says Baroka FC are a hard nut to crack. The Brazilians will tackle relegation threatened Baroka in a crucial league match for both teams at the old Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane tomorrow afternoon. Sundowns will be looking to close a gap on Orlando Pirates at the top, while Braoka will be looking to escape from relegation zone. Sundowns are still reeling from a 2-0 defeat against Supersport United on Wednesday night. They are currently third on the log with 44 points. They are sitting in third position, six points behind leaders Pirates with two matches in hand. Mosimane says they have to take advantage of games in hand. Meanwhile, the Sundowns’ Coach was humbled by Free State Stars Coach Nikola Kavazovic remarks that he is capable of winning the league together with his Orlando Pirates counterpart, Milutin “Micho” Srejodevic. Mosimane says it also feels good to be recognised internationally. Pirates are the overwhelming favourites to win the league with 50 points, six points clear of second placed Bidvest Wits and Sundowns on 44 points. Mosimane believes that they can win the league.
Chippa United coach Clinton Larsen says his side has done everything and are now ready to face Kaizer Chiefs in a Nedbank Cup semi-final encounter at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth tomorrow evening. The former Lamontville Golden Arrows and Bloemfontein Celtic coach is spoilt for choice as all his players are available for tomorrow’s match. Meeting Chiefs in the semi-finals is more like a dream come true for Larsen, who told his players before their quarter-final match against Bidvest Wits that he would love to face Amakhosi in the last four stage of the Nedbank Cup.
With the six groups for the expanded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) mapped out, the continent now awaits the thrills and spills of the biennial showpiece with bated breath. Zimbabwe will square off against a Mohamed Salah-inspired hosting nation Egypt in the opening match at the Cairo International Stadium on the 21st ofJune. The Warriors will face DRC and Uganda as well and Supersport United coach Kaitano Tembo sends a stern message to the host nation. The Warriors last faced the Pharaohs at their debut AFCON finals 15 years ago, in their first game at the 2004 edition in Tunisia, which they lost 2-1 despite taking an early lead from Peter Ndlovu. Though believing Group A is by far the toughest tie, Tembo remains confident the current generation of his native Zimbabwe have the quality and hunger to progress to the next round. Tembo, a legend with over 50 caps is equally confident of Bafana Bafana’s chances in Group D. Meanwhile Polokwane City goalminder George Chigova who denied Tembo’s Matsatsantsa a victory with his stellar perfomaces recently, says they are not going to add numbers in Egpyt. Though ranked the lowest in Group A, Zimbabwe have shown incredible strides over the last few years, making the 2019 edition their first back to back AFCON apprearances. Zimbabwe has 14 players plying their trade in the PSL and Chigova says the competition amongst themselves is a fierce one.
Lamontville Golden Arrows host TS Galaxy in the first Nedbank Cup semi-final tomorrow (Saturday) heavily favoured to reach a first-ever final. It is the big boys against the small boys on paper considering one side is challenging for top eight honours in the Absa Premiership with the other languishing mid-table in the National First Division. The Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont is the venue where history will be made, and even though all logic points towards a home victory, the Abafana Bes’thende camp have warned heavily against complacency. Club captain Trevor Mathiane says they have to be cautious. Mpumalanga-based Galaxy have had a long journey to get to where they are. They began the competition by beating Ajax Cape Town on the preliminary round last year, then overcame third-tier Umvoti, Jomo Cosmos and finally Cape Umoya to secure their semi-final berth. Coach Steve Komphela is adamant they are not the heavy favourites, immediately shooting down the idea when asked about it this week. The biggest fear Komphela has ahead of the game is one of complacency from his players. He has therefore pinpointed mental preparation as a big focus area for Abafana Bes’thende, who are playing against a side that has also played every Nedbank Cup this season away from home. Komphela has also played down the significance of the game for his own CV. The 51-year-old has never won a trophy in his career and now has a good chance of taking a giant step towards that tomorrow. Should they win, former club Kaizer Chiefs or Chippa United await them in a final they will essentially host in Durban. But Komphela says it was all about the club and not personal gratification.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Cape Town City midfielder Thato Mokeke believes he made the right decision in re-joining the club earlier this year. Mokeke was part of City’s first ever season, in the Absa Premiership, when he was on loan from SuperSport United. But on his return to Gauteng, he struggled for game time and ended up moving to Chippa United last year. The utility player then re-joined City in January and has been a key player for Benni McCarthy ever since, featuring in all 15 games since signing. Mokeke says City is a very different club now to the one he played for in their maiden season. The 28-year-old says he has been pleased with his form since joining the team, and says it helps having a coach like McCarthy believing in you. Mokeke has been “Man of the Match” a handful of times already since rejoining City, but he says those personal accolades mean little, as long as the team wins. The former Ajax Cape Town player says it might sound like a cliché but he feels the City team really is like a family. Mokeke says there is a strong confidence at the club that they can achieve things and they are starting to find their identity as a team. Cape Town City will be back in action on the 23rd when they host Highlands Park at the Cape Town Stadium.
The 30th version of the Under-19 Bayhill Premier Cup kicks off today at Erica Park in Cape Town and some of the country’s best young talent will be on display for the next week. The annual Easter Weekend tournament is a highlight on the football calendar for many in the South African football fraternity and former Bafana Bafana midfielder Lance Davids fondly remembers playing for Hellenic in it. Speaking in London before heading to South Africa, the Belgian-based Davids says that every young player in the Cape looks forward to playing at the Bayhill. Davids says players should use this opportunity and cites the example of Kamohelo Mahlatsi, who was the player of the tournament in 2017 and two years later is a part of the SuperSport United first team set-up, and also a national Under-23 player. But Davids, who left for 1860 Munchen in Germany as a teenager, says players must not just rely on talent and says it is hard work that will make the difference in the end. Davids will return to Bayhill this week, but this time as a Player Manager and Advisor and says he is looking forward to see the talent on display.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Black Leopards head coach Dylan Kerr says it will be a big disappointment to a lot of people if the side got dragged into the relegation battle. Leopards are sitting in 12th position on the log with 25 points from 23 matches, just a point above the relegation zone. With little room to breath and relegation threatened sides having given themselves a shot at survival this past weekend, Kerr knows Leopards are facing a tough road ahead. In: Results did not. Leopards have a tough week that has already started with a 3-1 defeat to local rivals Polokwane City. They face top placed Orlando Pirates in Orlando in the league tonight (19:30) before hosting Kaizer Chiefs in Thohoyandou on Saturday. Pirates have 44 points same as their nearest rivals Mamelodi Sundowns who have a game in hand. Kerr wants his players to keep the ball more tomorrow.
Premier Soccer League chairman Irvin Khoza addressed the media on the saga involving Mamelodi Sundowns and Wayne Arende. Sundowns have been found guilty of fielding Arendse, when he was ineligible to play against Bidvest Wits in their 1-1 draw early this season. Arendse was not part of the team but replaced the injured Thapelo Morena and went straight to the starting-line-up. The Brazilians were found guilty last week. Article 16.33 of the league states that a team cannot make changes to the team sheet once it has been handed to the match commissioner.
In his heydays, Sidwell Maboe set the scene alight at Bloemfontein Celtic, Orlando Pirates and Supersport United and now two decades later he is watching his son Lebohang Maboe mesmerizing the PSL with his slick moves and sensational goals. And while football has its own fair share of ambitious offsprings who often fail dismally to emulate their famous fathers, Maboe senior is confident his son is destined for a far more illustrious career than his. As destiny would have it, some 20 years after Sidwell played under Pitso Mosimane when he was assistant coach at SuperSport United, Lebo finds himself under the mentorship of the same man at The Brazilians today. Since arriving at Chloorkop from Maritzburg United at the start of the season, Maboe junior has lived up to expectations and currently leads the scoring chart at Sundowns, scoring 8 goals along with five assists as well as engraving his name in Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter’s heart. His father feels he has done enough to be a contender for the PSL Footballer of the Season Award. Sidwell, who like his son‚ was a forward with an eye for goal, had Lebo in 1994 whilst playing for Celtic at the time. At the tender age of eight, he says he realised his son had strong football blood and immediately embarked on what has since become a fulfilling journey by taking him for trials at a few local sides in Mpumalanga.
Polokwane City coach Jozef Vukusic says he is happy to see Puleng Tlolane utilise his opportunity with the first team well. The striker scored the equaliser in City’s 3-1 league win over Black Leopards at the old Peter Mokaba stadium yesterday. This was his first goal for the first team in over a year as he has not enjoyed much game time since last season. Vukusic says he does not have problems with the forward but just wants Tlolane to also pull his weight. Tlolane has featured 10 times for City this season, he started six games including yesterday’s and the four he was named in the bench. City could have won the Limpopo derby by a bigger margin if they finished some easy chances they created. Mohammed Anas who netted the winner was guilty of missing the chances with Vukusic saying he believed the Ghanaian was going to score. The coach also concedes that his players wanted to make the derby special for goalkeeper George Chigova who played his 100th league match for the club yesterday. Meanwhile, Mpho Mvelase is suspended for Rise and Shine’s next encounter against SuperSport United while Nicolas Motloung did not finish the derby due to injury. Vukusic says he has cover for his defense.
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane says his team will use speed when they tackle Al Ahly in the African Champions League second leg quarter-final match in Egypt on Saturday. Sundowns humiliated the Egyptian giants Al Ahly 5-0 in the first leg encounter at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday. Mosimane also added that thorough preparations helped his team. It was the first time the eight-time champions Ahly suffered a 5-0 defeat in the Champions League. It was also their heaviest defeat in history having previously lost 5-1 to Mexican team Monterrey in the FIFA club World Cup in Morocco in 2013. Mosimane says the victory will go down to their team’s archives. The 2016 champions totally dominated the match from the onset until the end. They could have scored more than five goals had it not been for the cross bar and lack of killer punch in front of goal. Mosimane says it was not a fluke. Sundowns are carrying the SA flag after the compatriots Orlando Pirates failed to reach the quarter-finals. They have also been doing well on the continent in the last five years. Mosimane says it is important for them to make a big statement on the continent. It was also the first time the Brazilians won against the African team of the century in five attempts. Ahly beat Sundowns on two occasions at home, while the other two matches were drawn in SA. Mosimane says he will show humbleness despite the big win. The Sundowns players did their famous celebrations with their fans at the end of the match. Even the club President Patrice Motsepe was also at the stadium to witness a great win. Mosimane says it meant a lot for them to beat Ahly.
Maritzburg United Coach Eric Tinkler believes his team have little choice but to take all three points from their almost must-win Absa Premiership encounter against Bloemfontein Celtic at the Harry Gwala Stadium tonight. The Team of Choice have six matches to save their top-flight status, but the three at home are games they simply cannot afford to lose.
Bidvest Wits striker Lehlohonolo Majoro will lead “The Students” against his former team Orlando Pirates in the Absa Premiership match at the Bidvest Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Fresh off a 0-0 midweek draw against Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium the Buccaneers will be looking for a win to move up the log. Both sides are tied on 41 point and the situation is not all doom for these teams, as Vincent Pule is expected to be back on field and also The Clever Boys’ captain Thulani Hlatshwayo. However Pirates will still face their counterparts without some of their key players and Majoro believes there are strong nevertheless. Though the striker parted ways with the Soweto Giants three years ago, he still points out their strong points to note ahead the clash. It was clear that Majoro’s part was done in the team in the end of season 2015/16, when him and the likes of Rooi Mahamutsa and Felipe Ovono were left behind to train on their own during Coach Muhsin Ertugral’s era while the rest of the squad was in North West for the pre-season training.The 32 year old Free State born striker who joined Bidvest Wits from Cape Town City in January 2018 admits to have had a rough season at Wits with lack of game time hampering his progress.
Polokwane City first choice goalkeeper George Chigova says the 2018/19 Absa Premiership season is his best as he is closing in on 100 league games for the club. He adds that the fact that his country Zimbabwe will be at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt in June makes the century even sweeter. If selected in City’s match against Black Leopards at the Peter Mokaba stadium on Sunday, Chigova will become the club’s third centurion after Jabulani Maluleke and Puleng Tlolane. Chigova credits his club for reviving his international career. Chigova admits a clean sheet on Sunday and three points will be a perfect way to cap his century. The 28 year old keeper reveals that his AmaZulu counterpart Moeneeb Joseph has always been an inspiration to him. In his four seasons with Rise and Shine he has kept 30 clean sheets and conceded 117 goals. Chigova says no striker has terrorized him like SuperSport United forward James Keene in this time. Chigova admits it has been a emotional week for him as he had to reflect on his journey in the Premier Soccer League. Chigova thanked the Rise and Shine chairman Johnny Mogaladi and his management team for taking a risk on him.
On Monday South Africa woke up to the shocking news of the passing of Free State Stars midfielder Sinethemba Jantjie. Jantjie passed away in a fatal car accident in Bethlehem in the early hours of Monday morning. Jantjie’s death left his former Mbombela United teammate Lebohang Maboe devasted to the core. Maboe, now with Mamelodi Sundowns, pours his heart out as he fondly remembers the speedy winger. 30 year old Jantjie played in 20 of Free State Stars’ 24 league games this season and scored four goals. Overall, Jantjie made 76 appearances across all PSL competitions between 2016 and 2019. He scored eight goals and registered seven assists in the process. In January, Jantjie signed a pre-contract with Bidvest Wits and was set to join his new teammates on the 1st of July 1, a move Maboe feels would have elevated the fallen star’s career to greater heights. Jantjie was instrumental in helping Mbombela United win promotion from the ABC Motsepe League to the NFD in July 2015 and was equally key for Ea Lla Koto when they won the Nedbank Cup title in May 2018 - their first major piece of silverware since 1994.
Teammates, friends, relatives and football fans of the fallen Free State Stars attacker Sinethemba “Mgijimi” Jantjie are currently paying tribute to him at the memorial service held at Bohlokong New Hall in Bethlehem. Jantjie passed away on Monday morning following a horrific car accident after his car had collided with a stationary truck in Bethlehem. Mamelodi Sundowns midfield enforcer Tiyani Mabunda who had also spent some time at Stars on loan in 2014, lost his friend and former Bafana Bafana striker Richard Henyakane in the manner five years ago. Mabunda has been deeply hurt by Jantjie’s death. The 30year-old had already signed a pre-contract with Bidvest Wits reported to be worth R4.5million but only starting on the first of July. He joined Stars in July 2016 from National First Division (NFD) side Mbombela United and made his PSL debut only at the age of 26. Jantjie becomes the sixth professional footballer to have passed away due to a car accident in the last four years. And this saddens Mabunda. There’s been 15 footballers involved in horrific car accident in the last four years including Kaizer Chiefs teenager Wiseman Meyiwa who has been forced to retire prematurely from the game at the age of 19 as he’s wheelchair bound. Jantjie only played two and a half years of professional football but in that short space of time, he had made his mark. His funeral will be held at the Oxton Village in Whittlesea near Queenstown in the Eastern Cape on Saturday. Mabunda says the pacey attacker had proven his worth in this short space of time.
Mamelodi Sundowns Captain Hlompho Kekana is appealing to supporters to come in big numbers, when they play against Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League quarter-final first leg encounter at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday. The match will kick off at 3pm after it was initially scheduled for Friday night at 9pm, but Ahly requested for a postponement. Kekana says they are playing against a big team. Fans wearing yellow regalia will enter the stadium free of charge, and those not in yellow will be charged R20. Sundowns do not have a good record against the Egyptian giants. They have always drawn against them at home but lost heavily away. But in 2016 they overcame another Egyptian team Zamalek in the final after winning 3-0 at home, but losing 1-0 away. Kekana says it is a big match. Kekana also says it is important to do well in Egypt, where the Africa Cup of Nations will take place in June. Sundowns have five players in the Bafana team who are likely to go to Egypt. Kekana says the players need to be used to the conditions in Egypt. Kekana has been one of the most consistent performers in the PSL over the last five years. But he has never won any major award at the end of the season. He says he will continue to work hard. The Brazilians are fresh from their tough encounter against Orlando Pirates in a crucial league match on Monday night. The two giants played to a goalless draw at Orlando stadium. The match attracted a near capacity crowd, and Kekana says the league must embrace Monday night football.
After missing two matches due to the ongoing and protracted contract renewal negotiations between him and Kaizer Chiefs, Pule Ekstein returned yesterday as Amakhosi swept past Cape Town City, winning 2-0 and advancing to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals. Playing in front of a sold out Mbombela stadium crowd, Ekstein the crowd favourite scored the winning goal and was instrumental in seeing Amakhosi going through. With the 28year-old’s contract running out at the end of June, he’s free to commit to any other team and there’s been reports linking him to arch-rivals Orlando Pirates. Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp likes him a lot and he gave him a passionate hug when he substituted him.
Organizers of the Future Champions International Under-17 tournament are happy that Orlando Pirates became the first local team to win the tournament for the first time in ten years. Pirates beat Russian team FC Spartak 8-7 on penalties, after the two teams were levelled 1-1 after regulation time at Nike Centre, in Pimville, Soweto at the weekend. Teams from abroad have always won the previous editions of the competition. Tournament Director Phil Mogodi says it is good for local football. La Liga from Spain has been partnering with the tournament for the last few years. Every year three local players go to Spain and train with the junior teams in that country. Antonio Barradas from La Liga in Africa is happy Pirates won.
TS Galaxy Head Coach Dan Malesela has made an earnest appeal to the young referees plying their trade in South Africa to not be combative with coaches on the sidelines. Malesela has joined the chorus from coaches around the country who have spoken about the disappointing officiating in the country, but he says that if referees are to improve, everyone needs to work together to make that happen. Malesela says a lot of these young referees are still learning the game, and they need to rely on experienced campaigners to guide them. Malesela says in most cases when coaches complain from the sidelines, they genuinely believe there was a wrong decision and better communication will help.
Free State Stars general manager Rantsi Mokoena says the club is saddened by the loss of its star player Sinethemba Jantjie, who passed away in a horrific car accident earlier yesterday. Jantjie’s car is said to have collided with a truck in Bethlehem, Free State this morning and he died together with four other occupants at the scene. The 30 year-old attackers had been at Free State Stars for three years having joined them in July 2016 from National First Division (NFD) side Mbombela United. Jantjie, who hails from Whittlesea just near Queenstown in the Eastern Cape, had already signed a pre-contract with Bidvest Wits and was expected to join his new team in a lucrative deal in Johannesburg in June. Mokoena says this is sad for the club, the family and the football fraternity at large. Jantjie had travelled with his teammates to to the Vaal to play a friendly match against Supersport United Sunday and they came back in the afternoon. They were expected back at training this morning according to Mokoena who also recalls how they got to sign at the age of 26. Stars released a statement earlier yesterday confirming Jantjie’s death and they have been communicating with his family regarding the memorial and funeral details.
Bloemfontein Celtic have sent messages of support and condolences to neighbours Free State Stars on the passing of player Sinethemba Jantjie. The 30-year-old year-old Jantjie died in a car accident in Bethlehem in the early hours of today (01 April 2019). Ea Lla Koto have sent out a press release and confirmed on social media the passing of the player. Celtic managing director Rali Ramabodu, coach and legend John Maduka, forward Tshegofatso Mabasa, share the sad news.
The Absa Premiership clash between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando stadium tonight (19:30) has all the makings of being a game of the season. Pirates second assistant coach Fadlu Davids says Sundowns have got the pedigree to challenge for both the league title and the CAF Champions League title. The Brazilians are competing on two fronts as they also welcome record eight times African Champions Al Ahly in the first leg of the CAFCL quarterfinal on Saturday (06 April 2019). Separated by three points with seven games to go, Davids is playing mind games ahead of this gigantic clash.
Despite seeing very little action this season, veteran defender Morgan Gould is confident he will still be at Supersport United next season. The 35-year-old Gould has featured in just 10 league matches so far with coach Kaitano Tembo opting to go with Clayton Daniels, Bongani Khumalo and at times the towering defender Billy Mutale, but Gould remains undeterred. With United boasting a lot of experienced campaigners, there has also been an emergence of exciting young talent. Talk of egos from senior players and unhealthy relationships with the men at the helm have in the past crept up, something Gould rubbishes as untrue.
Bafana Bafana’s qualification to the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) will improve the standard of the Premier Soccer League in the next two months drastically as players will be fighting for place in Sturt Baxter’s squad. This is the view of Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp as he was reflecting on the importance of Bafana’s qualification and how the players will fight for the 23 available spots in the squad. Chiefs only had two players in the Bafana team that beat Libya last Sunday to finish second in Group E behind Nigeria, but both Bruce Bvuma and Daniel Cardoso didn’t make the match day squad. For a squad dominated by locally based players, the German born coach says this qualification means a lot to the PSL, its clubs and South Africa. Baxter had also praised the PSL for accepting his request to bring forward some important fixtures so that players from Bidvest Wits, Supersport United and Kaizer Chiefs could be allowed to depart earlier than scheduled for Libya. This allowed the team to have sufficient time to prepare in Tunisia and plot the downfall of the Mediterranean Knights. Middendorp who had also attended the SA U23 3-0 thrashing of Angola earlier this week, says the future looks bright for local football.
Daniel Cardoso has been a regular at Chiefs this season, featuring in more than 29 matches in all competitions. It was not a surprise that Baxter recalled him to the team for this squad, he describes the mood in the dressing room in Libya and knows fully well that he will have to continue fighting for his place in the squad going to Egypt. Cardoso also believes that the competition for places in the Bafana will start at Chiefs where some of the players who have been in the national set-up before and involved in these qualifiers like Ramahlwe Mphahlele will fight hard to make the AFCON squad. The 30 year old defender has been at Chiefs for almost four years now and the club hasn’t achieved anything in this period. The former Free State Stars utility player, who has also played under three different coaches at Amakhosi joked that he’s doubting if some players still want to join an underachieving local footballing giant.
South African Sports Association for Physically Disabled (SASAPD) President Moekie Grobelaar says the Paralympic team that brought many medals in the previous games is ageing. SA won a total of 17 medals (seven gold, six silver and four bronze) at the 2016 Rio Paralympics in Brazil. Most of the star athletes have either retired or at the twilight of their careers. SASAPD will take para-swimmers and para-athletes to compete at the World Games later this year. The Para Athletics will be hosted in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from November 7th to 15th, while the venue for the Para Swimming event is still to be announced. Grobelaar says the standard of qualifying is becoming higher. SASAPD will select a final team to the Paralympics after next year’s national championships. Grobelaar says the mother body South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) as a funder will determine the size of the final team.
2010 Nedbank Cup winners and one of this season’s title chasers Bidvest Wits will host Chippa United in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals at the Bidvest Stadium this Saturday (kick-off 20:15). Joining his teammates at training for the first time since returning from a heroic international performance for South Africa against Libya on Sunday, man of the moment Darren Keet wants to keep the momentum going at Wits this weekend. Keet's contract comes to an end this June and with the top guns said to be after his signature, he gave a rather interesting answer when quizzed on about his future at Wits. With Sundowns synonymous with securing top players, “Kitty-kitty” says he would not consider joining Mamelodi Sundowns even if they offered him a R1 million-a-month salary.
With only seven games to go in the Absa Premiership 2018/2019 season, the title race is heating up and Orlando Pirates assistant coach Fadlu Davids believes that anything is possible. Pirates host Sundowns in a league match next Monday at Orlando stadium (19:30) hoping to close the three points gap between the two teams. With Pirates out of the CAF Champions League, the focus now switches only to the league. Speaking after a friendly match against Jomo Cosmos earlier today, Davids was asked if this Pirates team have got what it takes to win this league title. Davids says whilst they are disappointed at having exited the the CAFCL, their focus is total on the league. Davids joined Pirates at the beginning of this year and he’s seen them being knocked out of the Nedbank Cup and the CAFCL but also fighting hard to maintain their current top three position with only seven games. The former Maritzburg United head coach reflects on his first three months at Pirates. Since David’s arrival at Pirates, there’s been concerns that when himself, head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic and first assistant coach Rulani “Mourinho” Mokwena are standing and giving instructions on the touchlines, they are confusing players. But the year-old addressed that yesterday.
Bafana Bafana arrived to a hero’s welcome at the OR Tambo international airport yesterday (26 March 2019) from Tunisia where they beat Libya 2-1 on Sunday to confirm qualification to the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Egypt in June. Travelling with the locally based players, the Bafana delegation was met by hundreds of excited football fans. The team finished second in Group E just behind Nigeria with 12 points from six matches. What made head coach Stuart Baxter happy is that the team finished the qualifiers unbeaten, having conceded only two goals. SAFA Acting-CEO Russell Paul says money has never been an issue for allocation of bonuses and , it's also the first time this team has qualified to a major competition with Thulani Hlatshwayo as the captain.
Football personalities from across South Africa converged on Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday (26 March 2019) to celebrate the life of the former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Arthur Bartman, who passed away last Tuesday. Aged 46, Bartman was from the KwaZulu-Natal capital and worked there as Maritzburg United’s goalkeeper coach until November last year. He died due to a relapse of meningitis after spending nearly a month in an East London hospital. Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune was amongst those that addressed the gathering at the City Hall on the day Bartman was supposed to celebrate his 47th birthday. Mamelodi Sundowns Goalkeeper coach, Wendel Robinson said he was devastated to hear of his passing. Bartman will be laid to rest on Saturday. His funeral service will take place at 11am at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Nahoon, in East London.
Bafana Bafana legend Mark Fish is excited with the growth in African football. Many small teams such as Tanzania, Namibia, Burundi and Madagascar have recently qualified for the 2019 Africa cup of nations in Egypt in June/July. CAF has expanded the tournament from 16 to 24 teams for this year’s edition. Bafana Bafana have also qualified after beating Libya 2-1 on Sunday (24 march 2019) to finish second in the group behind Nigeria. FIFA is planning to increase the number of teams for the 2022 world cup in Qatar. The plan is to increase teams from 32 to 48 teams. A decision is expected to be made official in June but Fish says it will dilute quality.
The upcoming professional women’s football league has been the talk of the town lately including the little amount of the money earned by Banyana Banyana players, compared to their counterparts Bafana Bafana. The national women’s team has been performing much better in recent years‚ including finishing as runners-up at the Africa Women Cup of Nations in Ghana last year booking a place in the Fifa World Cup in France in June this year. The former Banyana Captain Portia Modise cries over the PSL players, saying they do not support women. Banyana Banyana and Canberra United’s Refiloe Jane also mourned the gender segregation in South African football. Jane has performed admirably for the Australian outfit since her arrival last year August. She has also excelled in the national team having made 100 appearances and playing a pivotal role in the team’s overall African Women’s Cup of Nations tournament.
Banyana Bananya star Thembi Kgatlana has sent her message of congratulations to Bafana Bafana after they beat Libya 2-1 Sunday night, securing their qualification to the 2019 Africa Cup of National Finals in Egypt later this year. Kgatlana, who is now playing in China, having just joined Beijing BG Phoenix alongside fellow South African Linda Motlhalo, and she says they stayed up all night to watch Bafana’s victory and she was over the moon when Percy Tau scored the winning goal. Kgatlana says she is very proud of Bafana, and especially Tau, and says Bafana’s victory brought the whole country together once again.
Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has admitted that he needs to work extra hard to reclaim his number one jersey in the national team. Darren Keet had a great match last night when Bafana beat Libya 2-1 in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Tunisia. Khune was watching from the side-lines due to the long-term injury he suffered few months ago. Khune made 17 appearances in all competitions before he was injured. He has been the national team goalkeeper for more than 10 years having also played at the 2010 FIFA World Cup on home soil. He was full of praise for Keet and also added that he was nervous during the match.
South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan congratulated the South Africa’s senior men national team for qualifying for the 2019 Africa cup of nations in Egypt. This after beating Libya 2-1 in Tunisia last night, two goals from Percy Tau ensured that Bafana finished second behind Nigeria with 12 points. Jordaan was relieved the team qualified for the first time since 2013. Bafana’s first choice goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune watched the match from the side-lines due to injury he suffered few months ago. His understudy Darren Keet played the game of his life when he pulled off great saves to keep Bafana in the match. Khune was lost for words. Bafana Bafana legend Mark Fish was part of the team that won the 1996 Afcon at home. He believes that the team is gelling and can do well in Egypt.
Cape Town City bid farewell to one of their players earlier this month, after it was announced that Zimbabwean forward Matthew Rusike had moved to Norwegian club Stabaek. Rusike’s stay at City was unfortunately an injury-ridden one and the 28 year old made just 17 appearances in all competitions in the 13 months he was at the club, scoring 3 times. But while his on-the-field exploits might not have set the world alight, City coach Benni McCarthy says his influence off the field could not be underestimated. McCarthy says he wishes Rusike nothing but the best, and says he has left his mark on the City family. McCarthy says he is confident that Rusike can shine in Norway, and says it was a privilege to work with him for the past year. Unfortunately with the arrival of Siphelele Mthembu and Kermit Erasmus, and with his injuries, Rusike fell down the pecking order but McCarthy says he has played his part in their successful season so far. City began the season by winning the MTN8 trophy and are currently fourth on the Absa Premiership table. They are also still alive in the Nedbank Cup and will face Kaizer Chiefs in the quarter-finals on March 31st at the Mbombela Stadium.
The Nedbank Cup resumes this week and the two remaining National First Division teams, Cape Umoya United and TS Galaxy, will be in action in the first game of the quarter-finals, when Umoya host Galaxy at the Athlone Stadium on Wednesday. Umoya Coach Dominic Isaacs says he has used this FIFA international break to give some of his players some rest ahead of the cup game after they picked up a key win in the league against Real Kings, and now Isaacs hopes to get another good result at home and reach the semi-finals. Isaacs says he knows what to expect from Dan Malesela’s team and does not expect a different approach from Galaxy just because it is a cup game. The former Ajax Cape Town and Kaizer Chiefs defender says there is absolutely no pressure from management with regard to the cup, and considering the team’s earlier struggles in the NFD, their cup run has been a surprise. Though the match will be televised, Isaacs actually would not mind if it was not like all their previous games, and he hopes the cameras will not distract some of his younger players. But fortunately Isaacs has a lot of experienced players like Nathan Paulse, Manti Mekoa, Roscoe Pietersen and Erick Chipeta to call on, who are no strangers to a bigger stage.
Bafana Bafana became the 24th and final nation to qualify for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Egypt when they overcame the challenging match officiating to beat Libya 2-1 at the Stade Taieb Mhiri in Sfax, Tunisia last night. A brace from Percy Tau was enough to secure the result for the South Africans after Ben Ali had pulled one back from a controversial penalty. Bafana finished second in Group E with 12 points, just a point behind Nigeria. Head coach Stuart Baxter reflects on the game. Baxter says the penalty against his team was harsh when Darren Keet caught a Libyan player with his boot when collecting a ball. Baxter says this was a pressure moment for his side. Baxter started with a very defensive approach in last night’s game as he looked at securing the result. The Briton has more on why he started very late with his substitutions. Baxter with a strange formation of five defenders, two defensive midfielders, one attacking midfielder and two strikers managed to get the result he was looking for. The Briton who has qualified to his first ever major competition, feels that Tau came out of age in this game.
With the final round of AFCON qualifiers upon us this weekend, South Africa is not the only southern regional nation that finds itself in a do-or-die situation. Topping Group G with eight points, Zimbabwe, much like Bafana need just a draw when they host Congo Brazzaville at the National Stadium in Harare this Sunday. However, if Congo win, they will qualify jumping above Zimbabwe on the head-to-head rule. Breathing down the neighbors’ necks are Liberia and DRC Congo on second and third place with seven and six points respectively, followed by Congo with five points. Supersport United and Zimbabwean striker Evans Rusike is adamant ‘The Warriors” will be in Egpyt come June. Meanwhile Namibian international and Bidvest Wits striker Dean Hotto says it is now or never for his country as they lock horns with 2012 AFCON winners Zambia in Lusaka tomorrow. With Zambia bottom of Group K with four points and eliminated already, Namibia who are on second spot with eight points need at the very least a draw, or a win by group leaders Guinea-Bissau over Mozambique. Hotto is confident “The Brave Warriors’s bravery will see them make their third appearance at the continental showpiece in Egypt (having previously qualified in 1998 and 2000).
Lesotho could make history this weekend by qualifying to their first ever African Nations Cup tournament when they meet Cape Verde in an AFCON 2019 qualifier at the Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde in Praia on Sunday. Likoena are currently second in Group L tied on five points with Tanzania who play their neighbours Uganda tomorrow. On head to head, Lesotho have a better record than Tanzania having beaten them in Maseru and drawn in Dar es Salaam. Lesotho head coach Moses Maliehe says they’ve got an edge going to this game.
While the rest of the professional football clubs in South Africa taken a break during the FIFA weekend, National First Division leaders Stellenbosch, and bottom-of-the-table Real Kings, will be in action at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday, as they replay their match that had to be abandoned due to weather two weeks ago. Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker says his team is geared up for the match. Barker’s team was trailing 2-1 at the time of the stoppage.
Free State Stars forward Eleazar Rodgers feels like the team struggles will soon be a thing of the past. Rodgers says this keeping in mind Stars’ 4-1 thrashing of AmaZulu last week in Bethlehem in the Absa Premiership. Having scored one of the four goals in that match Rodgers has been a vital part of the side helping them move further away from the relegation zone. He has scored three goals for Ealla Koto and three assists this season. He feels the release and signing of many players at the start of the season is the reason for some of the sides struggles this season.
Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy says that if he was Bafana Bafana coach there would have been a few different selections, from the squad that Stuart Baxter has picked for Saturday’s key Afcon qualifier against Libya. Bafana must win or draw the game to qualify for this year’s finals in Egypt, and McCarthy says that were he the coach he would have selected more form players for the game. McCarthy had been pushing for the selection of his in-form striker Kermit Erasmus. He says Bafana must get a result and he hopes they do not go out and play for a draw. McCarthy’s Cape Town City side are currently fourth on the Absa Premiership and the former Bafana striker says his team are doing well because they fear nobody and go out and play with freedom.
South African football has lost a top football man in Arthur Bartman, according to his Orlando Pirates assistant coach Fadlu Davids. Tributes continue to pour in for the former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper, turned coach, who passed away after illness last Tuesday. His death in East London at only 46-years of age has sent shockwaves through the country, especially after he was only married in December. Davids is a man Bartman worked alongside for three seasons at Maritzburg United, before he left in November pour his heart felt condolences. Ernst Middendorp, the current Chiefs coach, is the other person Davids referred to with the German having also played a role in Bartman’s coaching career. Meanwhile, veteran AmaZulu striker Siyabonga Nomvethe was equally stunned by the death of the former goalkeeper. The pair made their debut together for African Wanderers in the mid-1990s, before Bartman went on to play for the likes of Bush Bucks‚ Moroka Swallows‚ Free State Stars, Dynamos‚ Bay United, SuperSport, Chiefs and Lamontville Golden Arrows. Nomvethe says his friend will be sorely missed.
The South African national men’s U23 team head coach David Notoane says he’s got his starting line-up for the CAF U23 Championships qualifier first leg encounter against Angola in mind already. Notoane was speaking at the media open day Tuesday ahead of their departure for Luanda yesterday where they play the first leg tomorrow evening. The second leg is at the Bidvest stadium on the 26th of this month, kicking-off at 19:00. Notoane has only been in camp with his new team for three days and is only left with half a day of training before the first leg. The former Santos striker says he already has his starting line-up in mind. The team was further boosted by the arrival of overseas based stars like Luther Singh and Lyle Foster who arrived from Portugal and France. Now they are awaiting the arrival of another Portuguese based player Thabo Cele and Notoane says his team will then be complete. Notoane has also assured that one of the key players in the team Teboho Mokoena of Supersport United will be available for selection after missing some training sessions and also the training match against the Lesotho senior national team on Monday.
Former Banyana Banyana captain Amanda Dlamini is excited over the proposed women’s professional league that is expected to commence later this year. Banyana have been a force to be reckoned with in women’s football in the last few years, having qualified for the two Olympics, and also recently reaching the FIFA World Cup in France later this year without the professional league. Dlamini says it is long overdue. Dlamini retired from the national team last year having earned 105 caps after an illustrious 11 years career. She is still playing for JWC team in the Gauteng Sasol league. She says life after football has been tough.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane says he will be happy to draw any team in the CAF Champions League quarter finals. The CAFCL last eight draw will take place at 19:00 today in Cairo. Mosimane and his charges are set to face a tough draw after they subsequently finished as Group A runners-up behind Wydad Casablanca. The Brazilians will face either defending champions Esperance‚ DR Congo giants TP Mazembe or record eight times champions Al Ahly. Speaking to SA FM’s Thabiso Mosia this week, Mosimane said he expects the same competition from either side. The Brazilians beat Casablanca 2 – 1 at home in the first leg and they had hoped to advance to the knockout stages as the group winners. Having lifted the Champions League in 2016 at the expense of Zamalek in Egypt, Mosimane could not find himself celebrate the 1-0 loss in Morocco this past weekend as it meant that they finish second in Group A based on head to head with Wydad.
Gauteng Department of Sport art Culture and Recreation (SACR) yesterday announced their Gauteng All Stars Games team, the senior players and legend to be featured in the inaugural event. The games consist of a local soccer tournament that will see the past, present and future of South African women footballers going head-to-head against each other. The will kick at the Tsakane stadium in Ekurhuleni on Saturday. Tickets to the tournament are free and will also have educational activities such as coaching clinics prior and during the event. This move is expected to permit residents to come out in their numbers to support exceptional women. Among the legends to be featured on the day are the former Banyana Banyana captain and former CAF Player of the Year Portia Modise and the highest capped female in CAF and South African players Jenine Van Wyk. SACR Director Philasande Muvevi shares on the games.
It is embarrassing that Zambia will not take part in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. These are the words of Zambia and Black Leopards striker Mwape Musonda ahead of their final round of qualification against Namibia in Chililabombwe on Saturday evening (18:30). Zambia is bottom of qualifying group K with four points from five encounters while Namibia is at the summit with eight points with a qualifying chance. Musonda says with the quality in the Zambian side they should not be honoring fixtures. Despite Zambia being out of contention for the continental show piece Musonda says he feels honored adding that his call-up came at the right time. The forward is the current top goal scorer in the Absa premiership with 12 goals including a hat-trick against Chippa United two weeks ago. He hopes to translate his domestic form in Chipolopolo colours.
Highlands Park Coach Owen da Gama feels the Absa Premiership is getting tougher and much more competitive with margins between the top and bottom teams decreasing. PSL log leader Mamelodi Sundowns lead the pack with 43 points from 23 matches and the Lions of the North who sit on ninth position in have 29 points, only 14 points off Sandawana. Da Gama feels they will be more shocks with seven games to go until the season ends. Da Gama however believes there are still certain players that can make a difference and those are the players that big spending clubs put their money on. Da Gama gave his thoughts on why South African players are still finding it hard to find the net more frequently with the PSL top goal scorer stats averaging 14 goals in the last 10 years. Da Gama seems determined to push his team to greater heights and refuses to be drawn into relegation talk but rather speaks of a push for a top eight finish and his fight continues tomorrow afternoon (Sunday) where he faces a tricky test against Chippa United in Port Elizabeth.
Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker hopes National First Division (NFD) sides still going to face Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) at home also find it hard in Thohoyandou. Barkers comments follow his side’s 3-2 loss to TTM on Saturday in Vhembe. Stellenbosch however remain top of the NFD log with 45 points with a game in hand and a three point lead from their nearest competitor Royal Eagles. Steve Barker. Barker also had some advice for Vhadau vha Damani on how to treat visitors following the disappointment of some members of the TTM bench instructing ball boys to delay the match. The coach says this is bad trend in the lower leagues and reflects badly on clubs.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) needs about R40million to run an efficient national women’s league according to the organization’s Vice-President Ria Ledwaba. As part of the R97million that was distributed from the 2010 World Cup legacy trust last week, the inaugural national women’s league which is expected to kick-off on the national women’s day (9th August) was allocated R10million. The women’s league was said to be struggling to attract sponsors but different reasons were provided for the delay. Ledwaba remains adamant that come the kick-off time, they will be ready. Ledwaba has also revealed that the club which will be involved in the inaugural season of the national women’s league will have to go through some compliance manuals, to maintain the desired standards for this league. After Banyana had finished second to Nigeria at the African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Ghana last year, there were calls for SAFA to ensure equality between Banyana and Bafana Bafana in terms of remuneration. As we head to the Women’s World Cup, this is likely to dominated the headlines again. Ledwaba says this is simply based on the commercial support each team receives.
Bafana Bafana held their first training session at the El Menzahl stadium in Tunis, Tunisia on Monday morning ahead of their crunch African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya in Sfax on Sunday evening (18:30). The 10 players who were traveling from South Africa with the technical team met the overseas based players yesterday in Frankfurt, Germany and they flew together to Tunis yesterday morning. The Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns players who were coming from CAF Champions League matches in Guinea Conakry and Casablanca, Morocco respectively, flew directly to Tunis. A draw will be enough for Bafana to qualify for Egypt. The conditions going to this game favour Baxter’s normal game plan perfectly. The Briton is a coach who likes playing on the counter especially on the road, after all this is how he managed Bafana’s first ever win in Nigeria two years ago. Baxter is clear that they will not go there to park the bus. The Libyans are a difficult team at Stade Taieb Mhiri stadium in Sfax, an area which is only 300km from the Libyan boarder and 520km from Tripoli. They have to play their games at a neutral venue due to the political unrest at home. A clean sheet going to this game is also key, under Itumeleng Khune the team had only conceded one goal in five matches and remains the only unbeaten team in Group E but second to Nigeria. With Khune out on a long term injury, it’s now down to Darren Keet and Ronwen Williams and Baxter was asked about who is the front runner for the number one jersey for this crucial encounter.
Orlando Pirates landed safely in Conakry, Guinea yesterday having travelled via Dubai ahead of their crunch CAF Champions League encounter against Horoya AC tomorrow. The two teams meet at the 28th September stadium tomorrow at 15:00 in a must win clash for the Buccaneers if they are to progress to the quarterfinals. Pirates has traveled with a half-fit Justin Shonga after he missed their last training session at home on Wednesday. But they have left behind Vincent Pule who sustained an injury at training before the departure. An all-out attack is the language that Bucs head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic will be preaching tomorrow afternoon. Sredojevic is no stranger to must win clashes in these type of matches on the continent. He’s been in charge of Pirates before at this level, Al Hilal of Sudan and led Uganda to their first AFCON tournament in 39 years. He’s banking on that experience going to this massive clash.
Mamelodi Sundowns boss Pitso Mosimane is sad that the CAF Champions League is not often a level playing field, saying that travelling to North Africa remained one of the toughest challenges for him as a coach. The Brazilians jetted off to Morocco day before yesterday to take on two-time winners Wydad Casablanca in their final Group A game on Saturday. The good thing for Sundowns is that they have already qualified for the quarter-finals, but they are still vying for top spot against a Wydad side jostling with ASEC Mimosas for the other qualification spot. Mosimane says what goes on in continental football should not be happening.
Golden Arrows coach Steve Komphela says players are not protected by match officials and it is an every week cry from coaches. Komphela referred to Goodman Mosele’s tackle on his midfielder Velemseni Ndwandwe in last night’s 1-0 league win over Baroka FC in Polokwane. Ndwandwe was stretched off and subbed while Mosele got a yellow card. Komphela feels bad for Ndwandwe who had just returned from a long injury layoff.
Some Baroka FC fans stayed over at the Peter Mokaba Stadium after last night’s 1-0 loss to Lamontville Golden Arrows, calling for Coach Wedson Nyirenda’s head. It was a third defeat for Baroka on the trot and they are currently a point above the relegation in 13th spot with 21 points from 24 matches. Nyirenda was not moved by the supporters’ saying he is employed by the club and not fans.
The South African Football Association’s (SAFA’s) financial woes are well documented and yesterday it came as no surprise when a total of R97million from the 2010 World Cup Legacy Trust was distributed to different components of the association. Topping the list from the beneficiaries will be the long awaited National Women’s League which has been allocated R10million, the junior national teams which include the national U23 men’s team, the World Cup bound U20 men’s team (Amajita) and the women’s teams will be getting just over R19million. SAFA President Danny Jordaan talks about the good role that this World Cup Legacy Trust has played in South African football in the last eight years. The National Women’s League needs about R40million to kick-off on the ninth of August this year and Jordaan stopped short of saying they had to go with this R10million allocation from the Legacy Trust due to lack of corporate support. A total of R450 762 816.00 had been originally invested by FIFA as part of the World Cup Trust back in 2010. In the past eight years, various organizations, clubs and individuals have benefited from this legacy trust. After this latest allocation, the trust is now left with only about R50million and Jordaan was asked about the future of the trust going forward.
With the Absa Premiership title race getting tougher and tighter, Supersport United will host Kaizer Chiefs at the Mbombela Stadium on tomorrow night in a fixture that could make or break their title ambitions. The two last met in December 2018 where Chiefs ran off 1-0 winners in what was Ernst Middendorp’s first league game back in charge of Amakhosi. Only three points separates the two with Matsatsantsa lying two places ahead of Chiefs on 5th. Tembo warns his troops will play their hearts out. Both sides go into this clash on the back of 1-0 home victories this past weekend where they sank both Free State Stars and Maritzburg United further into the relegation pit (Supersport 1 – 0 Free State Stars) & (Chiefs 1 – 0 Maritzburg United). Tembo expects a tough encounter as his opponents are unpredictable.
Wedson Nyirenda says the international junior call up in the side is good news ahead of their Absa premiership clash with Golden Arrows at the Peter Mokaba stadium tonight (19:30). Jemondre Dickens has been called up to the South African Under23 squad to face Angola over two legs in a 2020 Olympic qualifier this month. Dickens’ call up follows that of Goodman Mosele in the U20s earlier this year. Nyirenda says it is his trade to produce international players adding that it inspires the team. Nyirenda was asked if Dickens will be released to join the national team after Mosele did not go to the Youth championships in Niger with Amajita as the club said they needed the player. The coach says he would like to see his striker go on international duty however that is not his decision alone.
The battle for the life and soul of school’s football in South Africa took another twist this afternoon when the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA) immediately informed that they are going back to court. The South African Football Association (SAFA) had called a press conference this afternoon to announce that the arbitrator had ruled in their favour that they administer and run schools football. This follows the decision by the SAFA Extraordinary Congress in 2015 in Mbombela where the Congress resolved that SAFA must take over the running of schools football. Advocate Ngwako Maenetje in his arbitration’s award had dismissed the application of SASFA as confirmed here by SAFA Head of Legal Advocate Teboho Motlanthe. But according to SASFA legal representative Dennis Sibuyi from DMS Attorneys, they are taking this arbitrator’s award under review as they are challenging how the arbitrator came into this conclusion. Veteran schools football administrator Steve Pila was still a SASFA General-Secretary when the decision to take over schools football was taken by SAFA four years ago.
Newly appointed South African national U23 head coach David Notoane has explained that Crystal Palace U23 captain Nikola Tavares was in the initial 28-man provisional squad he had announced last week but an administration error left him out. Born in Cape Town 20 years ago to Croatian parents, Tavares has been on the national team coaches’ radar for the past two years. When Notoane selected the provisional squad to play Angola in the CAF U23 Championships qualifiers next week, his name was not there. But yesterday, the former Santos striker explained that Tavares has always been part of his plans.
One of Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter’s shortcomings is failing to read the mood in the country, to be streetwise and how to navigate around talking points that have got the potential to land him in trouble. Baxter was announcing his squad at SAFA House today, to play Libya in Tunisia next weekend where they need to avoid a loss to qualify for the African Nations Cup 2019 edition to be held in Egypt in June and July. The Briton who has been under fire in this job, made some telling errors in his squad selection, bringing in players like Bongani Zungu and Keagan Dolly who are still recovering from long term injuries and are yet to feature in competitive matches. Baxter is easily playing into the hands of his critics.
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane was interrupted during the press conference after their 3-0 win against Lobi Stars, in the CAF champions league Group A clash at Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday night. Mosimane was talking about the importance of South African teams doing well on the continent against their African opposition, when Stars assistant Coach Evans Ogenyi interrupted him, and then the scuffle broke with the CAF media officer restoring calm. The win ensured that Sundowns qualified for the quarter-finals with a game to spare. They need to avoid a heavy defeat against Wydad Casablanca to finish on top of the group. Sundowns lost to Stars 2-1 in the first match, but Mosimane says it is a national agenda to beat Nigerian teams. The Brazilians were allegedly denied a training pitch in Enugu when they visited Nigeria. Mosimane says SA teams always treat their opponents fairly but do not get the same treatment away. The 2016 CAF Coach of the year also highlighted the major differences between the CAF champions league and UEFA champions league. He said most African teams use dirty tactics to win. The 2016 champions failed to reach the quarter-final last year after they finished third behind Wydad Casablanca and Horoya. Mosimane says there has been a major improvement in the team this year. Sundowns won all their three home games convincingly. They beat Wydad 2-1, Asec Mimosa 3-1 and Stars 3-0. Mosimane says it is important to win all the home matches.
Bidvest Wits will be travelling to Kwazulu Natal this weekend for their Premier League clash against Amazulu FC at King Zwelithini stadium. Both teams never had it easy against each other however Amazulu have had an upper hand on numerous occasions. In their last PSL encounter in August last year, Usuthu hammered the students with three goals to nil. Wits coach Gavin Hunt acknowledges that Usuthu will be a tough opponent to deal with. Wits have lost two league games in a row recently dropping to the 4th position in the log and will be looking to redeem themselves against KZN based side. Hunt says that his side can still easily go up the log table. Hunt indicated that besides Haashim Domingo who is still recovering from injury, his squad is fit and ready for tomorrow’s game. The 54 year old mentor is unimpressed with the pitch of the King Zwelithini stadium, the venue where this match will be played.
Dylan Kerr knows that his Black Leopards outfit cannot afford anymore slips if they are to get out of their current log position. Leopards are placed 12th on the Absa premiership log with 22 points from 21 outings, that’s a two points difference between themselves and their opponents on Sunday Chippa United. United are second from bottom with 20 points from 22 matches. Ahead of the sides fixture in Thohoyandou on Sunday afternoon (15:30) Kerr says it’s time get nasty. Kerr says he may make changes in formation and a few swaps from their last match. The coach says they did a lot of finishing in training today. As much as the side’s ratio of goals scored to missed is terrible he hopes to see the good parts on Sunday. The Chillie Boys collected four points from their last three games with Kerr adding that the side that is hungrier will come out victorious. The 52 year old admits Li Doda Duvha are their own worst enemy when conceding. Kerr reveals that the facility Leopards is training on in Ladana in Polokwane is not the best preparation however he will not use that as an excuse.
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane says they will be looking to reach the quarterfinals of the CAF champions league, when they meet Nigerian team Lobi Stars in a group A match at Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday evening (kick-off 9pm). The Brazilians just need a victory to ensure qualification in the last eight of the prestigious tournament. They are currently on top of the log with seven points from four matches. The Brazilians did well to get a draw away to Asec Mimosa in Ivory Coast in the last group match. Moroccan team Wydad Athletic Club also played to a draw against Lobi Stars, to ensure that Downs remained on top. Mosimane says it was an important result for them. The 2016 champions are bidding to win the domestic league, as well as the champions league. They are second in the PSL level with Orlando Pirates on points, but with inferior goal difference. Mosimane says champs league is very important for them. Mosimane says the good run in the champs league has made his team to be respected across the continent. In 2016 they won the tournament and went on to compete at the FIFA club world cup in Japan. The Brazilians have not had a proper off-season having been competing in the champs league in the last five years. This season the champs league has been squeezed into six months to usher a new era, where the calendar will now run from August to May. Previously it was running from February to December. Mosimane says it has been a hectic five years for his team.
There’s conflicting statements coming from Kaizer Chiefs camp regarding the team’s chances of still being part of the Absa Premiership title chasing pack. Last week, right –back Kgotso Moleko was clear that his team doesn’t stand a chance and they must focus on at least making it in the top three. With eight matches to go in this season’s campaign. Chiefs is currently eight points behind log leaders and second placed team Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns respectively. Another Amakhosi defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele has also given up on the title race this season. Chiefs haven’t won silverware in four years now and veteran attacker Bernard Parker openly contracted his teammates just before this morning’s training session at the club’s village in Naturena. Some of the players and officials at Chiefs still believe that anything is possible in the next eight games especially given some of the results in the league in the past two weeks. But Mphahlele continues to be realistic and says maybe things would’ve been different if the current coach Ernst Middendorp had arrived earlier this season.
South Africa’s women senior national football team Coach Desiree Ellis is not panicking over the poor showing by her team in the Cyprus cup. Banyana lost three matches and only drew once in the annual tournament that features teams from across the globe. The team finished tenth after losing to Finland 3-0 yesterday. The two teams played to a 2-2 draw in a group A match earlier in the tournament. Banyana drew first match against Finland 2- 2, then went on to lose heavily against Korea DPR 4-1. They then lost to Czech Republic in the third match to finish rock bottom in their group with one point from three matches. Ellis says they learnt a lot of lessons. Banyana have been paired in group B alongside Germany, Spain and China in the 2019 FIFA women world cup in France in June. The team also played high-profile matches against Sweden and Netherlands in Cape Town in January. Ellis says the Cyprus cup will help them to prepare for the global showpiece. Banyana have done well in recent years having qualified for the two Olympics at 2012 Olympics in London, England as well as 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil. They have also done well to qualify for the world cup for the first time in history. Ellis says the preparations for the global showpiece are well on track.
Golden Arrows goalkeeper Sherwyn Naicker is hoping for game time under Coach Steve Komphela. The former Jomo Cosmos goal minder has not played a single match for his team this season. He joined the team from Milano United in the 2016/2017 season on a free transfer. Nkosingiphile Gumede has been a regular goalkeeper for the team this season. Naicker has also played for Supersport United and Mpumalanga Black Aces in the PSL. But it was at Cosmos where he made his mark when he was a regular player before the team was relegated. Naicker says it is disheartening that he is not in the spotlight. Arrows are in tenth position on the log with 25 points from 22 matches. The team hired the incumbent Komphela late last year. Komphela Clinton Larsen who has since joined Chippa United. Naicker says Komphela is a very good coach.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane has singled out Orlando Pirates stand out performer this season and Bafana Bafana attacker Thembinkosi Lorch for his great performance this season. Mosimane was speaking after Lorch was announced as the Absa Premiership player of the month for February. Last month, Lorch scored a wonderful goal to level the matters in the one-all draw in the Soweto derby, he also produced a man of the match performance during the 4-1 demolition of Amazulu. Mosimane says the Bucs attacker deserves all the attention coming his way. Very soon, the debate around the nominees for the PSL Footballer of the season is going to start and Lorch has emerged as a strong candidate there as well. It’s been a season characterized by inconsistency in the PSL and very few have raised their hands but players like Gaston Sirino and Lebohang Maboe deserve a mentioning. Mosimane believes that Lorch and his captain Hlompho Kekana are strong candidates. Sundowns are currently tied on 40 points with Pirates at the top of the log with the Buccaneers ahead of superior goal difference but the Brazilians have a game in hand. Whilst Mosimane was happy with the coach of the month award, he says his focus is on winning the big one, his fourth league title come end of the season.
South African football legend Jomo Sono says that newly-appointed national under-23 coach David Notoane should be looking at the National First Division for players when he selects his first squad. The Jomo Cosmos owner and coach says because of the NFD’s rule that enforces teams to play 3 under-23 players in their starting elevens, a number of very good young players have been exposed to senior football. He says the NFD’s standards have improved a lot in recent years, and there is not a big difference between some NFD and some Absa Premiership teams. Sono says that first Notoane must ignore agents and intermediaries who try to push their players into the national set-up, and says he must look at players with NFD experience before casting his eye over those playing in the PSL reserve league. Sono says that Notoane will need players with experience if he wants to qualify for the under-23 Afcon and the Olympics, and the NFD has these now in abundance.
Milutin Sredojevic believes the performances of Orlando Pirates this season should already be sufficient to satisfy their fans as the Serbian coach tried to play down expectations ahead of their Absa Premiership clash with Bloemfontein Celtic tonight. The Buccaneers beat Lamontville Golden Arrows on Saturday to move to within a point of league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. They could potentially go top with victory in Soweto, but whatever happens at the Orlando Stadium and between now and the end of the season, Sredojevic feels his players have done enough to heel the pain of fans from recent years. Victory at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium was a second in succession for the Soweto giants and has undoubtedly reignited their title challenge. Prior to the win and a 4-1 drubbing of AmaZulu in the previous match, they had managed just two points out of nine on offer fuelling take that they were out of the running. Sredojevic says that even when results were not forthcoming, he never questioned the commitment of his players. Asked what would make him happy at the end of the season, Sredojevic took the diplomatic approach of unity rather than saying a trophy or any specific league position. The club are out of the Nedbank Cup and their only remaining hope of silverware this term remains the league. But the coach avoided putting pressure on his players by revealing any particular mandate. When Pirates met Celtic in the first round of the league back in August, Siwelele trumped 1-0 at the Free State Stadium. The result formed part of a strong time to the campaign for them and Sredojevic is wary of the challenge they will again pose to his side. He says that Celtic should be fully respected even though they have not won any of their last three Premiership games.
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane says their league match against Cape Town City will be very exciting. The two teams will do battle for the second time in a week at Athlone stadium in Cape Town tonight (kick-off 7:30pm). The Brazilians won the first round match 3-2 in Pretoria last week. The two teams also met in the MTN 8 semi-final two-legged tie, with both teams winning at home but City eventually winning on penalty shootout. City registered an impressive victory against Bidvest Wits this past weekend, when they overcame a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2. They are sitting in fourth position with 36 points from 22 matches. Mosimane says they have the potential to finish in a good position on the log. The PSL champions dropped two vital points against Bloemfontein Celtic, when they played to a goalless draw on Saturday. They still remain on top with 40 points from 21 games. Orlando Pirates are second with 39 points from 22 matches. Sundowns missed many chances against Celtic, and Mosimane says converting easy chances will be key to winning the league. Mosimane was once again not happy with the referee on Saturday. There was an incident when a Celtic defender recklessly fouled Sundowns defensive midfielder Tiyani Mabunda in the second half, but referee Daniel Bennet opted to give the offender a yellow instead of a red card. Sundowns will also play a crucial CAF champions league clash against Nigerian team Lobi Stars on Saturday. Mosimane says apart from injured Sibusiso Vilakazi they have a clean bill of health.
There’s an abundance of talent at the U23 level in South Africa and this is what made it easier for David Notoane to agree to coach this team. Notoane was only confirmed last week as the new U23 head coach just few weeks before the team has to face Angola in the CAF U23 Championships second round qualifiers this month. The Mamelodi Sundowns reserve team coach replaces Owen Da Gama who took the U23’s to the Rio Olympics in Brazil three years ago. The CAF U23 Championships will take place in Egypt in November and the top three teams in that tournament qualify to to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. The only blemish with this appointment is that SAFA took long to confirm Notoane and now he will not have any training match before playing the official qualifier away to Angola on the 22nd of this month and here at home four days later. The former Santos striker is hoping that they will be able to overcome this challenge. As part of his technical team, Notoane has roped in one of the most respected youth coaches in the country Kwanele Kopo and he says their selection will reflect their experience in working with talented youth players. Notoane is no stranger to coaching at international level, having worked as Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba’s assistant at the U23’s before. He also won the Commonwealth Cup with the U20’s as a caretaker coach. The 50year-old says Mashaba has had a strong influence in his coaching career especially at international level.
Banyana Banyana will play their final group game at the Cyprus Women’s Cup today (Monday, 04 March 2019) when they take on Czech Republic at Laranca at 13:00. Banyana are currently bottom Group A after drawing with Finland and were hammered 4 - 1 by North Korea on Friday. A win today could see them finishing second in the group which will also help them to play for a higher position in the final games on Wednesday. Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis is targeting a win from today’s game.
After losing 3-2 to league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday, Cape Town City will next face second-placed Bidvest Wits, when the two teams meet at the Bidvest Stadium on Saturday night. City are currently 4th on the Absa Premiership table and are still in the title race themselves, and their coach Benni McCarthy says that while Sundowns’ victory moved them to the top of the table, the league race is still very open and there is a lot more football to be played this season. McCarthy however says his team should not be thinking about their own title chances just because they are in fourth position.
Mamelodi Sundowns’s Wednesday night win over Cape Town City ended any hopes of teams like Kaizer Chiefs being back in the mix for the league title. Chiefs are currently 10 points behind Sundowns on the log with only nine games to go for them and the Brazilians having a game in hand. Amakhosi right-back Kgotso Moleko finally gave up today. Following a promising start under Middendorp, Chiefs have drawn two and lost one of their last three matches and these were important points that would have kept them amongst the title chasing teams. Currently placed sixth on the log with 29 points from 21 matches, Chiefs will face Highlands Park at Moses Mabhida stadium tomorrow evening (18:00). The 29year-old has won two league titles with Chiefs under Stuart Baxter and also two trophies and he’s honest when he says after four years no silverware at the clubs, the standard has dropped. Moleko was on his way out last month, Middendorp’s predecessor Giovanni Solinas hadn’t registered him for the CAF Confederation Cup and decided that his contract not be renewed. Moleko has been at Chiefs for the past seven years and his contract is expiring at the end of this season but the club does have an option. The former Bloemfontein Celtic defender got a lifeline when Middendorp arrived at Chiefs at the beginning of December last year and admits that it’s been tough and that he almost gave up. Moleko had only featured in two matches under Solinas and has already played nine matches under Middendorp in all competitions. The arrival of South African U20 international Reeve Frosler from Bidvest Wits last month was seen as a way of replacing Moleko, but SABC Sport understands that it could end up being Bafana Bafana international Ramahlwe Mphahlele’s contract that won’t be renewed. Moleko welcomes the good competition and says between himself, Frosler and Mphahlele, they’re all different right-backs.
A tough assignment awaits Bloemfontein Celtic when they take on log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in the Absa Premiership encounter at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Celtic, whose winning streak came to an abrupt end at the hands of Free State Stars, have a mountain to climb against title chasing Masandawana. Celtic coach and former Orlando Pirates player Lehlohonolo Seema says that his side have prepared well. The last time the two sides met was in the Telkom Cup last October, when the Brazilians knocked Phunya Sele Sele out in the first round with a 1-0 win. Seema says that his players are not nervous at the prospect of facing Sundowns. The Free State side are currently eighth on the log table with 29 points, while Sundowns are at 39 points. Seema says his side are not aiming for any top position and will be satisfied with the top eight. The former Pirates and Celtic captain adds that both the league and Nedbank are important to the team.
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane has backed the newly appointed under-23 Coach David Notoane to succeed. The former Sundowns reserve league coach is appointed to help the team qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan. SA qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil. Notoane has been with the team before. Sundowns are topping the league for the first time since the beginning of the season, after beating Cape Town City 3-2 last night at home. The Brazilians have 39 points from 20 matches, just a point above Bidvest Wits with a game in hand. They have won the league three times in the past five years, also finishing second in two seasons. Mosimane says they have been consistent. Sundowns had an opportunity to top the log on three occasions before, when they lost to Amazulu and drew against Polokwane City and Bidvest Wits. Mosimane says there was a time last night when he felt they will blow the opportunity again. The PSL champions started the match without an out and out striker. He fielded the attacking four players Lebogang Maboe, Gaston Sirino, Anthony Laffor and Themba Zwane. Mosimane says the attack is bringing him goals.
Highlands Park Coach Owen da Gama says they decided not to sign former Bafana Bafana striker Mandla Masango because of many good players in his position. The 29-year-old is a free agent, but has been without a club for more than a year having left Danish side Danish side Randers FC. Masango, who also played at Supersport United and Kaizer Chiefs, was hoping to impress the technical staff at Highlands Park. Highlands are lying in ninth position on the log with 26 points from 21 matches. Bidvest Wits are still topping the log with 38 points from 21 matches. Orlando Pirates are in second position with 36 points from 21 matches, followed by Mamelodi Sundowns with 36 points from 19 matches. Da Gama says it is too early to predict the league winners.
Mamelodi Sundowns beat Cape Town City 3-2 in a thrilling league match at Loftus stadium last night. The Brazilians went on top of the log for the first time this season. Man of the match Lebogang Maboe opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. Anthony Laffor scored the second goal in the 60th minute, and substitute Phakamani Mahlambi scored the third. However Kermit Erasmus reduced the deficit with a scorcher right after that. Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane was relieved they won.
Cape Town City will face a tough week of Absa Premiership football, starting tomorrow when they travel to play second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Stadium. Three days later they will face log leaders Bidvest Wits in Johannesburg, before returning to Cape Town for another mid-week encounter with Sundowns. Benni McCarthy says it is going to be a tough few days for his team, and he is expecting interesting and tactical games against the title challenging teams. With his team in fourth place, and still outsiders in the title challenge, McCarthy says his teams is focusing only on their own game and go into every game with the intention of walking away with the win.
South African women’s Under-20 national team coach Maud Khumalo sends her regards to Banyana Banyana and their head coach Desiree Ellis, on their first game of Cyprus Cup. Banyana has already began their clash, up against Finland Khumalo express her confidence in the national ladies.
Gauteng Department of Sport Art Culture and Recreation (SACR) yesterday launched a soccer tournament called Gauteng All Star Games, in partnership with City of Ekurhuleni, The tournament will cater for female footballers which will see retired, current and future of South African soccer players going head to head against each other. The Gauteng All Star Games is a one-day tournament that will kick-off Saturday the 23rd of March 2019, at Tsakane Stadium. SACR Director Philasande Muvevi says that the department saw it fitting to come on board and support such initiative. Among the current and former players who will be featured in the tournament are Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk, Portia Modise, Keneilwe Mathibela and Simphiwe Dludlu. The tournament director Moonira Ramathula says that this is about motivating a girl child as they will have educational activities such as coaching clinic prior and during the event.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says the league title story is still a long way and that everyone needs to keep calm in the chase. BidVest Wits remained top of the Absa Premiership standings with the 1 – 1 draw against Sundowns on Saturday night (23 February 2019). Masandawana moved to third while Orlando Pirates jumped to second place after beating AmaZulu 4 – 1 on the same night. Mosimane says everyone still has a chance to win the league as the Brazilians prepare to host Cape Town City on Wednesday night (27 February 2019).
Ajax Cape Town Coach Andries Ulderink says his team is under pressure to return to the elite league next season. Ajax lost heavily 3-0 against University of Pretoria yesterday (Sunday, 24 February 2019). They are currently fourth on the log with 34 points from 21 matches. The Urban Warriors were in the third spot before the weekend matches, which is the play-off position.
Banyana Banyana vice-captain Refiloe “Fifi” Jane says women’s football is currently in the right space and there are promising signs commercially. Jane says the endorsement deal she secured with the global brand Nike last week is another reflection of how she has grown in this industry. Banyana’s qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France this year has also contributed to the positive hype around SA women’s footballers. Last week Thembi Kgatlana and Linda Motlhalo concluded lucrative deals to the Chinese Women’s Super League. In this interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mnyandu, the Australian based Jane says she is expecting the corporate sector to warm up to women’s football in the country as we edge closer to the World Cup.
With the FIFA U20 World Cup draw now confirmed, the next step for the Amajita technical team and SAFA leadership is to finalize the preparation phase for the team. The South African men’s U20 team was drawn against Argentina, Portugal and South Korea during the draw that took place in Poland last night (Sunday, 24 February 2019). Amajita play Argentina in the first game on the 25th of May, then face the Asians three days later and Portugal on the 31st. Amajita head coach Thabo Senong says the quality of the opposition that Banyana is getting to prepare for the Women’s World Cup is a promising sign for them too.
With Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana shot-stopper Itumeleng Khune out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury, the country waits in bated breath to see whose name Stuart Baxter will man the goal-poles in goals when Bafana take on Libya in a crucial African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying clash next month. Will Baxter field Supersport United goalie Ronwen Williams or will Wits’ Dareen Keet get the knot? Williams’ club coach Kaitano Tembo believes the 26 year old deserves his international chance but insists he does not want to interfere with the coach’s plans. Often used at leftback, Tembo has been pairing Grant Kekana with Clayton Daniels in central defence of late (against Orlando Pirates and Baroka). Does this mean that Tembo has frozen out natural centre-backs Morgan Gould and Bongani Khumalo? The Zimbabwean-born gaffer explains. This month marks 20 years for Tembo at Supersport United having joined as a player in 1999. The Zimbabwean went on to captain the side for four year and became one of the highest capped players, amassing over 200 matches. After a successful spell on the field, Tembo hung up his boots in 2007 to take up a coaching role within the club’s youth structure. He reflects on his two decades in Pretoria.
Highlands Park head coach Owen Da Gama says he is pleased with Black Leopards’ attitude in handling players who are on their way out. Da Gama was answering questions from members of the media following his side goalless league draw with Leopards’ in Thohoyandou yesterday. Marks Munyai who signed a pre-contract with Da Gama’s side featured in the match. Munyai had been sidelined after signing the pre-contract and only returned during the Nedbank Cup last 16 round against Bidvest Wits. Da Gama congratulated Leopards for the change of heart. The Lions of the North are currently ninth on the Absa premiership table with 26 points from 21 outings. Yesterday was the first time Da Gama’s men did not score and kept a clean sheet in four matches. Da Gama is not worried about not scoring in Vhembe nor about current club top scorer Mothobi Mvala’s stagnant tally. The former Bloemfontein Celtic mentor adds that he is proud of Lidoda Duvha fans who pack the stadium week in week out. Da Gama is pleased that his players especially the youngsters got to experience playing under a lot of pressure. Da Gama went as far as saying the Leopards crowd is champions league support.
Dylan Kerr believes he got his selection right in goal in Black Leopards’ goalless draw with Highlands Park in Thohoyandou yesterday. Goalkeeper King Ndlovu was one of Kerr’s five changes to the side that lost to Bidvest Wits in the cup last week. Ndlovu made some important saves especially the earliest threat in the opening minute against Highlands. Kerr feels vindicated adding that his keeper deserves an award for his performance yesterday. Kerr also had words for fans who criticized his decision to field Marks Munyai in the stalemate. Munyai is on his way to Highlands at the end of the season when his contract with Lidoda Duvha ends. Some fans jeered the right back and making substitution signs. The coach admits that Munyai may have been nervous playing against his future employers.
Kaizer Chiefs will meet Cape Town City at home in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal clash. The two teams met few weeks ago in the league with City registering an away victory. Chiefs beat ABC Motsepe league teams Tornado FC and The Magic FC respectively in the previous round. Chiefs midfielder George Maluleka says they will go for revenge.
It was only two weeks ago that Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter held a media breakfast with sports editors and senior football journalists at the SAFA House but already he’s alleged to be distancing himself on some of the statements he made that day. This has been revealed by SAFA President Danny Jordaan as Bafana are building up one of their most important matches in recent years in the African Nations Cup (AFCON) 2019 qualifiers next month. SABC Sport senior journalist had attended that media breakfast session and comes up with the story
Polokwane City coach Josef Vukuzic says his team does not miss striker Rodney Ramagalela. The veteran striker has been at loggerheads with the team’s management after the reports that he signed pre-contract with Highlands Park. The Venda-born striker was a source of many goals for the Limpopo team in the previous seasons, but scored just two this season.
Despite having qualified for the FIFA U20 World Cup after finishing third at the recent African Cup of Nations (AFCON) U20 tournament in Niger, Amajita and their head coach Thabo Senong were heavily criticized by the hard to please South African football fans. The team finished the group stages unbeaten having conceded only one goal and also scored two goals in five matches. But the objectives were to get to knockout stages and qualify for the World Cup, something which they achieved. Having been part of the technical structures for the past five years, the 37year-old coach takes this on the chin. Luke Le Roux featured in all the games in the tournament and is one of the few players who had professional football experience going into this tournament. One of the key players in this team, the Kaizer Chiefs midfield maestro Nkosingiphile “Mshini” Ngcobo talks about the importance of playing as a team.
Supersport United will welcome Orlando Pirates to the Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday night in a high-stake Absa Premiership encounter that could have significant bearing in the title race (kickoff 19:30). Matsatsantsa are currently in sixth position with 29 points from 20 games while Pirates occupy third spot with 33 points from 19 matches. Their previous meeting back in September saw Pirates end a 10-match unbeaten run against Matsatsantsa as they registered a resounding 3-1 victory at the Orlando Stadium, but United coach Kaitano Tembo believes the tables will turn this time around. Supersport United only brought in Mxolisi Macuphu from Bidvest Wits and George Lebese from Mamelodi Sundowns on short-term deals until the end of the season during the transfer window as United CEO Stan Matthews says the club did not want to make panic recruitments. The duo made their debuts in United’s last fixture, a thrilling 3-2 win over Golden Arrows two weekends back. Macuphu capped his performance with a goal while Lebese provided an assist on the day. Tembo hails the two’s significant contribution.Tasked with steering the Matsatsantsa ship on a full time basis at the start of the season, Tembo reflects on the hot seat, with ten games to go.
TS Galaxy is gunning to win the Nedbank and also go and compete in Africa. The National First Division team beat Jomo Cosmos 1-0 on Sunday in the last 16 round to reach the quarter-finals of the competition. The Mpumalanga team has already dispatched Umvoti FC in the first round. The winner of the tournament will compete in the CAF Confederation cup next season Coach Dan Malesela says he wants to compete in Africa. Galaxy is in eighth position on the log with 27 points from 20 games. They are just seven points adrift of the play-off spot currently occupied by Ajax Cape Town. This weekend they will be away to Jomo Cosmos at Makhulong on Sunday. Malesela joined the team after the season started, replacing Vusi Mkhatshwa who was struggling to get the results. But there has been a turnaround since he joined the team. Malesela says he changed few things and the personnel. Galaxy draws a decent crowd at Kameelrivier stadium in Kwandebele. They are a difficult team to beat at home but struggles away from home. Malesela says they also need to do well from home.
Jomo Cosmos Coach Jomo Sono says he will not take his family’s money and run his team with it. He was reacting to his former player Chris Katongo that he does not care about gaining promotion but only making profit from selling his players. Cosmos has got a fairly new team after getting rid of most players last season. Cosmos lost to TS Galaxy 1-0 in the Nedbank cup match on Sunday at Makhulong stadium in Tembisa. Cosmos captain Ange Lebahi scored an own goal to hand Galaxy a win. Ezenkosi created many clear cut opportunities but found the opposition goalkeeper Ludwe Mpakumpaku in superb form. Sono says the team does not have a crisis in attack. Ezenkosi played without central defender Sicelo Hlatswayo, who is rumored to be on his way to a second division team in Spain next season. He has played 14 matches in all competition this season scoring one goal. Sono says he is off form at the moment. Cosmos is in 12th position on the log with 23 points from 20 matches. The team is 11 points adrift of Ajax Cape Town, who are in the play-off spot with 10 rounds left. Sono says promotion to the PSL is still a possibility. They have signed Orlando Pirates striker Ayanda Nkosi on loan.
Bidvest Wits are back in Thohoyandou to take on Black Leopards in the Last 16 of the Nedbank Cup tonight at 18:00. This is the rematch of last week Wednesday’s encounter which was abandoned. The Clever Boys were trailing 1 – 0 when the match was stopped due to heavy rainfall which left the pitch unplayable. The team had to travel from Thohoyandou back to Johannesburg on Thursday, and then make a second trip back to Thohoyandou yesterday. The Club’s Media Officer, Julian Bailey says it has been a heavy toll for the team. As per the National Soccer League rules, if a match is abandoned due to inclement weather, it is then restarted completely and both coaches will be allowed to change their squads. With the team having to be on the road this long, it may have left them frustrated but have reason to both rue their luck and consider themselves extremely fortunate. Bailey says a lot have been done to recondition the players. Head coach Gavin Hunt announced an 18-man squad for tonight, a slightly different approach to last week’s one as conditions have changed as well as circumstances. Bailey says among those returning from injury are Deon Hotto & Gift Motupa.
Austrian midfielder Roland Putsche has renewed his contract with Cape Town City. At the start of the month Putsche extended his current deal that was due to expire at the end of June by a further two years. Putsche, who was unfortunately injured during his team’s 3-0 Nedbank Cup win against Highlands Park on Friday, says he is very happy to renew with City, but says it was always his intention to sign again and he and chairman John Comitis have been in constant communication. Putsche says time has flown by so fast since he joined the club in 2016. He says he originally only planned to stay in South Africa for a year, having come here with the intention of working with youth at Young Bafana in Strand, but things changed so quickly after signing for City. Putsche is in fact the second most capped player at City, with captain Thamsanqa Mkhize having played 1 more game than him. Friday was Putsche’s 80th domestic appearance. Putsche says it makes sense that it is him and Mkhize leading the way, as they are also both captain and vice-captain, and have both always stressed consistency. Putsche says he is proud to have been a big part of creating City’s stature as a club that can compete for trophies, and not just a one-hit-wonder.
South African men under-20 national team Coach Thabo Senong says his team needs competitive friendly matches ahead of the FIFA world cup in Poland in May. Amajita qualified for the global showpiece after finishing in the top four of the Africa cup of nations in Niger. It is the second time they have qualified for the world cup after reaching the world cup two years ago in South Korea. Amajita beat Nigeria on penalty shootout to finish third in the tournament on Saturday night. The two teams were locked goalless after regulation time. Senong says he gave fringe players an opportunity to play and also use the match to prepare for the world cup.
TS Galaxy assistant coach Thulani Nkosi says the men’s football national U20 head coach Thabo Senong deserves to be celebrated for qualifying Amajita to the FIFA U20 World Cup and not be vilified like we’ve seen on social media in the past few days. Senong has qualified Amajita to the second World Cup in succession after making the semi-finals at the U20 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) currently underway in Niger. Despite qualifying for the World Cup, Senong has been criticized for the brand of football played by his team and scoring fewer goals in the tournament but Nkosi says the man should be judged on the objectives in this tournament. Kaizer Chiefs head coach Ernst Middendorp has been praised for giving 21year-old Happy Mashiane his debut last month and he’s played him in the last three matches. The German born coach is calling his colleagues to be brave and give youngsters a chance.
With newly signed Nigerian international goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi not available for this weekend’s Nedbank Cup last 16 match against The Magic, Kaizer Chiefs head coach Ernst Middendorp has confirmed that there will be changes. Speaking during a press conference at the PSL headquarters on Thursday (14 February 2019), Middendorp confirmed that reserve goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma will get his moment to shine when they play the ABC Motsepe League side at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth on Sunday (17 February 2019). Akpeyi is cup tied after having played for his former club in the last 32 match against Mamelodi Sundowns.
There’s something remarkable about some coaches who have returned to club football having worked with the national team. Pitso Mosimane after more than seven years working with Bafana Bafana as an assistant to Brazilian World Cup winning coach Carlos Alberto Parreira and as a head coach is having a good run at Mamelodi Sundowns. Mosimane has went on to win a total nine trophies in six years at Sundowns including three Absa Premiership league titles and a maiden CAF Champions League title. Owen Da Gama after spending three years as Shakes Mashaba’s assistant at Bafana and heading the U23 men’s national team, returned Highlands Park to the PSL from the National First Division. Da Gama talks about leading his technical team and working as a collective.
The Nedbank Cup last 16 round match between Black Leopards and Bidvest was called off last night due to heavy rains in Thohoyandou. The match was on 43 minutes when referee whistled for players to leave the pitch. The home side had taken a lead through Lesedi Kapinga in the 37th minute. Premier Soccer League’s Lux September says the sides will start afresh on a new date which has not yet been decided;.
Former Kaizer Chiefs star and Zimbabwean international Tinashe Nengomasha says Amakhosi needs to sign quality players in order to win trophies. Chiefs have not won any silverware in three seasons although they still have a chance to win the Nedbank cup this season. The team used to win at least one trophy every season when Nengomasha was still playing in more than ten seasons he spent there. Nengomasha also believes that Mamelodi Sundowns have a strong chance of winning the league title, after both teams in the top five dropped points this weekend. The Brazilians are away in Ivory Coast for the champions league match against Asec Mimosa.
Highlands Park head coach Owen Da Gama is appealing to the powers that be at the South African Football Association (SAFA) to hand the vacant SA U23 men’s national team coaching coaching job to Amajita head coach Thabo Senong. Fresh from qualifying Amajita to its second U20 FIFA World Cup tournament in succession, Da Gama believes that handing Senong the U23 job is the logical thing to do for the SAFA leadership. The U23 coaching position has been vacant since Da Gama left SAFA in 2017 when current Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter indicated that he doesn’t need him in his technical team. And with less than a month before the U23’s play their first Olympic 2020 qualifiers against Angola, there’s been no update from SAFA regarding Da Gama’s successor.
Highlands Park new kid on the block Mokete Mogaila has taken the Premier League by storm. Signed last year after the Varsity Cup where he finished as a top goal scorer with four goals from six matches, the pacey Mogaila is quickly establishing himself as one of the exciting wingers in the elite league. This past weekend the 23year-old scored his first goal in the Absa Premiership when Highlands came back from 1-0 down to beat log leaders Bidvest Wits 2-1 at Makhulong stadium. Mogaila, belongs to the latest group of Varsity footballers who are making their mark in the elite league. The third year Mathematical Sciences (Applied Mathematics) student at the University of Johannesburg says the Varsity Sports system had played a big role in him realizing his dream of turning professional. Highlands head coach Owen Da Gama has worked with one the fastest players in the history of the PSL, Tlou Segolela at Orlando Pirates but he says Mogaila who hails from Ga-Mashashane also from Limpopo just like Segolela is the fastest player in the PSL. The former Bafana Bafana assistant coach what completes the young lad is that, he’s got the brains too.
Mamelodi Sundowns played to a goalless draw against Asec Mimosa from Ivory Coast in the CAF champions league group A match in Abidjan. Both teams had opportunities to score but were let down by poor finishing in a poor pitch. Sundowns are still on top of the log with seven points from four matches. Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane had mixed feelings about the results.
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane says it is vital to beat Asec Mimosa in order to finish top of the group A. The two teams will lock horns in the CAF champions league match tonight in Abidjan (kick-off 6pm). Sundowns are second on the log behind Wydad Casablanca with both teams on six points after three matches. The Brazilians are yet to win away, while Wydad won in Nigeria. Sundowns are under pressure to win away after losing to arguably the weakest team Lobi Stars 2-1. They will have to beat Asec to entertain any hopes of topping the group. An away match against Wydad is likely to be the toughest fixture for them. Mosimane is well aware of that. The Brazilians have been in Ivory Coast since last week Thursday. Asec are third on the log with three points from three matches. They are level with bottom side Lobi Sras but with superior goal difference.
Orlando Pirates have finalized their preparations for the CAF Champions League all important clash against defending champions Esperance at the Stade El Menzah in Tunis, Tunisia this afternoon (15:00). The game will be played in front of empty stands as Esperance are serving a two game ban behind closed doors after they were sanctioned by CAF for spectator misbehavior. Speaking before their last training session at the match venue last night, Pirates head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic sounded confident about coming back with a famous win. Pirates traveled to Tunisia via Dubai immediately after their energy sapping one-all draw against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby on Saturday. It’s a game that Micho feels it has prepared them very well for this afternoon’s occasion. Pirates felt hard done by in the previous game as Ethiopian match officials denied them what looked like a legitimate goal but Justin Shonga was wrongly ruled off-side. Later today, another controversial referee in Burundian Thierry Nkurunziza will be in charge of this game. Micho is preaching efficiency ahead of this encounter. This is going to be a fourth encounter between the two teams and the previous three matches have all ended in draws. The game also pits the 1995 champions against the three time African champions. The Serbian born coach calls this a clash of titans in Group B.
Cameroon and African football legend Samuel Etoó says Kaizer Chiefs attacking player Lebogang Manyama was unlucky not to have made it in Turkey last season. The duo played for Turkish side Konyaspor last season. Manyama is now playing for Chiefs while Etoó is now plying his trade in Qatar. Manyama did not feature much for the Turkish team. Etoó spoke through the interpreter. The former Real Madrid and Barcelona striker arrived in SA over the weekend. He had lunch with five local players such as Thuso Phala, Aubrey Ngoma, Manyama. He says he had a nice chat with them and also praised the standard of the local football. Etoó is in the country as an ambassador of Castle Lager Africa 5s social football league, which was launched last year. SA won the inaugural tournament last year. Etoó says it is a good initiative.
Bloemfontein Celtic caretaker coach Lehlohonolo Seema says there is no pressure for striker Tšhegofatso Mabasa to challenge for the Golden boot this season. Mabasa scored a brace on Sunday against Baroka FC in the league to go joint top scorer with Black Leopards’ Mwape Musonda on eight goals. Seema says it is good that the player is scoring but there is on pressure on him. Celtic are placed fifth on the Absa premiership log with 29 points from 20 matches and they are still in contention for the Nedbank Cup. They host National First Division (NFD) Richard’s Bay United in the last 16 round at home this coming weekend. After the cup commitments Siwelele have tough fixtures against Free State Stars and Mamelodi Sundowns. Seema does not want to look too far ahead however adds he has to manage his players properly. It has been a tough campaign for Celtic off the field with their widely reported financial problems. The former Lesotho international says with the help of some Devine intervention his players have been able to block out external factors.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Ernst Middendorp has hailed the club’s midfielder Pule Ekstein as one of the best players he’s worked with in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). This is despite the technical and tactical inefficiencies that are still shown by Ekstein in his game since he turned professional four years ago. During the Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates at the FNB stadium, Ekstein lost the ball in the middle of the park and that’s where the Bucs equaliser came from in the 80th minute. It was for the second time this has happened in two months after he was punished by Zesco United in the CAF Confederation Cup for a similar mistake. But Middendorp still believes in the 28year-old. SABC Sport understands that there’s a stalemate in the contract negotiations between Chiefs and Ekstein for a new contract and he remains a free agent and could commit to any team between now and end of the season. For the first time since his arrival since his arrival at Chiefs in 2011, midfield enforcer Willard Katsande started the Soweto derby from the bench this past weekend. Signs have been there that Middendorp prefers a different type of a player in that no.6 position and went for someone more technical like George Maluleka, should Chiefs fans get used to this. Nigerian international goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi signed from Chippa United only two weeks ago also made his debut for Chiefs this past weekend. He handled his first game well until that equaliser from Thembinkosi Lorch. Middendorp looks back at Akpeyi’s debut.
The South African under-20 side booked their place at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Poland in May this year with a 1-0 AFCON win over Burundi in Niger on Friday. This is the second successive time that Amajita will participate in the junior global showpiece after making their first appearance in South Korea two years ago under the leadership of coach Thabo Senong. Amajita goalkeeper and captain Khulekani Kubheka shares the players’ joy.
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane says the timing of the disciplinary hearings against his team is questionable. Mosimane went to the PSL DC recently on the eve of the Amazulu clash for the offence he committed when Eric Tinkler was still Supersport United Coach. Sundowns went on to lose against Amazulu. There are speculations that Sundowns points might be docked after they were alleged to have used an ineligible player in Wayne Arendse. Arendse was not part of the match day squad when the team drew against Bidvest Wits early in the season. Thapelo Morena, who was in the starting line-up got injured during warm up and was replaced by Arendse.
Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter has thanked the Premier Soccer League (PSL) hierarchy for agreeing to move three Absa Premiership fixtures next month and create space for the senior men’s national football team to have an adequate training programme ahead of their crucial 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Libya. Bafana play Libya on the weekend of the 22nd of next month in North Africa. Baxter has confirmed that the PSL has agreed to move around three leagues where he’s likely to select most of his players from to accommodate his request. Speaking during a breakfast with the media at SAFA House this morning, Baxter has more on how this was achieved.
New Maritzburg United captain Brian Onyango is confident the club can turn the tables and survive relegation as they prepare to welcome high-flying Polokwane City to the Harry Gwala Stadium today. The Team of Choice are admittedly in crisis mode for the remainder of the season as they try to rescue themselves from relegation. They play Rise and Shine in what is virtually a must-win outing in the KwaZulu-Natal capital as they try and stay in touch with the sides above them. Onyango remains optimistic. Onyango’s reference to a relegation fight last season was in fact three seasons back when they narrowly avoided relegation to the National First Division. They were in massive trouble in 2015/16 when they somehow survived on the final day. They have not yet reached that level this time around, but are slowly getting there. With 11 matches to play, they are five points adrift from second bottom Free State Stars and Kenyan Onyango has urged supporters to get behind them in their bid to secure an imperative win.
Orlando Pirates Coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic says it will be a challenge to face Kaizer Chiefs with the third different Coach in the last three matches. The two Soweto giants will lock horns in a league match at FNB stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon. The Buccaneers have won the last three matches two in the league and one in the Telkom knockout match. The Pirates’ mentor knows that it is not going to be a walk in the park against Amakhosi. Chiefs will approach the match with serious goalkeeping issues. First choice goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is out for the rest of the season. Second choice goalkeeper Virgil Vries has not covered himself with glory committing many blunders already this season. They have since signed Nigerian goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi from Chippa United last week. Micho says it will not make a difference who is in goal for Chiefs.
The debate about Kaizer Chiefs going into this weekend’s Soweto derby against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates was always going to centre around their embattled goalkeeper Virgil Vries and how the technical team is going to address this. Vries has had two howlers against Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City and both goals went on to cost the team----a massive six points that would’ve kept Chiefs firmly in the Absa Premiership title race by now. Ahead of the Soweto derby at FNB stadium on Saturday (15:30), questions about who will keep the number one jersey for Amakhosi in the absence of their injured captain Itumeleng Khune were asked to head coach Ernst Middendorp.
In the modern Premier Soccer league (PSL) era, there’s three transfers which will forever remain as the talking point between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, Arthur Zwane and the late Lesley Manyathela and Siphelele Mthembu. Zwane, a product of the famous Jomo Cosmos youth academy was involved in a tug of war battle between Chiefs and Pirates in 2000. To resolve this impasse, the Manyathela who had been scouted by Chiefs from Limpopo was forced to move to Pirates as part of the transaction. Ahead of the much anticipated and last Soweto derby of the 2018/2019 season, Zwane looks back at this protracted move from 18 years ago. In this interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mnyandu, the Amakhosi youth coach also shares the sad story of his first Soweto derby in Chiefs colours.
Orlando Pirates head coach Milutini Sredojevic says that they are focused on Saturday’s game and not on stats from their previous meeting in the derby. The Soweto giants will be clashing for the first time since the league matches resumed this year. Coming from the victory in previous game, Sredojevic says his charges will not underestimate Amakhosi.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Ernst Middendorp says that he is hoping to see change in attitude in the way his side will approach the Saturday encounter. Amakhosi wil host the Buccaneers in the Premier league clash this coming weekend at FNB Stadium 15h30.
Since his arrival at Kaizer Chiefs from Bloemfontein Celtic a year ago, Kabelo Mahlasela has only made two starts for the Phefeni glamour boys. But things seem to improving under the newly appointed coach Ernst Middendorp as he’s featured in four matches. Ahead of the Soweto derby against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at the FNB stadium on Saturday, Mahlasela will be hoping to be up for consideration again. Speaking to the media just after their training session at the Chiefs Village in Naturena yesterday, the diminutive midfielder says Middendorp understands him better. Mahlasela has featured in all the Soweto Derbies this season where Chiefs finished as second best in the Absa Premiership and Telkom Knockout and is hoping that they will be third time lucky this coming weekend.
The build-up to the Soweto Derby always provides some fascinating stories and this week is not an exception. It’s interesting how Kaizer Chiefs legend Donald “Ace” Khuse ended up at Orlando Pirates 36 years ago, just a day before he was to join Amakhosi. Speaking to the media at the Chiefs Village in Naturena yesterday, Khuse relayed how back in 1983, the late Amakhosi great Pule “Ace” Ntsolengoe who also hailed from Randfontein had scouted him for the famous black and gold but the “Sea Robbers” pounced on him. Interestingly, Khuse who now works as a development coach at Chiefs, went on to score in his first Soweto Derby.
At the end of January Ajax Cape Town announced that they had signed Dutch winger Thomas Verhaar, from Dutch Eredivisie side Sparta Rotterdam. The 30 year old made his debut for Ajax last weekend in the National First Division, against Maccabi FC, and capped off a fine debut by scoring the winning goal. Verhaar says he is pleased to have joined Ajax, and says that he is looking for a chance to play abroad, and when the Ajax offer came along, he felt it was a perfect opportunity. Verhaar says he is pleased to score on debut. The Dutchman actually hit the woodwork just two minutes into the game, and for a moment he thought his bad luck in front of goals was going to continue in South Africa.
Chippa United head coach Clinton Larsen says it is important that they are picking points from fellow struggling sides in the Absa premiership. United picked four points in their last two matches against bottom placed Maritzburg United and 13th placed Baroka FC respectively. Those results saw them get out of the relegation zone behind Baroka in 14th spot with 16 points from 19 matches. Larsen says now they need to claim the scalp of Free State Stars and move further away.
Orlando Pirates will be looking forward to the trip to Rades next week, they leave immediately after what is set to be a grueling Soweto Derby against arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB stadium on Saturday afternoon. Good news is that the game next week will be played behind closed doors as Esperance is still serving a two game suspension following crowd violence in last year’s CAFCL campaign. Chaabani says playing in an empty stadium will be a disadvantage.
Kaizer Motaung Junior has experienced the Soweto derby from different angles, as a fan and a son growing up in the Motaung household, as a player at Kaizer Chiefs from 2003 until five years ago and now as an administrator. As we edge closer to the 166th Soweto derby between Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at FNB stadium on Saturday afternoon, Motaung Jnr has memories of this derby that is without a doubt one of the premium football fixtures on the continent. As a former Pirates player and most probably the most successful footballer Bucs has ever had post retirement, have you ever wondered how Kaizer Motaung Senior feels or is ahead of the Soweto Derby. Kaizer Junior fills us in.
The arrival of Ernst Middendorp at Kaizer Chiefs has brought some sense of belief to the Amakhosi dressing room. This was evident when midfielder George Maluleka spoke to the media today at the club’s Village in Naturena about his team’s chances in the Soweto Derby against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at the FNB stadium on Saturday. This is a fixture that Chiefs haven’t won in the Absa Premiership for the past five years, having now gone eight matches without a win in the league against Pirates. It’s a stat that Maluleka says it’s got to come to an end.
Cape Town City is looking to keep their good form going when they travel to Durban this weekend to face Amazulu in an Absa Premership game. Benni McCarthy’s team are unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions, and go into the Amazulu game on the back of a good away win against Kaizer Chiefs. The run has also seen them climb up to fourth place on the table and McCarthy is pleased with how things are going currently and is happy to see the hard work his players have been putting in on the training field being rewarded in the league.
Baroka FC head coach Wedson Nyirenda regrets that is side dropped six points from a possible nine in their last three matches. Nyirenda says when things are as difficult as they are for his players any point matters and he will not complain much. Baroka are placed 13th on the Absa premiership with 17 points from 19 matches. Nyirenda is however concerned with how his players conceded in those draws. Nyirenda gave Rodwell Chinyegetere his first start in the 1-1 draw with Chippa United yesterday and he was happy with how the striker performed even though he took him out in the 53rd minute. The former Zesco and Zanaco mentor adds that he is happy with his players’ commitment saying they will get a break.
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane says Asec Mimosa will be difficult to beat away from home. The Brazilians beat the Ivorians 3-1 in the CAF champions league Group A match at Loftus stadium in Pretoria on Saturday night. Sundowns will play against Asec in Abidjan next week Tuesday. Sundowns won the champs league in 2016, while Asec won it in 1998. Sundowns are on top of the log after three matches with six points, while Asec are in third place with three points from three matches. Sundowns came into the match after losing two matches in a row against Chippa United and Amazulu. Mosa Lebusa, Themba Zwane and new signing Emiliano Tade scored Sundowns goals.
South African men under-20 defender Givemore Khupe says they are motivated to play against Nigeria in the Africa cup of nations group A match in Niger tonight (kick-off 5:15pm). SA is sitting in third position on the log, while the Nigerians are topping the log. Hosts Niger is lying second on the log while Burundi is rock bottom. Amajita drew their first match against host nation Niger 1-1 on Saturday, while Nigeria beat Burundi 2-0 on the same day. The top two teams in each group will reach the semi-finals and automatically qualify for the FIFA under-20 world cup in Poland in May. Khupe was content with the results against the host nation.
Despite the reservations from the Amakhosi faithful, Kaizer Chiefs Football Manager Bobby Motaung believes that they’ve signed a top goalkeeper in Nigerian international Daniel Akpeyi. On the final day of the mid-season transfer window last week, Chiefs surprised many people when they bought Akpeyi from Chippa United. With the club’s captain Itumeleng Khune on out on long term injury until next season and Namibian international Virgil Vries specializing in howlers, something had to give. And Motaung says they had to move for Akpeyi. The Nigerian international is not a savior himself, he’s conceded 23 goals from 20 matches this season at Chippa and only kept six clean sheets. He can also be a bit erratic this season and must have come in as a cheap buy as his contract was expiring at the end of this season in Port Elizabeth. Motaung says they got what they wanted, a competitive and experienced goalkeeper.
Steve Komphela was a content man after Lamontville Golden Arrows maintained their unbeaten start under his tutorship with a battling victory over Highlands Park in Clermont yesterday. Goals by Danny Venter and Lerato Lamola midway through either half helped secure a 2-1 win at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium as the former Kaizer Chiefs coach made it five matches without defeat since replacing Clinton Larsen at the turn of the year. Komphela, though, was not too worried about the stats and just pleased to have come through with three points in Durban.
The South African men’s Under-20 national team opened their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a 1-all draw against hosts Niger on Saturday. The hosts took the lead in the 62nd minute when Boubacar Goumey opened the scoring in front of a packed home crowd. Amajita’s Siphesihle Mkhize levelled matters nine minutes later from inside the box with a header. SA Coach Thabo Senong was not satisfied with a draw. Amajita will be looking to either win or finish second on the group to reach the semi-finals of the biennial tournament. The top four teams will automatically qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Poland in May. Senong says they respected Niger in the match.
The terms “fame” and “fortune” are widely synonymous with professional footballers. It’s no secret, being a professional soccer player can bring in the big money, but unfortunately, soccer careers are short lived and those who do not manage their money well while they’re raking in the figures can quickly hit rock bottom once retiring. When addressing a packed-to-capacity conference room at SAFA House yesterday, SAFA President Danny Jordaan says the governing body needs help in saving our players, past and present. The truth, though, is that footballers have very limited time to play at the top. In comparing a football player to a banker, Jordaan highlights the similarities between the two in fat pay cheques, but stresses the working time-frame. A career of an average footballer spans between 10 and 15 years. As a result, those who are not able to save or invest enough during their playing days turn out to be miserable after hanging up their boots. Jordaan took kindly to a point made by legendary Bafana defender David Nyati, who believes it is high time former players are drafted into school sports programmes. With 27 000 government primary and senior schools across the country, Jordaan has vowed to take up the plan with the government to utilize the services of former heroes. A key point raised to SAFA was to engage the government and financial stakeholders to set up pension funds for players whilst still playing, funds they will only access after hanging up their boots. Danny shares his thoughts on that.
Former Bafana Bafana defender David Nyathi has welcomed the platform that was availed by SAFA yesterday where former South African professional footballers converged at the SAFA House to confront the harsh realities of life after football. The death of another former Bafana legend and South African Masters and Legends Football Association (SAMLFA) Vice-President Philemon “Chippa” Masinga sparked a call from SAFA President Danny Jordaan to have this meeting. While a school of thought exists that players who plan for their retirements are typically the ones who are most successful, while those who spend exorbitantly are typically the ones who fall the fastest, former Bafana Bafana fullback David Nyati begs to differ. The meeting was attended by a host of football legends coming from the SAMLFA, South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) and South African Football Coaches Association. Through having too many “yes” people around, to poor financial advice and just plain stupidity, Nyathi believes life has red-carded many of our players way before they know it. A seasoned professional in Italy’s Serie A with Cagliari as well as in Spain with Tenerife St Gallen in Switzerland, the 49 year old admits football life presented him with fantastic highs, whilst post the game he experienced the lowest of the lows. Amongst the challenges former players are facing, the former Kaizer Chiefs defender says it’s the myth that soccer players are not intelligent, something he believes should be a thing of the past. An eloquent speaker, Nyathi held nothing back as he says they are up against a brick wall, alluding that little trust is given to black former players to manage, guide and lead. A no-nonsense defender in his heydays, Nyati has challenged SAFA to set up a coaching structure with the government that will see former players getting involved with government schools in their regions. With top clubs in the PSL more often than not recruiting the services of international coaches, N
Dismiss Kaizer Chiefs as genuine Absa Premiership title challengers this season at your own peril. Despite their shortcomings this season, Amakhosi are still very much in it and a win against Cape Town City at FNB stadium tonight (19:30) could see them boosting their chances. After 18 matches played, Chiefs are fifth on the log seven points adrift of log leaders Bidvest Wits with 27 points. They also progressed to the Nedbank Cup last 16 over the weekend and right-back Ramahlwe Mphahlele says it’s important that they improve their position on the log. Chiefs have won three of their last four matches against City with the Citizens winning the other games at home. In City, Chiefs is meeting a formidable opponent who have been unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions and yet to taste a defeat in 2019. They are level on points with Chiefs with a game on hand and a spot above them due to a superior goal difference. Mphahlele knows that they have their work cut out for them tonight. After playing in front of a sold out and packed crowd at small Sisa Dukashe stadium last Sunday, Amakhosi return to their large calabash tonight where thousands of empty orange seats will be greeting the players. It sounds like, this is something that is bothering the players.
The Premier Soccer League has come under threat of losing its exclusivity as the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) intends to amend its regulations. ICASA intend to amend its public broadcast regulations by including all national teams, including Bafana Bafana and other national teams, under its framework that regulates free to air rights of sports in the country. PSL chairman Irvin Khoza shared his thoughts at an extraordinary board of governors meeting in Johannesburg. This could see the PSL forfeit their ability to independently sell the broadcast rights to Supersport and SABC. Khoza says this could cripple the PSL with a potential loss of up to 80 percent of its annual revenue, and as a result lead to collapse of the organisation and its member clubs, who rely on such income. ICASA initially set a deadline for submissions on its proposed amendments for February this year, but federations have since been afforded until March this year to put forward their argument. Khoza says they have approached all political parties about the matter. Khoza says the revenue they receive from broadcast partners helps them to sustain the league, pay the teams and also ensure that the organization is running efficiently.
Dan Maelesela says he is enjoying working with people that understand football in his current job at TS Galaxy head coach. The 53-year-old took charge of the newly-formed National First Division club at the start of the current season after a few troubled spells at Absa Premiership outfit Chippa United. He appeared to have been treated unfairly during his time with the Chilli Boys, where like so many before him, he seemed to have been hired and fired without much thought. Now Malesela is working with popular football agent and Galaxy owner Tim Sukazi and he is fully enjoying it. Galaxy bought the status of Cape Town All Stars over the off-season and relocated to Kameelrivier in Mpumalanga. They previously competed in the ABC Motsepe League. Malesela’s charges are presently eighth in the NFD after a solid campaign thus far. They have 24 points from 18 games and face two crunch matches over the next two weeks against two of the bottom four sides, Cape Umoya United and Real Kings. The coach says that although the games appear to be easy ones on paper, they can be the most difficult for his side. Galaxy are six points off the play-off spots, which are occupied by Mbombela United and Ajax Cape Town respectively, while they trail NFD leaders Stellenbosch FC by 13 points. Over the weekend, they progressed to the Nedbank Cup last 16 with a 3-1 win over third-tier Umvoti FC. Malesela says that matches such of those can give a side a lot of confidence heading into the remainder of the season.
Orlando Pirates head coach Milutin Sredojevic says it is really too much that his side gets knocked out of cup games through penalties. Sredojevic said this following Pirates’ exit from the Nedbank cup at the hands of Black Leopards in a penalty shoot-out after their last 32 encounter ended 1-1 in 120 minutes. This is the third domestic cup they have been booted out of following the defeat to SuperSport United in the MTN8 final and the Telkom Knockout Final loss to Baroka FC. Sredojevic says they need to look at themselves. Sredojevic further adds that the trip to Thohoyandou was a test of character for the Buccaneers calling the venue a hostile environment. Much as the Soweto side lost the coach believes crowds like Li Doda Duvha faithful are a good mental preparation for CAF Champions league trips.
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane says that it is a blessing in disguise that his team is out of the Nedbank cup. Sundowns were knocked out by Chippa United in Port Elizabeth after losing 2-1 in the first round. The Brazilians will host Amazulu in a crucial league match at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria tomorrow night. On Friday they will tackle Asec Mimosa from Ivory Coast in the CAF champions’ league clash. Sundowns have already lost out in the MTN 8 and Telkom knockout cup. They are left with the league and champions league. Sundowns last won the Nedbank cup in 2015, having also won the inaugural tournament in 2008. Mosimane says he would rather exit early than in the later stage.
Has Jomo Cosmos gone softer? Back in the days, Ezenkosi were known as this hard tackling team that was taking no prisoners. Supersport United defender Morgan Gould is a product of this proud footballing institution and received three red cards in his last season with Cosmos. In recent years Cosmos doesn’t seem to still have the bite and some blame on having changed what they were known for. As Ezenkosi prepare for their Nedbank Cup last 32 game away to Baroka FC in Polokwane tonight, the club’s owner and head coach Jomo Sono responds to comments that his team has gone softer.
Cape Town City will look to continue their good form when they travel to take on Kaizer Chiefs on tomorrow in an Absa Premiership game at the FNB Stadium. Over the weekend City brushed off the challenge of SuperSport United in the Nedbank Cup to reach the last 16, and are now unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions. Meanwhile Chiefs needed extra time to advance past Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe side Tornado, and while form suggests City may get the better of Chiefs, City’s coach Benni McCarthy says that the Amakhosi have been a bit of a bogie team for him, having suffered 3 defeats against Chiefs in the three meetings the two teams have played during McCarthy’s tenure. City is currently 4th on the table, with Chiefs 5th. Goal difference separates the two teams, although City do have a game in hand over their opponents.
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane says his team never gets a good draw in the Nedbank cup tournament. Sundowns will play against Chippa United away in Port Elizabeth on Saturday in the last 32 round. Some PSL teams managed to get draws against lower division teams. Chippa knocked Sundowns out of the Telkom cup last season in the first round. Sundowns have not won knockout silverware in a long time. They won the Nedbank cup in 2015 when they beat Ajax Cape Town on penalties in the final. Mosimane says it is important to win silverware.
Tornado FC coach Tshepo Motsoeneng has revealed that he has told his players that this coming Sunday’s Nedbank Cup last-32 match against Kaizer Chiefs is going to offer them a chance to market themselves. Tornado, who are second on the Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League table, will play against Amakhosi at Mdantsane’s Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London on Sunday afternoon. The former Chippa United, Free State Stars and Santos goalkeeper insists that he knows that Chiefs’ limitations and hopes to exploit those. He has added that they don’t mind even if Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp decides to start with Bruce Bvuma or Virgil Vries in goals as Motsoeneng believes that both goalkeepers have weaknesses.
This coming Saturday the 26th of January, Black Leopards will host the Soweto giants Orlando Pirates at Thohoyandou Stadium 15h00, in their Nedbank Cup opening match. The Limpopo based outfit is yet to win over the Pirates this season. Bucs head coach Milutin Sredojevic says that they are looking forward to the match with high ambition to win.
Mamelodi Sundowns will fly to Eastern Cape this weekend for their Nedbank Cup clash against the Port Elizabeth based side Chippa United. The two Absa Premiership counterpart will lock horn on Saturday the 26th of January at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Though Sundowns emerge victorious in their last match against Chilli Boys, Sundowns goalkeeper Dennis Onyango says that Chippa is not an easy team to play against.
Gathering dust at the Department of Sport and Recreation’s national office in Pretoria is an eight-year-old resolution from the National Sports Plan charter that was formulated at the Gallagher Estate in Midrand in 2011 that the former professional footballers should be roped in to help with schools’ football. This resolution was taken just few months after then Minister of Sports Fikile Mbalula had assumed office but eight years later there’s still no progress. This was acknowledged by current minister of Sports Tokozile Xasa during the funeral of late Bafana Bafana legend Philemon “Chippa” Masinga at Khuma stadium in Stilfontein in the North West this morning. Xasa says the all the football stakeholders need to put this into action. Xasa also used the opportunity today to address SAFA and Gauteng provincial government to cut down on the illegal academies that are found mainly around Johannesburg and also violating the rights of children and exploiting their parents.
The fallen Bafana Bafana legend Philemon “Chippa” Masinga was committed to the struggle of getting the former professional players to be respected by the footballing structures. This is according to the South African Masters and Legends Football Association (SAMLFA) President Buddha Mathathe who was speaking at the funeral of Masinga at the Khuma stadium in Stilfontein in the North West. Masinga, the man who scored the goal that took South Africa to its first ever FIFA World Cup in France 1998 was also the Vice-President of SAMLFA. Speaking to thousands of mourners in Stilfontein, Mathathe says Masinga was forever in the forefront of improving the plight of retired professional footballers.
Jomo Sono paid only R15 000 to the late Philemon "Chippa" Masinga club's then club Flamengo FC when they signed him in the late eighties. This was revealed during the funeral service of Masinga at the Khuma stadium in his hometown on Stilfontein in the North West this morning. Sono also took this moment to introduce one of his former players Gesond Vilakazi from this area, who helped him to scout the late Bafana legend. In a true Jomo style, he had the thousands of mourners in stitches with his story telling.
The Kaizer Chiefs camp is currently resembling a Baragwanath hospital ward with most of their key players especially from the regular starting line-up out with injuries. Added now on that list is centre-back Mario Booysen who has been a regular since the arrival of Ernst Middendorp at the club. As Amakhosi prepares to meet Eastern Cape’s ABC Motsepe League side Tornado FC at the Sisa Dukashe stadium in Mdantsane on Sunday, Middendorp says good news is that Bafana Bafana right-back Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Philani Zulu are returning from injuries and available for selection this weekend. Middendorp has also given an indication that with Lebogang Manyama also out on a long term injury, this is an opportunity for players like Gustavo Paez and Bhongolwethu Jayiya to stake their claim in the team.
Edward Manqele’ second half brace was enough for Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) to progress to the last 16 round of the Nedbank Cup with a 2-1 win over Polokwane City in the opening round game played at the Old Peter Mokaba stadium last night. City drew blood first through Mohammed Anas in the 29th minute however the hosts wasted numerous chances and only took a 1-0 lead into the break. Manqele scored the equaliser in the 56th minute and the winner four minutes before time. The National First Division (NFD) side caretaker coach Phuti Moafe.
Highlands Park Coach Owen Da Gama has clarified comments about Sundowns parking the bus in their league encounter last night. Sundowns beat Highlands Park 2-1 at Makhulong stadium last night. Da Gama insinuated that the Brazilians parked the bus late in the match when they introduced defender Motjeka Madisha for attacker Lebohang Maboe. Reports also suggest that Da Gama said that his star player Mothobi Mvala is better than Jeremy Brockie.
Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman and SAFA Vice-President Irvin Khoza has recalled the days when Bafana Bafana faced the AK-47’s in Lome, Togo and the late Philemon “Chippa” Masinga came to the rescue once more as they beat Zaire (Democratic Republic of Congo) 2-1 in the penultimate FIFA 1998 World Cup qualifier. Khoza who used to travel with Bafana back in those days as the head of delegation remembered the crucial goals that Masinga scored in the 1998 World Cup qualifiers, leading to that special goal against Congo-Brazzaville at FNB stadium in 1997 taking the newly born rainbow nation to France. Speaking after Masinga’s memorial service in Soweto yesterday, Khoza says these are the important stories that South Africans need to hear.
Orlando Pirates settled for 1-1 draw last night in their Absa premiership game at Orlando Stadium, against Baroka FC. The visitors were on fire from the get-go, and eventually opened the net within 12 min by a goal from Matome Mabeba. Bucs were hoping to catch up with the log leaders Bidvest Wits, who came out with a point in a 3 -3 draw against Polokwane City over the weekend, but to no avail. The Soweto giants needed only three points to tie with The Clever boys. Bucs head coach Milutin Sredojevic is disappointed by the results.
Orlando Pirates come to their game against Baroka FC in the Absa Premiership at the Orlando stadium tonight (19:30) with an aim to close down the gap between them and log leaders BidVest Wits to only one point. Bucs have now gone 23 matches unbeaten in all competitions and would be hoping to continue with their fine form tonight. They haven’t lost a game since their 1-0 loss to Bloemfontein Celtic in August last year and have emerged as serious title contenders. Pirates made headlines when they brought in a finishing coach from France last year…. Stephane Adams, his work is there for everyone to see. This season Pirates has scored 50 goals from 28 matches in all competitions and Zambian international striker Justin Shonga has netted eight goals and provided five assists from 25 matches in all competitions. Shonga says Adams’ work is there for everyone to see. But first, head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic says it’s just a matter of time before the teams starts to deliver.
Banyana Banyana will be back in action tonight (Tuesday, 22 January 2019) in the Albertina Sisulu Challenge, when they host Sweden at the Cape Town Stadium. Banyana lost 2-1 to European champions the Netherlands on Saturday at the same venue and will be looking for a better result against the number nine team in the world. Last year Banyana lost 3-0 to the Swedish in a friendly, and Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says her team has made great strides in the past year, and this showed against the Netherlands, and now she is looking for an improved performance against Sweden. Banyana captain Janine Van Wyk says they want to keep stepping it up a level, and she wants the team to avoid conceding early goals again like they did against the Netherlands. Sweden’s coach Peter Gerhardsson says having watched Banyana’s game on Saturday, the South Africans have improved a great deal. The two teams met last week in a behind-closed-doors training game that Sweden won convincingly but Swedish captain Caroline Seger says it will be a very different game.
Former Bafana Bafana and Leeds United captain Lucas “Rhoo” Radabe has paid tribute to his late friend and teammate Philemon “Chippa” Masinga. He was speaking at Masinga’s memorial service at the Grace Bible Church in Soweto this afternoon. Masinga passed away last week after a long battle with cancer. Radebe played with Masinga at the English Premier League club Leeds United between 1994 and 1996. They were also part of the AFCON winning team of 1996 and played at the FIFA World Cup in France 1998 together. Speaking at the memorial service, Radebe recalled some fond memories with Masinga and also called for unity in the local game. The former Bafana Bafana and Leeds United captain Lucas Masinga will be buried in his hometown of Stilfontein in the North West on Thursday.
Harold Ndlovu has chosen school over football and as a result quit as a professional player at his club Polokwane City. Ndlovu has been with City for four seasons and only played 16 times in that period coming second to Zimbabwe international George Chigova. The 27 year old who already holds an Information Science degree says he is investing in his education and going back to the University full-time to finish his LLB degree. “Sticks” as Ndlovu is affectionately known adds that he has been contemplating quitting since January 2017 and he is content with his decision. Ndlovu also says lack of game time at Rise and Shine did not contribute to making this decision. Ndlovu emphasizes that being a lawyer has been a childhood dream of his and he would not mind to return to the beautiful game to practice law.
Chippa United coach Clinton Larsen opened his Chilli Boyz account with a win after the struggling Eastern Cape side beat fellow strugglers Maritzburg United 2-0 in an Absa Premiership match played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth yesterday afternoon. Goals by Tebogo Tlolane and Andile Mbenyane gave the Chilli Boyz their first win since their 1-0 victory over Free State Stars in October last year. The former Lamontville Golden Arrows, Maritzburg United and Bloemfontein Celtic coach has said that he’s happy with the confidence shown by his players during the match. Larsen also said that his players executed exactly what they learnt when they were preparing for the clash.
Mwape Musonda’s scored a late volley to ensure that Black Leopards get a point against Golden Arrows in the Absa premiership in Thohoyandou last night. The visitors had taken the lead earlier in the 53rd minute through Lerato Lamola. Leopards equalised with four minutes left on the clock leaving the encounter to finish 1-all. Leopards were unfortunate in the first stanza when Khuliso Mudau’s 16th minute goal was wrongly ruled off-side. Arrows scorer Lamola and Knox Mutizwa were troublesome for the home side. Leopards coach Dylan Kerr was disappointed with the draw.
The Netherlands won the inaugural Winnie Mandela International Challenge yesterday when they beat Banyana Banyana 2-1 at the Cape Town Stadium. The European champions took the lead as early as the second minute when Sherida Spitse scored, and they were 2-0 up in the 20th minute when Vivianne Miedema added to the tally. But after that shaky start the home team began to find their feet, and it was no surprise when the African player of the year Thembi Kgatlana showed her class to score in the 33rd minute. Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says it was a disappointing start but overall she was pleased with how her team came back into the game against a team ranked 41 places higher than them.
Mamelodi Sundowns beat Wydad Casablanca from Morocco 2-1 in a CAF Champions League Group A clash at the Lucas Moripe stadium last night. Attacking midfielder Themba Zwane scored two brilliant goals in the ninth and 64th minute to seal maximum points in an emotionally charged match. Sundowns missed many chances and subsequently were punished by Mohammed Nahiri with a thunderous shot from outside the box. Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane says it was a typical champions league game. This was the fifth time the two teams have met in the competition since 2017. Sundowns have won twice with Wydad also winning twice with the other match ending in a draw. Mosimane says the score line was not a true reflection of the match.
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane has paid tribute to the late Bafana Bafana legend Philemon Masinga. The 49-year old passed away last week at a Johannesburg hospital due to illness. Masinga was part of the Bafana Bafana team that won the Africa cup of Nations in 1996. He is also famously known for scoring the goal that took the national team to their maiden World Cup in 1998 against Congo-Brazzaville. Mosimane played with Masinga at Jomo Cosmos between 1982 and 1983.
Win the midfield battle and half the job will be done. That’s the target for Orlando Pirates head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic is tonight’s CAF Champions League, second group stages game against Horoya AC from Guinea. The two teams will do battle at the Orlando stadium at 18:00 tonight, in what will be Group B’s second game following last week’s Group B’s games that all ended in stalemates. Sredojevic says they are up against a very experienced team at this level. In most cases, 10 points is enough to take you through to the knockout stages in this competition but Sredojevic prefers to take it game by game as he aims for target number two.
With all this challenges especially with injuries, Itumeleng Khune remains Kaizer Chiefs and the country’s number one between the goal posts. And this poses a serious threat to his counterparts both at club and international level. It makes it worse for an erratic and inconsistent goalkeeper like Virgil Vries to be deputizing for Khune and be constantly compared to him. As they aim to reverse a 3-1 loss against Zesco United tomorrow evening in the CAF Confederation Cup at the FNB stadium tomorrow evening (20:00), Vries knows that all eyes will be on him. It was Vries’ howler against Mamelodi Sundowns that led to Ernst Middendorp losing his first game in the Absa Premiership at Amakhosi and his only one in the league with three wins. It’s a game where Amakhosi were in total and could’ve also sneaked in a late winner but the howler happened. How has the Namibian international recovered from this.
Kaizer Chiefs vice-captain Willard Katsande is banking on the away goal they scored during the 3-1 loss away in Zambia against Zesco United last weekend to help them go through to the CAF Confederation Cup group stages when they meet in the second leg of the play-offs at FNB stadium tomorrow evening (20:00). A 2-0 win will be enough to take Chiefs through after Khama Billiat’s consolation goal in Ndola last week but they will also need to shut the back door to achieve this. Katsande is confident that they can reverse the away score line. Amakhosi have never reached the group stages in the CAF inter-club competitions and Katsande who is also a senior member of the Zimbabwean national team shares the importance of arguably South Africa’s biggest club finally taking its place in continental football.
Ahead of the Absa premiership clash against Golden Arrows this weekend, Black Leopards coach Dylan Kerr says he is managing the attention and excitement in and around the club. Leopards host Arrows in Thohoyandou on Saturday night (20:15). Leopards are enjoying compliments from the media and football fans following their recent good run in form which saw them go four matches unbeaten and raking in 10 points from a possible 12. Kerr says he has warned his players to keep their feet firmly on the ground.
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane says they are looking for a new striker in the current transfer window. Sundowns have got one target man in Jeremy Brockie who has been struggling for goals. Sundowns have been using wingers such as Anthony Laffor, Lebohang Maboe and Phakamani Mahlambi as makeshift strikers time and again. Sundowns signed two foreigners in Tony Silva and Ali Meza at the beginning of the season. The pair was earmarked to replace Khama Billiat and Percy Tau but have not set the scene alight. Mosimane says Meza is struggling to adapt but Silva wants to leave the team.
Orlando Pirates is hoping to become the first South African team to beat Guinea Conakry’s Horoya AC in the CAF inter-club competitions when the two teams meet this evening in the CAF Champions League group stages encounter at Orlando stadium at 18:00. Horoya has played against Supersport United and Mamelodi Sundowns in the last years and all the four matches ended in draws. Bucs head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic is also relishing tonight’s meeting as it pits him against Frenchman Patrice Neveu, a coach he’s faced a lot in the last few years on the continent. Sredojevic, a well-travelled and respected coach in the African continent sees Horoya as a team that’s true representative of West Africa with not less than 15 foreign players in its squad coming from that region.
Maritzburg United Coach Muhsin Ertugral says his team will survive relegation this season. Maritzburg are languishing at the bottom of the log with 11 points from 17 matches, having registered one victory with eight draws and eight losses. Last night they lost to Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0. Maritzburg have now lost five matches in a row. They have already fired Coach Fadlu Davids and replaced him with the Turkish coach and assistant coach Mabhudi Khenyeza. Ertugral has an idea how many points they will need to be safe.
SAFA President Danny Jordaan says that the association is currently waiting on FIFA to send them the bid requirements for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Last year Jordaan indicated that South Africa are interested in hosting the women’s World Cup, and he says they are hoping to get the requirements from the world body by the end of January. Banyana Banyana have qualified for their first World Cup finals and will compete in France later this year, and Jordaan says that now that they have qualified for the first time, he feels the country could host the next edition.Jordaan has no concerns whether or not South Africa are capable of hosting the event, and says they are ready.
The Minister of Sports and Recreation Tokozile Xasa today hosted a breakfast in recognition of the achievements of the National Women’s Football side. Banyana Banyana are in Cape Town this week as they play the Netherlands in the Winnie Makidizela-Mandela Challenge, and Sweden in the Albertina Sisulu Challenge, and the minister used this opportunity to not only recognise the team, but also the achievements of African Women’s Football coach of the year Desiree Ellis, and the African Women’s Player of the year, Thembi Kgatlana. Xasa says that Banyana Banyana are proving to be great role models, and much like the two iconic women they will be honouring, Banyana have broke through barriers. Xasa says that sport has proved that is has the power to make changes and unite people, and Banyana are a perfect example of that.
A total of 27 out of 34 players who have been called up for the South African U20 men’s national team preparations for the African Cup of Nations U20 tournament have responded and ready to fight for the final places in the squad. Amongst the players to have raised his hand for the local camp which started on Monday is Leicester City’s attacker Khanya Leshabela. Amajita will play in the AFCON U20 tournament starting from the second until the 17th of next month in Niger and they are up against the hosts, Nigeria and Burundi in their group. Amajita head coach Thabo Senong who is going to his third consecutive AFCON U20 has more on this final camp. Amajita are on a very impressive run, they are unbeaten in 18 matches having last lost to Italy during the U20 World Cup in South Korea two years ago. Senong attributes this to a good selection that they have been doing and also giving their players freedom.
Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene says it is not a good time to face Maritzburg United now. The two teams will lock horns in a league match at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville at Loftus Versfeld tonight (kickoff 7:30pm). Sundowns are currently in fourth position on the log with 25 points from 13 matches. They are trailing log leaders Bidvest Wits by eight points but have four matches in hand. Maritzburg are struggling at the bottom of the log with 11 points from 16 matches. They have only registered just one victory with eight draws and seven defeats. They also recently fired Coach Fadlu Davids and replaced him with Muhsin Ertugral and Mabhuti Khenyeza as assistant coach. Mweene says they will be motivated to impress the new technical team.
Maritzburg United chairman Farook Kadodia sees a lot of potential in new striking duo Judas Moseamedi and Thabiso Kutumela. The pair were unveiled by the club yesterday, along with midfielder Mpho Matsi, as the Team of Choice took steps to try and solve their woes in front of goal, and with it steer clear of relegation. The club are the worst scorers in the Absa Premiership having netted just six times in 16 games, which prompted them to part ways with Fadlu Davids and replace him with Muhsin Ertugral. Kadodia is hoping for an immediate impact by the trio.
Bafana Bafana legend Helman Mkhalele paid tribute to the late Philemon Masinga who passed away yesterday at the age of 49. Masinga, who earned over 50 international caps, helped South Africa clinch the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations title and scored the famous goal that secured qualification to the 1998 World Cup. Masinga played locally for Jomo Cosmos, Mamelodi Sundowns and many teams abroad such as Leeds United in England and Bari in Italy. Mkhalele played with him at Cosmos and also in the national team.
Orlando Pirates is the only South African team that returned with something tangible from the CAF interclub duties this past weekend. But even their best was not enough as they were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe’s FC Platinum during a first CAF Champions League group stages game to the Babourfields in Bulawayo on Saturday. Playing in front of a passionate crowd filled with the famous black and white colours, Pirates missed a couple of scoring opportunities but also didn’t go all out in this game. Bucs head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic was not disappointed with the result. With the other teams in Group B, defending champions Esperance having played to a hard fought one-all draw against Horoya on Friday night, Bucs were hoping to take an early lead in the group. But Bucs captain Happy Jele says they knew what was at stake in this game.
Bafana Bafana legend Philemon “Chippa” Masinga has passed away at the age of 49. This was confirmed by the South African Masters and Legends Football Association (SAMLFA) President Buddha Mathathe this morning. Masinga passed away at the Parktown hospital this morning, 13 January 2019 after a long illness. The former Bafana Bafana striker who scored the goal that took South Africa to its first ever FIFA World Cup in 1998 and was also a member of the 1996 African Cup of Nations winning squad. He played for Jomo Cosmos and Mamelodi Sundowns locally. He then moved to Leeds United in 1994 in the English Premier League before joining St Gallen in Switzerland and Bari and Salernitana in the Italian Serie A. At the time of his passing, Masinga was a football administrator, serving as a Deputy President at SAMLFA. Masinga told SABC Sport last year that he was ready to be a SAFA Regional President in the North West. Mathathe remembers Masinga as a true ambassador of the local game but who was failed by the system.
Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper says many PSL goalkeepers have what it takes to be the best shot stoppers on the continent. The Ugandan said this after he was named the best goalkeeper on the continent and also after he was named in the CAF’s best African XI for 2018 this week. Onyango made headlines when he finished Uganda’s Africa cup of nations qualification campaign without conceding a goal.
New Chippa United Chief executive officer Morgan Mammila says he needs only two weeks to get the team to run properly. Mammila vacated the same post at Baroka FC earlier this week to join Chippa and is expected to start his work in Port Elizabeth next Monday. The administrator says he has mixed feelings about leaving his family business however he is up for the challenge in Port Elizabeth.
A Limpopo businessman has donated 30 pairs of sneakers to Baroka FC today (10 January 2019) at the club’s offices in Lebowakgomo. Peter Mokhonoana, owner of Motjo Trading enterprises says he loves and follows the side and has been unhappy to see them not uniformed on their feet. Mokhonoana says for as long as he is able to, he will donate sneakers to the side every season. Baroka acting chief executive Richard Mashabane revealed that the company wanted to sponsor Bakgaga however they did not agree some terms with the chairman Khurishi Mphahlele. Mashabane says the club is grateful for this gesture.
First Touch Academy midfielder Molatelo Sebata is motivated and excited to be part of a team that is led by Desiree Ellis and comprises of star striker Thembi Kgatlana. Ellis was crowned CAF coach of the year while Kgatlana won best goal of the year and Woman footballer of the year in Dakar last night. The pair heads straight to the Banyana Banyana camp where they will join Sebata and others in Cape Town. The player says the coach and Kgatlana’s achievements are motivation.
It was a worst kept secret that the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) was going to award the the hosting rights of the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament to Egypt and not South Africa. And it didn’t come as a surprise yesterday when the North African country was confirmed as the hosts to replace Cameroon who had been stripped of the rights to host the first expanded 24-team AFCON tournament in November last year. Egypt will now be hosting AFCON for the fifth time, having held it in 1959, 1974, 1986 and 2006. Veteran African football journalist Mark Gleeson says politically this decision was not a surprise. Interestingly CAF had cited safety and security as one of their major concerns when they decided to take the AFCON away from Cameroon but they have decided to hand it to another country that is a huge security risk. And Gleeson who has covered AFCON tournaments dating back to 1988, believes that this is another questionable decision. CAF President Ahmad had said that Egypt’s bid won over South Africa because it had guaranteed government support as the Arab country looks to revive its ailing tourism industry. It’s believed that SAFA had submitted the bid without the government approval as the Ministry of Sports was asking some serious questions to CAF regarding the costs for this tournament and they never got the response. Gleeson feels that Minster of Sport Tokozile Xasa misunderstood the whole procedure that had to be followed here.
It was not a good night at the office for Gavin Hunt last night as Bidvest Wits suffered a 2 – 0 home defeat against Kaizer Chiefs at Bidvest Stadium. The drop of points sees the log leaders Wits losing an opportunity to widen the gap from second placed Orlando Pirates who are two points behind. Leonardo Castro and Pule Ekstein both found the back of the net to get Amakhosi back to winning ways as they looked for their 2nd win in five games while ending The Students’ five-game unbeaten streak. Hunt was disappointed. The match ended in chaos, with Wits’ players storming referee Victor Gomes, who sent off their key defender Robyn Johannes in the last minute of optional time. Hunt says the red card made his situation even worse.
Muhsin Ertugral admits that good strikers do not grow on trees and concedes that fixing Maritzburg United’s problems in front of goal will go a long way towards avoiding relegation. The Turk took charge of his first game on Sunday, which ended in a 2-0 KwaZulu-Natal derby loss to Lamontville Golden Arrows in Claremont. The Absa Premiership’s bottom side have little time to recover from that defeat as they prepare to welcome Free State Stars to the Harry Gwala Stadium tonight. Ertugral admits they desperately need to find someone to score goals, adding that they would have to look locally rather than abroad.
Chippa United suffered a 4-2 lost against Orlando Pirates in an Absa Premiership clash, at Orlando Stadium last night, The Buccaneers made a clear statement that the visitors would not have it easy, when Captain Happy Jele put his side on a lead on a 3rd minute of the game. Though United managed to equalise in the 23rd minute with a goal from Tebogo Tlolane, the Bucs remain dominant and secured 4 goals for the night. From a difficult 2-2 draw against Highlands Park Micho’s side came back strongly and are now two points behind the log leaders Bidvest Wits. The struggling Nelson Mandela Bay based side having just lost to Bloemfontein Celtics at home last Friday and have now suffered the ninth loss in league. Chippa Head coach Joel Masutha says that his side gave away goals to their opponent.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Ernst Middendorp has promised to rally behind embattled goalkeeper Virgil Vries following a horrific error that led to a 2-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in an Absa Premiership game played at FNB stadium on Saturday (05 January 2019). Vries misjudged Lyle Lakay’s long pass and it bounced over his long stretched arms and Lebohang Maboe easily finished the chance off. The Namibian international is no stranger to the howlers, having had a fair share of those during his time at Baroka FC, Maritzburg United and Golden Arrows. With Chiefs number one goalkeeper and captain Itumeleng Khune out for the remainder of the season, is Middendorp a concerned man…? Chiefs are away to log leaders Bidvest Wits at Bidvest stadium on Wednesday evening (09 January 2019).
AmaZulu coach Cavin Johnson has highlighted the importance of winning their final match of the 2018 against Lamontville Golden Arrows in what is an Absa Premiership Durban derby tomorrow. Usuthu have been one of the form teams in recent weeks – highlighted by their boss and striker Emiliano Tade winning the Coach and Player of the Month respectively. But their form of recent weeks will count for little should they not end the year strongly in Umlazi. They had been bottom of the table before picking up 10 points from five matches, which included a hat-trick of wins. Johnson is still hungry for more. Much has been made about the match being a derby, but Johnson says he is not feeling the rivalry between the two sides. He believes that a culture needed to be created in South Africa like in Europe and South America where fans sat separately during a match of such nature, although he insisted that there should not be bad blood between the sides like witnessed oversees. For now he says, this seems like any other game, but one with huge significance regarding where they end the year on the league table.
Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt will have his opportunity to reach his end year target when his side meet Chippa United at Bidvest Stadium tonight. Although they lost the Telkom Knockout as defending champions this year, Wits tops the Absa Premiership log with 27 points ahead of their final clash of the year tonight. Hunt’s target has always been to end the year at 30 points at the least. At the exact same stage of the season last year, The Clever Boys were at the bottom of the table with only two wins from 14 matches played. However, after an off-season team revamp, Hunt has driven his charges to the top with an eight wins from 14 games.
Ajax Cape Town will be looking to end 2018 on a high note as they seek their third successive win in the National First Division when they host Mbombela United at the Athlone Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Those two previous successive wins, at home to Tuks and away to Tshakhuma, have lifted Ajax to 6th spot on the table, and given new Dutch coach Andries Ulderink a good start to his tenure. Ulderink replaced Muhsin Ertugral at Ajax at the end of last month and was on the bench officially for last weekend’s win against TTM, after receiving his work permit. Ajax’s midfielder Rodrick Kabwe says they are happy with the turnaround in form. Kabwe himself has been in fine form and has 3 goals and 2 assists in Ajax’s last 3 games. He says he is happy with how things are going at the moment under the new coach.
South African football legend Siyabonga Nomvethe is set to take to the field for one final time as a professional footballer on Saturday. The 41-year-old announced back in September that 2018 will be the last of his 24 years of playing the sport at the highest level. As things stand, the Absa Premiership Durban derby between AmaZulu and Lamontville Golden Arrows in Umlazi will be his final game. The former Bafana Bafana striker has been in good form leading up to the game, scoring twice in his last two appearances for Usuthu in recent weeks. His coach Cavin Johnson admitted he was sad to see Nomvethe go.
Bloemfontein Celtic players will not be getting much rest this Christmas as Head coach Steve Komphela has put his side on a tight program in preparations for their first Absa Premiership game on the 4th of January 2019. Phunyana Sele Sele will face Chippa United at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London. However, the showdown in East London will be preceded by the team’s final game against Cape Town City this Saturday at the Cape Town Stadium. Komphela says the strict program is necessary. Celtic is currently seventh on the log table with 21 points from 14 matches. They have suffered losses in the last three matches and conceded a total of seven goals in the process. Komphela admits that the side suffered a blow in their defence after losing Alfred Ndengane to Orlando Pirates.
Cape Town City will be looking to end 2018 with a win, when they host Bloemfontein Celtic at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday evening. Benni McCarthy’s team has gone two games without a win in the Absa Premiership and is currently 8th on the table. While they cannot end the year in any higher position, they could close the gap on 7th-placed Celtic who is on 21 points, 4 points ahead of City. McCarthy expects a nice attacking and open game and he says he will always play an attacking game, and he will not change his methods because the opposing team is offensive too.
National First Division team TS Galaxy player Ludwe Mpakupaku is still hopeful that his team will be promoted to the ABSA Premiership next season. Galaxy are sitting in tenth position with 17 points from 14 matches, 11points below log leaders Stellenbosch FC. Mpakupaku says they will not be distracted by Nedbank cup where they will play against ABC Motsepe team Umvoti FC. This is the first time the team is campaigning in the NFD after owner Tim Sukazi bought the status of Cape Town All Stars and relocated the team to Kwandebele, Mpumalanga. They have struggled in the first round drawing eight matches and losing three times with only three wins. Mpakupaku says it has been tough first round. The team also went through a coaching change when they brought in former Chippa United Coach Dan Malesela for Vusi Mkhatshwa. Mpakupaku says he has brought a difference and also says they are one of the best supported teams in the league.
Maritzburg United Coach Fadlu Davids says their last league match of the year against Baroka FC is a must win encounter. The two teams will clash at Harry Gwala stadium on Saturday evening. The KZN side lost against Supersport United on Saturday, pushing them further into a precarious position half way through the position 15th with 11 points from 14 games. Davids says they will go into the market to strengthen the team in January. Maritzburg have been in poor form this season compared to the last campaign when they finished fourth on the log and also reached the Telkom knockout -final. They have only won once, drawn eight times and lost four times. Davids says they are dealing well with pressure.
Baroka FC’s Telkom knockout cup parade did not go as planned today following the unavailability of an open bus. The parade was scheduled to start from the club’s offices in Lebowakgomo, move to the Mphahlele Royal house in Seleteng then Seshego and Mall of the North in the Capricorn District. The club along with its motorcycle entourage used their normal bus and only went to present the trophy to HRH Kgoṧigadi Ngwanamohube Mphahlele and took the festivities to their training grounds. Limpopo MEC for Sport Arts and Culture Thandi Moraka was peeved.
A virus that affected some players and technical staff and exhaustion were the reasons behind Orlando Pirates head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic didn’t field his strongest starting line-up during the goalless draw against African Stars from Namibia in the CAF Champions League first round, first leg encounter on Saturday. Sredojevic left his key players like Musa Nyatama, Xola Mlambo, Thembinkosi Lorch and Augustine Mulenga on the bench. As the team huffed and puffed in front of the goal posts, the thought of not having fielded their best team was felt. But Sredojevic explains that this was beyond their control.
Maritzburg United Coach Fadlu Davids says their last league match of the year against Baroka FC is a must win encounter. The two teams will clash at Harry Gwala stadium on Saturday evening. The KZN lost against Supersport United on Saturday to put them into a precarious position half way through the position 15th with eleven points from 14 games. Davids says they will go into the market to strengthen the team in January. Maritzburg have been in poor form this season compared to the last campaign when they finished fourth on the log and also reached the Telkom knockout final. They have only won once, drawn eight times and lost four times. Davids says they are dealing well with pressure.
South African Football Association is saddened by the untimely death of the young referee Eketsang Setloboko on Friday night. The 29 year-old passed away in a car accident when he was travelling from his home town in the Eastern Cape. He officiated in the Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates and also blew the whistle in the MTN 8 final between Cape Town City and Supersport United. SAFA head of referees Tenda Masikwa is devastated. Setloboko has been officiating in the PSL matches since his debut in 2014, when he was in charge of the Bloemfontein Celtic vs Bidvest Wits match. Masikwa says he was confirmed to be on the part of FIFA panel for the upcoming season. Setloboko was a South African Police Service constable. He was considered one of the brightest young referees in SA football. Masikwa is confident they will produce more young referees.
Ernst Middendorp called for more love for striker Leonardo Castro after the Colombian striker rescued Kaizer Chiefs with a double strike late in their CAF Confederation Cup first round first-leg tie against Elgeco Plus in Durban last night. With four minutes remaining, Amakhosi were leading just 1-0 against the Madagascan minnows, but the former Mamelodi Sundowns forward scored twice in five minutes to salvage a 3-0 win. Chiefs’ new German coach Middendorp praised the striker, saying he wasn’t an entertainer but a man that was able to do his business the hard way. Middendorp did not field his strongest team at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, with the move looking set to backfire on him after they struggled to break down the opposition for most of the game. Middendorp said he was pleased with their overall showing. The comfortable win in Durban means that Chiefs can now go into the return leg in Madagascar next week with a bit of breathing space. For one it means that Middendorp can afford to leave some of his senior players behind for the trip, although he believes that there was still some work to do in that second game. He says they will also not just be sitting back and defending their lead, adding that he would like his players to go out and try and win the second game as well.
Mamelodi Sundowns continued with their quest to reach the CAF Champions League group stages when they took on Libyan team Al Ahli Benghazi in the first round first leg encounter in Egypt last night. Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene believes that exposing Bafana Bafana players to the conditions will help the national team next year, when they face Libya in the crucial Africa cup of nations qualifier. Libya plays in Egypt due to the political instability in their country. Sundowns won the champions league in 2016, but have struggled ever since. They lost to Moroccan team Wydad Casablanca last year and fell in the group stages this year. Mweene says they are in a rebuilding phase and adds they have learnt a lot from their two failed campaigns.
Having been announced by the club on Wednesday, Kermit Erasmus was officially unveiled by Cape Town City as a press conference at the V&A Waterfront yesterday. The former SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates striker has spent the past three years in Europe, first in France, then in Sweden, and most recently at Vitoria Setubal in Portugal. Now the Bafana Bafana striker will make Cape Town his home and will be available for Benni McCarthy’ team from the 1st of January. Erasmus says he is excited for this next chapter in his career. Erasmus says it was not a difficult decision to join City, as he had admired the club’s philosophy from afar, and he feels it is the perfect environment for him to further his career. Erasmus says after a lengthy period of not playing regular football, his main ambition is just to get on the field again, and the rest will follow. Erasmus says the decision to return to South Africa is because he was not getting enough game time in Europe, and at this stage of his career playing regularly is more important than anything.
Highlands Park coach Owen Da Gama says his side is 50% from where they should be in the Absa Premiership. The Lions of the North find themselves in ninth position on the log with 16 points from 13 matches. The side gained promotion to the elite league this season and Da Gama has been impressed with how his players have stepped up. However the coach admits there is a lot learning as the campaign progresses. The Lions of the North have two more matches before 2018 ends, one away with Bloemfontein Celtic this coming weekend and the last one at home against SuperSport United on 23 December. Da Gama says the narrow gap in points in mid-table and the results from last night’s matches show how tough it is for everyone this season.
Newly appointed Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has gotten off to a perfect start on his second spell at Amakhosi as they beat Supersport United 1-0 in an Absa Premiership match at the Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit last night. It was a convincing performance from Chiefs and the narrow win was not a true reflection of the game as the home side missed numerous goal scoring chances. It was a first win for Chiefs in the league since the seventh of last month and thanks to man of the match and captain of the day George Maluleka’s well taken strike. Middendorp says it took him only four days to prepare for this win.
Embattled South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) President Gideon Sam has assured that his board remains united as ever following a bruising bruising year that culminated with the Ministerial Committee of Inquiry into SASCOC governance. The findings of this committee which were released last week by the Minister of Sports Tokozile Xasa were scathing in the assessment of SASCOC describing the board as being dysfunctional. And this is a point that was also driven home by other members of the board during the committee hearings earlier this year. But speaking before SASCOC’s annual general meeting last weekend, Sam said the divisions in the board are a thing of the past.
Clinton Larsen wants to capitalise on the confidence in his Lamontville Golden Arrows camp when they travel to Johannesburg to take on Bidvest Wits in an Absa Premiership encounter tonight Abafana Bes’thende stunned Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in their last league outing, 10 days ago, a result that lifted them to 10th on the table. They are now seeking further gains to try and make amends for what has generally been a below-par start to the season. Coach Larsen says they are eager to build on that last result in KwaMashu.Some of the momentum of that win does seem to have been lost, though, after such a long break between that match and this next one against the Students. There were no league games this past week due to the Telkom Knockout final. But Larsen insisted the break was good for them.
Supersport United coach Kaitano Tembo says Kaizer Chiefs will be highly motivated when the two teams clash in the league match at Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit tonight evening. Chiefs recently rehired Ernst Middendorp after firing Italian Giovani Solinas last week Friday. Middendorp will be assisted by former Bafana Bafana striker Shaun Bartlett. Supersport are lying sixth on the log with 19 points from 12 matches, while Chiefs is sitting just below in seventh position with 18 points from 14 matches. Tembo says they will still be without injured key players Dean Furman, Thabo Mnyamane and Bradley Grobler.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) disbanded the Capricorn region executive committee led by Abel Rakoma with immediate effect yesterday. Chairmen of the Local Football Associations (LFA) and the provincial SAFA chairman Jack Maluleke will take over the running of the region’s affairs. Maluleke explains that among other issues the region’s multiple internal suspensions led to the non-existence of a constitutional structure which ultimately resulted the disbandment. SABC sport’s Lethabo Kganyago has more.
Cape Town City has made their first major signing for the January transfer window, announcing today the arrival of Kermit Erasmus from Portuguese club Vitoria Setubal. Speaking to SABC, the clubs’ media officer Vusi Ntimane confirms the arrival of Erasmus and says everyone is excited to have him joining. Erasmus, who will be officially unveiled later this week, will only be available for City in January and Ntimane says, if match fit, the Port Elizabeth-born striker could make his debut against his former club SuperSport United when the PSL resumes on January 5.
Chippa United caretaker coach Joel Masutha will begin his mission to help the Chilli Boyz move away from the relegation zone tomorrow. Masutha, who was appointed at the Port Elizabeth club following Eric Tinkler’s sacking last week, will lead the Chilli Boyz when they face Cape Town City in an away Absa Premiership match at the Athlone Stadium evening. Masutha says the Chilli Boyz, who are 15th on the Absa Premiership standings with 10 points from 12 matches, started preparing for tomorrow’s match on Monday last week.
It took Ernst Middendorp only two days to accept the offer of reuniting with Kaizer Chiefs last week. Middendorp was confirmed on Friday as the new Chiefs coach replacing Giovanni Solinas who sacked after only five months at the Taung Village in Naturena. The Italian born coach was struggling to turn around Chiefs’ fortunes leaving the team seventh on the log after 14 matches played in the Absa Premiership. Middendorp was at Chiefs between 2005 and 2007 and won two trophies back then but he was fired in March 2007 due to bad results. Addressing the media for the first time, the German born coach says he didn’t think twice about this return.
Results and the wrong direction Kaizer Chiefs were taking under their former coach Giovanni Solinas resulted in the events of last Friday. Solinas and his assistant Patrick Mabedi were sacked on Friday as soon as they arrived from Zanzibar where they had lost 2-1 to Zinamoto in the CAF Confederation Cup. Chiefs had also two Soweto derbies in a space of five weeks and the team was not inspiring confidence under that technical team. Speaking at the Chiefs press conference in Naturena this morning, Amakhosi Football Manager Bobby Motaung explained why they had to release Solinas. The writing was already on the wall that Chiefs weren’t going to continue with the services of their former captain Mabedi as the assistant coach. Following Komphela’s resignation earlier this year, it was left up to Solinas if he wanted to continue with the former Malawian international. Motaung repeated again today that Mabedi had his limitations and he wasn’t the type of a technical team member they were looking for
Baroka FC coach Wedson Nyirenda says his plan on their way to winning the Telkom Knockout trophy revolved around closing down a few Orlando Pirates players whom he regarded as dangerous opponents. Nyirenda led Bakgaga to their first ever trophy in top-flight football following a 3-2 win over Orlando Pirates on penalties at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday night. The match was decided on penalties after it ended 2-2 in two hours of football. Jemondre Dickens and Mduduzi Mdantsane scored for Bakgaga while Musa Nyatama and Thembinkosi Lorch netted for the Buccaneers in the 120 minutes. Nyirenda says he watched how Pirates duo of Thembinkosi Lorch and Justin Shonga played and decided that they had to be taken care of. And Nyirenda says his plan to take care of the duo worked even though Lorch was one of Pirates’ goal scorers. The former Zesco United and Zanaco FC coach is happy that he has made history at Bakgaga by giving them their first trophy and also fulfilling his promise to club chairman Khurishi Mphahlele. Nyirenda says he told Mphahlele when he started working at Bakgaga five months ago that he was going to win the Telkom Knockout trophy. With the Telkom Knockout trophy in the bag, Nyirenda wants his players to forget about last night’s win and focus on upcoming Absa Premiership matches. Baroka, who are 14th on the Absa Premiership standings with 10 points from 12 matches.
South African government is waiting for the South African Football Association (SAFA) to present a detailed report on Monday, regarding the hosting of 2019 Africa Cup of Nations before deciding on supporting the bid. Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided to strip Cameroon of the rights to host the biennial tournament due to delays in constructions and political instability in the country. Minister of Sport and Recreation Thokozile Xasa elaborates. CAF asked few countries to present the bid by December in time for the tournament in June/July. Morocco and Egypt have shown interest in hosting the prestigious tournament, but latest news coming through is that Egypt has since withdrawn their interest. SA also stepped in at an eleventh hour for the 2013 AFCON after Libya pulled out due to political instability. Xasa says SA wants to be the leader politically on the continent. Netball South Africa is also currently bidding to host the 2023 World Cup competing with New Zealand. Netball SA President Cecilia Molokwane, CEO Bianca Le Grange, Xasa and Director-General of sports Alec Moemi went to Singapore last week to present the bid. The decision will be made in March next year. Xasa says her department will weigh in on the bids that will be financially viable for the country. Banyana Banyana recently qualified for the 2019 FIFA World Cup in France. This was after they finished as runners-up to Nigeria in the final of the African women’s world cup in Ghana. Xasa says she will meet SAFA to find out about their plan for the ladies.
Wedson Nyirenda says in his career as a player and Coach guiding Baroka FC to their maiden cup final ranks high on his lists of achievements. Nyirenda will lead Baroka in the Telkom knockout cup final against Orlando Pirates at the Nelson Mandela Bay on Saturday evening (18:00). Nyirenda shares on his big moment. Nyirenda is also pleased to be facing a good friend in Pirates coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic, showering the Buccaneers’ mentor with good compliments. The former Chipolopolo coach is not fazed by the possibilities of this clash being decided on penalties. Bakgaga have gone through the whole TKO campaign wrapping matches in regulated time. Nyirenda says the final will be a different ball game altogether.
Former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates defender Mark Fish backs the Buccaneers to lift the Telkom Knockout trophy on Saturday. Pirates will play against Baroka FC in the final of this competition at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. Fish says it is going to be two steps back for the Buccaneers should they fail to beat Bakgaga on Saturday. Fish who won the League title with Pirates in 1994, the CAF Champions League in 1995 and the CAF Super Cup in 1996 has given Bucs coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic and his assistant Rhulai Mokwena the thumbs up. Meanwhile, Fish says he is impressed with the talent he saw at the coaching clinics held in the small town of Cala in the Eastern Cape. Fish together with Santos legend Duncan Crowie as well as former SuperSport United duo of Thabo September and Jabu Mahlangu have been conducting coaching clinics at the Cala High school since Monday. Fish says more corporate involvement is needed to help advance football development in South Africa. Fish has also urged other former professional players to take part in developing football.
Bloemfontein Celtic coach Steve Komphela says Bafana Bafana need patriotic support if the country is to achieve its objectives of qualifying for 2019’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Komphela’s plea comes in the wake of increasing support for Banyana Banyana while support for the male national team took a plunge. Komphela who joined Celtic in June this year, says Bafana Bafana’s improvement will come when South Africans rally behind the boys in earnest. The former Kaizer Chiefs and Maritzburg United mentor, Komphela believes that South Africans are too critical and this has had negative effect on coach Stuart Baxter’s side. Bafana Bafana will travel to North Africa to meet Libya in the final AFCON qualifier sometime in March next year. Komphela offers some advice to the team.
Baroka FC stayed true to their clan praises as they continued with preparations for the 2018 Telkom Knockout cup against Orlando Pirates in Port Elizabeth on Saturday evening. They trained in hard rain yesterday at Ngwanamohube sports grounds with Coach Wedson Nyirenda saying the rain is a shower of blessings and a good omen for his side. Nyirenda says Baroka have come very far to reach this final and everyone is eager to give it a 100%. Nyirenda admits he is happy he has had more time to prepare for this match. On the same breath, he is concerned a about the side’s poor showing in the league. Baroka’s last outing was a 1-0 semi-final victory over Bidvest Wits two weeks ago. The former Zambia national team mentor says he has told his players to enjoy themselves at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium. Nyirenda adds that this is his best form of mental preparation for his charges. The 54 year old would also be happy if Bakgaga are tagged underdogs for this clash.
Free State Stars have a dicey assignment away in Rwanda where they take on local side Mukura Victory Sports in the second leg of their CAF Confederations Cup in Butare today. Stars and Mukura played to a 0-0 draw in the first leg at the Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg last Wednesday. Stars’ interim coach David Vilakazi shares his thoughts on the match. Ea LLa Koto are playing in the African club competition for the first time after earning their place through winning the Nedbank Cup last season. Vilakazi says they will not undermine their opponents. Vilakazi is happy to have captain Paulus Masehe back in the fold. Vilakazi believes that a win in Rwanda will better prepare them for their next Absa Premiership encounter against Orlando Pirates on the 11th of this month in Bethlehem.
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane is still not certain if he will play the full strength team or use fringe players, when his team play against Leones Vegetarianos from Equatorial Guinea. The two teams will clash in the CAF Champions League preliminary round second leg clash at Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville this evening. The 2016 champions have a healthy 2-0 lead going into the second leg. Striker Jeremy Brockie scored a great goal in Equatorial Guinea, with the other one scored by Themba Zwane. It was Brockies’ second official goal since he joined the team in January. Mosimane says he is happy with his contribution. Meanwhile, Mosimane also believes that Bafana Bafana will qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. The team just need a point away against Libya to qualify. Sundowns might play against Libyan team Al Ahli Benghazi in the first round should the two teams play proceed. Mosimane says they want to inspire Bafana by overcoming Benghazi
Goalkeeper Onyango has also been nominated in the African player of year award. The award also includes top overseas-based players such Alex Iwobi (Nigeria and Arsenal), Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon and Arsenal), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria and Manchester City), Sadio Mane (Senegal and Liverpool). Mosimane says Onyango is the best goalkeeper on the continent.
The draw for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup will take place in Paris, France this coming Saturday and in attendance will be Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis. It’s after this draw where Banyana’s roadmap to their maiden World Cup will be laid out and Ellis has emphasized the need for the team to have a thorough preparation. South Africa is amongst four nations, namely Scotland, Chile and Jamaica who are making their debut at this showpiece. Just like they had a good preparation leading to the recent African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Ghana, Ellis is planning to follow a similar plan again. From playing against Sweden at the beginning of the year to the regular bi-monthly camps, Cyprus Women’s Cup, the COSAFA Women’s Championship and international friendly matches against Chile. Banyana were the most prepared team at the AWCON where they finished second to Nigeria after losing on penalties on Saturday. Ellis looks back at what worked for Banyana to achieve this rare feat.
Supersport United Coach Kaitano Tembo is anticipating the tough remainder of the year of 2018. Supersport still have to play against Kaizer Chiefs away on the 12th, Maritzburg United at home on the 15th and Highlands Park away on the 23rd of this month. Yesterday they lost to Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 at home. Matsatsantsa are still missing a lot of key players due to injuries. Captain Dean Furman is suffering from shoulder injury, while key strikers Thabo Mnyamane and Bradley Grobler will not return before the end of the year. Tembo says the injuries have affected them immensely.
The founder of Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge Phil Mogodi says their ambition is to take the final of the tournament to Orlando stadium in the future, and also increase the number of teams and prize money. He spoke on the first day of a month-long tournament that is running from the first until the 29th of this month at the Nike Centre in Pimville, Soweto. The event has got 64 teams in both men and women.
South Africa have emerged as the main candidates to host the first 24-team African Cup of Nations tournament in June next year after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stripped Cameroon of its rights to host this tourney. CAF cited delays and lack of preparedness for Cameroon in hosting this big event as the reason for taking it way from them. They have since invited bids from interested countries and will make a decision by the end of this month. Speaking after the South African Football Association (SAFA) annual general meeting this afternoon, the organization’s President Danny Jordaan revealed that CAF has asked them to seriously consider hosting this event and the SAFA Congress has approved that bid pending the response and support of the government. SA, Morocco, Angola are believed to be some of the countries that are being considered to host this event but as things stand only SA is in a good position as the country doesn’t need any major infrastructural upgrade to host the 24 teams. CAF is under pressure to make a lasting impression when they host their expanded AFCON next year. Jordaan who is also a member of the CAF Executive Committee that took the decision to on Cameroon on Friday in Accra says the country already had the infrastructure for this event.
Banyana Banyana returned to a heroine’s welcome at the OR Tambo last night as they arrived from Ghana where they finished as runners-up at the 13th African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) and also qualified for their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup. Banyana lost 4-3 on penalties to record nine times African Champions Nigeria in the final on Saturday evening. In attendance was the Minister of Sport Tokozile Xasa, Minister of Women in the Presidency Bathabile Dlamini, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport in Parliament Beauty and SAFA President Danny Jordaan. Hundreds of people had also turned out to welcome the team as head coach Desiree Ellis looks back at this successful campaign. What makes this World Cup qualification sweeter is that Ellis is a former Banyana captain and also assistant coach and she was the only female coach at this tournament. And a time when SAFA was hell bent on looking for a foreign coach with the …year-old as a caretaker for two years, she’s continued to break the records.
Mamelodi Sundowns striker Jeremy Brockie is confident that he will score against his former team Supersport United, when they meet in an ABSA premiership Tshwane derby match at Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville on Sunday. The Brazilians have not lost to Matsatsantsa in nine matches. Last season Sundowns won the first round match 2-0 and drew the second match 1-1. Brockie is slowly rediscovering his goal scoring form that saw Sundowns sign him in January. He took more than a year to break his scoring duck for Downs when he scored against Free State Stars in a league match. He also scored a beauty when Sundowns beat Leones Vegetarianos from Equatorial Guinea in a CAF champions league match on Wednesday. Sundowns dominated the match against the Equatorial Guinea team to register a 2-0 win away. They will host their opponents in a return leg next week Wednesday in Atteridgeville. Brockie says they were a closed book.
Out of 55 African countries, 19 have failed to apply for the FIFA Forward funding that would transform their football on and off the field. This was revealed by FIFA Member Association Director for African and the Caribbean region Veron Mosengo-Omba during the FIFA African football journalists forum that met in Johannesburg on Thursday. More than 20 journalists from English speaking countries were invited by FIFA as they held their inaugural journalists’ forum to talk about the work of their programmes. Whilst all the 53 UEFA members have had access to this FIFA Forward funding but only 32 % of the CAF members have applied for it and that’s a major concern to Mosengo-Omba. The Forward Programme is the brainchild of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and he’s been using it to driving programmes which were on his manifesto. The first cycle started in May 2016 and finishes at the end of next month and in this period there’s been 171 projects on the African continent. Moseng-Omba says now they’re investing more than four times compared to before. FIFA forward is a comprehensive football development programme that provides tailored made support for development in all the 211 FIFA member associations and the six confederations. In the first cycle member associations could apply for funding of around R17million annually and in the next four-year cycle starting in January 2019, they can apply for for almost R82million of funding. Moseng-Omba says they also have a stringent monitoring programme for project.
The MEC for Sport Arts and Culture in Limpopo Thandi Moraka says her department is in talks with local business to assist them in transporting Baroka FC supporters from the province to Port Elizabeth next week. Baroka made history in their 11 years of existence by qualifying for their first cup final, the Telkom knockout cup. They meet Orlando Pirates at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium on 8 December 2018. Moraka could not confirm the numbers of busses to be dispatched next week as negotiations are still on-going. The club has a farewell function to this event with the King of Ga-Mphahlele tomorrow afternoon in Ga-Mphahlele Moṧate. Meanwhile four neighbouring countries together with the Spar Proteas national team and the SA President’s XII are partaking in the netball Diamond Challenge in Seshego’s Ngoako Ramatlhodi indoor sports complex this week. This is the second time this tournament is held in Limpopo the first time being in 2005. Moraka says she is trying to convince Netball South to let her province host this competition annually for the benefit of development of the code in rural areas. Attendance at the tournament has not been mind-blowing even though entrance to the venue is free of charge. Moraka would like to see more people attend especially schools from Limpopo’s Capricorn District.
Supersport United Coach Kaitano Tembo says he is looking forward to facing his Mamelodi Sundowns’ counterpart Pitso Mosimane, when the two teams lock horns in an Absa premiership match at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville on Sunday afternoon. Tembo played under Mosimane at Matsatsantsa when he captained the team in the early 2000s. It will be the first time Tembo is meeting Mosimane as head coach after he was appointed full time in August. Supersport have not beaten Sundowns in the past nine matches. Last season they drew 1-1 in the second round but lost 2-0 in the first round. Tembo believes that the derby is one sided but hoping to change that. Matsatsantsa are lying in fourth position with 19 points on the log, above the Brazilians in fifth place with 18 points and one match less. Sundowns have not lost in the league since last season in January against Orlando Pirates. Tembo is hoping his team will break the ice.
AmaZulu coach Cavin Johnson believes Chippa United will be a completely different challenge compared to Highlands Park when the two meet in Port Elizabeth tonight. Usuthu ended a seven-match Absa Premiership winless streak when they overcame the Lions of the North 2-1 in Tembisa on Tuesday, easing their relegation fears in the process. They are not completely out of the woods, though, and remain last on the table. But the victory at Makhulong Stadium did reduce the gap on second-bottom Black Leopards to two points. The six docked points Johnson referred to are the ones taken away by the Premier Soccer League upon instruction by FIFA for a player pay dispute dating back to 2014. It has hampered the Durban side in terms of the table, but they continue to show fight in each game. Johnson admitted that it has had an effect on the mindset of his players, but says they are working hard to alter their approach and also the way they look at the whole situation. In Tembisa, they produced an excellent performance to down Highalnds with goals from Siyabonga Nomvethe and Emiliano Tade sealing all the points. But Johnson knows that Chippa at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will be a completely different kettle of fish. Apart from the variable pitch side from the two venues, the Chilli Boys also boast a stronger squad and Johnson acknowledges it will be a different game. Reflecting further on their win at Highlands, Johnson added that it was not only the points that impressed him, but the way they got them pleased him even more.
National First Division leaders Stellenbosch Football Club will turn their focus to the Nedbank Cup this weekend when they take on Mbombela United for a place in the last 32 of the competition. Steve Barker’s team have been in fine form this season and are currently nine matches unbeaten in the South African second tier, and are four points clear at the top. Their opponents this Sunday afternoon (2 December 2018) are also in good shape and Mare third on the table, and Barker is expecting a tough game again against Milton Dlamini’s team. Barker says it is also a little break from the league, and will allow him to give a few fringe players an opportunity to play.
South African men under-20 Coach Thabo Senong says most of their overseas-based players will not be available for the COSAFA cup in Zambia starting from Sunday. The team has been in camp in recent weeks and will be looking to defend the title they won in Zambia last year. The likes of Kobamelo Kodisang will not show up but Tashreeq Matthews from Victoria Setubal in Portugal will join the team later. The team boost many overseas players such as Dean Solomons from Ajax Amsterdam in Holland, Bradley Cross from Schalke in Germany, Kodisang from AD Sanjoanense in Portugal and Matthews from Borrussia Dortmund. Senong mentions the missing players. The team will play friendly matches against Bidvest Wits and Highlands Park tomorrow. They will leave on Friday to take part in a COSAFA where they will meet Swaziland, Namibia and Mauritius in group B according to Senong.
The South Africa senior woman’s national soccer team, Banyana Banyana has qualified for its maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup which will be held in France next year. The achievement was a result of a two-nil victory over Mali in the semi-finals of the 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Ghana. Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis was full of praises for everyone who contributed to the success of the team over the years. Banyana Banyana will face Nigeria in the final on Saturday in Accra. Ellis has joined an elite list of South African born coaches to qualify a national soccer team to a FIFA World Cup. But before that, Banyana Banyana will have to face Nigeria in the final and hope for a repeat of their opening match where they beat their rivals’ one nil through Thembi Kgatlane’s goal.
Mamelodi Sundowns will begin their CAF champions league campaign when they take on Leones Vegetarianos from Equatorial Guinea, in the preliminary first round match away from home tonight. The Brazilians have not done well in West and Central Africa despite holding their own in North Africa. This year they lost to unknown AS Togo-Port away. Midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi says they need to change their poor record. Sundowns won the tournament in 2016 but have since bowed out in the quarter-finals last year and also failed to reach the group stages this season. They will be coming up against an unknown team, but Vilakazi says they will prepare well for them. Vilakazi is still out injured after suffering a serious injury while in the Bafana Bafana camp. He is still on a plaster and did not travel with the team as he is still recovering. He is hoping to return to the field soon.
Orlando Pirates striker Lyle Foster says he is looking forward to working with the legendary Thierry Henry when he joins French Ligue 1 division team Monaco next season. Henry recently joined the struggling team after working with the Belgium national team at the FIFA world cup in Russia this year. Foster went for the trials early this year and impressed the Monaco technical team. The youngster has not featured recently in the Pirates team that has just reached the Telkom knockout Cup final. He says he has not been training consistently due to the matric examinations. Pirates will return to CAF Champions league tonight, when they take on Light Stars from Seychelles in the preliminary round. The Buccaneers have won the tournament in 1995 and also reached the final four years ago and Foster says they are ready for the challenge. Foster was at the launch of the Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge that will take place from the 1st of December until the 29th. He is one of the products of the tournament and is very fond of the tournament.
Buoyed by their impressive form that has seen them recording three rare back to back Soweto Derby convincing wins against arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in one calendar year, Orlando Pirates will switch the focus to the African Champions League this week. Pirates host Light Stars from Seychelles in the preliminary stage, first leg encounter at Orlando stadium on Wednesday evening (19:30). Fresh from inflicting pain on Chiefs yet again this past weekend beating them 2-1 in the Telkom Knockout semi-finals, Bucs Are now focusing on reaching the CAFCL group stages. And head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic says they won’t repeat the mistakes made by Bafana against the Islanders last month. Successful results in the preliminary stage could see Pirates playing Volcani de Moroni from Comoros or African Stars from Namibia and another good result there would see them in the group stages. The transitional CAF inter-club competitions is a jam packed programme that will be fit between this month and May next year. Sredojevic says he will not make the mistake of underestimating any of their opponents.
Maritzburg United midfielder Bandile Shandu says the club has been working hard during the FIFA break to improve their woeful Absa Premiership scoring record as they prepare to put the long hours on the training ground to the test against Chippa United today (Tuesday). The Team of Choice have netted just four times in the league this season, with their poor return leaving them second bottom on the table ahead of the game at the Harry Gwala Stadium. They are the worst scoring team in the championship and Shandu is hopeful of an improvement against the Chilli Boys.
Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic hailed the performance of his players and dedicated their Telkom Knockout Soweto derby semi-final win in Durban yesterday (Saturday, 24 November 2018) to their fans. The Buccaneers were 2-1 winners over Amakhosi at the Moses Mabhida Stadium after Justin Shonga’s strike six minutes from time put them through to next month’s final. In what was an impressive performance in front of over 50,000 fans, Pirates took a 13th minute lead through Thembinkosi Lorch, before Leonardo Castro levelled five minutes later. But Zambian Shonga’s late winner sealed a third derby win in a row, much to the delight of Sredojevic. The Chiefs post-match press conference was dominated by coach Giovanni Solinas echoing the word pain. He said they were better than the 3-1 loss they suffered to Pirates last month.
Ajax Cape Town held their annual youth awards on Saturday (24 November 2018) as the club celebrated the achievements of their academy in 2018. Awards were handed to the best under 12, under, 13, under 14, under 16 and under 18 players, and the big winner of the day was Kegan Johannes, who not only claimed the u18 player of the season, but also won the Urban Warrior of the year. Ajax CEO Ari Efstathiou says this event is probably his highlight of each year, and it is always great to see the excitement of the kids.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) and its associate member South African Football Coaches Association (SAFCA) are working on establishing a Technical Authority body that will oversee all technical matters of the FA and its nationals teams. This was confirmed by SAFCA Head of High Performance Sudesh Singh as his body is in the process of working with SAFA to set up this national technical authority to help SAFA with its limitations on technical matters. But there’s already a SAFA Technical Committee which is headed by a member of the SAFA Council, how does it differ to this Technical Authority. Singh explains the difference between the two structures as the local football mother body has been falling behind on technical matters.
Banyana Banyana will have an opportunity to increase their tally in group B against Equatorial Guinea in their second 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations fixture this evening at the Cape Coast Stadium. South Africa’s vice-captain, Refiloe Jane, says they will be wary of the underdogs Equatorial Guinea who will be in redemption mood after suffering a heavy defeat in their opening match against Zambia.
Baroka FC coach Wedson Nyirenda admits that he is still in mourning following the death of his mother last month. The 51-year-old was on compassionate leave in late October and early November when he returned home to Zambia for the funeral, missing out on Bakgaga’s famous Telkom Knockout quarter-final win over Mamelodi Sundowns. He will be hoping to continue finding solace in results on the field this week when the Limpopo side host Bidvest Wits in the semi-finals of the same competition in Polokwane. Nyirenda says these have been tough times
Orlando Pirates is scheduled to lock horns with the Light Stars FC of Seychelles in CAF Champions League, at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday the 27th November. In their earlier CAF squad, the Buccaneers omitted the likes of Luvuyo Memela, Thabo Matlaba and the former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands. Sandilands has not been having it easy in the team since his arrival and he admits that being excluded in the squad has disappointed him. The 35 year old shot-stopper has been with the “Sea Robbers” since the beginning of last season. From serving with royalty at Mamemoldi Sundowns Sandilands has not been in best of his career at Pirates so far. He says that he would consider a move.
National First Division teams will slug it out for the spot in the Nedbank cup last 32 round when they meet on the weekend of the 1st and the 2nd of December. All 16 teams were part of the draw at the PSL offices in Johannesburg yesterday. Eight winners will join 16 teams from PSL and another eight from the lower divisions. Jomo Cosmos were paired against Real Kings at home. Siza Dlamini from Cosmos says Kings is their hoodoo team. Real Kings will play away for the third time in three years. Their representative Majola was hoping for a home draw.
Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt says he is close to making a decision on whether or not to sign former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana midfielder Thandani Ntshumayelo. Ntshumayelo has been training with the “Clever Boys” for almost two months after his four-year ban for using cocaine was lifted by South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) a few months ago. Hunt explains.
Ajax Cape Town and the PSL have reached an out-of-court settlement with regard to the Tendai Ndoro saga, and the legal battle that has been ongoing since the start of the year is now officially over. Before this decision was taken, the parties were set to head back to court after the PSL had appealed Judge Denise Fisher’s decision that had set aside the arbitration ruling that had relegated Ajax for fielding an ineligible Ndoro. It was agreed that the PSL would withdraw its appeal and Ajax would abandon Judge Fischer’s award in return. Ajax CEO Ari Efstathiou explains that with the possibility of this court battle taking years to resolve, it was in the best interest of all parties for the matter to be settled.
PSL Chief Operations Officer Ronnie Schloss says the league is working hard to secure a sponsorship for the National First Division. The second tier league of SA football has been without a sponsor since Mvelaphanda pulled out many years ago. Even the ABC Motsepe League, which is run by South African Football Association (SAFA) has got a sponsor with the winners pocketing R 1 million. Last week the league announced that the revenue for the 2017/18 has gone up from R884 million to R938 million despite the tough economic times. Schloss is confident that they will soon break R 1 billion rand barrier.
After having just made his UEFA Youth Cup debut for Borussia Dortmund’s under-19s earlier in the month, South African teenager Tashreeq Matthews got a chance in a friendly with the club’s first team on Friday. Matthews was used for ten minutes as a substitute, coming on for Mario Gotze in Dortmund’s 3-2 win against lower division club Sportfreunde Lotte. The 18 year old former Ajax Cape Town academy player was only officially unveiled as a Dortmund player two weeks ago, and spent the past week training and rubbing shoulders with the club’s first team stars. Speaking to the SABC, Matthews says that after a year of playing very little competitive football due to a contractual dispute at his former club, he just wants to settle in on the football field, and get back his match sharpness. Meanwhile Matthews is hoping to be part of the Amajita squad at next year’s under-20 Afcon, and help the team qualify for the World Cup. He has been a regular member of Thabo Senong’s squad, and last year scored in Amajita’s 2-1 win against England.
South African football fans will have to wait until March next year to know whether Bafana Bafana will make it to the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon or not. This follows a hard fought one-all draw against Group E leaders Nigeria at the FNB stadium on Saturday. Nigeria top the group with 10 points followed by South Africa with nine points, then Libya with seven and Seychelles at the bottom with nothing. A Buhle Mkhwanazi’s own goal in the ninth minute gave the Super Eagles the advantage but Lebo Mothiba equalizer in the 26th minute revived the hopes for Bafana. Sadly, they couldn’t find the winner and head coach Stuart Baxter was a disappointed and frustrated man after this result. Bafana will now need to avoid a defeat against Libya in March next year to qualify for the expanded 24 team AFCON tournament. After failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup last year, Baxter knows that this is his last hope to achieve anything with this team.
South African under-17 Women’s National Team Coach Simphiwe Dludlu has acknowledged the huge gap between her team and Japan when the two teams locked horns. Japan annihilated South Africa 6-0 in a FIFA World Cup match in Uruguay. Dludlu says the former champions were superior tactically and technically. Bantwana were weak in defence conceding silly goals, which was a stark contrast to their gutsy defending against Mexico in the first match when they played to a goalless draw. Dludlu says she will not be harsh on her players. Bantwana’s chances of reaching the knockout stage of the competition are very slim after a heavy drubbing. They will play their last group match against Brazil on Tuesday. Dludlu says some of her players were writing examinations prior to the match.
Bafana Bafana have wrapped up their preparations for the crunch 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Nigeria at the FNB stadium tomorrow afternoon (15:00). Three points for Bafana in tomorrow’s game will confirm their participation in the expanded 24 AFCON tournament in Cameroon next year. Whilst head coach Stuart Baxter says he can’t share his overall strategy, the main approach is not to let the opposition dictate terms and that they are going all out for a win tomorrow. This is going to be game no.14 between the nations since 1992, Bafana have won only two, drawn four and lost seven against the Super Eagles. Baxter is expected to line-up with some solid combinations with only one change at the back, three in the midfield and keep the potent attack of Lebohang Mothiba and Percy Tau. Bafana registered their first and only win against Nigeria in a competitive game in the opening match of these qualifiers in Uyo last year and everybody in the opposite camp from head coach, players, media, officials and fans has been talking about revenge, and Baxter shared his response. One of the main stories to come out of Nigeria this week has been the promise by the Governor of Delta Estate Ifeanyi Okowa to the Super Eagles players that he will fork out $25 000 (R360 000) for each goal scored against Bafana. It’s not something that has shaken Baxter’s camp as they focused on the points and not the money.
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium manager Mpho Mokonyana insists that Chippa United are not going to relocate from Port Elizabeth to East London. Mokonyana was responding to rumors doing the rounds in Eastern Cape sporting circles saying that the Chilli Boyz are going to relocate to East London. This was after the Chilli Boyz played three of their first five home matches at Mdantsane’s Sisa Dukashe Stadium and also the Buffalo City Metro’s decision to pay the Port Elizabeth club R1 million per each match they play in East London. Mokonyana insists that the Chilli Boyz, who are anchor tenants at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, are in the second year of their three-year contract with the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. Mokonyana also touched on the proposal Bloemfontein Celtic made to them regarding playing some of their matches at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Mokonyana has admitted that they met with Celtic bosses, but no deal was signed. Meanwhile, Mokonyana has revealed that they are negotiating with the Southern Kings with a view of ensuring that the PRO14 side play their matches at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium again. This follows after the Kings played their last two home matches at the Nelson Mandela University’s Madibaz Stadium because there is no contract with the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium management.
There’s been a fighting talk from the Nigerian Super Eagles team ahead of their crunch African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Bafana Bafana at FNB stadium on Saturday afternoon (15:00). The Nigerian players, officials, media and the fans are all talking about revenge after Bafana beat them for the first time on home soil in Uyo last year in what was the opening game of these qualifiers. Group E’s top of the table clash promises fireworks and Kaizer Chiefs right-back Ramahlwe Mphahlele is no stranger to beating a Nigerian team having done so at junior international level before. Bidvest Wits centre-back Buhle Mkhwanazi was not part of the team that played in Uyo last year but has started and finished all the last three AFCON qualifiers. Speaking just before training yesterday at the match venue, Mkhwanazi understands what is at stake this weekend against the Super Eagles, as Bafana aim to win and confirm their ticket to Cameroon next year.
Bafana Bafana vice-captain and number one goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune says the nation deserves better from the men’s senior national football team. Khune was reacting to a question on whether the rejection that Bafana is getting from the fans on the eve of the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Nigeria at FNB stadium on Saturday is justified. It’s been reported this week that ticket sales are not going well for this top clash in the African football calendar and this has got to do with Bafana’s inconsistency especially in the past 12 months. Khune says it’s high time that they deliver and rally the nation behind them. As things stand in these current qualifiers, out of 48 teams, Bafana is only one of two teams to have kept clean sheets alongside Uganda. It means that PSL goalkeepers Denis Onyango and Khune have done well so far. And it’s a record that the Kaizer Chiefs and Mzansi’s number one would like to keep beyond this weekend.
SA football legend Lucas “Rhoo” Radebe believes the way a professional footballer manages his or her career can have an impact how well they fare after their playing days are over. The former Kaizer Chiefs, Leeds United and Bafana Bafana defender was speaking after announcing his new brand ambassadorial role with property company Jawitz in Parkmore, Johannesburg. Radebe added that attitude, discipline and respect for their craft went a long way in the shaping of top players who can become role models in society. Radebe had words of encouragement for footballers who worry about what to do after football, as it is a short-spanned career. Radebe says a footballer’s conduct can also impact the types of partnerships and opportunities that can come their way after they retire. With Percy Tau being the latest South African player to follow in Rhoo’s footsteps in signing for an English premiership side Brighton & Hove Albion in the last transfer window, albeit turning out for Belgian side, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on loan. Radebe feels Tau has taken his game to the next level and South African footballers playing locally should aspire to do the same.
Mamelodi Sundowns striker Jeremy Brockie is optimistic that he can still be top goal scorer in the league come end of the season. The New Zealand international scored his first official goal for the club last week against Free State Stars since he joined in January. Brockie also scored an unofficial goal for Downs in the Shell Helix cup friendly tournament in July. But Brockie admitted that he has not done enough since he joined the team. Brockie opened up about his woes since joining the club. He arrived as a highly rated player in a big money move to help the Brazilians in the scoring department. But his stay has been a disaster with him warming the bench or sitting in the stands. Before the Stars game, the last time he scored was 13 months ago when he was still at Supersport United. He says it has been tough mentally. So much was said about whether Brockie would fit into Sundowns style of play or not when he was signed. At Supersport he was a target man that relied on crosses and tap-ins to score goals, whereas Sundowns play quick football with lots of short passes and interchanges. He says him and the team must find a common ground to benefit the team.
Bloemfontein Celtic striker Tshegofatso Mabasa is eyeing the coveted PSL Golden boot after scoring a brace last weekend away to Bidvest Wits. Mabasa is currently leading the race after having scored five goals so far this season. He is followed by SuperSport United’s Evans Rusike, Kaizer Chiefs’ Khama Billiat and Orlando Pirates Vincent Pule on four goals each. Mabasa targets 15 goals. The 22 year-old says last season was a low time for him in his career although he scored two goals and helped Celtic reach the final of the Telkom Cup last season. Mabasa says his coach Steve Komphela’s motivation, helped him overcome this low period in his career. Celtic is third on the log table with 20 points after 10 games. Mabasa shares that Komphela has asked his players to produce 60 points by the end of this season. Mabasa broke into the PSL in 2015/2016 season under the guidance of then Celtic coach Clinton Larsen. He has made 11 appearances so far this season playing in all Premiership matches.
The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban just seems to get busier and busier. The iconic World Cup facility was last week named as the venue for the Telkom Knockout Soweto derby semi-final, which sold out in two hours, and days later was selected to host the Centenary Edition of the Nelson Mandela Challenge. That game will feature Bafana Bafana against Paraguay next Tuesday, with the Kaizer Chiefs versus Orlando Pirates to follow on Saturday. It has certainly been a whirlwind few days for stadium manager Vusi Mazibuko. Undoubtedly the busiest man in his position across South Africa, he is pleased with the efforts of his team.
Bafana Bafana midfielder Thulani Serero has expressed his happiness at being back with the men’s senior national football team after an absence of more than a year and says whatever happened in the past is all water under the bridge now. Serero was speaking after his first training session with Bafana at Steyn City School in Fourways on Tuesday as they prepare for Saturday’s crunch 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Group E leaders Nigeria at FNB stadium. Serero, who sat on the bench for head coach Stuart Baxter’s first four matches last year, had raised his concerns about not getting game time and this led to former SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble imposing a ban on him. But with the intervention of SAFA President Danny Jordaan, the Dutch based midfielder is back in the team now and looking forward to the future. The Vitesse Arnhem anchorman who has been in fine form this season with his Dutch Eredivisie club playing in 14 of the 15 matches in all competitions so far says his focus is on the game against Nigeria and not the past. The 28year-old is also expecting his first child with his Dutch girlfriend. In 13 matches at his club this season, Serero has played as a deep lying playmaker and it’s a position that he’s gotten used to with only two appearances in an advanced role. But against Nigeria this weekend “Cream” as the former PSL Footballer of the season is popularly known is expected to play high up with Hlompho Kekana and his Mamelodi Sundowns teammate Tiyani “Sugar” Mabunda expected to mop behind him.
Three points is all Bafana Bafana need this coming weekend against Nigeria in the African Cup of Nations 2019 qualifier at FNB stadium on Saturday afternoon (15:00). The Super Eagles lead Group E with nine points and separated by only a point with Bafana who had beaten them 2-0 in Uyo in the opening game of these qualifiers last year. Mothiba has scored three goals in his four international matches so far and also scored against Seychelles last month. He’s only been consistent at his French Ligue 1 club RC Strasbourg having scored six goals plus an assist in 10 matches since arriving from Lille FC at the end of the end of August. This is the kind of confidence Bafana needs in the final third against the Super Eagles. After missing a sitter against Seychelles during the embarrassing goalless draw, Mothiba was criticized but the 22year-old is not bothered by that and has the right attitude going to this weekend’s crucial encounter. The promising partnership between Mothiba and Percy Tau has now been tested in three different matches for Bafana and it’s a combination that is promising upfront for Bafana and the Diambars Academy product is also enjoying this partnership.
New Highlands Park striker Tendai Ndoro is delighted to be back playing football again after all the drama he was involved in over the past year. The Zimbabwean was at the heart of a transfer controversy after breaking world governing body, FIFA, laws by featuring for three clubs in the same season. His last involvement as a player with Ajax Cape Town lead to the club’s relegation from the Absa Premiership. After leaving the Urban Warriors, Ndoro is now back and just happy for the focus to be back at football with his new club. The former Orlando Pirates forward made his debut for Premiership new boys, the Lions of the North, in a 2-2 draw at Maritzburg United over the weekend. He played 72 minutes and looked lively throughout the encounter at the Harry Gwala Stadium. The result left Highlands in 10th position on the table and represented a solid start to life in the big league. Ndoro revealed there was plenty of confidence amongst his new teammates, adding that he is now comfortable and trying to help the football club become even stronger.
Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Lebohang Maboe says that the national team will not sit back, against Nigeria in the group E Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at FNB stadium on Saturday afternoon. SA is positioned second on the log with eight points behind log leaders Nigeria on nine. Bafana beat the West Africans away last year in the opening match. The 24-year old has been a regular player for Sundowns since he joined the team at the beginning of the season. He has also been part of Bafana team in recent matches. He says his goal is to become player of the season next season. Maboe was one of the key players at Maritzburg last season that helped the team to finish fourth on the log and also to reach the Nedbank cup final. He believes that he is a special player.
Cape Town City captain Thamsanqa Mkhize says he is humbled every time he is selected for the national team. Mkhize is City’s only representative in the Bafana Bafana squad preparing to face Nigeria in all important Afcon qualifier on Saturday at the FNB Stadium. With a good result against Nigeria a must, Mkhize, who was man of the match in City’s 3-1 win against Black Leopards on Sunday, says every player wants to help the country qualify for the continental tournament. Mkhize believes South Africa has the quality to beat Nigeria, and while Bafana may be missing a number of key players, he is confident those in the squad can do the business. Mkhize further added that he enjoys working with Stuart Baxter, and he says the coach appreciates his qualities. He hopes that South African fans will come out in their numbers for the game, as he feels the 12th man could really make a difference on the day.
South Africa Under20 Futsal (indoor football)left yesterday for Colombia for their maiden Futsal World Cup starting from the 17th to the 27th of this month. South Africa was drawn in Group B along with their South American hosts, Colombia, India and Australia. Head Coach Byron Cottle says he is very excited for his boys. The boys will play their opening game against Australia on the 18th, and Cottle says he will be expecting a physical game against the more experienced side.
Bafana Bafana Coach Stuart Baxter says they are ready for the Nigeria Africa cup of nations qualifier match at FNB stadium on Saturday, and a Nelson Mandela Challenge Centenary celebrations match against Paraguay on Tuesday at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban. Bafana beat Nigeria in the first round match away from home but have since struggled since then. Nigeria are a different team since then having also played at the FIFA world cup in Russia recently. The depleted Bafana team assembled in Johannesburg today with all the players available, but there is injury scare with Supersport United goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and Overseas-based star Thulani Serero. But Baxter is hopeful they will recover soon.
Black Leopards have parted ways with head coach Joel Masutha today following a string of bad results. Masutha met with club chairman David Thidiela and manager Elijah Mulaudzi at Leopards’ offices in Polokwane earlier today where they discussed the coach’s future. Masutha says he bears no grudges as he leaves the side he promoted to the Premier Soccer League in May this year. He leaves them in 14th position on the Absa premiership log with nine points from 11 matches. Masutha adds that he took a decision to step down so the club can stay in the PSL. Masutha further adds that it was important for him to take some responsibility in Li Doda Duvha not doing well. The former goalkeeper says that shows passion for the club and respect for fans.
Playing in front of empty stands is very challenging and Kaizer Chiefs experienced that when they played behind closed doors against Polokwane City at Moses Mabhida stadium last month. The Premier Soccer League disciplinary committee had ordered Chiefs to play three games behind closed following the fans violence during a Nedbank Cup game earlier this year. The third game was suspended for one year on condition that Chiefs don’t commit a similar offence again, tomorrow evening’s (18:00) league game against Chippa United is that second match and Amakhosi star player Khama Billiat talks up the importance of this game. After going four matches without a win, Chiefs have now picked up two in a row and they meet a desperate Chippa United side tomorrow evening. A win will consolidate their position in the top four going into the international break. Billiat says playing behind closed doors can be mentally challenging. In the last two matches Amakhosi not only managed rare clean sheets but also needed defensive players to score but that’s not important according to the 2015/2016 PSL Footballer of the season. Against Polokwane City, Chiefs conceded on the stroke of half-time and they struggled to come back in the second half playing in front of empty stands. They couldn’t find the usual motivation from the stands in that game and at the same venue tomorrow, Billiat is hoping that they score first this time around.
Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will lock horns in what is expected to be a thrilling Absa premiership match at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria tomorrow afternoon. Pirates go into the clash oozing confidence having done extremely well in previous matches including the Telkom Knockout. Pirates Media Officer Thandi Merafe says that the Ghost is well prepared. Merafe hinted that former Kaizer Chiefs shot-stopper Brilliant Khuzwayo may see action for the first time since joining the Orlando side. The Buccaneers boast of the in-form trio of Justine Shonga, Vincent Pule and Augustine Mulenga, who was left out of the squad to Polokwane because of a minor injury. Shonga seems to on a high after breaking his scoring drought over City on Tuesday. Merafe shares the players’ well-being in the camp. Though Pirates are now two points ahead on the top of the log table, Merafe says that the log standings is not a reflection of what will happen towards the end of the season.
Free State Stars Coach Luc Eymael says his team might sacrifice the CAF Confederation Cup that will commence later this month. Stars will take part in the CAF competition for the first time in history after winning the Nedbank cup last season. But Eymael says the team’s management is reluctant to take it seriously due to their slow start to the season. Stars lost 3-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 last night. They have not won in the last three matches. Eymael was looking forward to coaching the team in Africa, and he says the decision whether they take part in CAF will depend heavily on their next two league fixtures. Stars are scheduled to play against Rwandan team Mukura Victory Sports FC. Eymael will be coming up against his former team away in the first leg. Eymael says they are a very good team. The Belgian Coach was linked to many big teams last season including Kaizer Chiefs. But in the end he opted to stay with the Free State based team. Asked if he might decide to move to an ambitious team he says he is loyal to Stars
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane says he does not believe that Bongani Zungu tweeted about him recently. The France-based midfielder insinuated that Orlando Pirates assistant Coach was the man behind Sundowns recent success. Zungu also credited Mokwena for turning around the fortunes of the Soweto giants. Mosimane also said that he does not want to speak ill of Mokwena. Zungu was part of the Sundowns team that enjoyed enormous success winning the league championship and several trophies. He subsequently moved to Europe in Portugal. Mosimane wants to remember the good the player did for Sundowns. Zungu has since deleted the tweets and issued an apology earlier this week. However, Mosimane does not believe that Zungu was intentionally malicious. Meanwhile, Sundowns will host Orlando Pirates in a crucial league match at Loftus Versfeld stadium on Saturday. Sundowns beat Free State Stars 3-1 last night, while Pirates beat Polokwane City away on Tuesday. Mosimane says the Buccaneers are the favourites to win the match. The last time Sundowns lost a league match was to the very same Pirates last season, when they went down 3-1 at home early in January. Mosimane is proud of that record.
There was a time in September when Kaizer Chiefs won all their three matches in the Absa Premiership and Giovanni Solinas won the Coach of the Month and star player Khama Billiat the Player of the Month award. The 4-1 win away to Cape Town City, 2-0 win at Free State Stars and a 2-0 victory over Amazulu also came on the back of some scintillating football from Amakhosi. After going four matches without a win in all competitions, Chiefs have now returned to winning ways in the last two matches but playing football that is not good to eye. Following their unconvincing 1-0 win over Black Leopards last night at FNB stadium, Solinas was honest enough to tell the supporters that sometimes they will prioritize the results over the football displayed. Chiefs is currently fifth on the log with 17 points from 12 matches and host Chippa United at Moses Mabhida stadium on Saturday behind closed doors. After Chiefs were outclassed 2-1 in the Soweto Derby by archrivals Orlando Pirates, Solinas demanded his players to respond in the games that followed and they have since gone on to win their last two matches. And this is exactly what the Italian born coach had ordered.
Cape Town City captain Thamsanqa Mkhize says that Black Leopards will be tough opponents, when the two teams meet at the Cape Town Stadium on Sunday afternoon. City are currently 11th on the Absa Premiership table, and Leopards just one place behind in 12th spot. Mkhize says that while Leopards lost to Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday night, he was impressed with their performance and his team will have to be at their best if they want to pick up all three points. Mkhize, who has arguably been one of the most consistent players in the PSL since joining City, says consistency is something he strives for, and wants the team to do the same. Meanwhile Mkhize hopes that the City fans will come out in their numbers on Sunday, especially as tickets will only cost R20.
South African football legend and former Bafana Bafana coach Jomo “Troublemaker” Sono is planning to dedicate his new online free TV platform TV2GO to telling the stories of South African football legends. Sono, who is the President of Infinivy, the company that owns TV2GO says football legends like Ace Ntsoelengoe and Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe’s stories need to be told. The new online TV platform was launched in Sandton today and has already attracted over 30 000 online views since its launch last month. Sono says this is a platform that will give football legends the voice. Back in the days when SA football was banned from international participation due to Apartheid, the country couldn’t play in the African Nations Cup and World Cup tournaments. Sadly, some of the yesteryear football stories have hardly been told in detail visually, something that Sono would like to break. The launch of this TV channel is also expected to give birth a Jomo Sono autobiography and documentary a lifetime and drama filled footballing story that millions of football fans in this country cannot wait to read and watch about the Orland Pirates legend, Jomo Cosmos owner and head coach.
Bloemfontein Celtic assistant coach John Maduka has hailed his team’s consistency ahead of their Absa Premiership clash against Bidvest Wits at the Bidvest Stadium on Saturday evening. Celtic have registered five wins, two draws and two losses in the league this far. The Malawian international believes the side’s consistency this year surpasses past performances. Celtic is currently fifth on the log table with 17 points from nine games. The Students are second with 20 points from 10 matches, and only a three point difference separates the two sides with Wits having a game in hand. Maduka, the former Celtic captain praises team effort for the positive results this season.
Midfielder Bandile Shandu has highlighted the importance of getting the first goal if his Maritzburg United team want to have a chance of beating Highlands Park in their Absa Premiership showdown tonight. The two meet at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg, nearly three weeks after facing off in the Telkom Knockout. In that game, the Team of Choice emerged 2-1 winners after being forced to fight from a goal down. Shandu admits they have to start games better. Maritzburg have been struggling to replicate the highs of last season in 2018/19, with their early MTN8 exit followed by a League Cup exit at the last eight stage. Last year they were one of the best teams in the PSL after ending fourth and also reaching the Nedbank Cup final. Against Wits, they showed plenty of character in trying to fight back and it is the same spirit that Shandu is hoping for against the Lions of the North. While United are 14th on the table, they come up against a Highlands team in 10th position. It is almost a must-win game now for the home side and their under-pressure coach Fadlu Davids, whose side are yet to score a league goal in front of their home fans.
City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member, Councillor Stuart Diamond is happy that football has ultimately returned to Athlone Stadium after an absence of six months. The last match at the venue was played in May 2017, while last weekend saw Ajax Cape Town hosting Real Kings in the first professional game of the current season. Here’s Councillor Diamond.
Orlando Pirates head coach Milutin Sredojevic has come to the defense of his striker Justin Shonga saying his players are not machines. Shonga only scored his second Absa premiership goal this season last night and also assisted in the 2-1 win against Polokwane City at the Peter Mokaba stadium. Sredojevic adds that he has been disappointed to see people come hard on the Zambia international especially after the Soweto derby. The coach adds that the 22 year old’s confidence has been attacked unfairly adding that he hopes the goal will help with his confidence.
Polokwane City veteran midfielder Jabulani Malukele says he would welcome the national team call-up anytime. Malulke was speaking after he was named the ABSA premiership October player of the month today. The 36-year old has been one of the most consistent performers in the PSL for over a decade. He was once called up to Bafana Bafana back in 2008 but never got a chance to play.
Banyana Banyana players could share a total of R3,4million should they qualify for their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup set to be staged in France next year. This was confirmed by SAFA and the sponsors SASOL during the announced of the final squad of 21 players who will be doing duty at the 11th African Women’s Cup of Nations in Ghana starting on the 17th of this month. Banyana need to finish in the top three to qualify for the World Cup. For the participation fee, they will share R840 000, they are guaranteed R60 000 per player for a bronze medal position, R75 000 each for second place and a whooping R120 000 for winning the tournament. This remuneration structure was well received by the US based attacker Thembi Kgatlana.
South African men under-20 assistant coach Helman Mkhalele says his team will go to camp in few weeks’ time to prepare for the COSAFA (Council of Southern Africa Football Association) cup that will start in December from the 2nd until the 14th in Kitwe, Zambia. Amajita will be defending the title they won last year in Zambia for the sixth time. SA are in group B alongside Namibia, Mauritius and Swaziland
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane says they are not thinking about Orlando Pirates yet, whom they will meet in Tshwane on Saturday. The Brazilians will first host Free State Stars in the ABSA premiership match at Loftus Versfeld stadium tonight (07 Nov 2018). The PSL champions are sitting in sixth position on the log with 14 points from eight matches.
Bafana Bafana have lined-up a formidable opponent from outside Africa for the Nelson Mandela Challenge match on the 20th of this month. This was confirmed by the SAFA Acting CEO Russell Paul on the sidelines of the Bafana squad announcement for the crucial 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Nigeria on the 17th of this month at FNB stadium. It’s still not clear where this game will take place but it will come four days after the AFCON qualifier according to Paul and against a top footballing nation.
Baroka FC chief executive officer Morgan Mammila says head coach Wedson Nyirenda has the full backing of the management. This comes amidst reports suggesting that Nyirenda has been given a certain number of matches to win or exit the club. Under Nyirenda Baroka have only won one league match and they are placed 15th on the Absa premiership log with seven points from 11 matches but they are in the semi-finals of the Telkom knock-out cup. Mammila clarifies that the coach has only been given compassionate leave following the death of his mother last week.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has once again sang Andile Jali’s praises saying the midfielder is nearing his best and his job as a coach is to back the player. Despite Mamelodi Sundowns being eliminated from the Telkom Knockout cup Mosimane feels Jali played a lot better. The former Orlando Pirates man was caught in off-field issues last week where he had a brush with the law for apparent domestic abuse and damage to property. Jali played in the 2-0 loss to Baroka FC in Polokwane this past weekend and Mosimane adds that the club needs Jali and they will support him so he can be better.
As we had reported on SABC Sport last week, Thulani Serero is back in the Bafana Bafana team after an absence of over a year. Serero was announced by head coach Stuart Baxter in the 23-man squad to play Nigeria in a crucial 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the FNB stadium next week (17 November). The Dutch based midfielder was last called-up by Baxter in October last year against Burkina Faso but expressed his unhappiness at not being played in four matches by Briton born coach. But Baxter was clear that Serero is returning to the team unconditionally. It’s not a secret that it took the intervention of the SAFA leadership for Serero to be brought back to Bafana after some within the FA had said the former Ajax Amsterdam player was banned from the national team. Baxter also believes that the former SA U23 international who has played full 90 minutes in 14 out of 15 matches for his Dutch Eredivisie club Vitesse Arnhem could play a critical role against Nigeria.
In what is possibly one of the most exciting transfers in South African football history, Cape Town teenager Tashreeq Matthews has signed for German giants Borussia Dortmund, and with all his permits in place, he has now officially been registered by the club. Matthews officially joins Dortmund, having agreed terms when he turned 18 on the 12th of September. The Amajita youngster, who scored against England under-20 last year in a friendly, joins an elite list of South African teenagers who have signed for European giants. Matthews says he is very grateful for this opportunity and is excited to join one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Former Chippa United coach Vladislav Herić has described Roger Sikhakhane’s death as a sad day in South African football. The former Chilli Boyz, Thanda Royal Zulu, Richards Bay FC and Royal Eagles coach, who passed away earlier yesterday (Saturday) morning following a three-week stay in hospital, was Herić’s assistant when the Port Elizabeth side got promoted to the elite league at the end of the 2013/14 season. Sikhakhane, who coached the Chilli Boyz on numerous occasions, was last in charge of National Division side Royal Eagles. The 51-year-old Serbian-born coach also added that Sikhakhane, who was going to celebrate his 43rd birthday on Friday, 30 November, struggled for some time, but soldiered on. Meanwhile, former Chilli Boyz captain James Okwuosa says Sikhakhane’s death is a great loss to South African football. Sikhakhane and Okwuosa worked together at the Chilli Boyz between 2012 and 2015.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane is tipping Egyptian giants Al Ahly to clinch their record ninth CAF Champions League title when they meet their North African arch-rivals Esperance starting with the first leg in Alexandria tomorrow evening. Al Ahly haven’t won the CAFCL title since their victory over Orlando Pirates in 2013 and Mosimane believes that Patrice Carteron’s team is showing some hunger this time around. What makes this final interesting is that the two teams both come from Group A in the group stages and Al Ahly collected four points against Esperance. Mosimane remembers this from Sundowns maiden CAFCL success in 2016 against Zamalek and tells SABC Sport Senior journalist Velile Mnyandu on what could be different this time around…
Telkom Knockout defending Champions Bidvest Wits are up against Maritzburg United in the quarter-finals at Harry Gwala stadium on Saturday night, 03 November 2018. The Team of Choice came from behind to see off Highlands Park 2-1 in a home fixture in the first round, and again have the benefit of home advantage against the visiting Clever Boys. In the other opening round match, the Clever Boys scored the only goal against Free State Stars at Goble Park. As they find themselves travelling again this weekend, coach Gavin Hunt says he will be taking the game seriously, and acknowledges Maritzburg’s good record at home. Claasen has declared himself ready to answer the call for the Students after making a full recovery from his knee injury. Another midfielder is Keegan Ritchie, who last scored with a stunning free kick against Mamelodi Sundowns in a league game last month. It is Ritchie’s first season for the Clever Boys and, he knows the importance of Saturday’s match.
A total of 35 aspiring coaches from the Mamelodi Local Football Association are undergoing a week-long SAFA D License coaching course which is aimed at up skilling them into qualified and accredited coaches. The programme that started today was also attended by former professional player Joel “ Fire” Masilela from Mamelodi Sundowns. Bafana Bafana legend Helman Mkhalele was also there to provide motivation for the budding coaches. Masilela also played for Bafana Bafana in his hey days. He is currently in the coaching development structures at Sundowns based at the famous Clapham High School, that recently won the Copa Coca-Cola under-15 schools tournament in Port Elizabeth. He is happy for attending.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Giovanni Solinas is asking for more consistency from his side as they now look forward to the Telkom Knockout quarterfinal against Supersport United at the Moses Mabhida stadium on Sunday. Following their 2-1 loss to arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby this past weekend, Chiefs has now gone four matches without a win in all competitions. Solinas has been blamed for the lack of consistency in his selection as well as he chops and changes his squad. He admits that he could be wrong but says he’s also forced by injuries sometimes. He also compares this period to September when he won the coach of the month award.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan is expecting a report from his technical office on the progress made in communicating with exiled Bafana Bafana international midfielder Thulani “Cream” Serero. The Dutch based midfielder has not been selected by the beleaguered Bafana coach Stuart Baxter since the disastrous FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Cape Verde in September last year. Baxter called up Serero for four matches and did not use him and SABC Sport understands that the Vitesse Arnhem deep lying playmaker was not happy with this. It appears as if Jordaan would like to see Serero in the next squad if possible.
The South African national women’s team is currently in camp preparing for the upcoming 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations. Banyana Banyana will soon be heading to Ghana, the hosts of the tournament, and the games will kick-off on the 17th of November till the 1st of December 2018. Going to this awesome tournament that can see them book a berth at the 2019 Fifa Women's World Cup in France if they do well, Banyana’s Head Coach Desiree Ellis had this to say.
Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt says he is impressed with the healthy competition in his team, particularly in the midfield. Daylon Claasen and Granwald Scott are itching to get back to action from injury. They now face the task of competing with the likes of Elias Pelembe‚ Terence Dzukamanja‚ Keegan Ritchie, Deon Hotto, Cole Alexander and Haashim Domingo to mention just a few. The Clever Boys are preparing for the Telkom Knockout quarter-final clash away to Maritzburg United on Saturday, and Hunt says it is important to create room for competition in a team. In an attempt to defend their Absa Premiership title last season, they finished dismally on in 13th position. They have since returned to this campaign with a strong start, winning six and drawing two of their opening ten games, and now sit at the top of the table. The signing of 13 new players seems to have turned things around for Hunt.
Polokwane City coach Jozef Vukusic admits he is worried about injuries in key positions to the side. Having already been without George Chigova, Mohamed Anas and Ndivhuwo Ravhuhali, they have also lost Sammy Seabi and Nicolas Motloung. Vukusic says the positions affected by the injuries are not easily fiddled with adding that things are going to be tough for City. However he hopes for a positive reaction from his replacements. The Limpopo side are currently third on the Absa premiership log with 17 points from nine matches. The coach wants his side’s confidence to rise with each positive result to be in a comfortable position by the end of the year. Though City has gone seven matches unbeaten in the league, Vukusic says the side could play better but the toughness of the division has also pushed him to change his style of play. He also does not want this good run to get to his players’ heads. Vukusic is happy to see all players contributing to their good form this season especially midfielders who are taking goal scoring responsibilities. Edgar Manaka got an applause from his coach after scoring three goals in their last two matches. Manaka netted the equaliser and converted one of City’s penalties in the TKO loss to SuperSport United last week and he was the match winner against Maritzburg United in the league this past Saturday. Vukusic hopes the strikers get inspired to score.
Supersport United midfielder Aubrey Modiba says Kaizer Chiefs will be looking for revenge when they clash in the Telkom knockout quarter-final clash at Moses Mabhida on Sunday. Matsatsantsa knocked out Amakhosi in the MTN 8 two-legged semi-final clash earlier this season. Supersport knocked out Polokwane City in the first round away on penalties and drew their last league match against Golden Arrows at home on Sunday. Though Matsatsantsa are missing several key players due to injuries such as Evans Rusike, Bradley Grobler, Thabo Mnyamane, Fagrie Lakay and Dean Furman, Modiba is looking forward to the match. Supersport missed out on the MTN 8 trophy recently after they lost to Cape Town City in the final.
Supersport United Coach Kaitano Tembo says his team is missing so many key players which is affecting his team at the moment. Supersport drew 1-1 against Golden Arrows in a league match in Nelspruit yesterday. Key strikers Thabo Mnyamane, Evans Rusike, Bradley Grobler, Fagri Lakay and Bafana Bafana international Dean Furman have been sidelined in recent weeks due to various injuries. Matsatsantsa hosted Arrows at Mbombela stadium which is their alternative venue. Their next fixture at the same venue will be against Kaizer Chiefs. Tembo is grateful for the support from the local municipality and the supporters
After 11 games played with 20 points in the bag, Orlando Pirates sit comfortably in the second spot and only a point adrift of Absa Premiership log leaders Bidvest Wits who have a game in hand. Pirates certainly do look like genuine title contenders after they finished as runners-up to Mamelodi Sundowns last season. After beating arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in the Soweto Derby on Saturday, Bucs head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic says this win was vital for the league title race. At the post match presser, Micho was asked a question about being the next Alex Ferguson of Pirates in terms of a possible longevity as Bucs head coach. But the Serbian born coach has hinted that when he leaves the club, Mokwena could succeed him.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane is impressed with the progress which midfielder Andile Jali is making at the Brazilians. The 28-year-old Jali has dished out some fine performances in the club’s last few matches and he also won the man-of-the-match award when the Brazilians beat Chippa United 1-0 after bossing Chilli Boyz players on the field at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on Saturday evening.
It was a game of two halves in the Absa Premiership clash between Bidvest Wits and Highlands Park at the Bidvest stadium on Friday night. The Students had six goal attempts while the Lions of the North settled for two. Out of the six for the Clever Boys, captain Thulani Hlatshwayo converted with a header from a Keegan Ritchie free kick in the final third of the park to make it 1 – 0. The Clever Boys then defended the only goal of the match to secure their one point lead at the top of the league standings. Wits’ coach Gavin Hunt says he had to show respect to the Highlands side who also had an impressive start to the current campaign.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane reckons that last night’s match was a game of two halves where the Brazilians dominated in the first stanza and the Chilli Boyz did the same in the second half. The former Bafana Bafana and SuperSport United coach is happy that his players stuck to what he advised them to do before the match and that they recorded their first win at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium having drawn once and lost once at the venue.
Cape Town City returned to winning ways with an emphatic 3-0 win over Amazulu at the Cape Town Stadium last night (Saturday, 27 October 2018). It was City’s first win in the Absa Premiership since their first game of the season, and moves City up to 11th on the table. It was the perfect start for the home team when just a minute into the game Taariq Fielies put them into the lead. Siphelele Mthembu doubled the score just after the hour mark, and Thabo Nodada wrapped up the result when he scored with 15 minutes remaining. Having been knocked out of the Telkom Knockout by the same Amazulu side mid-week, City coach Benni McCarthy was delighted, but says they had a lot of heart-to-heart conversations in the build-up to this game. Amazulu coach Cavin Johnson says he was not happy with his team’s performance.
Orlando Pirates continued their dominance over arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs when they beat them 2-1 in an Absa Premiership Soweto Derby played at the FNB stadium yesterday (Saturday, 27 October 2018). Pirates have now extended their unbeaten run against Chiefs to 10 matches, having last lost to them in 2014. Bucs came back from one nil down after Khama Billiat had opened the score in the 15th minute but Innocent Maela cancelled it out 10 minutes later and in the 32nd minute Vincent Pule the Buccaneers in front. Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune could not hide his disappointment while coach Giovanni Solinas believes that the game was balanced despite Chiefs losing and having very few shots on target. On the other side, Bucs head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic praised his players and technical team for this win.
The battle of the midfield is where tomorrow’s Soweto derby at the FNB stadium will be decided. It was clear from Orlando Pirates assistant coach Rulani Mokwena’s explosive press conference on Monday that they are targeting Amakhosi strongman Willard Katsande. Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas agrees that Katsande is the nerve Centre of his team. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mnyandu has been following the build-up of the Soweto Derby closely and he’s compiled this report.
The Orlando Pirates press conference that was held at Rand stadium this week has reignited the rivalry that has always been associated with the Soweto Derby but had been missing in the last decade or so. Bucs assistant coach Rulani “Mourinho” Mokwena, didn’t mince his words when asked about how their archrivals Kaizer Chiefs have evolved since last season. But it’s his comment on Amakhosi star player Khama Billiat that obviously did not go well with the multitudes of the Chiefs fans. Mokwena worked for three years with Billiat at Sundowns, he was there in the formative years when head coach Pitso Mosimane turned the 28year-old into one of the finest attackers on the continent and knows very well that he can bite. Make no mistake, Rulani “Mourinho” Mokwena was born into a household that has always been central when it comes to this premium South African football fixture and the Soweto Derby, the importance of this game runs deep in his blood veins. SABC Sport senior sports journalist Velile Mbuli is building up the Soweto Derby this weekend and compiled this report.
Milutin Sredojevic and his technical team could face a selection headache when Orlando Pirates cross swords with arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs as four of their goalkeepers are all available and raring to be between the sticks at FNB Stadium tomorrow. In goals for Bucs’ last two outings, Jackson Mabokgwane faces stiff competition from this season’s number one thus far, Siyabonga Mpontshane, Wayne Sandilands as well as Brilliant Khuzwayo. Returning from injury, Khuzwayo is yet to feature for Bucs this season since crossing the floor from Chiefs during the off-season and will no doubt want to make his Pirates debut against Amakhosi, but the 30 year old Mabokgwane says he is undaunted by the competition. The 30 year old shot stopper is adamant they have tightened up at the back and will look to maintain their clean sheets against Chiefs. Meanwhile, Pirates’ new defensive recruit Marcelo da Silva is likely to be handed his first Soweto derby cap. The Brazilian was spotted by Pirates during the Project X development tour in his home country earlier this year and has gone on to become a regular in the Bucs line-up. The 20-year-old has featured in all of Pirates’ last three matches in all competitions since his debut against Golden Arrows at the beginning of this month. Mabokgwane believes Da Silva has the character to withstand the pressure in a game as epic as the Soweto derby. Pirates are unbeaten in the last nine derbies‚ which is their longest unbeaten run against Chiefs but are still short of the 11-match unbeaten run Chiefs had against Bucs between May 1985 and November 1988.
Former Kaizer Chiefs star Jabulani Mendu believes that his former side will beat Orlando Pirates in a Soweto derby at the FNB stadium in Johannesburg tomorrow. The two teams played to a draw in the first leg last season, with Pirates winning the second round fixture 3-1 earlier this year. Mendu played for Amakhosi between 2003 and 2005. Meanwhile former Mamelodi Sundowns and Platinum stars player Hareaipha “Simba” Marumo also believes that Chiefs will come out victorious. Chiefs have not beaten Pirates in the league match since 2014. The 40-year old Marumo made just one appearance for Bafana Bafana. Mendu and Marumo were attending the Copa Coca Cola camp for the under-15 school players at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria. The players were selected from the recent under-15 Copa tournament that was held in Port Elizabeth and won by Clapham High school from Pretoria. Mendu says the camp is to give the young players further opportunities to be scouted by PSL teams.
Bidvest Wits return to Absa Premiership action this weekend with a home fixture against Highlands Park tonight. The top of the log Clever Boys will look to extend a gap between them and 2nd placed Orlando Pirates with only one point separating the two sides. After a lengthy international break, followed by some Cup action last weekend, coach Gavin Hunt’s boys will definitely be hungry for game time. The Lions of the North have performed fairly well this season with two victories and one draw at home. They have two stalemates and one loss away, one of those against Mamelodi Sundowns. Hunt says he has loads of respect for his opponents. Highlands suffered a 2 – 1 defeat away to Maritzburg United in the Telkom Knockout last 16 on Saturday. On the same day, Wits beat Free State Stars 1 – 0 away. The Students have also displayed good form in the league collecting 17 points from nine games to top the table. Hunt, though, does not want his side to be tagged favourites ahead of tonight’s clash.
Maritzburg United coach Fadlu Davids has ruled out a possibility of Ernst Middendorp returning to the club after he was spotted sitting with Team of Choice officials and players over the weekend. The German, widely respected in South Africa after coaching several Premier Soccer League teams in recent years, enjoyed a few successful years over two spells at the Harry Gwala Stadium. Davids admits he would love to work with Middendorp again, but says that an immediate reunion was impossible.
As the hype builds-up to the sold-out Soweto Derby on Saturday afternoon at FNB stadium, the focus has now turned to Orlando Pirates assistant coach Rulani Mokwena’s comments on Monday that their Kaizer Chiefs bench is technically poor without it’s former coach Steve Komphela. Mokwena, a self-confessed protégé of Komphela, made these comments during the club’s media open day at Rand stadium. Yesterday at the Absa Premiership organized press conference at the PSL offices, Chiefs head coach Giovanni Solinas met the media for the first time and interestingly he feels that the media could be blowing this out of proportion. He appeared to be irritated when he was asked by journalists about Mokwena’s comments and he also doesn’t believe that this will affect his players ahead of Saturday’s game. Chiefs captain and number one goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has dismissed as mind games the statements made by Mokwena.
With the Soweto derby just around the corner, Orlando Pirates coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic says his troops are ready for war against their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs. Speaking to the media at a joint press conference held at the PSL headquarters in Parktown today, "Micho" says the mood is at an all time high going into this highly anticipated clash against Amakhosi.
Kaizer Chiefs mentor Giovanni Solinas says derbies all around the world are special events and the Soweto derby is no different. The Italian born gaffer will face Amakhosi 's biggest foes Orlando Pirates for the first time this Saturday and says he is aware that this is undoubtedly the biggest fixture on domestic football calendar, even going as far as terming it "a football party". The two giants will clash at FNB Stadium in what will be their 164th meeting since their maiden one back in 1970. Kick-off is at 3:30pm.
Bloemfontein Celtic Coach Steve Komphela says his team is soldiering on despite the challenges they are facing this season. Celtic have started the season well lying in fifth position with 14 points, three points off the pace with a match in hand. They have been affected by off the field problems of non-payment of players and staff as well as the persistent rumours of impending club sale. The Free State team also showed character and guts when they narrowly lost 1-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Telkom cup first round. They also lost a key defender Alfred Ndengane to Orlando Pirates few weeks ago. Ndengane was the August ABSA premiership Player of the Month and Komphela says he left a big void.
Focused as he may be, Orlando Pirates midfield maestro Ben Motshwari is under no illusions about the significance of the rivalry between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs as the two sides square off in one of the biggest clashes in domestic football calendar this weekend. A string of quality performances this season has seen Motshwari become one of the key players in Mlutin Sredojevic’s line-up and the 27 year is relishing the prospect of playing his first Soweto derby. With the game sold out already last week, Motshwari says he is unfazed about playing in front of a 90 000 crowd for the first time. Despite keeping the likes of reigning Club Player Of The season Musa Nyatama and Marshall Munetsi on the bench, Motshwari maintains his place is not secure. The diminutive midfielder has featured in every minute of the team’s fixtures since missing the opening two games of the season. A far cry from the campaign he had last season at Bidvest Wits where he featured only nine times the entire season, something Motshwari attributes to a renewed sense of confidence instilled in him during preseason as he looks to successfully endear himself to the Sea Robbers faithful. Saturday’s derby will mark the 164th meeting between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in competitive matches‚ with Amakhosi still holding the upper hand overall but without a victory in the last four years. Chiefs have won 67 derbies whilst Pirates have won 39 times. There have been 52 draws and five abandoned matches.
The Department of Sport and Recreation will intervene on the South African Broadcasting Corporation and the South African Football Association television rights debacle. The contract between the two parties expired in May and they have still not reached a consensus regarding the new deal. SABC failed to show the Bafana Bafana vs Seychelles Africa Cup of nations qualifier match at FNB stadium more than a week ago, but did flight the return leg after acquiring the rights from a third party. Director-General Aleck Moemi elaborates. SAFA is reported to be demanding R 110 million a year for the public broadcaster to hold the rights for all the national teams, while the cash-strapped SABC is said to be offering R10 million. Moemi says they will use an independent evaluator to determine the value of the rights. The Springboks rugby national team has not been televised live on the public broadcaster in recent times. The matches are always delayed live after the match has finished. Moemi says the status quo is very unfortunate. The pay channel has got the rights to almost all the high profile sporting codes, while other television stations have to acquire or sub-licence rights from them. Moemi says the current ICASA (Independent Communications Authority of South Africa) regulations need to be reviewed to give other stations an opportunity to broadcast big sporting codes.
Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Clinton Larsen says all they can do now is focus on improving their Absa Premiership position ahead of their game against Free State Stars tonight. Abafana Bes’thende were knocked out of the Telkom Knockout by Baroka FC this past weekend, meaning they only have league matters to attend to for the remainder of 2018. They are presently 10th on the table, one place below their ninth-placed hosts Ea Lla Koto, who were also first-round losers in the League Cup competition at the weekend. Larsen says they will now work hard on trying to climb higher up the table in a competition that matters the most. The game at Goble Park will be Arrows’ second game in a busy eight day period, that ends with another trip to the north, a long one too to Mbombela where they are scheduled to face SuperSport United on Sunday. Larsen says the way they manage their squad in between games is key to the results of their next two matches. Larsen remains confident in his youngsters too. He feels they continue to embrace the challenge of being thrown into the deep end, which was something he was not even always doing out of choice, but rather through an injury situation to his thin squad. But the club has shown over the last three years that they have some of the best talent in the country after winning the Reserve League twice since its inception. The Abafana Bes’thende boss has praised the maturity of these players.
Baroka FC head Coach Wedson Nyirenda was happy to see his players who were participating in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers translate their national teams form at the club. Baroka progressed to the Last eight round of the Telkom knockout cup this past weekend with the help of their international players Talent Chawapihwa and Onkabetsi Makgantai on the pitch. The two were with Zimbabwe and Botswana respectively in the AFCON qualifiers. Speaking on Chawapihwa who assisted both goals in the 2-0 win over Golden Arrows, Nyirenda says the midfielder has shown excellent form. The cup win was Baroka’s first in four matches having struggled for results in the Absa premiership. After months under Nyirenda, Bakgaga, who were last night drawn to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarter-finals, lie 15th on the Absa Premiership log with seven points from 10 games. The former Zambia national team mentor emphasises his charges can do better. The 51 year old also spoke about the importance of having a development side that assists him in giving him options for different competitions. Nyirenda fielded a fairly young and fresh squad against Arrows and he was happy with how they jelled with the senior players.
South African Football Association (SAFA) Vice President Ria Ledwaba says the Association is hard at work to resolve matters between them and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). South African fans experienced a national team black out on all SABC Radio stations and Television when the Senior National Team thrashed Seychelles 6-0 in a 2019 AFCON qualifier a fortnight ago. This follows a breakdown in negotiations for a new contract for broadcast rights of Bafana Bafana matches. Ledwaba says SAFA President Danny Jordan is looking into other options to try and resolve the matter. Meanwhile the ruling party African National Congress (ANC) last week called for the stand-off to end between SAFA and the SABC for the benefit of the public. SAFA has rejected a R10m offer from the national broadcaster and want R110m annually for the broadcast rights. The ANC says South African needs to watch the national team on public broadcaster platforms. Asked how the Association plans to respond to this call, Ledwaba again trusted in Jordan’s competence saying he has dealt with these issues during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Kaizer Chiefs had better expertise on its technical bench last season compared to now, the only difference now is that it’s got better playing personnel. This is the view of Orlando Pirates assistant coach Rulani “Mourinho” Mokwena ahead of the first and much anticipated Soweto derby at FNB stadium on Saturday. Mokwena, a self-confessed protégé of former Chiefs coach Steve Komphela says Amakhosi were better organized and coached under Komphela’s reign. Solinas was not part of the coaches who had been shortlisted to replace Komphela at Chiefs after the former Bafana Bafana captain resigned in May this year after he had failed to win some silverware in three seasons. The Italian born coach was brought in as a last resort as Amakhosi panicked before the start of this new season. Mokwena says the only difference is that Chiefs has signed better quality players under Solinas. Whilst Komphela’s Chiefs team came across as being more defensive, Solinas is seen as a more offensive coach in terms of his playing style but lacking in defensive organization. Mokwena analyses the two contrasting philosophies.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Giovanni Solinas is hoping that most of the regulars who were not in action in the Telkom Knockout last 16 match against Black Leopards will be available for the Soweto Derby this weekend. Solinas made seven changes to the team that started without leading players like Khama Billiat, Lebogang Manyama, Leonardo Castro, Itumeleng Khune, Daniel Cardoso and many more. It took penalties for Chiefs to advance to the last eight and against Orlando Pirates at FNB stadium on Saturday, Solinas stops short of saying he needs his regulars back. The absence of the Chiefs regulars also showed that Amakhosi are lacking depth in their squad as Solinas was not entirely happy with the performance of the team on the day. Billiat has score five goals and provided four assists in 13 matches for Chiefs season compared to the three goals and two assists of Castro in only nine games so far this season. Another notable absentee was Dumisani Zuma in the Chiefs attack and Solinas appears to be saying without these players, his attack is toothless.
AmaZulu coach Cavin Johnson says he has little choice but to put his best team forward when they host Cape Town City in the opening round of the Telkom Knockout in Umlazi tonight. Usuthu are bottom of the Absa Premiership table heading into the game, and four days after taking on the Citizens at the King Zwelithini Stadium, they have arguably a more pressing league fixture against the same opposition in Cape Town. Usuthu have not been bad at all this season. In fact their bottom position on the league standings is not a true reflection of where they should be. Their real position is 11th, but a six-point docking by the PSL, upon instruction by FIFA, for a player dispute dating back to 2014 has left them in a relegation fight. Johnson, though, says the confidence remains high ahead of the clash with City, who just under a month ago won the first cup competition of the 2018/19 domestic season. Despite Benni McCarthy-lead City winning the MTN8, their form in the league has been worse than AmaZulu this season. Out of eight games, they have won just once, lost thrice and drawn four times. It has left them precariously placed in 14th position, but Johnson insists they are a quality team that has progressed immensely under the guidance of the former Bafana Bafana striker. It is also never ideal to play the same opposition within the space of so few days. It means both coaches will have their work cut out in terms of tactics and trying to outwit each other. Johnson says the advantage for him in the cup is that they are at home, adding that they needed to make the most of playing in front of their home fans.
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane was unhappy with the officiating in their 1-0 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic, in the Telkom knockout first round match at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville last night. Uruguayan midfielder Gaston Sirino scored the only goal in the second half to elevate his team to the quarterfinals. Mosimane also suspects that Sirino’s goal might have been offside.
Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Clinton Larsen has lamented their current injury crisis, saying it is a tough situation for the club ahead of their Telkom Knockout last 16 encounter away at Baroka FC tomorrow. Star young duo Zolani Nkombelo and Velemseni Ndwandwe had already been ruled out until the new year, but after the international break, Abafana Bes’thende saw other key first eleven players Mzwandile Buthelezi, Divine Lunga and Danny Venter all sustain injuries that have ruled them out for the next few games. Larsen admits that replacing them will be tough.
The 2018 Telkom Knockout will get underway this weekend with Bidvest Wits going into their encounter against Free State Stars as defending champions. On being pitted against Ea Lla Koto, Wits head coach Gavin Hunt says he could have predicted the matchup as the two sides have faced off in the competition twice over the past two seasons. The Clever Boys are eager to get to Bethlehem and defend their title as they face Stars. Hunt says he is expecting a tough encounter again tomorrow.
One of the reasons Kaizer Chiefs went for a coach with PSL experience when they appointed Giovanni Solinas late in July was because they wanted a coach who will hit the ground running. The Amakhosi hierarchy had hoped to go all the way in the MTN8, just to satisfy the supporters following a three-year drought under Steve Komphela. Unfortunately, they were eliminated in the semi-finals by Supersport United. On Sunday, Chiefs take on Black Leopards in the Telkom Knockout last 16 match at FNB stadium and Solinas knows very well what is expected by the Amakhosi faithful.
Highlands Park Coach Owen Da Gama says the Telkom knockout cup brings good memories to him. He was speaking at the press conference ahead of his team’s clash against Maritzburg United, at Harry Gwala stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday (kick-off 8pm). Da Gama won the inaugural Telkom cup when he was still at Platinum Stars when they were still called Silver Stars in 2006. Stars beat Ajax Cape Town 3-1 with Simba Marumo scoring a hat trick with current Maritzburg United Coach Fadlu Davids assisting in two goals.
The international break provides a platform for players who have been struggling with their form to fine tune themselves especially if they are not part of their respective national teams. But for those players who have been called up by their national team coaches, it’s also an opportunity to use that platform to shine. And this is exactly what Zambian international Justin Shonga has done at the recent African Nations Cup qualifiers against Guinea Bissau last week. He scored two goals against the West African country, he’s now scored three goals in three matches for Chipolopolo compared to the one goal in 10 matches for Orlando Pirates this season. Bucs coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic is banking on the 21year-old transferring his international form to the club starting with Saturday’s Telkom Knockout quarterfinal against Chippa United at Orlando stadium.
Absa Premier League and Telkom Knock Out game with resume this weekend as Highlands Park will lock horn with Maritzburg United this coming Friday at Harry Gwala Stadium 20h00. This will be one of TKO clashes. Highlands head coach Owen Da Gama says that for his side every game is important.
South African Football Association (SAFA) President in Limpopo Jack Maluleke says the region is waiting on an award from the association’s arbitrator for this season’s ABC Motsepe league to start. The season was supposed to have started on the weekend of 22/23 September 2018 but issues of expulsion which are at a tribunal have delayed proceedings. Two clubs who are now under new ownership this season TTM now Musina United and Ablex United formerly Joe Maweja did not honour their first three fixtures last campaign and were expelled from the league. Ablex are appealing their expulsion. Last month Maluleke was confident the league would start without any hassles despite the arbitration case. The last session for arguments in this case was last week Friday in Johannesburg. Maluleke says they are expecting a verdict on this matter at least by Friday 19 October 2018.
Bafana Bafana captain Thulani “Tyson” Hlatshwayo has expressed his disappointment after his team’s failure to return with the full six points from Seychelles. Bafana were held to a goalless draw yesterday by the Islanders who are ranked 116 places below them in the latest FIFA rankings. Hlatshwayo scored one of the goals during the 6-0 drubbing of the Seychelles team at FNB stadium last Saturday but yesterday they failed to score a single goal. The Bidvest Wits captain is aware that getting the required points in the next two games is going to be very difficult especially after Nigeria beat Libya 3-2 in Tunisia Tuesday night.
Bafana Bafana registered their biggest win since South Africa’s readmission into international football in 1992 after humiliating Seychelles beating them 6-0 in an African Nations Cup (AFCON) 2019 qualifier played at the FNB stadium yesterday (13 October 2018). Playing in front of empty stands and in rainy conditions, Bafana dominated the game from start till the finish against a team that is ranked 116 places below them. An own goal and goals from captain Thulani “Tyson” Hlatshwayo, Lebo Mothiba, Percy Tau, Dino Ndlovu and Teboho Mokoena were enough to secure the result. Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter was all smiles after this result.
Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter is going for a tried and tested starting line-up tomorrow in the 2019 African Nations Cup qualifier against Seychelles at FNB stadium in Johannesburg (15:00). He’s most likely to stick to the back four that he played against Libya next month. Dean Furman and Kamohelo Mokotjo’s combination in the midfield will continue tomorrow. Speaking just before their last training session this morning, Baxter discusses his approach for tomorrow’s game. It’s the combination of Lebo Mothiba and Percy Tau upfront that millions of South Africans are looking forward to. The two players are on form for their respective teams in France and Belgium, having scored seven goals and provided five assists in the last five matches between the two of them. Baxter is looking forward to unleashing Mothiba.
Chinese based striker Dino Ndlovu has been out of the national team set-up since last year when Bafana Bafana failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup that was held recently in Russia. In the three World Cup qualifiers last year against Burkina Faso and Senegal (x2), he was part of the squad but only played four minutes in all those games combined. As the national team prepares to meet Seychelles in an African Nations Cup 2019 qualifier at FNB stadium on Saturday, speaking before training at the match venue this afternoon----Ndlovu says these next two matches are not about him but the national team getting six points. Bafana play Seychelles on Saturday at 15:00 and meet them against in Victoria on Tuesday afternoon, Stuart Baxter’s team could move to the top of Group E with six points from the two games and that’s something Ndlovu and his national teammates are looking forward to. The former Bloemfontein Celtic and Mamelodi Sundowns striker is also excited about the role played by former Bafana striker Shaun Bartlett is playing working with strikers in this camp.
Bafana Bafana are only left with today morning’s training session before their Saturday afternoon’s 2019 African Nations Cup qualifier against Seychelles at the FNB stadium and coach Stuart Baxter is still undecided on his starting line-up. The injuries to crucial players this week has contributed to Baxter’s indecisiveness when it comes to squad selection but speaking before this afternoon’s training session at the match venue, the Briton born coach is up to something. Questions were asked as to why Baxter has gone for Cape Town City’s Gift Links in replacing the injured Sibusiso Vilakazi but he explains that because he’s already lost a left-footed attacker in Vincent Pule, there’s been no choice but to balance the attack of the team.
Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter has been forced to ruing in more changes to his squad ahead of the two all-important 2019 African Nations Cup qualifiers against Seychelles on Saturday and next Tuesday. Injuries to Mamelodi Sundowns right wing back Thapelo Morena and Orlando Pirates midfielder Vincent Pule have forced Baxter to call-up Cape Town City captain Thamsanqa Mkhize and Bucs’ attacker Thembinkosi Lorch as replacements. Bafana were already reeling from injuries to some of their overseas based star players but Baxter is confident that replacements will be equal to the task at hand. Group E has been rocked by the latest news coming from the Libyan camp that their national team head coach Adel Amrouche has resigned from his job just few days before their game against Nigeria in Kaduna. Libya and Bafana are tied on four points with the North Africans leading the group on a superior goal difference. The top two teams automatically qualify for Cameroon next year and Belgian based attacker Percy Tau believes that Bafana stand a good chance of being one of the 24 nations in the AFCON next year.
Bafana Bafana have been dealt a major blow with the injury to one of their key attackers Sibusiso “General” Vilakazi. The Mamelodi Sundowns attacker raptured his Achilles’ tendon during Bafana’s training match against Supersport United at the Megawatt Park yesterday. Head coach Stuart Baxter has since called up Cape Town City winger Gift Links to replace Vilakazi for the two 2019 African Nations Cup qualifiers against Seychelles. Bafana host Seychelles in the first game at FNB stadium on Saturday afternoon (15:00), a game that Baxter thinks they will have to play with some intensity.
New Bafana Bafana call-up Thabo Nodada is excited by his elevation into the national team, saying he is not just there to make up the numbers. The 23-year-old received his maiden call-up by coach Stuart Baxter nine days ago and is now set to feature in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against minnows Seychelles over the next week. South Africa play the Pirates on Saturday in Johannesburg, before the away leg on Tuesday. Cape Town City midfielder Nodada is looking forward to it.
Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy says credit must go to his chairman John Comitis on the braveness he showed last season when appointing McCarthy in his first head coach role. After 474 days of his appointment, McCarthy lifted his first trophy as a coach, as City beat SuperSport United in the MTN8 final in Durban two weeks ago. But while McCarthy admits it was a risk for Comitis to appoint him at the time, he says it was a calculated risk as McCarthy has been spending the past few years re-educating himself as a coach, and getting his UEFA Pro Licence.
Former Bafana Bafana striker and AmaTuks head coach Shaun Bartlett has been roped in to the senior men’s national team’s technical staff for this 2019 Africans Nations Cup camp preparing to play Seychelles. This was confirmed by the Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter at the team’s arrival press conference in Sandton. SABC Sport understands that it’s SAFA President Danny Jordaan idea that the former national team players should be involved with Bafana. Previously former Manchester United Quinton Fortune worked as Baxter’s second assistant coach and now it’s Bartlett’s turn. Baxter had previously shown interest in working with Orlando Pirates assistant coach Rulani Mokwena but that couldn’t happen due to his commitments at the club. Baxter said it was easy to rope in Bartlett because he was free and available after he had been fired at AmaTuks at the end of last season. He also confirms that Bartlett was his choice. Baxter also raised eyebrows last week when he announced a late call-up of Supersport United utility player Aubrey Modiba, two days after the squad had been announced. This was also a day after Modiba had scored a well taken free-kick against Polokwane City in an Absa Premiership game last Tuesday. Baxter explains this call-up. Mental strength will be very important for Bafana going to these two matches starting at FNB stadium at 15:00 on Saturday and next week in Victoria in Seychelles. The Islanders are the whipping boys of Group E after losing 5-1 to Libya and 3-0 to Nigeria respectively in the first two matches. But where does this put Bafana’s mental strength.
Bafana Bafana international midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo this past weekend produced a man of the match performance for his English Championship side Brentford and he’s hoping to take that form to the 2019 African Nations Cup qualifiers against Seychelles this weekend. Mokotjo led Brentford to a hard fought 1-all draw at third placed and Marcelo Bielsa-coached Leeds United side. Speaking at Bafana’s arrival press conference at the team hotel in Sandton, Mokotjo looks back at his performances in the UK where his side is currently seventh on the log after only 12 matches played. The former FC Twente and Feyenoord player made his international debut under Gordon Igesund back in 2012 but he counts only 11 international caps since. Mokotjo (27), a Supersport United product believes that his time is coming. Mokotjo started alongside Dean Furman during the goalless draw against Libya last month, with Hlompho Kekana back in contention for this game, it will be interesting if Baxter continues with that combination. He looks back at what went wrong in that game.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says that South African referees are protected and unaccountable. He said this after his team drew 1-1 with Bidvest Wits in a league match yesterday. Mosimane has been complaining about the poor officiating in their last few matches. Mosimane says many teams have benefited from the poor officiating in the past few matches. The former Bafana Bafana coach says it would be great if referees and coaches were to sit together and talk about the issues affecting the game. Mosimane also indirectly says that he is being targeted for his achievements and also going as far as claiming that there are people who want to silence him. He also added that his team has never benefited from poor officiating.
Baroka FC head coach Wedson Nyirenda was impressed with Toriq Losper’s showing in his first match in green yesterday at the Peter Mokaba stadium. Losper was one of the five changes Nyirenda made for the goalless draw against SuperSport United in the Absa premiership following a poor run of form. The 26 year old arrived in Limpopo last month as a free agent after leaving Ajax Cape Town last season. Nyirenda however admits that the midfielder is not match fit however there is potential for improvement.
Chippa United coach Eric Tinkler hopes to keep the momentum going when the Chilli Boyz face Highlands Park in an Absa Premiership encounter away at the Makhulong Stadium, Tembisa tomorrow evening. Tinkler, who joined the Port Elizabeth side following Dan Malesela’s sacking in August, is making efforts to improve the team performance. When Tinkler arrived in Port Elizabeth the Chilli Boyz had only a point from three matches and has led the team to a three-match unbeaten streak collecting seven points out of a possible nine.
Orlando Pirates missed an opportunity to return to the summit of the Absa Premiership when they were held to a goalless draw last night by Golden Arrows at Orlando stadium. In a game where the visitors had better scoring chances despite Pirates having a lion’s share of ball possession, the ghost left disappointed after braving chilly weather conditions on the night. It was only for the second time this season that Pirates produced a clean sheet but head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic was not impressed with his attack on the night.Arrows had some decent chances on the night and could’ve easily stolen this game for a rare win over Pirates but they were also not clinical in the final third. Head coach Clinton Larsen considers this result as two points dropped.
Kaizer Chiefs Coach Giovanni Solinas says their tomorrow match against Polokwane City at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban will be like a funeral. Chiefs will play their league match against the Limpopo side behind closed doors after they were ordered to play two home matches without their fans as part of punishment for the riot at the same venue in April this year, when fans invaded the pitch and damaged the stadium. Chiefs are sitting in third position with 14 points from nine matches. They have won three times, drawn five times and lost only once so far. Amakhosi have dropped 13 points despite being in third spot. But Solinas is not concerned about their league position.
Highlands Park have signed Tshwane University of Technology Elliot Seema to bolster their team. They are also assessing former Orlando Pirates midfielder Issa Sarr with a view of signing him. Coach Owen Da Gama also confirmed that former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Abia Nale is no longer training with them.
Clinton Larsen admits Lamontville Golden Arrows face an uphill task to try and topple Absa Premiership front-runners Orlando Pirates in Soweto this evening. The Buccaneers have won three out of their past four, whilst Arrows on the other hand are winless since the opening game when they beat Maritzburg United. It has left them in 11th spot on the standings. They last drew at home with Chippa United over a week ago and Larsen says the extended break in the programme due to the MTN8 final has given them more time to prepare. Pirates are continuing their renaissance under Milutin Sredojevic – the Serb who took charge at the Orlando Stadium at the start of last season. They impressed for most of 2017/18 and finished runners-up in the league. This year they look even better with the 49-year-old drawing some excellent form from his players. They have won four out of their eight games, drawn two and lost two for a total of 14 points. Larsen says the system Micho, as Sredojevic is nicknamed, plays is an extremely rewarding one that forces opposition teams to think out of the box. Larsen usually targets seven to eight points every five games but he is unconcerned about their points. His biggest worry is the four goals they have scored this season, although he remains encouraged by the number of chances they are creating.
Four aspiring soccer players are having a time of their lives training with Spanish giants FC Barcelona. Nkanyiso Maphosa, Khanyeza Maphosa, Sahail Moosa and Zara Wilkinson, are all learning football’s finer points while training with one of Europe’s top clubs at its La Masia Academy. This is part of the quartet’s incentive for winning Gauteng’s Future Players and Coach Talent searches. The players who are all 16 years-old, will spend seven days in Spain. White City Spurs’ coach Andile Zulu, who was also identified, has accompanied the four. Nkanyezi, who is Khanyeza Maphosa ‘s twin brothers shares his dream experience. Asked about how the Spanish people are, Nkanyezi says there is more humanity and welcoming, saying Sergio Aguero is proof of that. Along visiting Barcelona's famed La Masia Academy, the five South Africans will also visit an Espanyol training session with Girona's academy before returning home. They are also given an opportunity to enjoy the Barcelona seniors play Athletico Bilbao in a LaLiga match in Camp Nou. The International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) in 2016 ranked La Masia as second to Real Madrid’s academy for producing the most top-level-players in the world. Time spent at La Masia will be invaluable for the South African Future Players and Future Coach.
Bidvest Wits will be looking to bounce back top of the log when they face newly crowned MTN 8 champions, Cape Town City, tonight. The game will take place at Athlone stadium, which would see City with an added advantage after impressing at Moses Mabhida stadium on Saturday night, 29 September. For the Clever Boys, they come to the game having not played a match in the last 11 days, making Coach Gavin Hunt not so at ease. Wits have been creating a lot of chances but have been difficult to convert. Attacking midfielder, Mxolisi Macuphu, who was recently called up for Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier camp against Libya is the key midfielder in the park. The 29-year-old says they are working on how to secure points. Another attacking midfielder who is responsible for creating chances at Wits is right-winger Hashim Domingo. The 23-year-old has recently signed a three-year deal with Portugal’s second tier, Vitória SC. B. It will be his first game in his home city Cape Town since 2015 when he moved to Portugal from Ajax.
Benni McCarthy has ranked his first trophy as a football coach in the same bracket as winning the European Champions League. The Bafana Bafana legend also compared guiding Cape Town City the MTN8 title to his highest accolades achieved as a player at both club and national level, which included scoring at the World Cup and hitting four goals in one match at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1998. McCarthy is one of the country’s best foreign exports, with Champions League success with Portuguese side Porto widely seen as his career highlight. Now McCarthy says he has another one.
Mental strength will play a key role in tomorrow evening’s (19:00) MTN8 final showdown between Supersport United and Cape Town City at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban. This is according to United’s head coach Kaitano Tembo ahead as he looks forward to another clash between the two teams. This is a third cup final clash in a space of 18 months between the two teams with City having won the Telkom Knockout and Amatsatsansa claiming last year’s Wafa-Wafa title. Interestingly, Eric Tinkler was the winning coach on both occasions. With all these dynamics, Tembo who was number two to Tinkler last season says this final will require some calm heads. United went all the way to the penalty kicks last year to win this trophy, they had to rely on the penalty specialist Ronwen Williams to carry them through. City also pride themselves in having a credible penalty stopper in Peter Leeuwenburgh as seen recently in the semi-finals against Mamelodi Sundowns. But Tembo is banking on Williams to do what he does best should they go to penalties. United went all the way to the penalty kicks last year to win this trophy, they had to rely on the penalty specialist Ronwen Williams to carry them through. City also pride themselves in having a credible penalty stopper in Peter Leeuwenburgh as seen recently in the semi-finals against Mamelodi Sundowns. But Tembo is banking on Williams to do what he does best should they go to penalties.
Cape Town City assistant coach Vasili Manousakis remains optimistic that Tokelo Rantie will be able to make his debut in the MTN8 final against SuperSport United in Durban on Saturday. The Bafana Bafana striker has been injured ever since making his big move to the Citizens during the winter transfer window. His name has come up in all the press opportunities building up to the clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium and it was no different when the assistant coaches of the two finalists faced up to the media today. Manousakis says head coach Benni McCarthy wants Rantie to play. Apart from Rantie, the club will also have to make do without Taariq Fielies, who is suspended. But Manousakis confirmed that everyone else was fit and ready to play the game, which will determine where the first piece of silverware in the 2018/19 season goes.
The recent SAFA Gauteng ABC Motsepe League promotion play-offs are mired in controversy and Ekurhuleni side XI Experience are in the middle of it. The North West University-Vaal Campus football team is questioning the score of the game between XI Experience and Sandton Super Stars which was reported to be 8-2. They are also accusing the SAFA Gauteng provincial office of not punishing XI Experience accordingly for assaulting match officials. Both teams were vying for promotion in June this year and the provincial office have responded. SABC Sport senior journalist Velile Mbuli has been following this story and has compiled this report.
Bloemfontein Celtic coach Steve Komphela calls for supporters and football lovers alike to pray for Bloemfontein Celtic. The Free State outfit still finds itself in turmoil as players have been on strike since last week. This followed the failure to pay sign-on fees owed to players by club boss Max Tshabalala and their strike action continues into its second week. This is the third time a strike of this nature happens this year. In March and July this year players went on strike, and this was also linked to outstanding salaries and signing on fees. The club is once again up for sale and Tshabalala is back at the helm after the proposed sale of the club to business people Sinki Leshababane and Moeketsi Mosola fell through due to contractual breaches. Komphela is saddened by the clubs current embattled situation. Celtic suffered their first defeat, 1-0 to Maritzburg United in an Absa Premiership match at the Dr Molemela Stadium this past weekend. The side has played six matches and have registered four wins, one draw and one loss. They are only a point shy off log leaders Orlando Pirates with the Buccaneers having two games in hand. Komphela hopes their first loss this season is not the turning point for bad results.
Supersport United Coach Kaitano Tembo is very relaxed ahead of the MTN 8 cup final against Cape Town City in Durban on Saturday. Supersport registered a morale boosting 4-0 win against Black Leopards in Atteridgeville yesterday (). Tembo is not losing sleep for being in charge of the team for the first time in a final
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Giovanni Solinas made headlines after their 2-0 win over Free State Stars last week when he bowed to his star player Khama Billiat after he had substituted him. Following another convincing 2-0 win over Amazulu this past weekend at the FNB stadium, Solinas bowed to Billiat again and he was asked what does this mean. And his answer is simple, what Lionel Messi is to Barcelona, that’s what Billiat is to Amakhosi.
Swallows FC's chairman and Gauteng MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi has assured the Birds supporters that the team is working hard on the way back to top flight football. The former Premier Soccer League (PSL) side are currently campaigning in the ABC Motsepe League after suffering relegation from the PSL and NFD over the years, but Lesufi is still eager to ensure the sleeping giant of South African football rises again.
Maritzburg United picked up their first win of the season this past Sunday when they beat a troubled Bloemfontein Celtic one-nil in Bloemfontein. Fladu Davids's side has struggled since the start of the season. From five matches played in the Absa Premiership, Maritzburg has only picked up one win, lost in two games and drew in two. Three point this past Sunday moves Maritzburg to thirteenth position away from the bottom of the log. At the start of the season the side lost many players and had to make many new signings. Davids feels that after rebuilding a new team it takes time for players to find their rhythm as a unit.
Orlando Pirates head coach Milutin Sredojevic says his players need to prove they are not cry-babies. Sredojevic said this on the back of Prates’ 2-1 league victory over Baroka FC where he blamed fatigue from a hectic schedule for their recent results. The Soweto side has been struggling with game management in their last two fixtures the 2-2 draw with Cape Town City and the win in Polokwane. The coach is aware that the calendar is not going to get easy with continental competitions still coming.
Mamelodi Sundowns reserve team Coach David Notoane is confident that his team will beat Orlando Pirates, when they meet at Makhulong stadium in Tembisa this afternoon. The match will be part of a festival that will also include two other games. Notoane says the Buccaneers are a very young team. Sundowns are sitting in fifth position having played two matches winning against Maritzburg United and drawing against Amazulu. Pirates are in 14th position having lost against KZN teams Amazulu and Golden Arrows. Notoane says he does not know what to expect from them.
Ajax Cape Town returned to the top of the National First Division (NFD) table yesterday, with a 2-1 win against Maccabi FC at the Cape Town Stadium. Ajax started on the back-foot when a comedy of errors in defence, led to Mokeri Senwamadi giving the visitors the lead. But Cameroonian Guy-Stephane Bedi found the equalizer before halftime, and then Thendo Mukumela headed in the winning goal early in the second half. Ajax coach Muhsin Ertugral says it was pretty much one-way traffic after the early error, and says his team should have put the game to bed earlier.
The Premier Soccer League is threatening to take legal action against the recent partnership between the South African Football Association and OUTsurance. SAFA last week announced a five-year sponsorship deal worth R50 million rand, which is a first of its kind for match officials. PSL Chairman Irvin Khoza says the partnership is in conflict with their sponsors. PSL is sponsored by ABSA, MTN, Telkom and Nedbank which are pumping millions of rand. The league has been embarking in a series of meetings since the announcement to map a way forward. Khoza says the sponsorship worth just R50 million rand is likely to diminish the value of sponsorships in future. Khoza also confirmed that the insurance company approached them last year in December for a possible partnership with them but they rejected the overtures. Referees were not allowed to wear any colours or sponsorship in their shirt but later FIFA relaxed the rules. Khoza says they are not against the sponsorship but their disagreement is over the advertising on match official’s shirts. The chairman outlines why the deal is in contravention with the world governing body FIFA rules.
Supersport United player Aubrey Modiba says his team is focusing on the league and the MTN 8 final ahead of the big cup final against Cape Town City at the end of the month. Matsatsantsa will clash against Black Leopards in a league match in Atteridgeville on Sunday. The Bafana Bafana international says their focus will not be divided.Supersport lost 3-1 to Orlando Pirates last weekend after they bundled Kaizer Chiefs out of the MTN 8 competition. Modiba says it will be nice to approach a final having won a match as a morale booster.
With an eye at a record fifth and second consecutive COSAFA Women’s Championship title, South Africa come into their semifinal tie against Uganda at Wolfson stadium this afternoon (15:30) with only one objective – to win. Qualifying to the semifinals with three comfortable wins to top Group A, Banyana Banyana refuse to underestimate the Crested Cranes of Uganda that are competing at this tournament for the very first time. Coach Desiree Ellis has emphasized the need to respect all their opponents.
Orlando Pirates walked away with a point at Orlando stadium last night after playing to a 2 all draw with Cape Town City. Pirates had a good start, opening the game with two goals within a space of 16 minutes but the Citizens had a great comeback on the second half. The Buccaneers head Coach Milton Sredojevic says they are disappointed.
Bloemfontein Celtic Coach Steve Komphela says the whole country must throw their weight behind the embattled Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter. The Englishman was heavily criticized after his team played to a goalless draw against Libya in the Africa cup of nations qualifier in Durban two weeks ago. But Komphela says it is easy to criticize from outside.
Orlando Pirates will face Cape Town City in the Absa Premier League clash at Orlando Stadium tonight (Wednesday, 19 Sep 2018, 19h30) at Orlando Stadium. The Buccaneers will be without their striker Thamsanqa Gabuza, who is still serving a suspension subsequent his red card against Black Leopards last month. Pirates head Coach Milutin Sredojevic says that his side is equipped.
Free State Stars host Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs at the Goble Park Stadium in Bethlehem tonight, 18 Sep 2018, kick off 19:30. The struggling Stars will be aiming to neutralise the high flying Naturena boys. Stars are desperate for a win after a three-match winless run. In their last league match over the weekend, Stars lost 1-0 to Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Coach Luc Eymael is a concerned man ahead of tonight’s clash.
Banyana Banyana have cruised to the COSAFA Women’s Championships semi-finals after humiliating Malawi 6-0 during the last Group A game played at the Wolfson stadium in Port Elizabeth yesterday, 17 Sep 2018. In what was Janine Van Wyk’s record 150th game, her teammate at Houston Dash in the US, Linda Motlhalo scored a hat-trick to walk away with the lady of the match award. The win sees Banyana maintaining a 100% winning record in the tournament and finish on top of Group A with nine points. They will meet Group C winners Uganda in the last four on Thursday (15:30) and head coach Desiree Ellis was all smiles after this clinical performance.
Having finally picked up a win in the Absa Premiership after a fine 4-1 win against Cape Town City on the weekend, Kaizer Chiefs will be back in action tonight (Tuesday, 18 Sep 2018) when they travel to take on Free State Stars away at Goble Park. Stars are a team close to the heart of Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas, as they were the team that first brought him to South Africa. Solinas says he will forever be grateful to the Mokoena family and Ea Lla Koto supporters, but while he may have loved his time in Bethlehem, and hoping Stars have a good season, he will be looking for another win tonight.
Bloemfontein Celtic coach Steve Komphela and defender Alfred Ndengane were named the PSL's coach and player of the month for August. The duo was rewarded in recognition of Celtic's great start to the season, which has produced four victories and one draw. Komphela took charge of the side in the off-season. Komphela was happy to be recognized.
It was not a fairy-tale return home for Black Leopards when they lost 1-0 to Bloemfontein Celtic in the Absa premiership at the Thohoyandou stadium yesterday. Leopards started the match like a house on fire asking questions of Patrick Tignyemb however without success. In the 10th minute Celtic got an opportunity and Tshegofatso Mabasa buried the packed venue to silence with a one nil lead . Leopards continued to give Tignyemb problems but could not find the equaliser. Winning Coach Steve Komphela says he enjoyed the match and is happy with the victory.
Banyana Banyana captain Janine Van Wyk will play her record 150th international game for the South African women’s senior national football team when they take on Malawi in their last Group A COSAFA Women’s Championship game at the Wolfson stadium in Port Elizabeth today(15:30). With this milestone, Van Wyk will become the highest capped footballer in South Africa, COSAFA region and also highest capped female player in Africa as a whole. Van Wyk made her debut at senior international level during the African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) match against bitter rivals Nigeria in 2005 and 13 years later she says the ultimate dream is to qualify for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. Van Wyk will be playing only her second COSAFA Women’s Champs with Banyana sitting comfortably at the top of Group A with six points and only needing a draw against Malawi to confirm their place in the semi-finals. The 31year-old has spent two years playing for Houston Dash at the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the US and she’s confirmed that she will not be returning there next year.
Bloemfontein Celtic head coach Steve Komphela has been named as the Absa Premiership Coach of the Month for the month of August alongside the defender Alfred Ndengane who won the Absa Premiership Player of the Month for the month of August. Komphela has led his side to an unbeaten start to the 2018/2019 campaign with 4 wins and 1 draw from 5 games played and give credit to his fellow technical team.
Joel Masutha says everyone is brimming with confidence and excitement in the Black Leopards set-up ahead of their return to Thohoyandou. Leopards host Bloemfontein Celtic at Thohoyandou stadium in the Absa premiership this afternoon (15:00). This is the first time they use their preferred venue this season following months of renovations work. The Leopards head coach says it is time to remind people how good they are at home by getting maximum points in the match.
Former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Brian “Spiderman” Baloyi believes more school soccer leagues need to be introduced in South Africa to improve the standard of the game locally. The Alexandra born football legend was speaking at the 10th Investec Schools Soccer League finals played at the Nike Centre in Pimville, Soweto and says he himself is a product of schools football that went on to play at the highest level as well as represent Bafana Bafana and he would like to see the schools league spread throughout the other provinces. Standton “Stiga” Fredericks is another former player who plied his trade at Chiefs and Bidvest Wits taking a keen interest in grooming school footballers. Fredericks says it is important to groom well rounded footballers.
SuperSport coach Kaitano Tembo was clearly unhappy with his side’s showing and responded by bringing on forward James Keene for midfielder Teboho Mokoena, this was after he replaced Thuso Phala early in the first half . The substitutions might have had some impact to Matsatsantsa pushing forward but could not change the scoreboard. Tembo was very disappointed with the unimpressive defense of his team, who kept on opening gaps and allowing Pirates to cut through.
Orlando Pirates coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic says his charges played with a desire to get over the spell against SuperSport United. Pirates defeated Matsantsantsa a Pitori 3-1 at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto last night. The result pushed Amabhakaniya to the third position on the log with 10 points. Micho has more. Winger Vincent Pule put Pirates ahead in the 15th minute but Bongani Khumalo equalised in 70th. The goals from Thembinkosi Lorch and Ben Motshwari made it difficult for Supersport to come back.
Chippa United’s search for a win will continue when they host Baroka FC in an Absa Premiership match at Mdantsane’s Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London this afternoon. The Chilli Boyz coach Eric Tinkler alludes that they need to start converting their chances and turn their fortunes around. Tinkler asserts that they desperately need to move away from the bottom of the Absa Premiership table where they have just a point in four matches. The legendary Bafana Bafana midfielder has admitted that Bakgaga are a difficult team to play and reckons that they have good players, who can hurt them. Be that as it may, Tinkler insists his side is technically better but maintains that they need to use their chances.
Supersport United Coach Kaitano Tembo says his team will not be distracted by the cup final, when they take on Orlando Pirates in a league match at Orlando Stadium this evening (kick-off 8:15 pm). United will take on Cape Town City in the MTN 8 final in Durban at the end of the month. Matsatsantsa are currently lying fourth on the log with seven points in five games. The Tshwane team knocked the Buccaneers out of the MTN8 in the quarter-finals stage a few weeks ago. The two teams had played to a 2-all draw but Matsatsantsa won on penalty shootout. Tembo says he will adopt a cautious approach since they will be playing away.
Maritzburg United welcome the Absa Premiership log leaders Bidvest Wits to town this afternoon, and coach Fadlu Davids is wary of the threat they pose ahead of the game at the Harry Gwala Stadium. The Pietermaritzburg club are one of just four clubs yet to taste victory this season and it has left them in a slightly worrying 15th position heading into the game. They are not helped by the visit of the high-flying Students, who have already won four times this term and Davids admits it is almost a David versus Goliath situation for his club. Wits have already netted 10 times in their five matches, compared to the one goal scored by the Team of Choice in their defeat to Free State Stars. Their other defeat was against Lamontville Golden Arrows and Davids knows they have to be better, adding that they cannot afford to play with fear.
The clash against neighbours Botswana this afternoon, could prove to be Banyana Banyana’s toughest test yet in the COSAFA Women’s Championship Group stages. Fresh from winning their opening games, two teams meet at the Wolfson stadium in Port Elizabeth in a second Group A game at 15:30. Banyana will be boosted by the availability of the US based trio, captain Janine Van Wyk, free scoring attacker Thembi Kgatla and midfield queen Linda Motlhalo. The three Houston Dash players from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) will start on the bench again today, Van Wyk says the current Banyana group has got special players who know the journey ahead. Kgatlana was not only the player of the tournament when Banyana won their record fourth COSAFA Women’s Champs last year in Zimbabwe but the top goal scorer as well. She’s looking forward to to a good showing in this tournament, with realistic targets of the African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) and FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification. Coach Desiree Ellis has made four changes to the team that beat Madasgcar 2-1, bringing in Kaylin Swart at goals in the place of Andile Dlamini, Noko Matlou for Regina Mogolola. Nothando “Vivo” Vilakazi moves to the left-back in the place of suspended Thato Letsoso, with Chuene Morifi occupying the left-wing position. Gabriela Salgado comes in at right wing. For Motlhalo, this would be her first COSAFA Women’s Champs tournament and the 20year-old is eager to make her mark.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says his team will need to have the same mindset of believing that they can beat the All Blacks as they did last year in Cape Town ahead of their highly anticipated Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash in Wellington tomorrow. Kolisi believes it will be a boost for the team’s morale to have some of the players which were involved in that one point defeat at Newlands. The Springboks are yet to win an away match in this year’s competition and have not beaten the All Blacks in New Zealand in nine years. Kolisi acknowledges that the All Blacks have a very powerful pck of forwards but has challenged his team to do a lot of their work in trying to dominate the scrums and lineouts so that they can give their backs good possession to work with.
One of South Africa’s greatest football servants, Siyabonga ‘Bhele’ Nomvethe has announced his imminent retirement from the game. The 40-year-old forward told a media briefing in Durban today that the current season with Absa Premiership side AmaZulu will be his last. The KwaMashu-born forward is the most successful goalscorer in PSL history and has played for the likes of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates during a 24-year career. He also forged a successful career in Italy Denmark. Nomvethe thanked everyone who has helped him over the years and vowed to bow out on a high
TS Galaxy new Coach Dan Malesela says his team will be aiming for automatic promotion or a place in the play-off spot in the National First Division this season. Malesela joined the team last week after he was fired by Chippa United after only three games. Galaxy is lying 13th on the log after three matches, two draws and one loss.
Banyana Banyana has won their opening game of the 2018 COSAFA women’s championships beating Madagascar 2-1 at the Wolfson stadium in Port Elizabeth yesterday. It was a game of missed chances for the hosts as they failed to kill off the game earlier. Goals from Khanya Xesi and Nothando Vilakazi gave Banyana an early lead but Sarah Rasoanandrasana pulled one back for the Islanders inside the first half. It wasn’t an ideal start for the hosts but coach Desiree Ellis was happy with the three points.
Bafana Bafana’s all-time leading goal scorer with 31 goals Benni McCarthy, has expressed his disappointment at the South African senior men’s national team goalless draw against Libya in an African Nations Cup qualifier at the Moses Mabhida stadium last Saturday (08 Sep 2018). Playing against the 101 ranked Libyan team, the expectation was that Stuart Baxter’s team was going to have an all-out attack as they aim to wrap up their AFCON 2019 qualification before the end of this year. But to McCarthy’s surprise and many South Africans too, some ultra-defensive tactics were employed from the bench.
The MTN8 final between Supersport United and Cape Town City is heading to Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban once again. This was confirmed by the sponsor and the Premier Soccer League last night (Monday, 10 Sep 2018) with the final set to take place on the 29th of this month at 7pm. Last year’s final between the two teams also took place at the same venue where Amatsatsansa a Pitori won on penalties. SABC Sport understands that Peter Mokaba stadium was another venue that was considered for this final. United head coach Kaitano Tembo was happy with the choice of the venue. For coach Benni McCarthy, this would be his second cup final and he’s emphasized the need for his players to make it count.
Banyana Banyana have been forced to make last minute changes to their squad yesterday, on the eve of their opening game of the COSAFA Women’s Championships against Madagascar (15:30) at the Wolfson stadium in Port Elizabeth. Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has dropped Bloemfontein Celtic’s Melinda Kgadiete from the squad due to lack of fitness. Her replacement Tiisetso Makhubela of Mamelodi Sundowns also won’t make it due to an injury. Ellis has since roped in Morifi Choene also of Sundowns as the final change in her star studded team
South African Football Association and insurance company Outsurance announced a ground breaking five-year partnership to sponsor match officials in Johannesburg today. The partnership is worth R 50 million during that period. The sponsorship will cover all the ABSA Premier League, National first Division, ABC Motsepe League, SAB League, SASOL Women’s League and all cup matches. SAFA vice-President Ria Ledwaba was delighted it will start with immediate effect. SAFA will focus on the many issues which will improve the standard of refereeing in the country. This will include grassroots development of underprivileged match officials, facilitating skills development for better on-field performance, and a review of remuneration to ensure fairness across the various grades. Ledwaba says it will improve women’s referees.
Uthongathi FC were today coming to terms with the shock news of their chairman Nicholas Mkhize being gunned down in Durban last night. The National First Division club boss was shot and killed as he left his weekly meeting in the Tongaat CBD, just north of the city, with the motive for the shooting still unclear. Uthongathi director Nkosinathi Chili says everyone is devastated by the news
Stuart Baxter is worried about the growing trend of Bafana Bafana players being unable to deal with pressure following their latest setback against Libya on Saturday. South Africa again failed to overcome a team they should, on paper at least, have easily beaten. The match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban was the second of their 2019 African Nations Cup qualifying campaign with the hosts looking inferior to the visitors for large parts of the contest. Baxter is concerned that his players are unable to shift to plan B when plan A does not work.
Former Bafana Bafana defender Morgan Gould believes local media needs to play a bigger role in portraying the national team in a better light, even though he admits South Africa may not be as good as people think. Confidence in Stuart Baxter’s side appears to be at an all-time low ahead of their 2019 African Nations Cup qualifier against Libya in Durban this afternoon (15h00). Exactly 12 months ago Bafana fluffed a golden chance to qualify for the World Cup when they were beaten home and away by minnows Cape Verde Islands. Gould cited the English media as an example that South Africans should follow.
After a few days off earlier in the week, Cape Town City resumed training yesterday ahead of next week’s PSL game against Kaizer Chiefs. The Citizens took advantage of the international break to give their players a bit of rest and to celebrate qualifying for the MTN8 final, after they beat Mamelodi Sundowns in a penalty shoot-out last Sunday. It is a big month for City, who will play Orlando Pirates directly after the Chiefs game, before taking on SuperSport United in the MTN8 final at the end of September. City coach Benni McCarthy says playing the big guns all in a row can have a positive effect, and his team enjoy rising to the occasion. One of the stand-out players in the two legs against Sundowns was veteran midfielder Teko Modise, who at 35, is not only the oldest player in the squad, but one of only four players in the squad over 30. McCarthy says that Modise is flourishing in Cape Town
Bafana Bafana’s mental credentials will come under the microscope tomorrow afternoon (15h00) when they take on unfancied Libya in a 2019 African Nations Cup qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Twelve months ago Stuart Baxter’s side threw away a golden chance to qualify for the World Cup when they were stunned by minnows Cape Verde Islands at the same venue. They lost to the Blue Sharks away from home in the same cycle and memories of that meltdown remain fresh in the memory. But Coach Stuart Baxter is hopeful there will not be a repeat.
Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) head coach Sello Chokoe says it is going to be a tough race for promotion in the National First Division (NFD) this season. After just three rounds of action seven teams including TTM are yet to lose a match. In addition the top four clubs Mbombela United, Richards Bay, Ajax Cape Town and TTM respectively are all tied on seven points. Chokoe says much as it is still early in the campaign clean sheets are going to matter this season. Chokoe is not entirely satisfied with how his team is jelling, but he is not in a hurry as he signed experienced players this season. The 35 year old admits that some of his new charges like Edward Manqele and David Zulu have put on weight and are working on it during this international break.
Failure to win their next Absa Premiership match against Cape Town City on the 15th of this month will see Kaizer Chiefs registering their worst start ever in the Premier Soccer League era. But the club’s chairman Kaizer Motaung is appealing to the multitudes of Amakhosi fans to give the new coach Giovanni Solinas time to settle. Chiefs who were eliminated in the MTN8 semi-finals by Supersport United last weekend, have now gone five matches without a win in the league, their worst start since 2006/2007 season under Ernst Middendorp. Motaung who is known for his patience with coaches, says it’s still too early to press panic buttons…
Kaizer Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung has also confirmed that they are waiting for a ruling from FIFA on the current standoff between them and Madagascar club Fosa Juniors on the eligibility of midfielder Andriamirado “Dax” Andrianarimanana. Chiefs spotted Dax during the COSAFA Cup tournament in Polokwane in June where he was the player of the tournament and signed a contract with him as a free agent. Juniors who play in an amateur league in Madagascar then tried to cash in on the player’s services and this has complicated the matters. Motaung Senior confirmed today that the case is with FIFA and is positive that the world’s football governing body will rule in their favour…
Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams says that the national team is desperate to erase all the negative vibes surrounding it when they play Libya in a 2019 African Nations Cup qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday afternoon (15h00). The match is the second of their qualifying campaign, which started well last year when coach Stuart Baxter guided South Africa to a 2-0 win over Nigeria in the opening game, his first match in the job. However, things went south from there as Bafana famously missed out on a place at the World Cup finals and Williams is determined to regain the trust of the fans.
In an effort to promote good citizenry through football, the Premier Soccer League has entered into a partnership with the South African Police Services (SAPS) to help with crime-prevention. Starting this coming Sunday, during the opening week of the PSL Reserve League programme in Hammersdale in KwaZulu-Natal this new partnership will be put into action. PSL Chairman Irvin Khoza says the partnership between the league and SAPS will be focusing on the youth in all the provinces around the country where PSL football is played. Football is not called the game of billions for nothing, also here in South Africa, football is the most followed sporting code and plays a vital role in the communities. Cele believes that through football, they can achieve some of their goals. As the country continues to grapple with the high crime rate especially in the townships where most football matches are played, Minister of Police Bheki Cele says this partnership is going to help create better relations with the young people. According to Cele, the latest crime stats are not looking good, prisons are 42% overpopulated and he believes that the partnership with the PSL has got a potential to help address some of these challenges.
Nedbank Ke Yona team coach Khabo Zondo is confident his team can beat Nedbank cup champions Free State Stars at the Makhulong stadium in Tembisa on Sunday. Zondo’s confidence stems from the fact that they played a series of friendly matches against top PSL teams and drew with Bidvest Wits recently. In the past the team played friendlies against top teams but lost by big margins. Sixteen players were selected few weeks back to take on the Nedbank cup champions. Close to 16 000 entrants nationwide wanted to be part of the team but the team was cut down to 48 players, then 30 to 23 and eventually 16 players. The team has never beaten a PSL side in five years and Zondo is hoping to change that. The project has unearthed, developed and promoted players such as Bafana Bafana international Aubrey Modiba, Bongani Nduli from Free State Stars, Bloemfontein Celtic left back Bongani Sam and Ricardo Visser from Highlands Park. Zondo says they invite former players time and again to come and motivate the new crop of players.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says he is expecting blistering pace and goals from the new recruit Phakamani Mahlambi. Sundowns signed the 20-year old in a reported five year deal worth R13 million on the last day of the transfer window last Friday. The former Bidvest Wits player spent a season at Al Ahly in Egypt.
Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy says that Cape Town City have pulled off a bit of a coup by signing Tokelo Rantie. City announced the signing of the 27 year old Bafana Bafana striker, who will make his PSL return after six years playing in Europe. Rantie, who was a team-mate of McCarthy’s at Orlando Pirates, has been a free agent since earlier this year, and McCarthy says his main priority now is to get him fit and ready to play. McCarthy says that getting Rantie in shape will not only be good for City, but also for Bafana Bafana.
One win from eight matches, that is the situation at Kaizer Chiefs at the moment but their head coach Giovanni Solinas has allayed the fears of their millions of supporters by saying, the best of Amakhosi is yet to come this season. Solinas said this after Chiefs were dumped out of the MTN8 this past weekend losing 1-0 to Supersport United in the second leg semi-final to win 3-2 on aggregate. Chiefs are yet to win in five matches in the Absa Premiership this season and Solinas says he’s not a magician. Going into Saturday’s game, Solinas was clear that he will be coming with an offensive approach and not it back but surprisingly he set up defensively on the day and he explains why.
The Bafana Bafana camp currently resembles a hospital ward, exactly five days before the crucial 2019 African Nations Cup qualifier against Libya at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban on Saturday afternoon (15:00). Four players were forced to be withdrawn from the team this morning after their suffered injuries playing for their respective teams this past weekend. French based duo of Bongani Zungu and Lebo Mothiba as well as the Mamelodi Sundowns duo of Themba Zwane and Hlompho Kekana won’t be joining this camp anymore. Head coach Stuart Baxter says Supersport United players Dean Furman and Bradley Grobler won’t train today but should be ready tomorrow morning. Baxter has confirmed that he has called up three players so far and will only call a striker once he has received confirmation of the scan from France on Mothiba.
Supersport United head coach Kaitano Tembo has hailed Bradley Grobler as their best forward and believes that his return to the team came at the right time. Tembo was speaking after Grobler scored his third goal in two MTN8 matches against Kaizer Chiefs this past weekend to take the team to the final on the 29th of this month. The Bafana Bafana striker, the son to former Moroka Swallows free scoring striker Les Grobler, had been out of action for seven months before returning last week to score a brace in the first leg semi-final and the only goal in the second leg at FNB stadium on Saturday night. United have now reached six cup finals in three years and this talks to the competitive levels of the club but most importantly also the squad they have assembled. The final against Cape Town City is the repeat of last year’s Wafa-Wafa final and Tembo was on the bench as Eric Tinkler’s assistant when they won on penalties. The former Zimbabwean international says they now need to go back to challenging for the league honours.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane believes that that Sphiwe Tshabalala’s move to Turkish newly promoted club BB Erzurumspor is an inspiring story to other players over the age of 30 not to ever give up. Mosimane was reacting to Tshabalala’s reported R6,5million from Kaizer Chiefs to BB Erzurumspor that was finalized earlier this week and saw Shabba welcomed by hundreds of passionate fans in Europe. Jingles as Mosimane is passionately known, coached Tshabalala at Bafana Bafana and also gave him the armband, in this short interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, he shares some very interesting stories about the 33year-old’s previous attempts to get to Europe.
The Premier Soccer League has confirmed that it’s Executive Committee has resolved to run an experiment on the implementation of the vanishing spray this weekend. The vanishing spray will be used at both MTN8 semi-finals today and Sunday. It will be the first time this spray is used at a professional domestic football match in the country. Some of SAFA’s match officials are no strangers to the spray as they use it in CAF competitions. Last week SAFA Head of referees Tenda Masikhwa had told SABC Sport that they’re ready to implement the vanishing spray as soon as the PSL gives them the go ahead. Following the successful implementation of the Video Assistant Refeere (VAR) during the recent FIFA World Cup in Russia and also in other leagues around the world, Masikhwa says if all the relevant parties ready, VAR is a possibility in the domestic professional football.
Cape Town City have announced the signing of former Orlando Pirates and Bournemouth striker Tokelo Rantie. The Bafana Bafana striker had been a free agent since leaving Turkish club Genclerbirligi earlier this year and will now re-unite with City coach Benni McCarthy, who he played with at Pirates. City’s chairman John Comitis says he is very pleased to bring in a player of Rantie’s calibre, and says that this signing completes the puzzle he has been building for this season.
Kaizer Chiefs striker Leonardo Castro believes that the technical team could’ve helped them to defend the result Wednesday night during the 2-all draw against Bloemfontein Celtic in the Absa Premiership at FNB stadium last night. With less than 15 minutes to go last night Chiefs was leading 2-0 but two defensive blunders gifted Menzi Masuku and Ndumiso Mabena to level the matters. As they look forward to the MTN8 second leg semi-final against Supersport United at the FNB stadium on Saturday, Castro feels that they need to do better defensively and how they approach that space as well. Chiefs play a high pressing game under Solinas and with the attackers going up, it leaves a huge space between them and the midfield and this could be affecting their defensive shape. But Castro says they can be smart about this.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane admitted that he is jealous of Khama Billiat and Leonardo Castro’s superb combination at Kaizer Chiefs. He said this at a press conference today ahead of their MTN 8 semi-final second leg encounter against Cape Town City on Sunday. Billiat left Downs at the end of last season while Castro joined Chiefs at the beginning of the year. The duo formed a deadly partnership alongside Keagan Dolly called CBD.
The football played by Kaizer Chiefs is good to the eye and exciting to the fans but in the modern game, that doesn’t guarantee results. With less than 15 minutes to go last night, Chiefs was leading 2-0 against Bloemfontein Celtic but in a space of three minutes they let in two goals and dropped two valuable points. Chiefs has let in seven goals in five Absa Premiership matches and they are yet to win a game in the league, their worst start since the 2006/2007 season. Speaking to journalists during the MTN8 media open day at the Chiefs village this morning, coach Giovanni Solinas doesn’t understand the importance of locking the result.
Horoya AC are determined to reach the quarter-finals of the CAF champions league when they meet Mamelodi Sundowns in a crucial Champions League group C match at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville tonight (kick-off 6pm). Horoya are sitting in second position with eight points behind log leaders and reigning champions Wydad Casablanca from Morocco. Speaking through an interpreter, Horoya Coach Victor Zvunka is confident of progressing.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane is confident that his team will beat Horoya from Guinea in a CAF champions league match at Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville tonight (kick-off 6pm). Sundowns are sitting in third position in Group C with five points behind second placed Horoya who are on eight points. Downs just need to beat the Guineans to qualify for the quarterfinals.
Black Leopards head coach Joel Masutha does not want to read too much into Orlando Pirates’ start to the 2018/19 Absa Premiership season. Masutha says this ahead of the sides’ league clash at the Peter Mokaba stadium tonight (19:30). Leopards have bagged five points from their opening three matches and occupy sixth spot on the log while Pirates are placed ninth on the table with four points from as many games. Masutha believes the Buccaneers want to turn the corner which will make for a very nice attacking match.
Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis believes that she’s selected the strongest ever squad for a championship after announcing her squad of 20 players to take part in the COSAFA Women’s Championship in Port Elizabeth from the 12th until the 22nd of next month. Announcing her team at the SAFA House today, Ellis included all the three players from the US National Women’s League side Houston Dash---captain Janine Van Wyk, Thembi Kgatlana and Linda Motlhalo. Ellis says this tournament will also be a good preparation for the African Women’s Nations Cup in December and ultimately the Women’s World Cup dream.This team announcement comes on the back of some good results this past weekend where Motlhalo and Kgatlana were on target for their team in the US and there’s also the positive developments around Banyana vice-captain Refiloe Jane who will be leaving on Wednesday to link up with her new Australian team Canberra United together with Rhonda Mulaudzi. Ellis, a former Banyana captain, is elated with these positive developments around her players.
SAFA Vice-President Ria Ledwaba continued her national women’s football roadshow this week as she addressed stakeholders in Cape Town on Friday night. Ledwaba has been visiting all the provinces to discuss the National Women’s League that SAFA are set to introduce in April next year. With the Western Cape supplying large numbers to all national teams and squads at the High Performance Centre, Ledwaba says that the province is key role player in women’s football.
Cape Town City host Mamelodi Sundowns at the Cape Town Stadium on tomorrow afternoon, in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final. Both teams come into this game on the back of goalless draws in the league, with Sundowns held by Highlands Park on Wednesday, while City drew with Golden Arrows on the weekend. City coach Benni McCarthy says he does not see this as a battle between himself and Sundowns’ coach Pitso Mosimane, but rather says it is the players on the field who need to do the business.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says that winning the MTN 8 cup is very important for his team. The Brazilians will play against Cape Town City in the first leg semi-final at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with the return leg set for the other weekend in Pretoria on Sunday. Sundowns last won the trophy in 2007 when it was still called the SAA super eight cup. The tournament always coincides with Sundowns taking part in the latter part of CAF champions league. The PSL champions will play a crucial champions league match against Horoya FC from Guinea in a must win clash on Tuesday, and also host City in a return leg on Sunday early next month. Mosimane says it makes it difficult for them to focus on the MTN 8.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Giovanni Solinas has refused to comment on Siphiwe Tshabalala imminent move to Turkey. The story emerged yesterday that Tshabalala has been offered a three-year deal by newly promoted Turkish Superlig side Erzurumspor and they are also said to have agreed a transfer fee with Chiefs. The only thing outstanding was said to be the terms of payment. Speaking at the MTN8 press conference ahead of their first leg semi-final clash against Supersport United on Sunday, Solinas says Tshabalala was at training this morning.
Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi says the club’s biggest challenge is chopping and changing of squads. Pirates have had an unsatisfactory start to the 2018/19 Absa Premiership season registering just one win in the four league matches they have played. They sit in ninth spot on the log with four points and were also eliminated from the MTN 8 tournament in the first round. Lekgwathi says this is not a crisis but a manageable situation suggests that current skipper Happy Jele shows some leadership.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Giovanni Solinas on their MTN8 semi-final against Supersport United this weekend.
Supersport United coach Kaitano Tembo talking about the preparations for the MTN 8 match against Kaizer Chiefs.
Kaizer Chiefs’ longest serving player Siphiwe Tshabalala could be jetting out of the country tonight to join a Turkish Superliga side Erzurumspor. SABC Sport has learnt that the newly promoted Turkish side Erzurumspor have agreed on the transfer fee with Chiefs and also on personal terms with Tshabalala’s representatives. The arrival of Lebogang Manyama at Naturena is said to have made it easier for Chiefs to decide on releasing Tshabalala who is currently on a one year-deal renewed at the beginning of June. SABC Sport senior journalist Velile Mbuli has the latest on this move.
Supersport United midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane believes that there is no need to prove himself in their upcoming MTN 8 semi-final against his former side Kaizer Chiefs. The 36 year old central midfielder indicated that everything has been going well in the team since his arrival in July 2016 except the second half of the previous season. Matsatsantsa will host Amakhosi in the cup match at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday.
Maritzburg United coach Fadlu Davids says he needs to make at least three new signings to replace Lebohang Maboe who joined Absa Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Davids though is being realistic with his demands to his employers but lamented the need for a striker and one other attacking player.
The controversial Free State Stars head coach Luc Eymael is in hot water with the Premier Soccer League (PSL), hardly three weeks into the new 2018/2019 season. Eymael was not available for the post-match press conference on Sunday (19 August 2018) after Stars’ 2-1 loss to Usuthu at the King Zwelithini stadium in Umlazi as mandated by the PSL media manual. Assistant coach David Vilakazi had to step in for him and conduct the media interviews after Stars lost their third game this season after also exiting the MTN8 losing 3-0 to Kaizer Chiefs in the last eight. After only three games played, Amazulu are currently third on the log with six points from, it’s still too early to be concerned with the log standings. But what makes Usuthu head coach Cavin Johnson happy is that his Argentine striker Emiliano Tade has netted his first goal in the PSL. He was also full of praise for veteran striker Mabuti Khanyeza.
Mamelodi Sundowns landed in South Africa Saturday from Morocco via Ghana and head coach Pitso Mosimane is still confident that his side can make the CAF Champions League quarterfinals. This follows a 1-0 loss to reigning champions Wydad Casablanca on Friday night to suffer their second loss in five matches in this competition. The Brazilians are now third in Group C with five points, six points adrift of Wydad and three points behind Horoya AC. They face the Guinean side in the last game on the 28th of this month and a win there will take them through on head to head, exactly what Mosimane is banking on. With two losses, two draws and only one win so far in the group stages, this points to a weakened Sundowns team that has not been strong enough in the premium football competition this year. And Mosimane believes that losing their two quality attackers in Khama Billiat and Percy Tau, has also affected them.
Mamelodi Sundowns veteran defender Wayne Arendse is banking on his club’s record in North Africa ahead of their all-important crunch encounter against reigning African Champions Wydad Casablanca in the CAF Champions League group stages game at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca stadium tonight (20:00). In 2016 when the Brazilians lifted their maiden African title, they beat Zamalek 3-1 on aggregate collecting their trophy in Alexandria, Egypt. Sundowns and Wydad played to a one-all draw in the opening Group C game in May and Arendse says they will have to stick to their brand of football and keep calm heads tonight. Wydad are currently the only unbeaten team in the group and leading with eight points, four points ahead of second placed Sundowns. Arendse says they’ve done their homework on the opponents and are coming to this clash fully prepared.
Playing in their first ever CAF Champions League group stages campaign, Swaziland side Mbabane Swallows will be going for the jugular tomorrow when they host Zesco United as they attempt to make it one step better----to reach the quarterfinals. On day five of the premier club competition group stages, Swallows host the Zambians at the Mavuso Sports Centre at 15:00. The Beautiful Birds are currently third in Group D, just a point behind second placed Angolan side Primeiro de Agosto. The two teams are still vying for the second qualification spot and join Tunisian giants Etoile du Sahel who have confirmed their knockout spot already. Swallows head coach Thabo “Koki” Vilakati says this is a must win clash. Zesco, the 2016 Champions League semi-finalists are also not out of contention for a place in the last eight as they are currently on two points with two games to go. It’s for this reason that Vilakati is taking nothing for granted.
Polokwane City head Coach Jozef Vukusic says his side needs to turn the corner following a poor start to the 2018/19 Absa premiership season. After two matches City are bottom of the log with no points and no goals. On Saturday Vukusic’s men host Baroka FC in the Polokwane derby at the Peter Mokaba stadium (15:00). Speaking at a press conference to promote the game in Polokwane earlier this afternoon Vukusic said they need to win to change things. The coach admits he is under pressure to bring results, and he pleads for patience saying he has a fairly young squad. Vukusic adds that he will be relying on his experienced players to lift the mood in the camp.
Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana international left back Sibusiso Khumalo has signed for Ajax Cape Town. Khumalo, who left Chiefs as a free agent at the end of last season, was confirmed by the Cape Town club today and has been brought in to replace Mosa Lebusa, who joined Mamelodi Sundowns earlier this month. Khumalo is one of a handful of new signings by the Urban Warriors ahead of their first season, alongside Raymond Monama, Shu-aib Walters, Thendo Mukumela and Ivorian striker Guy Bedi. Khumalo says he is looking forward to his time at Ajax and working with a coach like Muhsin Ertugral. Khumalo says he wants to help Ajax back to the PSL and says it is important that they start the league well and try and set the standard for the league.
Kaizer Chiefs will be hoping to register its first win in the 2018/2019 Absa Premiership season when they meet Maritzburg United tonight (20:00) at the Harry Gwala stadium in Pietermaritzburg. It’s been an indifferent start to the new season for Amakhosi as they have drawn two matches and lost one and only won 3-0 against Free State Stars last weekend to advance to the MTN 8 semi-finals. In the league they are still searching for their first win under their new coach Giovanni Solinas. The Italian born coach is calling for consistency from his boys.
Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi says it will be a morale booster to beat Wydad Athletic club away in the CAF champions league group C encounter in Casablanca on Friday night. Sundowns were knocked out by the Moroccans in the quarter-finals last year and Wydad went on to win the tournament. Sundowns were denied access to a training pitch last year for most of the week which affected their preparations, but Vilakazi says they are prepared for any challenges.
If used appropriately, a Technical Director is a necessity for any top football club in the world. The TD is in charge of not only the development structures but the overall technical vision of the club including the philosophy, scouting network and senior team technical plan. In the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL), very few clubs have got a properly function Director of Coaching’s office. It’s one of the things the PSL club licensing first insistence body would be hoping to achieve. Until recently only Mamelodi Sundowns (Erik Hamren), Baroka FC (Doctor Khumalo) and relegated Ajax Cape Town (Sergio Dos Santos) had fully functional TD’s in the PSL. Supersport United CEO Stan Matthews confirms that they are going this direction soon…
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) bosses have confirmed that next year’s African Nations Cup tournament will be held in Cameroon as planned and nowhere else. This settles the debate about the AFCON 2019 being possibly taken away from the central African country. Concerns that Cameroon would be overwhelmed by organising an expanded 24-team tournament saw possible replacements being hyped as either South Africa or Morocco. But following CAF’s third inspection of Cameroon’s preparedness which ended yesterday, CAF Vice-President Amaju Pinnick was left satisfied with the progress made so far.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) Vice President Ria Ledwaba says there is great anticipation for the proposed national women’s league set to start next year. Ledwaba was speaking at the Limpopo leg of her national road-show where she plans to have discussions with clubs in pursuit of development today. The league was also part of the topics of discussion in Polokwane. According to one of the proposed drafts, in its first season the league will consist of 12 clubs, nine representing each province, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC, Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies FC and a university side. Ledwaba says the clubs are excited about these developments.
Premier Soccer League (PSL) Chief Operations Officer (COO) Professor Ronnie Schloss is satisfied with the progress done at the Thohoyandou stadium. The venue was a mini construction side as club officials raced against time to get it to meet PSL standards. Black Leopards have registered the venue as their home ground, but had to play their first league match of the season in Polokwane as upgrade work continued in Vhembe. Schloss was in Thohoyandou today to inspect progress and says it is not 100% yet but he is happy with the progress. Leopards’ next home match is on Tuesday 28 August 2018 against Orlando Pirates and the COO says he cannot say for sure if the stadium will be ready then. Schloss further adds that the league is looking out for the safety of fans.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says that his team needs brave players when they face Wydad Casablanca from Morocco in the CAF champions league away on Friday night. The Brazilians are lying second in Group C with five points level with Horoya, who are in third spot. Wydad are topping the group with eight points with two matches to go. The team travelled for Morocco yesterday.l
Golden Arrows coach Clinton Larsen says his team is struggling to find rhythm early in the season. The KZN based team were eliminated by Mamelodi Sundowns when they lost 2-0 in the MTN 8 quarter-final. They are currently sitting in the eighth position on the log having won one match and lost the other. Larsen is however happy with the level of fitness in the team. Arrows beefed up the team in the off season but mostly with the players from their reserve team. Last season they finished eighth to qualify for the MTN 8. Larsen says the youngsters will be given a chance to develop this season.
Maritzburg United coach Fadlu Davids says he is not worried about his team's poor start in the new season. The KZN team is lying third from the bottom on the Absa premiership with zero points in two games. They were also knocked out in the MTN 8 by Cape Town City yesterday. Their defence is also shaky following the departure of Bevan Fransman to Highlands Park.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Giovanni Solinas has hailed Khama Billiat as the best player in the Premier Soccer League. Solinas was speaking after Billiat scored his first goal for Amakhosi in the MTN8 quarterfinal this past weekend during the 3-0 win over Free State Stars at FNB stadium. Billiat signed for Chiefs as a free agent from Mamelodi Sundowns in June, he turned down some few European offers to take this local move. Solinas says the Zimbabwean international can easily make it in the European leagues. This past week has already seen a Billiat assist to Castro and vice versa. This is the combination that was popularly known as the CBD connection at Sundowns with Keagan Dolly in the mix if you go back to 2016 when the Brazilians won its maiden CAF Champions League title. Solinas says he’s privileged to coach this duo and they will be influential for him this season.
Kaizer Chiefs produced a clinical performance as they advanced to the MTN8 semi-finals thumping Free State Stars 3-0 at the FNB stadium Saturday night. Playing a good brand of football, the hosts created numerous chances and were able to convert them. Goals from Dumisani Zuma, Leonardo Castro and Khama Billiat were all Chiefs needed on the day. Following a disappointing start to the Absa Premiership, head coach Giovanni Solinas was excited with yesterday’s win. Amakhosi’s victory though came at a price as they lost two players Joseph Molangoane and Siphelele Ntshangase on serious injuries. Molangoamne’s injury looks more serious and Solinas say the players are shocked.
Black Leopards coach Joel Masutha believes that Absa premiership teams will struggle to get results at Thohoyandou stadium. The stadium is not available due to not meeting the standards of the top league. Leopards played what was supposed to be their home match away from home in Polokwane last week. They will be hoping to host Orlando Pirates in Thohoyandou in their next league encounter.
The battle for the no.10 position is already intensifying at Kaizer Chiefs and Kabelo Mahlasela is up for the challenge. To give this story context, Mahlasela is competing with the new arrival and the main man in the Amakhosi attack Khama Billiat, Bernard Parker, Pule Ekstein and Gustavo Paez for this respected support striker position. The former Bloemfontein Celtic attacker joined Chiefs in January this year but couldn’t make his debut due to an injury. His official debut was on Tuesday when they lost 3-1 to Bidvest Wits in the Absa Premiership. In this short interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, Skipper as Mahlasela is popularly known also talks about playing in his first MTN8 tournament this weekend as the face Free State Stars in the last eight tomorrow at FNB stadium.
Having lost to Supersport United on penalties in last year’s final, Cape Town City will be looking to do well again in this season’s MTN8 competition. However they face a tricky first hurdle, when they take on Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday afternoon in the quarter-finals. They also go into this tie on the back of a mid-week PSL loss away to Baroka. City’s coach Benni McCarthy believes it could be a difficult game against the Team of Choice, who did very well last season, and he expects his team to take the fight to Maritzburg.
Former Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba says he will grab an opportunity to return to the national team if the opportunity presents itself. Mashaba was dismissed in 2016 after he was found guilty of gross misconduct, insubordination and bringing the South African Football Association into disrepute. He was fired in the middle of the FIFA world cup qualification campaign after the team beat Senegal in Polokwane.
From Boardroom to the Public…It’s not so often that the leadership, owners or CEO of various sporting code get exposed to the public and neither do they account to their constituency /fan. This show gives leadership an opportunity to interface with the public whilst allowing the fan to learn about the plans and direction/vision of the club or the organisations they represent.
On the other side Highlands Park head coach expressed his disappointments from his side. Although he indicated that he will not blame any individual Da Gama says that they have to take responsibility of their lose as a team.
Black Leopards head coach Joel Masutha is happy with the point they attained after the 2-2 draw against Highlands Park. Speaking today at Makhulong stadium the 47 year old said this point will boost their confidence.
Ajax Cape Town have announced the signing of defender Thendo Mukumela from Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of the 2018/19 NFD season. The 20 year old, who has three caps for Bafana Bafana, and was also part of both the national under-17 and under-20 sides that went to World Cup finals, says he is excited to join the Urban Warriors and hopes to help them return to the PSL as soon as possible.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has welcomed the appointment of Kaitano Tembo as permanent coach of Supersport United last week. Tembo was promoted from his position as assistant coach, after holding the reins on an interim basis following the departure of Eric Tinkler in March. The Zimbabwean started his tenure with a 2-0 defeat to Cape Town City on the weekend.Mosimane also lambasted PSL teams for not being patient with the black coaches. He says they are not afforded the same opportunity like their white counterparts.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has joined the growing chorus of South Africans condemning gender based violence (GBV) in the country. This week social media trends were dominated with the outrage of the sad news of the suicide of late Rhodes University student Khensani Maseko after she was raped. This follows among other events the #TotalShutdown march last week which was about women standing up against GBV. Mosimane was asked for his thoughts on gender based violence and how the football community can help in addressing this matter after his sides’ 2-0 league win over Polokwane City last night. The coach says it is embarrassing and unbelievable that women are not protected in South Africa.
Renowned commentator Peter Drury , was live on Marawa Sports Worldwide on Metro FM and Radio2000 yesterday conversing about the amount of work he puts in commentary work.
SABC news Journslist Teboho Letshaba, chew over Bloemfontein Celtics ownership yesterday with Robert Marawa Live on Marawa Sports Worldwide on Metro FM and Radio2000.
Robert Marawa hosted Sport and Recreation Minister Tokozile Xasa Live on Marawa Sports Worldwide on Metro FM and Radio2000 yesterday, to discuss about the soccer impasse.
Orlando Pirates head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic has made it known that he is targeting 10 points in the first five matches in the Absa Premiership this season. He was speaking after his team was held to a one-all draw by PSL returnees Highlands Park at FNB stadium this past weekend. Sredojevic who is under pressure to deliver some silverware to Bucs, a team that has gone four years without a trophy, reveals that out of the 30 league matches they are working on short term targets. Pirates could play over 50 matches in all competitions this season as they are competing in five competitions including the CAF Champions League that gets underway in November until May next year. A place in the group stages of the transitional CAF Champions League season could see them playing until May next year and is one of the reasons that Sredojevic would like to see his new players (nine) gelling with their teammates as soon as they can.
Legendary Kaizer Chiefs defender Fabian McCarthy believes Zimbabwean attacker Khama Billiat has fit in at the Glamour Boys like a glove. McCarthy has heaped praises on the 27 year old midfield genius following his standout man of the match debut performance against his former side Mamelodi Sundowns in the Absa Premier league match at Loftus stadium in Pretoria at the weekend. Khama joined Amakhosi during the off season break following a five year stint with The Brazilians and McCarthy is adamant he is just what Chiefs need to end their dry spell.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach questioned why Khama Billiat was man of the match in their league match against Kaizer Chiefs at Loftus stadium in Pretoria on Saturday. Billiat played for the first time against his former employers since moving to Chiefs in the off season. Mosimane was not happy that the Zimbabwean international walked away with the award but refused to commit on who was his man of the match
For weeks leading to the opening Absa Premiership game of the 2018/2019 season last night, Orlando Pirates head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic has been preaching about cooking a delicious meal. But they were instead held into a one-all draw by newly promoted PSL returnees Highlands Park at Orlando stadium last night. A howler by Bucs goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands led to an own goal by Gladwin Shitolo inside the first 15 minutes and Bucs needed a penalty in the second half from Justin Shonga to level the matters. Pirates still managed restrict the visitors to zero shots on target as Sredojevic explains that the team had to rally behind Sandilands is that howler. The Ghost had turned out in numbers, it was a good crowd Pirates has had at this venue in a long time, signaling the expectations the fans have for the season ahead after their beloved club finished second last season and qualified for the CAF Champions League. But Micho is aware that they will have to fare better than they did yesterday especially in the final third.
Black Leopards collected maximum points on their return match in the Premier Soccer League defeating Polokwane City 1-0 in their 2018/19 Absa Premiership season opener at the Peter Mokaba stadium last night. Karabo Tshepe scored the only goal of the match from a set-piece in the 12th minute. This was followed by numerous missed chances by the home side in the Limpopo derby. The second stanza was a dull affair though City tried to push forward without success. Leopards coach Joel Masutha is happy his players coped well in the match. Masutha does not want the victory to go to his charges head saying matches are different however they should continue to play fearlessly. The coach stuck with a tried and tested squad for his season opener however handed Tsheamo Mashoena a debut in the starting 11 and Masutha was impressed with the left-back’s efforts.
Bidvest Wits thrashed Free State Stars 3-0 as they began their 2018/19 Absa Premiership season with a bang at the Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg last night. Goals from captain Thulani ‘Tyson’ Hlatshwayo, Mxolisi Macuphu and Deon Hotto were enough to seal the win for The Clever Boys. In charge was Paul Johnstone with Gavin Hunt still serving a touchline suspension and this was Johnstone’s reaction. With Wits having signed a whopping 11 players after off-loading a good number of players as well, the fear was always going to be how to get the players to blend. After yesterday’s performance by the debutants, the coach can look forward to exciting times.
Robert Marawa hosted the Orlando Pirates Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza on the latest edition of the Chairman's Chair Live on Marawa Sports Worldwide on Metro FM and Radio2000 (02 August 2018)
Experienced defender Robyn Johannes is excited to kick-start the season at his new home. The 30 year old solid skipper joined Bidwest Wits following two valuable seasons with Cape Town City where he captained the side and says he is itching to start life as a “Student” in the opening fixture against Free State Stars on Saturday evening.
Ahead of Cape Town City’s opening PSL game against SuperSport United on Saturday, the club has confirmed that Thamsanqa Mkhize is the new club captain. Mkhize is the third official captain of the club having succeeded Robyn Johannes, who in turn had replaced the original captain Lebogang Manyama. The appointment of Mkhize comes as no surprise as he had led City last season when Johannes was not available. Mkhize says that he is very proud of his new role.
After misfiring in the final third last season with their top goal scorer Luvuyo Memela only scoring five goals in all competitions, Orlando Pirates have continued to strengthen their technical team. During their first media open day ahead of the 2018/2019 season today, they confirmed the appointment of a Finishing Expert in Frenchman Stephane Adams. He becomes the fourth new face in the Bucs technical team after they brought in a new goalkeeper coach, match performance analyst and a head of performance. Scoring has always been a challenge in South African football and head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic is hoping that Adam’s appointment will help to solve this.
When Vincent Pule was confirmed as an Orlando Pirates player at the beginning of last month, these developments shook Kaizer Chiefs. From the beginning of this year when his former head coach at Bidvest Wits Gavin Hunt announced that he had signed a signed a pre-contract agreement with a big club, many assumed that this would be Chiefs. The assumption would also be based on the fact that Chiefs at the time were coached by Steve Komphela who was represented by Tim Sukazi, the former QTS CEO now turned NFD club owner. Sukazi also represents Pule and five other players who joined Pirates last month. Pule finally confirmed that he never signed a pre-contract with Chiefs…
Newly signed Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo tweeted yesterday “I actually still can’t believe I’m playing for the best team in the world”. This is approximately more than a month after having joined the Pirates from cross town arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs on a free transfer. It also symbolizes the excitement the 28year-old is feeling with this move where he is tipped to become the number one goalkeeper in the 2018/2019 new season that gets underway this weekend with the Buccaneers hosting Highlands Park at Orlando stadium on Saturday evening. But in this interview with SABC Sport senior journalist, Khuzwayo a Bucs youth product also touches on having played second fiddle to Itumeleng Khune at Amakhosi and not getting game time.
Put aside Steve Komphela’s failure to deliver silverware in his three years at Kaizer Chiefs, failing to utilize his squad appropriately also contributed to his downfall. There’s no denying that Itumeleng Khune is the country’s number one goalkeeper and deservedly won the Absa Premiership goalkeeper of the season award last season. His total of 16 clean sheets and conceding only 18 goals from 27 matches was unmatched in the league games. He played a total of 35 games in all competitions but like any other top team, he could have been managed better with his reserve goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo playing in some of the matches. Failure to be guaranteed game time has led to Khuzwayo walking out on a free to arch-rivals Orlando Pirates. Last season injured or not, Khune would get game time, there was also over-reliance at Bafana Bafana as well. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli and a group of journalists recently spoke to Chiefs goalkeeper coach Lee Baxter, the Bafana coach’s son and he says rotation of goalkeepers is unavoidable is they want to get the best out of Khune.
There’s still uncertainty with regards to the hosting of the AFCON senior tournament next year in Cameroon. Last week, reports emerged that CAF could be considering a Plan B as Cameroon is behind schedule on stadia readiness with a third inspection set for later this week. During previous inspection missions, CAF had asked Cameroon “to accelerate work to make up for the delay observed in the construction of infrastructure.” Giving credence to these claims was Ahmad’s cautious response on this matter, opting to avoid the question…
Unpaid Salaries continue to plague Bloemfontein Celtic. The club has once again failed to pay salaries as management, staff and players are unpaid today. A high ranking reliable source in the club confirmed to SABC Sport today that the situation was still dire at the club and no salaries were paid today. Meanwhile, Celtic Managing Director Rali Ramabodu says that the club is no longer for sale and club chairman Max Tshabalala was pumping in funds from his other businesses. Ramabodu stressed that the financial situation at the club had improved.
In March this year, players went on strike over lack of payment and sign on fees not been paid on time. A senior player who spoke on condition of anonymity alluded that not all was well at the club today. The player says despite the current problems, they will continue to focus on their game for the sake of the supporters.
Supersport United captain Dean Furman says that they have learnt their mistakes from what was tough last season. Furman says they are ready to defend their MTN8 trophy when they play Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium. While Pirates skipper Happy Jele is adamant the Buccaneers can build on last season’s scintillating form, starting off by clinching the MTN8 Cup. In Maritzburg United captain Siyanda Xulu says their good run last season where they lost to Free State Stars in the Nedbank Cup Final as well as bowing out in the MTN 8 semis’ has inspired them to go all out again in this campaign and Last season’s 8th placed Lamontville Golden Arrows will travel to Lucas Moripe Stadium for a clash with League winners Mamelodi Sundowns and Arrows captain Matome Mathiane is confident they can cause an upset.
Baroka FC midfielder Talent Chawapihwa admits there will be high expectations from his side in the 2018/19 Absa premiership season. Bakgaga have not found it easy in the Premier Soccer League in their first two seasons, fighting for their lives at the promotion/relegation play-offs in the term before last and surviving by the skin of their teeth last campaign. Chawapihwa says the arrival of new coach Wedson Nyirenda brings hope and high expectations to supporters.
Amajimbos’ hopes of qualifying for the African Nations Cup (AFCON) U17 tournament in Tanzania next year are still alive after they managed to beat hosts Mauritius 2-0 in a hard fought semi-final played at the St Francois Xavier stadium in Port Louis, Mauritius this afternoon. A goal from Motlhalosi Nare and and an own goal that he forced on the stroke of full time secured Amajimbos the victory in this semi-final. The South Africans will now wait for the winner between Angola and Namibia as they look forward to Sunday’s final at the same venue, where only the Zonal winner makes it to the AFCON. Head coach Molefi Ntseki says they came to this game with a proper plan for the opposition…
Amajimbos head coach Molefi Ntseki will bring back the big guns when the South African national u17 team takes on the hosts Mauritius in the COSAFA U17 Championships semi-finals at St Francois Xavier stadium in Mauritius today 12:30 (10:30 SA TIME). At stake is the solitary COSAFA spot to qualify for the African Nations Cup (AFCON U17 tournament in Tanzania next year where only the zonal winners will get there. Amajimbos is coming to this game undefeated after finishing on top of Group B and Mauritius qualified as the best runners-up after losing to Botswana in Group A. Ntseki has got a simple approach to this game, dominate from the start
Cape Town City has announced the signing of 24 year old Dutch goalkeeper Peter Leeuwenburgh. With Shu-aib Walters having left the club at the end of last month, City have wasted no time in bringing in an able replacement, and have signed the former Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper on a three year contract. Leeuwenburgh came through the Ajax youth system, and spent 14 years at De Toekomst, having joined the Dutch giants as a 10 year old. City’s chairman John Comitis is delighted to bring in the 1.96m tall shot stopper.
Highlands Park coach Owen da Gama says they are going to respect the ABSA premiership in the upcoming season. The team was promoted to the elite league last season after dominating the National First Division, finishing and winning the league with many games to spare. Many newly promoted teams have come to the PSL with higher expectations. The Tembisa-based team unveiled the new players and the new home and away kits for the new season. They unveiled 12 players who are mostly from the NFD and few foreign players with the only notable signing being former Maritzburg United captain Bavin Fransman. Da Gama explains.
Orlando Pirates made nine new signings few weeks ago, making a grand statement ahead of the new season. Majority of these players were coming from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) with only Meshack Maphangule coming from the National First Division (NFD). But the Ghost and PSL fans should watch out for some of the players who are getting promoted from the Bucs development structures, particularly young exciting striker Zakhele Lepasa. The 21year-old was part of the Pirates team that toured Zambia recently and scored during the 2-0 win over Perry Mutapa’s Forest Rangers. He scored over 30 goals to help the Pirates Reserves to gain promotion to the ABC Motsepe League last season. In this wide ranging interview with SABC Sport senior journalist Velile Mbuli, Lepasa is singing praises of assistant coach Rulani Mokwena and also why he is not interested in going out on loan…
Cape Town City chairman John Comitis says he is very excited for this upcoming season, and says Coach Benni McCarthy has returned with new energy and enthusiasm. City will head off on Wednesday for a short camp up north, where they will be playing Bidvest Wits and Kaizer Chiefs in friendly games ahead of the 2018/2019 PSL season, and Comitis says that he is really excited to see how the team progresses. He added that McCarthy is now more comfortable with the role of a coach, and the duties he entails, and he thinks the recently-qualified UEFA Pro Licence coach will bring success this season.
The South African national men’s U20 head coach Thabo Senong has credited the team’s periodization programme makings things simple for them after qualifying to next year’s AFCON U20 competition in Niger. Amajita beat Malawi 2-0 in Lilongwe on Saturday to ensure that the passage to Niger is secured and Senong will now coach in his third AFCON U20 tournament in a row. Goals from Kobamelo Kodisang and Thabiso Monyane proved to be the difference on the day and Senong has thanked his technical team for this qualification.
Northen Cape head coach Lucinda Bowers says passion is what drives her to love the sport. Bowers is the only female coach from all the 10 teams that are taking part in the SAB men under-21 championships that is taking place at the King Zwelithini stadium in Durban. Mpumalanga will play against University Sport South Africa (USSA) in the final of the annual tournament today at 3pm.
Having relocated from the North West and changed names from Platinum Stars after relegation, Roger De Sa and his Cape Umoya United team are hard at work in preparations for the 2018/19 National First Division (NFD) Season. The team is training at Parow Park, the home of the Vasco Da Gama club and De Sa and his technical team (Dominic Isaacs and Andre Petim) have been casting their eyes over a number of trialists. De Sa says they have a basic idea of the types of players they want to recruit for the club, and they want to give as many players a chance as possible.
The Shell Helix Ultra Cup game between Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs tomorrow afternoon (15:00) offers the Brazilians head coach Pitso Mosimane an opportunity to test new combinations and also to prepare thoroughly for next week’s crucial CAF Champions League game against AS Togo. The Brazilians returned yesterday from West Africa where they had lost 1-0 on Tuesday, a result that sees them sitting at the bottom of Group C after three matches played. Mosimane says most of the 29 players in his camp have to get game time.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane has paid tribute to the PSL Footballer of the year Percy Tau following the conclusion of his deal to English Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion FC. Tau’s long waited move to Brighton was finally confirmed this afternoon and it’s believed to be a South African record transfer fee of R50million. It took a protracted transfer negotiation especially between Sundowns and Tau’s representatives but at the end, head coach Pitso Mosimane is happy that this move is finally confirmed.
Chippa United striker Kabelo Seakanyeng reckons that the four years he spent playing for the Botswana national team will come in handy now that he is on the books of the Port Elizabeth-based club. Seakanyeng came to the Chilli Boyz highly recommended after doing well at Gaborone United in Botswana. The 25-year-old Seakanyeng joined the Chilli Boyz after he caught the eye of coach Daniel “Dance” Malesela during this year’s COSAFA Cup in Polokwane. Seakanyeng, who comes from Serowe village in Botswana, says he knows a lot about the Chilli Boyz after watching some of their matches on television back home. Meanwhile, Thatoyaone Kgamanyane says joining the Chilli Boyz was an easy decision to make as he had already told Gaborone United bosses that he wanted out of the club before the beginning of the COSAFA Cup in Polokwane.
When Musa Nyatama joined Orlando Pirates from Bloemfontein Celtic at the beginning of last season, he had just turned 30 and some questioned his move but he had the last laugh last night. Nyatama who played a total of 30 matches in all competitions last season, scoring four goals and provided three assists made a clean sweep at the Pirates end of the season 2017/2018 awards evening in Sunninghill. He won the Fans player of the season, the valuable Players’ player of the season award and deservedly walked away with the Player of the season award. The Daveyton born midfielder has once again proved South African football fans wrong that age is just a number.
The South African national U20 head coach Thabo Senong is banking on their good run in this year’s qualifiers to carry them through to the U20 African Nations Cup (AFCON) tournament in Niger next year. Amajita have to come overcome Malawi in Blantyre on Saturday in the final round, 2nd leg of the AFCON qualifiers after the two teams played a goalless draw at Moruleng stadium this past weekend. They leave today for Malawi and Senong says their good run so far has prepared them well for this decisive leg.
Ajax Cape Town have outlined the next steps in the protracted battle with the PSL with regard to the Tendai Ndoro ineligibility case. Last week it was confirmed that the PSL will be approaching Judge Denise Fisher to give leave to appeal her decision that set aside the SAFA arbitration that effectively had relegated Ajax. Ajax CEO Ari Efstathiou confirms that they will now oppose the move to appeal.
For the first time a Kaizer Chiefs senior player has shed light on why Steve Komphela failed to deliver at Amakhosi. The Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune was clear this past weekend after the club won the Maize Cup pre-season tournament in Klerksdorp that they struggled to understand Komphela’s philosophy and plan for the team. Komphela resigned from Chiefs in April this year after going three seasons without some silverware, a first for an Amakhosi coach. Chiefs announced Italian born coach Giovanni Solinas to replace Komphela on Friday and Khune is hoping that they will quickly forget about the Bloemfontein Celtic head coach’s era.
Khama Billiat’s arrival at Kaizer Chiefs has not only excited the fans but his teammates as well. Some has gone as far as likening it to the arrival of a Cristiano Ronaldo or Neymar at the Chiefs Village in Naturena. Zimbabwean international midfielder Willard Katsande played a pivotal role in getting his countryman to Amakhosi and knows what to expect from him. The club’s captain Itumeleng Khune already sees Billiat as their chief weapon this season. SABC Sport journalist was at the Maize Cup in Klerksdorp this past weekend and has compiled this report.
Chippa United played their first high profile pre-season friendly match yesterday and head coach Dan “Dance” Malesela was pleased with their performance despite losing on penalties to Free State Stars in the Maize Cup semi-final match. The two teams had played a goalless draw after 90 minutes in a game where Malesela fielded a number of new signings for the Chilli Boys. The former Mamelodi Sundowns defender returned to Port Elizabeth for his second stint with the club last month and believes that they are on the right track…
The appointment of a new coach at Kaizer Chiefs has brought some excitement to the camp according to assistant coach Patrick Mabedi after Amakhosi finally unveiled Italian born coach Giovanni Solinas yesterday. The former Free State Stars head coach replaces Steve Komphela, who resigned in April this year after three seasons without some silverware. Solinas has signed a two-year deal with an option and will start coaching the team as soon as he receives his work permit. Speaking after a 2-0 win over ABC Motsepe League side Buya Msuthu in the Maize Cup pre-season tournament at James Motlatsi stadium in Orkney, Mabedi describes the mood in the Chiefs camp after Solinas was confirmed yesterday.
The Premier Soccer League has taken a bold step to go ahead and kick-off the new 2018/2019 season on the fourth of next month as scheduled despite the complicated Ajax Cape Town and Tendai Ndoro case. This follows the National Soccer League’s (NSL’s) Board of Governors (BOG) meeting at the Sandton Convention Centre today. Judge Denise Fischer had made a ruling last week, setting aside Adv William Mokhari’s arbitration award which docked Ajax points and relegated them to the National First Division (NFD). Khoza says this is going to be a two pronged approach. Judge Fischer had also ruled that only the FIFA Player Status Committee (PSC) can rule on Ndoro’s eligibility and said this matter should be referred there. Khoza says if the leave to appeal is not granted, they will then take the matter to the FIFA PSC.
Cape Umoya United began their pre-season training this week, as the new club prepare for their season in the National First Division. After purchasing the Platinum Stars franchise last season, Roger De Sa and his partners have now officially renamed the club and relocated to Cape Town. Despite being in the middle of winter, it’s been a sunny week in Cape Town and De Sa says while it has been nice conditions to start training, he would prefer the city get more rain. De Sa, who has lived in Cape Town for many years, and was commuting when running the club in the North West, says he is ready for the challenge of building the club.
The PSL Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has announced that the 2018/2019 season will start as scheduled on the 4th of August 2018 despite the AjaxNdoro case. The BOG has also given the league the go ahead to continue with to appeal Judge Fischer’s ruling….
Cape Town City Coach Benni McCarthy says he is very pleased with how things are going as the team continue their preseason training. City returned to training in the last week of June and have been hard at work for the past two weeks at their Hartleyvale base. McCarthy says he has been very impressed with the start they have made, and feels optimistic that they will be ready to challenge for trophies when the PSL kicks off in August.
By the end of this week, there should be clarity on whether the financially troubled Bloemfontein Celtic is getting a new sponsor or selling. This is the confirmation that the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) got from the embattled Celtic chairman Max Tshabalala this past weekend as they were trying to resolve the matter of players who were not paid their salaries from last month. About eight Celtic players were not paid their salaries leading to the entire team boycotting training from last Monday. This prompted the SAFPU President Thula Gaoshubelwe to drive down to Bloemfontein and the response is not good for the Isiwelele fans.
The search for the new coach at Kaizer Chiefs continues and SABC Sport understands that the club is now pursuing other candidates other than their former coach Stuart Baxter. The British born coach was very close to returning to Naturena last week but it has since transpired that SAFA is not prepared to lose him without having secured his successor with the 2019 African Nations Cup (AFCON) qualifier against Libya in Durban only six weeks away. Chiefs have been without a head coach since Steve Komphela resigned in April following three barren seasons without some silverware. Speaking in Durban today, SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble made it very clear that Baxter remains their coach. Chiefs came very close to securing the services of former Al Ahly coach Hossam Al Badry last month but he was swept away by the money bags of the newly bought Egyptian club Pryamids FC, who are funded a Saudi Arabian billionaire. It’s also believed that Baxter wanted to leave his Bafana job but what is clear is that it will not happen on his own terms.
Cape Town City beat out a number of other clubs to sign the exciting Bafana Bafana midfielder Gift Links from Egyptian club, Pyramid FC. Links had spent the past six months in Egypt at the club formerly known as Al-Assiouty, having joined them from Platinum Stars. The youngster also made his Bafana Bafana debut at the recent Cosafa Cup, where he was one of the stand-out players for Stuart Baxter’s team. Links says this past year has been an incredible time in his career.
Another SAFA technical team member has been linked with the coach less Kaizer Chiefs camp. But unlike Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter, Amajimbos head coach Molefi Ntseki’s link is not necessarily with the first team but the long term vision of the club. The South African national U17 team head coach is no stranger to development structures, having headed the Bloemfontein Celtic youth system in the past, spotted and nurtured talents like Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns). SABC Sport has reliably learnt that Ntseki is the number one target to head the development academy at Amakhosi as they aim to revitalize the footballing structures at the club. Ntseki has been an Amajimbos head coach since 2014 and says the link to Amakhosi talks to growth.
The Premier Soccer League Executive Committee has resolved to appeal Judge Denise Fischer judgement on the Ajax Cape Town and Tendai Ndoro case pending the approval of the Board of Governors (BOG) next Thursday. This was confirmed by the Chairman of the PSL Irvin Khoza after the Exco’s meeting today. At the South Gauteng High Court on Monday, Judge Fischer set aside Adv William Mokhari’s arbitration award which found Ajax guilty of fielding an ineligible player (Ndoro), docked them points and relegated to the National First Division. She also referred the case to the FIFA Player Status Committee to decide on its merits. The ruling also meant that Ajax is reinstated to their 15th position before the promotion and relegation play-offs took place last month. Khoza has more on the next step.
Cavin Johnson says that every at his AmaZulu squad is excited at the arrival of new Argentinian signing Emiliano Tade this week. The 30-year-old has been easing his way into training since Monday. He joined the club from New Zealand outfit Auckland City where he became one of the biggest names in Australasia. Tade is an AFC Champions League record scorer and also holds the honour of playing for his former Kiwi club at seven consecutive FIFA Club World Cups between 2011 and 2017. Johnson is delighted that he has finally arrived in Durban.
Bidvest Wits head coach Gavin Hunt has paid tribute to one of the most decorated football players in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) era Daine Klate, as he finally leaves the club in this transfer window. With six league titles next to his name, Klate has won the most number of championships since the rebranding of the senior national league championship in 1996/97 season. The Eastern Cape born attacker won the league with Hunt three times at Supersport United, then had two trebles at Orlando Pirates before returning to help Hunt win a maiden Wits league title two seasons ago. Speaking to SABC Sport after training this morning, Hunt confirmed that Klate is going back home to Port Elizabeth.
Bloemfontein Celtic is in crisis once again, players have gone on strike. SABC Sport has learnt that players have not attended training since yesterday (Monday, 2 July 2018) after the club allegedly failed to pay them last month’s salary. This comes just one month after boss Max Tshabalala put the club up for sale due to financial constraints. SABC Sport Reporter Tshenolo Meruti filed this report.
Bloemfontein Celtic is in crisis once again, players have gone on strike. SABC Sport has learnt that players have not attended training since yesterday (Monday, 2 July 2018) after the club allegedly failed to pay them last month’s salary. This comes just one month after boss Max Tshabalala put the club up for sale due to financial constraints. SABC Sport Reporter Tshenolo Meruti filed this report.
Black Leopards coach Joel Masutha says the developments in the Tendai Ndoro saga are not distracting his pre-season camp at all. This comes after Ajax Cape Town was restored to 15th position in the Absa premiership by Judge Denise Fischer yesterday. The ruling in the South Gauteng High Court also makes the results of the promotion/relegation playoffs that Leopards won invalid. The Premier Soccer league has already released a statement saying they will study the ruling. Masutha says he is not moved by any of this.
The Premier Soccer League’s preparations for the new 2018/2019 season have been thrown into disarray by today’s Judge Denise Fischer ruling at the South Gauteng High Court. Judge Fischer has ruled in favour of Ajax Cape Town in the Tendai Ndoro case and set aside the Adv William Mokhari’s Arbitration award which found Urban Warriors guilty of fielding an ineligible player and relegated them to the National First Division. Judge Fischer has referred this matter back to the FIFA Player Status Committee. The ruling also means that the results of the PSL promotion and relegation play-offs which promoted Black Leopards are invalid. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli was in court today and has compiled this report.
Black Leopards assembled for their pre-season camp for the upcoming 2018/19 Absa premiership season in Polokwane yesterday. With their return to the Premier Soccer League still fresh in their mind, the club has also been conducting trials in Limpopo’s Vhembe and Capricorn districts respectively to beef up the squad. Leopards coach Joel Masutha says he is highly impressed with the talent he saw at the trials.
The Ajax Cape Town first team were back in training this week as they prepare for the 2018/2019 season, albeit unsure of whether they will be competing in the PSL or NFD. Following the Tendai Ndoro ineligibility case, Ajax were relegated to the second tier, but have challenged the decision in court, and they will know that decision next week Monday when Judge Denise Fisher delivers her verdict. However, while they await their fate, Muhsin Ertugral and the team resumed training this week and the coach is pleased to see the players keeping their spirits up.
Mamelodi Sundowns fans’ hopes of seeing their team returning to its spiritual home ground HM Pitjie stadium in Mamelodi will have to be out on ice for now. The Gauteng MEC of Sport Faith Mazibuko confirmed yesterday after presenting her Budget Speech for 2018/2019 that their hopes of resolving the HM Pitjie stadium constriction challenge is hitting a brick wall. Mazibuko revealed that they need R240 million just to demolish the grand stand which was built by a construction company as part of the 2010 World Cup legacy projects.
The main task that the newly appointed Botswana Football Association (BFA) Technical Director Serame Letsoaka will have to see through in Gaborone is producing new coaches. These are the views of Botswana senior national men’s team head coach Major David Bright as he commented on Letsoaka’s arrival as the TD from the beginning of this month. For a very long time Botswana football has been behind, last qualifying for the AFCON tournament in 2012 and Bright says the former Bafana Bafana assistant coach faces this immediate challenge.
There’s a serious need for the senior men’s South African national football team to address the overreliance on Itumeleng Khune as the country’s number one goalkeeper. These are the words of former Bafana Bafana, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs number one goalkeeper Brian Baloyi. He was speaking just few days before his departure as Chiefs goalkeeper coach was announced this month. The goalkeeping department used to be the strongest area at Bafana but these days when Khune is not available there’s panic. Baloyi says the challenge that the country is having on producing goalkeepers, is a similar problem in having good strikers…
Highlands Park chairman Larry Brookstone says that preparations are well on track for their return to the Absa Premiership in the coming weeks. The Lions of the North won promotion by some distance when they were crowned National First Division champions last season. It means they return to top-flight football 12 months after being relegated and the club boss is confident they will make a better impact this time around because of the preparation time at their disposal.
Bafana Bafana legend Steven Pienaar is confident that the national team will qualify for the 2022 FIFA world cup in Qatar. SA is not taking part in the global showpiece currently taking place in Russia after they failed to qualify in a group which was eventually won by Senegal. The last time Bafana qualified for the prestigious quadrennial tournament was in 2002 at the Japan/South Africa edition, although they took part at the 2010 edition by the virtue of being a host country.
Ajax Cape Town have confirmed that they have parted ways with striker Tendai Ndoro. The Zimbabwean international joined the Urban Warriors at the start of the year, and has been at the centre of the controversy at the club, after it was ruled that Ndoro was ineligible to play, as he had already turned out for two clubs during the 2017/2018 season. Ajax were relegated from the PSL after results of 3 matches involving Ndoro were turned around by SAFA arbitration, a matter that Ajax are still fighting legally. Ajax CEO Ari Efstathiou confirms that they decided to release the player.
NOTE: Sound quality-poor
The Mamelodi Sundowns and Percy Tau saga seems to be far from being over. By this afternoon, the PSL Footballer of the season had not reported for the pre-season camp that started in Rustenburg yesterday. The Sunday Times reported yesterday that Tau is at loggerheads with Sundowns as they are delaying his potential move to the English Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion. The report went further to say Brighton have tabled a R34million offer for Tau, which would set a record for a player bought from the PSL. Sundowns spokesperson Thulani Thuswa has more on the latest regarding the 24year-old.
Hellenic made a wonderful return to the Engen Knockout Challenge as the Cape Town football academy walked away the winners of the Cape Town tournament today. Having qualified for the first time in 3 years, Hellenic beat Grassy Park United 2-1 in the final to lift the trophy and qualify for October’s Champion of Champions series in Gauteng. Hellenic’s coach Neven Payne, the former Santos and Hellenic midfielder, says he is delighted and surprised to walk away winners, especially considering the age of the squad, but he says creating quality young players is the legacy of Hellenic.
Mamelodi Sundowns did all they can to retain the services of their former talisman and Zimbabwean international Khama Billiat before he joined arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs last Friday. SABC Sport has established that Sundowns’ final offer was a mouthwatering R8.5million a season package but still that was not enough to change his demand and he opted for Naturena. Chiefs matched every offer that was coming Billiat’s way and the Amakhosi Football Manager Bobby Motaung says engaging with his family also did the trick. Motaung says they are not done yet in the market and expects that they will be announcing three more players later this week.
Kaizer Chiefs were very close to securing the services of former Al Ahly coach Hossam El Badry but lost out when Egyptian side Pryamids FC’s came with some huge money bags to change his mind. Without mentioning the name, Chiefs Football Manager Bobby Motaung revealed today that they had agreed everything with El Badry. But SABC Sport understands that the Saudi Arabian billionaire Turki Al-Sheik who has completed the takeover of Al Assiouty SC (Gift Links’s team) gave El Badry an offer he couldn’t refuse. Motaung confirmed today that they had their man in the bag but Saudi money bags swept him away.
New Bloemfontein Celtic coach Steve Komphela is conscious of the pressure that comes with coaching one of the top teams like Phunya Sele Sele. The former Kaizer Chiefs’ mentor will lead Celtic during their 2018/2019 league campaign. Celtic is still up for sale and will need to do much better in the incoming season after finishing eleventh placed last season. Komphela parted ways with Chiefs without winning a single silverware. Komphela says he is no stranger to pressure. Komphela, who stepped down as Chiefs coach following Amakhosi’s semi-final exit from the Nedbank Cup to eventual winners Free State Stars, says pressure is faced by all 16 PSL teams.
Former Kaizer Chiefs mentor Steve Komphela will lead Bloemfontein Celtic during their 2018/2019 league campaign. Celtic have confirmed that they hired Komphela on a two-year contract with an option of one year. Celtic Managing Director Rali Ramabodu shares that they have already handed Komphela his mandate which is to build the team in the incoming season.
The Premier Soccer League have been hosting Safety and Security workshops across the country, providing a platform for all PSL and NFD clubs to discuss various topics with top security experts. Having already met in Gauteng, the Cape Town workshop was held Tuesday the 26th of June to discuss issues like Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act (SASREA), local-by laws and the updated NSL Safety and Security Compliance Manual. After Cape Town, the workshops will move on to Kwazulu-Natal, and then finish off in Polokwane. The PSL’s head of legal Michael Murphy explains the importance of these workshops.
Former Bafana Bafana star Steven Pienaar’s annual tournament has grown in leaps and bounds since it was started in 2003. The tournament took place in his home town Westbury on the west of Johannesburg this weekend. It started with just four teams but now there are age categories teams and women teams. Pienaar, who recently retired from professional football, says the tournament goes beyond football.
Never before has as defending champions, Germany lost an opening game of the FIFA World Cup. But that finally happened yesterday as they went down 1-0 to a well determined Mexican side at Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia. It took, Hirving Lozano’s goal to put the Mexicans in front and they never looked back. Group F has just become more interesting and SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli was at the match venue last night and he’s compiled this report.
The attempted murder case involving Black Leopards team manager Elijah Mulaudzi and former coach Ivan Minnaert was postponed for the last final time in the Polokwane Magistrate’s court this morning. Mulaudzi is accused of trying to run Minnaert over with a car in November last year following the coach’s dismissal from his post. The matter has already been postponed four times and the final postponement for a regional court date is 1 August 2018. Mulaudzi’s lawyer Lot Ramusi told the magistrate that the situation is unfair on his client considering that the complainant has not been in the country to attend court proceedings. In a separate case also in the same court, Minnaert is accused of theft by the club and there is a warrant of arrest out for him for not attending that case. Ramusi hopes the final postponement will result in the charges against Mulaudzi being dropped.
Baroka FC today confirmed Wedson Nyirenda as their new head coach along with his new technical team including Fani Mthethwa as assistant, Thomas “Spaghetti” Nare as the goalkeeper coach and Social Manamela as physical trainer. Nyirenda has signed a two year contract with an option to renew with Baroka. Nyirenda says he wants to build a team before setting sights on even competing for league honours. The coach also admits that having his former Kaizer Chiefs teammate Baroka’s technical director Doctor Khumalo round will make his job easier.
Africa’s 2018 FIFA World Cup gets underway today with Egypt and Morocco in action in their respective groups. The spotlight is on the Pharaohs as they are making a long awaited return to the premium football competition in world football. It’s been 28 years since Egypt last featured in the World Cup and they open their Group A campaign against favourites Uruguay. Hector Cuper’s boys play Oscar Tabarez’s team at the Ekaterinburg Arena at 15:00 (14:00 SA Time) and they received a major boost when their star player and English Premier League MVP from this past season Mo Salah was declared ready to play. The reaction of their fans to these developments is telling.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup got a to a five start start in Moscow, Russia yesterday when the hosts humiliated Saudi Arabia 5-0 in front of a packed home crowd at the Luzhniki stadium. Denis Cheryshev came from the bench to score a brace adding to Artem Dzyuba, Aleksander Golovin and Lury Gazinsky’s goals to give the Russians a perfect start to the 21st edition of the big spectacle. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli was at the match venue and he has compiled this report.
Despite Bafana Bafana’s failure to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Mzansi will be represented on the stands when the big spectacle kicks-off at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow today. The hosts Russia open their campaign against Saudi Arabia in Group A this afternoon….16h00 (17h00 SA Time) and will be hoping to make an immediate impact in a group that also has Egypt and Uruguay. A group of fans from Pretoria landed at the Moscow International Airport yesterday and they had been planning for this trip from four years ago. During their stay in Russia, this group of fans will be watching games in different cities but most importantly support the five African countries.
While most clubs in South African are enjoying a break during the off season, Ajax Cape Town players returned to training this week. The Cape Town club, who were relegated to the National First Division last month, after being docked points for fielding the ineligible Tendai Ndoro, are still involved in a legal dispute because of that decision, and will return to the Gauteng High Court on Thursday as they challenge the punishment that was meted out. If they are successful in court, Ajax are hoping to be re-instated to 15th position in the PSL, and have the play-offs, that saw Black Leopards promoted, replayed. Ajax goalkeeper Jody February says that while their break was short, it was a good chance for the players to spend some time with their family during this uncertain.
While many footballers have been using the off-season to get some much needed rest, goalkeeper Shu-aib Walters has been running goalkeeping coaching clinics since the season came to an end. The Cape Town City goalkeeper recently did his SAFA D coaching license and says he saw this time as a perfect opportunity to hone those skills further. The 36-year-old saysthat he is far from ready to retire and as long as he is able to compete with younger players and is not being left behind, he will continue playing.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Zimbabwean international attacker Khama Billiat’s next contract is very important for his footballing career and he’s reiterated the need to satisfy himself more than anyone else. Speaking after helping Zimbabwe to clinch the COSAFA Cup title and its record sixth title by beating Zambia 4-2 in Polokwane this past weekend, Billiat says now is the right time to sort out his future. He turns 28 in August and with football being a short career, this is most likely going to be Billiat’s last major contract and he wants it to reflect that.
Highlands Park co – director Sinki Mnisi says it was vital to release players they deem to be surplus to the team’s requirements ahead of the new season, since they took the decision release 12. According to Mnisi the club has taken the option not to renew their contracts and one of the reasons is that they did not get enough game time this past season. Mnisi says he has noted reports that the announcement did not go down well with one of the released players, who is alleged to have said he was not informed beforehand. Mnisi concedes that they should have informed the players before making the announcement, and undertakes to personally call them himself.
The much talked about and protracted pre-contract story of Vincent Pule signing a pre-contract with Kaizer Chiefs is taking another turn with his outgoing intermediary Tim Sukazi confirming that they have never signed a pre-contract with Amakhosi. At the beginning of this year Bidvest Wits head coach Gavin Hunt had confirmed that Pule is has signed a pre-contract with a big team and Pule himself was reported to have confirmed that he’s heading to a big team quoted as Chiefs. But last month it transpired that his representatives at QT Sports know nothing about the pre-contract with Chiefs. He has since been linked with Orlando Pirates and the outgoing CEO of QT Sports Tim Sukazi told SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli in Polokwane that Pule’s has concluded a deal with his new team that will reveal him soon.
Cape Town City chairman John Comitis says he is hoping that the club will give chances to even more local Capetonian players next season. While it may have been the high profile signings like Teko Modise, Surprise Ralani and Matthew Rusike who got the headlines last season, it was the emergence of players like Craig Martin and Taariq Fielies that pleased Comitis. Comitis says giving chances to players like that and seeing them succeed is what he enjoys as a boss. Comitis says it is particularly exciting to see a player like Fielies grab his opportunity, and the defender, who is currently part of the Bafana Bafana squad at the COSAFA Cup, is now considered a key member of the City team.
Cash strapped Bloemfontein Celtic may end up playing all their home games at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, after-all, thanks to Mangaung Metro. He municipality has come on board in a desperate bid to ensure the team continue to use the venue named after its founder Dr Petrus “White Head” Molemela. At a press conference in the municipal offices in Bloemfontein early today, Executive Mayor Olly Mlamleli announced major plans to save the team from leaving the City of Roses.
It will be the repeat of last year’s COSAFA Cup final as Zambia will meet Zimbabwe in the final on Saturday. This follows Zambia’s 1-0 win over Madagascar in the semi-final played at the Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane last night. Zambia’s goal was scored by Lazarous Kambole midway the first half in what was the game of missed chances. Zambia have won this title four times and head coach Beston Chambeshi was a relieved man after this result. Madagascar had managed to pull off a good result by eliminating the hosts South Africa in the last eight beating them 4-3 on penalties. But it’s in this game that Chambeshi and his technical team started to plot the downfall of the islanders.
It was a much improved performance from Bafana Bafana as they bounced back from exiting the COSAFA Cup losing to Madagascar on penalties to wallop Namibia 4-1 and reach the COSAFA Plate final at the Old Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane last night. A brace from Lebohang Maboe and goals from Aubrey Modiba (penalty) and captain Siyanda Xulu were enough to secure this result. The consolation goal for the Brave Warriors came from Bloemfontein Celtic winger Deon Hotto. Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter has more on what worked on the night.
Chippa United chief operations officer Lukanyo Mzinzi is happy after the Chilli Boyz’s first choice goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi made it into the final Nigerian squad, which is going to play at the upcoming FIFA World Cup finals in Russia. The Chilli Boyz goalkeeper got the nod from Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr when he announced his final squad for the tournament on Saturday. Akpeyi is going to be the only South Africa-based Nigerian player at the World Cup tournament. Mzinzi reckons that Akpeyi’s inclusion in the Super Eagles’ World Cup squad augurs well for the Chilli Boyz in their quest to continue to giving deserving players a chance to play for the team. The 31-year-old Akpeyi joined the Chilli Boyz during the 2015/16 season.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane says playing for his team comes with benefits. Mosimane says playing for Sundowns will give one an opportunity and platform to play in the CAF champions league and also go abroad. He cited an example of Bongani Zungu and Keagan Dolly, who are both plying their trade overseas in France. Several players are linked with a move to the PSL champions and Mosimane says there are quality players locally.
Egypt international striker Amr Gamal say he is disappointed for not being selected for the national team that is going to take part at the FIFA world cup in Russia later this month. Gamal was part of the 35-man preliminary squad but he failed to make the cut in the 29-man team that will represent the team in Russia. The 26-year old says he joined Bidvest Wits so that he can play regularly to make the world cup team.
The newly elected SAFA Council held its first meeting Saturday in Polokwane and they have decided to consult with the Minister of Sport Tokozile Xasa before they make a decision on which bid to back for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. SAFA President Danny Jordaan confirmed after the meeting that they will engage Xasa (who was also in Polokwane) on their vote as well as the Chairperson of the Sport Portfolio Committee. Morocco is up against the United bid of USA, Mexico and Canada for the 2026 vote. Jordaan says they will have a broad consultation on their vote.
Ria Ledwaba has been voted in as the first woman Vice-President at the first SAFA Council meeting of the new leadership which took place in Polokwane yesterday. Previously the Vice-Presidents were voted for in the Congress but SAFA has now changed to the same method used at CAF where the VP’s are either selected by the President or the Council. Ledwaba, a former owner of the now defunct PSL club Ria Stars is one of the new three Vice-Presidents who were voted in yesterday. One of them was always going to be a woman but Ledwaba received the highest number of votes (28 out of 29) overall. SAFA President Danny Jordaan says there’s a shift in football leadership.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane says it will be difficult for his team to defend the league title next season. Mosimane just led the Brazilians to their eight league title in the ABSA Premiership era and his third in charge of the team. The PSL champions have not defended the league title under Mosimane. Next season it will be tough for Sundowns since the CAF champions league will be squeezed into six month, from December this year to May next year to usher in a new calendar that will commence from August 2019 to May 2020.
Cape Town City have confirmed that two of their experienced defenders, Vincent Kobola and Tshepo Gumede, will be leaving the club. Both players have been at City for two seasons, with Kobola having come as part of the Mpumalanga Black Aces contingent when the franchise was purchased, while Gumede joined City from Orlando Pirates. City’s chairman John Comitis confirms their exits, and says that he wants to pay a specific tribute to Kobola, who is an incredibly special person to the club.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) newly elected Council will meet on Sunday to decide on their vote in the 2026 FIFA World Cup bid, set for for the 13th of next month in Moscow, Russia. The South African vote is on the spotlight after Minister of Sport Tokozile Xasa made it clear that SA cannot for Morocco based on political reasons. The North Africans are up against the American Bid (USA, Mexico and Canada) for the first expanded World Cup (48 teams). SAFA President Danny Jordaan, who was elected unopposed last week for his second term, says they have not made a decision yet on their vote.
SAFA President Danny Jordaan says he was not going to involve himself in a mudslinging exercise going to the recent SAFA elections but only prepared to engage in a democratic debate. Jordaan was responding to questions this morning during a media roundtable with senior journalists and sports editors paving the way forward after he was elected unopposed this past weekend. SAFA elections had to be postponed from March this year and were only held last weekend after questions were raised by some of the candidates on the SAFA constitution and electoral code. Jordaan says in his more than 20 years career in football, he’s never engaged in mudslinging.
The Minister of Sport and Recreation Tokozile Xasa and the Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga signed a Memorandum of Understanding to tackle issues hampering school sports development, in parliament today (Wednesday). This memorandum articulates areas of responsibility while also aligning resources for the implementation of school sports programmes. Motshekga says that it is through school sport that most young people discover their skills and love for a sport.
Percy Tau’s great season with league champions Mamelodi Sundowns was rewarded when he won the biggest honours at the glittering PSL awards at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg last night. Tau won the most prestigious PSL Footballer of the Season, the ABSA Premiership Player’s Player of the Season and also the top goal scorer award which he shared with Polokwane City’s Rodney Ramagalela. Tau is proud of his achievements.
Platinum Stars striker Letsie Koapeng says their struggle in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) promotional play-offs, is a reflection of their poor run of form in the 2017/18 season. Stars are on a three – match winless run in the play-offs, having drawn twice and lost once. Koapeng, who scored a brace in a 2-2 draw against Black Leopards at the weekend, says lack of goals as well as lapse of concentration have let them down this season.The stalemate against Leopards has left Dikwena with incredibly slim chances of retaining their top – flight status, as their relegation fate could be sealed tomorrow afternoon if Lidoda Duvha win or draw against Jomo Cosmos at Thohoyandou Stadium…
Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Clinton Larsen says it will be difficult to separate the three Coach of the Season candidates at the Premier Soccer League Awards that take place later this evening. Pitso Mosimane of title-winning Mamelodi Sundowns, league runner-up Milutin Sredojevic and record-breaking Fadlu Davids are the three men nominated for the top prize, which will be unveiled at the 2017/18 awards ceremony schedule for the Sandton Convention Centre. Larsen concedes any of the three will be worthy winner.
Bafana Bafana Cosafa cup squad trained at their team hotel just outside Polokwane earlier today without the group that have nominated in the end of year Premier Soccer League awards. The group includes Maritzburg United duo of Siphelele Ndlovu, new Bafana Captain Siyanda Xulu and Innocent Maela of Orlando Pirates. The players left camp for the awards ceremony which is tonight at the Sandton Convention Centre. The team only has a week to prepare for the quarter-finals of the Cosafa Cup and coach Stuart Baxter knows results are still expected.
Former Bafana Bafana star and Orlando Pirates captain Thabo Mngomeni is embarking on a development project in Langa in Cape Town. Mngomeni began his football career in that community, before embarking on a professional career that saw him play across South Africa. He was also a member of the Bafana squad that went to the World Cup Finals in 2002, and now Mngomeni, who has been doing his coaching badges, says he wants to create something in Langa that will help the next generation in the community. Before embarking on developing players, Mngomeni says his first port of call is developing coaches in the area.
Its looking increasingly likely that that Mamelodi Sundowns could go into the new season without their talisman Percy Tau! Sundowns head coach Pitso confirmed to SABC Sport during the launch of the pre-season Shell Helix Ultra Cup match against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB stadium last night that it is going to be difficult to turn down the attractive offers that Tau has got on the table. Meanwhile, SABC Sport also understands that Sundowns has not given up on retaining the services of Zimbabwean international Khama Billiat, whose contract with the Brazilians is running out at the end of next month. For a player who only featured in 21 matches, scored nine goals and provided eight assists in all competitions this past season, Mosimane knows what it will take to retain Khama. Surely, he’s worth more than the R200 000 gross salary they offered him last year.
Minister of Sports Tokozile Xasa has confirmed that she will be meeting the newly elected leadership of the South African Football Association (SAFA) over the FIFA 2026 World Cup bid vote. Few weeks ago, Xasa was clear that South Africa cannot vote for Morocco on the 13th of next month in Moscow, Russia and she says the government stance has not changed. Morocco is up against a joint bid of North America (USA, Mexico and Canada) for the right to host the first expanded (48 teams) World Cup tourney. Political relations between Pretoria and Rabat have never been strong and Xasa says patriotism will be in key SAFA’s decision. SA and Morocco only resumed the diplomatic ties in December last year, this was more than a decade after Morocco withdrew its ambassador from Pretoria. Morocco recalled its ambassador from SA in 2004 after former South African president Thabo Mbeki recognized a breakaway region in the Western Sahara which Morocco claims as part of its territory. SABC Sport has also established that when the African Rugby Confederation voted for France and not SA in the 2023 Rugby World Cup bid, the man who made that possible was the body’s President Abdelaziz Bougja, he is a French citizen of Moroccan descent, who has been living in France for 30 years. And Xasa maintains that it’s a no to the North African country…
Daniel “Dance” Malesela is happy that he is back as coach at Chippa United even though he was fired from the same team only three games into the past season. Malesela was replaced by Teboho Moloi, who was sacked after 20 matches and replaced by Serbian-born Vladislav Heric, who coached the Chilli Boyz in their last seven matches of the season. Chilli Boyz chairman Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi made a surprise announcement yesterday saying that Malesela was returning to the Port Elizabeth club.
Tornado coach Tshepo Motsoeneng has declared his team’s ready for the ABC Motsepe League national play-offs, which are going to be held at the University of Limpopo sport grounds in Turfloop from the 4th till the 9th of June. The ABC Motsepe League champions from Mdantsane, Eastern Cape have been drawn in Group A together with Buya Msuthu from North West and The Dolphins from Limpopo. The former AmaZulu, SuperSport United, Santos, Free State Stars and Chippa United goalkeeper insists that he is not going to change his game plan going to the opening match against Buya Msuthu on 4th. Tornado only lost once throughout the ABC Motsepe League season.
Meanwhile, Cape Town City have confirmed that Teko Modise will still be at the club next season. The veteran midfielder joined Benni McCarthy’s team at the beginning of the 2017/2018 season and played a crucial role in helping City end in 5th in the PSL. While there had been speculation in the media whether the 35-year-old would remain at the club, City’s chairman John Comitis confirms that Modise, who made 23 appearances in all competitions for the Citizens, had in fact extended his contract with a club a few months ago already.
With less than a month to go before the kick-off of the FIFA world cup in Russia, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane is pessimistic about the chances of African teams at the global showpiece. Five African teams Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tunisia and will be hoisting the continent’s flag high in Russia. Powerhouses such as Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Ghana failed to qualify this time…
The South African sports star of the year and long jump world champion Luvo Manyonga is in line to win the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Annuals Sports Awards (RASA) sports personality of the year category. The RASA awards will take place at the Birchwood Hotel in Johannesburg on Saturday evening. Manyonga who clinched the IAAF World Championships gold medal in London last year remains unbeaten in the outdoor long jump since 2016. He will be up against 400m sprinter Karabo Sibanda from Botswana and Samson Muripo (Karate) from Zimbabwe. AUSC Region 5 CEO Stanley Mutoya says this is another way of showcasing the talent the Southern African region possesses.
Cape Town City’s midfielder Thabo Nodada is delighted to have received a nomination for the MTN8 Last Man Standing award at this season’s PSL Awards. The 23-year-old is the only Cape Town-based footballer to receive a nomination at this year’s awards. Nodada, who was recently named the club’s player of the season, says that it has been an amazing season for him, but after losing in the final of the MTN8 to SuperSport United on penalties, he has mixed feelings about the tournament.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says his fatigued side will struggle to get motivated, when they play against Horoya FC from Guinea. Recently Sundowns won the league title and last week they played a high-profile friendly match against FC Barcelona from Spain, but Mosimane says the thought of winning the champions league will motivate them. The two teams will lock horns in the CAF champions’ league group match in Conakry tomorrow night (kick-off 6pm).
For the first time in the history of South African African Football Association (SAFA), a former Bafana Bafana head coach and top international striker could be sitting in the SAFA Council (previously SAFA NEC) by the end of this weekend. The most successful Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba and former top striker Philemon Masinga have made the final list of nominees for the SAFA Council. The incumbent Danny Jordaan will be opposed by former international referee Ace Ncobo for the Presidential positon. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli will cover the SAFA elective congress at Sandton Convention Centre on Saturday and has compiled this report.
Minister of Sports and Recreation Tokozile Xasa presented the department’s budget for 2018/19 at Parliament in Cape Town today. The Department has adopted the slogan “Choose2BActive” for the year, and the majority of the R1.91 billion budget will be allocated to support the provision of mass participation in sports and recreation. Xasa says it is common knowledge that sport can be used as a tool for social cohesion.
Jomo Cosmos chairman and head coach Jomo Sono has weighed in on the calls for the number of Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams to be increased from 16 to 18, saying it will never happen. The calls for the league to expand come against the background of the ongoing Ajax Cape Town and Tendai Ndoro matter, which has been dominating the headlines lately. The league was reduced from 18 to 16 teams after the end of the 2001/02 season to avoid fixture congestion, causing two teams, Ria Stars and Free State Stars, to be disbanded…
Mamelodi Sundowns will continue with their CAF champions league programme, when they take on Horoya FC in Conakry, Guinea at Stade 28 Septembre stadium tomorrow night (kickoff 6pm). The Brazilians started their campaign with a goalless draw against reigning champions Wydad Athletic Club from Morocco early this month. The clash against Horoya was postponed due to Sundowns friendly match against FC Barcelona last week. Wydad beat Togolese AS-Togo Port 3-0 last week.
Polokwane City and other teams that are interested in Rulani Mokwena’s services as their new head coach, should not waste their time by pursuing the 30year-old, he’s not available and they must continue with their coach search. SABC Sport established this today when Mokwena spoke to the team at the PSL, the former Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach made it clear that he’s got unfinished business at Pirates. City is known to be tracking Mokwena to take over its vacant position which was filled by Bernard Molekwa this past season. During his time at Sundowns, Mokwena won a league title, the African Champions League and African Super Cup under head coach Pitso Mosimane and fellow assistant Manqoba Mngqithi. In his first season at his spiritual home back at Orlando stadium, together with head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic they have finished second on the log and qualified for the Champions League. He says the Buccaneers have got plans for him…
Next week’s Premier Soccer League end of the season awards are most likely going to be a Percy Tau and Siphesihle Ndlovu show. The youngsters were nominated for several awards when the PSL confirmed the list of nominees for the end of the season awards at the Sandton Convention Centre on the 29th of this month. With the top goal scorer award confirmed, Tau who finished jointly with Rodney Ramagalela on 11 goals, has also been nominated for the Player’s player of the year award and Footballer of the season. Modise who has won the Footballer of the year award twice previously has more on why his former teammate deserves to walk away with these awards.
Platinum Stars midfielder Nyiko Tshabangu believes they’re still within a chance of retaining their Premier Soccer League (PSL) status, this despite their 1 – 0 defeat at the hands of Black Leopards in the opening fixture of the playoffs at Thohoyandou Stadium last week Wednesday. He says the loss to Lidoda Duvha has not dampened their spirits.
Orlando Pirates Assistant coach Rulani Mokwena states that the footballer of the season should be an individual who contributed massively in the success of his team. Though he voted for Percy Tau as his favourite for this award, Mokwena says the likes of Musa Nyatama and Innocent Maela deserve to be nominated for this category. Mokwena was speaking today at the 2017/18 Premier Soccer League Awards nominee’s announcement at the league’s headquarters in Johannesburg,
Maritzburg United coach Fadlu Davids has reiterated his belief that his team are the underdogs for the Nedbank Cup final against Free State Stars tomorrow. The two teams meet in a surprise final at the Cape Town Stadium where the Pietermaritzburg-based team will be looking to win their first piece of silverware ever. Their opponents from Bethlehem are bidding to win a first trophy since they won the Coca-Cola Cup, now the Telkom Knockout, 24 years ago. However, Davids feels Ea Lla Koto have more players with cup-winning experience compared to the Team of Choice.
Sports and Recreation Minister Tokozile Xasa has hailed the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) and Standard Bank for establishing a program aimed at improving the life skills and financial literacy of footballers in the country. The initiative was launched at the bank’s offices in Rosebank, Johannesburg last night. Delivering the keynote address, Xasa described the two organizations as pioneers, and committed to providing necessary assistance to ensure that the initiative succeeds.
The build up to Saturday’s Nedbank Cup Final between Maritzburg United and Free State Stars continued in Cape Town this week, as the sponsors hosted a press conference at the V&A Waterfront. Cape Town Stadium will host the city’s first major final in 15 years, and both teams, who have surprised many this season, are hoping that they will be the first non-Gauteng winners since Nedbank took over the sponsorship of South Africa’s FA Cup. Stars Assistant Coach Sly Mosala says he does not think the occasion will be too big for the players. Team of Choice assistant Maahier Davids, the younger brother of their head coach Fadlu, says like Ngobeni, their goalkeeper Richard Ofori will be vital for them.
Long – serving Platinum Stars striker Robert Ng’ambi has sacrificed a call up to the Malawi national team for the upcoming 2018 COSAFA Cup, to help the troubled Dikwena to retain their Premier Soccer League (PSL) status. Stars, who were initially relegated, were handed a lifeline by the SAFA arbitration outcome which found Ajax Cape Town guilty of fielding Tendai Ndoro. With nine points docked, Ajax dropped to 16th on the log table, with the now 15th placed Stars getting a chance to fight for a top – flight stay in the play-offs. Ng’ambi elaborates on his decision to excuse himself from national duty. The PSL promotional play-offs, also involving Jomo Cosmos and Black Leopards, commenced yesterday and will be played until the 2nd of June, while the COSAFA Cup is scheduled to be played from 27 May to 09 June. Ng’ambi says turning down his national team call up was not an easy decision.
Judgement has been reserved for a later date, likely to be tomorrow (Friday) in the Ajax Cape Town and Tendai Ndoro urgent court application to interdict the promotion and relegation play-offs. Ajax approached the courts after they were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player in Ndoro and were docked seven points in the SAFA Arbitration overseen by Adv. William Mokhari SC. This resulted in the Urban Warriors suffering straight relegation to the National First Division and replaced by Platinum Stars in the play-offs. Appearing in front of Judge Raylene Keightley at the South Gauteng High Court yesterday, the PSL legal representative Dennis Sibuyi looks back at the day’s proceedings.
Black Leopards chairman David Thidiela says his side is ready to play anyone in the Premier Soccer League’s promotion playoffs in Thohoyandou tomorrow afternoon (15:00). This comes after the South African Football Association (SAFA)’s arbitrator ruling in the eligibility case involving Ajax Cape Town striker Tendai Ndoro. Ajax were found guilty of fielding Ndoro ineligibly against Orlando Pirates, Polokwane City and SuperSport United and that means the Urban Warriors lose all three encounters 3-0 and fined R50 000. With nine points docked Ajax dropped to number 16 on the log meaning Platinum Stars rise to 15th spot with 27 points and will take part on the playoffs as things currently stand. Thidiela says Li Doda Duvha have been preparing for the mini league involving Jomo Cosmos with the Ndoro case at the back of their minds.
Benni McCarthy has shot down reports casting doubts over his future by insisting he is happy at Cape Town City. It has been speculated by some media outlets over the past week that the former Bafana Bafana was not entirely satisfied because of the fact that he has to be away from his family, who are based in Scotland. The 40-year-old has just concluded his first season as a senior coach will now jet off to Edinburgh to spend time with his wife and children. McCarthy has blasted those that have been writing the incorrect information about him.
Vladislav Heric wants a proper pre-season to get Chippa United to compete at the level he wants them to be. Chippa missed out on a top 8 spot on the final day of the Absa premiership season with 1-1 draw away at Polokwane City on Saturday. The Eastern Cape based side finished the season in ninth position tied on 37 points with Bloemfontein Celtic behind them and a point adrift eighth placed AmaZulu. Vladislav Heric. The Serbian born mentor wants better relations between the universities located around the club to help scout for younger players for their development side which will in turn feed the first team. Heric says that because he came in during the term to save the side from relegation he had to rely on a lot of experience.
Ajax Cape Town have been found guilty of fielding Zimbabwean international striker Tendai Ndoro and now have to forfeit three matches. They are now automatically relegated from the Premier Soccer League, while Platinum Stars will contest the National First Division play-offs. SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli has more.
Following a disappointing 2017/18 Absa Premiership season in which they relinquished the league title outside the top eight after a 1-0 loss to Platinum Stars at the weekend, BidVest Wits assistant coach Paul Johnstone concedes that they fell short of expectations. Wits finished the season on the 12th spot on the log table with 36 points after 30 games, and a season record reading nine wins, nine draws and 12 losses. Johnstone says with a squad largely made up of first – time title winning players, living up to expectations wasn’t going to be easy.
The troubled Premier Soccer League (PSL) side, Ajax Cape Town is going to the South Gauteng High Court again. This time they are challenging the appointment of Advocate William Mokhari SC who is chairing the latest SAFA arbitration into the matter between the PSL, Tendai Ndoro and Ajax. The arbitration is currently underway in Sandton where Ajax want Mokhari to recuse himself from this case. This case has got the potential to delay the relegation and promotion play-offs that are supposed to start on Wednesday. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli is following this developing this story and has filed this report.
The troubled Premier Soccer League (PSL) side, Ajax Cape Town is going to the South Gauteng High Court again. This time they are challenging the appointment of Advocate William Mokhari SC who is chairing the latest SAFA arbitration into the matter between the PSL, Tendai Ndoro and Ajax. The arbitration is currently underway in Sandton where Ajax want Mokhari to recuse himself from this case. This case has got the potential to delay the relegation and promotion play-offs that are supposed to start on Wednesday. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli is following this developing this story and has filed this report.
Amajita came very close to opening the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) U20 qualifiers with an away win when they were held to a one-all draw by Mozambique in Beira Saturday. Ajax Cape Town’s Tashreeq Matthews had opened the score for the visitors in the 61st minute but the hosts only equalized eight minutes from full-time. This was only the first leg of the second round and the second leg will take place at Moruleng stadium on Sunday. Head coach Thabo Senong has applauded his team for scoring the all-important away goal. Senong took Amajita to the FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea last year and will be hoping to achieve the same feat by taking them to Poland next year. The winner of this tie will meet the winner of Angola and Malawi in the third round to qualify for the AFCON tournament in Niger. Senong has more on what it will take to proceed to the third round.
Mamelodi Sundowns young sensation Percy Tau says he is not obsessed with being a top goal scorer in the league this season. The Bafana Bafana striker is tied on 11goals with Polokwane City attacker Rodney Ramagalela with one match to go. Sundowns will play their last match against Bloemfontein Celtic away tomorrow afternoon. The Brazilians will also be officially handed their trophy after wrapping up the league title two weeks ago.
The match was initially scheduled for Wednesday at 8pm, but has now been moved to 6pm to accommodate the Europa cup final between Marseille and Atletico Madridon the same night as per rules of UEFA, the football governing body in Europe. Antonio Barradas, who is the representative of La Liga in Africa, confirmed that all the top Barca players such as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Phillipe Coutinho will be available.
15th-placed Ajax Cape Town will host Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, 12 May at the Cape Town Stadium, knowing only a victory in the final league game of the season could see them avoid the PSL promotion-relegation play-offs. Ajax coach Muhsin Ertugral says that while they know it will not be an easy task, he is confident that Ajax can pull off the victory, and they have been hard at work analysing the opposition and preparing themselves for the battle. Ertugral says that confidence in the camp is high and they have been working hard on improving their entry into the final third.
Polokwane City head coach Bernard Molekwa remains calm ahead of the final round of the 2017/18 Absa premiership season this weekend. City, sitting in 13th position on the log with 33 points welcome eighth placed Chippa United at the old Peter Mokaba stadium on Saturday afternoon (15:00). The visitors are tied on 36 points with Bloemfontein Celtic behind them. The Limpopo side is still in danger of going to the relegation play-offs but Molekwa says he has everything under control.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has announced that they have reached an agreement with the Motsepe Foundation for an extension of their sponsorship of the country’s second division, the ABC Motsepe League, for a further five years. The announcement was made earlier yesterday afternoon at the league’s 2018 play-offs launch and draw at SAFA House in Johannesburg. SAFA president Danny Jordaan has more on the new sponsorship deal.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane, wins Absa Premiership Coach of the Month Award. The Brazilians secured their eighth league title last week following a 3-1 win over Ajax Cape Town in Tshwane; and are in wait of the PSL trophy handover which will take place soon after the Bloemfontein Celtic v Sundowns game on the 12th of May 2018 Saturday afternoon. With the game scheduled to kickoff at 15h00. The 53 year old mentor dedicated his award to the unsung heroes, the technical.
The South African national U20 team start their African Nations Cup U20 qualifying campaign this week away to Mozambique at Campo de Ferroviaro da Beira in Beira City on Saturday and head coach Thabo Senong is confident that his team will hit the right notes. The young Black Mambas are fresh from humiliating Seychelles 6-0 in the first round and would be looking at getting a good result at home in the first leg. Senong is also happy with the attendance in this camp. Unfortunately, the team has suffered two critical withdrawals in Belgian based defender Keith Groeneveld and Amazulu midfielder Sibusiso Mabiliso but Senong is confident that that he’s got capable replacements.
The Premier Soccer League and South African Police Service were in Parliament today as they briefed the Portfolio Committee for Sports and Recreation about the violence that occurred at the Moses Mabhida Stadium last month. The entire PSL executive, led by chairman Dr Irvin Khoza, was in attendance, as was a delegation from SAPS, led by National Commissioner General Khehla Sithole. The Chairperson for the Committee, Beauty Dlulane explains the intention of this briefing…
Black Leopards interim coach Joel Masutha is not paying much attention to Jomo Sono’s sentiments about Leopards being favourites to win the playoffs. Leopards and Jomo Cosmos will battle the side that finishes in 15th position for a place in the Premier Soccer League next season. When the clubs met on the final day of regular season in Thohoyandou yesterday, Cosmos were without most of their key players which prompted coach Sono to say he has an edge. Masutha says what is important to him is his own charges application in a match.
The word is clear from the Minister of Sport Tokozile Xasa, the South African Football Association (SAFA) cannot support Morocco in the 2026 FIFA World Cup bid. SAFA last week released a statement saying they have not decided yet which bid to support between the Moroccans or the joint bid from North Americans (USA, Mexico and Canada). On the 13th of next month, on the eve of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the 211 members of FIFA will vote in Moscow and decide on the successful bid between the two, to host the 2026 tournament, which will be the expanded tournament of 48 countries. The South African government is known to be having strained relations with Morocco on some political matters and Xasa was clear today that the country can’t be seen as supporting the North Africans.
Highlands Park were crowned National First Division (NFD) champions officially yesterday, as they were handed the trophy after beating Stellenbosch 3-0 at the Athlone Stadium. Highlands finished 19 points ahead of second-placed Black Leopards and maintained their unbeaten record in the league since Owen Da Gama took over as coach in October last year. Da Gama says their success has come down to a collective effort from everyone at the club on and off the field, who all upped their efforts this season.
In Wydad Casablanca’s Faouzi Benzarti, Mamelodi Sundowns are coming up against a coach who is no stranger to playing against South African teams. Benzarti, who has been coaching for close to 40 years now at the highest level, led Etoile du Sahel to their 2015 CAF Confederations title beating the Orlando Pirates team of Eric Tinkler in the final. He inherited a Wydad team that hadn’t been doing well after lifting the CAF Champions League title last year but has helped to turn them around, going 12 matches without a loss. Last night they held their only training session at Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville, ahead of tonight’s Group C opening game against Sundowns and in this interview Belgian born Moroccan centre-back Naim Aarab tells SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli about their respect for the Brazilians…
Cape Town City defender Taariq Fielies is extremely honoured after being included in Stuart Baxter’s preliminary Bafana Bafana squad for the COSAFA Cup. It is the first national call-up for the 25 year old who has impressed for City since joining them at the start of the season. The born-and-bred Capetonian began his professional career at Ajax Cape Town, having coming through their youth ranks, but made just one appearance for the Urban Warriors during his stay there, back in the 2012/2013 season. He then spent four seasons in the National First Division (NFD) with Milano United, where he partnered with former Bafana defender Nasief Morris in defence. He was snapped up by Benni McCarthy’s City side at the start of the season, and has played in 26 of the 29 league games so far this season. Fielies says it is great to be recognized.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) Chairman Irvin Khoza has accused the South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan of using him as a scapegoat when he is cornered in football matters. Khoza was addressing a press conference at the PSL offices this afternoon, responding to the case that Jordaan opened against him of defamation and conspiracy at the Sandton police station last week. The Sunday Times reported last weekend that Jordaan is accusing Khoza of being a catalyst in rape allegations against him. This latest standoff, comes in the wake of the SAFA elections that were postponed at the end of March and would be held later this month. Khoza accuses Jordaan of this special tactic.
Chippa United midfielder Thabo Rakhale, who is on loan from Orlando Pirates until the end of this season, has confessed that he would love to stay at the Chilli Boyz. Rakhale has been one of the Port Elizabeth club’s key players in the second round of the season. He scored an-all important equaliser for the Chilli Boyz in their one all draw against SuperSport United in an Absa Premiership match at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane last Saturday.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane has also confirmed that they remain interested in Bafana Bafana international midfield strongman Andile Jali who is returning to the PSL next season from Belgium. The Brazilians are up against Jali’s former team Orlando Pirates and their Soweto archrivals Kaizer Chiefs for Jali’s services. Mosimane has some important questions though before they can sign Jali…
Newly crowned Absa Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns have not wasted time to strengthen their side with head coach Pitso Mosimane confirming this afternoon that they have finalized the signing of Guinea-Bissau attacker Toni Silva. The 24 year-old comes in highly recommended having turned out for English Premier League, Turkish and Portuguese clubs. Silva, who has also played for the Portuguese junior national teams is joining Sundowns from Greece…
Chippa United captain James Okwuosa says the chopping and changing of coaches at the Chilli Boyz brought some challenges to him. Okwuosa says the major challenge he had, which was caused by the changing of coaches at the Chilli Boyz was adapting to different coaching philosophies brought by different coaches. The Chilli Boyz started the season with Dan Malesela as their coach and he was fired after a few matches. Malesela was succeeded by Teboho Moloi, who led the Port Elizabeth club in 20 games before he was sacked and was succeeded by Vladislav Heric, who is in charge at the moment.
The footballing environment in Africa is not conducive to progressive and modernized minds. This is the view of the outgoing Zambian Football Association (FAZ) General Secretary (GS) Ponga Liwewe, who will be vacating his seat at the end of this month. Liwewe a long time media practitioner and operator in the commercial space, returned to football administration when he took over the FAZ position two years ago. During his time, they managed to get the U20 national team to win the AFCON tournament on home soil and qualified for the FIFA U20 World Cup where they lost out in the semi-finals. Some have claimed in Lusaka that Liwewe’s two-year contract is not being renewed due to some incompetence but in this short interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, he points to some power mongering.
The CAF Champions League and CAF Confederations Cup group stages phase kicks-off this coming weekend and there will be a strong representation for the COSAFA region. It is not just your usual suspects (clubs from South Africa and Zambia) that have made it to this level but clubs from Swaziland and Botswana as well. This also talks to the growth of football in this region as Township Rollers (Botswana), Mbabane Swallows (Swaziland) and Primeiro de Agosto (Angola) join established teams in this space Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) and Zesco United (Zambia). For COSAFA Executive member Tim Shongwe, this comes at the right time as he tells SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli about the possibility of the regional club championship in future.
The winds of change at Kaizer Chiefs were evident with the system that the club’s temporary technical staff employed this past weekend when they beat the high riding Maritzburg United 2-0 at FNB stadium. Under the previous coach Steve Komphela, Chiefs were known for their 3-4-3 system when in attack with the wingbacks dropping to a 5-3-2 when in defense. This made Komphela very unpopular with the fans because this system didn’t have good returns for them. But the team seemed to be comfortable in a 4-4-2 system and caretaker coach Patrick Mabedi explains why they went for it.
Baroka FC interim head coach Doctor Khumalo says his side needs to take stock of the inconsistent season they have had to build for the next term. The Limpopo side spent the majority of the Absa premiership season in the top half of the log and won Q Innovation 1 however they now find themselves in 12th position on the table with 34 points with one league match left to play. The side is also three points away from 15th place. Doctor Khumalo. Khumalo is in charge of the club for only the last two matches of the campaign after the management swapped his roles with McDonald Makhubedu. Asked if he was in the hot seat to stay the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder had this to say.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane is an inspiration to young coaches in South Africa and on the continent as a whole. These are the words of Maritzburg United head coach Fadlu Davids as he was paying tribute to Mosimane after leading the Brazilians to their record eighth Absa Premiership title in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) era. Davids, has also had a season to remember in only his first season as the head coach. Sundowns clinched their third league title in five years under Mosimane this past weekend and Davids says they have set the bar high.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says their next ambition will be to win the league championship for the record tenth time. He said this after his team won the championship for the record eighth times on Saturday, when they beat Ajax Cape Town 3-1 at Lucas Moripe stadium. Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are the closest rivals having both won the league four times each. Mosimane also says he will consider taking a sabbatical leave after his team has played football non-stop in the last four years
As condolences continue to pour in following the passing of former Orlando Pirates midfielder Bheka Phakathi (43) in a car accident over the weekend, Highlands Park co – director Sinki Mnisi has described his passing as a huge loss to the countries’ football fraternity. At the time of his passing Phakathi was the head coach of ABC Motsepe League club Umvoti FC, who announced the sad news on their Facebook page yesterday morning. Mnisi had this to say about Phakathi’s passing. The news of Phakathi’s passing was also received with shock by Highlands head coach Owen Da Gama, who says his contribution to football will be sorely missed.
AmaZulu head coach Cavin Johnson is breathing a sigh of relief after ensuring the safety Usuthu from relegation, but says his wish is that it was not at the expense of his relegated former club Platinum Stars. Johnson’s men beat Stars 2 – 1 at Royal Bafokeng Stadium last night, dashing Dikwena’s slim chances of surviving automatic relegation from the Absa Premiership. Recalling the two spells he had at the Phokeng – based outfit, Johnson had this to say.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) hierarchy will have to move fast to secure the services of the newly found centre-back gem Keith Groeneveld who is based in Belgium. The Kimberly born defender moved to Belgium when he was only four years old with his parents and now he’s rubbing shoulders with some of the top players at the Belgian giants Standard Liege. The 18year-old is not your ordinary youngster, he has already had trials at Manchester United and Arsenal but chose to remain in Belgium. Groeneveld is part of the new Amajita squad that will be playing African Nations Cup (AFCON) U20 qualifiers as from next month. Last year he represented Belgium in two U18 international friendly matches against Spain and Japan and he tells SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli that he hasn’t made up his mind yet on which senior national team to represent.
Minister of Sport Tokozile Xasa has assured the nation that her department has not aborted the inquiry into the the death of two football spectators at the FNB stadium last year during the Carling Black Label Cup game between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. Xasa has been speaking in the wake of the hooliganism and violent scenes that took place at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban this past weekend, in a Nedbank Cup semi-final game between Chiefs and Free State Stars. The Ministry of Sport was supposed to implement a Ministerial Committee of Inquiry into the FNB stadium disaster last month but Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA) challenged that process in court. The Ministry ended up cancelling that inquiry but Xasa assures that they have not given up.
The Ajax Cape Town and Tendai Ndoro court application to review the SAFA arbitration ruling by Adv. Nassir Cassim SC has been dismissed by Judge David Unterhalter at the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg today. Each party has been ordered to bear its own costs. Adv Cassim had ruled that the PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) had no jurisdiction to rule over the Ndoro matter and referred the matter to the FIFA Player Status committee. It also ordered that the Zimbabwean international striker shouldn’t play for the relegation threatened Ajax side until this matter is finalized. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli has been following this case and has filed this report.
The Polokwane magistrate court has issued a warrant of arrest for Ivan Minnaert following his absence in court. The former Black Leopards coach was due to make his first formal appearance on a charge of theft, but was no show and there was no one to represent him as well. Minnaert was apprehended by police in Johannesburg two weeks ago and kept in custody overnight in Polokwane and later released with a warning but informed to appear today. Lethabo Kganyago filed this report.
Fans are urged not to go to Orlando Stadium tomorrow evening when the Buccaneers takes on Bidvest Wits as the game will be played behind closed doors. Following the weekend’s violent events at the Moses Mabhida Stadium where fans stormed into the pitch and damaged property, the Premier Soccer League says security will be tight at the Orlando Stadium. Wits striker Lehlohonolo Majoro says he is looking forward to playing against his old team and hopes his side will come out victorious.
The PSL Chairman Irvin Khoza has announced Sabela Maziba as the security guard who was injured when Kaizer Chiefs fans rioted at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday night. Khoza says the 32 year old Maziba had been treated for head injuries and discharged from hospital. The incident, which prompted widescale condemnation, saw two people arrested. They are due to appear in court today. Police and stadium security were overrun as fans invaded the pitch at the end of the game after Chiefs lost to Free State Stars.
Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung lamented what he called unacceptable behaviour of Amakhosi fans following their 2-0 Nedbank Cup semi-final loss to Free State Stars in Durban last night. Angry supporters of the Soweto giants went on the rampage at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, attacking and beating up security guards, lighting fires and damaging the stadium and its precinct. There were a number of injuries and millions of rands worth of damage. Most of the anger was channelled towards coach Steve Komphela, who subsequently resigned, but Motaung admitted that the behaviour was out of order…
Steve Komphela has resigned as coach of Kaizer Chiefs. The announcement came in the wake of ugly scenes at the conclusion of their Nedbank Cup semi-final defeat to Free State Stars in Durban last night. Amakhosi were beaten 2-0 by Ea Lla Koto at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, which resembled a warzone immediately after the full-time whistle as fans attacked and beat up security guards, lit fires and damaged the stadium and its precinct. In the safety of press conference room, Komphela delivered a five-and-a-half-minute resignation message, confirming his three-year spell at Chiefs had ended…
Judgement has been reserved for next Monday in the Ajax Cape Town, Tendai Ndoro court application for the review of the SAFA Arbitration ruling that was made by Adv Nassir Cassiem SC. The matter is being heard by Judge David Unterhalter at the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg and today was the second day to finalize the arguments. Cassiem had ruled last month that the Ndoro matter of having played for three teams in one season, going against the FIFA rules be referred to the FIFA Player Status Committee. SABC Sports journalist Velile Mbuli was back in court again today and he has compiled this report.
Polokwane City head coach Bernard Molekwa remains confident of his side’s survival in the Absa premiership this season. The Limpopo side sits in 13th position on the log with 30 points from 26 matches. That is just a point from their nearest rival SuperSport United in 14th place and two points from Ajax Cape Town at number 15 but the two have played one extra match. A hopeful Molekwa notes the gap with fellow relegation rivals is closing but says City needs to finish strong.
Ajax Cape Town host Baroka at the Athlone Stadium next Tuesday, knowing that it is a must win game for the relegation-threatened team. The Urban Warriors are currently sitting in 15th spot on the PSL table, and with just three games remaining in the season, if they are to avoid relegation or the play-offs, a win against Baroka is a must. It does not get easier for Ajax after the Baroka clash as they will face PSL leaders Mamelodi Sundowns away in their next game, before finishing off at home against Kaizer Chiefs. Baroka, who are 9th, are not in the best of form, and last won a league game at the end of February, but Ajax coach Muhsin Ertugral says he does not look at results. Unfortunately Ajax will be missing one of their key players with Fagrie Lakay suspended for the game, and Ertugral is hoping whoever gets picked for that position will substitute efficiently.
The Ajax Cape Town and Tendai Ndoro court application to review the SAFA Arbitration ruling by Adv Nassir Cassiem SC is underway at the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg in front of Judge David Unterhalter. Cassiem had ruled last month that the Ndoro matter of having played for three teams in one season, going against the FIFA rules be referred to the FIFA Player Status Committee. He had also ruled that the Zimbabwean international should stop playing for the relegation threatened Ajax until this matter is finalised. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli is in court and has compiled this update.
Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter’s hopes of building the momentum from last month’s Four Nations tournament triumph in Zambia and playing leading South America nations going to the FIFA World Cup in Russia are hitting a snag. Speaking to the media after today’s Castle COSAFA Cup 2018 draw at the SAFA House, Baxter revealed that he had been hoping to play Argentina in Buenos Aires next month or early in June but that won’t be taking place anymore. Baxter also reveals that they had a tournament scheduled for India but it also looks like it won’t be materializing.
Supersport United are out of the CAF Confederations Cup tournament despite winning 2-1 against Gor Mahia of Kenya at the Lucas Moripe Stadium last night. The Kenyans won on the away goals rule after a one nil home win a week ago. Matsatsantsa caretaker coach Kaitano Tembo had this to say about the numerous chances his team wasted.
The Ajax Cape Town and Tendai Ndoro matter against the PSL is likely to dominate the news space this week and a National Soccer League (NSL) Board of Governors meeting that sat today at the OR Tambo International Airport also touched on it. Ajax tweeted this past weekend that the FIFA Player Status Committee agrees with them that they don’t have jurisdiction over this matter and it should be back to the SA authorities. This case is around Ndoro’s eligibility to play in the PSL----FIFA rules stipulate that a player can be registered by three clubs in a season but only play for two. The Zimbabwean international has played for three clubs already this season. PSL Chairman Irvin Khoza touches on implications of this case on their scheduling particularly the play-offs.
The beleaguered Kaizer Chiefs head coach Steve Komphela came very close to confirming that he is on his way out of the club yesterday. Speaking after the slender 1-0 win against a relegation threatened Platinum Stars side, Komphela who is in the final year of his three-year deal with Chiefs, preferred to refer anything to do with his contract to his agent Tim Sukazi. The club released a strongly worded statement last week, informing that there would be an overhaul at the club following another disappointing season. Komphela accepts that the club has to continue planning ahead.
Relegation from the National First Division (NFD) now appears to be a real possibility for Mthatha Bucks after going down 3 – 0 to Highlands Park at Makhulong Stadium yesterday. Despite having already gained promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL), Highlands displayed more hunger for victory than their visitors, dominating the match from start to finish. Their dominance paid off through goals from Mothobi Mvala, Simphiwe Mahlangu and Peter Shalulile. Bucks coach Julius Dube admits defeat, saying Highlands were just too strong for them…
Black Leopards interim coach Joel Masutha says the last matches of the National First Division season are going to be tight. Top placed Highlands Park have already confirmed automatic promotion to the Premier Soccer League with four games to spare leaving the others to fight for the two playoffs spots. Leopards are leading that pack in second position with 44 points just two points from third placed Jomo Cosmos from 26 matches. Masutha says his side needs to ease the pressure by winning against Witbank Spurs at the Puma stadium on Sunday afternoon (15:00).
AmaZulu’s on-loan Orlando Pirates defender Thembela Sikhakhane believes his parent club will be desperate for redemption when they bid to keep their slim title prospects alive against Usuthu this weekend. The Buccaneers saw their Absa Premiership hopes suffer a big blow when they were held to a 1-1 draw by SuperSport United Wednesday night. It is a result that left the Soweto giants three points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and having played a game more. They will now arrive in Umlazi on Sunday determined for a reaction and Sikhakhane says AmaZulu have to be prepared.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says his team is not bothered by Tendai Ndoro’s case that is currently in the hands of world football governing body FIFA. Orlando Pirates and Polokwane City lodged a protest with the PSL arguing that Ajax Cape Town had contravened FIFA rules by fielding a player who played for three teams in a current season, which is against FIFA rules. Teams could be awarded points if FIFA rules against Ajax.
Kaizer Chiefs strongman Willard Katsande says its going to be sad and difficult to see some of his teammates departing at end of the season but he understands that changes have got to be made to make the team more competitive. Katsande was speaking at the Chiefs Village in Naturena this morning and also responding to Tuesday’s strongly worded statement by the club’s management that there would be an overhaul at the club, come end of the season.
The writing is on the wall for the beleaguered Kaizer Chiefs head coach Steve Komphela, following the statement released by the club yesterday. The 3-0 loss suffered at the hands of Chippa United this past weekend, the heaviest defeat the club has received in nine years, forced the club hierarchy to release a strongly worded statement. The ugly scenes that followed that defeat, supporters throwing missiles onto the pitch targeting Komphela and the players worsened the situation. But the former Bafana Bafana captain has found comforting words from Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane, who has praised Komphela for his bravery.
Former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas “Rhoo” Radebe says the national senior team stands a better chance of doing well in international competition if more players ply their trade in competitive leagues in the world. Radebe’s observation, comes as 32 nations, excluding, South Africa prepares to take part in the FIFA world cup starting in Russia in June. The last time the national team qualified for the global showpiece was at the 2002 edition in South Korea and Japan. The country did take part at the 2010 world cup by the virtue of being a host nation. Radebe, who also captained Leeds United in the English Premier League, says having a pool of players playing abroad in the competitive leagues will strengthen the national team.
Kaizer Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung has confirmed that the struggling PSL giants will make drastic changes to the team at the end of the season and not only on the playing personnel but technical team too. Motaung was speaking during the visit of the FIFA technical division visit to the Chiefs Village at Naturena yesterday. On Tuesday, Chiefs who have not won some silverware for the past two seasons released a strongly worded statement confirming that there will be an overhaul at the end of the season.
SAFA Technical Director Neil Tovey is in his third year at SAFA House, the former Bafana Bafana captain says they are in an exciting phase, setting up technical structures regionally and provincially. Tovey, a former Amazulu and Thanda Royal Zulu FC head coach believes that some professional clubs are not doing enough to produce talent through their academies. SAFA’s Vision 2022 talks about establishing provincial academies around the country and so far only KwaZulu-Natal has been able to do that in the last four years. Tovey says they are in the process of identifying the football focused schools that would then feed into these provincial academies.
Highlands Park chairman Larry Brookstone is relieved that they’ve gained promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) without having to first go through the play-offs, saying this will give them enough time to prepare for next season. Highlands secured top – flight promotion with four matches to spare after an emphatic 5 – 1 win over University of Pretoria at Makhulong Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The win saw Lions of the North stretch their points tally at the top of the National First Division (NFD) log table to an unassailable 59 points from 26 games. As part of preparations for next season Brookstone has revealed that they’re planning to strengthen their squad with three new signings.
Very few players can pride themselves in having the honour of having spent over a decade at a football team and continue to be a regular starter at the highest level. Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs international midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala who is now in his 11th year at Amakhosi finds himself in that situation and cannot wait to renew his contract. He is said to have been offered a two-year deal that would take him to a 13year stay at Naturena and he looks back at the great memories since his first Chiefs deal in 2007.
Percy Tau once again proved why he is one of the hottest property in South African football at the moment. He scored his tenth goal of the season when Mamelodi Sundowns beat Chippa United 2-0 last night in Pretoria. The young sensation is the second top goal scorer in the league just behind Polokwane City’s Rodney Ramagalela on 11goals. The Bafana Bafana striker has been playing consistently for club and country and his coach Pitso Mosimane is looking to rest him in the next few games.
Chippa United coach Vladislac Heric does not fear for his job following his team’s 2-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in a league match last night. The Chilli Boys are still not safe from relegation with five matches still to go. They are lying in 12th position with 30 points from 25 matches. Heric recently replaced Teboho Moloi in the hot seat but has been struggling to turn around the fortunes.
The Absa Premiership title race is going down to the wire after second placed Orlando Pirates pulled off a hard fought 2-1 win against a well determined 10-man Bloemfontein Celtic side at Orlando stadium last night. Former Celtic captain Musa Nyatama had scored an early goal for Bucs in the 17th minute and it was cancelled out by Lorenzo Gordinho in the 47th minute. But 12 minutes from full-time, Zambian international Augustine Mulenga announced his arrival in South Africa with a scorcher to secure the maximum points for the Buccaneers. With this result Pirates remained one point behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic was not entirely happy with the performance. It was a spirited performance from a Celtic team that has shown signs of inconsistency this season, some would be forgiven for thinking that the score is not a true reflection of the game as the visitors missed crucial chances. Despite the loss, Head coach Vaseline Jelusic was full of praise for his players…
The Tendai Ndoro and Ajax Caper Town urgent court application to set aside the South African Football Association (SAFA) arbitration ruling from last week was dismissed by Judge Sutherland at the Southern Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg yesterday (Tuesday). Arbitrator Nazeer Cassim SC had ruled last week that the matter surrounding the eligibility of Ndoro to play in the PSL be referred to the FIFA Players Status Committee. He also ruled that Ndoro should stop playing in the league until the matter is finalised. Ajax launched an urgent application to have the Zimbabwean international available for a crucial Absa Premiership match against Amazulu all in vain. Ajax were represented by Advocate Norman Arendse----the Urban Warriors chairman Ari Efstathiou was interestingly pleased with the outcome. The PSL legal representative Dennis Sibuyi reacts to this outcome.
Despite a 15 point lead at the top of the National First Division log and automatic promotion in sight, Highlands Park head coach Owen Da Gama says his side remains totally focused on finishing the season. Da Gama said this following his side’s 4-0 thrashing of Tsha Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) at the Thohoyandou stadium on Saturday. The victory took the side’s point tally to 56 with five league matches left to play and the former Bafana Bafana assistant coach coach emphasises they remain humble.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) Council is rallying behind its embattled President Danny Jordaan and say they will support him in the rape claim made by former ANC MP Jennifer Ferguson. This followed the the rape case that was opened by Ferguson at the Parkview police station last week----the singer came out with these allegations last year during the #MEETOO campaign, alleging that the incident took place 24 years ago in Port Elizabeth. Its for the first time that SAFA has commented publicly about this rape allegation against Jordaan and SAFA Council member Pooby Govindsamy reads a statement from yesterday’s committee meeting.
The beleaguered South African Football Association (SAFA) will hold an Extraordinary Congress on the 28th of next month where the main aim would be to ratify the Electoral Committee that was appointed last week. The new committee was appointed after the IEC withdrew from overseeing the SAFA elections scheduled for last weekend citing the expiry of their term as the reason. SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble admitted that it has taken the intervention of FIFA for them to have a new road map to the elections. The nominations for the SAFA elections closed at the end of February, leaving the incumbent Danny Jordaan and former international referee and PSL general manager Andile “Ace” Ncobo as the only two Presidential candidates. Ncobo has been a thorn in the flesh for the current SAFA Council as he had continued to point out all the alleged violations on the constitution and the electoral code in particular. But article 4.1 of the SAFA Electoral Code also remains questionable in the way that the Council has used it to appoint the new Electoral Committee. It gives both the Congress and Council (NEC) concurrent powers to appoint this committee and this was defended by the SAFA Deputy Chairperson of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee Simphiwe Xaba.
The events of the past two months that have led to the postponement of the SAFA elections have not gone unnoticed and the SAFA Council itself has learnt a lesson. One of the main positives to have come out of this is that the organization has now decided to amend its constitution which was too restrictive on who should contest the elections. Former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe and former FIFA Presidential candidate Tokyo Sexwale are some of the names that were forced to withdraw from the race due to these restrictive rules. SAFA Council member and Chairperson of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee Simphiwe Xaba in this wide ranging interview with Velile Mbuli also addressed some of the contentious rules on the SAFA electoral code.
Ajax Cape Town goalkeeper Brandon ‘Beeza’ Petersen returned to the Mother City this week after being part of the Bafana Bafana squad that won the 4 Nations tournament in Zambia over the weekend. While Petersen did not get time, the 23-year-old says it was an amazing experience to train with Itumeleng Khune, Darren Keet and goalkeeper coach Andre Arendse. It was also the first time Petersen worked with Bafana coach Stuart Baxter, and he says it was a great experience. The Cape Town born goalkeeper says he hopes for future call-ups.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Steve Komphela has made a special plea to coaches that he views as campaigning for his current job to be professional and respect the ethics of the industry. He went on to warn them to be careful of what they are wishing for. Speculation has gone overdrive now about the Komphela’s position at Amakhosi with his three-year deal coming to an end in June. First to be linked to this job was the Free State Stars motor mouth coach Luc Eymael and now Township Rollers head coach Nikola Kavazovic.
The protracted case of Ajax Cape Town and Zimbabwean international striker Tendai Ndoro that is likely to decide this season’s Absa Premiership title race and relegation battle will now be decided at FIFA. This follows the ruling by Arbitrator Nazeer Cassim SC that this matter be referred to FIFA arguing that the Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) of the PSL that ruled that Ndoro was eligible to play doesn’t have jurisdiction over the matter. Orlando Pirates is one of the teams that had protested against Ajax and should this case go against the Urban Warriors, there’s a big possibility that Pirates will be granted the three points and that could give them an advantage going in the last few matches of the season. Mamelodi Sundowns who have a game in hand, are currently only a point clear at the top ahead of Pirates with six games to go and head coach Pitso Mosimane says he will concern himself with matters that are happening on the pitch.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosiname gave credit to to former Cape Town City mentor Muhsin Ertugral for the legacy he left behind at the Citizens. Mosimane was referring to the talent that Ertugral left behind at the club before they were sold by Mpumalanga Black Aces. He however he believes that their Nedbank Cup quarterfinal match against Cape Town City will not be an easy one. The former Bafana Bafana coach is aware that City has got a good record against them but expects a different game at Cape Town stadium.
Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter has hailed French based strike Lebo Mothiba as a future asset for the South African men’s senior national football team and described him as a key man in the attack. Baxter was speaking after the arrival of the team from Ndola, Zambia where they won the inaugural Four Nations Cup tournament that featured the hosts, Zimbabwe and Angola. Mothiba, who was making his debut at senior international level scored two goals in this tournament against Angola and Zambia respectively.
Judgement has been reserved for Wednesday in the SAFA arbitration matter over Tendai Ndoro’s eligibility to play for Ajax Cape Town. The arbitration which was chaired by Advocate Nazeer Cassim SC took place in Sandton today. The PSL had appealed after its Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) had ruled in January that Ndoro who joined Ajax in December was eligible to play. The issue is about a FIFA ruling which stipulates that a player cannot play for more than two teams in a single season calendar. Ndoro had played for Orlando Pirates at the beginning of the season, then moved to King Faisaly in Saudi Arabia before coming to Ajax. Dennis Sibuyi of DMS Attorneys represented the PSL and states their argument in this case.
Bafana Bafana are preparing to take on Zambia in the finals of the four nations tournament tomorrow in Ndola, Zambia. South Africa reached the finals after edging Angola 6-5 on penalties following a 1-1 draw while the hosts had to come back twice from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw before winning the match on penalties. Baxter says his charges will be more vigilant against Zambia and not temper much with their approach.
Orlando Pirates’ head of development Augusto Palacios is confident that Bucs can still catch Absa Premiership log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and win the league title. Currently lying 2nd on the log table with 42 points from 24 games, the Soweto giants narrowed the gap on Sundowns to one point with a 2 – 1 win over Golden Arrows at the weekend. He says the Brazilians may have a game in hand but that doesn’t mean they can’t be overtaken.
Bafana Bafana will continue with their Four Nations campaign on Saturday when they take on the hosts Zambia in the final to be played at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium in Ndola (15:00). Head coach Stuart Baxter has already promised to start with an entirely different starting line-up and one of the players expected to feature is the French based attacker Keagan Dolly. The former South African U23 international captain sat out yesterday’s 6-5 win on penalties against Angola and already knows what to expect in the Copperbelt.
SAFA Johannesburg president Phil Mogodi says he is delighted at how the currently underway 2018 Gauteng Future Champions tournament has grown, describing it as one of the countries’ most successful youth football tournaments. The under 17 tournament, which is organised by Global Sports International in partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government, the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the City of Johannesburg, started on Monday this week and is scheduled to wrap up this Saturday.
Mamelodi Sundowns star Percy Tau says Bongani Zungu often gives him advice on how to make it overseas. Tau has been touted to go abroad in the future after his exploits for his team and the national team in recent times. Zungu has been making an impact since he left Sundowns to join Portuguese team Victoria de Guimares and subsequently French team Amiens SC.
Some can be forgiven for thinking that veteran sport administrator Sam Ramsamy is the face of Olympic sport in South Africa. Ramsamy a former SA non-racial Olympic Committee (SA-ROC) chairman between 1979 and 1980, says individuals are to blame for the mess that is happening at the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee. In this short interview with SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli, Ramsamy who is also a member of the IOC shares his views on why the Ministerial Committee of Inquiry into SASCOC governance had to take place. He was also scheduled to testify but didn’t attend the hearing.
Former Bafana Bafana star Thabo Mngomeni says while it is disappointing that South Africa will not be going to the World Cup this year, after failing to qualify for Russia 2018, it is important that we get things right before the next edition in 2022. Mngomeni believes it is key that South African football starts to find its own identity at domestic level, and that will also help with the selection process for future squads. Bafana Bafana are set to play this afternoon in a 4-nations international friendly tournament in Angola this international window, alongside fellow COSAFA teams Zimbabwe, Zambia and the hosts Angola.
The SAFA elections scheduled for this coming weekend have been postponed indefinitely. This follows an urgent SAFA NEC meeting held yesterday (20 March 2018) in the afternoon which decided based on the challenges of the past few weeks they would have to postpone these elections. This past weekend SAFA has reported that they are going ahead with the elections and no one inside or outside football would tell them otherwise. But yesterday SAFA President Danny Jordaan was singing a different tune. SABC Sport understands that Jordaan is not open to the nomination process being started from scratch.
Ajax Cape Town has promoted another youngster to their PSL team, as Zaakir Allie becomes the latest academy graduate to join Muhsin Ertugral’s first team squad. The 18 year old from Lansdowne will officially link up with the team at the start of the 2018/2019 campaign. The midfielder, who joined the Ajax academy three years ago, says it is an amazing opportunity for him
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane says it was an honour to be invited by CAF for a pro licence coaching course last week. He missed his team’s Nedbank cup clash against lower division team EC Bees last week. Mosimane rubbed shoulders with African elite coaches Florent Ibenge from Democratic of Republic of Congo, Aliou Cisse from Senegal and Hassan Shehata from Egypt.
Rayon Sports head coach Ivan Minnaert believes Mamelodi Sundowns are one of the favourite teams to win the CAF champions league this year. Sundowns eliminated the Rwandan team after beating them 2-0 on aggregate over two legs. The Brazilians won the title two years but faltered in the quarter-finals last year when they lost to current champions Wydad Casablanca. Rayon Sports dropped down to the Confederations cup after the defeat. They will be drawn against teams that progressed to the play offs in the Confed cup such as Supersport United. The draw will be made on Wednesday in Egypt. Minnaert says the play-offs will not be easy.
For the second year in a row Bidvest Wits have failed to qualify for the lucrative CAF Champions League group stages as they lost 3-2 on penalties to Angolan side Primeiro de Agosto at Bidvest stadium yesterday. Wits won the second leg of the first round 1-0 yesterday through Elias Pelembe’s goal to level the tie 1-all on aggregate after having lost the first leg in Luanda. Last year Wits was knocked out by Egyptian giants and record eight time African champions Al Ahly and head coach Gavin Hunt has conceded that they were just not good enough.Hunt says they desperately need quality players.
A communication breakdown between Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter and Orlando Pirates has resulted in Bucs assistant coach Rulani Mokwena not being able to honour the national team call-up. Baxter had announced last week that Mokwena would be joining the team going to this week’s Four Nations tournament in Zambia but last week Pirates head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic did indicate that this caught them off guard. For a team like Pirates that is a serious contender for the league title this is a critical phase of the season and Baxter and SAFA should have done better in consulting.
Bloemfontein Celtic worsened Platinum Stars relegation woes beating the side 1-0 at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein last night. Stars are now nine games without a win in the ABSA Premiership. The match went into half-time with only a host of scoring opportunities being created by both sides but a goal. Celtic finally broke the deadlock 13 minutes into the second half through Ndumiso Mabena. The win has placed Celtic eighth on the log table while Stars remain languishing at the bottom.
BidVest Wits coach Gavin Hunt and striker Lehlohonolo Majoro have been announced as winners of the PSL coach and player of the month respectively, while the goal of the month award went to Kaizer Chiefs striker Leornado Castro. Hunt beat Maritzburg United’s Fadlu Davis, Free State Stars’ Luc Eymael and Orlando Pirates coach Miluton Sredojevic, to win the award which was voted for by a panel of broadcast media, analysts and former players.He gave credit to the club. On the other hand Majoro, beat Mamelodi Sundowns’ Percy Tau, Orlando Pirates striker Justin Shonga and Itumeleng Khune of Kaizer Chiefs to win the individual Player of the Month accolade. Majoro saw the panel of judges single him out as the best performing player in that period owing to the four crucial goals he scored in the three games, which helped his side turn their fortunes around during a difficult period and climb up to the top half of the standings.He attributed the success to hard work and dedication…
Cape Town City will look to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup Play-off round on Sunday, when they host Mozambique’s Costa Do Sol at the Athlone Stadium. City lead 1-0 after winning the first leg in Mozambique just over a week ago, and victory on Sunday will see Benni McCarthy’s team just one round away from the group stages. McCarthy says he is just happy that the team is winning again, after going through a bad run in February. He says the feeling you have when you are winning is all the motivation his team needs ahead of the game…
The SAFA elective congress scheduled for the 24th of this month is going to be postponed following an agreement between the two Presidential candidates, the incumbent Danny Jordaan and Andile “Ace” Ncobo signed in the early hours of yesterday. This follows an intervention by FIFA who sent COSAFA and Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) President Phillip Chiyangwa to come and mediate between the two warring factions. Ncobo who has always maintained that he is not interested in the Presidential seat, has been challenging the processes followed in preparing for these elections, especially the electoral committee. Chiyangwa addressed a press conference in Johannesburg yesterday morning.
Kaizer Chiefs international left-back Tsepo Masilela who has missed six months of football action this season is finally back and training full-time with the team. After seeing his team drawing their old hoodoo team that they managed to beat recently Baroka FC, Masilela admits that they are also under pressure to finally deliver some silverware under Steve Komphela.
The former SAFA Vice-President Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana who had also shown an interest to contest this SAFA election before he was deemed to be ineligible, has filed a court motion to interdict next week’s elective congress.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has finally written a letter to SAFA giving them the reasons why they have decided to opt out of overseeing next week’s elections. This follows the letter they sent to SAFA Presidential candidate Andile “Ace” Ncobo’s lawyers last week. According to the IEC, they were appointed by SAFA in August 2013 as the Electoral Committee and that term expired in August last year. Ncobo says the IEC’s decision to pull out now also brings to question the status of the 2013 SAFA elective congress
Safa chief executive officer Dennis Mumble says they are on track to have the Safa congress that will also see the elections of office bearers including a contest for the organisation’s presidency. Mumble confirmed that he has spoken to Fifa and the Independent Electoral Commission on the matter. Mumble gave testimony at the Zulman Commission of Inquiry into Sascoc governance issues where he stated that the relationship between Safa and Sascoc is not where it should be.
The South African Football Association has set out mandates for both the national team senior coaches for men and women Stuart Baxter and Desiree Ellis respectively. Bafana Bafana are expected to qualify for the 2019 Africa cup of nations in Cameroon and Qatar FIFA world cup in 2022. Banyana Banyana are expected to reach the women’s Africa cup of nations in Ghana later this year, reach the 2019 FIFA world cup in France, and also the 2020 Olympics in Japan.
In the final last 16 game of this year’s Nedbank Cup tonight evening, Cape Town City will host Orlando Pirates at the Cape Town Stadium. Both teams will be fighting it out for that last quarter-final spot and City Coach Benni McCarthy says his team will be highly motivated for the encounter.
Orlando Pirates veteran defender Happy Jele has hailed the coaching skills of his former team mate and current Cape Town City head coach Benni McCarthy, ahead of their Nedbank Cup round of 16 match at Cape Town Stadium later this evening. The pair shared memorable moments at Pirates, helping the Soweto giants to a treble victory in 2012. City also appointed former Bucs video analyst and reserve league coach Rayaan Jacobs, to serve as McCarthy’s assistant last week. Jele though says their past won’t count for much this evening.
SAFA Presidential candidate Andile “Ace” Ncobo is calling for the world’s football mother body FIFA to place SAFA under administration and stop the elections that are scheduled to take place next week. Ncobo was speaking in his first press conference at the FNB stadium today since he was confirmed as only challenger to the incumbent Danny Jordaan. Ncobo maintains that there’s been gross violation of the SAFA and FIFA statutes in preparing for these elections and that the current executive has overstayed its welcome.
Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter has followed up on his promise of selecting a youthful squad and building a new team going forward. Announcing his 25-man squad to take part in the four nations tournament in Zambia next week, Baxter selected a total of seven players from the recent national U20 and 23 teams and made 14 changes to the team that lost to Senegal last year. He has mixed them with the core of his senior national team players to take on the hosts, Angola and Zimbabwe in that tourney. With two games to be played at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium in Ndola, Baxter says all the players should get game time. Baxter also made another interesting announcement that Orlando Pirates assistant coach Rulani “Mourinho” Mokwena would be joining the national team for this camp. The former Supersport United and Kaizer Chiefs head coach is yet to finalize his technical team and SABC Sport understands that Quinton Fortune won’t be joining this camp. Previously Mokwena had been linked to the vacant national U23 job and Baxter was asked today if he would be an ideal candidate to join him and Thabo Senong on the bench permanently.
Mamelodi Sundowns will tackle EC Bees in their Nedbank cup last 16 encounter without their coach Pitso Mosimane. The Brazilians will face the third division team at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria tonight. Mosimane is taking part in the Pro Licence course that is held in Rabat, Morocco. The course is running until Wednesday. Sundowns defender Wayne Arendse says they will not miss their head coach. EC Bees were knocked out by Orlando Pirates 3-1 in the first round last season. The Eastern Cape team beat Mariveni United 3-1 in the previous round. Arendse is confident they will come out tops….
Eastern Cape Bees team manager Simphiwe Bukani says they are in Pretoria to put up a fight against Mamelodi Sundowns whom they meet in tonight’s Nedbank Cup last-16 encounter at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. “Batye Nyosi” as Bees are known play in the Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League, are playing in the last-16 for the first time after failing to go beyond the last-32 stage of the competition in the last two seasons.
Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter has announced his team to play in the four nations tournament set to take place in Zambia from the 22nd-25th of this month. Bafana will lock horns with Angola in their first match of the tournament. Another team that will be taking part is Zimbabwe. Baxter says he will use this tournament to refresh the team and focus more on development.
SAFA Presidential candidate Ace Ncobo on his first address to media detailing the state of South African football today. elections are suppos to take place on the 24th of this month but Ncobo is alleging some gross violations of the SAFA and FIFA statuettes.
Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic says his side will not take Cape Town City for granted when the two sides lock horns in the Nedbank Cup last 16 encounter at the Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday evening
The ever passionate Bloemfontein Celtic supporters are demanding that the club’s chairman Max Tshabalala must go. The supporters called an urgent meeting yesterday following reports on Saturday morning which claimed that Siwelele players had boycotted Friday’s training session as their signing on fees and bonuses had not been paid to them. The club by Saturday afternoon released a statement acknowledging that indeed the players had not trained on Friday but said that by Saturday morning the problems of payments had been resolved. Celtic supporter Nico Seutloali says they will send a message to Tshabalala.
Chippa United coach Vladislav Heric insists that players and coaches fully understand the importance of playing and doing well in the Nedbank Cup. The Serbian-born Heric, who returned to the Port Elizabeth club after Teboho Moloi was fired last weekend following a 2-0 loss to Cape Town City in an Absa Premiership match at the Athlone Stadium, says this as he prepares to take on Free State Stars in a Nedbank Cup last-16 match at Goble Park in Bethlehem tomorrow afternoon.
Around this time last year, two Bafana Bafana caretaker coaches Owen Da Gama and Thabo Senong selected a team that was looking to the future and added U20 international players like Phakamani Mahlambi and Luther Singh. Two months later the new Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter announced his first squad and those youthful players were missing. At one stage when asked why he had ignored Mamelodi Sundowns centre-back Motjeka Madisha (then 22, now 23) for Clayton Daniels (33), Baxter’s reasoning was that this was not development but serious FIFA World Cup qualifiers. But surprisingly now he is talking about focusing on the youth, is it pressure or lessons learnt. After a good start in the AFCON 2019 qualifiers, beating our nemesis Nigeria for the first time in an official match on home soil last year, Bafana’s Baxter catapulted in two matches against Cape Verde two months later. He looks back at events around those games that killed Bafana’s hopes of going to Russia.
Mamelodi Sundowns began their 2018 CAF Champions League campaign with a goalless draw against Rayon Sports from Rwanda away from home in Kigali last night. The Brazilians dominated the first half but the home team came back strongly in the second stanza. Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says the opposition played well.
Mamelodi Sundowns will begin their quest for CAF champions league glory, when they take on Rwandan team Rayon Sports this evening, 7 March 2018. The two teams will do battle in the champions league first round first leg encounter for a place in the lucrative group stages of the competition. The second leg will take place in just over a week in Tshwane. Sundowns striker Jeremy Brockie says he joined the team to play in the prestigious competition.
Former South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) legal adviser Raymond Hack has testified that the 2016 SASCOC elections were unlawful and therefore the current board is illegitimate. Hack was testifying at the Ministerial Committee of Inquiry into SASCOC governance at the Ellis Park stadium. The former SAFA CEO was the one who sort the legal opinions prior to the elections and he has more on why he does not believe that the elections were legitimate.
Supersport United might have played to a goalless draw against Maritzburg United in an Absa Premiership match played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium last night. However there was hunger in their play as Matsatsansta made all the early running and created several chances in the opening 20 minutes, with the likes of Aubrey Modiba, Evans Rusike, Teboho Mokoena and Reneilwe Letsholonyane guilty of spurning good scoring opportunities. Caretaker coach Kaitano Tembo had this to say about the performance. Last Friday Tinkler dropped a bombshell on Matsatsantsa announcing his resignation after the team’s poor run of form in the league. In his 10 months at the helm, United lifted up the MTN 8 trophy beating Cape Town City in October last year. Tembo says he has worked with top coaches and should he ever be considered for the head coach position he would be available.
Former Chippa United coach Teboho “Tebza” Moloi is not bitter after he was fired by the Chilli Boyz yesterday following a 2-0 loss to Cape Town City in Cape Town on Friday. In fact, a statement sent by the Chilli Boyz says Moloi was fired after he collected only nine points from a possible 27 in the Port Elizabeth club’s nine matches since the beginning of 2018. The Chilli Boyz last won a match when they beat AmaZulu 2-0 in Durban at the beginning of January and they drew six times and lost twice since that victory over Usuthu. The former Orlando Pirates midfielder says he is happy that he didn’t change much in playing personnel as he used the same players he found there since joining the Chilli Boyz in September last year following Dan Malesela’s sacking
The PSL Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has announced a new knockout competition in the reserve League. The tournament which is set to kick-off on the 7th next month will be grouped in regional structures.
Friendships will be set aside when Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates meet in a Soweto derby at the FNB stadium in Soweto tomorrow. Pirates assistant coach Rhulani Mokwena and Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela have a special relationship that goes way back during their time at Platinum Stars. But both have vowed not to speak to each other prior and during the match day. Here is Mokoena.
It was Komphela who gave Mokwena his first job as a deputy coach when he was working for junior teams at Dikwena. Komphela paid tribute to both Mokwena and Pirates coach Milutin “Micho”Srejodevic.
Barely three months ago Supersport United fell to a 2-1 aggregate defeat to TP Mazembe in the CAF Confed Cup final, and currently the Pretoria based club are already preparing themselves to embark on another African safari with a clash in the same competition against Petro de Luanda of Angola. Head coach Eric Tinklers says with a limited squad at his disposal, this time around he will go into CAF Confed matches knowing that the league is a priority and that means fielding much weakened sides. Matsatsantsa’s league form suffered heavily with the team hovering above the relegation zone as a result of the tight fixture that included CAF Confed fixtures last year. Tinkler says that his team has to get their consistency right if they are to entertain any chances of making it into the top eight with the season having entered a crucial period. Matsatsantsa are still within a shot of making it to the top eight if they can get a good run of wins in their remaining fixtures.
The 2018 FIFA world cup trophy arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa today from Mozambique as part of Coca Cola’s World cup trophy tour. The coveted solid gold trophy, which will be presented to the winners of the 2018 world cup in Russia on 15 June, is currently on a global tour as part of the build-up to the global showpiece. South African Football Association President Danny Jordaan celebrated the moment despite Bafana Bafana’s absence from the tournament...
Baroka FC chairman Khurishi Mphahlele has confirmed that the club has let go of former captain Olaleng Shaku and goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke. The two were released as an outcome of an on-going disciplinary hearing in the last three weeks. Though no club officials including the chairman want to say exactly what the players have been charged with, the pair got into hot water after they allegedly drank on the team bus following a 2-0 league defeat to Free State Stars earlier this month. Lethabo Kganyago reports.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane is not worried by his team’s inconsistent form in the last few games. The Brazilians dropped four points last week in their two matches against Free State Stars and Supersport United, while arch-rivals Orlando Pirates closed the gap to within four points with a win over Chippa United. Kaizer Chiefs failed to take advantage when they dropped points against Bloemfontein Celtic.
Maritzburg United climbed to second on the Absa Premiership table with a stunning come-from-behind 2-1 win over Platinum Stars last night, but their achievement was overshadowed by some of the decision-making of referee Victor Gomes. At the Harry Gwala Stadium, Gomes awarded a controversial late penalty that helped the hosts go on to win the game and also dismissed away coach Roger de Sa, who was left fuming by what he termed the ‘Victor Gomes show’ afterwards.
Defender Mbongeni Gumede insists that AmaZulu have gotten over their derby loss to Maritzburg United and are ready to give everything against Free State Stars in Bethlehem tomorrow. Usuthu had their impressive six-game unbeaten bubble burst last week when they slumped to a 2-0 loss in Pietermaritzburg. Subsequent results have meant that they are now back out of the Premiership top eight and Gumede is determined for them to bounce back this weekend.
Growing up in Lusaka, Augustine Mulenga was an Orlando Pirates fan and inspired by his childhood hero the late Dennis “Chesa Mpama” Lota. And he has now joined a club that lists the likes of Terry Mutapa and Isaac Chansa as the legends to have worn the famous black and white colours. Mulenga, who was a guest on Sport@10 with Thomas Mlambo on Wednesday night, comes highly recommended being the reigning Zambian Footballer of the year.
Platinum Stars coach Roger De Sa expects Maritzburg United to give them a tough time when they meet in the Absa Premiership at Harry Gwala Stadium tonight. With only nine matches remaining this season, and still rooted at the bottom of the log table with 17 points, Stars’ future in the top – flight remains in doubt and cannot afford to drop any more points. The Phokeng outfit drew 0-0 against SuperSport United on Tuesday. De Sa knows very well that maximum points won’t be up for the taking against United.
Desiree Ellis has finally been confirmed as Banyana Banyana’s new head coach after spending close to 18 months as a caretaker coach. This was confirmed in a press conference at the SAFA House today. Ellis takes over from Dutch born coach Vera Pauw whom she had deputized for two and a half years before her departure after the Rio Olympics two years ago. SAFA President Danny Jordaan announces Ellis as a first Banyana player to be appointed full-time to take the hot seat. The mandate is clear for Ellis, qualify Banyana to the FIFA Women’s World Cup next year in France by finishing in the top three at this year’s African Women’s Championship (AWC) in Ghana. As Jordaan explains it, it doesn’t end there.
Polokwane City returned to training this week after missing the previous one following the death of one of their players. The club said last week that they had organised counsellors and pastors to help the players cope with the grief. Head coach Bernard Molekwa says the mood in the squad is steadily picking and the players want to dedicate the remainder of the season to their late teammate Mogau Tshehla.
The build-up to the SAFA elections has taken another twist with Presidential candidate Tokyo Sexwale announcing that he has declined a nomination to serve as SAFA President. This was confirmed to SABC Sport last night by Sexwale’s spokesperson and confidant Peter-Paul Ngwenya. He revealed that the ANC stalwart and former Minister of Human Settlements has expressed serious reservations following reports that KPMG, the SAFA auditors have opted to terminate their relationship with the football body, a year before the expiry of their contract.
Baroka FC interim coach McDonald Makhubedu says he is used to the pressure of being in charge of a challenging situation. The coach together with reserve league side mentor Matsimela Thoka, have been in charge of the side for the last two matches following the suspension of head coach Kgoloko Thobejane two weeks ago. Makhubedu saw Baroka through the last 32 round of the Nedbank cup and 0-0 stalemate in the league. Makhubedu says he is not intimidated by the position considering the support he has.
The South African women under-17 national team received a great welcome this morning at the South African Football Association offices, after qualifying for the FIFA world cup in Uruguay over the weekend. Bantwana beat Morocco 1-0 away in the second leg in the final qualifying round on Saturday. The team also beat the North Africans 5-1 in the first leg at home (6-1 on aggregate). SAFA President Danny Jordaan is proud of the team.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says Free State Stars have done extremely well this season. The two teams will meet at the Loftus stadium on Wednesday evening. Stars are competing for the league honours this season amongst the big guns such as Orlando Pirates, Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs. They are currently lying fourth on the log with 32 points from 20 matches, just six points off log leaders Sundowns, and Mosimane has acknowledged their good form so far.
Maritzburg United Siphesihle Ndlovu midfielder scooped the player of the month for January accolade to become the first player from the club to win an individual award. The 21 year old utility player has been consistent this season and is favourite to walk away with the young player of the season award…
Orlando Pirates Head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic is the coach of the month for January. He beat Gavin Hunt and Fadlu Davids to this award. Sredojevic gave credit to his technical team and his players.
Former Banyana Banyana captain Portia Modise says the national team interim coach Desiree Ellis is not ready to take over the team on permanent basis. Ellis has been the women’s national team caretaker coach since her predecessor Vera Pauw’s contract was not renewed after the Rio Olympics in Brazil. Ellis has already won the COSAFA cup in Zimbabwe last year, but failed to win the Africa’s Women’s cup of nations in Cameroon two years ago. Her biggest challenge will be to win this years AFCON that will be held in Ghana, and also to qualify for the FIFA world cup in France next year. The top three teams at AFCON will automatically qualify for the world cup. Modise says Ellis still needs to gain more experience.
South African women under-17 captain Kaylin Jordaan believes that her team can beat Morocco again and qualify for the FIFA world cup in Uruguay later this year. Bantwana will play against Morocco in the second leg final qualifying round, after beating the North Africans 5-1 in the first leg at home two weeks ago. The match will take place at Stade Boubker Aamar in Sale tomorrow.
Polokwane City defender Mogau Tshehla was laid to rest today at the Komdraai cemetery in Witbank Mpumalanga. Tshehla passed away on Sunday night in a car accident on the Kwaggafontein road. Friends, family and colleagues shared stories of the 26 year old most saying they are still in shock. There was a big contingent of football players and officials including City chairman Johnny Mogaladi, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane, Orlando Pirates’ Rhulani Mokoena and National First Division side Witbank Spurs boss Themba Mafu and Tshifhiwa Thidiela of Black Leopards. In his tribute Mafu said Tshehla had dreams.
The upcoming SAFA election is set to be a one man race. This afternoon, the Football Transformation Forum announced current president Danny Jordan as the frontrunner in the race. The event was held at Milpark Garden Court in Johannesburg today. 40 of the 58 SAFA regions, support Jordaan. FTF general secretary Mzwandile Maforvane. Maforvane made it clear that given the nominations that Jordaan has received, whoever wants to challenge him on the 24th of March doesn’t stand a chance.
Boebie Solomons is back as the head coach of Santos. The former PSL champions, are currently campaigning in the ABC Motsepe League in the Western Cape, and have turned to their former coach in hopes of returning to professional football. Solomons was most recently the assistant coach to Stanley Menzo at Ajax Cape Town, but left the club in December when Muhsin Ertugral replaced Menzo. Former Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund had been in charge of Santos earlier in the season, but he left the club late in 2017. Solomons says a part of his heart has always belonged to Santos so it was an easy decision to make.
South African Football Association and the South African Breweries have kicked-off the 2018 edition of the SAB League Skills Camp. It is an intense training programme tailored to upskill local coaches to world-class standard. Coaches from across 52 SAFA Regions are undergoing training at the High-Performance Centre in Pretoria, which commenced from the 12th until the 16th of February. Under-20 men national team coach Thabo Senong is honoured to be part of the course. Banyana Banyana legend Portia Modise is also part of the coaching course. She is currently coaching the men football team Edladleni FC in the Castle league in Soweto. She says she wants to coach in the Vodacom league in three years’ time.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane believes that his team will clinch the league title if they win the next five matches in a row. The Brazilians are on top of the log with 38 points, five clear of their closest rivals Orlando Pirates with a game in hand. Sundowns have two fixtures at home against Free State Stars on the 21st of this month and Supersport United three days later.
Polokwane City have announced that the memorial service for the late Mogau Tshehla will be held tomorrow afternoon at the Witbank Civic Theatre at 16:00. His funeral will be on Friday 16 February at the IPC Koomdraai in his home town of Witbank at 7am. The 26 year old right back lost his life on Sunday night after his car rolled on the Kgwaggafontein road. SABC Sport’s Lethabo Kganyago has more.
Maritzburg United coach Fadlu Davids says they are not in a rush to replace the departed striker Evans Rusike. The Zimbabwean left Maritzburg to join Supersport United two weeks ago in the last transfer window. Maritzburg advanced to the last 16 round of the Nedbank cup when they beat National First Division outfit Swallows FC 3-1 over the weekend. Belgian striker Andrea Fileccia scored a brace to prove that he can fill up the boots of the Zimbabwean.
Cape Town City goalkeeper Shu-aib Walters is delighted after playing his first ever continental football game, when he starred for City in their 1-0 win away against Swaziland’s Young Buffaloes in the CAF Confederations Cup this past weekend. The 36-year-old says it was always a goal of his to play on the continent, and he says it shows that all the perseverance, sacrifice and hard work he has put in over the past few years, is paying off.
SABC SPORT has learned that Baroka FC have allegedly suspended head coach Kgoloko Thobejane. Thobejane was allegedly given his suspension letter earlier in the week following allegations that he drank on duty last weekend when the side faced Free State Stars in the league. Lethabo Kganyago has filed this report.
With only 10 games to go in the Absa Premiership and Kaizer Chiefs sitting seven points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, Amakhosi head coach Steve Komphela knows the importance of going all out in the Nedbank Cup. Speaking during a press conference at the PSL offices yesterday ahead of their last 32 match against Golden Arrows at FNB stadium on Sunday, Komphela is aware that the trophy drought at Naturena has to come to an end.
There’s a need for self-sustainable South African Football Association (SAFA) regions. This is according to SAFA Buffalo City President Mxolisi Sibham as he analyses the state of regional and local football heading to the next SAFA elections next month. Most SAFA regions are reliant on the SAFA grant which amounts to R450 000 annually and R35 000 monthly. Big regions like SAFA Cape Town, SAFA EThekwini and SAFA Johannesburg have got enough in their kitty to run their respective regions. Sibham says regions need to be innovative in raising funds. Whilst all the 52 regions are entitled to the monthly and annual grants but it is only those regions that are complying with the SAFA statutes that get the grants. Sibham says regions need to work seriously on the mass base. Going to the elections, there is also a debate about the caliber of football leaders and regional Presidents that get to be elected to the National Executive Council (soon to be SAFA Council). Newly elected SAFA Johannesburg President Phil Mogodi says there’s a need to improve the caliber of leaders that make it to the NEC.
For a very long time there have been allegations of collusion between club officials, coaches and agents in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL). But it has not been easy to get to the bottom of these allegations without any proof but SABC Sport understands that the current case opened by Thabo Mokgatle against Platinum Stars could open a can of worms. The Hawks recently confirmed to SABC News that they are investigating 35 charges of corruption, fraud, racketeering and money laundering against the former board of Dikwena. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli spoke to some bigwigs in the local game and has compiled this report.
South Africa Under-17 women’s team Bantwana are on the verge of qualifying for the FIFA world cup in Uruguay later this year. This follows their 5-1 thumping of Morocco in the first leg of the final qualifying round at the Dobsonville Stadium at the weekend. The second leg will be played at the Stade Boubker Aamar in Sale in a fortnight. Bantwana coach Simphiwe Dludlu says they will not be complacent going into the return leg.
Orlando Pirates surprised many people last week when they made their final signing, bringing in Zambia Footballer of the year and Zanaco FC attacker Augustine Mulenga to the club. Mulenga who finished with three goals at the recent CHAN tournament in Morocco where the Chipolopolo bounced out in the last eight comes in highly recommended. He’s formed a deadly partnership with the other Zambian in the Bucs camp Justin Shonga especially during the CHAN qualifiers. Pirates head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic is no stranger to players on the continent having been in charge of the Ugandan national team in recent years.
Cape Town City faces a busy week of traveling as they prepare to play on the road in two different competitions. First up for Benni McCarthy’s men is a Nedbank Cup last 32 matches on Wednesday evening against Bidvest Wits in Johannesburg, before the team travels to Swaziland where they will make their debut in the CAF Confederation Cup against Young Buffaloes. While City have beaten Wits three times already this season, the defending PSL champions have come into some good form lately, and City’s job will not be made easier by the fact that both their first choice central defenders Robyn Johannes and Taariq Fielies will be suspended for the game. City assistant coach Vasili Manousakis is not too concerned though and sees this as a good opportunity for new signing Kwanda Mngonyama to get his first start, alongside Tshepo Gumede, who was a regular last season. Manousakis says they are now just trying to get their other new signing Matthew Rusike registered, and he hopes he will also debut against Wits.
Banyana Banyana midfielder Leandra Smeda hopes that over the next few years more corporates begin to sponsor women’s sport. Smeda has been a key member of the national women’s football team over the past few years, picking up 75 caps since her debut in the 2010 Cyprus Cup. Banyana, the 2017 CAF Women’s team of the year, are set to play in the 2018 version of the Cyprus tournament later this month. Smeda says that if the women’s game is going to continue to improve, there needs to be more sponsors and businesses supporting the teams. Currently there are only two Banyana members playing professional football, with both Janine Van Wyk and recently-recruited Linda Motlhalo playing at Houston Dash in the USA. Smeda admits that she is hoping to still get a chance to play overseas. While she is a qualified food technologist and has begun a career in that field, she says she would grab the opportunity now if it came along.
Orlando Pirates have emerged as genuine contenders for the Absa Premiership title after managing to hold on for a hard fought 2-1 win over Maritzburg United at Orlando stadium last night. A stunning free-kick from Thabiso Kutumela and a header from Happy Jele were enough to secure three points for the Buccaneers with Siyanda Xulu’s late header coming as a consolation goal for the visitors. Pirates who have played one game more than the rest of the top five teams are currently second on the log, five points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with 33 points after 21 matches. Head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic says all they want to is to improve from last season.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane believes that Cape Town City are under pressure to maintain their unbeaten run against them, when the two teams meet in the ABSA premiership top of the table clash at the Athlone stadium in Cape Town tonight (kick-off 8pm). Sundowns are leading the log with 35 points from 19 matches, while City are just four points off the pace with 31 points from the same number of matches. Both teams drew their last matches with the Brazilians sharing the spoils against Kaizer Chiefs, while City drew with Bloemfontein Celtic.
After months of speculation Platinum Stars have finally announced the sale of the club to a petroleum company called Rowaton Petroleum. The new owners paid 22,5 million rand for the Phokeng outfit. Contrary to earlier concerns raised by the North West community regarding the possibility of the club relocating after the conclusion of the sale, the new owners have opted to run the club from the province. Outgoing club chairman Cliff Ramoroa confirms the sale of the club, which he says was not an easy decision.
Platinum Stars captain Vuyo Mere is concerned about his side’s poor performance this season. He says he and his team mates could do more to save the club from relegation. The 2017/18 Absa Premiership season has not been easy for Stars who, after 19 matches are still rooted at the bottom of the log standings with only 15 points. Stars only have three wins to their name so far this season. Mere says they’ve not put in enough effort to turn the club’s situation around. In their most recent league match Stars lost 2 – 0 against Orlando Pirates at Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace over the weekend, their fourth consecutive loss. The Phokeng – based club last tasted victory in a 1 – 0 win over BidVest Wits in December last year. Mere says his team mates need to realize that time is running out and that they need to start collecting points. The 33 years old Bloemfontein – born defender helped Dikwena to a second place league finish in the 2012/13 season, as well Telkom Knockout and MTN8 title victories in 2013. Reflecting on those years, he says it hurts to see what the club is going through.
Platinum Stars head coach Roger De Sa confirmed the speculation surrounding his involvement in the sale of club. De Sa declared the news today at the Dikwena presser meeting, saying that Rawton petroleum who is the new owner, has asked him to partner with him.
Free State Stars head coach Luc Eymeal believes the Absa Premiership League is the most balanced league in Africa. Eymael, who replaced coach Sammy Troughton has been responsible for Ealla Koto’s resurgence, which saw them jump to second place as well as being in the top eight. The Belgian international, Eymael, took Stars from 19th spot to fifth currently. The coach says it is a tough league.
Zimbabwean international Tendai Ndoro has been cleared to continue playing in the PSL with Ajax Cape Town. There had been questions raised over Ndoro’s eligibility for the Urban Warriors following revelations that he may have contravened a FIFA rule that disallows players from playing at three clubs in one season. Ndoro had played in one game for Orlando Pirates earlier this season, before moving to Al-Faisaly in Saudi Arabia before his return to South Africa to join Ajax. But after an emergency hearing with the PSL’s DRC this week, Ndoro has been cleared to play. Ajax CEO Ari Efstathiou says he is relieved that the matter has now been resolved, and that Ndoro can now focus on his football.
Maritzburg United have confirmed the sale of striker Evans Rusike to SuperSport United. The 27-year-old Zimbabwean had been the subject of speculation in every transfer window over the past 18 months after an impressive first year with the Team of Choice. He had been mainly linked with Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, but that interest appeared to have cooled this January. However, with Matsatsantsa having sold their key striker Jeremy Brockie to Mamelodi Sundowns, they were in the market for a replacement and have swooped for Rusike. Maritzburg chairman Farook Kadodia confirmed the deal had been done.
The road to the SAFA elections on the 24th of March this year is getting interesting every week. This follows the establishment of the National Football Consultative Forum (NFCF) Sunday in Sandton whose main aim is to give your football fan on the street the voice in these elections. In what appears to be a collaboration of those opposed to the current SAFA leadership, the NFCF has promised to come back later this week with its preferred line-up for these elections. The spokesperson of NFCF Thabo Masombuka has more on their intentions.
Orlando Pirates coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic feels it’s too early for him to talk about challenging for the 2017/18 Absa Premiership title as they still have a lot to work on. Pirates, who are now 3rd on the log with 30 points from 19 games, improved their title chances with a 2 – 0 win over strugglers Platinum Stars at Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace at the weekend. Sredojevic, though, does not think their form has improved enough for them to regard themselves as title chasers.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane left FNB stadium a relieved man after seeing his team playing out a goalless draw against Kaizer Chiefs in an Absa Premiership match on Saturday evening. Playing in front of a record attendance between the two teams of over 80 000 people, this was a tactical affair as Mosimane ensured that he returns to Pretoria with a point. It was a thrilling encounter with end-to-end action, Chiefs dominated possession but Sundowns had better chances. Mosimane is happy that the gap at the top has been maintained. Chiefs missed an opportunity to narrow the gap between themselves and Sundowns, they remain five points behind on the fourth spot. With 11 games to in this league title race, Amakhosi head coach Steve Komphela says they will have to now intensify their title race chase.
Absa Premiership log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns have lost their last two matches against Kaizer Chiefs but the Brazilians head coach Pitso Mosimane is heading to FNB stadium tomorrow also banking on some favourable results he has registered there in the past. On one occasion, Teko Modise netted an opportunistic goal that was critical in getting Sundowns to win their first league title in the 2014/2015 season. Sundowns are currently five points ahead of Chiefs and all Mosimane wants is to keep the same distance if not better it tomorrow.
Bloemfontein Celtic will face Cape Town City in an Absa Premiership league match at the Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday afternoon. Phunya Sele Selele won the last encounter 1-0 when the two sides met in October last year. Celtic’s head coach Veselin Jelusic spoke about his team’s approach on Sunday.
SAFA President Danny Jordaan’s team continued to sound bullish about his chances of retaining his seat at the organization’s elections in March this year. Football Transformation Forum’s (FTF) Secretary-General Mzwandile Maforvane says if the elections were to be held tomorrow, Jordaan would easily have a landslide victory. He is basing this also on the comments that another NEC member Mxolisi Sibham made to SABC Sport two weeks ago that Jordaan is backed by 48 out of 52 regions already. Maforvane says they don’t expect a contest on the 24th of March.
The first football fixture that most football fans in South Africa look out for in a calendar season is the Soweto derby but in recent years, match ups between Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates vs Sundowns are quickly generating similar interest. Obviously the reflection on the stands can’t be compared to the Soweto Derby but Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune ahead of Saturday’s Absa Premiership clash against Sundowns agrees that this is a key fixture in the local game.
South African Netball women’s team will be looking to win their second match in the Netball Quad series ever since it was incepted two years ago. The Proteas will attempt to do that when they play against New Zealand at Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg tonight evening (kick-off 7pm). The Proteas are improving in leaps and bounds after losing 54-50 to Australia in London last week, which was their best ever results against the world and Commonwealth champions with little preparations. SA coach Norma Plummer was pleased with the results against Australia and also look forward to the NZ clash.
Mamelodi Sundowns new striker Jeremy Brockie believes that he can complement the way his new team plays and score lots of goals. Brockie was signed from neighbours Supersport United a week ago to add to the already star studded team. He was unveiled alongside Aubrey Ngoma, Siyabonga Zulu and Gaston Sirino last Wednesday. The Brazilians have been missing a lot of chances in front of goals of late and that is why they brought in the New Zealander.
Cape Town City have announced the signing of Ugandan international Allan Kateregga. The 23-year-old winger spent the past season on loan at KCCA in his home country, while being on the books of Kenyan club AFC Leopards, who he joined in 2015. City chairman John Comitis says he is delighted to bring Kateregga to the Citizens, and believes the Mulago-born winger will bring a new dimension to the attack at the club.
Former Polokwane City attacker Thobani Mncwango has started training with his new team Bidvest Wits after his former team allowed him to start his new contract early. Mncwango who has had a lot of drama with City in the past 18 months around the extension of his contract recently concluded a pre-contract with Wits and was only expected to link up with the Clever Boys on the first of July later this year. The challenge is that the 26year-old has only played two matches in six months (last game in August last year) and coach Gavin Hunt would have to help him quickly regain his match fitness.
Platinum Stars coach Roger De Sa backs Mamelodi Sundowns to win the 2017/18 Absa Premiership title, admitting that Pitso Mosimane’s men are the team to beat this season. De Sa had first – hand experience of Sundown’s brilliance when his side went down 3 – 0 to the Tshwane outfit at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday. The result saw the Brazilians maintain their four points lead at the summit of the log table, while for relegation threatened Stars it was a continuation of a poor run of form that sees them rooted at the bottom of the table with only 15 points after 18 games…
The word is clear from the Orlando Pirates vice-captain Abbubaker Mobara, good things are starting to happen for him at the club and he is not interested in joining Bidvest Wits. Mobara’s comments follow strong reports that Wits is demanding a swap deal that would involve him and Pirates target Ben Motshwari. SABC Sport understands that the first target for Pirates was Bafana captain Thulani “Tyson” Hlatshwayo but Wits is not keen. Bucs also reportedly feel that Xola Mlambo is too similar to Musa Nyatama hence their focus on Motshwari. After captaining Bucs in the last two matches, Mobara says he is dreaming of winning the Absa Premiership title for the famous black and white.
After almost a decade in Scandinavia, starring for clubs like Helsingborg, Lyngby and Landskrona, Bradley Ralani recently returned to South Africa to sign for Cape Town City. It was just over eight years that Ralani and fellow Stars of Africa graduates Tokelo Rantie and May Mahlangu, left Farouk Khan’s academy to go play their trade in Europe. The Kimberley-born midfielder played in almost 200 games during his time in Sweden and Denmark, where he was often linked to big club moves, and he says that his hard work and discipline that was instilled in him at Stars of Africa is why he succeeded there. For many in Scandinavia, Ralani is simply known by one name, Surprise. He says the name caught on quickly amongst the fans, and it was what he used on the back of his kit.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Steve Komphela says he needs to take advantage of the Spanish factor between Gustavo Paez and Leonardo Castro to his advantage. Paez has struggled to score recently but Komphela is not concerned with that saying the player is a hard worker. The two strikers are native South Americans and speak Spanish. Komphela says he should take advantage of this connection for the club ’sake. After scoring four goals in the last two matches, Komphela says his charges can do better.
Chippa United coach Teboho Moloi has given credit to Lamontville Golden Arrows for the manner in which they performed during their recent goalless draw in an Absa Premiership match between the two sides at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. Moloi also praised his players for standing their own against their Abafana Bes’thende opponents. This is the second time that a match between the two sides ended in a stalemate this season following their 1-1 draw in Durban….
New AmaZulu signing Camaldine Abraw says he has nothing to prove in South African football after joining the club earlier this week. The former Free State Stars and Kaizer Chiefs striker enjoyed a productive two seasons with Ea Lla Koto between 2013 and 2015, prompting Amakhosi to swoop. However, he had a difficult time with the Soweto giants during a one-season spell, which ended with an injury. After a short stint in Romania, he has been brought back by struggling AmaZulu and is hoping to continue the upward trend from the past few months.
Ajax Cape Town coach Muhsin Ertugral says the Urban Warriors are looking forward to Saturday afternoon’s iKapa derby against Cape Town City, and he says he is hoping for an entertaining match. This will be the fourth meeting between Ajax and City, with City having won all previous encounters, and Ertugral is hoping to change that fortune as he knows for his team every victory is crucial
Former Jomo Cosmos and Zambian national team striker Christopher Katongo says the fact that Southern Africa won’t have a representative at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Russia, is just one of many examples of how the region is lagging behind. Of the continent’s five regions only the North (Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco) and the West (Nigeria and Senegal) will have representatives at the 21st edition of the tournament, scheduled to take place from 14 June to 15 July. The Southern region has not had a representative at the global showpiece since South Africa took part in the 2010 edition by virtue of being the hosts.
Former South African Football Association (SAFA) Vice-President Mwelo “Chief” Nonkonyana is sounding positive about his chances of being elected as the new SAFA President on the 24th of March despite the stumbling blocks he’s facing. Speaking to the media for the first time this morning on his candidature for the SAFA President election at FNB stadium, Nonkonyana says he wants to take South African football to new heights and will challenge the incumbent Danny Jordaan come March.
Mamelodi Sundowns cleaned up the Absa Premiership December awards at the league’s headquarters in Johannesburg earlier today. Coach Pitso Mosimane walked away with the coach of the month for guiding his team to an impressive run when they won four matches and lost just one in the process. It is the second time this season Mosimane has won the award. He thanked everyone who made it possible for him to win. Striker Percy Tau won the player of the month for December when he scored four goals during that month against Baroka FC, Maritzburg United and Bloemfontein Celtic. He became the first player in the history of these awards to be unanimously selected by the judges for the player of the month and Midfielder Hlompho Kekana won goal of the month for his great strike from within his half, when his team beat Orlando Pirates 3-1 at Orlando stadium last year. The award is voted for by the fans.
Motsepe also revealed today that two top players could still leave the club before the end of this transfer window and one of those players is expected to be Khama Billiat. The Zimbabwean international is on the verge of joining a European team and that could be Dino Ndlovu’s former Azerbaijan side Qarabag FC. Motsepe explains why its difficult for them to retain Billiat.
It was a show of force and power as Mamelodi Sundowns President Patrice Motsepe paraded the club’s four new signings today and most importantly the club’s new Head of Technical Erik Hamren at the club’s headquarters in Chloorkop. Motsepe is clear that the 2016 African champions have got to evolve and part of that is introducing the technical expertise of someone like Hamren who has coached the Swedish national team and won league titles in Norway, Denmark and Sweden.The last two Technical Directors at Sundowns were Mike Ntombela and Angelo Tsichlas. Motsepe was also clear that Hamren is not here for the head coach position but to help transform the club structures.
Maritzburg United chairman Farook Kadodia remains open to new signings in January, but admits that any incoming activity will depend on the calibre of player available. The Team of Choice have done two bits of major business thus far, with club captain Denis Weidlich sold to Bidvest Wits and Bokang Thlone moving the other way. The club has also released midfielder Devon Saal on loan to National First Division outfit Stellenbosch FC. Kadodia has not ruled out further activity and has set his sights on bringing in an attacking midfielder. Meanwhile, the departure of Weidlich is a blow after the German became one of the most established defenders in the PSL. The 31-yer-old spent 18 months at the Harry Gwala Stadium, helping them qualify for the top eight for the first time last season. He was an instrumental figure and Kadodia acknowledged that losing him was a blow. But the chairman says they had little choice. The club will feel the pain even further now after it emerged that Thlone arrived with an injury.
Minister of Sport Thulas Nxesi says the two Commission of Inquiries into South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and FNB stadium are going ahead and expects them to start its hearings next month. Yesterday the Ministry of Sport released a statement confirming that the two inquiries will only start at the beginning of next month after they had both been expected to start yesterday. Nxesi reiterated that following the appointment of judges for the two inquiries, they expect them to start with pre-public hearing meetings from the fifth of next month.
To millions of football fans in the country, Doctor Khumalo and Teboho Moloi are some of the most famous football names in the history of the game in this country. For years the two were permanently seen as assistant coaches at Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates respectively but it was a good sight last night seeing them leading their respective teams Baroka FC and Chippa United during the Nedbank Cup draw. Khumalo in August left Chiefs after 31 years to link up with the Limpopo side as a Technical Director, he looks back at his progress.
Orlando Pirates head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic has set himself a goal of returning Bucs to continental action next year, which he says will be a huge boost for the club’s image in Africa. To achieve his goal, Micho needs to guide the Buccaneers to a top – two finish in the Absa Premiership and a Nedbank Cup title victory, which will earn them spots in the CAF Champions League (CCL) and CAF Confederation Cup respectively.
SuperSport United will begin their Nedbank Cup title defence against Bloemfontein Celtic. The two sides were pitted against each other at the tournament’s round of 32 draw and launch, which took place at the green bank’s headquarters in Johannesburg last night. United coach Eric Tinkler anticipates a tough encounter against Siwelele, who sent them packing from the Telkom Knockout in their previous cup meeting.
The newly appointed Mamelodi Sundowns technical director Erik Hamren comes in highly recommended and is seen as the man who is going to help revamp the footballing structures at the club. Hamren a former Swedish national team head coach started officially at Sundowns last Friday and part of his brief is to work closely with the senior team, development academy system and the scouting department. The 60year-old has more on his new role.
Former Bafana Bafana regular Siboniso Gaxa has begun training at Ajax Cape Town, and will be hoping to secure a contract at the Urban Warriors. The 33-year-old former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs player has been a free agent since leaving Bidvest Wits last year and Ajax coach Muhsin Ertugral says they will be having a good look at whether Gaxa can add something to the squad. Ertugral says he has always liked the player, and actually was hoping to sign him when he was at Kaizer Chiefs, but before making a decision they need to see his condition and also whether the club and player can reach an agreement.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says he does not fear losing his job after the team appointed Erik Hamren as the club’s new technical director last week. The former Sweden coach is a highly decorated having coached the Sweden national team, where he spent almost eight years at the helm. He successfully guided them to two UEFA European Championships in 2012 and 2016, before stepping down two years ago. Mosimane says Hamren is here to help the team.
One new name to their books in attacking midfielder Harris Tchilimabou from Brazzaville Congo. The former AS Police FC (Congolese football club) player, made his debut for Ealla Koto Stars in their 1-0 defeat of league champions Bidvest Wits this past weekend. Stars still have their eyes on Central African Republic international Hilaire Momi, according to head coach Luc Eymael.
Tendai Ndoro says he is excited and grateful for the opportunity to play for Ajax Cape Town. The 32-year-old striker was a surprise signing for the Urban Warriors when he was announced just before the New Year. Ndoro had been plying his trade with Al-Faisaly in Saudia Arabia for the past few months since leaving Orlando Pirates in August. However he says he jumped at the opportunity to re-unite with Muhsin Ertugral at Ajax, especially as he got married in December and this was an opportunity to be closer to his family.
Castle Lager took its involvement in football to a whole new level with the launch of Africa’s biggest 5 – a – side tournament at Discovery Soccer Park in Illovo, Johannesburg today. Scheduled to be played from the 1st of February to end of May 2018, the tournament will be played in six countries namely South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Sponsor’s Brand Director Vaughn Croeser explains what the tournament entails.
Platinum Stars head coach Roger De Sa says he would like to sign more new players during the ongoing January transfer window period, but his hands are tied as he has to wait for the club’s sale agreement to be concluded. So far Stars have made two signings, having roped in forward Letsie Koapeng from Cape Town City, as well as former Orlando Pirates midfielder Manti Mekoa on a free transfer.
Ajax Cape Town head coach Muhsin Ertugral says the door is not completely closed for former captain Travis Graham to return to the Ajax first team. Graham has been training with the club’s reserve team since making it clear at the start of the season that he wanted to leave Ajax. However after sitting in limbo for the past six months, and with no transfer in sight, Ertugral says he has spoken to Graham, but says the ball is in his court, and the 24-year-old needs to sit down with the powers at the club to discuss his future.
Banyana Banyana striker Chantelle Essau is anticipating a tough match against Sweden later this month. The women’s national team will take on the Europeans in the two friendly matches at the Cape Town stadium. The first match will be a practice match that will take place behind closed doors on the 18th of January, while the second clash will take place three days later at the same venue. The two teams have already met twice with Sweden winning both matches at the 2012 London Olympics and 2016 Rio Olympics. Banyana will use that match to prepare for the Cyprus cup in Europe that will take place from February 26 to March 8. They have been drawn in Group C with Hungary, Trinidad and Tobago and Slovakia. Essau says the bigger objective for Banyana will be to win the Women’s Africa cup of nations in Ghana in December and also qualify for the FIFA world cup in France in 2019.
Mamelodi Sundowns right back Siyanda Zwane says his team cannot afford to lose more games in the ABSA premiership this season. He said this ahead of their league clash against Ajax Cape Town at the Cape Town stadium last night and the Brazilians won. The Brazilians have lost their last two games against Polokwane City and Cape Town City. The former African champions are still on top of the log with 28 points from 15 matches.
Ajax Cape Town have announced another new signing, bringing in forward Samuel Julies from Chippa United. Julies is part of a swap deal that will see Bantu Mzwakali move the other way. The 26-year-old Julies says he is really grateful for this opportunity at Ajax and is looking forward to turn out for the Urban Warriors, and maybe even getting a chance in tonight’s game against his former club Mamelodi Sundowns.
Indications are that before the end of this week, Jeremy Brockie could be a Mamelodi Sundowns player. The New Zealander came very close to joining Sundowns in July last year but his club Supersport United put brakes to that move. It was also reported that Orlando Pirates was pushing hard for Brockie’s move but Sundowns seems to be a step ahead. Its believed that Sundowns wants to conclude Brockie’s deal before CAF registration deadline (15-01-18). This past weekend, United head coach Eric Tinkler had said no player is unsellable. SABC Sport also understands that United is now in the process of finding a replacement for Brockie who finished as the CAF Confederation Cup top goal scorer with 10 goals last year.
Bloemfontein Celtic new attacking midfielder Menzi Masuku says this is the right moment to sign with Celtic. Masuku penned a two and a half year contact with Phunya Sele Sele last week from Chippa United. Celtic has been bringing in positive results this season under Serbian coach Veselin Jelusic. They opened 2018 with three points when they beat Golden Arrows 2-1 this past Sunday in Bloemfontein. Masuku, who stayed for a season and a half at Chippa says the type of football displayed by Celtic attracted him. The twenty-four year old says his move to Celtic was long overdue.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says this current campaign is the funniest he has seen. Sundowns suffered their second successive league loss to Polokwane City this past weekend and though they remain at the top of the log their lead has been narrowed by other results elsewhere. Mosimane cited the fact that his side has never lost six matches in a term under his guidance and adds that this time the number could rise. The coach says his players need to be sharp mentally if they are to stay at the top.
Last week’s activity in the transfer market brought a lot of excitement to the millions of Kaizer Chiefs fans and indications are that the club is not done in the market yet. After having confirmed Colombian striker Leonardo Castro last month from Mamelodi Sundowns, Amakhosi brought exciting attacker Kabelo Mahlasela and Siphelele Ntshangase from Bloemfontein Celtic and Baroka FC respectively. SABC Sports understands that the club is still holding out for two more new players. Head coach Steve Komphela says they are happy with their defense, which could mean they are looking for more attackers and defensive midfielders.
As former SAFA Vice-President Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana released a statement this morning expressing his interest to be a nominee candidate for the SAFA Presidential position in two months time, Team Danny Jordaan is bullish about it’s chances. Nonkonyana, who was expelled by SAFA in 2015 following comments he had made about then Bafana Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund, says he’s been approached by SAFA members who want him to challenge the incumbent for this position. But SAFA National Executive Committee (NEC) member Mxolisi Sibham says they’ve got this campaign wrapped up already. The SAFA elective congress is set to take place on the 24th of March this year and nominations are likely to open around the 20th of this month and close 30 days before the election day.
Muhsin Ertugral is pleased with how things are going so far at Ajax Cape Town, since taking over as head coach just before Christmas. Ertugral replaced Stanley Menzo last year, and is busy preparing the team for his first match in charge, when Ajax host Maritzburg United on Friday evening at the Cape Town Stadium. He says training has gone well since he began with the team last week, and says he just wants the players to relax a bit more.
Former national under-23 captain Kwanda Mngonyama is looking forward to resurrect his promising career after signing for Cape Town City this past week. Mngonyama joins from Mamelodi Sundowns, where he has been out of favour for the past few seasons, having spent the last three seasons at Maritzburg United on loan. Now after six months of no PSL football, the 24-year-old defender says he’s excited to further his career with Benni McCarthy’s team.
Polokwane City have confirmed the arrival of two new players and a technical staff member yesterday ahead of the resumption of the 2017/18 Absa premiership. Striker Dominic Chungwa and center-back Sbusiso Skhosana from Caps United in Zimbabwe and National First Division side Witbank Spurs respectively are the new additions while Japhet Borges Neto has joined City as physical trainer. Club communications manager Vusi Ntimane says the players had been training with side since last month.
Muhsin Ertugral is back as head coach of Ajax Cape Town. Earlier today Ajax announced that they had parted ways with Dutch coach Stanley Menzo, and the Urban Warriors have acted swiftly in announcing Ertugral’s return to the club, his fourth stint in charge at Ikamva. Ertrugral says Cape Town is home to him and his family and he’s delighted to rejoin a club that is close to his heart.
Soweto Local Football Association (SLFA) chairman Phill Mogodi says the Walter Sisulu Discovery Challenge, currently underway at Nike Training Centre in Soweto, has improved a lot compared to its previous editions. Currently in the group stages, the eight – team youth tournament kicked off on December 1 and is scheduled to wrap up next Friday. Mogodi elaborates on the tournament’s improvements. The Discovery Challenge prides itself for having set up the professional careers of several players, including BidVest Wits captain Thulani Hlatshwayo, SuperSport United winger Sifiso Myeni and Orlando Pirates striker Lyle Foster, among others. Mogodi reveals plans to improve the tournament further.
Platinum Stars have amassed a disappointing 15 points from 14 games and sit third from bottom of the Absa Premiership standings in what has been Dikwena’s poor start to the season. Stars’ coach Roger De Sa feels he must make radical changes to the current team. De Sa laments some of the chances he has seen his team miss to win vital points.
Maritzburg United coach Fadlu Davids admits that the inconsistencies his team have suffered this season are normal for a club with such young players. The Team of Choice have experienced both ends of the spectrum during the first half of what has been a satisfactory first half of 2017/18. From the highs of reaching the MTN8 semi-final in the early part of the season to a run of 11 matches without victory stretching for three-and-a-half months. During that period, they were also hit by the death on rising young star Mlondi Dlamini and reflecting on the term, new coach Davids says he is satisfied
Kgoloko Thobejane says Baroka FC players will only get a week off then return to camp before the end of the year to prepare for the second half of the season. At the half way mark the Limpopo side are third on the Absa premiership table on 22 points, same as Kaizer Chiefs just ahead of them and Free State Stars right on their heels. Their fixtures next month include clashes against Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Golden Arrows and Thobejane wants his players in top shape. Baroka have maintained confidence as usual however unlike last campaign they have results to back them this time around. The Limpopo side won Q Innovation 1 and trail the leading club Mamelodi Sundowns by six points on the log however the Pretoria based side have two games in hand. Thobejane is pleased to be in a competitive distance of the leading pack but warns that if Bakgaga drop the ball it will get difficult.
Bloemfontein Celtic assistant coach Lehlohonolo Seema says his team has shown tremendous improvement this season. Phunya Sele Sele are currently lying eighth on the log after they were hammered 4-1 by Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria over the weekend. Last season the Free State team was struggling throughout the season and only survived relegation by a whisker.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso “ Jingles” Mosimane says he is willing to shake Teko Modise’s hand, when Cape Town City meet Sundowns in the Absa premiership clash at the Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria tomorrow night. Modise recently published his book which containted scathing revelations about Mosimane when the pair were still at Supersport United and Sundowns. Mosimane has since refused to comment on the book saying that he prefers to talk only about the positives.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela has likened his latest match-winner Dumisani Zuma to legendary South Africa striker Siyabonga Nomvethe. The 22-year-old forward was the hero for Amakhosi on Saturday night when he scored the only goal late on to secure a 1-0 victory over Ajax Cape Town in Durban. KwaZulu-Natal-born Zuma joined the Soweto giants from Bloemfontein Celtic in the off-season, but injury meant he struggled to settle quickly. However, he made his first start against Platinum Stars last week before coming on as a sub against Ajax. Komphela says he has all the attributes of PSL-record scorer Nomvethe.
Ajax Cape Town have announced the signing of striker Muzi Thabotha from Highlands Park. The 22 year old has been trialing with the club over the past week and did enough to impress the Urban Warriors’ technical team. Thabotha says he is delighted to join Ajax and is very appreciative to get this opportunity to play in the PSL and he feels very much welcome at Ikamva and is looking forward to compete with Tashreeq Morris, Prince Nxumalo and Sedwyn George for a place upfront.
A brace from Petros Ngebo booked Highlands Park a spot in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 as they handed Real Kings a 2 – 1 defeat in the NFD qualifiers at Makhulong Stadium yesterday afternoon. Kings opened the scoring early in opening half through Lindokuhle Mtshali but could not hold on to the lead until the final whistle as Ngebo, who came in as a second half substitute, leveled the score in the dying minutes of the encounter. Ngebo was on target again in the second half of extra time, sealing victory for the hosts with a strike from short range. The Lions of the North could have won the match with a bigger margin had they taken advantages of their countless scoring chances. Freese concurs but says right now they are just excited to have made it into the round of 32.
Maritzburg United coach Fadlu Davids says Mamelodi Sundowns are by far the best team in the league at the moment. He said this after his team narrowly lost 1-0 to the former African champions in aleague match in Pretoria last night. The Brazilians opened a five point lead on top of the log ahead of their closest rivals Orlando Pirates with two games in hand. Davids also accolades on Sundowns mentor Pitso Mosimane.
There was a time in South African football when junior national teams were selected based on players only found in the Premier Soccer League academies. Those who were entrusted with selecting the squads weren’t travelling the length and breadth of this country and afford all the talent available a chance. It’s not a surprise that between 2009 and 2013, South Africa struggled to qualify for junior international competitions. But the current regime of youth coaches is changing that and it’s for this reason that national U17 head coach Molefi Ntseki has a selection group of 43 players coming from schools around the country. The 43 players were selected from schools tournaments this year and Ntseki has brought this group together to play training matches and international friendlies.
There was a time in South African football when junior national teams were selected based on players only found in the Premier Soccer League academies. Those who were entrusted with selecting the squads weren’t travelling the length and breadth of this country and afford all the talent available a chance. It’s not a surprise that between 2009 and 2013, South Africa struggled to qualify for junior international competitions. But the current regime of youth coaches is changing that and it’s for this reason that national U17 head coach Molefi Ntseki has a selection group of 43 players coming from schools around the country. The 43 players were selected from schools tournaments this year and Ntseki has brought this group together to play training matches and international friendlies. Ntseki explains why he’s going this route of selecting school players on their own…
Just a week after 48 out of 52 SAFA regions voted unanimously to bring forward the South African Football Association (SAFA) elections from September to March next year, the organization’s President Danny Jordaan has given a string indication that he’s standing again. The SAFA elections would now be held on the 24th of March next year. Jordaan who was elected to head SAFA in 2013 says the organization still has a lot to accomplish going to their Vision 2022. When Jordaan was elected as SAFA President in 2013 after beating Mandla “Shoes” Mazibuko to the main seat, he had targeted Bafana Bafana to qualify for the World Cup. The nominations will open mid next month and close 30 days before the elections. Speaking to journalists at SAFA’s technical centre at the Fun Valley today, Jordaan .
South African Football Association President Danny Jordaan says he is impressed with the quality of women football in SA. He was speaking at the end of the 2017 SASOL National League Championship at Kabokweni stadium in Mbombela at the weekend. Bloemfontein Celtic ladies team beat Cape Town Roses 2-0 in the final. Jordaan says the high standard has paved the way for the formation of the professional league in 2019.The women professional league will be implemented in 2019 with the Sasol league coming to an end next year. The 16-team league will comprise of the nine provincial champions, two PSL teams Celtic and Mamelodi Sundowns, also with the several PSL teams that have undertaken to establish women teams. Jordaan would like to see more women mentors in the future. Mmeza Gaberone was the only women coach in charge of RC Mills from Northern Cape while several were assistant coaches.
Cape Town City captain Robyn Johannes has been unveiled as a new ambassador for the Young Bafana Academy in the Western Cape. The Young Bafana Academy was founded in 2012 by former German professional footballer Bernd Steinhage, and is a football and education programme that help young kids from many of the poorer areas of the Western Cape, and in their short life have already achieved many success stories both on and off the field. Johannes says he is very proud to be involved with such a worthy cause.
The South African national U20 side has once again proved it’s mettle when it came back from 1-0 down to beat Egypt 2-1 in the COSAFA U20 championship in Kitwe, Zambia to win Group B and qualify for the semi-finals. Goals from Nkosingiphile “Mshini” Ngcobo and Luvuyo Mkhatshana cancelled an early strike from Mohamed Karem and ensured Amajita a third straight win. Amajita will next play against the best runners-up from the three groups on Thursday and head coach Thabo Senong says this was a tough encounter. Egypt and Uganda have been invited as guests in the Southern African regional tournament and the East Africans have already qualified for the last four. The North Africans could still qualify as the best placed runner-up depending on the results of Group C today. If that happens they would meet South Africa again. Senong praised the organizers for inviting quality teams…
Polokwane City's defender Ndivhuwo Ravhuhali express gratitude for his goal of the month award he scooped on today on the Absa Premiership awards. Ravhuhali scored a goal that earned him this prestigious awards aganst Amazulu, in Absa Premier league match.
Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho kekana express his excitement right after being named the Absa Premiership player of the player. Kekana says that being clever as a player helped him and his team.
Chippa United head coach Tebogo Moloi is named Absa Premiership league coach of the year. Moloi shares his thoughts about the award....
NB: Sound quality - Poor but listanable
For the second time this week Polokwane City players and officials left the stadium guarded by security as their fans want answers as to why results are not coming for the Limpopo side. City drew 1-all with fellow strugglers and bottom of the league side Bidvest Wits at the Old Peter Mokaba stadium yesterday after a 1-0 loss midweek to Platinum Stars. The home side led 1-0 through Rodney Ramagalela in the 50th minute after the match was deadlocked at halftime, this is his seventh of this campaign. Wits were saved by substitute Eleazer Rodgers who stole the point with a header at the stroke of full time. City coach Bernard Molekwa says he understands the fans’ frustrations.
Platinum Stars coach Roger De Sa has warned his charges not to get too far ahead of themselves after the league victory over Polokwane City last night. The win in Limpopo’s capital extended Stars’ unbeaten record in the league this season to six matches. The side sits in 13th spot on the log with 12 points from 13 matches seven points from the sides with most points this season (19). De Sa’s side hosts Kaizer Chiefs at the Royal Bafokeng stadium on Saturday afternoon (15:30). Chiefs lost to Chippa United last night and De Sa says he’s not surprised by the result adding that there’s a lot of inconsistency with the so called top sides in league this campaign.
Banyana Banyana interim coach Desiree Ellis says it is important to play against superpowers in world football. The senior women’s football team will test their mettle when they lock horns with Sweden in the two friendly matches in January in Cape Town. The Europeans beat Banyana 4-1 at the 2012 London Olympics and 1-0 at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Sweden is ranked 5th in the world while SA sits at 52nd position in the world. Ellis says it will give the players an opportunity to be scouted by teams abroad. Banyana will use the friendlies to prepare for the qualifiers of the women’s Africa cup of nations that will be held in Ghana next year and also to qualify for the FIFA world cup in France in 2019.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has parted ways with its Head of Referees Peter Sejake after he was found guilty of match fixing. SABC Sport has learnt that the decision was taken last week after SAFA concluded its investigation into the allegations of match fixing and corruption leveled at Sejake after the ABC Motsepe League national play-offs that took place in Bloemfontein in 2016. Sejake’s departure now opens the way for SAFA to replace him with a new HOD for Referees. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli has been following this story and has compiled this report.
Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter will tomorrow explain to the SAFA technical committee why his team failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. The Technical Committee was set to sit last week but because Baxter had gone to Europe it had to wait. The former Kaizer Chiefs and Supersport United head coach is believed to be safe to continue in this job despite losing five out of six World Cup qualifiers and finishing bottom of Group D with only four points. Speaking at the conclusion of the 27th SAFA Congress yesterday, the FA’s President Danny Jordaan stopped short of saying using an aging squad was Bafana’s downfall.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) elections have been brought forward from September 2018 to March. This was announced at 27th SAFA Congress that was attended by all the 52 regions at the Sandton Convention Centre yesterday (Sunday). The current SAFA leadership under President Danny Jordaan has been in office since September 2017 and their four year term ended three months ago but was extended by a year in 2015 to accommodate the World Cup year. With Bafana Bafana having failed to qualify for the World Cup, Jordaan has more on the motion that was pushed from the floor by one of the KwaZulu-Natal regions. It’s expected that the decision to bring this elective congress five months before it’s time would also disadvantage whoever decides to contest Jordaan for the main seat. Between now and March there wouldn’t be enough time to campaign. There’s no confirmed opposing candidate yet but it’s expected that Jordaan who is also a CAF Executive Committee member will stand for another four-year term.
Tonight in Durban is set to be the final game at Cape Town City for assistant coach Ian Taylor. While Taylor will be on the bench when City take on Maritzburg United at the Princess Magogo Stadium, Benni McCarthy will need to find a new assistant going forward, after Taylor accepted a big job overseas. Taylor has been hired by Ajax Amsterdam and will be a part of a four-man coaching team who will help create a youth development system at Ajax Amsterdam’s new affiliate Guangzhou R&F in China. The 40-year-old says this opportunity is a dream come true for him, and he is looking forward to furthering his career.
Supersport United CEO Stan Matthews has praised the good work being done in the Matsatsantsa development structures which he claims has produced an astounding 60 players in both the top flight and NFD divisions. Phumelela’s association with three-time PSL Champions and CAF Confed Cup Finalists United, traces back to 2004 and they have over the years expanded to adopt soccer schools darted around Gauteng.
Bidvest Wits defender Bongani Khumalo says that everyone at the club is feeling the pressure of their poor start to the Absa Premiership season, but believes that victory in the Telkom Knockout final on tomorrow will ease some of their stress. The Students take on Bloemfontein Celtic at the Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban as they bid to win the title for the first time in 22 years. However, their bid for success has been clouded by their shady league form, which has left the reigning champions bottom of the table. Khumalo admits that everyone was feeling the heat.
The South Africa U-17 women’s team quest to qualifying for the 2018 FIFA world cup in Uruguay will begin on Friday when they take on Botswana. Bantwana will play against Botswana in the first round first leg qualifier at the Lobatse Sports Complex (kick-off 3pm). The team received a bye in the preliminary round of the qualifiers, while their counterparts eliminated Zambia 6-5 on aggregate. Coach Simphiwe Dludlu is wary of the threat posed by their neighbours. The preparations for the match have been going well, but suffered a minor setback when the team was unable to play an international warm-up match ahead of the crucial encounter. However, Dludlu says they managed to play against the male football team to fine-tune their preparations.
Bloemfontein Celtic and Bidvest Wits will lock horns in the final of the 2017 Telkom Knockout Cup at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, Durban on Saturday. In the first round of the competition, both sides won on penalties on their way to the final. In the semi-finals, Bidvest Wits beat Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 and Celtic beat Polokwane City 2-1 on Penalties. Celtic coach Veselin Jelusic says they are not naive to believe it will be an easy game.
The newly appointed Confederation of African Football Secretary General Amr Fahmy is banking on the continental inter-club competitions to help maximize the revenue streams of African football. Fahmy was speaking during his first official visit to South Africa last week following his appointment two weeks ago. Following the dethroning of Issa Hayatou’s leadership after 29years in office, a lot is expected from the new CAF leadership. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli has compiled this report.
Ajax Cape Town are travelling to the Mbombela Stadium for their rescheduled Absa Premiership match against SuperSport United tonight. The match was originally scheduled for last week, but was postponed due to SuperSport’s involvement in the CAF Confederation Cup final. Ajax defender Mario Booysen, who spent time on loan at Matsatsantsa says that after SuperSport’s loss in the final to TP Mazembe, their opponents will be trying to re-focus on the league now.
Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt suggested he would have preferred to be top of the Absa Premiership table rather than in the Telkom Knockout final, which they will contest against Bloemfontein Celtic on Saturday. Instead the Students are bottom of the league standings after 11 games, a remarkable position considering they are the reigning champions. Wits have won just twice in the championship this year, while they have won thrice in the cup, beating Free State Stars, Baroka FC and Kaizer Chiefs to reach the final. Hunt, though, says they would have been better of leading the title race.
Acting Premier Soccer League chief executive officer Mato Madlala has defended the decision to take the Telkom Knockout final to KwaMashu, saying it was not something the league chose on its own, but a call made by the sponsors and the clubs. The governing body has come under scrutiny for the announcement it made just over a week ago when Bidvest Wits and Bloemfontein Celtic qualified for the final at the Princess Magogo Stadium. But Madlala insisted it was a joint agreement by all the parties involved, with the sponsors having the biggest say. Revamped in 2009 during the build-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Princess Magogo Stadium has a capacity of 10,000, although stands and hospitality areas are limited to just one side of the ground. However, Madlala says they have no doubt the match will be a success.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane reckons coaching the Brazilians is pressure on its own as a lot is expected from both the coach and the team. Mosimane also adds that even the players feel the pressure, especially after their goalless draw with Chippa United in an Absa Premiership encounter at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. That was the fifth-placed Brazilians’ first draw in nine matches since the beginning of the season in August.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela admits that his biggest problem remains their finishing as they prepare to host Free State Stars at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban tomorrow. Amakhosi have scored just 10 times in 11 Absa Premiership matches this season and again drew a blank in a scoreless draw with AmaZulu in midweek. It was their third successive 0-0 league draw, which left Komphela worried.
Orlando Pirates may be going through a poor patch of form currently, but their coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic is not giving up on his boys, and says he has a lot of respect for them. It hasn’t been smooth sailing for the eighth- placed Pirates, who have only managed a mere two victories in 11 Absa Premiership games this season. With things taking too long to turn around at the Parktown outfit, Sredojevic is hinting starting line – up changes, saying there are many players in his squad who are yet to get a chance to play
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane has given up on retaining the services of Zimbabwean international attacker Khama Billiat. The contract between the two parties expires at the end of this season and negotiations for a new deal have broken down. SABC Sport understands that Billiat and his camp have made up their mind on pursuing an overseas move. The 27year-old scored a brace when Sundowns beat Bidvest Wits 2-0 in an Absa Premiership last night. Mosimane explains why Billiat is not starting.
Two former top international match officials Jerome Damon and Enoch Molefe could be inline for the SAFA Head of Referees position, which could soon become vacant. The current HOD of referees Peter Sejake has been suspended on allegations of corruption involving ABC Motsepe national play-offs. Following the sudden passing of Ian McLeod, another respected former international referee who was an Acting HOD, SAFA is under pressure to fill this role. SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble confirmed that they are in the process of restructuring their refereeing department.
Bloemfontein Celtic striker Tshegofatso Mabaso says he’s excited about playing in his first cup final with the first team. This comes at the back of Celtic’s Telkom Knockout semi-final victory over Polokwane City at the old Peter Mokaba stadium on Sunday. The youngster scored for his side on the day and also converted the winning penalty and, he’s happy to have contributed to the side’s success in the cup so far.
South African Women’s U20 national team coach Maud Khumalo has attributed their weekend’s 5-0 (5-2 aggregate) win over Burundi in the 2018 FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup qualifiers at Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday afternoon, to thorough preparations. Basetsana’s victory came through a brace from captain Linda Motlhalo and goals each from Khanya Xesi, Lalona Daweti and Gabriela Salgado. The hosts went into the return leg match on the back foot, following their 2 – 0 away loss to the visitors at Prince Louise Rwagasore Stadium in Bujumbura earlier this month. Khumalo elaborates on how they prepared for the encounter.
The ABSA premiership league will resume tomorrow with mouth watering fixtures, after being in recess since the 1st of this month due to the FIFA international matches and the Telkom knockout cup. Defending champions Bidvest Wits will take on Mamelodi Sundowns at the Bidvest stadium tomorrow night, in a pick of the fixtures this week. Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana legend Mark Fish says it has been an exciting season so far.
Bidvest Wits chief executive Jose Ferreira has embrace their opponents in Bloemfontein Celtic for their maiden Telkom Knockout final scheduled for the Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday 02 December. Wits beat Chiefs by a goal while Celtic needed penalty shootouts to beat Polokwane City and book their place in their second finale in five years. Ferreira, who commends Celtic for their run in the competition, says they have already started making preparations for the KwaMashu outing.
In his first season at Kaizer Chiefs, Steve Komphela lost to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Telkom Knockout final and now he is in his third and final season with Amakhosi and hasn’t brought anything to the trophy cabinet. It’s for this reason that the Chiefs faithful will be looking forward to Komphela and his team doing well against Bidvest Wits in the TKO semi-final at Bidvest stadium tomorrow afternoon. Komphela knows there’s a lot at stake tomorrow. Just like any other team that had players in the national teams during this FIFA break, Chiefs will welcome the players who were with Bafana Bafana but only returned last night from Senegal. The likes of Itumeleng Khune, Eric “Tower” Mathoho and Siphiwe Tshabalala are key players for Amakhosi and Komphela is likely to start with them.
The Telkom KnockOut Cup is the only domestic cup competition that Bidvest Wits haven’t lifted in their history and they will need to beat a revived Kaizer Chiefs side in the semi-finals in order to book a spot in the final. Wits and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Darren Keet believes that they will need to take their current form into their penultimate clash. Keet says they are also looking forward to welcoming a number of their national players back into the side. After failing to defend their MTN 8 Cup title earlier this year, Keet says Wits don’t need any motivation ahead of the clash on Saturday afternoon. He says he is expecting fans to come out in numbers.
Former professional footballers around the world have taken their rightful place in football administration with some going as far as leading their respective Football Associations. And there’s been that call in the past that the South African football Association (SAFA) should follow suit. But it hasn’t been the case yet with some of them only being co-opted to serve in the sub-committees and others like Neil Tovey appointed as Technical Directors. But former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas “Rhoo” Radebe says the time has come for him to serve in the elected structure of the SAFA National Executive Committee (NEC). The next SAFA elections will be held next year in September and it’s still not clear at this stage if the incumbent Danny Jordaan will be facing any challenge for the Presidential seat. SABC Sport has heard that there could be some competition that is brewing but it’s not clear at this stage on which side Radebe could be standing. He says he ready for the next step.
Bafana Bafana’s failure to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup is evoking mixed emotions around the country. Kaizer Chiefs head coach Steve Komphela says impatience amongst the South Africans could be another factor behind this. Bafana lost their last qualifier 2-1 against Group D winners Senegal in Dakar yesterday to finish bottom of the group with only four points from six matches. Bafana have now not qualified for the World Cup since 2002 and it’s for the second time Stuart Baxter fails to take Bafana to the World Cup (first time in 2006). Komphela has previously coached the U20 and U23 national and never qualified them to any international tournament. He also looks back at the various plans that have been there in the local game (SAFA) but never implemented. Meanwhile PSL chairman Irvin Khoza has also expressed his disappointment at Bafana’s failure to qualify for the World Cup and he identified the lack of consistency in selection especially in recently matches as part of the problem. Khoza who is also the SAFA Vice-President maintains that at this level consistency in selection is key to have your core national team players.
As Supersport United prepare to enter unchartered waters with the Tshwane club heading to Lubumbashi in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to face one of most consistent clubs in CAF competitions, TP Mazembe. Head coach Eric Tinkler feels it’s a fantastic opportunity to write their name in history in this CAF Confed final first leg at Stade du TP Mazembe Congo this Sunday.
Four Ajax Cape Town players have been called up to the national under-20 side ahead of the 2017 Cosafa U20 Championships in December. Sirgio Kammies, Luke Vester, Kiyaam Bull and Renaldo Leaner will join up with the national squad later this week, as will former Ajax Cape Town defender Dean Solomons, who joined Ajax Amsterdam a few months ago. Kammies says he’s honoured to get another call-up for Thabo Senong’s squad and says he’s looking forward to the opportunity, and also getting a chance to re-unite with Solomons.
Four Ajax Cape Town players have been called up to the national under-20 side ahead of the 2017 Cosafa U20 Championships in December. Sirgio Kammies, Luke Vester, Kiyaam Bull and Renaldo Leaner will join up with the national squad later this week, as will former Ajax Cape Town defender Dean Solomons, who joined Ajax Amsterdam a few months ago. Kammies says he’s honoured to get another call-up for Thabo Senong’s squad and says he’s looking forward to the opportunity, and also getting a chance to re-unite with Solomons.
Free State Stars coach Luc Eymael says his team will need to show consistency if they are to move up the log. The Free State side currently occupies 10th spot on the ABSA Premiership log. Eymael looks back to results where the team won three matches in a row. Stars started like a house on fire beating Polokwane City 3-2, Maritzburg United 1-0 and Ajax Cape Town 2-0. Eymael says if they continue with this consistent form they will make the top six.
Supersport United CEO Stan Matthews says with all the CAF Confed Cup action that has brought his team to a mouth-watering two-legged final against TP Mazembe, his team will have a lot of pressure in catching up in the PSL league. Matsatsantsha have recently made a name as the cup kings of South Africa with the Nedbank and MTN8 cups in the bag but they will want to extend this cup form to the continent.
Former Bafana Bafana striker Phil Masinga believes that fingers should not be pointed at coach Stuart Baxter after South Africa failed to qualify for the World Cup. The national team were beaten 2-0 by Senegal in their Group D qualifier in Polokwane on Friday night, a result that ended the dream of reaching the finals in Russia next year. Masinga, part of the country’s golden generation that won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, says that national association SAFA needed its own internal audit, adding that errors on the field on Friday also played a role in South Africa’s disappointment…
Supersport United defender Morgan Gould says nobody remembers second best team. He was speaking ahead of their CAF Confederations cup final against TP Mazembe on the 19th and 25th of this month. The first leg will take place in Lubumbashi with the second leg in Tshwane a week later. The Bafana Bafana defender is happy with the achievement of reaching the final, but wants his team to go all the way and lift the coveted trophy.
Most of the time South African football fans would be comparing Bafana Bafana players to their opponents, their total value and the profile of their clubs in world football. And this week was not an exception as some publications went as far as listing the most valued Senegalese player (Sadio Mane – R800m) in comparison to SA’s most valued player (Kamohelo Mokotjo- R64m). But Senegalese journalists still have a lot of respect for Bafana players, especially Percy Tau following his good showing on the continent with Mamelodi Sundowns. In this preview with Senegalese National TV reporter and commentator Ibrahima Mboupa tells SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli that Tau is the next best thing in African football
Stuart Baxter says a good vibe and attitude in camp is important in how players approach matches. Baxter says this ahead of the back to back Fifa World cup qualifiers against Senegal tonight at the Peter Mokaba stadium (19:00) and next Tuesday in Dakar. Baxter says Bafana Bafana are in a good space just like they were against Burkina Faso and can give a good account of themselves tonight in front of the home fans. With everything that’s happened in the Bafana camp this week Baxter says he’s proud of his players and technical team for maintaining focus. Baxter says that’s important for him because side-shows do affect main events. The coach hopes his players won’t overrate the Senegalese on the pitch but take the game to the opposition. On how he plans on dealing with the opposition’s star Sadio Mane, Baxter knows how important the player is to his country but has not made special plans for him.
Bafana Bafana captain Thulani Hlatswayo may miss tonight’s 2018 Fifa world cup qualifier against Senegal at the Peter Mokaba stadium. Hlatswayo came into camp with a bruised toe and team Doctor Thulani Ngwenya says he will be managed. On the eve of this important match coach Stuart Baxter says the skipper is not looking too good and have to pass a late fitness test.
Senegal have completed their preparations for tonight’s crucial 2018 World Cup preparations as they prepare to meet Bafana Bafana at the Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane at 19:00. Senegal head coach Aliou Cisse says their intention is to finish off their mission tonight before the two teams meet in Dakar next Tuesday. The Teranga Lions only need two points to be definitely sure about confirming their place in Russia next year but Cisse says being Group D leaders doesn’t guarantee them anything. Bafana who are currently bottom of the group with four points from as many matches, need to win the last two matches to qualify for the World Cup. Cisse captained Senegal in 2002 in their maiden World Cup appearance in South Korea and Japan and he aims to end the 15year absence from the big spectacle, this time as a head coach.
Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Clinton Larsen has hailed the character of Itumeleng Khune, who is set to put aside his own pain and represent the nation in a crucial World Cup qualifier tonight. The Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper has a facial injury, but is set to feature wearing a protective mask against Senegal in Polokwane in a match South Africa have to win if they want to retain hope of reaching the 2018 finals. Patriotism and honour have been the subject of much debate this week after Thulani Serero opted out of the squad because he was not given starting assurances, but Larsen said that Khune’s attitude made him proud.
Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter says the Itumeleng Khune situation remains hopeful even though he and his technical team are still expecting results from the specialist. Khune was stretched off in Kaizer Chiefs TKO last 8 match with Chippa United after colliding with Kurt Lentjies on Sunday. There’s still doubt that he may be available for the back to back 2018 Fifa world cup qualifiers against Senegal on Friday night (19;00) in Polokwane. The keeper saw a specialist this morning in Johannesburg and has also asked the team to prepare a mask for him. Baxter says hopeful as he is he does not want to have high expectations.
Supersport United Chief Executive Officer Stan Matthews is appealing for a fair officiating for the CAF Confederations cup final later this month. Matsatsantsa will tackle defending champions TP Mazembe from Democratic Republic of Congo for the coveted title in a two-legged final on the 17th and the 25th of this month. Matsatsantsa conceded two controversial penalties on both legs in their semi-final win over Club Africain from Tunisia, something that Matthews was not happy about. Supersport reached their first continental final after many attempts. They scored 33 goals and only conceding 16 in the whole competition since the preliminary round. They are the second South African team to reach the Confed cup final after Orlando Pirates lost to Etoile du Sahel two years ago. Matthews says it’s a proud moment for the team to achieve the feat.
There’s close to 1000 football fans from Cairo in Egypt who have flown to Casablanca in Morocco to watch the 2nd leg of the CAF Champions League final tomorrow between record eight time champions Al Ahly and Wydad Casablanca. The game takes place at the Mohamed V Complex in Casablanca at 10pm tomorrow. The two teams played to a 1-all draw last weekend in the first leg. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli spoke to one of the traveling Al Ahly fans and a popular figure in African football Dr Hosam Hasan….
Cape Town City have announced another new partnership deal, with BarlowWorld coming in as their official motor vehicle sponsor. The partnership was announced at an event in Clifton this afternoon (Thursday) as the motor vehicle company handed over a fleet of vehicles for both players and staff at the club. The club’s commercial director, Michel Comitis, the son of owner John, says it’s a great to have BarlowWorld on board and with this deal, the club will be able to reach communities with their DreamClub 100 project a lot better.
South African women under-20 national team coach Maude Khumalo says their mission is to qualify for the FIFA under 17 world cup in France next year. Basetsana are going to face Burundi away in the second round first leg encounter away on Saturday. The team has already eliminated Namibia 9-0 in the two-legged first round tie in September.
The impressive work of the new Orlando Pirates technical team under Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic has not gone unnoticed and, this evening they will face one of the tests for this season when they host outgoing African champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Fresh from proceeding to the last eight of the Telkom Knockout this past weekend at the expense of Golden Arrows, Sredojevic says their Absa Premiership match at Orlando stadium this evening is not an ordinary game. In Sundowns, Pirates is meeting a struggling team that has lost its last three matches and were sent packing out of the TKO by Chippa United. But this is also a clash between two sides with contrasting models at the moment according to Micho.
It is possible for South African players to make it in Spain. Those sentiments were echoed by Antonio Barradas, who is Director of La Liga representing 54 countries on the African continent. La Liga set up their offices two years ago in Johannesburg. SA does not have players playing in the Spanish top flight division at the moment. Previously players such as Benni McCarthy (Celta Vigo), Tshepo Masilela (Getafe) and the late Sizwe Motaung (Tenerife) used to grace one of the best leagues in the world. Barradas recently accompanied three youngsters to Spain on a week-long tour, Vuyo Xabanisa, Thabang Ralelle, Thembelihle Fikile. The quartet were the winners of the Future Players Talent Search for 2017. They travelled to Spain as guests, visiting top clubs, watching training and experiencing their culture. Barradas says efficient development programmes will propel the country to greater heights.
It has not been an ideal start into the new season for Free State Stars after losing three of their first four matches but once the teams started to gel under Luc Eymael there’s been some decent results. Stars have now gone four games unbeaten in the Absa Premiership and have won three of those games taking them to the seventh spot on the log with 11 points after eight matches. Speaking after their exit in the Telkom Knockout this past weekend against Bidvest Wits, Eymael says it’s all about his coaching ethos.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has apologised to George Lebese after he replaced Lebese, who had substituted injured Thokozani Sekotlong in the first half during the Brazilians’ 1-0 loss to Chippa United in a Telkom Knockout last 16 match at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, East London, Sunday the 29 of October 2017.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane is anticipating an extremely tough season ahead for his team. The Brazilians failed to successfully defend their CAF champions league title they won in style last year, having lost to this year’s finalists Wydad Casablanca from Morocco in the quarter-finals. Mosimane’s team has also failed to win the first trophy of the season MTN 8, after bowing out in the first round. Mosimane says it will take time to recover from African champs league long journey…
Former top FIFA referee and Match Commissioner Ian McLeod passed away wednesday night at the age of 63. According to the South African Football Association (SAFA) CEO Dennis Mumble, McLeod took ill after an assignment in Limpopo on the 14th of this month where he was commissioning a National First Division game. McLeod became the first South African referee to officiate in a FIFA World Cup in France 1998. Mumble has more on McLeod’s. McLeod, who was now also the Acting Head of Referees Department at SAFA, was also a school principal at the Crawford College in Pretoria. Mumble says he was working hard to restore the image of the refereeing department and set-up proper structures.
Veteran Amazulu striker Siyabonga Nomvethe says he never thought he would play football until the age of 40. Nomvethe, who will turn 40 in December, came on late in the second half against Mamelodi Sundowns to score an equalizer that propelled his team to a shock 2-1 victory away from home. He made his PSL debut 20 years ago at t Africa Wanderers….
Chippa United defender James Okwuosa feels privileged after he became the first player to play 100 matches for the Chilli Boyz. Okwuosa played his 100th match for the Port Elizabeth-based side during the Chilli Boyz’s 2-1 win over Cape Town City in an Absa Premiership encounter at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on Sunday. The former Orlando Pirates defender is happy that his 100th match was a win for the Chilli Boyz after the Port Elizabeth club had played five successive draws before Sunday’s clash against the Citizens. Okwuosa has attributed his achievement to a good relationship with his teammates and also admitted that it’s been a challenging journey for him.
At a time when South Africa was excluded from international football during Apartheid, this didn’t stop the late Dan Leboa from familiarizing himself with FIFA and CAF statuettes. This was according to former FIFA Development Officer Ashford Mamelodi who was one of the speakers at Leboa’s funeral at Nasrect Chapel near FNB stadium Monday the 22nd of this month. The former PSL general manager passed away on the 13th of this month after a short illness at the age of 73. Mamelodi from Botswana worked with Leboa for years following the country’s return to international football and he shares some interesting stories with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli…
One of the best interpretations of Kaizer Chiefs’ football display in the last two matches came from this past weekend’s Soweto Derby post match conference. Veteran football journalist Mark Gleeson asked head coach Steve Komphela when is his team going to stop playing like Muhammad Ali who was fighting from the ropes and hoping to land a lucky punch. Following a goalless draw against archrivals Orlando Pirates at FNB stadium this past weekend, Komphela explains why he’s forced to be cautious during this period of injuries.
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane blamed the referee Daniel Bennett, after his team was shocked by Amazulu 2-1 at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday night. Downs opened the scoring after eighth minute courtesy of Thokozani Sekotlong, which was his first goal for the team. However, the visitors scored two late goals through the veterans Siyabonga Nomvete and Mabhudi Khenyeza to accumululate maximum points.
Free State Stars coach Luc Eymael says Saturday night’s game was his worst with “Ea Lla Koto”. Stars shared the spoils with Platinum Stars when the sides drew 1-all in an Absa Premiership match at the Goble Park Stadium in Bethlehem. It was Dikwena who drew first scored from a penalty from striker Bongi Ntuli in the 33rd minute. Ea Lla Koto managed to equalize before half-time with a header from former Kaizer Chiefs striker Edward Mangele. Eymael share his views on the game
Kaizer Chiefs striker Bernard Parker has admitted that their midweek 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Absa Premiership has eased the pressure in their camp ahead of Saturday’s much anticipated 162nd Soweto Derby at FNB stadium. Chiefs are currently fourth on the log just a point behind archrivals Orlando Pirates after recovering from their mini-slump just before the recent FIFA break. Parker has a message for followers of the local game.It was only the second time this season that Parker played a full 90 minutes and after seeing a disciplined approach from his teammates at Loftus stadium on Tuesday, he’s reminded them again that only tactical discipline will see them through come 17:15 on Saturday evening…
Orlando Pirates captain Thabo “Festival” Matlaba scored the opening goal during yesterday’s surprising one-all draw against the struggling bottom dwellers Platinum Stars at Orlando stadium. Four of the last five derbies have ended in draws with Pirates winning the other game 2-0 early in 2016. Matlaba assures that this weekend’s game promises excitement and goals…
Back in South Africa for his second spell as the Orlando Pirates head coach, Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic will be attempting to win his first Soweto Derby match when his team locks horns with archrivals Kaizer Chiefs at FNB stadium on Saturday afternoon. Back in 2006, Micho played only one game against Chiefs and it was a one-all draw in the first round before he left Bucs midway through the season. But he comes back with a lot of experience now especially after having been part of various derbies in East Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Sudan where the likes of Yanga and Simba as well as Al Hilal and El Merreikh are some of the of the most exciting derbies on the continent.
Cape Town City midflelder Mpho Matsi believes that Benni McCarthy has already a big influence on the team since taking over as coach four months ago. McCarthy, in his first head coach role, took over from Eric Tinkler at the start of the 2017/18 season, and Matsi says that the former Bafana Bafana striker has not only brought over a winning mentality, but has emphasised to the players about the enjoyment of the game. He says the acquisitions of big name players also helped a lot.
It’s almost a year since Nigeria won their 10th African Women’s Championship (AWC) title in Cameroon in November last year and they haven’t had a single camp since then. The Super Falcons players went on a social media campaign last month challenging football authorities in Nigeria to organize camps and matches for them. Banyana are fresh from winning the COSAFA Women’s Championships in Zimbabwe last month and will be playing their third international friendly this year on Sunday. Banyana Banyana captain Janine Van Wyk acknowledges that as Banyana the have been in a fortunate position…
As a budding coach, Orlando Pirates assistant coach Rulani “Mourinho” Mokwen a cut his teeth at the lower levels of the game coaching amateur teams in Soweto. It’s been 16 years since Mokwena started as a youth coach at Sabelo Super Stars, Fulham and Black Poison in Soweto and he hasn’t left that duty. Between now and then he’s been to Platinum Stars, Bloemfontein Celtic and Sporting Lisbon Academy and Mamelodi Sundowns. Addressing young coaches during the South African Football Coaches Association (SAFCA) youth coaching seminar in Johannesburg stadium last Friday, Mokwena shared the finest points of transition from an amateur to a professional coach. In this interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, the 30year-old talks about the importance of mentors in coaching.
It’s been a great start into the new season for Baroka FC and the struggles of last season have largely contributed to this. This is according to club captain Olaleng Shaku who was speaking after today’s Telkom Knockout last 16 draw where they were pitted against defending champions Cape Town City who beat them in the semi-finals last season. Bakgakga are two points clear at the top of the Absa Premiership log having won four of their first seven matches. Shaku says having come close to relegation last season; they’ve learnt their lesson…
This is the week that has been billed as the moment of truth for Kaizer Chiefs head coach Steve Komphela as his team faces its two biggest rivals in the Premier Soccer League, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates respectively in the Absa premiership fixtures. Amakhosi travel to Loftus stadium in Pretoria tomorrow evening for a date with Sundowns and host Orlando Pirates in the first official Soweto derby for 2017/2018 season at FNB stadium on Saturday. Despite all the challenges, Gordinho expects his teammates to pull through this week. Gordinho is one of the eight players on the injury list at Chiefs, the defence is the most affected by these injuries. Starting tomorrow they will have to find a makeshift right-back with both players in that position Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Khotso Moleko out on long term injuries. But it’s the club’s top goal scorer Gustavo Paez (three goals) upfront that’s going to affect Amakhosi the most.
The MTN8 final between SuperSport United and Cape Town City will go ahead as scheduled in Durban tomorrow the 14th of October 2017, despite the vicious storm that struck the city earlier this week. Heavy winds and severe downpours battered the KwaZulu-Natal coastline on Tuesday causing damage to everything in its path, including the Moses Mabhida Stadium, although the venue has now been cleaned up and is ready for the big day. Stadium Manager Vusi Mazibuko admits there were concerns initially, but the dry weather in the aftermath has enabled organisers to get their preparations back on track.
Cape Town City assistant Ian Taylor says that Benni McCarthy’s hunger for success as a player is having a massively positive effect on their changeroom as the former Bafana Bafana striker prepares for his first major final as a coach. The 39-year-old will lead the Citizens in the MTN8 final against SuperSport United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night. McCarthy has made a strong start to life in the dugout, with City impressing everyone in the opening few weeks of the 2017/18 season. Taylor says his impact has been huge on everyone…
Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Themba “Mshishi” Zwane has been one of the consistent performers in the local game for the past 18 months and seeing his star continuing to rise even at Bafana Bafana doesn’t come as a surprise. Not only did Zwane score the second goal against Burkina Faso during the 3-0 win in the 2018 World Cup qualifier but also he was devastating in the attack. He looks back at that vital win, which brought Bafana back into contention for a spot in Russia next year. Zwane has started five of Bafana’s last six matches and his performance during a 2-0 away win in Nigeria in June is the one to remember. It wasn’t an easy build-up to last weekend’s game as the team had to battled negative vibes coming from the local fans. He has more on how they managed to overcome this…
Tinkler comes a long way as a coach, he waited for 11 years to be appointed a head coach and never jumped any steps. He made two finals as a caretaker coach at Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup and CAF Confederation Cup. The 47year-old looks back at the path he’s walked to be where he is currently, just less than a year since Eric Tinkler led Cape Town City to their first and only silverware in the Premier Soccer League, the former Bafana Bafana strongman believes that a lot has changed at his former team. Ironically, Tinkler beat Supersport United 3-2 in last season’s Telkom Knockout final with the Citizens and this weekend he will be sitting on the opposite side during the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban on Saturday at 7pm. Tinkler says City is not the same team he left three months ago.
Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic says he’s impressed by the improved performance of the Buccaneers so far this season. After seven matches played in the Absa Premiership campaign so far, the Buccaneers sit fourth on the log standings, with 12 points. They host Platinum Stars at the FNB Stadium next Wednesday and Sredojevic says they will use the match to test their form ahead of the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs.
2017 FIFA Puskas award finalist Oscarine Masuluke said he didn’t expect his goal to make the final three in the prestigious accolade. The Baroka FC goalkeeper’s injury time bicycle kick equaliser against Orlando Pirates at the Peter Mokaba stadium last season is among the three top goals football fans across the world are voting for to be handed out on October 23 in London. Bakgaga assistant coach McDonald Makhubedu says they are aware that their player is up against some of the best players in the world like Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud. The coach also admits it hasn’t been easy for Masuluke this term with stiff competition but adds that an achievement like this may change things for the keeper.
The Bafana Bafana defensive line worked hard to protect their goal area this past weekend and there were no signs that it was a new back four. The South African senior men’s national football team convincingly beat Burkina Faso 3-1 in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at FNB stadium on Saturday. The Supersport United combo of Morgan Gould and Clayton Daniels with debutant Thamsanqa Mkhize at right-back and Sifiso Hlanti at left back, was well marshaled by the nation’s number one Itumeleng Khune. Daniels says everything points to perfect preparation.
Minister of Sport Thulas Nxesi has urged South Africans to rally behind Bafana Bafana and not desert the team when it needs them most. Speaking after the 3-1 win over Burkina Faso in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Saturday, Nxesi says the small crowd that attended this game needs to be encouraged. SAFA struggled to sell tickets for this game, resulting in thousands of complimentary tickets being released to the public. Nxesi believes that Bafana’s fate is now in their own hands. Bafana are bottom of Group D with four points, they are left with two matches against leaders Senegal who are currently on eight points. Stuart Baxter’s team simply needs to win the two matches and qualify for Russia next year. Nxesi remains hopeful that South Africans will learn to be loyal and patriotic.
Faced with the daunting task of having to beat Group D leaders Senegal twice next month to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Bafana Bafana will have to achieve that mission without Bongani Zungu and Andile Jali. Both players are suspended for the next game after Zungu was sent-off during the 3-1 win over Burkina Faso at the FNB stadium on Saturday. Jali also received his second yellow card in this campaign. After the Teranga Lions’ late 2-0 win against Cape Verde, they now top the group with eight points and Bafana remain bottom with four points. Head coach Stuart Baxter says his side is capable of causing the upset against Senegal…
Bafana Bafana have completed their preparations for the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso at the FNB stadium tomorrow afternoon (15:00). There’s a clean bill of health in this camp and they will be hoping to redeem themselves after dropping six points against Cape Verde last month. Sitting bottom of Group D with only one point after three matches, head coach says their approach to this game is a last throw of the dice type.
Like most West African countries, there’s a strong French connection in the Burkina Faso team to play Bafana Bafana in a crunch 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at FNB stadium on Saturday, 7 October. About nine players in the 24-man squad head coach Paulo Duarte has brought to Mzansi are playing in French Ligue 1 and 2. Unlike in the past, Bafana have got a decent representation too in France lately with Bongani Zungu and Keagan Dolly at Amiens SC and Montpellier respectively. The latest addition in the team Lebo Mothiba scored a hat-trick this past weekend to help his Ligue 2 Valenciennes to recover from 3-1 down to win 4-3 against Orleans. In this short interview with SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli before the training session at FNB stadium yesterday, Mothiba shares his knowledge on some Stallions players.
Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy is delighted as the club is being allowed to prepare for the MTN8 Final at the Cape Town Stadium. City will play SuperSport United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on the 14th of October, and instead of training at their usual training field in Green Point, they will be allowed to use the World Cup Stadium’s pitch to prepare. McCarthy says he’s very grateful to the city and says that they must be complimented for allowing the club to use the facilities.
Bafana Bafana number one goalkeeper and captain for this coming 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso Itumeleng Khune looks to have recovered from the shoulder injury that’s been troubling him and is ready to play this weekend. Yesterday head coach Stuart Baxter shared that Khune, Andile Jali and Bradley Grobler were suffering from some knocks. But both Khune and Grobler completed the full training session today at the match venue (FNB stadium). Khune is no stranger to playing with injuries and this week won’t be an exception. Khune missed the two embarrassing back-to-back losses last month against Cape Verde that have resulted in Bafana’s very minimal chances of going to Russia next year. He understands the importance of restoring the public’s confidence in this team…
Negotiations between the South African Football Association (SAFA) and first choice candidate for the Banyana Banyana vacant head coaching job Carolina Morace seem to have broken down. This was revealed by SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble during the launch of the Clinix Stix Morewa football change in Soweto on Wednesday. Morace, a former Italian, Canadian and Trinidad and Tobago women’s national teams head coach had been identified as the main candidate to replace Vera Pauw since she left after the Rio Olympics last year.
Banyana Banyana were crowned champions of the Cosafa Women’s Championship on Sunday. They beat hosts Zimbabwe two-one in the final at the Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo. It was South Africa’s fifth consecutive final and have now won the title on four occasions. Interim coach Desiree Ellis was impressed with how her players were able to put on a brave performance against the hosts. Midfielder Leandra Smeda scored the winner for Banyana, making it her fourth goal of the tournament, she was impressed with her efforts. Banyana captain for the Cosafa Women’s Championship Refiloe Jane says winning the tournament is a stepping stone to greater achievements in the near future.
Chippa United caretaker coach Teboho Moloi has admitted that the last few days have not been easy for him at his new club. Moloi, who led the Port Elizabeth-based side to two draws against Platinum Stars (0-0) and SuperSport United (1-1), was given the job after Dan Malesela was fired on Wednesday last week. The Chilli Boyz host Bloemfontein Celtic in an Absa Premiership match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.
South Africa’s only representative in the UEFA Champions League Dino Ndlovu has finally been selected into Stuart Baxter’s Bafana Bafana squad for World Cup qualifiers. Ndlovu who helped Azerbaijan’s side Qarabag to qualify for the Champions League group stages hasn’t been part of the national team set-up since November 2015. Other notable inclusions are Cape Town City’s Thamsanqa Mkhize, Bidvest Wits’ Reeve Frosler and Al Ahly’s Phakamani Mahlambi. Bafana play Burkina Faso in a crucial World Cup qualifier at FNB stadium on the seventh of October and, Baxter has more on what informed the latest selections.
In 2011 when Simon Ngomane reached the quarterfinals of the CHAN competition with a group of players mainly from the ABC Motsepe League and National First Division (NFD) known as Amabineplaas, it was hailed as a brilliant idea. But the SAFA National executive Committee (NEC) took a decision that the CHAN team will be coached by a Bafana Bafana head coach and participate with senior players. What was to follow was club versus country problems, as these matches are played outside the FIFA calendar. Speaking during the launch of the 2017/2018 SAB Regional League on Tuesday, SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble announced how they arrived at the decision to exclusively select players from the Regional and ABC Motsepe Leagues for these two competitions. Bafana Bafana assistant coach Thabo Senong is no stranger to struggling to assemble squads for CHAN and COSAFA Cup tournaments or qualifiers. He has been involved in battles with the clubs to get players for the past three years and going to the lower structures for him is not an issue.
The threat posed by illegal betting and match manipulation in professional football is real and South African football has been a victim now not once but twice in a space of seven years. There’s also the mysterious case of Limpopo gate that vanished into thin air after some Premier Soccer League players were accused of being in cahoots with people close to Wilson Raj Perumal, the convicted match fixer from Singapore. In the wake of FIFA ordering Bafana Bafana to replay 2018 World Cup qualifier against Senegal due to match manipulation, Mumble says there’s a need to be vigilant against match fixing. What made FIFA’s case against the Ghanaian referee Joseph Lamptey strong is that they received information from the Early Warning System (EWS) of some unusual betting trends during that Bafana 2-1 win over Senegal. Mumble says they’re encouraging their special member PSL to subscribe to the EWS. Earlier this year SAFA suspended senior match officials from its elite panel on allegations of match fixing in the ABC Motsepe League national play-offs. The latest victim is the Head of Referees Peter Sejake who has also been suspended and he’s alleged to be party to this investigation too. The Hawks are also involved in the investigation of this case but Mumble refused to discuss Sejake’s suspension.
The Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits’ Absa Premiership game from this past weekend will not only be remembered for the last minute equalizer Amakhosi suffered in the 1-all draw but also the drama that followed later. Chiefs head coach Steve Komphela expressed his unhappiness during a post match interview as he alleged that he had been disrespected by a Wits official. It’s believed that Chief Operations Officer (COO) Jonathan Schloss is the person Komphela was referring to. Wits head coach Gavin Hunt didn’t defend his Wits colleague during the post match conference instead he supported Komphela.
Itumeleng Khune is not called the nations’ number one just for the sake of it and, in the past week, he’s proven just that. Out with a chest infection in the last international week, this saw Bafana Bafana dropping six points against Cape Verde in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Now back in action, he’s won two man of the match awards in as many matches with Kaizer Chiefs in the Absa Premiership. Speaking after Saturday’s one-all draw against Bidvest Wits at FNB stadium, head coach Steve Komphela said Khune is an asset to the club.
Mamelodi Sundowns are still on course to retaining their CAF champions league title, after they beat Wydad Casablanca from Morocco in the quarterfinal first leg at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville on Sunday afternoon, 17 September. The only goal of the match was scored by the substitute Yannick Zakri in the second half. The Ivorian scored with a low shot after he was set up by Themba Zwane in the 70th minute. Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane was not happy with the first half performance.
Bivdest Wits goalkeeper coach Tyron Damons has backed experienced former Bafana Bafana international Moeneeb Josephs to be at his best for tonight’s Absa Premiership clash against Golden Arrows at Milpark. The PSL defending champions are yet to win a league game this season following a loss to Cape Town City and a draw with Free State Stars in their first two fixtures. Damons says he expects Josephs to be in a good space and give a good account of himself against Arrows.
Highflying Cape Town City boss John Comitis has commended his players commitment and team spirit following their 2-1 victory over defending champions Bidvest Wits to book themselves a place in the MTN 8 final against Supersport United next month. With the victory, City recorded their third win over Wits in just over two weeks having also defeated the Students in the MTN 8 first leg and in the Absa Premierships by a goal to nil. Cape Town City assistant coach Ian Taylor echoed Comitis’ words singing a lot of praise for the Citizens reaching the MTN 8 Cup final in the manner they have done.
One of the most sought after players in the African football market today, Khama Billiat is not even amongst the top 10 earners in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL). This has been confirmed by his business manager Siyabulela Loyilane as the Zimbabwean international is in the middle of bitter contractual renewal negotiations with his club Mamelodi Sundowns. The highest paid footballer in the PSL is just over half a million rand a month and Billiat is not even close to that. Loyilane reveals that Billiat is not even close to the top 10 earners in the PSL.
Banyana Banyana arrived safely in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe where they are taking part in the COSAFA Women’s Championships getting underway on Wednesday, 13 September. The South African women’s senior national football team is in Group C together with Lesotho, Namibia and Botswana. They will play their opening game against Lesotho at Luveve stadium on Thursday afternoon. Caretaker coach Desiree Ellis has more on their preparations.
Mamelodi Sundowns Zimbabwean international attacker Khama Billiat has set his sights on making a move to Europe when the time is right. This was revealed by Billiat’s manager Siyabulela Loyilane this past weekend. There’s been reports that Billiat is refusing to renew his current contract with Sundowns that expires at the end of this season. The 27year-old joined Sundowns from Ajax Cape Town in 2013 and a two-year option that was taken last year is about to run out. Sundowns is running the risk of losing Billiat on a free as Loyilane looks at their options.
Bafana Bafana sunk to one of their lowest points in history and left their 2018 FIFA World Cup prospects in doubt after an embarrassing 2-1 qualifying defeat to Cape Verde Islands in Durban on Tuesday night. Garry Rodrigues struck a brace for the visitors, who are ranked 114th in the world and 30th on the continent, to help them secure a stunning upset win at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Defeat meant South Africa dropped to last in Group D with two matches to play. Coach Stuart Baxter was shattered afterwards, calling the loss the most disappointing of his career.
Mario Booysen is back where it all began for him as he rejoined Ajax Cape Town as part of the deal that saw Rivaldo Coetzee join Mamelodi Sundowns. 17 years ago a 12 year old Booysen joined the Ajax academy and after graduating to the first team as a teenager, he moved on to SuperSport United 7 years ago. After stints at Maritzburg United, Sundowns, and a loan spell again at SuperSport, the 29 year old says he’s happy to be back at home at Ikamva and is looking forward to the season.
Bob Dylan sang 'The times they are a changin' and those words are particularly true about South African rugby at the moment. On Friday, 11 August, the brand new Guinness Pro14 launched in South Africa as the Cheetahs and Kings were formally introduced to the competition. The two South African sides join teams from Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Italy. Cheetahs forward coach Corniel van Zyl said that they are looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Currie Cup and Pro14 at the same time.
As Thabo Mnyamane was announced as the Supersport United’s Players player of the season this past Monday, 7 August, he recalled how football has transformed his life on and off the field. Mnyamane, who joined United at the beginning of last season from AmaTuks, has played 42 matches, scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions this season. The 24-year-old also remembered the late football master tactician Ted Dumitru whom he says played a very important role in his career. In this interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, Mnyamane remembers the role Dumitru played in his career whilst he was still at the North West University Soccer Institute in Mafikeng.
Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter says there’s no need for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to organise the CHAN qualifiers at a time when it’s clashing with the domestic league programme. He was responding to the spate of withdrawals that have rocked the Bafana camp ahead of a crucial first leg and final round qualifier against favourites Zambia in East London on Saturday. Baxter couldn’t hide his frustration.
Gift Motupa hopes to get some game time during his loan spell at Baroka FC. Motupa was loaned out to his former side by Orlando Pirates in July after falling down the packing order in Mayfair last season. The midfielder says he is not going to be worrying about his parent club but focus on what he thinks is important for any athlete which is to contribute to their club. Motupa joined the Buccaneers whilst his boyhood club was still in the National First Division and he admits he is happy to return when gears have changed though there is room for improvement in the side.
Ajax Cape Town have suffered a setback ahead of the new season with news that Toriq Losper is expected to be out for at least two months with a hip injury. Losper had only returned to training last month (July) after missing most of the 2016/17 season with a knee injury. Losper last played for Ajax in October 2016, and is yet to make an appearance since Stanley Menzo replaced Roger De Sa as coach at the start of November last year. Ajax’s Head of Medical Jantho Greyling says that Losper’s injury is fairly serious and will be treated conservatively. The 25-year-old picked up the injury during a training session, and Greyling says they will re-assess the injury in a few weeks and decide whether or not surgery is needed.
Shaun Bartlett says University of Pretoria are working hard to make sure they start the 2017/18 National First Division (NFD) season well. Bartlett’s charges played to a 0-0 draw with Premier Soccer League side Polokwane City yesterday, as part of their preparations for the new campaign. Bartlett is happy to have played some good opposition in the friendlies
To address the number of foreign players in their squad going into the new season, African champions Mamelodi Sundowns are likely to leave out the injured Brazilian defender Ricardo Nascimento out of their squad for the season. This is to accommodate the newly signed Ghanaian number one international goalkeeper Razak Brimah who joined on a free transfer from Spanish Segunda Division (2nd Division) side Cordoba CF. Razak becomes a sixth foreigner for the team but SABC Sport understands that with Nascimento out with a chronic injury to the hip, he is going be out of action for the next seven to eight months.
Former Bafana Bafana and Everton midfield maestro Steven Pienaar says his dream is to help Bidvest Wits retain their ABSA Premiership League title and help the youngsters develop to great players at the club. He adds that with the quality of players at the club and the hunger shown by the youngsters, he is certain the coach will have a good few headaches selecting the team.
Premier Soccer League and MTN 8 reigning champions chief executive Jose Ferreira reaffirmed that they are about 80% done in the market with exactly a month left to the close of the transfer window. Following their cup-double this past season, the Students have firmly strengthened their squad with the signings of former Bafana Bafana internationals Steven Pienaar and Daylon Claasen, Bokang Tlhone, Kobamelo Kodisang and Montenegrin defender Slavko Damjanivic. Ferreira confessed that they have already completed the bulk of their signings ahead of the start of the season. Wits coach Gavin Hunt confessed that Wits have agreed to extend 19-year-old Jordan’s loan deal with Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon B team.
It comes as no surprise that so many in Cape Town are excited to see how Teko Modise does at his new club Cape Town City this season. Modise joined City after leaving African champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of June and, Capetonians are eager to see how one of South Africa’s favourite footballers fares in the Mother City. Modise says he’s looking forward to the new challenge.
On Friday last week the National African Football Supporters Association (NAFSA) held their consultative conference in Johannesburg. NAFSA lamented the lack of co-operation from football bodies in the country namely SAFA and the PSL as they failed to honour the invite according to the organizers. NAFSA spokesperson Thabo Masombuka says the Carling Black Label Cup tragedy this past weekend that left two people dead and 19 injured including a baby, could’ve have been avoided. In this short interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, Masombuka says the Soweto Derby tragedy is showing the disconnect between the clubs and the fans…
What makes this Pirates and Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevićn link rumour strong is the fact that the Serbian stepped down as the Uganda national team head coach on Saturday citing unpaid salaries over six months as the reason for terminating his contract. He’s also made it clear that he will be choosing club football over the national teams this time around. Micho is known to be having some offers from Libya, Al Hilal in Sudan and Zamalek from Egypt. But the stories coming from Kampala is that he’s seriously considering coming back to Pirates, a club he took to the CAF Champions League semi-finals in 2006. Micho is expected to make his decision this week and says he won’t rush.
Orlando Pirates head coach Kjell Jonevret has given a strong hint that his future at the club is not secured. This follows Saturday’s 1-0 loss to archrivals Kaizer Chiefs in the pre-season Carling Black Label Cup match at FNB stadium in Johannesburg. Jonevret’s future has been subject of speculation since the club’s failure to finish in the top eight last season and losing 4-1 to Supersport United in the Nedbank Cup last month. Speculation is rife that Pirates could be reuniting with one of it’s former coaches Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic and Jonevret said if the club has got it’s dream coach already then so be it. The Swede looks back in his first six months at Bucs after he was brought in as a panic buy following a 6-0 humiliation at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns.
Siyabonga Nhlapo says he’s settling in well at his new club SuperSport United after joining them in pre-season camp this week in Polokwane. Nhlapo signed a three year deal with United from Bidvest Wits earlier in the week and adds that everyone has received him warmly. Nhlapo also feels there are a lot of similarities between Wits and Matsatsantsa adding that his move is more of a step up if anything else. The 28 year old knows there’s a lot of quality in his new side which is why breaking into the starting 11 is not his immediate priority. He says he is a team player and doesn’t want to be desperate for a starting berth as it’s a distraction.
By design the Carling Black Label Cup is based on popularity of the player with the fans and after only seven months at Kaizer Chiefs, can count himself fortunate to have made an indelible mark in the eyes of the Amakhosi fans. As it has become a tradition with this pre-season match, Chiefs number one Itumeleng Khune received the most number of votes 410 056 and he was followed by Paez with 375 319 votes. Chiefs takes on archrivals Orlando Pirates in the seventh edition of the Carling Cup at FNB stadium on Saturday afternoon. After featuring in 18 matches in the Absa Premiership and Nedbank Cup last season, scoring five goals and providing two assists, the 27 year old forwarder aims to hit the ground running this season.
Cape Town City have announced their sixth signing ahead of the 2017/18 PSL season, recruiting 23-year-old winger Craig Martin to their roster. Martin is a young local footballer, originally from Kensington, and he did enough to impress new head coach Benni McCarthy to earn himself a contract at the current Telkom Knockout champions. Martin says he’s delighted to sign his first professional contract and has been made to feel very welcome at the club. Renowned on the local scene for his pace, Martin says he can’t wait to get a chance and show South Africa what he has to offer.
AmaZulu coach Joey Antipas admits that his side is short of a midfield leader ahead of their Absa Premiership return next month. Usuthu are back in the top-flight league after recently completing a deal to buy the status of Thanda Royal Zulu. Amabhubesi secured their place in the top tier by winning the National First Division last year. The late conclusion of the deal means that AmaZulu are still in the process of finalising their squad and they looked somewhat underdone in the pre-season KwaZulu-Natal Premier’s Cup at the weekend. Antipas admits they need a strong midfielder to lead them.
In an effort to ensure that Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter is fully focused on getting the team to the 2018 World Cup in Russia next year, SAFA President Danny Jordaan says they will let assistant coach Thabo Senong take over the CHAN qualifiers. Baxter was in charge of the COSAFA Cup and CHAN qualifiers squad this month but with a crucial double leg against Cape Verde coming at the end of next month, there’s a change of plan. Jordaan says Senong is capable of leading Bafana on his own against Zambia in the CHAN qualifiers.
Rivaldo Coetzee, who has been AWOL from Ajax Cape Town’s pre-season for the past three weeks, has returned to the club. The Bafana Bafana international met with Ajax CEO Ari Efstathiou today and offered his apology to the club for his behavior, and returned to training. However with the Ajax first team currently on camp in Gauteng, Coetzee trained with the reserve side. The 20-year-old says in his apology that he deeply regrets how he went about things, and is very grateful for everything that Ajax has done for him.
The turn around of the South African football junior national teams in 2014 till now, can be linked directly to the roping in of youth technicians. Coaches like Molefi Ntseki and Thabo Senong come from youth football structures and helped to restore the pride of the country by assisting their teams to qualify for continental and global tournaments. For youth technicians, theirs is a thankless job in SA at a time when most people are calling for former professional players to be given a chance. Speaking during the Gauteng leg Youth Lekgotla session at University of Johannesburg in Soweto, Mojalefa Mathebula explains the idea behind this concept. One of the dominant topics at the Youth Lekgotla was the national playing philosophy.
Amajimbos have suffered their first loss in the COSAFA U17 tournament in Port Louis in Mauritius, narrowly going down 3-2 to Group B leaders Zambia Saturday. The game looked like heading for another big score line as the Zambians led 3-0 at half-time. The South African national U17 team head coach Molefi Ntseki has more on their challenges in the first half. Amajimbos still have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals, they are up against Madagascar in the last group match on Tuesday and will fancy their chances of progressing according to Ntseki.
Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter believes that he’s achieved the primary objective in the CHAN qualifiers so far, progressing to the next stage of the qualifiers and also blooding young talent to the team. Speaking after yesterday’s 1-0 win over Botswana at Moruleng to complete a 3-0 win on aggregate, Baxter says he’s happy because here he’s used players who stand a chance of playing for the senior Bafana team. Bafana will now meet a rampant Zambian team in the next and final round of qualifiers. The first leg against Zambia will be at home on the 11th of next month and the return leg in Lusaka the following weekend. The tactics that are needed to be employed here are very clear according to Baxter.
Amajimbos had a great start to the COSAFA U17 championships in Mauritius today beating Mozambique 3-1 in the opening game played in Port Louis. A brace from Mohammed Shahabodien and a goal from James McFarlene were enough to secure the result for the South African U17 national team. There are eight teams in this tournament and the top two teams in the group proceed to the semi-finals. Head coach Molefi Ntseki was impressed by his young team. Amajimbos’ true test will come on Sunday when they face their archrivals Zambia, the young Chipolopolo are Group A leaders after walloping Madagascar 7-1. Ntseki believes that his team will improve as the tournament progresses.
Bafana Bafana and Supersport United midfielder Reneilwe “Yeye” Letsholonyane has welcomed the move to change the African Nations Cup timing of hosting from January to June. This follows the inaugural CAF Symposium recommendations that the tournament be moved to June and expands the number of teams from 16 to 24. Letsholonyane has played in two AFCONS in 2013 and 2015 and he says most of the players are pro these changes.
Mark Mayambela has left Ajax Cape Town and rejoined Chippa United. Mayambela joined Ajax at the start of the 2016/17 season and while he made 23 appearances and scored 3 times, Ajax opted to sell the popular left wing to the club he played for in 2015. Mayambela says he’s happy to be back at Chippa, a club he feels at home at.
New Free State Stars coach Sammy Troughton is looking to prove his worth in the ABSA premiership this season. Troughton joined the team early this month from Stellenbosch FC. His contract was not renewed after he failed to guide the National Division Outfit to the PSL in the playoffs last month. The 53 year old was fired and replaced with Shaun Bartlett at the University of South Africa in the elite league two years ago, but Tuks were eventually relegated. Troughton worked with Steve Barker at Stellenbosch FC and also at Tuks at some point. Troughton, who replaced the fired Serame Letsoaka will be working with the long time assistant coach David Vilakazi at Stars.
Orlando Pirates legend Jerry Sikhosana has called on the Bucs Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza to revive a culture of passion and respect for the jersey, following the team’s disastrous 2016/17 premiership campaign, where they finished a lowly 11th on the standings. Speaking at the launch of the new Pirates jersey in Johannesburg this morning, Sikhosana was clear in saying the Iron Duke has to motivate the current crop of players, just like he used to do with them during his playing days.
As the CAF Symposium that could the change whole framework of African football gets underway in Rabat, Morocco today until tomorrow, South Africa will be looking at making a strong contribution. South Africa has sent a strong delegation that includes SAFA President Danny Jordaan, PSL chairman Irvin Khoza and other high-ranking officials. Former SAFA Technical Director Serame Letsoaka is a respected figure on technical matters, he also left for Morocco Sunday and has more on what to expect. Jordaan is part of the CAF Executive Committee where he also heads the all important TV and Marketing Committee. He looks at the critical areas to be discussed in this symposium where the cycle and timing of hosting the AFCON would top the agenda.
There has still been no sign of Rivaldo Coetzee at Ajax Cape Town pre-season training, and it’s now been two weeks that the Bafana Bafana defender has been AWOL from the PSL club. It’s been reported that Coetzee is unhappy with his current situation at the club, and is trying to force a move away from Ajax, or get a huge pay increase. Ajax coach Stanley Menzo says he’s been very disappointed with how the situation has been handled by the player, and he wishes Coetzee had gone about it differently. Coetzee may not be the only Ajax player leaving the club, and Menzo has previously told SABC Sport that Mark Mayambela could be leaving soon, with a move to Chippa United a possible destination.
Former Free State Stars head coach Serame Letsoaka has refuted media reports that have been linking him to Kaizer Chiefs as the first assistant coach to Steve Komphela. The two former Free State Stars captains come a long way having played together during the days of Fairway and QwaQwa Stars and are also teachers by profession. Chiefs recently replaced John Painstil with club legend Patrick Mabedi but the speculation has been around an experienced assistant that Komphela wants to add. Letsoaka is distancing himself from these rumours. The 54year-old former Bafana Bafana assistant coach managed to save Stars from relegation thanks to five valuable points in the last three matches against Absa Premiership champions Bidvest Wits, Celtic and Chippa United. But he was released at the end of the season by Stars and is concerned that this Chiefs speculation is blocking other opportunities for him.
Goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands says he is delighted to join Orlando Pirates. This, after he penned a three-year deal with the club ahead of the 2017/18 PSL season. Pirates today confirmed the signing of the former Mamelodi Sundowns keeper, making him the club’s second signing after midfielder Thami Sangweni. Sandilands, who parted ways with Sundowns at the end of last season after the club decided not to renew his contract, admitted that he did not think twice about agreeing to join Pirates when the opportunity was presented to him, describing the Buccaneers as one of the biggest teams in the country.
There are no shortcuts to Mamelodi Sundowns being the reigning African Champions. The club is using one of the best technical models that you will find in modern and scouting forms a critical part of it. The Brazilians scouting department headed by Walter Steenbok caters for both youth development and the senior team, focusing on talent identification, recruitment and assessment. Steenbok lays out the Sundowns scouting network blueprint. It’s a fact that Sundowns has not promoted a number of youngsters in the last few years but many will admit that at youth level they’ve got some of the best youth talent in the country. They had three players in the Amajita squad that went to the U20 World Cup in South Korea. And some of their talent is loaned out to PSL and NFD clubs, Steenbok says the bar is very at the club.
Baroka FC assistant coach McDonald Makhubedu says he is brining intelligence and tactical awareness to the side. Makhubedu is in his second stint with the Limpopo Absa premiership side after occupying the same position when Baroka were in their first season in the National First Division. Makhubedu feels the difference from his first time with the side is the standard of playing and management. The coach adds the move is good for his development.
Xola Pakati, the mayor of the Buffalo City Metro in the Eastern Cape, is happy that his municipality will continue to share Chippa United’s home games together with the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro in the new season. The Nelson Mandela Bay Metro announced last month that it had signed a three-year multimillion rand deal with the Chilli Boyz, which will see the team playing 10 Absa Premiership matches at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. Pakati added that hosting Chilli Boyz is a win-win situation for both his municipality and the club.
Limpopo National First Division (NFD) side Black Leopards assembled for pre-season camp in Polokwane today with a new team manager Andrew Rabutla. Everyone has reported for duty however key midfielder Siphelele Ntshangase and head coach Jean Francois Luscuito were absent. Rabutla says he is expecting absentees to join the rest of the squad tomorrow. The former Jomo Cosmos and South Africa defender believes his presence and experience will help the side return to the Premier Soccer League. The Vhembe based side has in the past four seasons been fighting to get promotion but stumbled at the playoffs three times. Rabutla who managed Cosmos for two seasons before his sabbatical from football draws inspiration from that experience. He adds that the reason Li Doda Duvha chairman David Thidiela chose him for the team manager position is because the club boss knows Rabutla’s capabilities.
As the players, coaches and officials were celebrating their accolades at the PSL awards last night, something significant also happened. Nedbank Cup sponsors announced that they have renewed their sponsorship deal with the Premier Soccer League for the next five years extending their relationship to 15 years. This comes at a good time for the league, as SABC Sport understands that they are also on the verge of announcing another new bumper deal with Absa ahead of the new 2017/2018-league season. In this short interview with SABC Sport journalist, the green bank’s Head of Sponsorship Tobie Badenhorst wouldn’t divulge the details of the deal but SABC Sport understands that it’s estimated between R65million and R70million annually.
The African Football Symposium that’s expected to take place in Morocco next week will revolutionize the game on the continent. This is according to CAF President Ahmad Ahmad who was addressing a media briefing at SAFA House yesterday. The symposium is Ahmad’s idea of inclusive thinking in the game, it will be held in Rabat, Morocco from the 17th until the 19th of this month. Various stakeholders involved in the development of African football notably players, referees, coaches, journalists, administrators, and others will meet to deliberate on the future of the game on the continent. Ahmad says African football won’t be the same after this symposium. Ahmad has now been in office four months and he’s banking on this symposium to come up with key decisions that will map the way forward for African football. This could range from moving to the AFCON to every four years instead of two and hosting it in June instead of January. The former Madagascar FA President says they expect to implement the resolutions immediately.
Reigning Absa Premiership and MTN 8 Cup champions Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt believes that his side has reached new heights after completing a number of new signings including the likes of former Bafana Bafana internationals Steven Pienaar and Daylon Classen last week. Wits are expected to complete a clean sweep tonight at the PSL Awards held at the Sandon Convention Centre after a fruitful season that yielded their maiden league title. Hunt, who has lost the services of a number of key players, says it was important to make the new signings especially with U20 international Phakamani Mahlambi possibly heading for trials overseas soon. Pienaar and Classen are two of five new comers at Milpark ahead of the new season with Montenegrin Slavkov Damjanovic, former Free State Stars left back Bokang Thlone and Kobamelo Kodisang from Platinum Stars completing the transfers to date. Hunt explains the reasons behind contracting the players.
Being nominated, as a Players’ player of the season is one of the most important awards in sport. It shows the respect and appreciation that your peers have for your performance in that particular season. And that's exactly how Percy Tau feels about his nomination for tonight’s PSL awards. It's been a season to remember for the 23year-old, returning from his hometown club Witbank Spurs where he was on loan in the National First Division (NFD) and straight to a Mamelodi Sundowns team that won its maiden African Champions League title. He's up against Cape Town City duo of Lebogang Manyama and Aubrey Ngoma for this award and in this interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, Tau hints that he's voted for one of them...
Having qualified for the CAF Champions League quarterfinals with a game to spare, Mamelodi Sundowns have embarked on another ambitious mission. And that is to fill the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville on Sunday evening when they host DRC giants AS Vita in their last Group C match. Buoyed by the near capacity crowds that have watched them in their three away matches in Kinshasa, Rades and Addis Ababa respectively, the Brazilians have their work cut out for them since this game is only starting at 7pm tonight. But the reigning African coach of the year Pitso Mosimane believes that local football has to reach those levels. In this wide-ranging interview with SABC Sport reporter, Mosimane also touches on their next opponents in the last eight where they are meeting Group D winners Wydad Casablanca of Morocco.
Newly crowned Absa Premiership champions Bidvest Wits today confirmed a total of five signing in a bid to strengthen their squad for the Caf Champions League and their title defense next season. South Africa U20 midfielder Kobamelo Kodisang from Platinum Stars and former Free State Stars left back Bokang Thlone are the only players signings from Premier Soccer League clubs while veterans and playmakers Daylon Claasen and Steven Pienaar also joined the “Clever Boys.” Wits assistant coach Johnstone confirms that injuries to key players later in the season led them to the acquisition of Montenegrin left footed centre-back Slavko Damjavic services.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane has confirmed that Bidvest Wits newly signed star midfielder Steven “Schillo” Pienaar was offered to them and they decided against that deal. The former Everton, Sunderland, and Ajax Amsterdam playmaker is returning home for the first time after almost 17 years in Europe. Pienaar had been offered to differed top teams in Gauteng before he was confirmed at Wits Wednesday and these included Supersport United and Kaizer Chiefs, who also decided against that deal. The 35year-old was Mosimane’s captain at Bafana Bafana and he gives reasons why opted against taking him.
Former Bafana Bafana defender David Kannemeyer will be the head coach at Cape Town All Stars this season. Kannemeyer served as assistant to Patrick Mabedi last season, and takes over the main role after Mabedi moved on to become assistant coach to Steve Komphela at Kaizer Chiefs. All Stars returned to training this week and Kannemeyer says things got off on a positive note.
Ajax Cape Town returned for pre-season training this week, ahead of the 2017/18 season which kicks off next month. With a host of players released at the end of last season, it was a trimmed down first team that took to the pitch under the guidance of head coach Stanley Menzo, and his new assistant Boebie Solomons. Menzo says he’s looking forward to having a full pre-season with the team this time around and there was a great energy as the players returned, with many not seeing each other for over a month.
Benni McCarthy began his first stint as a head coach this week as Cape Town City returned to pre-season training ahead of the 2017/18 PSL season. McCarthy, who replaced Eric Tinkler in the role, says he has really been surprised at the quality on show at training, and the team have returned to training guns-blazing, and he’s been delighted with their application so early on in pre-season. The Bafana Bafana record goalscorer says he has been really impressed by the players, and the respect he’s received from them. He says they’re a great bunch of guys who work hard at every training and it’s a great environment to work in.
Bafana Bafana’s squad for the COSAFA Castle Cup was exposed Sunday as just a selection of benchwarmers who will not offer the senior team anything going forward. Head coach Stuart Baxter revealed last week that about 15 players he had targeted to select, their clubs refused to release them. Baxter ended up going for some Supersport United players like Boalefa Pule, Mario Booysen and Cole Alexander who weren’t getting game time at the club. History will record that a 65th ranked South Africa lost to a 139th ranked Tanzania but Baxter pleaded for the players to be protected against the backlash. Bafana play Botswana in the plate semi-final today at Moruleng stadium, players like Nduduzo Sibiya, Tercious Malepe and Sibongakonke Mbatha didn’t get a run. And Baxter says the losers’ section is the perfect platform to give them game time.
The African Champions Mamelodi Sundowns have taken another giant step towards defending their title by progressing to the quarterfinals of the African Champions League yesterday. Following a last gasp 1-0 victory over Saint George in Addis Ababa yesterday, an hour after that game. The Brazilians received more good news. Esperance had held AS Vita to a 2-all draw in Kinshasa and this meant that a head to head between Sundowns and Saint George in the last Group C matches would favour the Brazilians. After scoring another vital goal for Sundowns, Liberian international Anthony Laffor looks back at the importance of this result.
Cape Town City have brought in a few new faces into their technical team ahead of the 2017/18 season as they look to strengthen their backroom staff, especially with regard to their reserve team. While Ian Taylor will still be first assistant to new coach Benni McCarthy for the PSL side, he will also be heading up the reserve team’s technical department, and says they have brought in Dylan Deane and Noel Yobou. Deane is a former assistant coach at Cape Town All Stars, and who also headed up the Old Mutual Academy for the past few years, while Ivorian Youbou is a former FC Cape Town and Platinum Stars goalkeeper. Taylor says that also joining full-time is conditioning trainer Lee Miles.
Ajax Cape Town have announced few changes to their technical team ahead of the 2017/18 PSL season. Having served as Stanley Menzo’s assistant this past season, the experienced Mich D’Avray moves into a new role as Head of Football, while Boebie Solomons joins the club to fill the role of Menzo’s assistant. With the club having already brought in Hans Vonk as the new Head of Youth, where he will be assisted by Foppe De Haan, Efstathiou is looking forward to having Solomons on board, and believes Solomons’ knowledge will only benefit the club. Both Solomons and Crowie are former Cape Town playing legends, with Solomons a star for Cape Town Spurs in the seventies and eighties, while Crowie starred for Santos in the eighties and nineties.
Bafana Bafana have suffered a major blow ahead of their first COSAFA Cup quarterfinal with Cape Town City's Aubrey Ngoma being forced to be withdraw from the squad due to an injury. Bafana play the winners of Group A, who will be decided tonight between Tanzania and Angola at Moruleng stadium and Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace respectively. Bafana coach Stuart Baxter says Ngoma has a torn ligament and will miss the tournament. Nominated for three PSL awards earlier this week, Ngoma was expected to lead this team in the tournament. The 27 year-old Hammanskraal born star attacker recently made his debut in an international friendly match against Zambia. Baxter confirms without mentioning a name, that they need a replacement.
Cape Town City captain Lebogang Manyama believes that his nomination for four awards in the season ending PSL awards earlier this week is the result of the hard work he's put in. Manyama has been nominated for the Footballer of the season, he's up against Bidvest Wits captain Thulani Hlatshwayo and Mamelodi Sundowns skipper Hlompho Kekana. The Alexandra born attacker finished the 2016/2017 as the Absa Premiership top goal scorer with 14 goals. Meanwhile, Manyama has not ruled out a move to one of the big teams in the PSL in this transfer window. The 26year-old has been heavily linked with African champions Mamelodi Sundowns but he says any move will have to follow proper channels and be heavily endorsed by the Citizens' chairman John Comitis.
New Maritzburg United coach Fadlu Davids wants to build on the dynamic style of play he introduced at the club last season when the 2017/18 campaign begins in the next few weeks. The 36-year-old was unveiled as permanent Team of Choice boss yesterday following an excellent interim period in charge at the Harry Gwala Stadium. With his future now secured, attention has shifted to the brand he wants to play and the players he would like to bring to Pietermaritzburg. Davids believes the squad they already have will dictate the way they play.
The Premier Soccer League is all set to host the 2016/17 Absa Premiership Awards on 10 July with the coveted Absa Premiership Footballer of the Season a three-horse race between instrumental leaders in their teams. Hlompho Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thulani Hlatshwayo (Bidvest Wits) and Cape Town City’s Lebogang Manyama will go toe-to-toe for the main prize in what set to be a Bidvest Wits clean sweep with nominations in six of the seven main categories. PSL media and communications manager Lux September reaffirms it’s all systems go. September explains that for the first time in the history of the PSL Awards this season, the fans have the power to vote for the Absa Premiership Goal of the Season by visiting www.psl.co.za. He adds that the aim is to ensure that the owners of football, the fans, have a say…
COSAFA Castle Cup group B leaders Zimbabwe settled for a goalless draw against Madagascar in the seventh fixture of the regional tournament at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg last night. Following an impressive start to the tournament, which saw them thrash Mozambique 4 – 0 in their opener, the Warriors came into this match as favorites, and it’s all thanks to their superior goal difference that they still top the group. Assistant coach Bongani Mafu says while he’s disappointed by the draw, he’s comforted by the fact that they are still top the group.
There wasn’t much to write home about on the third day of the 2017 COSAFA Castle Cup at Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg last night, as the two fixtures of the day produced goalless stalemates. In the first match of the day Malawi failed to take advantage of their dominance as they were held to a 0 – 0 draw by Mauritius. Malawi came close to making a breakthrough on countless occasions, but were let down by lack of composure in front of goals. While the Flames coach Ronny Van Geneugden admits that scoring is a challenge for them, he doesn’t blame his players.
Roger De Sa backs his friend and former assistant Eric Tinkler to win the PSL coach of the season. Tinkler, who is replacing Stuart Baxter as head coach at SuperSport United, led Cape Town City to third in the league and also lifted the Telkom Knockout in City’s maiden season, and is nominated alongside Mamelodi Sundowns’ Pitso Mosimane and Gavin Hunt, who led Bidvest Wits to this season’s PSL title. De Sa is proud of Tinkler, who was his second in charge at both Wits and Orlando Pirates, before taking over the Pirates’ head coach role when De Sa left the club. De Sa says that while all three nominated coaches did amazingly well this season, Tinkler’s and City’s success wasn’t expected…
Cape Town City midfielder Aubrey Ngoma, who has been nominated in three categories at next month’s annual PSL awards, says he is humbled by the recognition. Ngoma is up for the Telkom Knockout player of the tournament, as well as for the PSL midfielder of the season and player’s player of the season, and is one of two City players recognized by the PSL, with Lebohang Manyama picking up up three nominations, on top of the golden boot award he has already won for being the leading goalscorer in the league. Ngoma says he’s proud to be amongst those nominated. The 27-year-old, who also won his first Bafana Bafana cap earlier this month against Zambia, and is currently with the national squad preparing for the COSAFA Cup, says the nominations are a reward for the hard work he’s put in this season, and he’d be delighted if he won one of the awards…
After spending just one season in the Mother City, Lebohang Mokoena bids farewell to Ajax Cape Town this week as his contract comes to an end. Mokoena signed for Ajax at the start of the 2016/17 season when Roger De Sa was still in charge, but after Stanley Menzo took over , ‘Cheeseboy’ struggled to get game time at the Urban Warriors. Mokoena only made the starting line-up twice and overall made just six PSL appearances, but the 30 year old remains positive and says that while he didn’t get the opportunities he wanted, he still enjoyed his brief time in Cape Town and made a lot of friends during his time there.
The standard of local coaches was enhanced in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) this past season and the top four and top eight positions tell the story. The top four teams were coached by local coaches and only Stuart Baxter at Supersport United was the only foreign coach in the top eight. But how is this complemented by their technical team? Mamelodi Sundowns fitness trainer Kabelo Rangoaga is a disciple of Periodization and this is a programme that has kept The Brazilians players fresh throughout their marathon campaign on the continent. Rangoaga also shares with SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli the influence of World Football Academy (WFA) periodization programmes…
Wednesday’s CAF Champions League match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Tunisian champions Esperance in Tunis, will be the Brazilians’ 145th game in three seasons. For the second year in a row, the African champions haven’t closed for a proper off-season and the club’s fitness trainer Kabelo Rangoaga says they’ve actually played an extra season compared to other teams in the PSL. Despite this punishing schedule, that has seen Sundowns winning the league title in 2015/2016, the 2016 Champions League title and this year the CAF Super Cup title, they continue to compete strongly in all fronts. Rangoaga is crediting the club’s planning and outlines how it works…
Kaizer Chiefs and Zimbabwean international striker Michelle Katsvairo is hoping to use the COSAFA Castle Cup to shop for a new club. Katsvairo is one of the seven players who are being released at Chiefs but he’s only available on loan, his inclusion in the Warriors’ 2017 COSAFA Cup squad will give him an opportunity to prove his worth. The Warriors will square off against Mozambique in their opening match of the regional tournament at Moruleng Stadium later today. Katsvairo knows very well that only hard work will earn him a contract with a new club before the start of the 2017/18 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane has welcomed last night’s hard fought goalless draw against Group C leaders in the African Champions League Esperance of Tunisia. Playing at Stade Olympique de Rades in Tunis last night, Sundowns did well to contain the Tunisian champions and hold on for a valuable point. The Brazilians’ best chance saw Percy Tau’s shot saved by the keeper in a one on one situation. Mosimane says they had to very be calculative in this game. With only two games to go, Mosimane says he didn’t expect the home team to go all out in this game…
Orlando Pirates coach Kjell Jonevret believes the mood has totally been transformed at the club since his February arrival and he is hoping to cap his short time in charge of the Buccaneers by delivering the Nedbank Cup title on Saturday. The Soweto giants clash with SuperSport United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium where they will be bidding to conclude one of their worst seasons on record with some sort of silver lining. Pirates endured their worst-ever campaign in Premier Soccer League history by ending 11th. But Swedish coach Jonevret feels things have now changed.
African football is on the verge of changing for the better next month and this could possibly see the long standing case of moving the African Cup of Nations tournament from January to June being decided. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will hold an African Football Symposium between the 18th and the 19th of next month in Rabat, Morocco. The aim is to map the future of African football but the issue around the calendar and the timing of hosting the AFCONS is likely to dominate. Moving the AFCON could have huge broadcast revenue spin-offs as SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli found out.
South Africa ‘A’ rugby team coach Johan Ackermann has made wholesale changes to his team ahead of their Premier Social Cohesion Games clash against the French Barbarians at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Friday night. Only three players in the starting lineup survived from the 36-28 victory over the Barbarians in Durban last weekend. They are Lwazi Mvovo, eighth-man Sikhubuzo Notshe and lock forward Ruan Botha. Coach Ackermann announced the rest of the team. The outgoing Emirates Lions Vodacom Superrugby coach, Ackermann, also expressed the SA ‘A’ sides gratitude saying that they are honored to be part of the initiative of bringing rugby to the people of Soweto. The SA ‘A’ team will fold their once-off training session at the Orlando Stadium tomorrow starting at 2pm, and not open to the public with captain Francois Venter calling the shots. The former Springboks lock-forward says the players are also looking forward to their first taste of running out in Orlando tomorrow…
Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana’s voice after a training session in Tunisia ahead of their crunch CAF Champions League Group C game against Esperance, said it all about the dedication in that camp. Sundowns arrived in Tunisia on Saturday having left South Africa the previous day via Egypt. This shows how badly Pitso Mosimane wants to win this game after going down 2-1 at home to the Tunisian champions two weeks ago. Kekana is returning from an injury, he had missed that game and wants to turn the tables around on Wednesday. Sundowns finished second in the Absa Premiership this past season to Bidvest Wits. Wednesday’s game would be their 145th match in three seasons in all competitions. Kekana, a Bafana Bafana international says continental football differs a lot from the domestic game.
Bafana Bafana’s squad for the COSAFA Cup will be made up mainly of the Amajita squad that went to the FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea last month. This has been confirmed by SAFA President Danny Jordaan as he revealed that, the senior men’s national football team head coach Stuart Baxter has been given the go ahead to select a developmental squad. The COSAFA Cup gets underway in the North West province this coming weekend but Bafana will only enter in the quarterfinals.
The Premier Soccer League promotion play-offs have gotten South Africans talking about whether the current system should be re looked and or changed. On social media one of the suggestions football fans believe should apply is to have the two top teams in the National First Division get automatic promotion while the two bottom sides in top flight should swop places with their promotional league counterparts. Others have suggested that top two teams go up straight then have third and fourth compete with the side that finishes 15th in the premier division. This view is shared by Black Leopards head coach Jean Francois Luscuito. Just on Saturday Baroka FC who ended the 2016/17 Absa premiership campaign in 15th place eliminated Leopards and Stellenbosch FC both NFD sides in the playoffs to guarantee another season in topflight. Bakgaga chairman Khurishi Mphahlele feels it’s a double edged sword.
Chippa United chief operations officer (COO) Lukanyo Mzinzi is happy with the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro’s three-year sponsorship to the club. This comes after the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro agreed to sponsor the Chilli Boyz to the tune of R42,6 million starting in the 2017/18 season. Mzinzi reckons that the financial injection will help the Chilli Boyz in their quest to become one of the most competitive teams in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Uitenhage-born Mzinzi has reiterated that the Chilli Boyz will continue playing some of their matches in East London as it has been the case in the last two seasons.
Baroka FC head coach Kgoloko Thobejane is confident his players will wrap up their promotion playoffs in style tomorrow afternoon against Black Leopards in Thohoyandou. The Premier Soccer League rookies lead the playoffs log with seven points from three matches while Leopards are behind them with four points from the same number of matches. A draw will be enough for the Ga- Mphahlele based outfit to retain their topflight status but Thobejane says he is not going to the Vhembe district for a stalemate. Bakgaga will be without two players including first choice goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke owing to suspension. Thobejane says there’s enough cover in the squad to compete in the Limpopo derby. Influential midfielder Mxolisi Kunene is also returning from a knee injury that kept him out of the side’s last two encounters.
Kaizer Chiefs legend and current Zambian senior national team head coach Wedson Nyirenda recommended Lewis Macha to Amakhosi last year and he expressed his disappointment seeing him leaving the club after only one season. Macha, who joined Chiefs from Mozambican club Ferroviario de Maputo last year, is one of the four players whose contracts were terminated by Chiefs yesterday. Others include Siyanda Xulu, Camaldine Abraw and Brian Baloyi. Speaking after Chipolopolo’s 2-1 win over Bafana Bafana last night, Nyirenda was even surprised that Macha has been shown the exit door at Chiefs. Nyirenda shares his views on Macha’s failure at Chiefs.
AmaZulu General Manager Lunga Sokhela has confirmed that they are close to learning the fate of their bid to buy the Absa Premiership status of Thanda Royal Zulu. Two weeks ago, it was confirmed that the two clubs had entered into negotiations over a possible deal, which would see Usuthu return to the Premier Soccer League’s flagship competition in 2017/18. But all the parties involved had remained tight-lipped over a potential transaction. However, Sokhela, who is the son of AmaZulu owner Dr. Patrick Sokhela, has now confirmed that an outcome is imminent. Most clubs are already returning from their off-season break and starting preparations for the season ahead. It means that time is quickly running out for both AmaZulu and Thanda, who won their top-flight status by winning the National First Division this past season, in their bid to wrap up any deal. Sokhela admitted they were well aware that time was of essence, adding that he expected an outcome over the issue by the middle of next week.
The latest Bafana Bafana camp was more of a reunion for two players, debutant Lorenzo Gordinho and French based midfielder Lebogang Phiri. The two players were part of the South African U17 national team squad (Amajimbos) that toured Argentina in 2010 coached by Solly Luvhengo. Back then Gordinho and Phiri were not the stars of that group but they remained focus and have since made it to the top. One is playing for Kaizer Chiefs and the other one has just secured a big deal in a big league, signing with EA Guingamp in French Ligue 1. Speaking to SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli after making his international debut last night during a 2-1 loss to Zambia, Gordinho shares his experience on international football.
Maritzburg United have confirmed that talks with interim coach Fadlu Davids are progressing well, but admit they have more pressing worries over their financial future to deal with. Chairman Farook Kadodia has revealed that their three-year contract with the Msunduzi Municipality comes to an end on June 30. It was a partnership that was worth a combined total of R36-million over three years and had helped the club immensely over the past few campaigns. The Team of Choice are one of a number of Absa Premiership clubs without corporate sponsors and Kadodia is keen to reach a new agreement with the Municipality.
Former Durban Bush Bucks and Moroka Swallows goal poacher Calvin Petersen has congratulated the two teams, which got promoted to the National First Division (NFD) from the ABC Motsepe League. UThongathi FC from KwaZulu/Natal and Super Eagles from the Free State were promoted to the NFD after a week-long play-off held in East London. Meanwhile, Petersen, who was in East London for the play-offs as a SAFA selector, is concerned about the quality of strikers South we have in this country. The Absa Premiership top goal-scorer for the 2016/17 season Lebogang Manyama scored 13 goals. He reckons that strikers need to take an initiative in an effort to enhance their goal poaching skills.
Managing to keep the score goalless at halftime and turning up the heat in the second half, worked in Bafana Bafana’s favour against Nigeria this past weekend. This is the view of Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter, who was reflecting on their 2-0 win over the Super Eagles in the opening game of the AFCON 2019 qualifier in Uyo this past Saturday. Bafana had played a patient game in the opening stanza before pouncing in the second half through Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau’s goals. Baxter has more on what worked in the second half. Baxter was kicking-off his second stint as Bafana coach, after only coming in last month replacing Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba. After only five training sessions in one week, he managed to get the right strategy in place and the second goal, told the story of their perfect game plan. This was Bafana’s first competitive win against Nigeria in 13 matches but Baxter was quick to point out that, the team hasn’t turned a corner yet as this is a process.
Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter is calling for continuity and the winning culture to be maintained in the camp ahead of tonight’s (19:00) international friendly match against Zambia at Moruleng stadium in North West. Fresh from a historic 2-0 win against Nigeria in the opening 2019 AFCON qualifiers in Uyo, Nigeria this past weekend, the team held their only training session at the Royal Bafokeng Sport Complex in Rustenburg yesterday. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli attended this training session yesterday and has got an idea of the probable starting line-up. Baxter is likely to make wholesale changes to the team that started this past weekend, with Darren Keet set to take Khune’s place. Kaizer Chiefs’ Lorenzo Gordinho would be making his senior international debut playing at centre-back alongside Rivaldo Coetzee. Orlando Pirates right-back Abbubaker Mobara will get his fifth international cap with Sifiso Hlanti occupying the other wing back position. Playing in front of the back four will be Andile Jali and Tiyani Mabunda. The terrible twins of Cape Town City, the dangerous attacking combo in the PSL this past season Lebogang Manyama and Aubrey Ngoma will line-up in the offensive areas.
The appointment of Eric Tinkler at Supersport United as a head coach is something that’s refreshing in the local game, moving away from recycling coaches who have been in the system for over a decade. The standard of local football has suffered from recycling coaches who failed from one job to the other. In two years as a head coach, Tinkler has been to a CAF Confed Cup final, Nedbank Cup final and won the Telkom Knockout with Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City respectively. United CEO Stan Matthews agrees that the fresh ideas in the coaching space, was one of the major factors in going for Tinkler. Tinkler as a player, spent close to 18 years in Europe, playing in Portugal and England and he considers his move to United as a step up in his career. He comes to a club that has transformed the careers of Pitso Mosimane and Gavin Hunt and doesn’t hide that he also want to follow in their footsteps.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria go into the opening 2019 African Nations Cup (AFCON) qualifier against Bafana Bafana in Uyo tomorrow as favourites for different reasons. The one that matters most is their impressive record of never having lost a competitive game against South Africa, claiming seven wins and one draw from eight competitive fixtures. But in recent years, Bafana fans can argue that the gap has been narrowing between the two nations in recent years. Supersport United captain Dean Furman was part of the team that forced Nigeria to miss the 2015 AFCON tournament in Equatorial Guinea and tells SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli, that anything is possible this weekend.
Cape Town City have confirmed that Eric Tinkler has resigned from his position as head coach. Tinkler led City to the Telkom Knockout trophy and to third on the PSL league in the club’s maiden season, but has exercised a buy-out clause to exit his three year contract early. Tinkler has since been announced as the new SuperSport United coach, replacing Stuart Baxter, who has taken up the Bafana Bafana role. City chairman John Comitis says he doesn’t want to say too much as he wants to respect SuperSport and their announcement. He says that while he’s disappointed he believes they need to look forward and move on.
A first half brace from Victor Letsoalo helped Baroka FC defeat Black Leopards 2-1 in the Premier Soccer League’s promotional playoffs at the Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane yesterday. Letsoalo opened the scoring in the 10th minute controversially as the opposition’s goal keeper Rotshidzwa “Bomba” Muleka looked to be fouled. The lead let to the keeper being stretched off and subsequently substituted with concussion. The second goal came four minutes before half time leaving the hosts with a 2-0 lead at the break. Leopards’ consolation was netted by substitute Mziwokuthula Zimu, capitalizing on a Oscarine Masuluke’s mistake in the 67th minute. Baroka coach Kgoloko Thobejane says his keeper shouldn’t be crucified...
Acornbush United head coach MacDonald Makhubedu remains calm as the Mpumalanga champions are on the verge of making it to the National First Division (NFD) after they picked up seven points from three matches. The Acornbush coach led his side to a 3-0 win over The Dolphins 3-0 at the ABC Motsepe League National Play-offs at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane yesterday. Acornbush’s goals were scored by Tshepo Benside, Madoda Motha and Velile Mdaka. The Acornbush mentor says he is happy that a club like Super Eagles are giving his side a run for their money. Eagles have collected four points from two matches following yesterday’s 2-1 win over Maccabi FC and a goalless draw with Acornbush on Monday. Acornbush will play against Buya Msuthu, who have four points, at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium at 13h00 today while Eagles face The Dolphins at the same venue at 15h00.
Bafana Bafana have completed their preparations for Nigeria here at home and depart this afternoon with head coach Stuart Baxter a relieved man. Baxter leaves for West Africa with a 25-man squad reporting a nearly clean bill of health compared to how the week started (seven players were reportedly injured). Only French based striker Kermit Erasmus sat out today’s training session, owing to stomach bug but it’s expected that he will recover in time for Saturday’s crunch African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019 opening qualifier against Nigeria in Uyo. Baxter says the injury disruptions have not been ideal but they’ve dealt with them. Nigeria hasn’t lost in their last seven matches and currently top their group in the World Cup qualifiers with six points after two games games. Gernot Rohr’s youthful squad is a different Nigerian team compared to the one that drew 2-all in Uyo with Bafana three years ago. Only four players from that Super Eagles team are in the current team and Baxter goes there knowing what to expect
Jomo Cosmos boss Jomo Sono has weighed in on the debate regarding football clubs wanting to buy and sell statuses. The issue, which seems to be coming to the fore each time a season closes, has once again been making news. This time the club at the centre of attraction is newly-promoted Thanda Royal Zulu, whose owner Pierre Delvaux has admitted that he was willing to sell his franchise due to financial constraints. His revelation has left the people of Richards Bay appalled and upset, but Sono believes the modern world of football means that money dictates everything.
A total of 21 players out of 25 completed the first full Bafana Bafana training session yesterday under the watchful eye of newly appointed coach Stuart Baxter at FNB stadium. Only Tokelo Rantie and Rivaldo Coetzee sat on the sidelines in yesterday's training session. The two Supersport United players Dean Furman and Ronwen Williams have joined the camp and will train for the first time with Bafana this morning as they continue preparations for an AFCON 2019 qualifier away to Nigeria this coming Saturday. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, was at FNB stadium yesterday and he's compiled this report.
Meanwhile Baxter has confirmed that Bidvest Wits captain Thulani “Tyson” Hlatshwayo is the captain of Bafana going forward. He says he’s got all the qualities of a great captain. Baxter has also clarified that unlike his predecessor there won’t be rotation of captaincy but reasoned that the group of leaders in the team can share the duties…
Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter was hoping for an ideal start in his first training session this week in preparation for the crucial African Nations Cup 2019 qualifier away to Nigeria this coming Saturday. But injuries to key players are giving Baxter and his technical team sleepless nights just two days before they leave for Nigeria. About seven players in the team are not 100 % ready to train or play at this stage and team medico Dr Thulani Ngwenya has more. Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Tiyani Mabunda also joined the camp yesterday replacing his club captain Hlompho Kekana who is out with an injury and Ngwenya reveals that Mabunda himself is not 100 percent okay.
Sibusiso Vilakazi came in as Mamelodi Sundowns’ marquee signing at the beginning of the season and paraded as the biggest deal in South Africa in July last year. But he hasn’t lived up to expectations in the domestic programme, as the Brazilians haven’t won anything here at home this season, finishing second in the Absa Premiership. His move from Bidvest Wits was reported to be worth R11million, a record deal in the PSL. Helping Sundowns in its quest to defend the CAF Champions League, could be another way of redeeming himself and Vilakazi is now looking at that.
Mamelodi Sundowns face one of their toughest opponents in the African Champions League group stages when they host Esperance ST at the Lucas Moripe stadium tomorrow evening (20:00). Both teams are tied on four points apiece and the Brazilians will be looking at improving their home record in this year’s group stages campaign. Sundowns number one goalkeeper Denis Onyango says it’s important that Sundowns comes out as Group C leaders after tomorrow’s game. Esperance in their first two matches, have beaten AS Vita 3-1 at home and drew away to Saint George in Ethiopia two weeks ago. The last time they met South African opposition, the Tunisian giants came off second best to Orlando Pirates in the Champions League semi-final in 2013. Onyango says the track record of the two time African champions speaks for itself…
Bidvest Wits head coach Gavin Hunt says the team he assembled this season, to help the Clever Boys win their maiden league title in 96 years, wasn’t the best he’s worked with. Accepting his coach of the month award for May as the club clinched the Absa Premiership title winning four out of six matches, Hunt remembered the Supersport United squad that won him three league titles in consecutive years as the best he’s put together. With Wits winning the league title, it also meant that they’ve broken the stranglehold of Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs who have equally shared the last four league titles before this season. This season’s title went down to the penultimate week of the league programme and with the least number of points. Hunt says this was one of the most competitive seasons, in the history of the PSL…
South Africa’s women national senior team interim coach Desiree Ellis says she needs clarity on her future soon. Ellis has been Banyana Banyana caretaker coach ever since her predecessor Vera Pauw’s contract lapsed after the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil. Ellis was also in charge of the team at the African Women’s Championships in Cameroon last year, where the team finished fourth. It has been several months now since Ellis has been acting and there is still no official word from the association.
Cape Town City have announced their first major signing ahead of next season, with the news that Bafana Bafana international Ayanda Patosi has signed for the club. The 24 year old midfielder has spent the past six seasons at Lokeren in Belgium, having joined the club as a teenager from the former ASD Academy. It will be the first time the Khayelitsha-born player plays professional football in his home country, and City’s chairman John Comitis says he’s delighted to welcome Patosi home. Comitis says the signing of a high profile player like Patosi shows City’s intent, as the Telkom Knockout winners looks to build on their fantastic debut season.
The play-offs for a spot in the PSL next season will begin tomorrow, with one of Baroka, Black Leopards or Stellenbosch FC looking to secure a place in top flight football. The opening game of the round-robin competition is at Athlone Stadium, where Stellenbosch will host Baroka and Stellenbosch coach Sammy Troughton says it’s a wonderful opportunity for his team to fight for promotion. In these play-offs winning home games is key, but Troughton is quick to remind that technically Athlone Stadium is an away venue for Stellenbosch. But he says the stadium has been kind to them, and he hopes they can make Cape Town proud, starting tomorrow.
A match between the Super Eagles and Acornbush FC will kick off this year’s ABC Motsepe League national Play-Offs – in East London from June 5 to 11 in East London, after the draw was announced at the SAFA House in Johannesburg today. Nine teams were crowned champions of their respective provinces following a competitive season in the third tier league. Super Eagles goalkeeper coach Tiisetso Mofokeng says they’re happy with the draw and are now looking to finish as winners of the Play-Offs. The Super Eagles, based in the Free State, have been plying their trade in the third tier league for over eight years and Mofokeng is confident that this will be their year for promotion. Overall winners of the Play-Offs will walk into the NFD with 1-million rands in prize money, while the runners-up will pocket R500 000 along with their promotion.
Bloemfontein Celtic saw one of their worst years in the 2016/2017 Absa Premiership. The Bloemfontein side finished 12th spot with 29 points from 30 matches played. They narrowly escaped relegation with two points that separates them relegated Highlands Park. The side managed only five wins, 14 draws and 11 loses. Celtic CEO Khumbulani Konco admits the constant changing of coaches didn’t serve them well.
Polokwane City striker Essau Kanyenda has called time on a career spanning almost 20 years. The Malawian played his last match in City’s final match of the 2016/17 Absa premiership season coming on as a substitute in the second half at the old Peter Mokaba stadium on Saturday. Kanyenda has featured for teams such FC Welfare, FC Dwasco, Jomo Cosmos, Rostov and Lokomotiv Moscow in Russia. The 34 year old however must still honour his contract with the Limpopo side which ends in June and only then will he reveal his next move. Kanyenda helped City gain promotion to the PSL in the 2012/13 season but has since faced competition from the likes of Puleng Tlolane, Thobani Mncwango and recently Rodney Ramagalela. He also doesn’t want to count personal achievements saying it has always been important for him for a team to do well. Kanyenda says he feels he’s leaving Rise and Shine in a stable condition. Pressed for hints for what he will be doing next, Kanyenda reveals there’s a project with the Malawian national team.
Bafana Bafana head Coach Stuart Baxter today announced a 25-men squad that will do battle against Nigeria in their next 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The most notable inclusions in the squad were that of Vitoria Guimares midfielder Bongani Zungu, Cape Town City duo Aubrey Ngoma and Lebogang Manyama, and Orlando Pirates’ Thamsanqa Gabuza. Here is the full squad delivered by Baxter at the Safa House.
The South African defense particularly the centre-backs have proven to be the weakest link in the FIFA U20 World Cup 21-man Amajita squad and foreign journalists agree. The combination of captain Tercious Malepe and Sandile Mthethwa whom both play at Orlando Pirates has been erratic in this competition. In both games against Japan (1-2) and Italy (0-2), they targeted this area and this affected the team’s midfield. Motokazu Oyatsu works as a journalist at Mainichi Shimbun in Japan and watched the last two matches of Amajita. He told SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli that the defense cost the team.
Supersport United assistant coach Kaitano Tembo says he is pleased with his charges performance after Supersport United beat Gabonese outfit CF Mounana 5-3 in a CAF Confederation group D match at the Stade d'Angondje stadium yesterday. Matsatsantsa’s victories moved them to the top of group D, were they currently have four points, with a draw in their opening match against Horaya AC, and followed by their first win in the group. Defender Grant Kekena opened the score for the visitors, followed by individual braces from Thabo Mnyamane and Jeremy Brockie.
The South African national U20 men’s football team’s chances of reaching the round of 16 in the FIFA U20 World Cup took a nosedive today when they lost 2-0 to a strong Italian team. It was the second loss in as many matches at the Suwon World Cup stadium in Suwon, South Korea for Amajita after having lost 2-1 to Japan in the opening game. Riccardo Orsolini scored from the penalty spot in the first half and Andrea Favilli headed in the second goal in the second half. Amajita are now bottom of the log in Group D with no points and head coach Thabo Senong says Italy used their dead balls very well.
Amajita will finally be at full strength for the first time in this FIFA U20 World Cup when Supersport United midfielder Teboho Mokoena finally arrives in camp in Suwon, South Korea tonight. The South African national U20 team arrived in South Korea two weeks ago with only 18 players and others have had to join them here. Players like Reeve Frosler of Bidvest Wits and Mokoena who helped Supersport United to reach the Nedbank Cup final over the weekend were left behind. Speaking after training earlier today, Senong is still worried though about whether the players would be able to acclimatize on time for the next game. The arrival of players who are regulars at their PSL clubs back home like Frosler who won the Absa Premiership title with Wits last week is expected to boost the team. Senong says it looks like Frosler would be ready for the next game against Italy at the Suwon World Cup stadium on Wednesday.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane admits it was the five-game slump that cost them the 2016/17 ABSA Premiership league. Masandawana lost out on defending their domestic championship when they fell four points behind to concede the title to new PSL champions Bidvest Wits. This leaves the Tshwane giants competing for a second place finish and a possible 2018 CAF Champions League spot as they are left with one game before the season concludes. Mosimane says it was not easy to contest as they had continental commitments. Mosimane adds that they might have to make adjustments in order to reach their cup goals...
Orlando Pirates coach Kjell Jonevret believes that his side will take a lot of confidence from their unbeaten run in the Nedbank Cup ahead of their crucial semi-final clash against Golden Arrows in Durban on Sunday. Pirates produced a goalless draw with Ajax Cape Town last night, as hopes of a top eight finish further diminished. Jonevret commended his players for fighting to the penultimate stage of the last domestic cup competition with high hopes of going all the way to lifting the title. After arriving at Pirates earlier this year facing a dismal season in the league and a barren run in domestic cup competitions in their 80th year celebrations, he finally spoke out and highlighted that Pirates need to sit down and fix things at the club. The 55-year-old adds that is the only way a big club like Pirates will return to it best amongst the top teams.
Bidvest Wits head coach Gavin Hunt is now amongst the elite club of three coaches to have won the PSL league title on a record four occasions, joining the late Ted Dumitru and Gordon Igesund. This follows the Clever Boys’ maiden league title triumph last night beating Polokwane City 2-0 to clinch the title with a game to spare. Hunt’s success also gives him bargaining power going to the boardroom meeting with the club’s bosses tomorrow for a contract extension. In this wide-ranging interview with football journalists including SABC Sport’s Velile Mbuli after last night’s historic achievement, the former Supersport United coach has more why this title is special.
The 2017 COSAFA Castle Cup was launched in Johannesburg on Tuesday and COSAFA President Phillip Chiyangwa is promising a fun filled event. This year’s edition coincides with the 20th anniversary celebrations of this tournament that started way back in 1997. A total of 13 countries from the Southern African region will be joined by the guests Tanzania, who have replaced Comoros following their withdrawal. This year’s tournament takes place in the North West from the 25th of June until the ninth of July. Chiyangwa says the tournament signals a new beginning for regional football.
Amajita head coach Thabo Senong has confirmed that a hamstring injury has forced Bidvest Wits attacker Phakamani Mahlambi to be withdrawn from the FIFA U20 World Cup squad. According to the SAFA statement, Mahlambi got injured during a training session with his club and has since been replaced by Ajax Cape Town defender Sergio Kammies. This follows the past week’s refusal by Wits to release Mahlambi for the World Cup arguing that they need him for the Absa Premiership title race. Senong believes that Kammies will add a lot of value in this World Cup squad.
Brazilian giants Flamengo and Portuguese powerhouse Benfica headline the 2017 Durban Under-19 International Football Tournament after the line-up was unveiled in Umlazi on Wednesday. The pair will be joined by Spanish outfit Deportivo de La Coruna, Denmark’s FC Midtjylland and ASEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast as the five international clubs that will participate in the fourth edition of the competition. Perennial participants, the KwaZulu-Natal Academy and a South African national Under-19 side, along with debutants Maritzburg United, complete the list. Tournament Director Carlos Catalino is looking forward to unearthing more stars in 2017.
Maritzburg United coach Fadlu Davids has hailed what he terms ‘a fantastic Mamelodi Sundowns unit’ ahead of their vital Absa Premiership showdown in Atteridgeville tonight. Both sides go into the high-stakes encounter at the Lucas Moripe Stadium with plenty to lose and gain from the penultimate round of the season clash. Defeat for the hosts could end their hopes of defending the title 12 months ago, while a loss for the visitors could see them drop out of the top eight. Davids believes they face a tough challenge against the Brazilians. With Sundowns’ must-win predicament in mind, Davids expects them to be looking for plenty of goals from the game. The Brazilians are of course the top scorers in the division with 48 goals from 28 matches. But they are trailing leaders Bidvest Wits by two points at the summit. Defeat for Mosimane’s side, coupled with the Students beating Polokwane City at home will mean the champions of South Africa are crowned on Wednesday night. The Maritzburg boss has predicted an attacking set-up from the home side.
The mandate is very clear for the newly appointed Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 African Nations Cup, according to SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble. Baxter who is returning for his second stint as a Bafana coach has also been attracted back into this job by SAFA’s Vision 2022. But would he still be around and finish his five year deal if he fails to qualify for Russia and Cameroon in the next two years? This is the question SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli posed to Mumble after today’s press conference.
Black Leopards lost 3-0 to Mthatha Bucks on the final day of the 2016/17 National First Division season at the Thohoyandou stadium yesterday. The visitors were in control of the match from the start and took a 2-0 lead into the break and wrapped up matters with a late goal in the second half. Leopards coach Jean Francois Luscuito rested most of his regular players saying he didn’t want to risk injuries and importantly suspensions for the promotional playoffs. The Limpopo side already booked a spot in this season’s promotional playoffs last week and Stellenbosch secured the last place on the final day. The two will contest for one place in the Premier Soccer League with the side that finishes 15th in the elite league. The dates for the mini league have already been announced and the first match is on the last day of this month. Luscuito reveals that camp for the playoffs will commence as soon as Thursday.
Black Leopards lost 3-0 to Mthatha Bucks on the final day of the 2016/17 National First Division season at the Thohoyandou stadium Saturday. The visitors were in control of the match from the start and took a 2-0 lead into the break and wrapped up matters with a late goal in the second half. Leopards coach Jean Francois Luscuito rested most of his regular players saying he didn’t want to risk injuries and importantly suspensions for the promotional playoffs. The Limpopo side already booked a spot in this season’s promotional playoffs last week and Stellenbosch secured the last place on the final day. The two will contest for one place in the Premier Soccer League with the side that finishes 15th in the elite league. The dates for the mini league have already been announced and the first match is on the last day of this month. Luscuito reveals that camp for the playoffs will commence as soon as Thursday.
The new Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter says he will strive to establish good relations with the Absa Premiership teams to avoid the club versus country issue. He was speaking at the press conference ahead of Superport United’s group stage match against Horoya FC from Guinea tomorrow evening. Matsatsantsa have refused to release Tebogo Mokoena for the under-20 national team’s camp for the FIFA world cup, while Bidvest Wits are reluctant to release Phakamani Mahlambi and Reeve Frosler.
Kaizer Chiefs supremo Kaizer Motaung has given a strong indication that the club’s head coach Steve Komphela is going nowhere and will continue in his current job next season. This is despite the club finishing for the second successive season with no silverware, a rarity at a big club like Chiefs. Motaung was speaking during the club’s unveiling of their new medical scheme partner Medishield at the club’s base in Naturena today. Motaung says they will review their season at the end of this month.
Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler says their main target will be to finish in the third position on the log at the end of the season. He said this after his team title hopes were dented by Supersport United after they lost 4-2 in Pretoria on Tuesday night. City needed to win to keep in touch with the pacesetters Bidvest Wits and Mamelodi Sundowns. The Citizens are currently in third position having accumulated 52 points from 28 games, nine points behind log leaders Wits. Tinkler wants his team to qualify for the Confederations cup.
The South African national U20 team head coach Thabo Senong is showing a brave face and says the team is not fazed by the three players who are missing from the team and has left everything in the hands of the SAFA administrators. Amajita left this afternoon for Suwon in South Korea where they will take part in the FIFA U20 World Cup getting underway next weekend. Absent from this 21-man squad are two Bidvest Wits players Reeve Frosler and Phakamani Mahlambi and Supersport United’s Teboho Mokoena. Their clubs are refusing to release them and Senong says this has not affected the morale in the team.
Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns missed an opportunity to return to the summit of the Absa Premiership when they dropped two precious points at home against Baroka FC drawing 2-all at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville on Wednesday night. Khama Billiat broke the deadlock within five minutes, and Mzwanele Mahashe unfortunately scored an own goal in the 44th minute, but moments later, he made up for his error by pulling one back for the visitors. Baroka earned themselves a valuable point when Richard Matloga converted a penalty at the death after Thapelo Morena was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane admitted that Baroka were fresher than his team.
In a move to encourage more companies to sponsor developmental sports programmes, the Director General at the Department of Sport Alec Moemi says they are pushing for these companies to get better tax rebates. Moemi was speaking at the announcement of the national U20 squad to the FIFA U20 World Cup on Friday in Soweto. Sports sponsorship in South Africa has dwindled in recent years and development projects have been deprived financial support with bigger companies opting for big teams and federations. But there are still those few companies involved with developmental teams and Moemi says they are dangling a carrot in front of them.
The Absa Premiership title race is spilling off the field, judging by the comments of the Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane Monday. Speaking after the 2-0 win against Orlando Pirates at Orlando stadium where they reclaimed the second spot on the log, Mosimane says they are competing with Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa and not Bidvest Wits. The Clever Boys are currently three points clear at the top with three games to go in the league title race. Mosimane says Wits is only focusing on domestic competitions.
Zizwe United will be representing the Western Cape at the ABC Motsepe League Play-offs next month, after the Nyanga-based team won the provincial league this weekend. Zizwe, who virtually led the league from week one, confirmed their position when they beat Manenberg’s Crystal Palace 5-0 on Saturday, and finished the season two points ahead of rivals Steenberg United. Zizwe head coach Julius Dube says it was a very tough season and that the Western Cape is one of the most competitive leagues.
The introduction of the Club Licensing by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to clubs across the continent is having a positive effect. More African clubs are embracing the licensing programs to inculcate a sense of professionalism. CAF Communication executive Junior Binyam says African football controlling body has entered a new commercial cycle in 2017, thereby ushering in substantial commercial revenues for the pan-Africanist club competitions. Both the CAF Champions League and the Confederations Cup have been expanded from a previous 8-team in the mini-league phase to 16-team this year. Binyam says the objective is to create professionalism and come about with competitive events aimed at enhancing the image of African football...
Bidvest Wits is only four matches away from snatching its first ever top-flight league title in domestic football after they beat Soweto giants Orlando Pirates 1-0 in an Absa Premiership match at Bidvest stadium last night. A 56th minute goal from Zimbabwean international Cuthbert Malajila was enough to take the Clever Boys three points clear at the top after his firmer team Mamelodi Sundowns had dropped points earlier, drawing 2-all with Platinum Stars in Pretoria. Wits head coach Gavin Hunt says having recorded clean sheets in their last three matches, if they continue like this, they would be home and dry…
Orlando Pirates coach Kjell Jonevret says he’s looking forward to their Carling Black Label Cup (CBLC) clash against Kaizer Chiefs at Orlando Stadium in late July. However, the Swede admits he doesn’t know what to expect as the CBL format is new to him. The seventh edition of the pre-season encounter was launched at Park Station in Johannesburg yesterday. And, as has always been the case since its inception, fans of the two Soweto rivals will be afforded an opportunity to select the starting line – ups. Jonevret says this will be a great opportunity for fans to play an active role.
He’s a regular for his side, a consistent top performer; he scores goals and provides assists yet Kaizer Chiefs club captain Siphiwe Tshabalala has been written off as a Bafana Bafana player. And it’s for this reason that Bafana legend Benni McCarthy feels it’s unfair to omit Tshabalala from the senior men’s national football team. He says based on current form, consistency and experience that’s where Tshabalala should be judged.
Roger Sikhakhane stood an immensely proud man after Thanda Royal Zulu confirmed their return to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) by beating Stellenbosch FC to seal the National First Division title. Amabhubesi were 2-1 winners at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex thanks to goals from Khotso Malope and Michael Gumede. Mame Niang netted what proved to be a consolation goal for the Cape side. Thanda coach Sikhakhane admitted after the result that taking the job over a year ago was a risk well worth taking with the club now back in the PSL for the first time since 2009.
Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy has expressed his disappointment at the delayed announcement of the new senior men's national team head coach. McCarthy together with former Bafana captain Lucas Radebe and Herman Mkhalele were roped in as part of the coach search committee in February. Speaking during the launch of the 2017 Carling Cup at Park Station today, McCarthy says they also have no clue why there’s been this hold-up in announcing the new coach. McCarthy, an all-time Bafana leading goal scorer with 32 goals, says the delay by SAFA officials to announce Shakes Mashaba's successor is disappointing and not helping the nation to prepare thoroughly for the AFCON 2019 and FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Another Bafana legend and SABC Sport football analyst Marks Maponyane says if SAFA finding difficulties in getting the new coach, they should just swallow their pride and reinstate Mashaba…
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has given in to the pressure of winning the league, stating that the race is now on. The African Champions fell short of securing themselves a top spot on the log, going down 1-0 to Bidvest Wits last night. With five games to play, Sundowns will be able to see if they would outsmart Gavin Hunt’s charge in the race for the prestigious Absa Premiership title. Mosimane says all the teams know the difficulty of gaining three points in the ending stages. Mosimane says he was not happy to see Fares Hachi receive his marching orders but they will readjust, and is grateful everyone has remained injury free.
Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler refused to rule his side out of the title race despite their surprise 1-0 loss against Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium yesterday. The Citizens saw their Absa Premiership hopes suffer a major blow after they were beaten for the first time in 2017. Defeat came when Team of Choice captain Kurt Lentjies struck with a late free-kick in Pietermaritzburg, much to the disappointment of the visitors. But Tinkler remained optimistic over their championship prospects. Meanwhile, Tinkler had no explanation for their lacklustre showing in KwaZulu-Natal. The Capetonians were absolutely flat throughout the 90 minutes. They failed to find the target the entire game and looked jaded for the most part.
Orlando Pirates coach Kjell Jonevret believes that his side still has a lot of chance in the Absa Premiership title race as they take on title contenders Bidvest Wits and PSL defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in one week. Pirates take on Wits on Thursday before welcoming Sundowns to Orlando Stadium on Sunday afternoon as they try to stay inside the top eight teams on the log. Jonevret confessed that they are facing two tough games ahead but called on his players to go out and enjoy themselves. With five PSL games remaining and a Nedbank Cup semifinal against Golden Arrows, Jonevret believes there is still a lot of football to be played…
The Absa Premiership title race gets interesting as each day passes last night was no exception as Bidvest Wits returned to the summit of the log beating Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in a league game played at Bidvest stadium. Sundowns did have their chances, on the stroke of half-time Themba Zwane’s effort hit the upright. Head coach Pitso Mosimane has accepted the loss and Mosimane says it’s going to be difficult to blame his players for this loss after such a good run.
Orlando Pirates leaped into the top eight of the Absa Premiership with a 2 – 1 victory over Chippa United at Orlando Stadium on Saturday (29 April 2017) evening. Pirates opened the scoring first through Thamsanqa Gabuza, who put Bucs in the lead in spectacular fashion with an overhead kick in the 29th minute. However his goal was cancelled by Paseka Mako, who completed a beautiful passing game with a strike from short range just a minute before half – time. The two sides went to the half – time break still locked at 1 – 1 but it was the hosts who had a final say, when Thabo Matlaba sent a 25 yards scorcher to restore the lead in the 65th minute. Pirates coach Kjell Jonevret says they deserved the victory…
Orlando Pirates coach Kjell Jonevret described their one-all draw with Absa Premiership strugglers Baroka FC as a ‘nightmare of a game’ as the Buccaneers came from behind in stoppage time to salvage a point at home. Pirates midfielder Issa Saar’s stoppage time header cancelled out substitute Sapana Letsoalo’s 77th minute strike as the two sides yet again played to a one-all draw capped by a dramatic last minute finish in the league. Jonevret says Pirates missed a golden opportunity to build on their positive run of results of late.
Following Tuesday night’s victory over Ajax Cape Town, Mamelodi Sundowns are in a pole position to successfully defend their Absa premiership title. Cape Town City are on top of the log with 49 points ahead of second-placed Sundowns, but Eric Tinkler’s team has played two extra matches. City have already beaten the African champions twice in the league, and have not lost against any title contenders. Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane believes new kids on the block City are the favourites.
Ajax Cape Town coach Stanley Menzo believes that Mamelodi Sundowns are firm favourites to win the Absa premiership title. The Brazilians beat Menzo’s team 2-0 on Tuesday night to put themselves in the pole position to defend their title. The African champions are sitting in second position just two points below Cape Town City with two matches in hand.
Polokwane City midfielder Salulani Phiri says the fight to stay in the top half of the Absa premiership table has been tough however he and teammates want to see their mission through. The mission is to finish in the top 8 for the first time in their four year stay in topflight. The Limpopo side currently sits in sixth spot on the log tied on 31 points with the side behind them Golden Arrows after 24 matches. Phiri is happy City is back to winning ways adding that it is always good to know to know coaches can rely on him. The Zambian international who arrived at City in January believes his biggest strength has been defense. City has kept four clean sheets in the league so far in 2017. The former Zanaco man also hopes that Rise and Shine’s showing this season puts him in a better place to be selected in his national team.
Orlando Pirates coach Kjell Jonevret emphasized that staying in the Nedbank Cup is crucial for Orlando Pirates as they progressed to the preliminary round of the tournament in the last four. A Bloemfontein Celtic equalizer three minutes from time saw the Buccaneers dig deep to overcome Siwelele 2-1 in extra time, thanks to a Thamsanqa Gabuza header. Jonevret hailed his players for spurring on until they were in the lead again saying this competition means a lot to the club. Pirates have not lost a game in their last four matches whilst showing signs of improving their ailing goal difference having scored eight goals and only conceding two.
Supersport United coach Stuart Baxter believes that the momentum is with Mamelodi Sundowns to win the ABSA premiership title this season. The defending league champions have woken from their slumber to register three consecutive victories to revive their title ambitions. Prior to that the African champions were on a run of five winless streak which included a Nedbank cup last 16 defeat to Golden Arrows. Baxter’s team have lost twice in a row to the Brazilians, and he feels they have the edge to clinch the league.
The South African national U20 men’s national football team head coach Thabo Senong says players who will be considered for final selection to the FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea next month, are those that would be in camp already. Senong was responding to comment attributed to Bidvest Wits head coach Gavin Hunt that he would only release players like Phakamani Mahlambi and Reeve Frosler a week before the tournament starts on the 20th of next month. Speaking on the first day of their current camp at the Fun Valley in Johannesburg, Senong emphasizes why it’s important to have these players on time. Amajita leave for Holland next Tuesday where they play three training matches against reserve teams of some of the top teams in the Dutch Eredivise, namely… Ajax Amsterdam, PEC Zwolle and Feyenoord. Good news from Senong is that all the overseas-based players including Luther Singh and Zama Rambuwane will be available for this camp.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says they need to improve the quality of the Tshwane derby so that many fans can attend their matches. He said this after his team’s second instalment of the derby against Supersport last night in less than a week, which his team won by an odd goal to close the gap at the top of the log. The match was attended by a disappointing crowd at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville, despite the first round producing five quality goals. . Mosimane feels that his team has the experience to grind out the results after winning the last two matches by an odd goal. He recalled the 2013/2014 season when his team registered scrappy wins to clinch the league when they were trailing Kaizer Chiefs by eleven points with less than 10 matches remaining in the season. The defending league champions have been dominating the Tshwane derby having not lost in the last nine league matches. They completed the double league victories two seasons in a row with last night’s victory.
When Orlando Pirates survived the Lubumbashi shenanigans in 2013 to qualify for their first CAF Champions League group stages in seven years, Senzo Mazingiza was the administrative manager at the club. As Platinum Stars ensured their first ever qualification to the group stages of a continental competition when they beat AS Tanda from Ivory Coast 5-4 on penalties, Mazingiza remembered the importance of representing the country. Now Dikwena’s Football Manager, Mazingiza has more on what this CAF Confederation Cup group stages qualification means to the club. The draw for the group stages will be conducted next week Wednesday in Cairo where there will also be a workshop for the 16 teams. Starting from two weeks before the commencement of the group stages until the fifth of August, teams that have registered fewer than 30 players are allowed to add more players. Stars had players that were signed at the beginning of the year but not registered, they can add them to their current list. But Mazingiza says the challenge with some of them is that they are on loan.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) is ready to root out corruption in the local game by charging match officials who are implicated in match fixing and bribery allegations. SABC Sport can reveal that six match officials on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) panel are expected to be charged today by the SAFA Disciplinary Committee. This relates to last year’s ABC Motsepe League national play-offs played in Bloemfontein. The six match officials have already been suspended by SAFA and are not officiating any matches. SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble. By later today, these six match officials would be formerly charged and face counts of match fixing, misconduct, corruption and bringing SAFA into disrepute. There have been a lot of cases of corruption in football in the past but no action was taken but Mumble has more on why this time this is an operation with a difference. He says fortunately they had been briefing Mbalula when he was still at his old post and he’s fully aware of what’s happening. Criminal charges are also set to follow according to Mumble as they are working together with the police and Hawks on this.
Orlando Pirates coach Kjell Jonevret believes that team captain Oupa Manyisa has been instrumental in their last eight games as the Buccaneers are slowly starting to turn their fortunes around. Pirates have only lost once in eight games in all competitions since Jonevret’s arrival at the club managing three wins, a draw and one loss in their last five games. With Manyisa returning to his own and scoring goals, Jonevret underlines the diminutive playmakers’ importance to the team. Jonevret also reported a clean bill of health at the club with all players ready for selection ahead of the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal clash against Bloemfontein Celtic at the Orlando Stadium this Saturday. Wingers Thabo Qalinge and Thabo Rakhale are also set to return to the team this week on the back of glimpse of a good performance off the bench from the also returning Ayanda Nkosi which should lift the side.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela says playing Chippa United at the Mbombela stadium poised a lot of challenges for them because of The Chilly Boys’ combinational play. Although Amakhosi won 1-0 in the remaining last five minutes, thanks to substitute George Lebese’s goal, United had more ball possession than Chiefs. Komphela says he reckons that his team had better scoring opportunities but his strikers were wasteful in front of goal-posts. The Naturena based team has now gone 12 games unbeaten and ironically, the last time Amakhosi lost a game was against Chippa in December last year. Komphela heaped praise on Lebese despite the winger’s lack of game time at Chiefs this season. With six games to go, Komphela says it doesn’t matter how you accumulate points at this stage of the season.
Banyana Banyana captain Janine Van Wyk made her National Women’s Soccer League debut on Saturday night in the USA, when she played the full 90 minutes in Houston Dash’s 2-0 win over Chicago Red Stars. And for Banyana interim coach Desiree Ellis it was a goosebump moment seeing Van Wyk make her dream come true. Ellis says it was an absolutely amazing start for Van Wyk, and a great moment for South African football. Ellis says that former Banyana coach Vera Pauw was equally excited to see Van Wyk make her Dash debut.
Golden Arrows coach Clinton Larsen believes that South African football has evolved to an unpredictably exciting and extremely competitive stage in the Absa Premiership League over the last five years. With more than five teams in contention for the coveted prize, the Premier Soccer League title, he says gone are the days of a two-horse-race. He adds that the competitiveness builds well for the future of South African football. Meanwhile surprise package rookies Cape Town City are third on the log and also on 42 points after playing 22 matches with Supersport and Mamelodi Sundowns in fourth and fifth with 37 and 35 points respectively. Larsen lauded Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler and his side for the good form. The 45-year-old Larsen emphasizes that they have developed a new approach to their philosophy of football at Arrows from making up the numbers to competing for everything possible.
Maamelodi Sundowns veteran midfielder Teko Modise is set to leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires. The 34 year old has made close to 200 appearances for the African Champions, and 66 caps for the national team. He has played in the FIFA world cup, Confederations cup, FIFA club world cup and has won almost all the trophies on offer. Mosimane, who is the one who brought him to the elite league, paid tribute to the star player….
After a 12 match winless run in the Absa Premiership, Orlando Pirates finally got back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Maritzburg United at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night. Pirates’ first goal came through their defender Ayanda Gcaba who headed in Oupa Manyisa’s corner kick, to put Bucs in the lead 13 minutes into the first half. The victory was sealed after midfielder Dove Wome, who came in as a 69th minute substitute for Abbubakar Mobara, rounded off an impressive passing movement in the 79th minute. Their coach Kjell Jonevret says it may not have been the best match he’s seen but is happy they won.
Cape Town City will be out looking for another three points on the road when they travel to take on Platinum Stars at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium tonight. City know that a win against 10th-placed Dikwena will be vital in their quest to get back on top of the Premier Soccer League standings. City’s assistant coach Ian Taylor says Platinum Stars could be a tricky fixture, especially considering that they’ll be missing the suspended Roland Putsche and the injured Mpho Matsi.
Belgian Ronny Van Geneugden has been tasked to take leadership of the Malawi national squad, the Flames. His initial assignment will be against Madagascar in the Africa Cup of Nations Championships showdown, a tournament for locally based players on the African continent, on April 23, 2017. He is been mandated to revive the fortunes of Malawi national squads, from the junior categories to the senior men’s squad following the sacking of Malawian Ernest Mtawali a month before his contract ended. Malawi failed to qualify for the Gabon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals. The Belgian tactician, who signed a two-year deal, has been mandated by the Malawi Football Authorities to qualify for the 2018 CHAN finals in Kenya and the AFCON finals in Cameroon in 2019. Malawi Football Association (FAM) general secretary Alfred Gunda says his organisation will give the Belgian all the needed support to ensure he succeeds.
Former Supersport United captain Clayton Daniels confessed that coach Stuart Baxter spoke to his players and reassured them if he is indeed leaving the Tshwane club, it won’t be any time until at the end of the season. The former Bafana Bafana coach has been strongly linked with a second stint with South Africa senior men’s team as the country awaits further delays of the announcement of Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba’s successor.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela hit back on Monday night at comments made by Acornbush United coach MacDonald Makhubedu saying that either the Premier Soccer League or the South African Football Association should charge the club. Komphela retaliated by addressing the post-match incident, which occurred following their Nedbank Cup Last 16 round clash over the weekend, as unfortunate and disrespectful to football especially from a team on the losing side.
Football fans in South Africa should brace themselves for a photo finish in the Absa Premiership title race. This is the view of Bidvest Wits captain Thulani “Tyson” Hlatshwayo after he was voted as the player of the month for March. For the first time in many years of Premier Soccer League football, five teams are fighting neck and neck for the league title. As things stand it only looks like it will go down to the wire, with 41 points Wits are currently a point behind log leaders Cape Town City with two games in hand. Hlatshwayo says fans should wait for the final day of the season. Hlatshwayo says the national team camp is also dominated by this topic of the title race and also doesn’t rule out mind games. Meanwhile Tshabalala walked away with the goal of the month for March for his spectacular free-kick against his former team Free State Stars during a 3-1 win at home in February. Scoring and providing assists has never been a problem for Shabba but he would like to contribute more during this decisive stage of the season. Chiefs were heavily criticized by the Acornbush United head coach McDonald Makhubedu as they struggled to beat the ABC Motsepe League side in the Nedbank Cup last 16 match. Acornbush had a player sent off in the 18th minute, scored the opening goal in the 43rd minute. It took a brace from Gustavo Paez in the last five minutes to rescue the game for Amakhosi and save them from the embarrassment. Shabba defends his team.
BidVest Wits hosts Lamontville Golden Arrows in the Absa Premiership match at the BidVest Stadium in Johannesburg tomorrow night. The match will also prepare the hosts sharpen their scoring boots ahead of their CAF Confederations Cup second leg match against Egyptian side Smouha FC away. Wits and Smouha’s match ended in goalless draw. Golden Arrows are currently 6th on the log with 30 points whilst Wits are second with 41 points. Wits captain Thulani Hlatshwayo had this to say about the game. The Wits defender says that after a few failed attempts at clinching the league title, they now have the experience they need to take them straight to the top.
Kaizer Chiefs winger Siphiwe Tshabalala won the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) goal of the month for February. Tshabalala was bestowed with the trophy accompanied by R5000.00 at the PSL head offices in Parktown today. Tshabalala unleashed a thunderbolt to beat Thela Ngobeni against Free State Stars in February and was voted as the best by supporters. Tshabalala says he is still the same player despite being written off by many critics because of his age. The 32-year-old Soweto born winger has been in fine form for this year and that has seen him help his team go 12 games unbeaten in all competitions and scoring vital goals for the team with three assists.
Bidvest Wits didn’t hide their lack of interest in advancing to the CAF Confederation Cup group stages when they were held to a goalless draw by Egyptian side Smouha SC in the first leg of the play-offs at Bidvest stadium on Saturday. Wits head coach Gavin Hunt, who ran away from post match media interviews, only had three regular players in his starting line-up and the less said about the performance the better. But despite the unfortunate stance from Wits, players like South African U20 international Reeve Frosler got a rare start and didn’t disappoint. This was Frosler’s fourth appearance in the Wits first team following his promotion to the senior team from the academy two years ago. The 19year-old was also part of the Amajimbos squad that went to the FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile two years ago. He feels that he’s settling in well in the first team.
Bidvest Wits’ opponents for tomorrow CAF Confederation Cup play-off first leg encounter at Bidvest stadium, Smouha SC from Egypt are in town and raring to go. Smouha who have been in the country since Wednesday are currently fourth in the Egyptian league and beat Zamalek 2-0 last weekend. They are coached by Moemen Soliman who was coaching Zamalek when they lost 3-1 on aggregate to Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League final last year. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli spoke to Egyptian international Ayman Ashraf who is on loan from Al Ahly and he sounds confident about tomorrow afternoon’s game…
Ajax Cape Town are still without a win in 2017 and are currently battling it out near the bottom of the league table in 13th position. Having been unable to pick up points in their 2-1 loss against Maritzburg United last weekend, and with Free State Stars, Bloemfontein Celtic and Baroka all picking up victories, the fight at the bottom is becoming tougher and tougher for the Cape Town based PSL club. However Ajax coach Stanley Menzo remains positive but says it’s been a disappointing start to the year, where they’ve lost points that they could’ve picked up.
Ajax Cape Town midfielder Toriq Losper has returned to first team training for the first time since September 2016, having spent the past few months on the sidelines with a knee injury. After a successful surgery and rehabilitation, Losper is now anxious to get back into action and help his team with their fight in the league. Ajax are struggling at the moment in 13th position, and will hope to get their season back on track when they face Highlands Park next Wednesday. Losper says he’s hungry to get back on the pitch, and is so pleased to be back in training, and now just needs to work on his match fitness.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane has conceded that the Absa Premiership title is slightly slipping away from their hands. This follows an entertaining goalless draw against Bloemfontein Celtic at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville last night. Sundowns have now gone five league matches without a win and remain fifth on the log with 35 points from 19 matches. Mosimane says the missed chances could come back to haunt them at the end of the season….
Supersport United coach Stuart Baxter says reports that he’s agreed to become the next Bafana Bafana coach a long time ago are way off the mark. Baxter has also denied allegations that he’s holding the South Africa Football Association (SAFA) to ransom by demanding his son to be a goalkeeper coach. Baxter is seemingly the only target for the association, with his club confirming last week that they had given the SAFA permission to engage with their coach over the post, which was vacated after Shakes Mashaba’s axing late last year. But Baxter says that talks are still on going. A few weeks back, Baxter denied he was in any serious talks with SAFA over a possible second stint with Bafana. The former Kaizer Chiefs coach previously lead the national team in 2004 and 2005, but left after their failure to qualify for the 2006 World Cup. Now the Briton says his interest in the job has been reignited after SAFA indicated that they were looking for a coach that could provide success in the longer-term rather than immediately. Baxter is now hoping to come to a decision over his future by the weekend. Matsatsantsa face a crucial CAF Confederation Cup first leg encounter away at Barrack Young Controllers of Liberia on Sunday, before returning to play league title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns next Thursday. And their coach wants to end all the speculation before they depart for West Africa.
Interim coach Fadlu Davids was pleased with the way his Maritzburg United players reacted to the sudden departure of Roger de Sa last week by beating Ajax Cape Town 2-1 in their Absa Premiership meeting at Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday. Davids was happy with the overall showing.The hosts had lead from the 39th minute when Andrea Fileccia marked his first start in over a year with the opening goal. Kenyan defender Brian Onyango doubled the lead in the 65th minute, before Aubrey Funga set up a tense finish by nodding in six minutes from the end. Caretaker coach Davids, who also lead the team when German Ernst Middendorp quit the club in November, felt it was a deserved win. Belgian attacker Fileccia was the man that set United on their way in Pietermaritzburg The 25-year-old was making a rare appearance in the blue and white colours of the club after a horrific knee injury. Fileccia joined the club in July last year, but has struggled with the same problem he sustained while at Free State Stars last season. It was an injury that came after a fine season for Ea Lla Koto, who subsequently released him. He has slowly been making his way back and was given 45 minutes on Saturday…
After their 2-0 nil win over Platinum Stars at the weekend, Bidvest Wits are back on top of the log with 41 points in 20 games. “The Students” still have quite a journey ahead of them, with 10 games before the end of the season, Wits head coach Gavin Hunt is confident that they have the staying power this year but says that they still have a long way to go. The talented tactician says that they are motivated by the naysayers who do not believe they have what it takes to clinch the title. With the amount of injuries at the Braamfontein outfit, Hunt says their rotation policy has come into full swing as they fight to challenge in three different titles. Wits midfielder, Phumlani Ntshangase made an appearance Saturday night after coming on as a substitute for Gabadhino Mhango in the 75th minute. Hunt explains why Ntshangase has not gotten the rub of the green for most of the season.
As the South African Football Association’s (SAFA) search for a new Bafana Bafana coach looks to be on it’s final stages and Stuart Baxter set to make a return for his second stint in this job, Bidvest Wits head coach Gavin Hunt has got no ill-feelings. Hunt was never approached for this job after SAFA introduced a search committee in February that saw it’s top three preferred candidates failing to agree with SAFA. Hunt, a three time league championship winning coach, doesn’t view the events of the last two months as a snub…
One of the key requirements for the next Bafana coach is a good track record in CAF competitions, many have seen this as Hunt’s weakest point. But Baxter is no different, he’s failed with Bafana before in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers and also with Kaizer Chiefs on three occasions in reaching the CAF inter-club competitions. Hunt feels that as a South African, he was worth a mention at least…
Hunt started coaching at the highest level at Seven Stars in 1997, where he introduced Benni McCarthy to professional football. He then left for his former team Hellenic before going all the way to Thohoyandou to link up with Black Leopards where he was voted as the PSL coach of the year. Then followed a five year spell at Moroka Swallows, three league titles with Supersport United. The 52 year-old says he knows almost everything about the local game…
At a time when Baxter is alleged to be demanding his son Lee, be added in the Bafana technical committee as the goalkeeper coach and also bring in two extra members of the technical team, this is no different to the demands that were alleged to have been made by Herve Renard. Hunt says the way Bafana is perceived around the world, it also affects them as local coaches…
OUTRO: Maybe a question for our sport programmes later today, is it not nepotism when a coach is asking for his son to be employed as part of the national team technical team?
Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela started his post-match press conference with an apology to Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane following an altercation between Mosimane and Amakhosi security personnel. The visibly heated argument began just after Chiefs’ 2-1 win over Masandawana at the FNB Stadium on Saturday night. Komphela says that it was an intense match and Mosimane’s offensive charges were creative in the final-third. Mamelodi Sundowns forwarder Khama Billiat opened the scoring for his team in the 25th minute although his shot deflected on Lorenzo Gordinho. Amakhosi responded within ten minutes before the interval when Bernard Parker slotted home an Edmore Chirambadare’s cross. Komphela says he’s happy with the win.
Former Bafana Bafana star Delron Buckley feels that some of the country’s top players are too pampered at home to be able to forge a career abroad. The 39-year-old is one of South Africa’s most successful players to have played in Europe where he spent almost two decades, mostly in Germany. In recent years, the national team has had a shortage of players at clubs in the best leagues, with a general habit developing of players leaving for a year or two and then returning. Buckley feels the landscape in the PSL has meant that there is not enough self-drive to succeed overseas. Buckley believes that the right mentality was key to driving him to making a success in Europe. The former attacker, who made over 73 appearances for Bafana Bafana played for the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Arminia Bielefeld and VFL Bochum between 1995 to 2012. He spoke about his time outside of the country and his experiences with the national team during the launch of his book, which is title ‘Delron Buckley – My Life’. Buckley says mindset was key to his longevity. Buckley now works at National First Division club AmaZulu where he is assistant coach to Zimbabwean Joey Antipas. He has been there for over a year now, while he continues to enhance his coaching education by going back to Germany each year to study towards his UEFA A badges. Buckley also had some advises for some of the country’s best coaches. He says far too many people in senior positions were resting on their laurels and felt they needed to better themselves to soar even higher.
Orlando Pirates captaon Oupa Manyisa has called on the team supporters to rally behind them ahead of their Absa Premiership match against Free State Stars at the James Motlatsi Stadium in Orkney tomorrow. Pirates will be in search of their first league win in 11 games and anything less than a win won’t be enough for the Parktown outfit, who are desperate to break a league winless run dating back to November last year. The lengthy winless streak sees them currently placed 11th on the standings on 23 points. Manyisa is grateful to fans for supporting them through thick and thin, and appeals to them to continue backing the team. The match will afford Pirates coach Kjell Jonevret and his assistant Harold Legodi an opportunity to register their first league win since their appointment in February. Manyisa shares his thoughts on being reunited with Legodi, who mentored him at Africa Sport Youth Development Academy.
Current PSL leaders Cape Town City will resume their campaign on Monday, when they host ninth placed Chippa United at the Athlone Stadium. The game was originally scheduled to be played on Saturday, but was moved because of the unavailability of both the Cape Town Stadium and Athlone for April 1st. City coach Eric Tinkler says that Chippa are never an easy side to play against, as they are a team who likes to hold onto the ball and play possession football.
Former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Brian Baloyi reckons the clash between the two sides has grown better than the popular Soweto derby between Amakhosi and Orlando Pirates. “Spiderman”, as Baloyi was called in his hey-days with a black bag behind his net, says Chiefs have a lot to play for at the FNB stadium on Saturday night when the two teams clash. The 43-year-old development goalkeeper coach and deputy in the senior team, urged Chiefs players not to put unnecessary pressure on themselves.
Orlando Pirates defender Marc Van Heerden is delighted that the free – kick he converted for Chippa United in their 4 – 1 victory over Baroka United in the ABSA Premiership in September last year, has earned him a Goal of the Month Award for August/September 2016. Van Heerden was unveiled as the winner of the award at the Premier Soccer League (PSL) headquarters today. Other first recipients of the Goal of the Month Awards are Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Lebese, Baroka goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke, and Mamelodi Sundowns forward Percy Tau who walked away with Goal of the Month Awards for October, November and December 2016 respectively. The 29 years – old left – back shares his thoughts on the award.
Manyama, who is currently the joint-top scorer in the league with 11 goals, continued with his superb form in February. Manyama, who also recently earned his Bafana Bafana caps, received his third individual award of the current campaign. He was selected ahead of ‘Downs teammate Themba Zwane, Percy Tau and Wits forward Gabadinho Mango. He has also equaled the most number of player of the month in a single season, and he was honoured. Manyama recently earned his two caps for the national team in the recent friendly matches against Guinea-Bissau and Angola. He says he enjoyed being part of the new-look Bafana Bafana team.
Owen Da Gama has become the latest coach to raise his hand and announce his availability for the vacant Bafana Bafana coaching job. It’s been three months since SAFA parted ways with Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba as a head coach and they are yet to appoint his successor. Speaking after overseeing a Bafana team that couldn’t beat a struggling Angolan team in East London, Da Gama who is also the caretaker coach believes that he’s also the right candidate for the main job.
Former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Brian Baloyi reckons the clash between the two sides has grown better than the popular Soweto derby between Amakhosi and Orlando Pirates. “Spiderman”, as Baloyi was called in his hey-days with a black bag behind his net, says Chiefs have a lot to play for at the FNB stadium on Saturday night when the two teams clash. The 43-year-old development goalkeeper coach and deputy in the senior team, urged Chiefs players not to put unnecessary pressure on themselves.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane and Cape Town City captain Lebogang Manyama have been named the Coach and Player of the month for February, at the Premier League Offices today. This was Mosimane’s first award for the season, after he collected a monthly award a record five times during the 2015/16 ABSA premiership campaign last season. The Brazilians won four matches and drew one during that period and scored 12 goals in the process. The former Bafana Bafana coach was selected ahead of Cape Town City’s Eric Tinkler, Gavin Hunt from Bidvest Wits and Steve Komphela from Kaizer Chiefs, and he was humbled. Sundowns will play a crucial top of the league clash against their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB stadium on Saturday. Chiefs is lying fourth with the Brazilians occupying the fifth spot. Mosimane believes that his team are the underdog going into the match.
Such has been the uncertainty around the appointment of the new Bafana Bafana coach, that media houses are now getting tired of the story and no longer showing interest in speculating anymore. This stems from SAFA’s promise to appoint the new coach by the end of last month and then stretching it to the weeks that followed. With another month coming to an end on Friday, 31 March 2017, football fans remain hopeful that SAFA would keep their word this week. SAFA President Danny Jordaan assured on Sunday that the new coach would be unveiled this week.
Bafana arrived in the Buffalo City Metro (BCM) area yesterday from Durban via Johannesburg, for Tuesday’s international friendly match against Angola at the Buffalo City stadium at 7pm. Bafana will play in front of a sold out crowd tomorrow after only about 10 000 tickets were made available for this game. Buffalo City stadium is not one of the biggest venues in the country but according to Sibam, just to play in front of a capacity crowd will be something for this Bafana team. It’s expected that Khune is one of the senior players that will be rested to give other players a chance. But the captain emphasizes the importance of riding on the momentum.
Cape Town City fans got a chance to meet and hang out with the players on Friday night as the club hosted a meet-and-greet function at the Amadoda restaurant in Woodstock. Almost the entire squad, apart from those on international duty, and the entire coaching staff, spent the evening mingling with fans, and it was a great opportunity for some of the club’s young supporters to meet their heroes. One of City’s standout players this year has been their Austrian recruit Roland Putsche and the hard-tackling midfielder says they really appreciate the support they have in Cape Town, and he says it feels good to be able to give some time to the supporters. Putsche says it’s great to be able to hear what their fans are thinking and also what they expect from the team. He says that hearing their opinions, and also being to discuss what is expected from them, is important in nurturing the relationship between the club and their supporters. The Austrian midfielder came to South Africa with the intent of doing more than just playing the game, and has been working with the Young Bafana Academy in Somerset West since his arrival last year July. He says he feels he made the right decision in moving to South Africa and is pleased to be able to give back and make an impact in the lives of the young children at the academy, and it is something you can’t attach a monetary value to.
Tributes continue to pour in for Bloemfontein Celtic’s founder and life time president Dr Petrus Molemela. Molemela, who was nicknamed “White Head” passed away yesterday aged 83. He was a colourful figure in the game and he brought life in soccer in Free State in particular and South Africa in general. Jimmy Augousti, a former Celtic player to whom Molemela sold the team. Orlando Pirates’ development coach, Augusto Palacious shares the passing of the successful administrator. Palacios shares that in the past he was called upon by Molemela to coach Celtic, he says due to the clubs financial constraints at the time of his request he could not honor the call. Palacios says Molemla is the reason Phunya Sele Sele has passionate supporters. Palacios shares that Molemela was the catalyst that brought many players and football officials in South Africa to stardom.
It’s been 14years since the East London last hosted a Bafana Bafana match and the excitement of the local football officials and fans show hungry people in area are for international football. Bafana arrived in the Buffalo City Metro (BCM) area yesterday from Durban via Johannesburg, for Tuesday’s international friendly match against Angola at the Buffalo City stadium at 7pm. After beating Guinea Bissau 3-1 at Moses Mabhida stadium on Saturday, President of SAFA BCM Prince Sibam has more on what this game means to this region. It’s very rare to see a PSL team rallying behind Bafana Bafana and mobilizing support for them in their games but that’s the role that Chippa United has been playing in the past few days. When Bafana landed at the East London Airport yesterday, hundreds of football fans including Chippa fans welcomed them. Bafana held a historic training session at the Sisa Dukashe stadium in Mdantsane yesterday and it’s for the first time they visited this township. It’s not everyday that SAFA allows Bafana training sessions to be open to the public but that’s what greeted Mdantsane football fans and they were warmly received by the players and the technical staff. After training, close to 200 fans took selfies with the players and also had autographs signed by their stars. Captain Itumeleng Khune was as expected a hit with the local fans and was highly impressed with this open training session.
Bafana Bafana caretaker coach Owen Da Gama has expressed his satisfaction with his team's showing in the 1-0 win against PSL side Golden Arrows during a training match at King Zwelithini stadium in Umlazi, Durban yesterday. A trademark scorcher from Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana proved to be the only difference in this game. Preparing for an international friendly match against Guinea Bissau at Moses Mabhida stadium on Saturday afternoon, Da Gama says this training match was perfect for them. Despite Arrows not being an international side but Da Gama was happy to try different combinations. He says Abafana Besthende's style of play is a bit similar to this team that made its debut in the AFCON two months ago and played attractive football. Da Gama has got a 25-man squad made up of top talent based abroad and also here in the PSL. He's left with only two training sessions to make up his mind on the starting line-up.
Last week Stellenbosch FC announced that they had signed experienced Senegalese striker Mame Niang, as the NFD side continues to push for promotion to the PSL. Stellenbosch are currently third in the league, sitting in one of the play-off spots after beating Jomo Cosmos 1-0 away this past weekend. And it was that man Niang who, after just 17 minutes in the kit of his new team, scored the all important goal. The lanky striker says it’s always nice to get off the mark so quickly, but more importantly it helped the team to a vital three points. Niang returned to South Africa after a spell in Norway with Kongsvinger IL, and the former Amatuks, Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United striker says he’s happy to be back in a country he considers his second home. He has re-united with coaches Sammy Troughton and Steve Barker, who he previously worked with at Tuks, where he arguably had the best form of his career (Niang scored 10 goals in the 2012/13 season with Tuks). He says he didn’t hesitate when they asked him to join on a short-term deal, and he hopes to help them win promotion to the PSL. While this is the first time Niang has played for a team in the Cape, he says it’s kind of serendipitous because Stellenbosch is where he just got married. The 1.94 meter tall striker says Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and anyone would want to live there.
Thabo Mnyamane has enjoyed a strong rise in South African football over the past few months and his reward has been another call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad for two international friendlies over the next week. The SuperSport United striker is set to feature in Saturday’s friendly against Guinea-Bissau in Durban and could also play against Angola in East London next week. Mnyamane has scored twice in his last two appearances for Matsatsantsa and hopes that will give him confidence heading in the matches for his country.
Kaizer Chiefs’ only January signing Gustavo Paez says he reckons that he is now half-settled at the Naturena based team after three months in the country. Paez has started three games for Amakhosi and has one goal under his name – which he’s scored against Stellenbosch FC in the Nedbank Cup two weeks ago. The 26-year-old Venezuelan international says he hopes to get more game time to adapt to the South African style of football.
Roger de Sa has quit his post as Maritzburg United coach due to family reasons, the club announced today. The 52-year-old had been at the helm for just over two months after he was appointed as Ernst Middendorp’s permanent replacement in January. The former Bidvest Wits, Orlando Pirates and Ajax Cape Town coach cited family commitments as the main reasoning, with “Team of Choice” chairman Farook Kadodia confirming the news after stepping out of a meeting with De Sa.The news was not too pleasing for the Maritzburg chief, especially after he waited a few months in the first place to recruit De Sa. Kadodia conceded it was a disappointing loss for the club, but reiterated that De Sa was leaving because of family matters.
Barely a week after withdrawing from the participations in the qualifiers from the African Nations Championships (CHAN) 2018 in Kenya and the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2019 in Cameroon, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has made a dramatic U-turn and will now play in both qualifiers. FAM secretary general Alfred Gunda says that a number of development came through to help them reneged on their withdrawal stance. Gunda says his organization is talking to the Government of Malawi for options moving forward. He says football’s world controlling body Fifa also came to their aid to ensure their participation. An excited Gunda says it’s all systems go as Malawi’s senior men’s squad prepares to play their opponents on two fronts. Meanwhile, FAM has now been given the green light to appoint a foreign coach with two local assistants. Part of the agenda will be for the expatriate coach to groom and mentor the two local coaches so as to ensure their smooth take over when the foreign coach leaves. Asked to comment about the changes in the corridors of power in Cairo with the Confederation of African Football, (CAF) Gunda says his organization is looking forward to a promising future and benefits under newly appointed CAF president Ahmad . He says it’s time to pay attention to the development of the football game on the continent.
Bafana Bafana striker Kermit Erasmus insists that what happened in the past should stay in the past, saying he wants to look towards building a new future with South Africa. The 26-year-old is currently with the national team in Durban preparing to take on Guinea-Bissau and Angola in twin international friendlies over the next week. The former Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United striker, who now plays in France, fell out of favour with SAFA in 2015 after tweeting he was “no back-up player”. But Erasmus says the incident is now history. Erasmus says his tweets, almost two years ago now, were simply his opinion. They had come in the wake of previous coach Shakes Mashaba calling him up to replace Tokelo Rantie for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Gambia in Durban. He now joins the South Africa attack as one of the most experienced players thanks to his 11 caps. The other strikers in the squad are Thabo Mnyamane, Percy Tau, Phakamani Mahlambi, Lars Veldwijk and Luther Singh, but Erasmus felt there was no right time to be called up. Erasmus joined French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennes in January 2016, but found his opportunities there limited for the remainder of last term. Things were also tough in the first part of this campaign, before he was loaned to Ligue 2 side RC Lens where opportunities have been far better. He is now a regular starter and he believes that has been key to the national call, adding that he was very pleased with the way 2017 had gone thus far.Now that he is back, there is likely to be additional pressure on Erasmus, and for more than one reason too. He will be expected to lead the inexperienced attack and will also have to prove his value to the fans after his famous tweet from 2015. But he does not see things that way, saying that pressure to perform will always be there.
The future is very bright for South African football, especially for the senior national team Bafana Bafana. That’s the view of Bafana and Montpellier international midfielder Keagan Dolly just before he departed OR Tambo Airport yesterday to link up with the senior national men’s team. Dolly is part of the Bafana squad that will play two international friendlies against Guinea Bissau in Durban on Saturday and Angola in East London next Tuesday. Dolly says this is an exciting phase for Bafana. Shortly after arriving from Paris in the morning yesterday, Dolly had lunch with his entire family before connecting to Durban. His arrival means that Bafana have all the 25 players called by caretaker coach Owen Da Gama in camp. It’s the 24year-old’s first camp since he left Mamelodi Sundowns for Montpellier two months ago and he couldn’t hide his excitement. Most players who go overseas take time to settle and get game time but with Dolly it’s different. He’s already counting six matches played but it hasn’t been easy with his team losing four of those games and winning only two. They are currently 15th in a 20-team league but Dolly says he’s been trying to settle in his new surroundings.
BIDVest Wits veteran goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs, has blamed his side’s exit in the CAF Champions League on lack of experience. Wits could only settle for a goalless draw against record eight time champions Al Ahly in the first round, second leg played yesterday at the Bidvest stadium, exiting on 1-0 aggregate loss. After missing big chance in the first half from Gabadinho Mhango and Phakamani Mahlambi, Josephs says lack of experience at this level was their downfall. In the history of their participation in the CAF tournaments, Wits are yet to progress to the group stages. Despite having one of the strongest squads locally, Josephs refers to his team as a growing club that should learn from this experience of playing teams like Al Ahly…
Chippa United midfield maestro and captain Thamsanqa Sangweni declared that they are prepared to pull out all stops in the quest to lift the 2017 Nedbank Cup title. The Chilli Boys overcame a spirited Witbank Spurs outfit in the first round before being drawn up against Premier Soccer League rivals Polokwane City in the second round. After missing out in the MTN 8 cup competition in their maiden appearance, Sangweni vows that they will be looking to do it the hard way and claim some silverware in the last chance of offering. The Port Elizabeth based side and Polokwane City are scheduled to play each other twice in the cup and league in a space of five days when the league resumes next month. According to the former Amazulu and Mamelodi Sundowns anchor-man both matches are a must win for them irrespective of where they are played between P.E or East London. With Polokwane’s Rise and Shine playing a similar style of football as Chippa, Sangweni believes the team that is better prepared will win the games in the midfield...
Supersport United trounced Al Ahly Shendi from Sudan 4-0 in the CAF Confederations cup first round second leg match to progress to the playoffs at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville last night. The aggregate score was 6-3 in favour of Matsatsantsa after losing 3-2 last weekend away in Sudan. Supersport will play in the playoffs for a spot in the group stages against one of the teams that will drop down from the CAF Champions League. Head coach Stuart Baxter felt they should have scored more goals in the second half. Goals from Tefu Mashamaite, an own goal by Abaker, Kingston Nkhatha and Aubrey Modiba sealed the tie for the Tshwane team. Supersport had a tough trip away in Sudan last weekend but did well to score two away goals despite the defeat with a fringe team. Baxter recalled the long journey in Sudan. The only downside to the match was the injuries to the key players Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Nkhatha, who did not finish the match. Baxter says their injuries are not very serious.
South Africa’s hopes of having two teams in the African Champions League lucrative group stages, were dashed yesterday as Bidvest Wits failed to beat record eight times African Champions Al Ahly. The first round, second leg encounter played at Bidvest stadium finished goalless and the Egyptian giants won 1-0 on aggregate after winning in Cairo last week. Wits will now drop down to the CAF Confederation Cup play-offs set to be played at the beginning of next month. It was a tight game of few chances and Wits head coach Gavin Hunt says lost to a worthy opponent. Asked what he’s learnt in the two matches against Al Ahly, Hunt says the Egyptians are on a different level compared to the teams they play in the local Premier Soccer League. In the Confed Cup play-offs, Wits will be pitted against teams that have progressed from that competition and will play the second leg away. The draw will be held in Cairo on Wednesday, with Supersport United and Platinum Stars through to the play-offs, they could possibly be drawn against them too.
Bidvest Wits will play Al Ahly SC in the second leg of their first round CAF Champions league encounter on Sunday, hoping they can overturn the 1-0 score from the first leg in Egypt, and reach the Group Stages of Africa’s premier club football tournament for the first time. Wits’ coach Gavin Hunt says says this could be the biggest game in the club’s history. He says reaching the group stage for a club of their stature would be a momentous achievement, but they first have to get past a very good Al Ahly team. Hunt says that Buhle Mkhwanazi, who missed the Nedbank Cup tie, is also doubtful, but he hopes to have him ready for the game, while he also hopes to have James Keen back, who Hunt says really needs game time. With Mamelodi Sundowns only managing a draw this week against Polokwane City, the defending champions are now four points behind PSL leaders Wits, but Hunt says that Sundowns remain in the driving seat.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has a new president. Outgoing Caf President Issa Hayatou was beaten by his fiercest rival Ahmad Ahmad of Madagascar by 34 votes to 20 in nail-biting elections in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia today. The implications of the new guard is to access the situation at the CAF headquarters in Cairo as well as to establish what amount is in CAF coffers in Cairo. Secondly, an audit should be conducted and then a blue print must be put in place to help move CAF forward. CAF media official Emmanuel Maradas acknowledged changes in the leadership of CAF at this point in time remain a giant step in the right direction. Maradas explains. Maradas says the wind of change is blowing throughout the globe and the CAF will not be an exception. He says he is not surprised of Hayatou’s toppling as the new leadership of world’s football governing body, FIFA is not keen to work with the old guards around the African continent. And while Maradas expects Africa to get 10 spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup under Gianne Infantino’s 48-nation world cup proposal, he was quick to say Africa must learn to fight for what is rightfully theirs, as opposed to accepting freebies. Meanwhile, newly appointed CAF President Ahmad Ahmad pledged during his campaign to introduce grants to all the 54-CAF membership on a yearly basis. Maradas says Ahmad Ahmad can actually give more to help CAF member associations develop their soccer pitches.
Reigning Nedbank cup champions Supersport United will continue with their quest to defend their title, when they travel to giant-killing Kwadukuza United in the last 16 round. The third-tier team bundled out Absa Premiership team Ajax Cape Town on penalties in the previous round, while Matsatsantsa had to dig deep to dump National First Division team Royal Eagles in the last round midweek. Supersport captain Clayton Daniels is looking forward to the match. African champions Mamelodi Sundowns will play against fellow PSL side Golden Arrows at home. The Brazilians are going through a mini slump in the league having failed to win their last three matches and dropping seven points in the process. Star player Khama Billiat welcomed the home draw. Sundowns are away in Uganda for their first round second leg clash against Kampala Capital City Authority FC. The super cup champions are carrying a slender 2-1 lead having conceded an away goal. National First Division team Mbombela United were drawn against PSL team Bloemfontein Celtic away. United were one of the surprise packages last season until they lost to Mamelodi Sundowns in the last 16 round. They are currently lying 12th on the log. Their player Innocent Mphahleni is happy to face Celtic. Struggling Celtic have the advantage of a home draw against the NFD side Mbombela. Phunya Sele Sele recently acquired the services of former Polokwane City coach Luc Eymael. They are currently sitting 13th on the log with 18 points, just four points above the bottom team Baroka FC. They will host high-riding Cape Town City tomorrow in the league. Veteran striker Ayanda Dlamini would have preferred to play against the PSL team in the Nedbank cup.
Bidvest Wits will host Egyptian giants Al Ahly at the BidVest Stadium on Sunday afternoon. This will be in their second leg encounter of the CAF Championships League qualifying round. Wits marketing manager, Danielle Van Der Merwe says that although the team lost out on the crucial away goal, they are very proud of their performance. Van Der Merwe says that “The Clever Boys” have a very good home record and will be sure not to disappoint the fans. Van Der Merwe says they extend an invitation to all South African football fans to come rally behind the club as they try to go through to the next round.
The Limpopo departments of Sport, Arts and Culture and Basic Education signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formalise a working relationship between the parties. The MEC’s for both departments signed the document at the Olympic Towers in Polokwane this morning. MEC of Sport Onicca Moloi says the departments had to outline each stakeholder’s role in the relationship that has been strained for years.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) Technical Director Neil Tovey has welcomed the FIFA U20 World Cup draw that was conducted in Suwon, South Korea. The draw pits Amajita against South American U20 champions Uruguay, European giants Italy and Asia’s leading football country Japan. Amajita have been drawn in Group D and will kick-off their tournament against Japan on the 21st of May. Tovey says it’s important that they go there to compete. Speaking at the launch of the ninth edition of the Future Champions Gauteng International U17 tournament at SAFA House today, Tovey says it’s important that they get relevant teams for Amajita’s preparation for the World Cup. Team head coach Thabo Senong who went to South Korea for the draw, had spoken about international friendlies against Portugal, France, Germany and the hosts. Tovey says nothing has been confirmed yet but they will have to follow that path.
Bloemfontein Celtic players share that things are going well with new coach Luc Eymael. Midfielder Lyle Lakay says that the coach reminds him of German coach Ernst Middendorp who cached Celtic from 2013 to 2014. Celtic started officially training with Eymael on Monday and Lakay says the team is responding well to their new coach. Eymael resigned last week from Polokwane City. Lakay explains. Celtic midfielder Musa Nyatama also shares that so far the coach is impressed with the players attitudes in training
Orlando Pirates’ progression to the Nedbank Cup last 16 has boosted their coach Kjell Jonevret’s hopes of ending the club’s silverware drought. Pirates saw off ABC Motsepe League outfit EC Bees FC 3 – 1 at Sisa Dukashe Stadium this past weekend to advance to the second round of the 32 – team tournament. The victory ended Pirates’ 12 – match winless run in all competitions dating back to November last year. Jonevret says the fact that they’re still in the tournament means they have a chance to win it, adding that they need to keep improving though to reach the finals.
Ajax Cape Town host Free State Stars at the Athlone Stadium on Friday night, in a key Absa Premiership match for both sides. Ajax are currently in twelfth spot in the league on 21 points, three points ahead of Ea Lla Koto, and victory for the Urban Warriors would increase that gap to six points and move them as high as ninth on the table. Stars were the first team that Ajax coach Stanley Menzo faced when he took over the job in November, however since that meeting Serame Letsoaka has replaced Giovanni Solinas as coach. Menzo says that while Stars are below them on the league, they are not an easy side to play against.
As the last round of matches for the Nedbank Cup last 32, take place this evening, SABC Sport has established that negotiations for a new contract between the green bank and the PSL are still underway. Two weeks ago, we incorrectly reported that the two companies have renewed their partnership but the bank clarified yesterday that nothing has been signed yet. This is the 10th edition of this tournament and the green bank’s group sponsorship manager for football properties Tutu Skosana has more on the latest on these negotiations.
The Limpopo departments of Sport, Arts and Culture and Basic Education signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formalise a working relationship between the parties. The MEC’s for both departments signed the document at the Olympic Towers in Polokwane this morning. MEC of Sport Onicca Moloi said the departments had to outline each stakeholder’s role in the relationship that has been strained for years. MEC of education Ishmael Kgetjepe admitted that issues of sport and culture always fall-by the way due to lack of resources. Kgetjepe added that there needs to be harmony in the school and sports calendar.
African football is only a day away from witnessing one of the most interesting and tightly contested Confederation of African Football (CAF) elections in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia on Thursday. The incumbent Issa Hayatou is going for his record eighth term in office having first been elected back in 1988 as CAF President. He’s being challenged by Ahmad Ahmad from Madagascar and who is currently part of the CAF Executive Committee. Few years ago, CAF passed a resolution that only members of executive committee can contest the presidential election and Ahmad says following an approach from his colleague, he took a decision to stand.
Bloemfontein Celtic CEO Khumbulani Konco hopes that newly appointed coach, Luc Eymael, will help Celtic to avoid relegation. Celtic currently occupies 13th position on the ABSA premiership log, and have only won four games out of 19 games. They have conceded 21 goals but only managed to score 12 goals so far this season. Konco says the club’s appointment of Eymael was eminent. Eymael surprisingly left Polokwane City last week. The Belgian international joined Rise and Shine at the start of the season and helped them to end the first half of the campaign in sixth position in the league, the first time the club has reached that high. Konco says that coach’s mandate is to help the team avoid relegation…
South African football’s latest find Luther Singh doesn’t want to entertain the comparison to arguably the country’s best football export Benni McCarthy but in reality it fits him at this stage. In 1997, McCarthy finished as the top goal scorer in the CAF U20 Championships in Morocco and with four goals and two assists Singh, 20 years later in the AFCON U20 also top scored. The Sporting Braga striker is not accepting the comparison but acknowledges that he’s headed to the right direction. Singh is no stranger to top scoring in national colours, he achieved that with five goals in the COSAFA U20 where they lost to Zambia in the final in North West in December. It’s not a surprise that Singh has made the AFCON U20 XI but he says without the support of his teammates he wouldn’t have achieved the accolades he’s coming back with from Zambia. Last Thursday, Bafana Bafana caretaker coach Owen Da Gama selected Singh for the squad to play international friendlies against Guinea Bissau and Angola this month. The Noordgesig born youngster credits his hard work for these instant results. It’s been three years since Bafana last had two or more 19year-olds in the same squad and now Singh and Phakamani Mahlambi will be part of that camp. For Singh, it’s a good thing that Mahlambi is in this team because they’ve grown up together in the football structures. Singh becomes the latest product from Farouk Khan’s Stars of Africa Academy to make the senior national team squad. He joins the list of Sibusiso Khumalo, May Mahlangu, Tokelo Rantie and Tefu Mashamaite who have walked this path before. And he’s not forgotten his football roots at all…
With the FIFA U20 World Cup qualification confirmed, Amajita are now turning their focus to preparations for the tournament to be held in South Korea in May. Amajita head coach Thabo Senong was speaking after their arrival from Zambia this morning, where they finished fourth in the African Nations Cup U20 tournament after losing 2-1 to Guinea in the third place play-off match in Lusaka. Senong says that they have lined up international friendlies against overseas opposition to prepare thoroughly for the global spectacle. Senong and team manager Levy Ramajoe leave for South Korea tonight to attend the World Cup draw on Wednesday in Suwon. It’s going to be an uphill battle with countries like Argentina, Germany, France, Italy, Mexico and Japan all in the mix. But the coach says they are ready for any group. He had taken physically strong players to this competition as he was preparing for the African football conditions and he’s hinted that their approach for the World Cup will be slightly different.
Mamelodi Sundowns had a bumpy start to their continental campaign when they edged Kampala Capital City Authority 2-1 in the first round of the 2017 CAF Champions League on Friday night at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium. Bangaly Soumahoro and Ricardo Nascimento scored for the home side while Geoffrey Sserunkuma put one through. By allowing the visitors to score, Masandawana have a mammoth task ahead in Kampala in the return match this weekend. Sundowns’ coach Pitso Mosimane gives thoughts on the match. Mamelodi Sundowns had a bumpy start to their continental campaign when they edged Kampala Capital City Authority 2-1 in the first round of the 2017 CAF Champions League on Friday night at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium. Bangaly Soumahoro and Ricardo Nascimento scored for the home side while Geoffrey Sserunkuma put one through. By allowing the visitors to score, Masandawana have a mammoth task ahead in Kampala in the return match this weekend. Sundowns’ coach Pitso Mosimane gives thoughts on the match saying they will not use fatigue as an excuse and adds that they will buckle down and head into their next clash willing to play good football.
Former Polokwane City coach Luc Eymael has confirmed that he’s on his way to Bloemfontein Celtic. This follows his resignation yesterday from the Limpopo side, a team that he’s adamant it was going to finish in the top eight this season. Celtic has been without a head coach since the end of October last year when Serame Letsoaka vacated the seat. Eymael is coming to a struggling Celtic side that’s currently 13th on the Absa Premiership log after 19 matches played and sits four points above the relegation spot. After signing a two and a half year deal with Celtic, the Belgian born coach says the word relegation doesn’t exist in his vocabulary. Celtic are not in a good state, they’ve lost four of their five matches this year and have collected only four wins and suffered nine losses so far in the league. Eymael who had impressed at City leaving them comfortably seventh on the log with 26 points, says this wasn’t the only offer for him.
Platinum Stars will be continuing their CAF Confederations Cup chase as they travel to Kampala to take on Ugandan champions, Vipers SC tomorrow. Dikwena will be hoping to score vital away goals and keep the momentum and confidence in the team going. Head coach, Cavin Johnson, says they feel a bit better going into this leg of the competition as they know a bit more about their competitors however they are anticipating a very tough game. The Stars mentor has always been vocal about his desire to play in Africa, however he says that this is not about him, but all for the club. He says their aim is to go as far as they can and groom the youngsters that are part of the squad. Stars striker, Ndumiso Mabena, says they know their competitors are two-time Ugandan Premier League champions which helps them in their preparations. He says their three consecutive PSL wins has raised their confidence.
Reigning African champions Mamelodi Sundowns begin the defense of their CAF Champions League campaign when they host Kampala Capital City Authority FC in the first round of the 2017 CAF Champions League at Lucas Moripe Stadium tonight at 19h00. Masandawana defied the odds and won the prestigious tournament last year, making them the second South African team to earn the coveted star. Pitso Mosimane says that they have analysed their opposition but they have quite a huge challenge ahead as teams know how strong Sundowns can be. Downs Anthony Laffor says he is happy to have finally scored for his team against SAB League outfit, Mariveni United in the Nedbank Cup last 32 on Monday evening and Thapelo Morena says he is looking forward to contributing to the team as he only came onto the squad after the CAF registration deadline had passed.
Amajita’s hopes of repeating history 20 years later, were dashed yesterday as they narrowly lost 1-0 to hosts Zambia in the U20 African Nations Cup semi-final played at the Heroes National stadium in Lusaka. In 1997, a Benni McCarthy led team, coached by Shakes Mashaba lost 1-0 also to hosts Morocco in the then CAF U21 championship. It was an evenly balanced game that went to extra-time and the Young Chipolopolo benefited from a free-kick that was given away on the edge of the penalty area. Despite the loss, Senong is still proud of his team. For all the teams in this competition, first prize was to qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea in May and all the semi-finalists have achieved that. Playing in front of 60 000 Zambians, Senong’s team showed character by taking this game all the way to extra-time and the Bafana Bafana assistant coach says this is a good preparation phase for the World Cup.
Struggling Bloemfontein Celtic will look to turn the corner when they face ABC Motsepe League side Buya Msuthu in a Nedbank cup last 32 at Moruleng stadium in the North West, kick-off 15:00. Joint Celtic interim coach John Maduka admits that his strikers are firing blanks. Maduka adds that the team failed to acquire a good striker during the January transfer window. Maduka played as a midfielder for Celtic from 2004 to 2009 and made more than 100 appearances, scored six goals in the process. The Malawian admits that it has been a rough season for “Phunya Sele Sele”. Celtic have only scored 12 goals this season still the lowest scoring side in the league with bottom of the log Baroka FC on 13 goals. He says good football with no goals is just not good enough. “Siwelele sa masele” occupy 13th position in the league after acquiring 18 points from 19 games. Around this time last season, they were in the same position. Maduka comments on the club’s current position.
With the FIFA U20 World Cup qualification spot secured, Amajita head coach Thabo Senong has opted to give more players game time against hosts Zambia in today’s African Nations Cup semi-finals at the Heroes National stadium in Lusaka at 6pm. Senong has made three changes to the team that started in the 3-1 win against Sudan on Sunday. Supersport United’s Khanyisa Mayo will be playing in his first game since the beginning of the tournament. They’re facing a Zambian team that has a 100 % winning record in this tournament but Senong the underdog tag will help them. This tournament as it is always the case in junior international competitions is attended by a number of scouts from around the world especially European clubs. Mamelodi Sundowns was one recognizable PSL side that’s also scouting in this tournament. Senong says the potential of being scouted by big clubs is another motivating factor for his boys. The concern for Senong’s team has been conceding too many goals in this tournament. In the three matches they’ve played so far, they have let in six goals but captain Tercious Malepe is emphasizing on minimizing their mistakes.
In what will go down as a big blow to South Africa’s ambitions of being represented in the all powerful FIFA Council, SAFA President Danny Jordaan has surprisingly withdrawn from the race, only 10 days before the CAF Elections in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. In a letter written by CAF yesterday to it’s member associations, it’s listed that Jordaan, Chabur Goc from South Sudan and Kalusha Bwalya from Zambia were all withdrawn from these elections. Jordaan and Goc were contesting the same seat, with one out, it would’ve been an automatic election for one of the candidates. Hours before his withdrawal from this FIFA Council election yesterday, Jordaan had referred to next week’s CAF elections as the most significant in the history of football in Africa. The letter from CAF, read… "Following communications from FIFA yesterday please note that the FIFA governance committee, in conformity with article 27.5 d) of the governance regulation and following the eligibility checks conducted, confirm the eligibility of the following candidates," it said. Jordaan who has always wanted to be part of this powerful FIFA structure is reported to have forwarded his withdrawal in the afternoon yesterday, just hours before FIFA released the integrity checks into the candidates. The CAF elections are coming at a time when most countries on the continent have got a new generation of football leaders and Jordaan says this is going to be key next week. Despite announcing his withdrawal for the FIFA Council elections, Jordaan is still in the running for the CAF Executive Committee elections that will also take place in Ethiopia on the 16th of this month. For the main seat, the incumbent Issa Hayatou who is in his 29th year as CAF President is being challenged by a CAF Executive Committee member Ahmad from Madagascar. It’s been billed as a contest between Anglophone and Francophone countries with the latter belonging to Hayatou’s group. Jordaan says the status quo needs to change.
Djibouti Football Association (DFA) head Souleiman Hassan Waberi appears to have gone against the view of the Council for East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) by pledging his support for Ahmad Ahmad's bid to become President of the Confederation of African Football (Caf). CECAFA gave their backing to incumbent Issa Hayatou at a meeting in Gabon last month but Djibouti has broken ranks with CECAFA and pledged their vote for Ahmad Ahmad during the election due to take place on March 16 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Niger’s Football Federation official and a member of Ahmad Ahmad campaigning team Dennis Idrissa says it’s all systems go. Idrissa says chances for Ahmad Ahmad dethroning Issa Hayatou are real. Idrissa explains. In a twist of event, Ahmad Ahmad says if he does not win the Caf Presidency in Ethiopia in nine days’ time, he would quits football altogether. And the rationale is that he does not want to compromise Madagascar football. Already Madagascar has suffered a set-back from Issa Hayatou. Madagascar was supposed to host the African Under-17 Youth tournament but Hayatou revoked it and took it to Gabon. This happened after Ahmad Ahmad’s challenge to unseat Hayatou. There should be changes in the Africa Cup of Nations spectacle. And to this end, Ahmad Ahmad and his team hope to increase the 16-nations Afcon event to 24 based on consulation with all the stakeholders. This will ensure more nations take part in the Afcon finals, moving forward.
It wasn’t an easy decision to get Phakamani Mahlambi to come to the U20 African Nations Cup tournament in Zambia, both for his club Bidvest Wits and SAFA. But when he scored the opening goal in yesterday’s 3-1 win over Sudan that didn’t only secure a semi-final spot but also qualification to the third FIFA U20 World Cup for South Africa, the young man felt it’s mission accomplished. Early in the morning today, Mahlambi flew back to SA to rejoin his club after having played two matches for Amajita. The 19year-old tells SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli that this experience will help him against record African champions Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League in Egypt later this week…
Back in November last year when Luther Singh joined the Amajita camp for the first time and was going to wear the national colours for the first time ever, he showed this burning desire to represent his country. Four months later, it’s now history what this young lad originally from Noordgesig in Soweto has achieved on the international front and also personally. In December, Singh was the top goal scorer in the COSAFA tournament with five goals and late in January signed for Portuguese giants Sporting Braga. And now in March, he’s currently the leading goal scorer in this AFCON U20 tournament with four goals after three matches played. After helping Amajita to qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup yesterday, Singh told SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli that it’s not mission accomplished yet in this AFCON.
He may be without a win in two matches since taking over the coaching reigns at Orlando Pirates, but Kjell Jonevret says he doesn’t feel pressured by this, and that he’s going to continue working hard to get the side back to winning ways. Kjell has so far only guided Pirates to two consecutive draws: first against Polokwane City (1-1) at Orlando Stadium more than a week ago, and most recently against crosstown rivals Kaizer Chiefs (1-1) at FNB Stadium this past weekend. He says he’s glad the club is aware that it’s going to take some time to turn things around, and that they promised to be patient with him. The Swedish born mentor’s hunt for a maiden victory will continue tomorrow evening when Pirates welcome title contenders SuperSport United, whose emphatic 6 – 1 win against Bucs in November last year, led to the resignation of his predecessor Muhsin Ertugral. He says while Bucs are yet to win a match under his guidance, he’s happy that his boys are showing a lot of improvement. Meanwhile, Jonevret speaks very highly of his assistant coaches Harold Legodi and Benson Mhlongo, whose input he says he values. He says coaching a team is not a one – man show, hence it’s important that they work as a team.
With the new Bafana Bafana coach set to be named next week, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says he does not mind who gets appointed, but that he is been disappointed by statements saying that no local coach is good enough for the job. Mosimane was coach of Bafana from after the 2010 World Cup until mid-2012, and says that he feels a coach like Gavin Hunt has proven his worth, and would be great for the job. Mosimane says he was disappointed by the comments from Lucas Radebe in a daily paper that no local is good enough for the job, especially considering the recent success he has had with Sundowns. Mosimane says that he feels insulted personally by statements like this, and while he says he’s not interested in the job, he believes a coach like Hunt would be able to do the job well. Mosimane says that being Bafana coach is a tough job, especially for a local, and you need to be more than just a tactician. The CAF African coach of the year says fans often don’t give a local coach the same grace period that they do for a foreign coach .
The appointment of the new Bafana Bafana head coach is imminent; this is according to SAFA President Danny Jordaan. Speaking to SABC Sport in Lusaka, Zambia this afternoon, Jordaan says they are busy finalizing with the preferred candidate and the announcement of the new coach is imminent. With the number target Carlos Queiroz out of the race due to buyout clauses demanded by his current employers the Iranian Football Association, two time African Nations Cup (AFCON) winning coach Herve Renard has emerged as the strongest candidate. Jordaan says they’ve made enough progress. With Bafana Bafana set to play Guinea Bissau and Angola in international friendlies on home soil later this month, Jordaan says they’ve already asked caretaker coach to select the squad that will be handed over to the new coach. And it’s not a secret that Jordaan expects players like Phakamani Mahlambi, Luther Singh and Percy Tau to be in that squad. Jordaan was supposed to return to South Africa today from Lusaka after Amajita qualified for the FIFA U20 World Cup yesterday after reaching the AFCON U20 semi-finals beating Sudan 3-1 yesterday. SABC Sport understands that Jordaan is likely to meet Renard in Lusaka this afternoon and he’s asking the public and the media to be patient with the process.
The South African U20 men’s national football team (Amajita) blew away a 2-0 half-time lead as they lost 4-3 to Senegal in an African Nations Cup, Group B game played at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium in Ndola, Zambia last night. A win would’ve seen Amajita qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea but now they would have to wait for the final game against Sudan in Lusaka on Sunday to confirm their place in the semi-finals. After early goals from Liam Jordan and captain Tercious Malepe, Amajita head coach Thabo Senong bemoans the defensive errors but also feels the lesson came at the right time. Senegal now lead Group B with four points from two matches after having played a draw in the opening game against Sudan. In the first 25 minutes in the second, Senegal scored four quick goals and head coach Joseph Koto says they are now gunning for the top spot. As things all the Group B teams stand a chance of making it to the semi-finals depending on Sunday’s results when two games will be played simultaneously. Whilst Cameroon and Senegal will remain in Ndola, South Africa and Sudan will travel to Lusaka and Senong says adaptation to the new area won’t be an issue…
Kaizer Chiefs right-back Ramahlwe “Rama” Mphahlele says Amakhosi will not change their tactical play when they host Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The much-anticipated Soweto derby comes at the right time for Chiefs who have not lost a single game in seven league games, while for Pirates is to get their first win in 2017 having last won last year. Mphahlele says although they (wing-backs) will be going forward, they will not forget to track back to defend. Mphahlele, who will be playing his second Soweto derby, says they don’t chose games and that’s what makes them thrive in each and every game. The former Mamelodi Sundowns defender says they will not give Pirates any ‘special treatment’ and adds that donning the Chiefs jersey requires consistent performance. He says they are physically and mentally prepared for the upcoming clash. Chiefs have not lost a game so far this year (2017) and Mphahlele says they want to maintain that record if they are to win the league. The 26-year-old says he anticipates a very strong tactical game because of the new Pirates coach Kjell Jonevret….
The 161st Soweto Derby that pits archrivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in an Absa Premiership game at FNB stadium on Saturday, comes at a time when Amakhosi are on cruise control whilst the Buccaneers are struggling. Chiefs are on a seven match unbeaten streak, which includes five wins in a row and Pirates have gone 10 matches without a win (five losses and five It’s a baptism of fire for the newly appointed Orlando Pirates head coach Kjell Jonevret who will be in charge of only his second game at the club. Last week, Pirates came back from one-nil down to draw level with Polokwane City. Jonevret looks back at his first week at the clubraws). For stranger, this would be advantage to Chiefs but don’t say that to Amakhosi head coach Steve Komphela who hates favourites tag. It’s a baptism of fire for the newly appointed Orlando Pirates head coach Kjell Jonevret who will be in charge of only his second game at the club. Last week, Pirates came back from one-nil down to draw level with Polokwane City. Jonevret looks back at his first week at the club. Jonevret who becomes the first ever-Swedish coach to be involved in the Soweto derby is no stranger to derbies having coaches big teams in his home country and in Norway. He believes that they are hungrier than Chiefs going to this game.
Supersport United coach Stuart Baxter says he is thinking of renewing his contract with the Tshwane team than to leave them. Baxter has been linked with the Bafana Bafana coaching job, which is expected to be filled in the next few days. The English man has made a five-man short-list alongside his compatriot Roy Hodgson, Morocco coach French man Herve Renard, Belgian Cameroon coach Hugo Broos and Portuguese Carlos Queiroz.
Cape Town City striker Lehlohonolo Majoro says he’s very excited about the potential of some of the talented Amajita players currently representing South Africa at the CAF under-20 Cup of Nations. Majoro, who missed out on playing for the junior national teams, only made his PSL debut for Amazulu a day short of his 25th birthday, after completing his radiology degree at university, and he says that that every player wants to play competitive football when they’re young, and this tournament can only benefit the players competing there. The former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates striker says he was very impressed by Luther Singh, who scored a hat trick in Amajita’s opening 3-1 win over Cameroon, and he says he’s excited to see how he combines with Phakamani Mahlambi, who joined up with the under-20 side on yesterday, after being released by Bidvest Wits for the tournament.
Cape Town City hosts Mamelodi Sundowns at Athlone Stadium on Friday night in a key top-of-the-table Absa Premiership clash. Sundowns moved to within two points of City and league leaders SuperSport United with their midweek goalless draw against Chippa United and could potentially move to the top of table with victory over City. But Eric Tinkler’s men know that a win for them will go a long way in halting the Sundowns juggernaut’s progress. Tinkler says this a key game for his team.
Ajax Cape Town has explained why they have released talented teenage player Grant Margeman to play for the national under-20 side at the CAF Under-20 Cup of Nations, which begins in Zambia on Sunday. Margeman, who has made a big impression for Ajax’s PSL side this season, was on the scoresheet for Ajax this weekend, as they drew 1-1 against Polokwane City, and with the tournament not on FIFA dates, no club was obliged to release players. However Ajax CEO Ari Efstathiou says that they feel Margeman will benefit from the experience of the tournament
Mamelodi Sundowns reserve side have entered the final stretch of their 2016/17 campaign when they clash against their Cape Town City counterparts in a PSL Reserve League fixture at Sinaba Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Brazilians have managed to stay at the top of the reserve league and are only three points away from winning the league. City is looking to conclude their spell on a high and gain maximum points after a 2-0 loss in their last fixture kept them out of the top ten. ‘Downs reserve coach David Notoane says he has been working on the mentality of the boys as he wants them to just focus on the game
Kaizer Chiefs midfield George “Mido” Maluleka says the prospects of Amakhosi winning the league for the first time under coach Steve Komphela feels more possible and achievable. This comes after the Naturena based team won five consecutive league games to occupy the pole position in the Premier Soccer League log standings. Maluleka says senior players and the depth of the team will play a pivotal role in accomplishing that dream.
A planned picketing by the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) at the FIFA Executive Summit in Sandton yesterday had to be rescheduled when the FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited SAFA House on Tuesday. SAFPU’s picketing was to protest the delay in investigating the incident in which Kenyan international winger; Clifton Miheso was allegedly forced to sign a termination letter at gun point by Premier Soccer League club Golden Arrows. The protestors were denied entry into the SAFA building and couldn’t hand their memorandum to Infantino and his delegation. SAFPU Deputy General Secretary Nhlanhla Tshabalala has more on what they want FIFA to do on this
Fresh from confirming their place as the undisputed kings of African club football, Mamelodi Sundowns Saturday learnt their opponents for the first round of the African Champions League next month. Sundowns will take Ugandan side Kampala City Authority football club in the second and third weekends of next month, starting at home. Speaking after leading Sundowns to their sixth trophy since he joined the club in 2012, this time beating TP Mazembe 1-0 to win the CAF Super Cup, head coach Pitso Mosimane proclaimed that the Brazilians are ready to kick-off the defense of their title. The Sundowns technical team could’ve been easily frustrated in the first half as they were not only missing chances but the Mazembe defence was keeping their attackers at bay. At some stage it could like they needed a target man in the mould of Leonardo Castro and Mosimane says they mooted that idea but opted to continue with their trusted tactics. Currently they are fifth on the log with 26 points, five points adrift of log leaders Kaizer Chiefs but also with six games in hand. As they prepare to meet Dikwena tomorrow, who are also fresh from qualifying for the first round of CAF Confederation Cup in Mozambique on Saturday, Mosimane says they have to make use of these games in hand.
TP Mazembe midfield kingpin and newly appointed captain Rainford Kalaba is a player that should’ve been playing in the South African Premier Soccer league (PSL) from more than five years ago when he was linked to Orlando Pirates. But such was the mouth watering offer that he got at the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) giants that he couldn’t move and he’s also previously said the potential move was not well handled. As he prepares to lead the five time African Champions against reigning continental champs Mamelodi Sundowns in a CAF Super Cup game at Loftus stadium in Pretoria tonight, Kalaba knows that destination PSL is still a project for him. Now aged 30, the Zambian international captain told SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli yesterday that when his contract experience next year anything is possible..
Three years ago, Tresor Mputu left five time African champions TP Mazembe for Angola giants Kabuscorp for a deal that was said to be worth R27million a season back then. Mputu who had spent close to a decade at Mazembe was rumored to be earning around R550 000 at Kabuscorp in 2014, playing in Angola’s Girabola league. A winner of two African Champions league titles with Mazembe in 2008 and 2009, the 31year-old is returning home following the lifting of his suspension by FIFA last month after the Angolan club had reported him for breach of contract. Speaking to SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli at Loftus stadium last night, the prodigal son and 2009 CAF African player of the year based on the continent, says Mazembe means everything to him…
Supersport United defender Morgan Gould reminded his teammates that it will not be enough starting well, need a great finish in order to lift the Absa Premiership Title under coach Stuart Baxter this season. United have not lifted the PSL title in almost 10 years last winning in the 2009/10 season but sure look a threat in the race at halfway stage of the league marathon. Gould believes that they need to continue their good run of form, unbeaten in their last 15 league games, to win the title. With Supersport United having recently resigned and signed a number quality defenders in the likes of Gould, Tefu Mashamaite and Grant Kekana, the 33-year-old believes that it is all healthy competition. With youngsters such as 20-year-old Denwin Farmer waiting in the Wings, Gould says he believes United have the conducive environment for the youngster to grow under. This weekend Matsatsantsa A Pitori will turn their attention to the Caf Confederation Cup when they host Madagascar’s Elgeco Plus for their second leg clash following a nil-all score line away. With Caf Confederation football, the Nedbank Cup defense and the league title race on, Gould believes that they are thriving under the pressure as professional footballers should. The Nedbank Cup reigning champions will have will face National First Division side Royan Eagles in the opening round of 32 and Gould believes that is one of the toughest draws they could have got. Coached by former PSL coach Kostadin Papic, Gould concludes that they will have to prepare thoroughly for the clash early next month in Pietermaritzburg.
Bafana Bafana international Anele Ngcongca has spent close to a decade in Europe, mainly playing for Belgian side RC Genk. But last week he made his debut in top flight football when he came on as a sub during the 6-0 drubbing that Mamelodi Sundowns meted out to Orlando Pirates at Loftus stadium, a game that was marred by spectators’ violence. During his time in Europe, Ngcongca also got to play both in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. He tells SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, why this weekend’s CAF Super Cup game against DRC giants TP Mazembe is important to Pitso Mosimane’s team. Ngcongca also touches on Belgian coach Hugo Broos who recently won the AFCON with Cameroon and has applied for Bafana Bafana’s vacant coaching job.
The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) has shortlisted eight coaches from around the globe from the list of 52 applicants for the senior men’s national soccer squad’s head coach post. After a vigorous pre-selection process held this week at the FERWAFA headquarters in Kigali, the eight successful candidates who made the shortlist included shrewd ex-Nigerian Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia. The decorated ex-Nigerian Youth team coach – Siasia - impressed the FERWAFA Authorities with his CV and experience. Siasia possesses a CAF Licence A badge and according to FERWAFA officials he fits into the criteria needed to handle the Rwandese men senior squad. FERWAFA spokesman Bonny Mugabe says Siasia ticks all the boxes in the criteria set out and he stands a realistic chance of securing the job like all the other seven Europeans who made it to the final short list. Mugabe explains. The technical committee of FERWAFA are currently undergoing through the interviews today to come up with the successful candidate to take Rwanda football to another level. After having failed to qualify for the just ended Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon early this year, Rwanda is moving swiftly to identify their next coach. The idea is to start preparations for the Afcon 2019 in Cameroon in earnest. The search for an experienced coach is critical to the objectives identified by FERWAFA leadership. The main target for the next two years is the qualifications for the CHAN 2018 in Kenya and the Afcon 2019 in Cameroon. And to this end, the search for a top notch coach as well as a technical team is the first step.
It is extremely difficult to juggle football career with academic studies. Those sentiments were echoed by the University of Pretoria midfielder Tiago de Serra. The youngster is studying for Higher Certificate in Sports Science at the Tuks institution. He is also an integral part of coach Shaun Bartlett’s team, which is gunning for promotion to the Absa premiership at the end of the season. Sometimes the youngster has to deal with clashes when it comes to classes and training sessions. But he says time management is crucial if you are to succeed on both fronts. De Serra was recruited to be a ball boy for the Tuks varsity football team in 2013, when he was a grade 11 learner at Tuks Sport High School. But he has now established himself in the Tuks starting eleven. The youngster is following in the footsteps of either PSL or National First Division players such as Daine Klate (degree in Financial Accounting), Tsepo Masilela (degree in Business studies), Lehlohonolo Majoro (degree in Radiology) and Tefu Mashamaite (degree in Political Science) amongst others. De Serra says it’s important to have qualifications to fall back on. The central midfielder harbours the ambitions of playing in the elite league, and eventually abroad in the major leagues. But his first priority is to help his team gain promotion to top flight football. But the Tshwane team are currently sitting in fourth position on 25 points, but a staggering 13 points of log leaders Thanda Royal Zulu.
Home advantage plays a critical role in African football and this weekend’s CAF Super Cup game between African Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns and CAF Confederation Cup champions TP Mazembe will be no exception. Champions League winners earn the right to be hosts and in the 24-year history of the CAF Super Cup only on three occasions the CAF Confed champions have won it. Speaking after training this morning, Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane, doesn’t want this edition to be an exception. The head to head between Sundowns and the Democratic Republic of Congo giants TP Mazembe makes for an interesting reading. There have been four meetings between the two sides, each team winning twice apiece and interesting on home soil. The games between the two teams are always tight and Mosimane has got a lot of respect for them. From their Champions League winning squad, the Brazilians are only minus the services of Keagan Dolly who has gone to FC Montpellier in French Ligue 1. Mazembe have lost their three DRC Leopards stars Jonathan Bolingi, Merveille Bope and Christian Luyindama who have moved to Belgian side Standard Liege on loan. Ivorian international has also left the Lubumbashi side for a Swiss club Young Boys. But Mosimane knows that they will still come strong with players like Rainford Kalaba and prodigal son Tresor Mputu. The game will take place at Loftus stadium in Pretoria on Saturday, kicking-off at 7pm. Whilst Sundowns only recorded their maiden star last year, Mazembe are four times African champions. But Mosimane feels that, South Africa, which has only been back in international football for 25years, is doing well at this level.
Cape Town City will be looking to pick up their third win in as many games on Saturday night, when they host Orlando Pirates in an Absa Premiership game at the Cape Town Stadium. Having started the year with wins over Highlands Park and Ajax Cape Town, the Telkom Knockout champions moved back to the top of the PSL table and they know that if they’re too stay in the title challenge, picking up wins at home will be key. Veteran defender Robyn Johannes says those two wins will give them a lot of confidence going into the Pirates game. Another former Pirates at Cape Town City, is Letsie Koapeng, who joined the club at the end of the January transfer window from Stellenbosch FC. The former Bidvest Wits youth player has re-united with coach Eric Tinkler for the third time, and made an immediate impact when he scored on debut against Highlands. Koapeng says that it’s great to feel a part of the team already, and he’s grateful for another opportunity in the PSL
Money will not been an issue for SAFA, as they start their search for the next Bafana Bafana coach today. Those were the words of SAFA President Danny Jordaan this past weekend. Despite the cash strapped football organization being R40m in the red as announced in their annual general meeting in December last year, Jordaan says paying a hefty salary to get the best man for the job should not be an issue. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli has been following this story very closely and he’s compiled this report.
Stellenbosch FC Defender Junaid Sait says Swedish football is more physical and direct than South African football. The 23 year old previously played for Swedish top flight team Falkenbergs FF three years ago in the Premier league, but the team has since been relegated to the second division. The Cape Town-born player used to play under the tutelage of the Swedish, Barcelona and Manchester United legend Henrik Larsson. Sait played for Old Mutual FC, Milano United and Stars of Africa Academy, which is run by football analyst Farouk Khan. He spent a season in the Scandinavian country before he came back home to join National First Division team Stellenbosch FC. The defender still harbours the ambition of playing abroad, but in the bigger leagues. Stellenbosch FC was established last year from Vasco da Gama. They are currently lying sixth on the National First Division with 23 points, but are 15 points off the log leaders and unbeaten Thanda Royal Zulu. Sait is hoping to help his team gain promotion to the ABSA premiership. Cape Town has got two teams in the top-tier league as well as five in the NFD. The City has also produced Bafana Bafana greats such as Bennie McCarthy, Shaun Bartlett and Andre Arendse to mention but a few. Sait says the mother city deserves more teams in the elite league.
With less than five months left in this current Premier Soccer League season, there’s still no clarity on the continuation of the Absa Premiership sponsorship for next season. By now all the other cup competitions associated with the league, namely the MTN 8, Telkom Knockout and Nedbank Cup have renewed their sponsorships. Speaking after the launch of the league’s Premiership goal of the month campaign, Barclays Africa Head of Marketing David Wingfield says negotiations are underway with the PSL. The partnership between the PSL and the league’s sponsor has been there for close to 15 years now and Wingfield says in this period they have grown as a banking company in South Africa, thanks to the most followed sporting code in the country. With the reigning African Champions and local champions Mamelodi Sundowns hosting the CAF Confederation Cup champion TP Mazembe from DRC this weekend in the CAF Super Cup, it’s another moment to leverage for the local league championship on the continental and global stage. It was the same when Sundowns represented Africa in the FIFA Club World Cup in December.
Former Hellenic, and Amazulu stalwart George Dearnaly believes that Orlando Pirates are going through an identity crisis phase and they need to turn the corner soon. This comes after Pirates fans clashed with Mamelodi Sundowns supporters, players, coaches and officials, following the team’s 6-0 demolition at the hands of African Champions Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Stadium this past weekend. The former striker says the clubs have been facing supporters patience with coaches who need to rebrand the playing philosophy.
The experience of having played in Slovakia is going to help Andisiwe “Gudluza” Mgcoyi to settle easily at her new European club. The Banyana Banyana gangling striker has signed a six-month deal with German Bundesliga 2 side FC Saarbrucken. Mgcoyi concluded the new deal last month and she’s expecting to draw from her previous experience in Europe. Currently, Mgcoyi becomes the second Banyana player to move to Europe after Holland based goalkeeper Roxanne Barker. Recently captain Janine Van Wyk joined US club Houston Dash. The number of overseas-based players is increasing at Banyana and, Mgcoyi with 41 international caps and 16 goals believes that this is what the South African women’s senior national team needs to grow internationally.
The Council of Southern African Football Associations (Cosafa) has unanimously endorsed Caf executive member Ahmad Ahmad as a presidential candidate in upcoming Confederation of African Football (Caf) elections. And for the first time since 1988 when Issa Hayatou assumed Caf leadership, his position is being threatened. Ahmad, the current president of Madagascar's FA, had already outlined his intention to challenge long-standing Caf president Hayatou in March's elections in Ethiopia. In an exclusive telephonic interview with the SABC, Cosafa President Phillip Chiyangwa confirmed his organization’s support for Ahmad following a meeting of FA Presidents in the SADC region in Johannesburg on Saturday. He says charity should begin at home and in as far as the slogan goes, it’s Cosafa first from now onwards. Chiyangwa explains. Asked where Cosafa is getting its funding to back their man for the top footballing job in Africa, Chiyangwa said it was not about money but rather an idea, a wish and a commitment to turn the tide. Chiyangwa says football people in Africa are tired of Hayatou’s one-man show and that they need a change. Meanwhile Ahmad Ahmad’s manifesto is already out, outlining his vision forward. He intends to bring about radical transformation to fast-tract the beautiful game to be on par with its counterparts elsewhere in Europe and South America. Ahmad’s vision has been hailed in certain quarters as a giant step in the right direction. According to Chiyangwa, anybody who chooses to go to battle must be prepared and ready for the fight. He draws inspiration from his own election to the Cosafa helm as a guiding principle to Ahmad. The fact that he’s the only bold one to have raised his hand to contest the incumbent augurs well for football in the African continent.
Chippa United coach Daniel “Dance” Malesela reckons that tonight's home match against reigning African and Absa Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane is not going to be a high scoring game, he adds that facing the Brazilians at this time is good for the Chilli Boyz and he also says he does not mind facing a star-studded Sundowns. The 51-year-old former Orlando Pirates captain hopes that the Chilli Boyz’s unbeaten streak in East London will continue when they host the Brazilians. Chilli Boyz are yet to lose an Absa Premiership encounter since they started playing some of their matches in East London last season. The former Orlando Pirates, Sundowns and Manning Rangers defender has admitted that there is a lot of talent in the Eastern Cape but he says he still needs time to go find the right players in the province. Currently, the Chilli Boyz have six Eastern Cape-born players – Buyani Sali, Bongani Kama, Sherwin Bailey, Dillon Goss, Yurigg Conwood and Bulumko Ceki in their books.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) says it has been troubled by the pitch invasion that took place during the league match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versveld Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Discontent among some Pirates fans first became visible after Thapelo Morena completed his brace to make it five for the hosts in the 76th minute, but it was Percy Tau’s 82nd minute goal that sparked the chaos. Furious Pirates fans overpowered stadium security and stormed the field, hurling chairs and bottles at players and the technical team. More chaos ensued when some Sundowns fans poured down from the stands to force their counterparts out of the field. PSL spokesperson Luxolo September says the incident is regrettable. The stadium security with the help of police eventually managed to disperse the pitch invaders, which made it conducive for the medical team to attend to the injured. After calm was restored the match resumed after a forty – minute stoppage, and only the remaining eight minutes were played. The score remained 6 -0. September explains how they arrived at the decision to resume the match. This was Pirates’ second humiliating defeat this season. The Soweto club was hammered 6 – 1 by another Tshwane outfit SuperSport United at Mbombela Stadium in November last year, a loss that saw their then coach Muhsin Ertugral announcing his resignation on live television. Here’s what some fans had to say about the violent incident.
Iran national team coach Carlos Queiroz and Morocco head coach Herve Renard have emerged as favourites for the Bafana Bafana vacant coaching job. This follows a SAFA National executive Committee (NEC) meeting that took place at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg Saturday the 11th of february. Following his return from the African Nations Cup tournament in Gabon, SAFA President Danny Jordaan chaired the meeting where the searching criterion for the new coach was outlined. Contrary to the reports in the past few weeks, Jordaan says they haven’t approached any candidate yet. He also says the new coach should have qualified the team for the World Cup or AFCON. A total of 32 coaches from around the world have applied for this job, which became vacant after SAFA parted ways with Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba two months ago. The next step according to Jordaan is to appoint a search committee this coming week and their duty would be to head hunt a coach that is to be appointed before the end of this month. SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble also took the journalists through an 11-point criteria plan that they would be following as they search for the new coach. It’s a stringent criterion that very few coaches would qualify for. SAFA's main candidates for the job are currently contracted to their respective nations in Africa and Asia and according to Jordaan they would have to free themselves to be available for the job. Also on the agenda on the day was the vacant Banyana Banyana coaching job since Dutch coach Vera Pauw decided not to renew her contract after the Rio Olympics last year. Jordaan says the appointment of a new Banyana coach is also urgent.
Supersport United coach Stuart Baxter has acknowledged that nobody remembers who was on top of the log halfway through the season. The former Kaizer Chiefs coach said this after his team returned to the summit of the ABSA premiership log, after hammering Golden Arrows 5-2 at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville last night. The Tshwane team are on top with 28 points by virtue of goal difference, jointly with Bidvest Wits and Cape Town City. Baxter’s team is now unbeaten in 14 league games. Supersport have been struggling with injuries throughout the season despite being on top. Key player Tefu Mashamaite is still to make his debut for the team since joining at the beginning of the season. Last night they demolished Arrows without key players such as srikers Jeremy Brockie, Bradley Grobler and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Baxter does not feel that his team gets the credit they deserve under the circumstances. With the sacked Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba and the South African Football Association dispute going to arbitration. Speculations about who will fill the plum job are gathering momentum by the day. Baxter’s name has also been bandied about, but he says it is just a rumour.
Derby fever will take over Cape Town Stadium on Saturday night when the second-ever meeting between Ajax Cape Town and Cape Town City happens in a PSL clash. Ajax will be the hosts this time around, and will be seeking revenge after losing out in their previous meeting last year. But it will be third-placed City who will go in favorites after their 3-0 midweek win over Highlands Park kept them in the title race. On the other Ajax were handed a 5-0 thumping by Bidvest Wits and find themselves eleventh on the table. City coach Eric Tinkler agrees that his team will start as favorites for the game given the two teams’ recent form, but says that in derbies like this anything can happen and they’re not going to underestimate Stanley Menzo’s team.
Arguably the biggest sporting brand in the Southern African region, Kaizer Chiefs continues to show its force in the commercial ranks and today that was confirmed when they unveiled Japanese company Toyota SA as their new official vehicle partners. The three-year deal will see Chiefs receiving 20 new cars with the club’s annual player of the year also driving away in a brand new car. Two years ago, Chiefs lost Nissan as a vehicle sponsor as they went on to partner with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Kaizer Chiefs supreme Kaizer Motaung says they’ve finally found the perfect partner in this multi-inational motor company. The biggest revenue for sports organizations, leagues and football teams these days mainly comes from content drivers, like TV rights more than the actual sponsorships. But at a time when more than six teams in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) operate without a main sponsor, Chiefs continues to rake them in. Motaung has more on how they get it right.
Supersport United are back to the summit of the ABSA premiership log after comprehensively beating Golden Arrows 5-2 at the Lucas Moripe stadium at Atteridgeville. Reneilwe “Yeye” Letsholonyane, substitute Thuso Phala, Thabo Mnyamane, Cole Alexander and Morgan Gould were also on the scoresheet for the hosts, plus an own goal by debutant Chiupeko Msowoya. Kudakwashe Mahachi and another substitute Lerato Lamola were on target of the visitors, with all seven goals coming in the second half. Supersport United coach Stuart Baxter started with new signing Mandla Masango. Matsatsantsa are back on top with on goal difference with 28 points, jointly with Bidvest Wits and Cape Town City who both won on Tuesday. Baxter says they changed the way they played in the second half to break stubborn Arrows defence
Kaizer Chiefs Chairperson Kazier Motaung continued to emphasize on the progress they are making in revamping their developmental academy. Currently in the Amajita team preparing for the AFCON U20 in Zambia later this month they have four players, a huge improvement to the Amajimbos that had gone to the FIFA U17 World Cup where they only had one player who was a benchwarmer. Motaung Senior says the project is far from being finished.
Cape Town City have announced the signing of Zimbabwean international goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva. The 20-year-old goalkeeper who played all of the matches for Warriors at the recent CAF Cup of Nations, is regarded as one of the bright prospects of Zimbabwean football, and joins as a free agent after his contract at Dynamos FC expired at the end of 2016. Mukuruva says he set himself a number of goals last year, including playing at Afcon and hopefully gaining of the attention of an Absa Premiership club. So he is delighted to have got this opportunity, because he says it’s a dream of his to play in South Africa. Mukuruva says that seeing other Zimbabweans like George Chigova, Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat excel in the PSL inspired him, and he hopes that if he does well in South Africa, he will get an opportunity in Europe one day. He says he’s learnt a lot from the likes of his former Dynamos team-mate Chigova, and the experienced Washington Arubi, who recently signed for Stellenbosch FC. One goalkeeper that Mukuruva can relate to is Kaizer Chiefs’ number one Itumeleng Khune, who also made his club and international debuts at a similar age. Mukuruva says that Khune was one of his role models when he was young, and he is looking forward to now being able to play against him one day.
Lindo Mfeka, has became the latest South African player to join a top Major League Soccer (MLS) club in the United States after he was drafted into San Jose Earthquakes last month. Mfeka who hails from Durban in Inanda, was picked up on the second round of the draft as he was player no.28 and is already in pre-season training with his new California side and relishing this opportunity. Mfeka joins a long list of top SA players to play in the MLS, following in the footsteps of former Bafana Bafana internationals Doctor Khumalo and Shaun Bartlett who graced this league in it’s initial stages in the mid 90’s. He explains how the MLS draft process works. At college football last year, Mfeka played 14 games, starting in 12 of them with four goals and five assists. In the last four years he’s played over 72 matches for USF, he’s a quality box to box midfielder with an eye for a goal. With the South African Football Association (SAFA) having vowed to monitor all the overseas-based players, Mfeka’s dream of playing for Bafana Bafana could be realized in the few months or years.
Following media speculation in the recent transfer window, Mamelodi Sundowns and Liberian international attacker Anthony Laffor has extended his stay with the Brazilians for the next two years. Laffor’s contract with Sundowns was going to expire at the end of this season but the African Champions have moved swiftly to secure his services until 2019. Having joined from Supersport United in 2012, Laffor who scored crucial goals in the CAF CL last year admits that there were local offers but he chose to remain with Sundowns. For two consecutive seasons, Laffor had been strongly linked to Kaizer Chiefs, even Sundowns last month was not sure whether he had started talking to their rivals. Speaking before his team departed for Bloemfontein where they play Bloem Celtic in the Absa Premiership tomorrow, the 31year-old says he was never in doubt about his future. With a total of four league titles in South Africa and a CAF Champions League gold medal, this contract was important for Laffor who turns 32 next week. The veteran of 31 international caps with the Liberian national team, came to SA in 2006 to join Jomo Cosmos. He’s won almost all the local trophies except the Nedbank Cup and won’t rest until he lifts it.
The long awaited return of the Absa Premiership arrived with a big bang last night as a total of 15 goals were scored in the four matches that took place. Kaizer Chiefs continued where they left off last year, easily brushing aside Free State Stars 3-1 at FNB stadium last night. It was a third win in a row for Amakhosi in the league as Siphiwe Tshabalala opened with a well-taken free-kick in the 17 minute before Bernard Parker scored his third goal in three matches from the penalty spot. Chiefs head coach Steve Komphela says despite the win, his charges could’ve done better. There was a stage earlier this season where Chiefs went on a five game winning streak but was unfortunately followed by an eight game winless run in all competitions. Now on a four game unbeaten run, Komphela whose side is challenging for the league title and currently placed third, with 27 points from 16 matches, is hoping that they can maintain their current performance. Not long ago, the hard to please Amakhosi fans were baying for Komphela’s blood when the team was going through a rough patch but after these three convincing wins it’s all smiles around the Naturena side. But the former Bafana Bafana captain won’t rest on his laurels.
Kaizer Chiefs defender Lorenzo Gordinho and Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Clinton Larsen won the Player and Coach of the months for August and September. The two were presented with their awards at the Premier Soccer League (PSL) offices in Johannesburg this afternoon. Gordinho, who just saw his football career sky-rocketing in the last two years, says he is ready to play for Bafana Bafana and hopes he will be given a chance. The 23-year-old Gordinho is yet to don the senior national team jersey despite putting in a decent performance. He says his growth as player is at the back of game time he has received since his promotion. Gordinho and Erick Mathoho have formed a solid defensive partnership and the Benoni born centre-back says he’s happy that Tower also extended his contract with the club. Gordinho says he hopes that they (him and Mathoho) will continue with their partnership.
Cape Town City’s free scoring player Lebogang Manyama, who has been one of the stand-out players for City, says that Highlands Park are not going to be easy, and games against smaller sides are often more difficult as they have a lot more to fight for. City and Highlands will meet at the Cape Town Stadium. Manyama has been instrumental in the hosts team’s high riding display, but has warned against complacency. The City captain says that they need to come out of the match with a positive result especially with it being a home game. He says at the beginning of the season their first target was safety and getting past the 30 point mark, and they still have to achieve that, and so they will just take it one game at a time after that. Having scored nine goals in all competitions, Manyama has been one of the form players of the league so far, but the former Ajax Cape Town and SuperSport United player says that his only focus is on performing well for the team. The 26-year-old says that he still harbors international ambitions, but his main goal is doing well for City.
Newly signed Supersport United midfielder Mandla Masango is keeping mum about the reasons of being sidelined by his Danish side Randers FC in the first five months of the season. Masango is on loan to United until the end of the season as he searches for game time, having last played for the senior team in the Danish Superliga in June last year. Speaking just before his second training session with United at the Megawatt Park in Sunninghill this morning, Masango didn’t want to share a lot of details about his return. Masango left Kaizer Chiefs in 2015 and it was reported that he had taken a salary cut to join Randers. In his first season, the Bafana Bafana international missed only two matches as he scored six goals in a total of 30 matches. It came as no surprise that the Danish team voted him as the player of the season. He still has a year left on his contract with Randers and is not sure what will happen at the end of this loan. Masango left Kaizer Chiefs in 2015 and it was reported that he had taken a salary cut to join Randers. In his first season, the Bafana Bafana international missed only two matches as he scored six goals in a total of 30 matches. It came as no surprise that the Danish team voted him as the player of the season. He still has a year left on his contract with Randers and is not sure what will happen at the end of this loan.
Supersport United head coach Stuart Baxter has responded for the first time to the rumours linking him to the vacant Bafana Bafana coaching job and says he doesn’t want to feed the speculation. It was reported that Baxter who coached Bafana Bafana between 2004 and 2005 and failed to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, has emerged as a strong candidate to successes Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba. Even his management team went on to solidify this story when they didn’t deny the Briton’s interest in this job. Baxter, a two time league championship winning coach with Kaizer Chiefs tells SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli that a national team coaching job is attractive but the latest link is a speculation.
Baroka FC player Mzwanele Mahashe says his team finds it difficult to play against Chippa United whom they will face in the ABSA premiership clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium on tomorrow the 7th of february 2016, as the PSL resume after a long break due to the Africa cup of Nations in Gabon. Chippa thrashed Baroka 4-1 in the first round in Polokwane. Mahashe is hoping for a win this time. The Polokwane side are finding the going tough in their maiden season in the elite league. They are currently rock bottom in the league with just twelve points after the first round of matches. Mahashe says the team will work hard to turn around their fortunes. The AFCON break was a blessing in disguise for struggling teams like Baroka FC and Highlands Park, who are in the relegation zone. Mahashe says inspired by some of the matches he saw in the tournament.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Steve Komphela has pleaded with the club’s demanding and hard to please fans to give newly signed striker Gustavo Paez time to adapt. Komphela was speaking after Paez was unveiled to the media at the club’s base in Naturena this morning. The former Venezuelan junior international is expected to be available for selection next week when Chiefs play their first game of the year against Free State Stars at FNB stadium on Tuesday. He is clear that Paez is not the answer to Chiefs’ well-documented scoring problems. Paez comes to a club that used six strikers in the first round namely, Bernard Parker (2), Mitchell Kaitsvairo (1), Lewis Macha, Emmanuel Letlotlo, Edward Manqele and Ryan Moon who only scored three goals between themselves. Komphela has more no he will try to shield him away from feeling the pressure. As it is always the case, Chiefs was linked to so many players in this mid-season transfer market but they only settled on one striker which is Paez. They have also welcomed back Togolese striker Camaldine Abraw who missed the first round of the season due to an injury and was re-registered last month. Komphela says he was desperate to solve the situation upfront.
Highlands Park director Sinky Mnisi has announced that there will be more new players that will be coming on board in the second half of the season. Though he did not reveal names, he only hinted the players are from Nigeria, Namibia, Spain and Democratic Republic of Congo. Mnisi says preparations for the upcoming Absa Premiership program went well in their camp in Cape Town, where they had lined up a series of friendlies during the international break. Mnisi says this league is quite interesting because there are fewer points differences between the teams and any team may move from its position anytime, which is why they want to beef up their defense. He added that the second round of the season is crucial because they have to work twice as hard to avoid relegation
Highlands Park together with VW Hatfield has come up with a great community project of giving schools football and netball kits as part of giving back to the public in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni. Three local schools were picked namely Winnie Mandela Secondary, Zitikeni Secondary and Thuto ke Matla Secondary. Highlands’ director Sinky Minisi says the team started this initiative as a way of appreciating the people of Tembisa. Mnisi says they are planning to take the project to schools on the east rand in conjunction with Ekurhuleni municipality. Mnisi also appealed to the municipality and government to land a hand in the project especially with upgrading the stadium
SuperSport United have signed Mandla Masango on loan from Danish outfit Randers FC for the remainder of the 2016/2017 season. Former Kaizer Chiefs winger won the league and two cup titles during his spell at Naturena. The Kwaggafontein born player also represented South Africa at the U-17, u-20 and u-23 levels. Masango is the sixth player to reunite with English mentor Stuart Baxter from Chiefs, since taking the helm last season. The right footed midfielder only made two appearances for Randers last year. Matsatsantsa communication director David Skosana expresses delight at Masango signing. With Brockie out on injury and Masango coming in, the Tshwane side will be hoping not to be negatively affected by these changes. Skosana reassures that Matsatsantsa are fully prepared to kick-start their league and continental aspirations. Togolese national Dove Wome has been loaned out to Soweto giants Orlando Pirates till the end of the season. The 2014 Telkom player of the tournament made seven league appearances last year, but failed to impress Baxter in the first half of the season. Skosana says he hopes the 25-year-old will be more effective at the Buccaneers.
Ajax Cape Town’s reserve team and under-19s coach Vladislav Heric says he is very proud that so many of the club’s players have been recognized and called up to the national under-20 training camp currently underway. Amajita are preparing for the U20 African Cup of Nations which will will take place in Zambia in February and Heric says that he and first team coach Stanley Menzo have a strong relationship with national coach Thabo Senong and they try to accommodate national team games as much as possible. Goalkeeper Darren Johnson, and defenders Sergio Kammies, Shane Saralina and Achmat Ceres were all originally called up to the pre-tournament camp, and Heric says that midfielder Luke Vester has also since joined them at the camp in Gauteng. Heric says that that means that eight players from his squad this season have already been recognized at national level.
Telkom Knockout champions Cape Town City have announced the signings of two players, both snapped up from neighbouring National First Division (NFD) sides. Former Orlando Pirates, Chippa United and Bidvest Wits striker Letsie Koapeng has joined City from Stellenbosch FC, while midfielder Siyabonga ‘Chicco’ Dubula joins from FC Cape Town. Koapeng, who scored four times for Stellenbosch in 12 appearances this season, says he is very grateful to everyone involved in making this deal possible and he’s looking forward to. Koapeng says it’s a great privilege to join the Cape Town side and the 26-year-old hopes that he can make a contribution to help build them even further. City are currently third in the PSL, and surprised the odds when they went on to win the Telkom Knockout just a few months after coming into being.
The curtain came down on the mid-season transfer window in South Africa yesterday and one of the clubs that was active on the last day was Platinum Stars who are aiming to pull away from the relegation zone. Stars who have signed experienced players in Abia Nale, Gerald Phiri Jnr, Willem Mwedihanga and got their former player Ennocent Mkhabela on loan from Kaizer Chiefs, are also preparing for the CAF Confederations Cup that gets underway next weekend. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli spoke to Stars’ football manager Senzo Mazingiza about the transformation of Dikwena in 2017.
The problem with the poorly performing South African national teams can also be directed at the toothless or weak technical committee. That’s the view of football legend and former Bafana Bafana coach Jomo Sono as he was assessing the latest situation around the search for the next Bafana coach. The SAFA technical committee led by Nastasia Tsichlas met last week to deliberate on the process to appoint Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba’s successor but it is believed that they have no clear candidate yet. But SABC Sport understands that the SAFA hierarchy is targeting Supersport United coach who’s camp has assured his availability for the job. Sono said that without a strong technical committee, nothing will be solved at SAFA.
Ghana’s medical team are sweating over the fitness of their key striker Asamoah Gyan ahead of Thursday’s semi-final clash against four-time Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) champions Cameroon. Gyan, who scored Ghana’s lone goal against Mali in the second tie during the group phase, limped off the pitch against Egypt in Port Gentil after aggravating his groin injury. He was expected to make a comeback against DR Congo but failed. The all-time Ghanaian leading scorer’s absence will be felt and Ghanaian correspondent Henry Asante who is currently with the squad in Gabon said Gyan has been flown from Port Gentil to Libreville for adequate medical observation.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns player Keegan Dolly has thanked the club for the life-changing opportunities given to him as they helped him secure his dream of playing in Europe. The 24-year-old winger recently signed for French Ligue 1 team Montpellier on a four-and-a-half-year deal, making him the first South African to join the European side. Dolly says thank you to Sundowns’ president Patrice Motsepe, the entire management and technical staff for believing in him and giving him a chance to grow. The Bafana Bafana international further thanked his teammates and coach Pitso Mosimane for the experience he received. Dolly says moving to France is his dream come true but he will remain a Masandawana at heart and promises to fly the South African flag high.
Ajax Cape Town have continued to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window, having signed Zambian forward Aubrey Funga. Funga is the second Zambian to join Ajax during this window, with the Urban Warriors having also signed midfielder Roderick Kabwe, who like Funga, played for Zambian champions Zanaco in 2016. Funga says he is excited for this opportunity, and playing outside of Zambia for the first time.
Baroka FC striker Helder Pelembe says he is finding his feet at the Limpopo side adding that he is grateful that the club considered him. Pelembe joined the Premier Soccer League rookies in December 2016 on a free transfer after his release from Orlando Pirates six months earlier. Pelembe admits he’s taking on a big challenge playing a side struggling in their debut top flight campaign. Before signing for the Ga -Mphahlele based side Pelembe had been club less for six months and he admits this had an impact on his national team selection chances. The Mozambique international concedes that he is relieved he has a club and can fight to represent his country again. Pelembe adds that he and fellow country man and namesake Elias Pelembe of Bidvest Wits, understand they have to play consistently well if they are going to be good ambassadors for future Mozambican players who may want to play in South Africa.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Wayne Sandilands believes he still has a purpose in the team and has vouched his commitment to the club moving forward. The 33-year-old showstopper, who joined the Chloorkop-based side in 2009, has had a quiet first half of the season as he watched his fellow counterpart Dennis Onyango exceed to great heights as the CAF African Player of the Year Based in Africa. Despite being on the side lines, Sandilands has still managed to contribute to the team’s success with appearances in CAF group stages as well as filing in for Onyango in the second leg of Champions League Final to give an outstanding performance before lifting the trophy. Sandilands says he is thankful to God and praises Him for all his talents.
SuperSport United goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has expressed eagerness to get back on the pitch, after sustaining a shoulder injury last year. The 25 year-old has had nine league appearances for Matsatsantsa in the first-half of the 2016/2017 season, and conceded five goals in the 14 games played so far. The Tshwane side has only lost one league match in the current campaign, though pleased with how his season started, Williams adds that not conceding a lot is a source of motivation to keep playing well in order to stay in contention for the league.
Amazulu head coach Joel Antipas has ruled himself out of the Zimbabwe national team coaching job, which is soon to be vacant. This follows the reported resignation of the Warriors head coach Calisto Pasuwa after his team was eliminated from the African Nations Cup tournament in Gabon on Monday. Antipas, a former Chicken Inn coach says he is not available for this job. Zimbabwe drew their opening game against Algeria, and then lost the next two matches against Senegal and Tunisia. It was their third appearance at the AFCON and their first since 2010. Given the strength of their opponents, Antipas says it was always going to be a tall order for their team. Offensively they were offering a lot but it’s their defensive approach that was found wanting and Antipas says the lack of experience in the team was noticeable. Questions were asked here in South Africa when Absa Premiership leading goal scorer Tendai Ndoro didn’t get enough game time in this tournament. Coming on as a substitute against Tunisia in the last game, the Orlando Pirates striker netted the second goal in the 4-2 loss. But Antipas who won the 2015 Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League with Chicken Inn, defends Pasuwa’s tactics. For the next AFCON in Cameroon 2019, Zimbabwe have been drawn in Group G for the qualifiers against the on form Democratic Republic of Congo, their neighbours Congo-Brazzaville and Liberia. There’s no time to relax for ZIFA especially with these reports of Pasuwa resigning from his position. Meanwhile Antipas is promising the fans to see a much improved Usuthu side in the National First Division second round as they continue to push for promotion. He has more on the players they have added in this current transfer window including Caps United captain Stephen Makutuka...
Ayanda Masiko, who was released by Chippa United last week, is sad that he had to leave the Chilli Boyz. The 28-year-old Masiko is now training on his own back home in Ngqamakhwe in the Eastern Cape. The LLB graduate has revealed that he was not surprised when he was released by the Chilli Boyz as he was not getting any game time at the team since the arrival of two others goalkeepers – Zama Dlamini and and Veli Mothwa. Despite being released by the Port Elizabeth-based side, Masiko says he enjoyed being part of the Chilli Boyz family.
Ghana national team head coach Avram Grant has given a strong indication that he will rest his key players for their last Group E match against Egypt at Stade de Port Gentil in Gabon on Wednesday. The Black Stars ensured their qualification for the AFCON 2017 quarterfinals when they beat Mali 1-0 on Saturday to move to six points in Group D. To top their group, Ghana should avoid a loss against the Pharaohs and Grant is already looking ahead to the last eight. The quarterfinal is going to be very difficult for Ghana who are attempting to win their first AFCON title and fifth overall in 35years, they could possibly come up against Morocco, Democratic Republic of Congo or defending champions Ivory Coast depending on the results of Group C final matches tomorrow. Grant wants to continue with the winning mentality but is not happy with the Port Gentil Pitch. A lot has been said about the condition of the AFCON pitches in Gabon and on Saturday, Group D teams were forced to have warm-up matches behind closed doors. Black Stars veteran right-back Harrison Afful was diplomatic in his response when asked about the AFCON pitches.
With the resumption of the Premier Soccer League now less than two weeks away, Cape Town City have been working hard for the past few weeks as they hope to build on their promising start to the season. The Telkom Knockout winners ended 2016 in third position in the league, and their veteran goalkeeper Shuaib Walters says they’ve got their work cut out for them. He says others clubs will be strengthening and there will now be a target on their head in the the second rough. During the festive period. Walters enjoyed a football vacation of sorts, as he spent some time in the United Kingdom, attending a whole host of English Premier League games.While Walters says there will be pressure on City now, he has faith that the likes of Aubrey Ngoma and Lebogang Manyama will still thrive under the spotlight, as they’re intelligent and talented players who thrive on the pressure. While Walters says there will be pressure on City now, he has faith that the likes of Aubrey Ngoma and Lebogang Manyama will still thrive under the spotlight, as they’re intelligent and talented players who thrive on the pressure.
SuperSport United midfielder Michael Morton says he wants to take his performance to another level and help the Tshwane based outfit in the last half of the current campaign. The 27 year-old has made 10 league appearances in the 14 games played in 2016. However, the right-footed player is yet to register a goal to his name. He says his team’s top league status makes them cautiously more competitive to retain their top position on the log. The defensive-midfielder says that the AFCON break will allow injured players to recover fully, adding lack of competitive game time may affect their tempo. Having played 491 minutes of game time for Matsatsantsa this season, Morton reflects on the first half of the campaign, expressing how pleased he is with his team’s performance.
Cameroon have emerged as overwhelming favourites to qualify from Group A after recording their first win in the African Nations Cup in Gabon last night beating tournament debutantes Guinea Bissau 2-1 in Libreville last night. The Indomitable Lions recovered from one-nil down to win this game as it looked like the fairytale was about to continue for the Djurtus (The Wild Dogs). Cameroon now lead Group A with four points and head coach Hugo Broos felt that his team deserved this victory on the balance of play. In the opening game against Burkina Faso, which Cameroon drew, 1-all, they were without their star player and chief attacker Vincent Aboubakar of Besiktas due to suspension. Wednesday Aboubakar started the game but the attack started the Indomitable Lions only posed danger after he was substituted. Broos has more on the difference between the two halves. The win comes at a good time for Cameroon just when there’s all this talk about Liverpool defender Joel Matip who refused to hour an AFCON call-up and now FIFA rules are blocking him for preventing him for his club. Broos who hails from Belgium is also happy about the harmony within his team. Guinea Bissau had scored a last minute equalizer in the opening game when they drew with the hosts---Gabon on Saturday and Piqueti’s opening goal yesterday has all the marks of being the goal of the tournament so far. Coach Baciro Cande denies that his team’s defensive strategy in the second half was their downfall.
Like many South African (SA) football – loving people former Orlando Pirates midfielder John ‘Dunga’ Moeti would have loved to see Bafana Bafana competing in the 2017 Africa Cup of nations in Gabon. Bafana would be one of the contenders for the continent’s most prestigious silverware, if it wasn’t for their disappointing performance in the tournament’s qualifiers, which saw them finishing third in group M with seven points from five games last year. Moeti says the national team has no excuse for not competing in the 31st edition of the tournament, adding that Bafana’s troubles can be traced back to 1996 after their maiden AFCON victory. Bafana Bafana featured in the previous edition of the tournament in 2015 in Equatorial Guinea but was booted out in the group stages after finishing at the bottom of group C without tasting a single victory after three games. Moeti, who was part of Bafana Bafana’s victorious class of 96, says while sacked coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba can’t be absolved from the team’s failure to qualify for the tournament, the South African Football Association (SAFA) must also take some of the blame. The 49 years – old retired player, who earned 29 caps between 1995 and 1999, attributes Bafana Bafana’s troubles to the decline of football in the country, and strongly believes that former players can help turn the situation around if given a chance. He says it’s worrying that the role played by former players in football in this country is limited to coaching. Meanwhile, Moeti is backing Senegal to win the 2017 AFCON. He says while he regards teams such as the defending champions Ivory Coast, Ghana and Egypt as serious contenders for the title, he doesn’t think they stand a better chance than the Lions of Teranga.
With Ajax Cape Town’s training back in full swing for over a week now, their coach Stanley Menzo says that in his case he’s quite happy to have an extended time with his team. With the PSL in hiatus while the Africa Cup of Nations takes place, Menzo says while the gap is long, he doesn’t mind as he didn’t have a pre-season with Ajax, having only taken over the coaching reigns at the end of October. The Dutch coach says that he welcomes the January transfer window, but only if they bring in players who can add something to the team. He says it also allows players who may not be getting game time at the club an opportunity to go out on loan or move elsewhere.The former Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper says he’s happy with his signings so far, having brought in Rheece Evans on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns and Zambian international midfielder Roderick Kabwe. Menzo says that Evans will add bring in options at right back, where he had resorted to using Erwin Isaacs most recently, and they may still be looking at more attacking options. Menzo confirms that former Ajax winger Sameehg Doutie, who just won the Indian Super League with Atletico De Kolkata, is still on trial at the club, as is another Zambian in striker Aubrey Funga, but they’re still assessing them. The 53-year-old also explains why the club released the foreign pair of Jucie Lupeta and Ali Hassan Abondo. Menzo says that both players left the club on amicable terms, but he feels that it was in their best interests to go to clubs where they will play more regularly. Having won five of their last six games to move up to ninth position in the table, Menzo admits that there will be pressure on the team to continue their form when play resumes, but he says pressure can sometimes the bring the best out of someone.
Rheece Evans is excited about his prospects at Ajax Cape Town, having moved to Cape Town on an 18 month loan deal from Mamelodi Sundowns. The versatile right back, who almost joined the Urban Warriors two seasons ago, says that he is already feeling at home at Ikamva and is already settling in well at the club and with all the players. Having struggled for game time at Chloorkop after joining Sundowns from Maritzburg United, Evans says his main ambition now is to prove that he deserves to make the Ajax team, but he is expecting no favours. He says he’s ready to work hard and prove his worth to the side, but knows he has strong competition with the likes of Erwin Isaacs and Abel Mabaso also part of the squad. With the likes of Mabaso and Lebohang Mokoena at the club, Evans says having former team-mates from Sundowns has certainly made the transition a little easier, but he says that he knows a lot of the other guys too and he feels the move has been very smooth. With the loan deal being 18 months the 26-year old says it does make it feel like the move isn’t short term, but he says he won’t be complacent either and is hoping to make an immediate impact. One game Evans is looking forward to is the upcoming derby against Cape Town City. Evans says that quite a few former team-mates are at City, but he’s really looking forward to play against Bhongolwethu Jayiya, who he played with at Maritzburg.
The last time Uganda appeared in the African Nations Cup tournament they lost to Ghana in the final and ironically 39 years later they will open the tournament against the Black Stars again. The were beautiful and emotional scenes when the Ugandan Cranes qualified for the AFCON 2017 tournament last year and this evening’s (6pm) game at the newly built Stade de Port Gentil will be equally colourful. The head coach of the East African country, Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic can’t wait for this historic moment. In the last three matches played in the last three years between the two teams, the Cranes are unbeaten against the Black Stars with a win and two draws. And this is a record from competitive matches but Sredojevic says today’s game is not about sentiments but his team adapting to a tournament situation. The have been concerns about the fitness levels of the Cranes’ key player Denis Onyango as the Mamelodi Sundowns and newly crowned CAF player of the year based in Africa got a knock during a 3-0 loss to Ivory Coast last week. But speaking in Gabon yesterday, Sredojevic allays any fears, saying Onyango is ready for the game. The Serbian born coach has done very well to put Uganda back on the international football map again. The Cranes have also started very well in the third and final round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers where they are currently second with four points, two points behind Egypt. Ahead of this Group B clash, Sredojevic shares his vision of putting this East African country in the top 10 on the continent.Sredojevic who took Orlando Pirates to the semi-finals of the African Champions League in 2006 before losing to CS Sfaxien is now entering his fourth in charge of the Cranes. The 47year-old former striker is equally of his record since taking over this Ugandan team.
Featuring in his seventh African Cup of Nations tournament, Ghanaian national team captain Asamoah Gyan is the not only the most experienced player in this Black Stars squad but also the most feared. When Ghana takes on their hoodoo team Uganda in the opening Group D game in Port Gentil tonight (6pm), Gyan will equal the number of tournaments played by the great Abedi Pele who played in six AFCONS. Gyan believes that their strength this year lies in the continuity of their squad from the last AFCON. Gyan has lost two AFCON finals with the Black Stars in 2010 against Egypt and 2015 to Ivory Coast, as they prepare to meet the Ugandan Cranes who have a better record against them in the last four matches, the 31year-old striker is banking on their experience in this tourney to carry them through.This is Grant’s second AFCON tournament with Ghana having finished as runners-up in Equatorial Guinea losing to Ivory Coast in the final two years ago. Gyan sees the Israeli born coach as more of a teacher and a motivator. The last three meetings between Ghana and Uganda have ended in two draws and a win for the Cranes with the most recent game being a one-all draw during a World Cup qualifier in Tamale three months ago. There will also be a strong South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) representation in this game with four players in contention for a starting berth. Grant has got a picture of what to expect from Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic’s side who are playing in their first AFCON in 39 years.
Former Supersport United great Thabo September says professional footballers must look after themselves to ensure longevity in the game. The 34 year old retired from football last season after 11 years in the elite league. Many young players promising careers were cut short due to ill discipline and lack of commitment in the paid ranks. Jabu Mahlangu, Mbulelo Mabizela, Junior Khanye, Thabiso “Skapie” Malatsi and recently Masibusane Zongo are some of the players who failed to reach their full potential for not taking their careers seriously. September was one of those players who never featured in the front pages of the tabloids, but always graced the back pages for footballing exploits. The former Bush Bucks stalwart says players must attract publicity for the right reasons. September is still part of the team after he was offered an ambassadorial role which he is relishing. His main tasks is to do Public Relations, brand and hold events for the club, while he is being trained in other administration areas, with a view to groom him in a managerial position.
Bidvest Wits reserve will travel to Rustenburg in the North West, to take on their Platinum Stars counterparts in the PSL Reserve League match on Sunday. Wits are sixth on the log with 16 points, whereas Stars are 13th with only 7 points. Wits reserve’s assistant coach, Caesar Maphalla says that his charges are ready to take back the reigns. Maphalla says that they will not be underestimating teams this year and will be doing their best to collect points. Wits defender Markuc Lecki says that they are eager for the fresh start this year.
Mamelodi Sundowns have expressed well wishes to their colleagues and teams in the 31st edition of 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. The prestigious tournament, to be held in Gabon over a four-week period, will see 16 teams compete in the biennial international men's football championship where the winning team will qualify for 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia. ‘Downs Communications Coordinator Thulani Thuswa says it is important for everyone to represent their country and they are proud to have two of their players being called up to contribute to their country’s success. Thuswa says that Zimbabwe and Uganda stand a good chance of making it far in Africa’s major football tournament. Thuswa adds the tournament gives the continent’s teams a chance to carefully spot talent to strengthen their respective sides at home.
Bidvest Wits defender Siboniso Gaxa who signed with the club late in November after a dramatic exit at Kaizer Chiefs talks about what it is that makes him feel at home with “The Clever Boys” and also what he hopes to achieve with the club this season. Gaxa says that it was easy to settle in and bond with his fellow team mates because they are all brought together by their love for the beautiful game. Gaxa debuted for “The Students” exactly a day after signing with them and says that even though they lost that game against Supersport United, he believes it was a test to see what he was at the club for. The former Chiefs defender says that he wants to be part of the change that is happening at Wits and also wants his name to be listed with his fellow team mates when they take the league this season.
SuperSport United assistant coach Kaitano Tembo says it is vital for his side to maintain their top position in the Absa Premiership league heading into the last half of the current campaign. The Tshwane based side only lost one league match in 2016 and have the most number of goals scored in the league banging in 21 goals. Matsatsantsa are currently enjoying their best football in the 2016/2017 season, and will be looking to solidify their dominance as the league resumes next month. With their continental aspirations set to kick-off next month, Tembo highlights that it will not be a walk in the park, adding that preparations have been going smoothly. The Christmas break has awarded the Tshwane outfit plenty of time for injured players, in particular defender Tefu Mashamaite time to recuperate. Mashamaite had a knee injury shortly after his arrival last year and is yet to make his debut. Tembo optimistically reveals that the 31-year-old has made huge improvement and might make his first appearance soon.
Keagan Dolly’s hopes of landing an overseas deal received a major boost today when French Ligue 1 giants Montpellier submitted a new offer, valued at 1.7million euros. It’s an offer that meets the buyout clause that Mamelodi Sundowns is requesting and indications are that the club is strongly considering it. SABC Sport understands that Greek giants Olympiacos who had their one million euros offer turned down, are likely to come back and better Montpellier’s latest offer. Sundowns’ buyout clause is standing at 1.5million pounds and they want it paid in a lump sum. Meanwhile we can also reveal that the Dolly camp is appealing the PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) outcome, which ruled in favour of Sundowns on the buyout clause issue. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli had an exclusive interview with Dolly’s father Ramon who also works as a Client Liaison for the intermediaries who represent the Bafana Bafana international, Siyavuma Sports.
Cape Town City have announced they have extended the contracts of two of their star players this season, captain Lebogang Manyama and winger Aubrey Ngoma. The two players have been key to the success of City this year, and were integral members of the side that won the Telkom Knockout trophy. The deals for both Manyama and Ngoma are long-term, and will run until the 2020/2021 season. Manyama says he really appreciates the support from the club and the fans, and it’s an honor to be given the contract extension by the club. The former Ajax Cape Town and SuperSport United player says it was an easy decision to make as he feels very loved and at home at the club, and he’s looking forward to future successes at the club.
Kaizer Chiefs’ acrobatic goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune says he is still thankful to his mentor Brian Baloyi who helped him break into Amakhosi’s first team back in 2004. When Baloyi left Chiefs for Mamelodi Sundowns in that year (2004), Khune was thrown into the deep end just at the age of 17 when he was promoted from the development side. Although he had to wait three years before making his debut, Khune never looked back and went on to make a name for himself as he is currently regarded as South Africa’s number one goalie. Khune says he is happy that the media did not put too much comparison between him and Baloyi. The 29-year-old rose to fame when he saved three penalties against Sundowns when Chiefs clinched the 2007 Telkom Knockout challenge. Baloyi was the Sundowns keeper at the time and Khune saved Esrom Nyandoro, Peter Ndlovu and Patrick Apataki’s spot kicks. Baloyi is currently Chiefs’ development coach following his return in 2015. In August this year, Khune will be celebrating a decade in the Amakhosi’s first team while Siphiwe “Shabba” Tshabalala celebrated his yesterday .
Former Bafana Bafana international Shaun Bartlett says it is difficult to predict who will win the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations which kicks off in Gabon on Saturday. Bartlett won Afcon with the national team in 1996 when it was hosted in South Africa, and also featured at the 1998 world cup where he scored two goals. The University of Pretoria coach Bartlett believes that Ivory Coast, who are the defending Afcon champions will be the favourites to win it again alongside other West African giants. Zimbabwe have qualified for AFCON for the first time since 2006, to make their third appearance in Africa’s prestigious competition. They also featured in 2004 and 2006, but unfortunately were knocked out in the first round. The Zimbabwean “Warriors” are the only team from Southern Africa who will take part in the competition. Bartlett believes that they might surprise few teams, but lack of experience will count against them.
ABC Motsepe League outfit TS Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi bemoans the corruption that has plagued the league in Mpumalanga Province. Sukazi says his team is being unfairly targeted by match officials, whom he alleges are on the payroll of unscrupulous club bosses. At the center of these corruption and bribery allegations is Acornbush United FC, who it’s alleged bribe match officials to influence the outcomes of their matches and those between other teams in the league. Sukazi says due to corruption the log standings of the amateur league, doesn’t provide a true reflection of the teams’ performances since the start of the season. Acornbush top the league’s log standings with 38 points after 14 games while Galaxy are on the second spot with 31 points from 15 games. The Bushbuckridge club has so far been awarded 14 penalties this season, which equals the number of matches they’ve played. In their first six matches this season the side managed to net a staggering 27 goals. Sukazi who is also popularly known as a football agent, doesn’t understand why these unusual statistics have not prompted the South African Football Association (SAFA) to establish an investigation. It’s not the first time that Galaxy levels allegations of corruption and bribery against Accornbush. Last season a fight broke out, which saw match officials who were in charge of the match being escorted off the field by police, after Acornbush defeated Galaxy 2 – 1 at Vaalbank Stadium. Galaxy attributed their loss to bribery of match officials. The chief executive officer of football management firm Quality Sports says SAFA is not willing to root out corruption in the league despite being repeatedly asked to do so. Attempts to get comment from SAFA regarding these allegations were unsuccessful.
On form Bloemfontein Celtic striker Tshegofatso Mabasa will be hoping to add on his goal tally in the PSL Reserve League derby encounter against Free State Stars at the Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton on Sunday. This weekend will see six matches played at the Ekurhuleni venue. Mabasa has scored six goals so far this season and he is two goals behind top goal scorer Lerato Mosopa of Highlands Park. The 20-year-old Bloemfontein Grey College product says his thankful for the goals. Mabasa broke into the PSL in 2015/2016 season under the guidance of the then Celtic head coach Clinton Larsen. The center-forward has also played for the national Under/23 in an international friendly against Palestine. This has been a quite season for the striker in the PSL. Mabasa admits that he still has a lot to learn in football. Celtic are unbeaten in their last five games. Of the nine matches played, Celtic have only lost one, drew two and won six. Mabasa says a sense of close knit family in the team is what keeps them performing well.
Mamelodi Sundowns president Patrice Motsepe believes South Africa has what it takes to compete on a global platform, stating that can only be possible with the tutoring and mentorship of young talent in the country. With a number of youth players breaking into various teams in the Premier League, it is no surprise that The Brazilians are following suit with the advancement of players like Percy Tau, Keegan Dolly and Thapelo Morena earning call-ups to the national team and a spot in Pitso Mosimane’s starting eleven. Motsepe says it is crucial for developmental structures to take place in a young footballer’s dream as it differentiates how far they can go in their career. Motsepe says it takes time in football to get results and reach the goals set, however the only way to attain those achievements is to be patient. The mining magnate says one of their key strategies is to produce more talented players through their youth academy.
Despite Bafana Bafana’s absence from the African Nations Cup tournament that kicks-off in Gabon this weekend, the South African Premier Soccer League will be well represented in this tournament. The PSL has got the third most representation amongst the African leagues with 12 players coming from PSL clubs. Leading is the Tunisian Ligue with 18 players followed by the Egyptian Premier League with 14 players and it both countries have qualified for this AFCON tourney. The Zimbabwean Warriors are the only COSAFA team in this AFCON and have got eight PSL based players in their squad. Golden Arrows attacker Kudakwashe Mahachi is looking forward to their tough Group B alongside Algeria, Tunisia and Senegal. Zimbabwe who are appearing in their third AFCON tournament and their first in 10 years, possesses a very strong attacking team with about eight strikers in their final squad. Amongst them are quality striker like Belgian based and former Kaizer Chiefs goal poacher, Knowledge Musona, Orlando Pirates and Absa Premiership’s leading goal scorer Tendai Ndoro, Bidvest Wits’ Cuthbert Malajila and also Mamelodi Sundowns classy attacker Khama Billiat. Maritzburg United’s Evans Rusike forms part of this attack and he recalls that he was still at school the last time they qualified for Egypt 2006. Zimbabwe played their last warm-up match yesterday against Cameroon where they drew 1-all with Ndoro scoring first for the Warriors early in the game. Looking forward to their opening game against Algeria in Franceville on Sunday, Rusike is relishing this opportunity of being in the same group with the newly crowned African Footballer of the year Riyad Mahrez and Liverpool’s Sadio Mane who had also been nominated for this award. All eyes in this tournament would be on the team that is making it’s first return to the AFCON in 39years, the Ugandan Cranes. They’ve been drawn in Group D against Ghana and Egypt the same teams they’ve also been pitted against in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. The fourth team is Mali and captain Geoffrey Massa, whop plays for Baroka FC in the PSL is looking forward to this tough group. Uganda last qualified for an AFCON in 1978 where they lost to Ghana in the final, they finished second in their qualification group tied on 13 points with Burkina Faso and qualified as one of the second best placed teams. Massa says his group of players are now used to this level and fear no one. Massa says the target for the Cranes is to at least reach the semi-finals and it’s a feat that’s achievable for a team that has already collected four points from it’s first two matches in the World Cup qualifiers. Serbian born coach Milutin “Micho” Sredejovic deserves all the credit for turning around the Ugandan Cranes and Massa feels that more players could earn overseas contracts after this AFCON.
New Maritzburg United coach Roger de Sa says his openness and understanding with chairman Farook Kadodia was the key reason for him joining the “Team of Choice” ed after he was unveiled as new coach today. The 52-year-old signed a 30-month contract with United and replaces Ernst Middendorp after he quit the club in November. The club has been coping well in the interim under caretaker coaches Fadlu and Mahier Davids, but there was no secret of their desire to bring the new man to Pietermaritzburg. De Sa admitted it was one of his favoured destinations, although he conceded that a huge challenge lay ahead. De Sa has also been constantly linked with the Bafana Bafana head coach post, even prior to Shakes Mashaba’s sacking last month. But he insisted that he had never even heard from the South African Football Association (Safa) in the past few months and was always planning a break after leaving Ikamva. Kadodia echoed similar sentiments, saying the desire for the club was to ultimately end in the top eight. He felt that the way they had progressed along this season meant all signs were there to meet their ambitions, although he stopped short of speaking of mandates on coach De Sa.
As the South African Football Association (SAFA) technical committee is expected to meet this week and pave the way forward for the process to be followed in the appointment of a new Bafana Bafana, one of the leading candidates Pitso Mosimane is making it known that he’s not interested in the job. Mamelodi Sundowns boss Patrice Motsepe revealed yesterday that he wouldn’t stand in Mosimane’s way if he was offered the job by SAFA but there’s a huge but. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli is following this story and has compiled this report.
Mamelodi Sundowns signed a five-year deal with Keagan Dolly in July 2014 but was loaned back to Ajax Cape Town the same month. He only joined Sundowns the following year and it’s when the problem started as the Brazilians administrators claim that they made a mistake on his contract with the buyout clause. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli spoke to Sundowns’ Legal and Commercial Manager Yogesh Singh and he has more on this ‘mistake’ the club did on Dolly’s contract after they won the DRC case.
Orlando Pirates legend Jerry ‘Legs of Thunder’ Sikhosana says his former club must appoint a new coach if they are to turn their fortunes around in the second round of the 2016/17 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season. Bucs finished the first round of the season under the guidance of interim coach Augusto Palacios, following Muhsin Ertugral’s sudden resignation in November last year. It was hoped that the Peruvian – born coach will help improve the Soweto club’s performance, but that wasn’t the case as they continued to struggle with consistency. Sikhosana says with the league currently on a long break due to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, Bucs have enough time to appoint a new coach. While the former Bafana Bafana marksman attributes Pirates’ dismal performance to the constant changing of coaches, he is also of the view that players must shoulder part of the blame for the club’s poor run of form. He says even if Pirates get a good coach they’ll still produce poor results if players do not commit themselves, adding that Bucs players need to change their attitude. When announcing Palacios’ appointment the club said the 65 years – old coach will only be in charge until December last year, giving indication that they want to start the second round of the season under the guidance of a new mentor. The issue remains a source of speculation though as the club is yet to announce a permanent appointment, more than two months since Ertugral’s departure. Sikhosana says the fact that teams such as Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are not doing well this season shows just how competitive the PSL has become.
Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Nhlanhla Kubheka reckons that Amakhosi needs to bolster their squad with exceptional players if they are to change their fortune. The official summer window period opened Tuesday and will close at the end of the month to allow teams to spend and improve their performance before the end of the season. Amakhosi started the first half of the 2016/17 season on a torrid note but the 37-year-old reckons the Naturena based team can still challenge for the championship. He also urged Amakhosi players to exceed themselves in every game they play because coaches can only teach players with tactical aspects of the game. Chiefs’ mentor Steve Komphela and his players have been under a mammoth pressure and constant criticism last year from the fans following the inconsistency in bringing positive results. However, Kubheka says it’s good that Chiefs supporters are showing their anger and calls on the players to show character and start delivering using the pressure as a form of motivation. He says the situation Chiefs found themselves under will pass in the up-coming second half of the campaign. Kubheka, who also attended the Ball Time tournament in Vaalbank stadium, in Mpumalanga, also stressed the importance of unearthing young rural talent. He says it’s vital that former football players travel around the country’s rural areas to seek talent in a bid to help the South African Football Association (SAFA) with their 2020 Vision.
A resurgent Ajax Cape Town will play their last PSL game of 2016 tomorrow night, when they host Chippa United at the Cape Town Stadium. Both teams go into the match having won their last outings this past weekend, with Ajax having beaten Bloemfontein Celtic 3-0 away, while Chippa beat Highlands Park 2-0 in Mdantsane. Ajax coach Stanley Menzo says it will be nice to finish off the year in front of their home fans, and hopefully they will give them a good Christmas present….d of the long break until the PSL resumes in February. Menzo says they need to keep picking up points, and if they can pick up the three points tomorrow, it will be a good way to end the halfway mark of the season. Ajax are currently 11th on the PSL table and while they are steadily moving up the table, Menzo says they mustn’t be thinking about where they will end up just yet, but just keep their focus and try and move out of the zone they’re currently in
Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Clinton Larsen does not believe the current Kaizer Chiefs team is amongst the weakest he has come up against in recent years ahead of their Absa Premiership match showdown at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban tomorrow night. Amakhosi have endured a poor 2016/17 season so far, winning just five out of 14 games so far. Their latest victory, which was a narrow 3-2 triumph over Polokwane City at the weekend, snapped a nine-match winless run, although pressure remains on the Soweto giants. Larsen says the only thing weak at Chiefs at the moment was their fragile confidence. Despite their recent woes, Steve Komphela’s men remain fourth on the Absa Premiership table and in firm contention for the title. Amakhosi are four points behind leaders Cape Town City, although Bidvest Wits, who are a point off the top, have two games in hand. Arrows too are in the mix as they trail Wednesday’s opponents by a point from sixth position. Although Larsen holds Chiefs in high esteem, he is quietly confident in their own chances ahead of the Moses Mabhida Stadium showdown. Both clubs will also be desperate to end the year strongly. The league breaks for more than six weeks after this week due to the Christmas and New Year holidays, followed by an extended gap in the calendar due to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. Larsen says that a winning finish, which will push them right into the title mix at the halfway stage, is all they are focussed on. While the mood has improved at Naturena following their victory over Rise and Shine, the mood in the Arrows camp is an equally optimistic one, despite their own struggles of late. Abafana Bes’thende are without a win in their last five games, although three of the last four have been drawn, including their weekend trip to Baroka. Larsen says he is happy with the progress his troops have made. Larsen confirmed that he was unlikely to risk first-choice goalkeeper Maxamilian Mbaeva after his recent concussion, even though he is back in training. That means Nkosingphile Gumede was again set to deputise. Another player that will only return in the new year is Lehlohonolo Nonyane, who has a groin problem. Cliffton Miheso is suspended after he was red carded against Baroka.
It was Phakamani Mahlambi’s first game at the highest level since that career threatening injury against University of Pretoria in an Absa Premiership game on the 19th of February earlier this year. Mahlambi came back to a Wits team that had failed to win it’s last four matches and netted a brace during a 3-1 win over Free State Stars at Bidvest stadium this past weekend. After he had sustained this injury, doctors confirmed that the teenager had torn his anterior collateral ligament (ACL). Wits head coach Gavin Hunt was short of words to describe Mahlambi’s great return. Mahlambi’s brother Mthobisi, had to donate his hamstring, which was used to fix Phakamani’s knee ligament. After the man of the match performance, the School of Excellence product handed the award to his elder brother. In Mahlambi and Englishman James Keene, Hunt had two key players and most importantly chief attackers of his team sidelined for a longer period. Keene is also expected next month and Hunt says this is possibly the combination that could lead Wits to their maiden league title. Wits play Maritzburg United in their last game of the year tomorrow and they are currently a point behind the log leaders Cape Town City (25) with two games in hand. Speaking after their first win against Free State Stars in three years, Hunt is anticipating a tougher league title race this season.
Orlando Pirates legend Jerry Sikhosana is of the view that there’s no better way to unearth, develop and expose talented youngsters, than having more amateur tournaments in the country. Sikhosana was speaking at the inaugural Ball Time football tournament, which took place at Vaalbank Stadium in Libangeni, Mpumalanga Saturday. The eight - team under-23 tournament was won by Sesifikile FC after an emphatic 5 – 1 victory over No Fear FC. Sikhosana says he felt at home in Libangeni as he used to play in the area during his time at Mpumalanga Black Aces. As part of affording players from the area an opportunity to showcase their talent, some of the players from the teams who participated in the tournament will form part of a 20 – man Ball Time squad that will play friendly matches against PSL Reserve League teams during the off – season break. Sikhosana says he was impressed by the quality of football that was on display at the tournament.
In two days time, African Champions League defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns will find out their possible opponents in the first round of the top continental club tournament next year. The draw for the CAF Inter-Club tournaments, that is the Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup will be done in Cairo, Egypt in Cairo on Wednesday. Sundowns along with the other teams that have qualified and were in the group stages last year will have a bye to the first round. Mosimane expects a very tough CAF campaign this year. After becoming the first Southern African team to play in the FIFA Club World Cup that was just concluded yesterday in Japan, Mosimane says now his team has to understand that the international stage is where they should be playing. To return there, they have to defend their Champions League title and this is a challenge he’s throwing to his players. Due to the expansion and the lucrative increase of the prize money next year, the Champions League is going to be a tightly contested tournament. From four groups to eight and the introduction of the quarterfinals, there would be more football too. This calls for Sundowns to beef up their squad next month and you can expect some exciting signings especially with so many players whose contracts are expiring at the end of the season. Mosimane says they now know the type of players they’ve got and those that are needed.
SuperSport United coach Stuart Baxter says that he is relatively happy with how things are going this season. SuperSport are currently second on the PSL table, three points behind leaders Cape Town City, but have a game in hand against the team they drew 1-1 with on Friday night. Baxter says that he has to be happy considering how his squad has struggled with injuries, and the fact that almost all of their past 10 games have been on the road. With the transfer window opening in just over two weeks, Baxter says they will be monitoring a few players, but he says that SuperSport have a very limited budget so he doesn’t expect to make any major signings.The former Kaizer Chiefs coach says that it is true that Mandla Masango is currently training with the club, but Baxter says that Masango is just keeping fit at the club. While Baxter admits that he would love to bring his former Chiefs player to SuperSport, he says that Masango is still contracted to Randers FC in Denmark, and as things stand is out of his price range. Baxter says that this season’s title race is going to be a lot more open than when he won the league twice with Chiefs. He says that a lot more teams are now involved in the battle, and he expects a long tough fight for league honors, so just wants his SuperSport to keep fighting and still be in contention when they reach the final stages.
Despite failing to defend their COSAFA Cup U20 title, the South African men’s U20 national team head coach Thabo Senong says they’ve managed to achieve their objective of preparing for next year’s U20 African Nations Cup tournament. Senong was speaking after his side’s 2-1 loss to Zambia who won their record 11th COSAFA title at the Moruleng stadium in North West on Friday. Senong says this was a successful tournament on and off the field. To finish in the top four in Zambia in March next year and qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea (May 2017)---Amajita would have to be at their best. They’ve been drawn in Group B against Sudan, Senegal and Cameroon and Senong says friendly matches against countries from West Africa should be enough to prepare them thoroughly.
Veteran Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala says that it’s high time Chiefs players also shoulder some responsibility for the team’s poor performance. Amakhosi coach Steve Komphela has been under a lot of pressure for Chiefs’ below-par performance that has seen many fans calling for Komphela’s head. Tshabalala says he’s adamant they can change the situation and argues that the team has been in a far worse situation than the current one when Amakhosi parted ways with Serbian coach Vladimir Vermezovic in 2012. The team went on to lose four games under interim coaches Doctor Khumalo and Donald “Ace” Khuse including the Nedbank Cup quarter final game against Free State Stars in Polokwane. Tshabalala attributes the poor form to inconsistency but vows that players will work hard for Komphela. The 32-year-old former Bafana Bafana captain says all is not lost despite losing two major trophies (MTN8 and Telkom Knockout) of the 2016/17 season.
Kaizer Chiefs and Bloemfontein Celtic played to a 0-0 draw in their PSL match at the FNB stadium last night, extending Chiefs’ winless streak to eight games in all competitions and it marks exactly two months since Amakhosi tasted victory when they beat Ajax Cape Town 2-0 at Durban’s Moses Mabhida stadium on October 15, and coach Steve Komphela says he does not think that this game should have ended in a stalemate. Komphela says it was a tense game, and despite all the last results, they will continue to fight for positive results before festive break and he is depressed by this phase as string of poor results and his charges’ inconsistent performance drags on. Last night, the Soweto giant coach was forced to make another substitution five minutes before the interval when George Lebese was stretched out and replaced by Joseph Molangoane.
The Mamelodi Sundowns technical team and players are in unison, the results of this FIFA Club World Cup, particularly the 4-1 hammering today in Osaka, Japan ----at the hands of South Korea and Asian champions Jeonbuk Hyundai, exactly where South African club football stands globally. Sundowns who were the first Southern African team to participate in this tournament after being crowned as African Champions two months ago, finished sixth in this Club World. Head coach Pitso Mosimane had warned that the South Koreans were going to be stronger than their opening game and it became worse than that. In the opening game (a quarterfinal) Sundowns had wasted several goal-scoring chances in the first-half and succumbed to J-League champions Kashima Antlers 2-0 who gave a spirited second half performance. After seeing his side trailing 3-0 at half-time, Sibusiso Vilakazi was brought in at half-time and helped to bring his club back into the game as they found a consolation goal through Percy Tau. The Bafana international is no stranger to international football and says the lessons learnt here will benefit everyone back home. Sundowns, who are also the South African champions, won the league twice in the last four years and managed to be runners-up in the same period, have dominated local football. And it’s understandable why Mosimane would say, this also reflects on the standard of club football back home in relation to the world. Last year’s African champions TP Mazembe were blown away another J-League champion Sanfrecce Hiroshima 3-0 in the opening game and lost the fifth place play-off 2-1 to Club America of Mexico. It’s been four years since an African team last reached the last four in this tournament, Uganda international goalkeeper Denis Onyango hasn’t been at his best in this tournament and has more on what led to their failure to win here.
Cape Town City will look to bounce back from their disappointing midweek PSL defeat to Platinum Stars when they take on SuperSport United at the Cape Town Stadium on Friday the 16th of December. The newly-crowned Telkom Knockout champions were brought back down to earth in the defeat against Dikwena, and they know they will have to be at their best again when they take on the team who they beat in last weekend’s cup final again. A victory for SuperSport would see them move to the top of the PSL table at City’s expense, and City coach Eric Tinkler says he knows that Stuart Baxter’s side will be out for revenge after losing in the final. The former Orlando Pirates coach, who won his first ever silverware as head coach with the Telkom Knockout win, says that he’s going to have to think about what changes he will make to the team for Friday’s game. Defender Joseph Adjei will definitely miss the game after being sent off against Dikwena, and Tinkler says that means a return to the team for Robyn Johannes who he rested for Tuesday’s game. Tinkler also rested Thamsanqa Mkhize, and he says that in all likelihood he will also return to the side. However, Tinkler says he doubts Lehlohonolo Majoro, who has missed the last three games due to a quad muscle injury, will return. Tinkler says Majoro is going through treatment at the moment, but they will assess him before the game. Tinkler also ruled out the possibility of their latest signing Luvoyo Nomandela playing just yet. Tinkler says that Nomandela has not played a lot of football over the past few seasons, and they are still working on getting him into the right condition.
Fresh from winning the Telkom Knockout Cup over the weekend, Cape Town City have continued to show their ambitions, by announcing the signing of attacking midfielder Luvoyo Nomandela. The former Free State Stars and Mamelodi Sundowns player, who also had loan spells at Moroka Swallows and Jomo Cosmos, has been training at the club for the past two weeks, and put pen to paper this week at John Comitis’ club as he looks to revive his career. Nomandela was released by Sundowns at the end of last season, and before training with City, also briefly trained with neighbors Ajax Cape Town. Nomandela says it’s a great honour to sign for City and he’s excited about his future at the club. He says he’s grateful to everyone from the chairman to the coaches and the players, who have made him feel welcome and he’s looking forward to helping them make more history.
Former PSL champions Santos, who are currently 15th in the NFD, will be looking for a new coach after Zeca Marques handed in his resignation yesterday. The former Moroka Swallows and Black Leopards coach had been in charge since the start of the 2015/2016 season, but Marques decided after their defeat to Amazulu at the weekend, that he would step down. A disappointed Marques says that sometimes football can be a cruel game, and while he believes they weren’t playing badly, they were struggling to score goals, and results just weren’t going their way. He says that after seeing his team continuously fail to take their chances, game after game that something needed to change. Marques say he was starting to fall out of love with the game that is so close to his heart. He says that in most sports if you dominate a game, you end up on the winning side, but football can be a cruel game. Having last won a match in September, Marques says that coaches can only do so much, and players also need to take responsibility. He says that unfortunately his strikers were unable to score when it matters, and while goalkeepers and defenders’ mistakes are pointed out easily, strikers’ missed chances are sometimes overlooked too easily. Marques says that being a coach is no easy task, and they take ever result personally. He says some players can brush off a bad result and just move on, but a coach has to take responsibility for every game. Marques will be heading back home to Gauteng, but he says that while things didn’t work out on the pitch, Cape Town remains his favourite city in South Africa, and it was the city that made his stay at Santos more tolerable
Year 2016 has been a glorious year for Mamelodi Sundowns, not only they’ve won their seventh Absa Premiership title, they’ve went on to only be the second South African team after Orlando Pirates to win the African Champions League title. They also became the first Southern African team to play in the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan where they unfortunately failed to reach the semi-finals. This has placed the club, four players and head coach Pitso Mosimane inline for the CAF awards nominations. SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli spoke to Mosimane about his nomination after their 2-0 loss to Kashima Antlers in the quarterfinal yesterday and he has more on his future as well. The CAF awards ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria at the beginning of next month is most likely to be dominated by the Brazilians. CAF yesterday released the final list of nominations that saw Sundowns being nominated for the team of the year and Mosimane as the coach of the year. This coincides with the nomination for the African footballer of the year award where four Sundowns players are nominated.
The first goal that Mamelodi Sundowns goal conceded in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal 2-0 loss to Japanese champions Kashima Antlers yesterday can only be directed as a howler by first choice goalkeeper Dennis Onyango. From there they struggled to come back in the game and will now have to settle for a fifth place play-off game against South Korean and Asian champions Jeonbuk Hyundai on Wednesday. The Ugandan international felt the disappointment of this loss. Onyango who next month will be leading the Ugandan Cranes to their first African Nations Cup tournament in Gabon, admitted that he could’ve dealt better with the opening goal but laments the bounce of the ball. Percy Tau has been on some sublime form coming to this tournament for the Brazilians, deadly both I scoring and providing the crucial assists. He came close to continuing on that form yesterday but had shots saved on target by the Antlers goalkeeper Hitoshi Sogahata. The 22year-old felt as players they could’ve done better especially defensively. You know things are not going well for Sundowns when they substitute Khama Billiat and that’s the decision Pitso Mosimane took 11 minutes from full-time as he brought on Sibusiso Vilakazi in search of an equalizer. The Zimbabwean international who is also nominated for the African Football player of the year for players based in Africa---admits that they became overconfident in the second-half.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela has conceded that he is desperately looking for a win against Bloemfontein Celtic at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening. Last season, Chiefs beat Celtic 1-nil away from home while the second round game ended in a goalless draw. Komphela, who is extremely under pressure, says it has been difficult for him and his players to deal with mounting pressure and criticism. He says he is always energetic when he reports to duty and hopes to win the remaining three games before the festive break. Amakhosi have not won a game at FNB Stadium since September after beating Maritzburg United 2-0 in a league match. Komphela urged Chiefs’ supporters to rally behind the team despite the difficult times as he continues to take advantage of home games. Komphela, who is frantically looking for a win, says he knows that a loss or a draw is not good enough at Naturena.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ 2-0 loss to J-League champions Kashima Antlers at the Suita City football stadium in Osaka, Japan yesterday, marked four years in a row since African champions managed to reach the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals. TP Mazembe were the last African club to achieve that feat in 2012 when they lost 3-0 to Italian giants TP Mazembe in the final. Failure to convert their chances in the first half, saw Sundowns losing to the hosts and will now have to settle for the fifth play-off match against South Korean and Asian champions Jeonbuk Hyundai on Wednesday afternoon at 16:30 (09:30 SA TIME). In this wide ranging interview with Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane, SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli broke down the analysis of the game and touches on some key elements on and of the field.
Cape Town City head coach Eric Tinkler admits that when the side was formed five months ago he did not expect them to win cups. Tinkler was speaking after his side won the Telkom Knockout Cup against SuperSport United at the Peter Mokaba stadium on Saturday night. City was launched at the end of June this year after owners bought the now status of Mpumalanga Black Aces. Tinkler says after keeping the majority of the Aces players, there were no expectations from the side adding that his main focus was on the league. The Cape side scored 12 goals in the cup and they are also leading the Absa premiership log with 24 points after 12 games. Tinkler’s charges are also joint second top scoring side in the league thus far with Mamelodi Sundowns on 17 goals after SuperSport who have 18. Ther former Bafana Bafana international admits that scoring is their strongest point adding that opponents are scared of that. The former Orlando Pirates mentor says the cup victory doesn’t change City’s season objectives at all. He maintains that they are looking for 30 points and if they can achieve that sooner they may look at aiming higher. City’s remaining games of 2016 is the home ties against Platinum Stars and Super Sport respectively then away at Free State Stars.
Supersport United coach Stuart Baxter is backing Mamelodi Sundowns to beat Japanese team Kashima Antlers in the FIFA club world cup quarterfinal clash in Osaka, Japan on Sunday. Antlers beat New Zealand’s Auckland City 2-1 in a playoff match yesterday. Baxter has a great insight on Japanese football having coached in the J1 league before. He managed Sanfrecce Hiroshima between 1992 and 1994 before coaching Vissel Kobe in the first spell from 1995 to 1997. He then returned at Kobe for the second spell in 2006.
SuperSport United defender Morgan Gould says that winning the 2016 Telkom Knockout will be a huge lift for the Tshwane based outfit, as his side gears-up for the cup final at the new Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane against rookies Cape Town City on Saturday night. The 33-year-old is currently enjoying game time under coach Stuart Baxter, making 13 appearances for Matsatsantsa, including cup competitions and the league this season. The right-footed centre-back, adds that the team’s focus is on the final and also gives indication of how vital their preparations are. Gould, who was voted 2010 player of the year, stresses that reuniting with former Amakhosi mentor (Baxter) was a coincident, with regards to their current superb cup and league form. Gould reveals the reasons behind the fine performance, and points that they still have a lot challenges ahead of them despite doing so well. Gould expresses caution against their opponents and points-out individuals to look-out for on the day.
Mamelodi Sundowns right back Siyanda Zwane says playing in the FIFA club world cup is a dream come true for him and his teammates. Sundowns are in Osaka to prepare for their clash against Japanese team Kashima Antlers on Sunday. Antlers dispatched City 2-1 in the playoff match earlier today. The Brazilians became the first Southern Africa team to qualify for the prestigious club world cup. Zwane, the former Golden Arrows player joined the African champions two years ago and has won multiple trophies ever since including the CAF champions league. The 31-year old has been out of the team due to injuries. He says it’s great to play for a star-studded team with so much depth for him to improve his game. Zwane is competing for a place in the right back position with the likes of Thapelo Morena and Asavela Mbekile. Morena has been getting the nod of late with superb preformances. Bafana Bafana international Anele Ngcongca, who has been injured since he was signed in the off season, is also waiting in the wings. Zwane says he will fight for a regular spot in the team.
Baroka FC midfielder Sipho Moeti believes the side is playing well but cannot find the back of the net. The premier soccer league rookies find themselves in 12th position on the log with 11 points from 12 encounters. The side was tipped to do well in the elite league after gaining automatic promotion from the National First Division in May. Moeti is not sure how they can overcome the challenge however adds Baroka need to win their remaining games in 2016. After the cup weekend, Bakgaga are away at struggling Free State Stars, then they welcome inform Golden Arrows before facing defending league and African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in their final game of 2016. The skilful midfielder admits these are tough encounters and adds that winning them would be good for Bakgaga’s confidence when the league action resumes next year. Moeti, who has been with Moroka Swallows admits he doesn’t want what happened to the Dube Birds to happen to the Ga Mphahlele side. The 24 year old has received criticism by some people for his skills even got a booking from match officials during a game for that. Moeti says he is not worried about what other people think of his game adding that as long as his bosses approve he is happy to show off his skills. The player emphasised that Bakgaga need to survive their maiden topflight season saying a lot is riding on that.
Maritzburg United chairman Farook Kadodia has revealed that former Orlando Pirates., Bidvest Wits and Ajax Cape Town coach Roger de Sa is top of their coaching wish list as they seek a replacement for Ernst Middendorp. The German coach resigned from his position at the end of last month leaving assistant coach Fadlu Davids in temporary charge. Kadodia had insisted at the time that the Team of Choice were in no hurry to appoint a replacement, but he conceded that they now are looking at CVs, with De Sa’s amongst the front runners for the post. With just over a fortnight remaining before the mid-season break, United face a hectic schedule of three matches in eight days. Kadodia believes that with games coming so thick and fast it would be difficult to get anyone new in right away. He also felt there was no point rushing, unless someone of De Sa’s calibre was interested. The former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper is currently unemployed after leaving Ajax Cape Town earlier this season following a wretched start to the campaign that left them without a win from their first nine games. Reports in recent days have also linked Julio Leal to the vacant post. The Brazilian is unattached after leaving Polokwane City last week. Leal has vast experience in South Africa having previously coached Moroka Swallows and AmaZulu. But Kadodia conceded they were unlikely to recruit a foreigner. With all the talk of the new coach, questions are automatically raised about the future of caretaker boss Davids. Kadodia had confirmed at the time of Middendorp’s departure that the former striker would remain what he termed as “acting coach” for as long as required. The United chairman suggested that Davids has been earmarked as a long-term coaching option at the Harry Gwala Stadium. David is now the fifth man to take charge of the Team of Choice during a volatile 18 month period. Steve Komphela was at the helm in May 2015, but left for his current role at Kaizer Chief the same winter. His replacement Mandla Ncikazi did not work out and was subsequently axed, while the short-term experiment of former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker failed to pay dividends, prompting the appointment of Middendorp at the start of this year. Kadodia believes finding the perfect coach is an extremely difficult challenge. During this period when United have chopped and changed coaches, the club has gone through one of the most difficult periods in its history last year. They just about avoided relegation in one of the greatest escapes of the PSL era when they survived in the final 10 minutes of the 2015/16 season. This season has gone far better. They are presently ninth on 14 points from 12 matches, although Kadodia believes there is plenty of room for improvement.
Supersport United coach Stuart Baxter is anticipating a tough match against Cape Town City in the Telkom knockout final at the Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane on Saturday the 10th of December (kickoff 6pm). Matsatsantsa are heading into the match on the back of positive results, having knocked out big teams Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates on their way to the final. The Tshwane team is also going through a purple patch on a 14 match unbeaten streak. They are facing a team which has been a surprise package of the season topping the ABSA premiership log. Speaking at the media open day this morning ahead of the final, Baxter says he is wary of the in-form City.City are coached by Eric Tinkler, who was in charge of Pirates last season. Tinkler guided Pirates to the Nedbank cup final against Supersport last season, but unfortunately the Buccaneers lost 3-2. The Cape Town team registered a morale-boosting 3-2 victory over Bidvest Wits last Friday. Baxter says Tinkler has a bright future and also spoke about the City versus Wits match. City have been one of the free scoring teams in the league, having scored 17 goals and conceding 12 goals. John Comitis team has also scored 10 goals and conceded four goals in the Telkom cup. Tinkler has gone on record criticizing his leaky defence but Baxter is expecting an organized opponents defensively on Saturday. The former Kaizer Chiefs coach has won all the trophies in South Africa with Kaizer Chiefs and his current employers except for the Telkom cup. The English man is looking forward to a clean sweep of local trophies against City. Key strikers Jeremy Brockie and Bradley Grobler are doubtful starters for the crucial encounter due to injuries. The New Zealander, Brockie has been out since the semifinal match against Pirates. Baxter is hoping that they will both be available for the big game.
The countdown continues for Cape Town City as they prepare to take on SuperSport United in their first ever domestic cup competition final, when they compete for the Telkom Knockout Cup at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday the 10th of December. In less than six months since John Comitis began the PSL franchise, City have the opportunity to pick up their first-ever silverware if they can defeat the 2014 champions. 2014 was also SuperSport’s only ever previous appearance in a Telkom Knockout final, though they were twice losing finalists when it was known as the Coca-Cola Cup. With City also topping the PSL table, and Supersport right behind them in second spot, it looks to be an intriguing match up between two form teams in the country and City coach Eric Tinker says he’s expecting a tough match, and believes that Stuart Baxter’s side begin the game as favorites, but it’s a great opportunity for his side to make some history. The former Orlando Pirates coach says it’s been very easy to motivate his side for this game. He says the players know the importance of the game, and are raring to go. While City have been scoring a lot of goals recently, they have also been conceding, but Tinkler says they’ve been working on eradicating those problems. He says he knows that SuperSport can be dangerous at set pieces and in the air, so they need to be at their best. Tinkler also confirms that Lehlohonolo Majoro has still not recovered from the injury that saw him leave the field against Kaizer Chiefs just over a week ago. Tinkler says Majoro, and Latvian defender Renars Rode are the only two players who will miss out on the final through injury.City go into the final unbeaten in their last nine games, and Tinkler says that momentum gives them a lot of confidence heading into the game. The only complaint Tinkler really has going into the game against SuperSport is that he would’ve preferred the venue for the final to be a little more neutral. He says that the trip to Polokwane is not easy, especially for any traveling fans, and they’re also having to play two more games, against Platinum Stars, and SuperSport again, within the next week.
The word is clear from the South African national U20 team camp, they are not going to give up their COSAFA U20 title without a fight. This follows their 8-0 humiliation of Lesotho in the opening Group A game of the regional tournament played at the Moruleng stadium in North West on the 7th of december. A brace from Swedish based striker Luther Singh and goals from Itumeleng Shopane, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Sifundo Sibiya, Menzi Ndwandwe, Sibongakonke Mbatha and Achmat Ceres made all the difference for the hosts. Amajita head coach Thabo Senong was not surprised with his side’s clinical finishing in the final third.
The 2016 COSAFA Under-20 Championships tournament will be staged in the North West province from tomorrow December 7th – 16.th “Amajita” are the defending champions having won this tournament three years ago in Lesotho under the guardian of the embattled Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba. Thabo Senong’s charges will kick-start the tournament with a match against neighbours Lesotho at Moruleng stadium tomorrow evening. “Amajita” captain Tercious Malepe is adamant that his team will defend their title. Malepe was part of the Bafana Bafana team that won the COSAFA Castle Cup in June. The 19 year old Orlando Pirates defender says that his aim is to emulate Ajax Cape Town’s Rivaldo Coetzee. The Ajax defender, Coetzee, was promoted to the national senior team after winning the COSAFA U-20 tournament in Lesotho, breaking Aaron Mokoena’s record of being the youngest player to represent Bafana Bafana in the processSince arriving at Pirates from Moroka Swallows, Malepe has not touched the ball in an official match for the “Buccaneers” despite making it to the match day squad twice. The central defender says that he is unhappy with the status quo.
Free State Stars believes that Mamelodi Sundowns will surprise a lot of teams at the FIFA club world cup in Japan. The Brazilians arrived safely in Hong Kong this morning, before jetting off to Osaka later today to begin their preparations for the tournament. The African champions will meet the playoff winner between Japan’s Kashima Antlers or New Zealand’s Auckland City who play on Wednesday, in the quarterfinal on Sunday in Osaka. Solinas reflected on Democratic Republic of Congo’s TP Mazembe’s heroics six years ago, when they reached the final only to lose 3 NIL to Italian giants Inter Milan in the final. Solinas’ team Stars is going through a bad patch in the ABSA premiership. They are lying second from the bottom above rookies Highlands Park with only one victory, eight points in twelve matches. The Free State team has lost high profile players such as Lucky Mohomi to Sundowns in the off season, and replaced then will mostly young and inexperienced players from the lower divisions. The Frenchman says they need to venture into the market in January to sign five quality players if they are to survive in the league. Left back Thato Thlone has been one of the shining lights in a struggling team so far this season. He gave a good account of himself against Sundowns over the weekend despite the heavy defeat. The 25 year old has made eleven appearances in the league and three Telkom knockout appearances. Solinas spoke very highly of the player. Ea Lla Koto were also dealt a major blow, when long serving captain and inspirational player Paulus Masehe suffered an injury in the team’s Telkom knockout win over Kaizer Chiefs three weeks ago. The 33-year old has been ruled out until next year. Solinas says it is not easy to replace a player of his calibre.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane believes that his team will defend the Absa Premiership title this season despite the hectic schedule. The Brazilians have departed to Japan for the FIFA club world cup. They will kick off their campaign against either Auckland City from New Zealand or Japanese team Kashima Antlers on Sunday the 11th of December. The PSL champions have been playing catch up matches due to their successful CAF champions league campaign, and will fall even more behind due to the world cup. Mosimane, however acknowledges that it will be tough. Sundowns demolished Free State Stars 4-1 at home in a league match over the weekend. It was a morale boosting victory ahead of the world cup, which will feature champions from xix confederations including European powerhouses Real Madrid from Spain and South American heavyweights Atletico Nacional from Colombia. The young sensation Percy Tau was once again instrumental in the victory with a brace. Mosimane says his players must prove themselves in a big stage. Leonardo Castro returned to the starting lineup since he came back from an ankle injury he suffered in late August. The Colombian striker had a great match against Stars setting up two goals for Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly. Mosimane is thrilled with his return to form. Mosimane won his first match at Sundowns against Stars exactly four years ago. He says he is not a big statistician, but confessed to paying attention to the stats when it comes to calculating the number of points accumulated in order to win the league, which he learnt from Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says they prefer to play against Auckland City from New Zealand in the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off in Japan on the 8th of December. The African champions will face the playoff winner of either Oceania champions Auckland City or Japanese champions Kashima Antlers in the quarterfinals on Sunday the 11th of December. Mosimane would prefer to avoid the host team Antlers for many reasons. Sundowns have embarked on a long journey to Osaka, Japan and will have to counter jet lag and other factors ahead of the tournament. That’s the reason why they left a week early to acclimatize to the conditions and the time difference of seven hours ahead. But Mosimane says they have everything under control. The ABSA premiership champions became the first Southern Africa team to qualify for the Club World Cup. They will be looking to emulate the achievements of TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who lost 3-0 in the final six years ago. But Mosimane’s main ambition is to reach the semifinals and also represent the continent with honour. Sundowns are left for Japan on a high after registering a morale-boosting 4-1 victory over Free State Stars in a league match on the weekend. Prior to that their confidence was dented when they lost to youthful Ajax Cape Town last Wednesday. They will have to play catch up matches in the league when they return from their excursion in Japan, but Mosimane is happy they are leaving on a high.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane says they will use tomorrows’ Absa Premiership game against Free State Stars at Loftus stadium as a send-off for their supporters before they jet-off to Japan on Monday where they take part in the FIFA Club World Cup. The African Champions are still fresh from their second defeat in the league after losing 2-0 to Ajax Cape Town and the mood in the camp today was that of players who are ready to board the long flight to Tokyo. Mosimane was quick to point that this defeat was not related to their departure for the Club World Cup. Sundowns play their first game (quarter-final) in the Club World Cup on the 11th of this month against the winner of the play-off, which will be between a Japanese club and Auckland City from New Zealand. It’s for the first time ever that a Southern African team will play in this tournament and Mosimane says they are hoping to at least reach the semi-finals. Today also marks four years since Mosimane joined Sundowns as the head coach, he’s also currently longest serving PSL coach amongst the 16 coaches at their current clubs. A maiden African Champions League title, two domestic league titles plus not less than three domestic trophies, Mosimane can look back with pride at his achievements.
Chippa United coach Dan Malesela has called for an improved performance as the Chilli Boyz finalise their preparations for Saturday’s Absa Premiership encounter against Kaizer Chiefs at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. Malesela wants his players not shy away from taking shots at goal though he insists that they must shoot with purpose. The Chilli Boyz have conceded four goals and scored twice in their last three matches. The former GarankuwaUnited FC and Cape Town All Stars coach believes that a win over Chiefs will bring back confidence in the Chilli Boyz’s camp going forward as they are yet to win in seven matches. Meanwhile, he admits that he was a little bit naïve when he believed that the Chilli Boyz would have a great first round despite losing some key players. The former Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Manning Rangers defender says his job becomes lighter whenever the Chilli Boyz face big teams though he admits that he is under pressure. Malesela reckons Saturday’s match will give his players a chance to show what they are made of.
This is also a very important week as far as the Bafana Bafana coaching job is concerned, with the incumbent---Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba facing SAFA’s disciplinary committe. The DC hearing outcome is likely to come out next week and indications are that Mashaba could be history. Tinkler’s name has been mentioned alongside that of African Champions League winning coach Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane and Roger De Sa as possible successors. The three coaches have got one thing in common; they’ve coached their respective clubs to continental club cup finals with. Mosimane managing to return home with the honours. But Tinkler made it clear that he’s not ready for senior men’s national football team’s head coaching post. Meanwhile it’s been confirmed that the 2016 Telkom Knockout final pitting City against Supersport United will be played at the Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane on the 10th of next month, kicking off at 18:00. This game would be a repeat of last season’s Nedbank Cup final (played at the same venue) in as far as coaches are concerned as Stuart Baxter managed to beat Tinkler who was coaching Orlando Pirates at the time. The former Barnsley midfielder is not ready to entertain the talk about the final until they’ve played Bidvest Wits in the league on Friday.
Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula has lambasted the athletes and people who have been criticizing his department for issuing payments late. All the athletes and nominees who won and did not make it at the South African Sports Awards will be remunerated financially by the sport department. Winners of the biggest awards walked away with a million rand and a car, whilst other winners in other categories received one hundred and thirty thousand rand each. The nominees who did not win will also go home with fifteen thousand rand. There was a public outcry when Olympic athletes and African champions Mamelodi Sundowns were rewarded for coming out tops in their respective fields. The argument from the critics is that the country cannot afford those kinds of payments due to the current economic climate and challenges in the midst of fees must fall campaign, of students who want free education. Mbalula justified the rewards. Wayde van Niekerk made a clean sweep of all the top awards at the SA sports awards for the second year in a running. He also received more than two million rand windfall and two cars. The 24-year old was honoured for performing heroics at the Rio Olympics winning gold medal in the 400 metre event, and also breaking Michael Johnson 17-year old record. Mbalula is hoping his success will inspire up and coming athletes. Mbalula also said the awards will celebrate the late athletes posthumously and living legends such as boxing personality Mzi Mnguni, who received Steve Tshwete Lifetime achiever award at the SA sports awards. Mnguni, who is wheelchair bound suffering from stroke, is a giant of SA boxing having produced an array of world champions such as Vuyani Bungu, Welcome Ncita and Mbulelo Botile amongst others. Two weeks ago he was honoured by Golden Gloves Promotions led by Rodney Berman with a tribute tournament in the Eastern Cape. Mbalula also wished Sundowns well in their endeavors at the FIFA club world cup, which kicks off next weekend. The Brazilians will slug out against champions from other confederations including Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The beleaguered Kaizer Chiefs head coach Steve Komphela is confident that the club’s management including the boss Kaizer Motaung is fully behind him and understands the situation they are currently in. Komphela was responding after he had to run away from frustrated Chiefs fans who pelted him with missiles for the second time in a space of six days. This followed Chiefs’ one-all draw against Cape Town City in an Absa Premiership match at FNB stadium on the 29th of November . This extended Amakhosi’ winless streak to six matches and this is for the third time during Komphela’s spell they go this long without a win. The former Free State Stars coach confirms that the management is fully behind him. When he was still with Maritzburg United as the head coach, Komphela went nine matches without a win.
Tshepo “Skhwama” Matete is available for selection for Baroka FC ‘s Absa Premierhsip match against Orlando Pirates at the Peter Mokaba Stadium tonight. The midfielder says he is ready. The midfielder has been side-lined by a long term injury and played just one game for Baroka in the big league. Matete knows the side is doing okay and even though he is ready to play he knows competition for a starting berth is tough
Ajax Cape Town coach Stanley Menzo says it’s going to be a good challenge for his side as they take on Mamelodi Sundowns in a PSL clash at the Cape Town Stadium tonight. The Cape Town side has struggled this season, but finally picked up their first win in their last match, a 3-2 victory away against Platinum Stars. Sundowns, who were recently crowned CAF Champions League champions, will be on a high after their comprehensive 5-0 win over Highlands Park on Sunday, but Menzo says that while they respect they are a big team, they’re only human, and they’ll be up for the game. The former Holland and Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper, who took over from Roger De Sa last month, says he believes his players’ confidence is on the rise, especially after the win against Dikwena. Menzo says he gets the feeling his side is extra motivated to play against a big team like Sundowns. He says that it’s important that they believe in themselves, stick to their tactics and not fear Pitso Mosimane’s side. Menzo says that with Nathan Paulse and Rivaldo Coetzee back to full contention, and with no suspensions, he has basically a full squad to select from, with Toriq Losper the only long-term injury.
Highlands Park is ready to battle with Bloemfontein Celtic in their Absa premiership match at Makhulong stadium in Tembisa tonight. kickoff is scheduled for 19:30. Highlands coach Gordon Igesund says the preparations for this match have been difficult because they had a lot of technical issues that needed attention for them to be fully organized, but what makes him happy is that every player is working hard towards the progress of the team. “Lions of the north” lost 5-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns last Sunday and are standing on 14th place with seven points in the log. Igesund says it is very disappointing that they lost with so many goals but now they have been working on the mistakes that they have committed and are equipped for this game. Igesund says all he needs to do now is to bring back a positive spirit within the players and make sure that they are mentally fit to clash with “Phunya sele sele”, because that’s all it takes to beat any opponent.Igesund concludes by saying that these are tough times for him and the team because everyone expects to see good results from them and it is not easy. He says he would like see some patience from their supporters and hopeful the team will come around.
Clinton Larsen believes his Lamontville Golden Arrows side are exactly where they want to be in Absa Premiership season as they prepare to host Polokwane City at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi tonight. Abafana Bes’thende are fourth on the league table after 10 of their 30 matches and have amassed an impressive 17 points so far. It has put them three points behind leaders Bidvest Wits, who have two games in hand. Larsen believes they need to now kick on to further strengthen their position by Christmas. Arrows have registered five wins from their 10 matches and lost just three times, two of which have come in their last three games as they lost to Platinum Stars and champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Their only other loss was at the hands of Orlando Pirates in the opening game of the season. Meanwhile, the Polokwane team have also been punching above their weight this year. This, despite the appointment of a coach unfamiliar to the Premier Soccer League in Belgian Luc Eymael and Larsen says he is not surprised by their progress, which has put them just three points behind their hosts. Arrows have a huge head-to-head advantage heading into the game, having won five of their six meetings. But they come into the game on the back of a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Sundowns in Pretoria. It was one of two league matches they played on their trip to Gauteng last week, with the other being against Highlands Park, which they managed to win 1-0 in Tembisa. Larsen believes it was a fair trip for his charges, adding that not much could be read into their loss to Sundowns, who subsequently thumped Gordon Igesund’s Highlands 5-0 this past Sunday. The players Larsen spoke about and hopes to welcome back this week are Kagisho Dikgacoi and Nkanyiso Mngwengwe, who had been suspended. Another player now available is Kenya international midfielder Cliffton Miheso who had been ill. However, assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi is suspended for the match, with Zimbabwean Danny Phiri also banned. Lehlohonolo Nonyane, a key player in their backline, continues to sit out with a groin problem and Larsen explained that they would be treating him extremely cautiously in the weeks ahead.
Royal Eagles coach Kosta Papic wants to try and sharpen his squad in the January transfer window by selling players, rather than the usual approach of buying new ones. The Pietermaritzburg-based club climbed to second on the National First Division table over the weekend by edging University of Pretoria 2-1 at Harry Gwala Stadium. They are now the closest challengers to runaway leaders Thanda Royal Zulu. But plenty still needs to be done according to the Papic, whose squad is the biggest amongst the top sides in the NFD. They have 31 players on their books and the Serb wants to see that number cut. Amongst those that may be deemed surplus to requirements at the ambitious NFD club is highly-rated midfielder Masibusane Zongo, who has not featured for them since his high-profile off-season signing. Papic refused to give too much away regarding the future of the former SuperSport United and Platinum Stars playmaker. Despite Eagles now unbeaten in their last eight games, they are still far too inconsistent according to the coach. Of those eight matches, they have only won two in a row once, with each of the other results sandwiched with a draw in between. Papic admitted he was far from satisfied with their progress and was working hard at training with his charges to bring in more consistency. The KwaZulu-Natal club, who are owned by wealthy Durban couple, Sbu and Shawn Mpisane, are presently six points behind unbeaten leaders and provincial rivals Thanda Royal Zulu. Eagles are in their third season under the current owners, with the first two terms yielding finishes of 10th and fifth. Papic personally felt they had the potential to continue the upward curve by winning promotion to the Absa Premiership this year. Next up for Papic and his charges is a derby clash with AmaZulu this weekend. Usuthu held Thanda to a draw this past weekend and they will also be looking to dent the prospects of Eagles on Sunday. The Serbian coach said they will hope to maintain their unbeaten run in the league and at the same time continue with their current approach of free-flowing and attacking football.
Banyana Banyana caretaker coach Desiree Ellis has described this evening’s African Women’s Championship semi-final against the defending champions Nigeria as the final before the final. The two teams lock horns in the second semi-final at Stade Limbe Omnisport in Cameroon 19:00 (20:00 SA TIME), in a game that pits Group B’s winners against Group A’s runners-up. Ellis says they’ve got a plan in place for the Super Falcons. Nigeria are coming to this game as favourites, chasing their record 10th AWC title. They’ve got a potent attack led by Arsenal Ladies FC striker Asisat Oshoala who is currently the leading goal scorer in the tournament with six goals. Ellis says they won’t make the mistake of just focusing on one player. Ellis, a former Banyana captain ended on the losing side against the Super Falcons in the 2000 final played at Vosloorus stadium. Ellis, who was an assistant to Vera Pauw, also sees no reason why Andile Dlamini should make way for Roxanne Barker.
Maritzburg United begin life without Ernst Middendorp when they welcome struggling Chippa United in the Absa Premiership game at Harry Gwala stadium tonight. The “Team of Choice” saw their German coach leave the club last Thursday after resigning. Fadlu Davids has been placed in charge in an acting coach capacity, with Marketing and Communications manager Brian Zuma confirming they were ready to move on, despite the surprise departure of Middendorp. United enter the clash on the back of a fairly successful trip to Cape Town where they played their latest two matches in the Absa Premiership.They beat Ajax Cape Town 2-1 last weekend and then again impressed in a 3-2 loss to joint-league leaders Cape Town City. The win in their first game was a first since the opening day of the season and handed them some much-needed confidence. Zuma believes they are improving all the time. Belgian striker Andrea Filleccia is the only player who will definitely miss out due to his recurring injury problems, but the good news for the home fans is the return from suspension of centre back Bevan Fransman. It is a welcome return, according to Zuma.
Supersport United and Orlando Pirates will renew their rivalry again this weekend when they face off in the Telkom Knockout Cup semifinal in Nelspruit. The clash takes place at the iconic Mbombela Stadium on tomorrow evening (18:00), the same venue where Amatsatsansa handed the Buccaneers their worst defeat in 26 years with a 6-1 mauling albeit that was a league game. United coach Stuart Baxter believes that history will not matter on the day and they will have to play extremely well to win the game as well. According to Baxter, United, after playing to a one-all draw with Kaizer Chiefs last night at the FNB Stadium, will go into the game on the back of some good preparations in the past couple of weeks. The former Bafana Bafana coach also reaffirmed that whichever team wins the competition will have to outplay the other on Saturday. Just to rub some salt into the wounds, Baxter partially reflected on the 6-1 massacre emphasizing that his charges will need to take charge and play like they did and even better to beat Pirates this time around as well.
Maritzburg United chairman Farook Kadodia has lauded Ernst Middendorp for his unselfishness and foresight following the resignation of the coach today. The 58-year-old German brought the curtain down on a turbulent 11 months at the club when he stood down from his position for what he deemed to be “challenges and circumstances that were beyond my control". Middendorp had already threatened on previous occasion to step down because he felt referees were deliberately ruling against the club, simply because there was a broader agenda against him. Kadodia praised him for his selflessness. Kadodia refused to be drawn into the debate as to whether there really was an agenda against his coach. However, he maintained that plenty had gone against them in the past 18 months, which included a long-drawn relegation battle that saw them secure their Absa Premiership courtesy of one of the greatest escapes in Premier Soccer League history last year. Middendorp has lashed at referees in many post-match interviews already this season, which landed him in hot water with the governing PSL. Whether it was a penalty decision or red card either award against his side or not in their favour, the former Kaizer Chiefs boss has not been shy of venting his frustration. Whether or not there is an agenda, making such accusation without any evidence is difficult to justify. Kadodia was unsure whether the German would return to coaching in South Africa, but called on those in power to investigate the agenda against his club. As for the position vacated by Middendorp, the reins have now been handed to his assistant Fadlu Davids in an acting coach capacity, as termed by Kadodia. The former striker has been working as understudy to the German in recent seasons. His brother Mahier Davids, also the Reserve League coach, was roped in by the club at the start of the year and will assist Fadlu. Kadodia did not specify a time-frame for interim role, saying the new man will stand in for as long as he was needed. Fadlu Davids was in charge of the team, currently ninth in the league, in the last two matches due to a red-card suspension for Middendorp.
With only less than two weeks before the South African national U20 team start the defense of their COSAFA U20 tournament, head coach Thabo Senong says their preparations are going well. Speaking after a training match at the Eldorado Park stadium this morning where they beat ABC Motsepe League side Baberwa FC 2-1, Senong says they are now wrapping up their preparations with an international friendly match against Kenya at Tsakane stadium on Saturday. The COSAFA Cup gets underway on the seventh of next month in the North West and Senong says they’ve also been boosted by the arrival of the overseas-based players. Amajita open their regional tournament title defense against Lesotho on the seventh of next month against neighbours Lesotho, they’ve also been drawn against Swaziland and Botswana. Only group winners proceed to the semi-finals and Senong explains why they’ve gone for Kenya to prepare for this tournament. All eyes will also be on the new sensation Luther Singh who is based in Sweden and will don the national colours for the first time this weekend. He scored a brace today and Senong believes that he will be an asset to this team.
Referees of high standard are not easy to produce but South Africa is one of the fortunate countries to have a league like the SAB Regional League where they are able to develop good match officials. This is the view of Brewery’s government and stakeholder relations specialist and former FIFA referee Sylvester “Proffesori” Ndaba as he was speaking during the regional league’s national skills camp at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria today. Match officials from 52 SAFA regions around the country are attending this weeklong course and Ndaba outlines their plans for this week. With about 1150 teams campaigning in the SAFA regional leagues, the quality of training that these match officials are getting is also expected to be at the highest level and Ndaba says they are doing exactly that. Currently Akhona Makalima is the only female referee in the Premier Soccer League Referees elite panel and she’s currently officiating in the CAF African Women’s Championships in Cameroon. Whilst Ndaba says they are proud of her achievements, they are also looking at producing more female match officials for the elite panel. But one of the main challenges at amateur level in SA especially when it comes to match officiating is the bribery and corruption that referees are exposed to. And it’s something that Ndaba says they are also trying by all means to address through these courses.
When the Confederation of African Football (CAF) refereeing department suspended Ghanaian international referee Joseph for three months on the 22nd of November, there were some mixed reaction in the country. Lamptey’s suspension follows his questionable penalty in favour of Bafana Bafana in 2018 World Cup qualifier against Senegal that was won 2-1 by South Africa in Polokwane on the 12 of November. Former FIFA referee Sylvester Ndaba argues why he thinks this was a good decision by CAF to suspend Lamptey. The Senegalese Football Association had also written to CAF and FIFA complaining about Lamptey’s performance on the day where they didn’t only question the penalty but other decisions as well. This decision has been met with some mixed feelings by football fans, whilst some agree that there was no handball but others argue that why the referee who gave away two penalties against Bafana when they drew in Burkina Faso last month wasn’t suspended. Again Ndaba who is also a CAF referee instructor clarifies that the suspension could’ve been fueled by a match commissioner’s report. This is not the first time that Lamptey has been suspended for some controversial decisions, he was put on ice for six months in 2011 by CAF poor officiating during a CAF Champions League second leg semi-final between Al Ahly and Esperance. The following year, he was noticed for his many errors in an international friendly match between Gabion and Portugal. During this three-month suspension Lamptey is also going to miss the 2017 AFCON tournament in Gabon where he was already assigned to officiate but Ndaba has got some advice for him.
New Ajax Cape Town coach, Stanley Menzo has described their 3-2 win over Platinum Stars as important for his side as it could easily see the Urban Warriors back on their winning ways. A relieved Menzo, who picked up the win in his third game in charge since taking over as head coach from Roger De Sa, says that this is an important victory for the team, and they can now build on this result. He says they didn’t make things easy for themselves either, and could have wrapped up the game in the first half had they converted other chances, and they did struggle in the last fifteen minutes of the game.It was a proud day for young Shane Saralina, as the 2016 Bayhill Player of the tournament, made his PSL debut at left back. The Ajax academy graduate, who is equally adept at playing centre-back, was promoted to the first team at the beginning of the season, and Menzo says that Saralina gave a good account of himself, and while he is young and still has a lot to learn, his performance was a good foundation to build from.
Football in Botswana is faced with myriad of challenges which affect players, coaches, referees, supporters and administrators in the nutshell. Issues range from suspensions of both the Botswana Football Association (BFA) chief executive officer Kitso Kemoeng and the Botswana Premier League CEO Bennet Mamelodi. Mamelodi was suspended before the new administration was voted into office for the next four years. There are audits underway to evaluate the current state of football and to take stoke. In an exlusive interview with the SABC, BFA communications manager Tumo Mphatane reveals that issues of sound corporate governance is now top of his organization’s agenda moving forward. He says two acting CEO’s have been appointed to steer the ship until issues of the current suspensions are dealt with. Mphatane explains. The Botswana Premier League season for the 2016/17 season started late when fans felt it was all systems go. The referees downed tools demanding their payments from the 2015/16 season. Mphatane says the issues of referees’ payments have been resolved. He says the officials were been paid on a quarterly basis hence the snag. Meanwhile, Mphatane says the delays in the commencement of the league was due to the fact that conclusion of the 2015/16 season was problematic with teams’ points been docked and almost throwing the fixtures into turmoil. As a results, football in Botswana needs a radical rebranding to restore the image and credibility. Veteran football administrator Philemon Makhwengwe, having served Botswana football for the last 17 years and had a vast experience, has resigned amidst the shenanigans. Ask whether Botswana football is in good hands, given the new administration’s 100-days in office on November 22, this is what Mphatane had to say.
Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Rhulani Mokoena has congratulated club captain Hlompho Kekana on his making the list of top 10 nominees for the FIFA Puskas Award for his goal against Cameroon. Kekana has been nominated alongside the likes of Barcelona duo Neymar and Lionel Messi for the best goal scored between 30 September 2015 and 30 September 2016. The defensive midfielder scored a beauty from his own half when Bafana Bafana draw 2-2 with Cameroon in the 2017 AFCON qualifier at the Limbe Stadium, Cameroon. Mokoena says Kekana deserves global recognition. Kekana recently lifted the CAF Champions League cup with Sundowns and has been a crucial member of Bafana Bafana. Mokoena labels the 31 year old Zebediela born hard man as one of the most disciplined players he has ever come across. speaking at Nike Centre in Soweto, during the launch of the 14th Walter Sisulu soccer challenge. The 29 year old mentor kick started his coaching career at this tournament. The tournament is famously known for producing t the likes of Thulani Serero, Sfiso Myeni and Bafana Bafana captain Thulani Hlatswayo. Mokoena says credit must go to chairman of the Soweto Football Association Phil Mogodi for professionally organizing this tournament every year.
Unbeaten BidVest Wits are looking to further widen the gap in the Absa Premiership match against Highlands Park at home tonight. “The Clever Boys” are finally going to play on their home ground after temporarily moving to Dobsonville Stadium during the #FeesMust Fall campaign. Wits assistant and fitness coach, Paul Johnstone says they are looking forward to their first home game after a long time. Johnstone says every team is hard to beat, and the Tembisa based Highlands will not be easy to beat.
The thought of going through another barren season is starting to bother Kaizer Chiefs players and George Lebese is a concerned man following his club’s 2-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns this past weekend. Speaking to the media this morning, ahead of another tough encounter against Supersport United in an Absa Premiership clash at FNB stadium on Wednesday evening, Lebese says that they are concerned about another possible trophy less season. He says they have to arrest this slump now. There’s been a lot of talk around the latest formation that Chiefs is using, it was questioned by Pitso Mosimane this past weekend and defended by the man in charge Steve Komphela. Chiefs fans see it as being too defensive because it lines-up six defensive players, limits in attacks and exposes the wing backs. And at the club it has claimed victims too as Lebese has been sacrificed because of it. Coming to this game, Chiefs (fifth) are currently one point behind United (fourth) after nine matches played. Amakhosi have gone four matches without a win in all competitions and in this game George Maluleka will be in direct competition with Letsholonyane, a battle that the former Amatsatsansa player says he’s prepared for. Daniel Cardoso is one of the players who has been accommodated by the new Chiefs system as he comes in as a third centre-back. Cardoso starts alongside Willard Katsande in the defensive midfield but drops to be the third centre-back when the two wingbacks are attacking. The former Free State Stars centre-back and occasionally left-back sees nothing wrong with the system and feels that.
Maritzburg United captain Kurt Lentjies insists the team is in far better shape compared to last season, despite another patchy start to the Absa Premiership season. The “Team of Choice” is in 11th place heading into their clash against Ajax Cape Town at the Cape Town Stadium tomorrow. United has managed just one win so far, drawn four and lost three of their remaining fixtures for a total of seven points. However, there are fears that their sluggish start could see them drawn into a relegation battle just like last year. But Lentjies has other thoughts. In fact, the picture from last season was much bleaker compared to the current one. United took 10 games for their first win and had managed to scrape together just six points by Christmas. That left them fighting for survival until the death and eventually managed to stay up and are now building nicely. Lentjies and his team have been enjoying the international break over the past three weeks and he says they have worked on some of the areas that needed improvement.Unlike last season when goals came almost at will, the club has struggled to hit the back of the net this term. Five goals in eight matches mean they have one of the worst scoring ratios, with last season’s joint top-scorer Evans Rusike particularly wasteful. The Zimbabwean did score before the break, while rookie Devon Saal has also managed to get on the scoresheet, with the other three goals belonging to Lentjies. The skipper insists that scoring was not a big deal. United is missing some key personnel for the game. They have three suspensions for the game, two of them in the vital centre-back position as Bevan Fransman and Brian Onyango are banned. Also missing is coach Ernst Middendorp after his red card against Highlands Park in the last game, But better news is that Rusike, Andrea Fileccia, Themba Shabalala and Blessing Moyo have all overcome recent injuries and are fit to play. Lentjies is confident they can cope with those missing.
Mamelodi Sundowns will play catch up to the domestic league when they take on Kaizer Chiefs in an ABSA Premiership fixture at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on this coming Saturday afternoon. Due to their participation in CAF, the recently crowned African Champions lags behind with five games to play before they level up to current log leaders Bidvest Wits. This puts Masandawana at 15th position with four points, out of a possible 15 points in order to resume their place at the top as defending titleholders. Meanwhile, AmaKhosi has had a strong start to their campaign and wish to reclaim the elite league as they sit in third position, tied with Supersport United. ‘Downs Sibusiso Vilakazi says they are hoping for maximum points after a rollercoaster of results from previous games and crashing out of the Telkom Knockout Cup.Downs forward Khama Billiat states how imperative it is for them not to drop any points as they sit in a low position.
With the festive season approaching, Mamelodi Sundowns defender Siyanda Zwane has stepped up in his bid to help his community as he officially launches the Siyanda Zwane Foundation. The non-profit organisation which was created to reach underprivileged children as well as children’s homes will be launched on the 8th of December with its first official event taking place in Germiston, Johannesburg. The lavish gala dinner hosted by the right-back back will be aimed at raising funds. Zwane shares the organisation’s objectives. Zwane emphasizes the gift of giving and states that the gala dinner is an opportunity to collect money and non-perishable items by auctioning off signed jerseys from fellow colleagues in the industry. Zwane adds further details of the event, stating all donations are welcome and tickets are available to the public.
South Africa’s women senior national football team interim coach Desiree Ellis is convinced that her team will win the Africa Women Cup of Nations in Cameroon which starts on Saturday. The team departed for Cameroon this afternoon (Tuesday) at the O.R Tambo international airport in Kempton Park. The team has been drawn with Zimbabwe, Egypt and the host nation Cameroon. Banyana have been the runners-up on three occasions. Banyana are still fresh from the appearance at their second Olympic games in Rio, Brazil. The team gave a good account of themselves despite bowing out in the group stages. They warmed up for the AFCON with the two morale boosting victories against Egypt and Zimbabwe. Ellis is happy with the preparations and also says those results will count for nothing in the tournament. Banyana will be without their long serving stalwart Amanda Dlamini, who was omitted from the tournament due to personal engagements. Dlamini is one of the few players who have won more than 100 caps for the national team. Ellis confessed that they will miss the services of the 27-year old, but believes that the team selected will do the job. Captain Janine van Wyk is also one of the players who have accumulated more than 100 caps for the team. She has played in many AFCON tournaments before, but has been unlucky not to win the tourney. She has a silver and bronze medals but is hoping to finally win gold this time. Banyana will open their Afcon group against Zimbabwe on Saturday at Stade de Yaounde, followed by a clash against hosts Cameroon on November 22 at the same venue. They will finish the group against Egypt on the 25 November at the Stade de Limbe. Van Wyk says it’s going to be a tough tournament. The 29-year old is happy with the team’s build up prior to the tournament, which includes the two victories against Egypt and Zimbabwe. She says the matches has given them the indication of what to expect in the AFCON.
Global awards and recognition continues to come the way of Olympics and world 400m champion and world record holder Wayde van Niekerk. This follows the best Male Athlete of the Rio 2016 Olympic games award that Van Niekerk received from the Association of National Olympic Committee Wards in Doha, Qatar. The 24 year-old is also in line to win big at the South African Sports Awards in Bloemfontein next week and possibly also take home the IAAF Male Athlete of the year in Europe next month. With all these earnings coming his way, Van Niekerk shares with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli why he’s focused on establishing a Foundation that would help athletes in his hometown, Bloemfontein. Next year in London is they year of the IAAF World Championships and Van Niekerk faces stiff competition from Kirani James and LeShawn Merritt as he aims to defend his world title. The Marketing and Branding student at the University of Free State reminds again that he wants to double at next year’s World Champs and thanks South Africans for their unwavering support.
Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Irvin Khoza has revealed that the league has made a R15million profit in the financial year that ended on the 31st of July. Khoza was speaking at the conclusion of the National Soccer League (NSL) Quadrennial general meeting that was held at the Montecasion. Khoza was also elected unopposed as the chairman to start his sixth term at the helm. The 68year-old says the PSL financial books are in a good state. The newly elected PSL executive committee sees three new members coming in, namely Bidvest Wits CEO Jose Ferreira, Bloemfontein Celtic CEO Khumbulani Khonco and Mamelodi Sundowns board member Dr Rejoice Simelane. They replace Cape Town City chairman John Comitis, Free State Stars chairman Mike Mokoena and former Sundowns board member Dan Simelane who has since been replaced by his wife. Khoza speaks glowingly about his new executive. Completing the seven member executive committee is Kaizer Chiefs supremo Kaizer Motaung, Black Leopards chairman David Thidiela, Supersport United CEO Stan Matthews and Golden Arrows owner and PSL’s acting CEO Mato Madlala. Khoza who has been the PSL chairman since 2002, talks about the longest serving members during his time. In a bid to maximize the revenue streams, Khoza also revealed that going forward they are also working hard on establishing their broadcast division and focus on profiting from their copyright of their fixtures. It’s approximately a year since Madlala has been acting as the PSL’s CEO following the departure of Brand de Villiers and her return as an Executive Committee member means that she will not be in this position for a long time. Khoza revealed that in three to four months time they could be looking for a new CEO but also mentioned that there’s lot of things that they have learnt under Madlala’s reign. Next year also marks the final year of the current TV deal that’s valued R2billion and with competition that coming in on the broadcast side, the current partners could be pushed to the limit. Khoza hinted that at the beginning of next year there’s a big announcement to be done by their broadcast partners and this could mean more funds to the league’s coffers.
Highlands Park’s main objective for the season is to survive relegation in the Premier Soccer League. These were the words expressed by their new head coach Gordon Igesund after their participation in the Gauteng Champion of champions at Tsakane stadium in Ekurhuleni yesterday. The newly promoted team finished third in the three team tournament, which also featured champions Supersport United and Bidvest Wits. The Lions of the North are struggling in the elite league occupying the 12th position on the log, having won only a single match in seven games. The team will host Golden Arrows in a PSL match on Sunday, who are lying fourth on the log with fourteen points. Igesund is pleased with the team’s progress and also says the Arrows match will be difficult. The Lions of the North are struggling in the elite league occupying the 12th position on the log, having won only a single match in seven games. The team will host Golden Arrows in a PSL match on Sunday, who are lying fourth on the log with fourteen points. Igesund is pleased with the team’s progress and also says the Arrows match will be difficult.
With four points secured in the first two matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Bafana Bafana head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba messed up everything for himself immediately after beating Senegal 2-1 at Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane. Mashaba is alleged to have insulted SAFA bosses including President Danny Jordaan and CEO Dennis Mumble after the game. Mashaba also had long running battles with the media and he didn’t spare them either on Saturday. The 66year-old is now suspended and Owen Da Gama will be in charge of the international friendly match against Mozambique tomorrow evening. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli was in Polokwane and today spoke to a number of Sports Editors and senior football journalists.
Armed with players coming from all the top leagues in the world, the Senegalese senior national men’s football team is in a good condition for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bafana Bafana at the Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane tomorrow. The likes of Sadio Mane of Liverpool, Mame Diouf of Stoke City, captain Cheikhou Kouyate of West Ham, Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli are just some of the big names in this Senegalese team. Head coach Aliou Cisse says his team has got potential. A hundred percent winning record in the AFCON 2017 qualifiers with a total of 13 goals scored and beating Cape Verde 2-0 in the opening qualifier last month, the Teranga Lions are clinical upfront. And Cisse is marveling at the firepower he’s got. Previously this team had the likes of Demba Pa, Papis Cisse and Moussa Sow, it was a good attack but the team was never balanced especially defensively. Cisse looks back at what he’s done differently now.
A failure to control his emotions and temper, has landed Bafana Bafana head coach Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba in trouble with his employers. SAFA announced yesterday that they've deemed it necessary to employ disciplinary measures against Mashaba after a regrettable incident following Bafana's 2-1 win over Senegal in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier played on Saturday at the Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane. As a result Mashaba will not be on the bench when Bafana meets neighbours Mozambique in an international friendly match in Maputo tomorrow evening. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli was in Polokwane this past weekend and has got the inside info on this incident.
The Gauteng Provincial Government will host the second edition of the Gauteng Champion of Champions tournament this coming Sunday at the Tsakane Stadium in Brakpan. The tournament is all about goodwill, with a prize money of R100 000 that the winning team will give to a charity of their choice. Bidvest Wits, Supersport United and Highlands Park will take part in this year’s event. Each team will play against each other for 45 minutes and the winners of the games will go head to head in the final at 5 pm. Gates open at 12 noon and the first game will kick off at 3 pm. The current champions are Supersport United, each game will last 45 miutes and if they do not score, there will be a dribble contest until there is a winner. This tournament is for charity, the team that wins walks away with R 100 000 and will give that money to a charity of their choice. Mogotsi says it is important to give back to the need, challenging every team in the PSL to also give back.
It took Asavela “Shoes” Mbekile only 16 months to get his first international call-up and few years later he’s won almost all the trophies on offer at home except the MTN 8. Mbekile was instrumental in helping Sundowns winning the African Champions League last month, playing 13 out of the 14 games the Brazilians played on the continent this year. Take away the four and a half years that the 30year-old has spent in professional football, his grooming was also perfected at semi-professional level and in the National first Division (NFD) level. In this wide-ranging interview with Velile Mbuli, the African Champion turns his focus to Bafana Bafana’s must win 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Senegal at the Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.
With the Premier Soccer League taking a break and FIFA international weekend upon us, all eyes will be drawn to the Tsakani stadium in Brakpan, eKurhuleni where the second edition of the Gauteng Champion of Champions makes a return this Sunday. The highly anticipated tournament will feature three PSL teams Supersport United, Bidvest Wits and Highlands Park. The tournament has a unique feature with matches lasting for only forty five minutes. If the match is deadlocked then a dribble out will decide the match with a player attempting to beat a goalkeeper, instead of the normal penalty shootout. Chief Director of Sport and Recreation Ivor Hoff is looking forward to the great tournament. Gauteng Provincial government has also announced the new exciting edition to the event, which will see a curtain raiser match between the 2000 South Africa Olympic legends such as Rowen Fernandez, Aaron Mokoena, Bradley Carnell and Jabu Mahlangu and and legends from Ekurhuleni region including Jabulani Mendu, Jerry Skhosana, Pollen Ndlanya and Manqoba “Shakes” Ngwenya.
With just over a week since taking over as Orlando Pirates caretaker coach and the amount of work he plans to do to fine-tune his team, the current FIFA break could not have come at a better time for Augusto Palacios. While he’ll be without the trio of Mpho Makola, Thabo Matlaba and Brighton Mhlongo who are on national duty as Bafana Bafana prepare for their 2018 World Cup qualifier against Senegal on Saturday, Palacios will be looking to take advantage of this break to instill his philosophy and style of play in his players. The Peruvian – born coach, who took charge following Muhsin Ertugral’s dramatic resignation more than a week ago, elaborates on the areas he’ll be working on with his players. Palacios didn’t have much time to work with his players after taking over as he was appointed just two days before Pirates’ Telkom Knockout clash against Highlands Park, which they won 2 – 1 at Orlando Stadium this past Saturday. The 64 – years old coach is of the view that the system of play the team used with his predecessor was ineffective and needs to be changed completely, something he’s found quite challenging. Palacios believes his understanding of the Soweto club’s history will stand him in good stead as he works on turning their fortunes around. Since his arrival at Pirates in 1996, his focus has mostly been on the club’s development academy, but has also been roped in as caretaker coach on two occasions in this period – in 1996 and 2012. He says while it’s important that players adapt to the club’s style of play, he won’t discourage them from expressing their skills and creativity.
Absa Premiership outfit Platinum Stars are looking at increasing their support base and have identified areas outside of Rustenburg, the club’s headquarters for this campaign. Head of Stars’ supporters relations Karabo Segoe says they have launched various programs for the sole purpose of enhancing their support. With “Dikwena” having recently announced their partnership with Serie A giants AS Roma of Italy, the initiative is expected to reach more supporters. Segoe says the biggest goal for them is to reach those fans from the outskirts of Rustenburg who may not be as advantaged as those living in Phokeng. Segoe says they have seen a bigger turnout during games from last season till now but they are aiming to see an even bigger turnout before this season ends. She believes that even though they are based in a small community they just need to extend their reach to other remote parts of the province which will help them tackle their problem. To become a member, one simply needs to contact the team via their website or visit their Lifestyle Emporium at Phokeng Mall in Rustenburg. She says that having special memberships has helped them to not only monitor the numbers but it seems to attract more supporters as well.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane requests everyone to be patient and lenient towards Sibusiso Vilakazi as continues to find his feet with the team. The former Bidvest Wits midfielder joined the African Champions after lengthy negotiations and has immediately earned himself a spot in the starting eleven of the Chloorkop based side. Although still new to the squad, ‘Vila’ is yet to understand and embody the philosophy Masandawana possess but remains in high favour with Mosimane and his technical support as they march on in their 2016/17 campaign. Mosimane says Vilakazi is a very talented player who needs time to adjust as they are building and re-innovating a Bafana Bafana player. ‘Jingles’ says it takes a certain amount of maturity upfront and a number of his players such as Khama Billiat and Percy Tau at times forget about strategy and just have fun because they love playing but as time progresses, Mosimane says he will be able to fine tune their skills to produce the desired results.
Chippa United chief operations officer (COO) Lukanyo Mzinzi has revealed that the Buffalo City Metro in the Eastern Cape has finalised a budget, which is going to be used towards ensuring that the Chilli Boyz play some of their home matches at the Buffalo City Stadium in East London. Though Mzinzi has refused to divulge the amount of money that the Buffalo City Metro are going to pay the Port Elizabeth-based club, sources says the Chilli Boyz are going to be paid R1.5 million per match. Meanwhile, Mzinzi has also revealed that the Premier Soccer League’s Ronnie Schloss has advised that they should do some touch ups on the Buffalo City Stadium’s pitch. The East London venue’s pitch suffered heavily as it was used by the Border Bulldogs during their Currie Cup First Division campaign. The Chilli Boyz’s first match at the Buffalo City Stadium this season is going to be against Highlands on Saturday, 17 December. Initially, the Chilli Boyz were set to face Cape Town City at the East London venue, but that match has since been switched to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
Mamelodi Sundowns defensive midfielder Tiyani “Sugar” Mabunda has been rewarded for his stellar performance for his club on the continent and domestically. Mabunda has been rewarded with a Bafana Bafana call-up for this weekend’s crunch 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Senegal at the Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane. Mabunda who played a pivotal role in helping Sundowns to clinch the African Champions League title last month comes in to replace the injured Dean Furman. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli is in Polokwane and has the latest from the camp.
Banyana Banyana are currently preparing for an international friendly against neighbours Zimbabwe this coming Thursday at Harare stadium in Zimbabwe (kick-off 19-00). The national team will also face “Mighty Warriors” in the group opener of the Women AFCON on the 19th of November at Stade de Yaounde. The two nations represented Africa at the Olympics recently and SAFA’s media manager Mahlomola Morake has more.
Veldwijk says he enjoyed his first training session admitting it was a hard one though he is drawing a lot of positive energy from his new teammates. Veldwijk also told the media he was surprised by the call up however feels honoured to have received it. With coach Mashaba looking to him to be his goal scoring solution the forward said he is up for the pressure. With the technical team happy with his work so far, the lanky striker still wants to train harder and convince the coaches to start him. The KV Kortrijk man admits he doesn’t know much of South African football but is here to learn though he knows it’s a quiet a lot. The Belgium based player also concedes that like most footballers he also wants to represent his country at the highest level which is why he is positive about the weekend match.
Bafana Bafana midfielder Dean Furman is adamant that the national team can beat Senegal in the 2018 world cup qualifier Group D clash at the new Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane on Saturday the 19th of November. Bafana are two points behind Senegal after one round of matches. The 2002 world cup quarterfinalists have Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, Cheikhou Kouate from West Ham United, Stoke City’s Mame Biram Diouf and Lazio’s Keita Balde Diao among others in their ranks. Bafana beat the West Africans 1 NIL courtesy of Mpho Makola’s goal in their last meeting in the Nelson Mandela Challenge match at Orlando stadium last year in September. Bafana dropped two crucial points against Burkina Faso away from home last month. They were on the verge of a famous win when Furman scored late in the match, only for the Burkinabe, who missed two penalties, to equalize in injury time. Furman was disappointed with the results but insist that they learnt from that. Bafana has made three appearances at the FIFA world cup before. They made their debut at the 1998 France edition and then four years later in Korea and Japan. They failed to qualify for the 2006 version in Germany. But returned in 2010 by the virtue of being the host nation. The team then failed to reach the Brazil world cup two years ago. Furman says it’s imperative to qualify for the Russia world cup in two years time. Shakes Mashaba’s team is also paired with Cape Verde Island apart from Senegal and Burkina Faso. Cape Verde are bottom on the log with the Burkinabe third currently. Furman say they will do well not to underestimate their opponents.
Newly appointed Banyana Banyana interim coach, Desiree Ellis, has announced a squad of 21 players to represent the country at the 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament to be held in Cameroon from the 19th of November to the 3rd of December. Santos FC defender Astria Boks is the only newcomer in the team, while the likes of U-20 captain Amogelang Motau, Yolula Tsawe, Lebogang Mabatle and Andiswa Mgcoyi have been recalled after missing out in the recent Rio Olympics in Brazil. Holland based Roxanne Barker and Jermaine Seoposenwe, who plies her trade in the USA are the only two overseas based players called to the squad. The national team has never won the tournament before and have been runners up four times. Ellis, who has been in the finals of this competition in 1995 and 2000 as a player says that every coach competes in a tournament to win. Influential JVW F.C. midfielder Amanda Dlamini is the only notable absentee in the squad. Ellis explains Dlamini’s exclusion. Banyana have called up a young squad blended with experience from the likes of Noko Matlou, captain Janine van Wyk and Nompumelelo Nyandeni to mention but just a few. JVW FC founder and player van Wyk, has been the captain of Banyana for the past three years now. The 29 year old Alberton born defender says that her troops are gunning for the gold medal in Cameroon.
Bafana Bafana had their first training session for the 2018 FIFA world cup qualifier against Senegal at the Peter Mokaba stadium. Coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba revealed that his players weren’t as sharp as he had wanted them to be, however hopes for an improved tempo in the afternoon session. Mashaba was also pleased with his strikers who scored even in their “sleepy” state saying he wished it was already match day. Mashaba is the one South African coach who hasn’t been beaten by the Lions of Taranga. He emphasises that with the history between the sides what’s important is for Bafana to bag maximum points at the Peter Mokaba stadium on Saturday. Senegal, who top Group G with three points are also a side that qualified for the 2017 Africa cup of nations with a perfect record and Mashaba says it will be dangerous to focus too much on the opposition. The coach adds that he is focused on getting the team to Russia saying victory in Polokwane will raise everyone’s’ hopes for the qualifying campaign. Mashaba was asked if the scoring rate in the Premier Soccer League lately gives him confidence for his goal shy team and he admitted the goals are a good thing however highlighted that the majority of those goals were penalties. The coach had a full complement of his squad at training today which included late arrivals of his assistant Thabo Senong, Kaizer Chiefs players and new man Lars Veldwijk. The 25 year old scored some goals too in his first training session with the team and his coach believes he could have scored more. Mashaba thinks the player’s confidence needs to improve and he needs to find the right technique to capitalise on his height.
Mashaba is one South African coach who hasn’t been beaten by the Lions of Taranga. He emphasizes that with the history between the sides what’s important is for Bafana to bag maximum points at the Peter Mokaba stadium. Senegal who top group D with three points are also a side that qualified for the 2017 African Cup of Nations with a perfect record and Mashaba says it will be dangerous to focus too much on the opposition.
In most cases, when a goalkeeper has conceded more than five goals and committed a lot of mistakes, coaches sideline him for the next make. But that wasn’t the case for Orlando Pirates’ Brighton Mhlongo as he started against during the 2-1 win over Highlands Park in the Telkom Knockout quarterfinal at Orlando stadium this past weekend. Few days after letting in six goals when they were humiliated 6-1 by Supersport United in Mbombela last weekend, caretaker coach Augusto Palacios justifies why he had to start with Mhlongo. After the international break, Pirates will host Free State Stars on the 19th and travel to Port Elizabeth to meet Chippa United three days later. By then, Palacios is hoping to have sorted out the defensive challenges that the team has. Last week Palacios also made it clear that enforcing discipline in the right manner is something that he would be targeting at the club. It became clear from there that there could be disciplinary issues in this Bucs camp that also led to the resignation of Muhsin Ertugral last week.Palacios who also doubles up as the head of development at the club, has revealed that he will not be coming with a military style discipline but emphasizes the importantance of having to restore order in the Pirates dressing room and training ground.
After an absence of three years from Bafana Bafana, the Premier Soccer league’s most decorated player Daine Klate joined the senior men’s national football team camp yesterday. Klate last represented Bafana in a dead rubber World Cup qualifier against Botswana in 2013. With not less than 12 trophies including five league titles at his previous spells at Supersport United and Orlando Pirates, the Bidvest Wits star player only has 12 international caps after more than 10 years in professional football. But the 31 year-old in this wide ranging interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, is only focused on helping Bafana topple Senegal in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Polokwane on Saturday.
Orlando Pirates caretaker coach Augusto Palacios says he's only addressing the way forward with his team and not the history. Speaking during a Telkom Knockout press conference at the PSL today, Palacios says the departure of Muhsin Ertugral and the embarrassing record 6-1 loss to Supersport in an Absa Premiership match on Tuesday is no longer relevant to this team. Palacios also says there's been a positive reaction from the players since he started yesterday as he is now on his third stint as a caretaker coach at the club. Ahead of the meeting with Highlands Park in the Telkom Knockout quarterfinals at Orlando stadium on Saturday evening, Palacios says they will start with video analysis this afternoon following their training session in the morning. The last time Palacios came on as a caretaker coach at Pirates, he helped the team to win the league. Asked if he can repeat that feat and would be interested to continue for longer, the 64year-old says that would depend to the chairman of the club Irvin Khoza. Pirates confirmed the appointment of former club captain Benson Mhlongo as the second assistant coach today. Mhlongo will join Bradley Carnell as a second assistant coach, he doesn’t come with any credentials as a coach and it’s not known where he does have a coaching badge. But looking at the current situation, it’s also possible that the former Bidvest Wits and Mamelodi Sundowns strongman is coming in to also sort out the dressing room. Palacios has welcomed the appointment. Palacios has also defended himself from calls from certain quarters that he’s backstabbing coaches at the club. He's coached Bafana Bafana, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns amongst other teams in the country since his arrival here in 1984.
Interim co-coach Lehlohonolo Seems says that despite the defeat it was a promising performance for Celtic. He says that they can take positives from the game, and he feels they deserved something from the game, but were thwarted by a man of the match performance from City’s goalkeeper.Seema says that he thinks the team was a lot better against City than in previous games. He says they created a lot of really good chances, and it was only Samora Motloung who stopped them scoring. He says that the team can come away from this game with their confidence higher, and know that soon things will turn around. Seems says that he and Maduka are only in charge on an interim basis, and that the CVs are already piling up at the Celtic offices for the head coach job. He says until they find the right man, they’ll look after the team.
Davids’ comments related to a late chance that was fired over by Sheldon van Wyk and several other that came their way through the game. It was the same story in the last match, when 10-man Maritzburg fought from two goals down to draw the KwaZulu-Natal derby 2-2 with Lamontville Golden Arrows. Again they looked sharper with a man less, raising the question as to why they could not do it with 11 players. However, the assistant coach said a half time dress-down from the Middendorp was key to the second-half improvement.Striker Evans Rusike was again the guilty party for the home side, squandering at least three gilt-edge chances through the game. He should have scored when he was one-on-one in the first half and the goalkeeper off his line and again with a free header. In the second half, the Zimbabwean missed an even easier chance after he was set up by Van Wyk. But Davids, a former striker himself, refused to be too hard on the Rusike. Regarding the refereeing and dismissals of Middendorp and Fransman by referee Lwandile Mfiki, Davids gave a straight answer of ‘no comment’. The defender was last man when given a straight red card for a 58th minute foul on Edwin Sitayitayi, while the coach was sent to the stands for overly remonstrating in the 82nd minute. Despite those setbacks, it was still a positive outcome for the Team of Choice, who have now drawn three straight games. Davids believes they need to starting converting performances into points
Thobejane says he is not happy with the goalless score-line against Kaizer Chiefs and he could have easily accepted a 1-1 or 2-2 draw – a draw with goals. Baroka played to a fascinating goal-galore Polokwane derby last Sunday against Polokwane City with the game ending 2-all. Oscarine Masuleke, Baroka keeper seem to be struggling with cramps during most of the game, however, Thobejane suggests that it was for the first time his team played a high-tempo game.
Cape Town City picked up their fourth win of the PSL season when they beat Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 at the Cape Town. Lehlohonolo Majoro scored his first goal of the season, a real poacher’s effort in the 24th minute, but it wasn’t all one-way traffic for Eric Tinkler’s team, and Tinkler had a man of the match performance from goalkeeper Samora Motloung to thank for the three points. Tinkler says it wasn’t the best of performances, but he’ll take the three points. He says that it was a lot of what he expected from Celtic, who were led by Lehlohonolo Seems and John Maduka, after parting ways with Serame Letsoaka on Sunday. On a brighter note Tinkler says he’s delighted for Majoro, who finally got off the mark in Cape Town City colors. Tinkler says Majoro has been working so hard since joining the club, and he’s sure that it’s now the first of many goals for the club.
Kaizer Chiefs have dropped four points from a possible six points and find themselves lying third in the log-standings following their goalless draw against Baroka FC at the half-packed Moses Mabhida stadium. Chiefs coach Steve Komphela says as a team they are worried that they are not finding the back of the net. Chiefs were given a free kick in the latter stage of the second-half and surprisingly Itumeleng Khune stood-up to take it but failed to score. But, Komphela doesn’t want to put too much pressure on his striking force as that might dent their confidence in the coming games. Amakhosi have played three consecutive draws including the Telkom Knockout last 16 clash against Maritzburg United, Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates - and find themselves without a goal having played 300 minutes of football. Komphela says it’s vital that they collect points now and hopes his attacking players can gain confidence of finding the back of the net with ease.
Newly crowned African Champions Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane says year 2016 has been great to him and his team. Mosimane was responding to the latest nomination for the SA Sports of the year coach of the year award and also the club has also been nominated for the Team of the year award. It’s been a week now since Mosimane won the African Champions league title with Sundowns beating Zamalek 3-1 on aggregate. As Sundowns shifts focus to domestic competitions especially the Absa Premiership and the Telkom Knockout, Mosimane told SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli that he’s also monitoring the preparations for the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan next month.
The new Ajax Cape Town head coach Stanley Menzo has begun working with the first team squad as the struggling Cape Town side prepare to take on Free State Stars at Goble Park on Wednesday. The former Dutch international goalkeeper was named as the new coach of Ajax last week Friday to replace Roger De Sa, but watched from the stands on Saturday as Ajax lost 2-0 to SuperSport United under the guidance of assistant Mich d’Avray. Menzo says that things are feeling good after the two sessions he’s had with the team so far and he enjoyed his time in that role, but he’s now looking forward to working a young first team and get them back on track. 15th-placed Ajax have not had things easy in the league, having lost five out of seven league games, albeit losing to big clubs like Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Bidvest Wits, SuperSport United and local rivals Cape Town City. While Menzo says it’s never easy to get points from top teams like that, even losing against top teams can effect your confidence, and it’s now key they stabilize and find a winning mentality. Personally Menzo says that he is an ambitious coach, who wants to win every game he plays. His last head coach role was at Lierse in Belgium two years ago, the club that Siboniso Gaxa, Daylon Claasen and Lance Davids played at, and before that he coached Dutch clubs SC Cambuur and FC Volendam. He was also involved with the Dutch national team, serving as goalkeeper coach during Marco Van Basten’s tenure as head coach. He says he enjoys working with young players, and there’s nothing quite as satisfying as helping young footballers reach their goal of playing at the highest level.
Bloemfontein Celtic CEO Khumbulani Konco has confirmed that they have parted ways with their head coach Serame Letsoaka following a string of poor results. Letsoaka’s sacking follows Celtic’s latest 2-1 loss at home to Bidvest Wits on Saturday night. Team Manager and former Malawian international John Maduka and former captain Lehlohonolo Seema will be the joint caretaker coaches until a permanent replacement is found. Things have not been easy for Letsoaka, he has overseen 30 matches at Celtic in all competitions but has only managed a disappointing five wins. Konco has more on Letsoaka’s departure. At a general supporters meeting ony Saturday, Celtic management condemned the violence that erupted after their game against Bidvest Wits where they were beaten 2-1 at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday night. Konco says the violence is becoming a disease at Celtic and this was the second incident, following last season’s incident when Celtic played Orlando pirates at the Orlando Stadium. He says they will accept punishment given to them. Konco shares that they will be looking for a new coach but as for Wednesday night’s game against Cape Town City that will be led by Maduka and Seema who is also currently involved with the reserve team.
The former Maritzburg United coach also says he always wants his team to play offensive football that can help his team get lots of goals. Last season, Chiefs failed to beat the Buccaneers in the league game losing 3-1 and playing to a 1-all draw. Komphela says it’s vital to maintain good shape when his players don’t have ball possession and hopes for goals. Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela have vowed to entertain supporters who will be attending the Soweto Derby on the 29th of October afternoon at the FNB stadium. Chiefs will lock-horns with arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at the back of four-game winning streak in the league. However, Komphela says that records count for nothing when the two Soweto giants clash. He urged his players to remain highly focused and not give too much respect to their opponents if they are to win the game.
Acrobatic Amakhosi goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune says although it’s a derby game that has so much significance and history, all they will be playing for is three points. He says although they are footballers, they are still under pressure to ensure that supporters leave the stadiums entertained. Here is Khune revealing the kind of pressure they are under in terms of balancing derby games and other teams.Khune, who has been included in the latest Bafana-Bafana squad, says he hopes that a long-week preparation will come handy. He says his teammates are motivated going into the weekend game and players have been working hard ahead of the derby.
Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Clinton Larsen is expecting a feisty KwaZulu-Natal derby against Maritzburg United on Friday night. The Premiership clash at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg brings together the in-form leaders in “Abafana Bes’thende” against an out-of-sorts “Team of Choice”. There is also plenty of pride on the line, particularly after the incidents that marred the last derby when United coach Ernst Middendorp claimed he was assaulted by Arrows assistant Mandla Ncikazi. Larsen says his players are fired up for the clash. The ill-tempered affair at the back end of last term eventually ended 1-1 and was part of a crucial run of results that ensured Maritzburg survived relegation. But they have struggled to build on the strong end to 2015/16, even though Larsen feels they should be much higher up the table than that current 12th position. Arrows, on the other hand are soaring in the league. They are currently joint top with Kaizer Chiefs after collecting four wins a draw from their first six matches. But they were knocked out of the Telkom Knockout in their last match when they lost 2-1 at Orlando Pirates. Larsen is happy that the focus is shifting back to the championship this weekend. Arrows have swept aside almost everything that has been put in front of them so far. After losing 3-1 to the Buccaneers on the opening day of the season, they have gone on to beat Cape Town City, Free State Stars, Bloemfontein Celtic and Chippa United, with their solitary draw coming against SuperSport United. Larsen says it is more than he could have asked for.
Newly crowned African champions Mamelodi Sundowns overcame fatigue and euphoria, to beat Polokwane City 2-0 and advance to the Telkom Knockout quarterfinals at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville last night. The Brazilians came back from Egypt Wednesday and immediately returned to domestic football a day later. A goal from Themba Zwane in the 64th minute and the second six minutes later from Themba Zwane ensured the Brazilians will meet Supersport United in the quarterfinals. Coach Pitso Mosimane made couple of changes from the team that featured in the final against Zamalek to refresh the team. Sundowns will play catch up games in the league in the next few months. They have only played a single game against Maritzburg United in a match that ended in a goalless draw. On Sunday they will take on Cape Town City at home. Mosimane says the new players struggled to make an impact in the game.
There has been something special about Mamelodi Sundowns' good run in the African Champions League this year. Even before being crowned as the new champions on Sunday beating Egyptian giants Zamalek 3-1 on aggregate, the Brazilians had impressed billions of football fans on the continent. The media throughout the continent was also equally impressed especially here in North Africa where Pitso Mosimane's lads toppled big guns like Zamalek and ES Setif. Radio French International (RFI) reporter Frederic Nkeuna covers football in North Africa and tells SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli about Sundowns' massive impact.
Ajax coach Roger De Sa has sent a congratulatory message to the 2016 CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns, after their momentous achievement this weekend. De Sa, who led Orlando Pirates to the final of 2013 Champions League, says it’s a huge moment for South African football, and Sundowns has done the country proud. De Sa says that it’s great that South African clubs are now taking CAF tournaments seriously. He says that before conquering the world, teams need to first achieve success at home and in Africa, and it’s a great opportunity to build on. De Sa says that there can be massive spin-offs from this success, and it wouldn’t surprise him to see doors open for those involved in Sundowns’ victory. He says that South Africans now need to look at this achievement and with the right support, use it as a good foundation to build on.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Ugandan international goalkeeper Dennis Onyango has been very influential for both club and country in 2016. Despite playing only 26 minutes in the decisive African Champions League second leg final last night, Onyango was hugely excited with being an African Champion. He had to be subbed in the 26th minute after he was injured earlier in the game when he clashed with Nigerian international Stanley Ohawuchi. After leading Uganda to their first AFCON qualification in 38 years, now the 31 year-old becomes the first Ugandan to win a Champions league gold medal. Speaking to SA journalists including SABC Sport’s Velile Mbuli at the Borg El Arab stadium in Alexandria, Egypt, Onyango looks back at his ups and downs at the club culminating on this momentous occasion.
Before roping in Pitso Mosimane in 2012 as the head coach, Mamelodi Sundowns President Patrice Motsepe had employed a number of European coaches who failed to deliver a single trophy. After winning the African Champions League trophy last night beating Egyptian giants Zamalek 3-1 on aggregate in front of their 70 000 fans, Motsepe remembered the long journey this club has had since he took over in 2003. Speaking to South African journalists including SABC Sport’s Velile Mbuli in a wide-ranging interview, the billionaire and mining magnate reflects on his team’s biggest achievement ever.
Minister of Sport & Recreation Fikile Mbalula has honoured six South African sporting legends and activists with the Andrew Mlangeni Green Jackets at a glamorous Mlangeni dinner in Benoni on Friday night. Razzmatazz who missed the 6th annual Andrew Mlangeni golf day due to examination commitments has praised the recipients for their never die attitude during the apartheid era. According to Mbalula, the sole purpose of honouring and acknowledging people’s achievement was to inspire a generation – that has made victory important despite their suffering. Mbalula who promises to build a new SA Sports Hall of fame early in 2015 also took a swipe at the current induction hal. He says its main aim was to enrich certain individuals. The following legends were honoured – Cecil Blows (former track an field star – competed from 1954-79), Mpush Makhambi (Former IBO international and national middleweight champion), Nkosana ‘Happy-boy’ Mgxaji (Former SA jnr featherweight champion, died in 2011 aged 61), Papwa Sewgolum (Former golf champion – won the Dutch Open three times, died in 1978 aged 48), Sammy Ramsammy (Former educator, activist and sports administrator, was the first president of NOCSA that later changed to SASCOC) and Dennis Brutus (former journalist that would later become an activists). All the above recipients also received a cheque of R20 000, but Ramsammy donated his to the Mlangeni development.
When Sundowns President Patrice Motsepe bought the club 13 years ago, his ultimate dream was to win the African Champions League. And now that's it's been secured, he feels that this is a great achievement for the country. Mamelodi Sundowns became the second Southern African team after Orlando Pirates to win the African Championship in 21 years. The Brazilians lost 1-0 to Zamalek at the Borg El Arab stadium in Alexandria, Egypt last night to win 3-1 on aggregate. Mosimane says to lift the trophy in Egypt is very special.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane has described the African Champions League triumph as the crowning moment of his football career. Sundowns became the second Southern African team after Orlando Pirates to win the African Championship in 21 years. The Brazilians lost 1-0 to Zamalek at the Borg El Arab stadium in Alexandria, Egypt last night to win 3-1 on aggregate. Mosimane says to lift the trophy in Egypt is very special. Mosimane the first South African coach to have lifted this continental trophy and says without the support of a lot of people around him including SA football stakeholders this wouldn't have been possible. Also present at the stadium last night was Mosimena's wife Moira who attended both legs of the final and the former Bafana Bafana coach says her support and that of his family was very crucial in this success.After winning the first leg 3-0 in Pretoria last week, it was always going to be a toll order for Zamalek to come back and lift their sixth African title. Mosimane says their tactics worked on the night, as they didn't want to be exposed.
Ajax Cape Town travel to Pretoria this weekend to take on SuperSport United in the last 16 of the Telkom Knockout. It has not been the best of the starts for the Urban Warriors, who are still seeking their first win of the season, and they will be hoping that this cup game can be the catalyst to a change in fortune. Ajax coach Roger De Sa says that considering their league form, they may approach this game slightly differently. He says they aim to win every game they play, and he believes that their results so far have not been a true reflection of how they’ve been playing. De Sa says that they know what to expect from SuperSport, and that under coach Stuart Baxter they’re a very well structured team. Ajax will be missing quite a few players through injury, including Toriq Losper, Lebohang Mokoena, Nathan Paulse and Ali Abondo, but De Sa says that they’re fortunate enough to have enough depth in the squad to cover all positions. With their leading goalscorer, Nathan Paulse unavailable, the former Orlando Pirates mentor says it’s an opportunity for the other strikers in the squad to make an impression. De Sa says that Prince Nxumalo is now fully fit again, while Jucie Lupeta is pushing hard for a chance too and there is always pressure in his profession, and he just wants to turn things around.
There’s light at the end of the tunnel, this is a line that could be very relevant to women’s footballers in the country with the news that there’s a possible launch of an organized national women’s league. This was revealed by SAFA National Executive Committee (NEC) member Nomsa Mahlangu during the memorial service of former Tuks and North West-Vaal University women’s football team coach Sello “Boss Cry” Mokoena at the Fun Valley Resort, south of Johannesburg today. Mahlangu couldn’t give time frames but says a solution has been found to launch next year. From a distance, the easiest solution would be to attach a women’s football team to the existing 32 National Soccer League (NSL) teams in the same way that the Premier Soccer League is running it’s MDC league successfully. Already there’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Bloemfontein Celtic and AmaTuks who are running successful women’s football teams but Mahlangu according to Mahlangu this is not as easier as it looks. SAFA Technical Director for women’s football Fran-Hilton Smith is synonymous with women’s football not only in the country but at CAF and FIFA level as well as she serves in various committees. She also attended yesterday’s meeting and says it’s about time that an organized national league for women’s football get’s underway
Mamelodi Sundowns have reached the final stretch of their campaign for continental greatness when they clash against Zamalek in the return leg of the 2016 CAF Champions League final at the El Borg Arab Stadium, Alexandria, Egypt on Sunday night. After an exhilarating display last weekend, Masandawana head to the North of Africa to complete their quest against the five time champions. Meanwhile, The White Knights are out to exact revenge against the Chloorkop side after losing three consecutive games to Sundowns in their Champions League crusade. ‘Downs coach Pitso Mosimane says it has not been an easy journey for them but he believes its worth all the risks all in order to obtain the star. Mosimane further explains the sacrifices made to compete in CAF, stating it’s a milestone to have gotten this far. The outspoken mentor says they have a plan in motion and are optimistic that this time around they will prevail and receive the desired results. Mosimane says they have prepared as much as they can and have analysed all aspects down to the referee so that they are familiar with everything. The former Bafana Bafana coach has a message for the supporters to the club administrators, citing that they are humbled by the backing they have gotten and they will be giving it their all on Sunday night.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela says he is now faced with a huge responsibility of ensuring that his players don’t become complacent following their impressive four-game winning streak. The eloquent former U/23 mentor was speaking ahead of their Telkom Knockout clash with Maritzburg United at the FNB Stadium on Saturday night. Komphela says he will have to remain level-headed, focused and encourage them (players) not to be content. Amakhosi have already beaten the “Team of Choice” 2-0 in the same venue in their league encounter last month. Chiefs have also thrashed Highlands Park, Free State Stars and recently Ajax Cape Town. Komphela says he is happy with the level of team spirit in the camp. Chiefs is the most successful team in the Telkom Knockout having put 13 trophies in their cup cabinet. Komphela also took time to wish former Chiefs and Bafana-Bafana captain Neil Tovey a speedy recovery after he was admitted at the Durban hospital on Sunday with a second heart-attack fear. Influential Amakhosi midfielder George Lebese says this winning streak brings back the memories of Amakhosi lifting the MTN8 and the league title in the 2014/15 season under Stuart Baxter.
Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula is confident that Mamelodi Sundowns will wrap up the CAF Champions League title chase this weekend when they face Zamalek in the second leg at the Borg el-Arab Stadium in Alexandria, Egypt on Sunday evening (20:30). Mbalula addressed the players and the technical team at Sundowns’ base in Chloorkop after the team had concluded their training session before they depart for Egypt. Leading 3-0 from the last weekend’s first leg game that was played at Lucas Moripe stadium, Mbalula who will also be in Alexandria believes that the Brazilians have got this in the bag. Sundowns is participating in it’s second African Champions League final after they lost to another Egyptian side, the record eight time African Champions Al Ahly 4-1 on aggregate in 2001. Mbalula says triumph in Egypt will be good for the local Premier Soccer League (PSL) and also inspire generations to come. There’s also a lot of money at stake in this competition with Sundowns set to pocket $1,5million (R21million) should they clinch this title. It’s a norm at Sundowns that the club’s President let’s his squad share the prize money and Mbalula like he did with Orlando Pirates last year has also promised to top up the bonuses. But he emphasizes that money is not the main talking point here but returning home with the trophy is. Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane together with representatives from the club’s board and management were also present when Mbalula met the team at the training ground this morning. “Jingles” as the coach is popularly known says Mbalula has changed the face of SA sport.
Orlando Pirates will lock horns with on form Golden Arrows in the first round of Telkom Knockout Cup at Orlando stadium on Sunday afternoon. Arrows are currently level with Kaizer Chiefs at the top of the Absa Premiership log with 13 points from six league games. “Abafana Bes'thende” opened their season with a disappointing 3-1 defeat at the hands of Pirates with Tendai Ndoro scoring the first hat-trick of the season. However, Buccaneers’ shot stopper, Brighton Mhlongo, says that past results don’t matter in football. Mhlongo is pleased with game time he is receiving under new coach Muhsin Ertuğral. The 25 year old Soweto born has been brilliant at the posts after reclaiming his position back from Felipe Ovono, receiving his first Bafana Bafana call-up in the process. Upon his arrival at Pirates, Ertugral preferred Equatorial Guinea’s first choice keeper, Ovono ahead of Mhlongo. Pirates also signed Bafana Bafana international goal keeper Jackson Mabokgwane from the then Mpumalanga Black Aces during the recent transfer window. Ertugral says that he is pleased at how Mhlongo has handled stiff competition. Pirates are currently not doing well in the premiership, and the Soweto giants have only managed to collect nine points out of possible 15 points so far, and have also failed to clinch the MTN8. Mhlongo says that they are working hard to improve the team’s situation
Golden Arrows’ impressive performance in the Absa Premiership has caught the attention of Orlando Pirates coach Muhsin Ertugral, who says they need to prepare well if they are to triumph over Abafana Besithende in their Telkom Knockout last 16 match at Orlando Stadium on Sunday. While Arrows got their 2016/17 campaign off to a losing start after their 3 – 1 loss to Bucs in their first game of the season, they managed to quickly turn their fortunes around. Following a four – match unbeaten streak made up of three victories and a draw, they now lie second on the log, on equal points with log topping Kaizer Chiefs. Ertugral says while Arrows are an organized side they have their own weaknesses, and they will try to exploit them to their advantage. While Arrows head into this match in high spirits following their good run in the league, it has not been smooth sailing for the Buccaneers, who head into this match on the back of three consecutive draws. Ertugral says he is not happy with their recent performance, adding that they are trying their best to improve.
Highlands Park will be up against Chippa United in the Telkom Knockout last 16 at Makhulong stadium in Tembisa on Friday night. Highlands’ newly appointed coach Gordon Igesund says it will be a tough work for him to accomplish since he has only three days to prepare the players for this game. Igesund, who won the TKO cup in 2014 when he was still with SuperSport United, says Chippa is a tough team that needs a lot of preparation and not be taken lightly.
Gordon Igesund has been appointed the new Highlands Park coach after just five games into the new season. Igesund replaces Allan Freese, who helped the team gain promotion to the top flight football. The former Bafana Bafana coach was widely tipped to take over the coaching reins in the Zambian national team. Igesund, who signed a one year contract with an option to renew, is pleased with the appointment. Highlands Park are lying 13th on the ABSA premiership log after five matches. They have lost three matches, with only single victory and one draw. They lost heavily to Supersport United 4-1 on Sunday. The team’s chairman Larry Brookstone says Igesund is a highly experienced coach.
Leading to the first leg of the CAF Champions League final last week, Mamelodi Sundowns and most of the stakeholders in local football appealed to the public to fill up Lucas Moripe stadium and that’s what exactly happened this past weekend. As Sundowns hammered Zamalek 3-0, they were also well supported by the more than 30 000 fans on the stands with most of them clad in their famous yellow colours. After the game head coach Pitso Mosimane took time to thank everyone including the media. Just like it happened with Orlando Pirates when they played in the 2013 Champions league final, other PSL clubs’ supporters attended the final in numbers and something similar occurred this time. Mosimane thanks different clubs, football bosses and players from other clubs for moral support.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane has urged his players to keep their feet firmly on the ground ahead of their trip to Alexandria, Egypt this week where they will play Zamalek in the second leg of the African Champions League final on the 23rd of this month. Speaking after a convincing and well executed 3-0 demolition of Zamalek in the first leg at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville yesterday, Mosimane says that the job is not done yet. Sundowns cannot afford to take Zamalek lightly, in the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final last year they lost the first leg to Etoile du Sahel 5-1 in Tunisia and won 3-0 at home only losing 5-4 on aggregate. Mosimane knows very well what the five time African champions are capable of on home soil. The Brazilians will have to prepare themselves without Wayne Arendse in the decisive leg after he picked up a second yellow card on Saturday and is suspended for the next game. Mosimane explains the reasons behind substituting Arendse and other key players. One of the masterstrokes from Sundowns this past weekend was to go for the afternoon kick-off as opposed to the evening time. This caught Zamalek off guard as they are used to evening games and they couldn’t catch up with the Highveld altitude and Jingles was not apologetic about the time they chose for this first leg.
Chippa United coach Dan Malesela has warned his former club Mamelodi Sundowns to prepare for far greater hostilities when they travel to Alexandria’s Borg el-Arab Stadium to take on Egyptian giants in the CAF Champions League final second leg next Sunday. Sundowns thumped Zamalek 3-0 in the first leg in a packed Lucas Morepe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday afternoon. After watch his side suffer their first Absa Premiership loss this season, going downs 1-0 to Golden Arrows in Durban, Malesela congratulated Sundowns before reiterating that the job is not done yet. Malesela also called on his players to make responsible decisions and take responsibility in match winning situations instead of shifting the responsibility and passing the ball around too many times within shooting range. The former Orlando Pirates stalwart also heaped praise for Arrow’s Namibian born goalkeeper Maximilian Mbaeva commending his talent.
Zamalek head coach Moemen Soliman says tomorrow’s CAF Champions League first leg final against Mamelodi Sundowns at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville (3pm) is all about revenge. Soliman who has lost twice to Sundowns in the group stages, says tomorrow they will have to avenge for those results. Soliman has only been in charge of the White Knights for the past two and a half months and in this period they’ve played mainly Champions league matches, one league game and won the Egypt Cup. With the second leg of the CAF Champions League scheduled for Alexandria in Egypt next weekend, the expectation is that the visitors will come with a conservative approach tomorrow and hit the hosts on the counter. Like most teams do, Zamalek will be focusing on wrapping up the final at home but Soliman, a former Zamalek player who never featured for the Pharaohs, complains about the preparations that have not been ideal in recent weeks.
Mamelodi Sundowns supporters co-ordinator Alex Shakoane recalled the atmosphere at the Cairo International stadium when his team played against Al Ahly in the CAF champions league final in 2001. Shakoane, who is a long time servant of the team, was part of the travelling contingent as the club’s public relations officer when the Brazilians lost the two-legged final 4-1 on aggregate, Sundowns will play in the champions league first leg final against yet another Egyptian team Zamalek at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville (kickoff 3pm). He also recalled the wonderful treatment and great hospitality meted out to the team on their arrival and short stay in Egypt. The two teams drew 1-1 in Pretoria before the Egyptians trounced Sundowns 3-0 in Cairo. Shakoane says the players gave a good account of themselves despite suffering heavy defeat away from home. Shakoane is also not disappointed that his team will start the first leg at home. The draw to determine who plays where first was apparently conducted during the semifinals draw, which a lot of South Africans were not happy about.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela says it would have been nice to have all his players for their – including Erick “Tower” Mathoho – who will be attending a family bereavement of his brother. Amakhosi will lock-horns with Ajax Cape Town in Durban’s Moses Mabhida stadium on the 5th of October. Komphela says although it was international FIFA break, he used the break to work on various phases of their style such as speed and finishing. Amakhosi got an opportunity to play in the Sparta Macufe Cup against Bloemfontein Celtics where they won 4-1 and Komphela says he is happy with the performance showed by the fringe players. Komphela says he was prompted to work on speed and finishing because their offensive play was not smooth despite playing good football. Chiefs are currently leading the log with ten points from five games while a team like Mamelodi Sundowns has played only one due to their CAF Champions League commitments. The former U/23 mentor says he will be happy with the three points, try stay at the top of the log and not focus on other teams’ run in the league. Last season, Amakhosi lost 1-nil to the Urban Warriors in the final of the MTN8 while their two fixtures ended in 1-all draw and a goalless draw. Komphela promised goals in this game following his team’s free-scoring prowess lately. He says he is happy with the fringe players but he will try to remain consistent with his player selection.
The injury to Mamelodi Sundowns and Colombian international striker Leonardo Castro remains a serious talking point to Zamalek, it’s fans and journalists from Egypt. As the two teams prepare to lock horns in the first leg of the African Champions League final at Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday, the unavailability of Castro seems to be music to the ears for the Egyptians. Amr Fahmy of BeinSports is one of the more than 20 journalists who are accompanying Zamalek from Egypt for this final and informs SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli that they fully respect The Brazilians.
Ajax Cape Town coach Roger De Sa says that Mamelodi Sundowns progress to the CAF Champions League Final reminds him a lot of how Orlando Pirates reached the final in 2014. De Sa was head coach of Pirates the last time a South African team reached the final. Sundowns host Zamalek in the first leg of the final this weekend, and De Sa says that he thinks Pitso Mosimane’s squad is arguably stronger than the one he had at the Buccaneers. De Sa says that he also thinks Zamalek are not as strong as they could be and when he spoke to a few directors at the Egyptian club, they said they were concerned about their depth. De Sa says that Sundowns need make sure they don’t concede a goal at home, which he believes was the mistake that Pirates made in 2013. He says that the away goal came back to haunt them in Egypt, where it can be tough to turn a result around.
Polokwane City has partnered with the Limpopo department of Roads and Transport and their sponsors to raise awareness on road safety. Their campaign is called Your Safety, Our Priority and its line with October being transport month. New club spokesperson Noko Moloto says on Friday the parties involved including players will be at the Kranskop Toll Plaza on the N1 engaging with motorists and pedestrians on road safety. Moloto says this is not a once off event saying the plan is to do is annually. The administrator adds that this initiative is close to club chairman Johny Mogaladi’s heart following the fatal car accident involving Rise & Shine players in 2012.
Mamelodi Sundowns legend Daniel “ Mambush” Mudau strongly believes that his former team will overcome Egyptian giants Zamalek in the CAF Champions league final. The first leg will take place at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday (kick-off 15:00), with the return leg hosted in Egypt on Friday the 21st. Mudau was part of the Sundowns that played in the Champs league final in 2001 that lost to Al Ahly heavily 5-1 on aggregate. Sundowns’ form heading to the final has not been impressive. The Brazilians were thumped by Bidvest Wits in the MTN 8 final in their last match. In an earlier match, they were not convincing when they got the better of Chippa United, winning 1-0 in the MTN 8 two-legged semi-finals. Mudau is one of the five players to have scored more than 100 goals in the PSL era, with 108 goals. He says the Brazilians will rise to the occasion for the final. No South African team has ever started the CAF first leg final away from home. Orlando Pirates started away in both the Champions league final against Al Ahly and also away against ES Setif in the Confederations cup final, while Sundowns also started away in the champs final against Al Ahly 15 years ago. The Sundowns leading goal scorer of all-time still believes Patrice Motsepe’s team will conquer against all odds. Mosimane has assembled a star studded team full of depth which is capable of challenging for all the trophies. The MTN 8 is already lost but the team will be looking to win the remaining cups on offer. The former Bafana Bafana coach fielded a second string team against Maritzburg United and struggled in a league match which ended in a 1-all draw. Mudau is confident the team assembled can win many trophies.
This weekend’s African Champions League final first, leg game is the biggest game the current Mamelodi Sundowns team has been involved in according to head coach Pitso Mosimane. Speaking after their training session this morning at the club’s base in Chloorkop, Mosimane says their clash against Egyptian giants Zamalek at the Lucas Moripe stadium on Saturday afternoon (15:00) is the club’s proudest moment yet. Sundowns last reached the African Champions League final in 2001, losing 4-1 on aggregate to another Egyptian giant Al Ahly. The following year Zamalek beat Raja Casablanca of Morocco 2-1 in the final and this was the last time the two teams featured in the final. Mosimane likens this hunger Sundowns and Zamalek has for the Champions League title to the hunger that was shown by Bidvest Wits when they beat The Brazilians 3-0 in the MTN 8 final a week ago. Sundowns and Zamalek met twice in the group stages and the PSL Champions won both games but there are different factors coming to this final like The White Knights now operating with a different coach in Moemen Soliman. There’s also the Nigerian striker Stanley Ohawuchi who is on loan from another Egyptian club Wadi Degla and was highly effective in the semi-finals against Wydad Casablanca. Also add the influential left-back Ali Fathi who has since recovered from an injury after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. But Mosimane doesn’t anticipate any major changes from the five time African Champions’ tactical application.
Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba admitted that their failure to keep hold of the ball during last night’s international friendly with Ghana at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban was worrying. South Africa had to come from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw in blustery conditions. They fell behind to a Mubarak Wakaso penalty seven minutes before half-time, but responded well when Ayanda Patosi levelled six minutes after the break. Mashaba had handed several fringe players a start, but conceded they should have done better to hold on to the ball, particularly in the first half. The match in general was one of two halves, as Ghana’s early arrival in Durban showed by their more commanding display in the first half. Mashaba felt there were lessons they could take out of the game. In the end, South Africa’s failure to have even one training session in Durban came back to bite them. However, their hands were tied in many ways as they had the long journey to undertake from Burkina Faso, while Ghana’s journey was shorter as they played Uganda at home on Friday. Mashaba said there were many things they could learn from in terms of planning as the heavy travel took its toll on the players. Mashaba also admitted there was little he could do to stop fans booing players. Gabuza was the victim of some sections of the crowd after his late miss that could have turned a draw into a win. But the coach felt that taunting by the fans had unfortunately become a bad habit.
Having started his professional career over a decade ago at Hellenic, Platinum Stars Captain Vuyo Mere, now has 401 PSL caps under his belt, with Moeneeb Josephs of Bidvest Wits being the only other player currently in the PSL to go over the 400 mark. The 32-year old defender first came onto the spotlight when he joined the ‘Greek Gods’ and has since played for football giants, Mamelodi Sundowns and Moroka Swallows. Mere says this is a big milestone for him and thanks God for all that he has achieved thus far. He admits that the journey to getting where he is has not been easy however he is grateful for all the support he has received from his loved ones. It is no secret that Mere went through some tumultuous times during his seven years at Sundowns, almost losing his career and all he had worked for, constantly making headlines for all the wrong reasons. However according to the Captain that was not his biggest challenge to date. He says he is always trying to better himself as a footballer and that has to be the most difficult part for him. With 15 years under his belt, the defender has won every trophy in the PSL but the thing that stands out the most for him is winning the league, not once but twice during his time at Sundowns. He says that trophies are important but winning the league has been the best feeling for him and he hopes to help the youngsters in his team reach the same milestone.
Bafana Bafana head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba has admitted that his side was lucky to escape with a point from the opening game of 2018 World Cup third and final round qualifying campaign against Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou this past weekend. Bafana were held to a 1-all draw by the hosts who equalized deep into injury time after Dean Furman had scored 10 minutes from full-time. Speaking in Durban yesterday afternoon, where Bafana play an international friendly against Ghana at Moses Mabhida stadium tonight, the 11th of October 2016. Senegal are now leading Group D with three points after beating Cape Verde 2-0 at home on Saturday and Bafana have got their work cut out for them in their fixture at home against the Terranga Lions. Mashaba comments on the two points lost, but doesn’t seem to understand the rules of the World Cup qualifiers, unlike CAF, FIFA does not use head to head but the goal difference system mainly in case two or more teams are equal on points. And the away goal rule in this particular instance becomes irrelevant, as this is not a two-legged tie but a round robin stage with four teams and only group winners will qualify for Russia 2018.
Ajax Cape Town has made the most of this current FIFA international break, which has coincided with school holidays in South Africa. With a number of their young promoted players still involved at school, the week allowed coach Roger De Sa to spend more time with those players, who due to school and exams, have not been able to train with the first team as regularly. De Sa says that it’s just a question of time before players like Grant Margeman, Masilake Phohlongo and Luthando Mateza step up to become first team regulars. Ahead of this weekend’s away game against league leaders Kaizer Chiefs, Ajax are still seeking their first win, and De Sa says that while their aim is to win every game their play, their main target is to end in the top eight. De Sa says they are capable of beating any team on any given day, but they need to find consistency.
Ghana national team head coach Avram Grant says that tonight’s international friendly match against Bafana Bafana is going to help them prepare thoroughly for their next 2018 World Cup qualifier against Egypt next month. Black Stars and Bafana are fresh from disappointing opening draws against Uganda and Burkina Faso respectively this past weekend. The two teams lock horns at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban tonight and Grant is coming to this match with an eye on the qualifiers too. Already the ‘The Pharaohs” are leading Group E with three points after winning away at Congo-Brazzaville 2-1 on Sunday and the trip to Alexandria next month is going to be a tough for Ghana. Grant, a former Chelsea and West Ham United manager says they now have to switch their focus to the next match, which won’t be easy as the Black Stars humiliated Egypt on their way to Brazil 2014. Grant has brought an 18-man squad for this game with other key players like Andrew “Dede” Ayew out injured and the Israeli born coach has more on other players who have been left behind.
Mamelodi Sundowns extended their unbeaten run in the PSL Reserve League to three games with a 2 – 0 victory over Polokwane City at KaNyamazane Stadium in Mbombela on Saturday. Sundowns opened the scoring in the second minute of the opening half through Thabang Sibanyoni, with Samuel Julies sealing the victory for the Tshwane club just three minutes before the final whistle. City also created many scoring opportunities but couldn’t get on the score sheet, as they were let down by poor finishing. Sundowns coach David Notoane says it was not an easy victory. The Brazilians have so far lost once a 1-0 to Orlando Pirates in their opening match of the season early last month. His team may have won the match but Notoane is not entirely happy with their performance, which he says shows that they still have a lot of work to do. City came into this match on the back of a 4 – 2 loss to Cape Town City FC last month, and were hoping to turn their fortunes around. City coach Nkueni Mayala says given the countless goal scoring opportunities they created they should have won the match…Mayala, whose team is yet to taste victory this season, says it’s disappointing that they couldn’t win the match despite their dominance.
The 12th Kay Motsepe Schools Cup is currently under way at Florida Albion Football Club grounds in Roodepoort. The tournament is sponsored by the Motsepe Foundation in partnership with Sanlam, SAFA and the Department of Basic Education. A total of 18 schools from nine provinces are competing for the ultimate winner’s prize money of R1 million. Motsepe Foundation’s Sizwe Nzimande says that the aim of this initiative is to develop children from previously disadvantage communities in the country. A total of 25 players are chosen from all the 18 schools compete in this tournament to play against Mamelodi Sundowns during the December PSL recess. This tournament has produced players such as Kwanda Mgonyama of Maritzburg United, Khayelihle Kingsley Shozi currently on loan to Black Leopards from Downs and Percy Tau who is playing in the CAF Champions league with Sundowns. Nzimande says the tournament is a stepping stone for aspiring footballers to make it in the top flight football.
Big guns Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Supersport United and Kaizer Chiefs will all enjoy home ground advantage in the first round of the 2016/17 Telkom Knockout Cup. The live draw, conducted at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg this afternoon, also see newcomers Cape Town City home to Bloemfontein Celtic while newly promoted outfits Baroka FC and Highlands Park are also at home. Pirates hit man Tendai Ndoro says their 3-1 opening league win over Golden Arrows, in which he scored a hat-trick, means nothing ahead of the cup game. Arrows winger Kudakwashe Mahachi was quick to warn Pirates that Abafana Be Sithende will be back in Soweto for more than just a passage to the next round. The Zimbabwean born Mahachi says they want to revenge. 2013/14 Telkom Cup winning captain with Platinum Stars Vuyo Mere says they will have to prepare thoroughly for the Limpopo outfit in Baroka. Mere adds that it will be more of a challenge facing the newcomers in their own backyard especially after having conceded three points in their league clash last month. Former Ajax Cape Town defender and Supersport United captain Clayton Daniels says his team is raring to go after having assembled a strong squad since coach Stuart Baxter’s arrival. A motivated but still injured Daniels says the 2014/15 Telkom KO Cup winners are to make an appearance in the final.
Orlando Pirates striker Tendai Ndoro is happy at being drawn against Lamontville Golden Arrows in the 2016 edition of the Telkom Cup. The tournament will afford the Buccaneers an opportunity to redeem themselves following their quarterfinal exit from the MTN8, after losing 2 – 1 to BidVest Wits in August. Speaking at the draw of the 16 – team cup competition at The Wanderers Club in Johannesburg this afternoon, Ndoro says that they need to be well prepared. Last season Bucs were booted out of the tournament in the semi-finals by their crosstown rivals Kaizer Chiefs with a 6 – 5 penalty shootout defeat, after the match had ended in a goalless draw. The 28 years – old Zimbabwean international says he is confident that their coach Muhsin Ertugral, whom he describes as a strict coach, will guide them to the finals of the tournament. Arrows midfielder Kudakwashe Mahachi says he’s excited about his side being drawn against Pirates, which he says it’s an opportunity to avenge their 3 – 1 loss to the Soweto club in the Absa Premiership in August. Mahachi says he’s aware that Pirates is a big team but says that won’t stop them from trying their best to win the match.
Having failed to qualify for the Gabon 2017 Afcon event early next year and the final round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Namibia has embarked on a comprehensive youth program aimed at ensuring an automatic qualification to the Cameroon 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals. The Namibian squad which won the Cosafa trophy last season under head-coach Ricardo Mannetti has been kept together for the sole purpose of qualifying for Afcon 2019 and the Qatar 2022 Fifa World Cup. Namibian Football Association President Frans Mbidi reiterates that his organization is doing everything possible to build a national squad that will be able to qualify for the Afcon spot in 2019 and reckons the world is yet to see the best of Namibia, football-wise. Mbidi says the Namibian Football Association leadership are working hard to ensure progress but declined to divulge the details of their plan. He also allayed the fears of club versus country tug of war that often come up when players are summoned for national duty. There were speculations that Namibian head coach Ricardo Mannetti would be sacked after failing to qualify for the Afcon final in Gabon. But Mbidi says for Namibia to do well on the continental stage, Mannetti will be part of that journey. He says for a winning combination to emerge, chop and change of coaches will be a thing of the past. Meanwhile Mbidi who was in Cairo, Egypt following CAF resolution of term-limits for their executives hailed that decision as a significant step in the right direction. Mbidi says it’s a good initiative taken from football world controlling body, FIFA to try and adhere to the sweeping reforms with FIFA.
In an effort to help former professional football players get closer to the game and contribute positively, the South African Players Football Union (SAFPU) has brought together 15 former professional players and put them through a coaching course. The D-License coaching course run by well-respected SAFA and CAF instructor Steve Coetsee is currently underway at the German School in Pretoria and will run until this weekend. Present here are former Bafana Bafana players like Cyril Nzama, Junaid Hartley, Phumudzo Manenzhe and many others. SAFPU Secretary General Thulaganyo Gaoshubelwe has more on this project. There were a number of other former players like former Supersport United and South African U23 international player Japie Motale, younger brother to “Magents” Motale and Gaoshubelwe says the aim is to contribute something towards development of the game.
Successful teams are formed around successful and experienced players and that’s exactly what Gavin Hunt ensured when he recruited Daine Klate and Elias Pelembe to Bidvest Wits in the past two seasons. Klate and Pelembe played a pivotal role in leading Wits to it’s first trophy in five and a half years when they humiliated Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 in the MTN 8 final at the Mbombela stadium on Saturday. Hunt won three league titles with Klate whilst they were still at Supersport United and has got some interesting insight on how best to utilise the Port Elizabeth born lad…
In the first seven matches of the season in all competitions including this past weekend’s final, Wits has proven that under Hunt they are far from being only labelled as the team that’s relying on the aerial balls and boring “airplane” football. Hunt also addressed this question after the final after outplaying Sundowns in the same way that they had done to Kaizer Chiefs, Pirates and Cape Town City so far this season…
Pelembe joined Supersport United from Mozambican side Deportivo Maputo and went on to win a league title immediately with Hunt. When he joined Wits last year, he had to take a huge salary cut from Sundowns where he was one of the highest earners. He’s rewarded the Braamfontein based side with some wonderful performances and Hunt says he will need to control how these players are utilised going forward…
Following this success, talks about Hunt possibly taking over at Bafana are likely to return especially if the national team doesn’t start well in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. It’s a known fact that Hunt was highly considered for this position previously but he feels he’s still young for this position even though he also admits that coaching the national team remains very special…
Jose Ferreira is a shrewd football administrator who also deserves full credit for Bidvest Wits’ MTN8 success this past weekend after they thumped Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 in the final at Mbombela stadium. As the club’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ferreira ensured that Wits sign some of the best players on the transfer market in the recent transfer window with most of them coming for free, except Xola Mlambo who cost them few million rands from Chippa United. Ferreira had operated like this from his days at Sundowns and Supersport United but was starting to feel pressure now after five years at Wits with no silverware to show. In this short interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, Ferreira also addresses the questions around taking the CAF Champions League participation next year serious…
Kaizer Chiefs defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele says that he hopes they cling onto the number one spot they are currently occupying. After five games, Amakhosi find themselves top of the PSL log with ten points from three wins, one draw and one loss. Mphahlele says he knows that it is still early in the season, but if they stick to Steve Komphela’s tactics, then they will collect maximum points to consolidate their position. Mphahlele knows very well what it take to be part of a winning team having captained Mamelodi Sundowns to the Telkom Knockout Challenge victory and championship before making a move to Naturena. He says during early days at Amakhosi, it was difficult for him to know how his teammates react after a loss, but now he knows. : The 26-year-old former Sundowns captain says it takes time to build a winning team and believes they can achieve that with Chiefs in years to come. Amakhosi went into this two-week FIFA international break with a high momentum, belief and confidence after a three game winning streak. Chiefs beat Highlands Park 1-0, before beating Maritzburg United 2-0 and Free State Stars by the same score.
Chippa United defender Marc van Heerden has given credit to his teammates after making history for himself by winning three back-to-back Man-of-the-Match awards in the Chilli Boyz’s first three matches of the season. Van Heerden, who joined the Port Elizabeth-based side from National First Division (NFD) side AmaZulu during preseason, settled well at the Chilli Boyz. After finding the back of the net for the first time in a Chilli Boyz shirt during the team’s 4-1 win over Baroka FC in Polokwane last week, the 28-year-old Van Heerden is now looking forward to more consistent displays. Meanwhile, Van Heerden reckons playing against Lamontville Golden Arrows in the Chilli Boyz’s next match, which is scheduled for the Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday, 15 October, will bring back memories of Arrows-AmaZulu derby.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane has assured that the CAF Champions League final against Zamalek in two weeks time remains a top priority for them after they were walloped 3-0 by BidVest Wits in the MTN 8 final at the Mbombela stadium this past Saturday. Sundowns came to this final as favourites after they had finished last season with a double on the local front but Wits had other ideas. The Brazilians host the five time African champions in the first leg on the 15th of this month before going to Cairo for the second leg the following weekend. And Mosimane says thst he is concerned about his team’s signs of running out of steam in key areas of their play. Coming to this final, all the talk was about Anthony Laffor’s effectiveness and impact in the previous three matches where he had provided an assist to Khama Billiat to score the crucial away goal at Zesco United. He followed with the winning goal against Chippa United that took Sundowns to the Wafa-Wafa final and scored the all-important opening goal against Zesco at home to ensure qualification to the continental cup final. And this led to Mosimane starting with him in the final, something that rarely happens and he was substituted at half-time for Ivory Coast international Yannick Zakri. The former Bafana Bafana head coach reflects on the Liberian international.
Bafana Bafana head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba has called up Platinum Stars defender Isaac Nhlapo to replace the injured Ajax Cape Town centre-back Rivaldo Coetzee ahead of the team’s departure for Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso tomorrow. Bafana start their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign’s third and final round this weekend in Group D. Bafana team medico Dr. Thulani Ngwenya has been doing the assessment and has more. Mashaba has been criticised in the past on the continuous omission of Komohelo Mokotjo of F.C Twente in Holland, Kermit Erasmus of Rennes in France and a host of other deserving players that haven’t been called-up. However, the 66 year old mentor justifies his selection criteria and says that he is happy with his 25-man squad. One of the short comings of the Bafana technical team was not to thoroughly plan for their opponents in the recent African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign by using the modern trends of analysis. Consequently, this led to Bafana’s embarrassing 3-1 loss at lowly placed minnows Mauritania who also held them 1-1 at home. Mashaba says they have learnt their lesson. Mashaba expects a tough encounter against Burkina Faso on Saturday as “The Stallions” have qualified as group winners for AFCON 2017 and have an impressive home record having won all their home games during the qualifiers.
Black Leopards head coach Jairos Tapera says that only after 10 games will he know the direction his side’s campaign is going, right now he says that it is not even clear who is challenging for promotion and while he is still getting to know his team he is happy with the steady rise. The former Zimbabwe U20 mentor admits he is happy the side is scoring a lot of goals as usually goal difference plays a big part in a promotional campaign. The coach is also encouraged to see the Li Doda Duvha faithful backing their side again.
Bidvest Wits head coach Gavin Hunt has admitted his team's desperation to win some silverware ahead of Saturday's MTN 8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns at the Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit on the 1st of October 2015 (5pm). The Clever Boys who have seen off teams like Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City on their way to the final last lifted a trophy with the Nedbank Cup title in 2010. Speaking at the coaches’ press conference at the PSL offices today, Hunt admitted that having not won a trophy in five years is a concern for the team. Hunt who has only renewed his contract for one year, is going to his fourth year at Wits and yet to win some silverware. He feels that it's not fair to judge coaches on the basis of how many trophies they've won and not look at how they’ve transformed the team. Wits have had a perfect start into the new season, having won four and drawn two of their six games in all competitions. With wins over Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, Hunt can have a reason to be positive but he's aware that Sundowns is a different animal and expects to be tested.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana star player Sibusiso “General” Vilakazi is not feeling any pressure to produce miracles when he meets his former club Bidvest Wits in the MTN 8 final at the Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday. Vilakazi was speaking during the Brazilians’ training session at their base in Chloorkop as they continue preparations for the first of their two finals in the month of October. The Bafana star player moved to Sundowns from Wits in the record local deal that is said to be worth R11 million and also saw two players Cuthbert Malajila and Mogokolodi Ngele moving to the opposite direction. Vilakazi says what’s important is for his new team to achieve. When Vilakazi forced his move from Wits during the off-season, he spoke about the desire to join a Sundowns team that was fighting for titles and true to form the Brazilians are not just involved in the Wafa-Wafa final but also have the big one, the African Champions League final against Zamalek waiting for them. He feels vindicated by the status quo.
The CAF Extraordinary General Assembly in Egypt, Cairo today elected two African officials onto football world governing body’s all powerful FIFA Executive Council. The election onto the FIFA Council is for a transitory period from 30 September 2016 to 16 March 2017. CAF 2nd Vice President Almamy Kabele (Guinea) and CAF Executive Committee member Kwesi Nyantakyi (Ghana) went through after polling 37 votes and 31 votes respectively. The duo joins CAF President Issa Hayatou (Cameroon), Hani Abo Rida (Egypt), Constant Omari (DR Congo), Tarek Bouchamaoui (Tunisia) and Lydia Nsekera (Burundi) as the Africans on the FIFA Council. Football analyst Jeff Katala of DR Congo says he expects the pair to becoming advocates of African football improvement within the FIFA family. Ghana’s FA President Kwasi Nyantakyi, an accomplished lawyer by profession is seen as a credible official with impeccable credentials to revive changes within FIFA that will be favourable to Africa. He will be expected to do advocacy work within FIFA on behalf of the African continent to effect far-reaching changes. Nyantakyi, who secured 31 votes, hopes to hit the road running by ensuring that he re-visit the thorny issue of slots accorded to the six federations within the 32-World Cup issue. Meanwhile, the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers gets underway next weekend and Katala says Group D, which include Nigeria, ZaThe melodramatic issue of age-cheating reared its ugly head again this week. Nigerian player Victor Emenayo was caught in an age-fraud spat. Katala calls for CAF to establish a committee together with the 54 national associations across the continent to deal with the issue, Algeria and Cameroon remains the group of death. He says the clash between Nigeria and Zambia in the opening Group D tie remains a clash of the titans.
Ernst Middendorp cast doubts over Maritzburg United future last night after the club suffered a third Premiership defeat in succession. The “Team of Choice” were beaten 1-0 by Polokwane City at the Harry Gwala Stadium after turning in an abject performance in front of their home fans. Middendorp, who helped the club secure one of the greatest escapes in Premier Soccer League history when they narrowly avoided relegation last year, saw his side drop to 12th place after the loss and the temperamental German admitted he was unsure if he will be in charge of their next game. Middendorp’s men had impressed in the opening weeks of the season they beat Bloemfontein Celtic in round one, before holding champions Mamelodi Sundowns to a goalless draw. But back-to-back defeats to SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs before last night’s game had left the coach frustrated. He had bemoaned several key refereeing decisions in those games, although there was little to complain about in their woeful showing against Polokwane. But he admitted he may have been too harsh on his players after the loss to Amakhosi, consequently causing a negative effect. Middendorp conceded that some of the refereeing decisions in the previous matches left him with a bitter taste in his mouth. Maritzburg’s next game is against Free State Stars at the James Motlatsi Stadium on October 15, which was after the international break.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana star player Sibusiso “General” Vilakazi is not feeling any pressure to produce miracles when he meets his former club Bidvest Wits in the MTN 8 final at the Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday. Vilakazi was speaking during the Brazilians’ training session at their base in Chloorkop yesterday as they continue preparations for the first of their two finals in the month of October. The Bafana star player moved to Sundowns from Wits in the record local deal that is said to be worth R11 million and also saw two players Cuthbert Malajila and Mogokolodi Ngele moving to the opposite direction. Vilakazi says that what’s important is for his new team to achieve. When Vilakazi forced his move from Wits during the off-season, he spoke about the desire to join a Sundowns team that was fighting for titles and true to form the Brazilians are not just involved in the Wafa-Wafa final but also have the big one the African Champions League final against Zamalek waiting for them. He feels vindicated by the status quo.
Polokwane City striker Puleng Tlolane is happy to have his good form back as his side gears up for an Absa premiership clash with Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala stadium yesterday the 27th of September (19:30). Two seasons ago Tlolane was a contender for top goal scorer which attracted the eyes of other teams. That spilled over into the previous term where injuries also plagued the player. He says he had to get his head right this season which is why he is playing better. Ahead of the match with Maritzburg, Tlolane is aware the opposition wants to avoid their misfortunes from last season where they spent the majority of the term at the basement of the log. Currently City are seventh on the table with five points from four games while the team of choice lie in 11th position with four points also from four outings. The 24 year old also admits that his game has been improved by his teammates like Rodney Ramagalela. Harold Ndlovu kept for City for the remainder of that game and did not concede. Ndlovu says the keepers in the side play for one another and the team.
Lamontville Golden Arrows were left angry early this morning by a false report in a Johannesburg-based newspaper claiming that coach Clinton Larsen had been axed. A report in the Citizen newspaper stated that the 45-year-old had been shown the exit door after “a fight with some players at training last week ”but the club, who are top of the Premiership table, blasted the claim with chief executive officer Gordon Masondo amongst many of the clubs’ hierarchy that were left fuming. The report went on to quote an unnamed source, who said that Larsen was called into a meeting yesterday, and upon failing to pitch, he was axed. Masondo says that such irresponsible journalism should have consequences and has vowed to take the journalist to task. Arrows play SuperSport United at the Princess Magogo Stadium tonight the 28th of September, and are presently riding the crest of a wave after winning three matches in a row for a total of nine points. Masondo is extremely satisfied with the start they have made.
International experience at coaching is very important especially if you are going to compete at that level. And that is what Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane brought to his team after spending five years at Bafana Bafana. As the Brazilians qualified for the African Champions League final after beating Zesco United 3-2 on aggregate this past weekend, Mosimane is asking some serious questions. Before their first participation in the African Champions League under Mosimane last year, he had spoken about the importance of garnering enough experience before going full steam. But only in their second year, the Brazilians are in the final. Sundowns has already beaten Zamalek twice in the Champions League group stages this year but the five time African Champions are a different team in the knockout stages. They got a scare at Wydad Casablanca losing 5-2 after having won the first leg at home 4-0. Mosimane is banking on his record against North African teams and Zesco coach George Lwandamina says this would be a different game in the final. In 2001 Sundowns lost to another Egyptian giant Al Ahly in the Champions League final, this team had won three league titles in a row. The late Ted Dumitru was coaching the team at the time, Mosimane started another interesting debate this past weekend on whether this team cannot be declared as the best Sundowns team of all time should they go on to win the team’s maiden star.
Mamelodi Sundowns President and head coach Pitso Mosimane are on the same page when it comes to the African Champions League final, they’re both delighted that the team has reached this crucial phase but accept that nobody remembers second best. These were their views following the 2-0 win over Zambian giants Zesco United at Lucas Moripe stadium on Saturday, winning 3-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals. As they prepare for the two legged final against Egyptian giants Zamalek, starting at home in few weeks time, Mosimane and Motsepe are in agreement that nothing has been achieved yet. When Motsepe bought Sundowns more than 13 years ago, he’s always had this dream of seeing his team conquering the continent and now they are only two games away from realizing that dream. Motsepe also took time to visit the Zesco change room after the game as he praises the turnout of the supporters this past weekend.
Approximately 15 years after last reaching the African Champions League final, Mamelodi Sundowns will meet Egyptian giants Zamalek in the continental cup’s final next month. This follows Sundowns 2-0 win over Zambia side Zesco United in the 2nd leg semi-final played at Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville last night to clinch this tie 3-2 on aggregate. An early goal from Anthony Laffor and Percy Tau second half diving header were enough to add to Khama Billiat’s crucial away goal from last week. Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane is happy to have reached the final but acknowledges that nothing has been achieved yet. As the clock was winding down, Sundowns stood firm in it’s defensive organization and the key part to their game plan with the score at 2-0 was to keep ball possession and restrict Zamalek to the intermediate zone. Mosimane says continental football has taught them all these tricks and tactical. This has been a big week for Laffor, last week he provided an assist for Billiat’s goal, midweek he scored the only goal as Sundowns beat Chippa United 1-0 reach the MTN 8 final where they play Bidvest Wits at Mbombela stadium next weekend. Mosimane looks at the pivotal role played by the Liberian international but also remembers that the away goal was key in this result.
Polokwane City head coach Luc Eymael is still not 100% satisfied with his side saying he needs a win. City heads into the weekend round of fixtures having collected two points from a possible nine and Eymael says it is not enough. He concedes that the side is improving considering last season they lost twice to the opponents they held to draws this term so far. The coach also admits that finishing is a real problem. The Belgian mentor reveals he is impressed with Rise and Shine’s mental strength. They’ve twice had to deal will tough encounters but sailed through. In the league match against Bidvest Wits in Polokwane they played the second half with 10 men after Thapelo Tshilo was sent off. Against Ajax Cape Town in the mother city they conceded an early goal but fought to steal a point. Eymael adds that’s the mentality he wants from his charges. City are at home to Highlands Park at the old Peter Mokaba stadium on Saturday afternoon (15:00) and Eymael says he has watched them. The sides have met in pre-season freindlies with the coach saying the PSL rookies have improved since then. Highlands are 10th on the log with three points from two games while City are placed 12th with two points from three outings.
The strong influence of international players at Mamelodi Sundowns, has got everything to do with the Brazilians good run in the African Champions League. This is the view of Ugandan international goalkeeper Denis Onyango as his team prepares for a must win second-leg semi-final against Zambian side Zesco United at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville tomorrow evening. Onyango helped his nation to qualify for their first African Nations Cup in 38 years few weeks ago. The 31year-old shares with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, the importance of the save he made last week just before Khama Billiat scored the all-important away goal.
Less than 12 hours after they finished their tightly contested and successful MTN 8 second leg semi-final against Chippa United Wednesday night, Mamelodi Sundowns were back at their training ground at the club’s base in Chloorkop Yesterday the 22nd of September. Head coach Pitso Mosimane has termed this period where the club is faced with a jam-packed programme, “Against All Odds”, they will conquer. Sundowns face Zambian giants Zesco United in the African Champions League semi-final second leg encounter at Lucas Moripe stadium on Saturday at 7pm, trailing 2-1 from the first leg. This would be their sixth game in 14 days and Mosimane says they have to soldier on. One of the challenges is that Sundowns find themselves with a thin squad as some of the registered players for CAF Champions League have moved to other teams. And their newly signed players are not eligible because they are not registered or they’re cup tied. This past weekend, they travelled to Ndola with only 17 players but Mosimane says they are not complaining. Good news for the Brazilians fans is that just their Absa Premiership fixture next Wednesday against Bloemfontein Celtic has been postponed ahead of the Wafa-Wafa final against Bidvest Wits on the first of next month. Wits were set to play Ajax Cape Town and that game has also been postponed, Mosimane is going to this final with a cautious approach. Centre-back Thabo Nthethe sends a reminder of their impressive record at Lucas Moripe stadium. Sundowns also has a proud home record here at home in CAF competitions, they’ve won all their home games but they’ve conceded too, something that they need to avoid on Saturday night.
Bidvest Wits will host Orlando Pirates in an Absa Premiership match at Bidvest stadium on Saturday night the 24th of September. The teams will be meeting for the second time after their MTN8 encounter saw Wits beat Pirates. Wits and Pirates have so far accumulated seven points from their league games respectively, and the forthcoming match has the ingredients to leave up to expectations. Wits assistant and fitness coach, Paul Johnstone says that the season has been going really well for them. Johnstone also mentions that even though they have long term goals, they are targeting each game as it comes. Wits midfielder, Thabang Monare says that even though the game has a potential to be tough, they are ready.
The first ever Cape Town derby between Cape Town City and Ajax Cape Town will take place on the 23th of September when the City Boyz host the Urban Warriors at the Cape Town Stadium. With the clubs’ entwined history, City’s owner John Comitis is the former boss of Ajax, while his estranged brother-in-law Ari Efstathiou is the CEO of Ajax, this derby has captured the imaginations of the Cape’s football fraternity. Ajax coach Roger De Sa says that he hopes the derby can be the start of something special, and perhaps attract more football fans to the games. City coach Eric Tinkler says that was important to come away with a positive result ahead of the derby. His team drew 0-0 with Orlando Pirates away on Tuesday, while Ajax were held 1-1 by Polokwane City in Cape Town. Tinkler says they’re hoping for a good result, and hopes that derby will be a special occasion that attracts a good crowd. Both De Sa and Tinkler are no strangers to derbies, having both been former Orlando Pirates coaches. Tinkler says that the pressure in this derby is obviously quite different, as the Soweto derby with Kaizer Chiefs attracts huge audiences and both teams have big fan bases. But he says the pressure is still there, especially considering the history between Comitis and Efstathiou.
Chippa United chairman Siviwe “Chippa’ Mpengesi says Atlético Madrid representatives, who visited the Chilli Boyz with a view of concluding a deal to develop football in the Eastern Cape were happy with what they saw at the Port Elizabeth-based club. The Chilli Boyz are going to partner with the Spanish La Liga giants in setting up a football academy in Port Elizabeth. Mpengesi reckons that their deal with Atlético Madrid might eventually lead to a partnership similar to the Ajax Amsterdam-Ajax Cape Town one. The Chilli Boyz boss also revealed that there is a possibility of having more than one football academy in Port Elizabeth. Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid’s Maria Chiviri, who is responsible for the expansion of the club’s academies internationally, says he is very excited to have been part of the delegation that visited the Chilli Boyz and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. Chiviri couldn’t reveal how much the Spanish giants are going to spend towards realising their dream of developing football in South Africa.
MEC for Sport Arts and Culture in Limpopo Onicca Moloi has announced that the building housing her department in Polokwane the Olympic Towers will be renamed the Caster Semenya building. The new MEC revealed this after the Limpopo Sports Awards at the Ranch Hotel outside Limpopo’s capital where the 800m Olympic champion was named Woman of the year on Saturday night. Semenya wasn’t in attendance however her family was present to accept the accolade, a cell-phone and R5000 prize money. Moloi adds that she has already spoken to Premier Chupu Mathabatha and he has given her permission to use all. One of Caster Semenya’s elder sisters Mmaphuti says her sibling was happy to be recognised by her people also urging the department to celebrate others the way they do her sister.
bizhub(not Bizhub) Highveld Lions and South Africa A all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius says he is looking forward to seeing his dream of making his Proteas ODI debut come true should he get the nod against Ireland on the 25th of September in Benoni. Pretorius is one of three possible debutants in the squad with Temba Bavuma and Andile Phehlukawayo also likely to make their first appearances for South Africa. The Proteas will play a once-off ODI against the Irish in preparation for their five-match upcoming ODI series against Australia starting on September 30th Pretorius, who recently featured for SA A in the Quadrangular One Day Series in Australia, concedes that he is also pleased with his current form in their last couple of outings. The 27-year-old finished the series with seven wickets from seven games at an average of 25.14. He will be welcomed by a number of current and former teammates in the Proteas setup, something he believes will play in his favor as he aims to find his feet quickly in the side. Pretorius also reaffirmed that the Lions are looking to challenge for all three domestic seasons with their ultimate challenge being to reclaim their Sunfoil Series Four-Day title.
Since June this year, former Bafana Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund has been expecting the Zambian national team job offer and it looks like he’s only a few weeks away from it. Zambian Football Association (FAZ) Secretary –General Ponga Liwewe confirms that the successful coach has been identified, now it’s just a matter of the government processes being finalized and the new man most likely to be Igesund would be unveiled. Nyirenda is likely to be in charge of the first two World Cup qualifiers but Liwewe also confirms that his original position is that of an assistant coach. Nyirenda is no stranger to coaching at the highest level, he’s previously won two three-league titles with Zesco United and Zanaco respectively. He was recently coaching in the Mozambican top league and believes that he’s come full circle now Nyirenda also made history when he became the first coach to guide a Zambian club to the CAF Champions League group stages with Zesco in 2008. He also led Zanaco to a CAF Confed Cup group stages in 2010. In the mid-90’s he was a top scorer at Chiefs and he’s hinted that in future he would like to occupy the Amakhosi bench and main seat.
Lamontville Golden Arrows assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi is satisfied with the start the club has made to the season, but is keen for them to build on that during a busy 10-day period that starts with this evening trip to Free State Stars. Abafana Bes’thende lost to Orlando Pirates in their opening match of 2016/17 last month, before councing back with victory over Cape Town City last week. It has given them a solid enough beginning and assistant coach Ncikazi is hoping they can make further progress at Goble Park in Bethlehem. After playing Ea Lla Kotot, Arrows are then scheduled to face their neighbours Bloemfontein Celtic at the Dr Molemela Stadium on 25th of September, followed by a home meeting with SuperSport United next three days later. Ncikazi believes it is tricky playing so many matches within a short period of time, adding that it depended on the way a club was doing. Arrows have also been fielding plenty of their new players in the opening weeks of the season. New signings like Limbikani Mzava and Vuyani Ntanga are amongst seven of their new signings to have been given opportunities in the opening two rounds. Ncikazi praised the new arrivals, but insisted it was too early to make a judgment on how they were doing.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Platinum Stars forward Hareaipha Simba Marumo has called on the powers that be to consider enrolling a different taxation bracket for sportsmen and women in South Africa. The former South African Football Players Union president, Marumo, spoke to the media at the tournament national finals launch in Sandton yesterday saying that this needs to go across all sporting codes. Marumo reaffirms that talks have already started gaining momentum. The Copa Coca-Cola U15 Tournament Ambassador in the country adds that he is enjoying his new mentoring role with the youngsters. Marumo says children need to understand that they can achieve a lot of things through sport, particularly football and become role models. However, he stresses that preparations need to start at a young age for life after football. The 38-year-old Marumo also urged soccer fans to come out in numbers to watch some of their future soccer hero’s in Bloemfontein’s Tempe Military Base as the tournament kicks-off on Friday. He adds that he believes this year they have unearthed some great talent as well.
This year’s Engine’ U-17 tournament will be played at Tuks Sports Centre on the 8th and 9th of October, and will feature six developmental teams including Supersport United (who qualified automatically by virtue of being host), Orlando Pirates, Chippa United, and first time participants Old Mutual Football Academy, Roo Stars and Umqhele High School. Supersport’s CEO Stan Matthews says that it will be a tough competition. “Matsatsantsa a Pitori” are known for unearthing raw talent and affording players’ opportunity to ply their trade overseas. United have developed players such as former Tottenham Hotspur defender Bongani Khumalo, Rennes striker Kermit Erasmus and red hot F.C Twente midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo. Matthews says that his team is expanding its network when it comes to unearthing new talents.
Supersport United have not had an ideal start to the 2016/17 season. The Tshwane team lost their opening league match of the season against Platinum Stars. They were then knocked out of the MTN 8 by Mamelodi Sundowns, followed by the goalless draw with Chippa United. The stuttering start is reminiscent to the previous season when Gordon Igesund was in charge. The team never recovered from the bumpy start and subsequently the former Bafana Bafana coach was fired. But the current coach Stuart Baxter convinced he will not suffer from the same fate. The Premier Soccer has experienced a stop start to the season with the FIFA international break and the MTN 8 fixtures. Baxter is concerned that the breaks are affecting his team’s preparations, especially after having signed so many players in the off season who are yet to gel as a team. The former Bafana Bafana coach says it’s not the time to press the panic buttons. He strongly believes that his team has been unlucky in the first three matches, which could have gone either way in terms of the results.
Zambian forward Jackson Mwanza is confident that Zesco can protect their lead from the first leg and make the historic final this week. The two-goal hero Jackson Mwanza who netted a brace within three minutes says that as a striker it is his duty to score goal. Speaking after their 2-1 victory against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Caf Champions League semi-final first-leg clash at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola Saturday the 17th of September, Mwanza indicated that they know how Mamelodi Sundowns play in the field.
Despite trailing 2-1 from the African Champions League first leg, semi-final against Zesco United in Ndola, Zambia this past weekend, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane is confident that they can wrap up the tie at home this coming weekend. Sundowns' hopes of reaching their second Champions League final and first in 15 years were boosted by a late and crucial away goal from PSL Footballer of the season Khama Billiat on Saturday. Mosimane is banking on that away goal and Zesco’s leaking defense. Before this game Zesco who continue to be unbeaten at home, had conceded nine goals in the group stages. Whilst the Zambian side is strong in attack, they're leaking goals at the back. And this could the area that Mosimane is focusing on. Having an array of international players also works perfectly for the Brazilians, these are the conditions and the pressure levels they're used to. Ugandan international Denis Onyango proved that with some big saves he made on the day and Mosimane says he’s special.
A late goal from Khama Billiat has handed Mamelodi Sundowns a lifeline going into the second leg of the African Champions League semi-final as they lost 2-1 to Zesco United in the first leg played at Levy Mwanawasa stadium in Ndola, Zambia Saturday the 17th of September. After going to half-time deadlocked at 0-0, the hosts made a blitz start in the second half scoring two goals within two minutes between the 54th and 56th minute. It was an entertaining game with both teams attacking from end to end and eventually Billiat's strike three minutes from full-time changed the whole picture of the second leg. Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane had mixed feelings about this game. Sundowns struggled for the better part of this game, they could have been easily 3-0 down just moment’s before they pulled one goal back. Despite not scoring, Kenyan international Jesse Were troubled Sundowns and Mosimane acknowledges that the Zambian champions had prepared for them. The win ensures that Zesco continues with their impressive record on home soil in the Champions League as they’ve won three matches at home and only drew against Wydad Casablanca. Head coach George Lwandamina has more on their strategy on the day and also admits that this tie is far from being over.
Bafana Bafana retained the Nelson Mandela Challenge trophy last night when they beat Egypt 1-0 in an international friendly match played at Orlando stadium. But sadly the result in this friendly match might not be enough to save the job of head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba, following the failure to qualify for the African Nations Cup tournament in Gabon next year. Bafana took the lead through Mpho Makola’s seventh minute header and it was a typical friendly match from there. Mashaba was happy to have had the opportunity to use players from the Olympic squad.
With the draw for the African Women’s Championships (AWC) only few weeks away, the South African Football Association (SAFA) Technical Director Neil Tovey has revealed that the process to find a replacement for Banyana Banyana head coach Vera Pauw is underway. Pauw announced last week that she will not be renewing her contract with the SA senior women’s national football team following an early exit at the Rio Olympics. Speaking at the launch of the Clinix Stix Morewa Soccer Challenge at the Nike Football Centre in Soweto yesterday the 30th of August, Tovey confirms that the process to find Pauw’s successor is underway, but he says that before they move ahead with plans to replace Pauw, they will have to get a report and assess the way forward. The dominant talk has been around the formation of a possible semi-professional women’s league in the country something that doesn’t exist on the continent even with the top three ranked women’s football countries in Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon and Ghana respectively. Tovey seems to have a solution that would need a buy in from the Premier Soccer League clubs.
Ajax Cape Town has announced the signing of Mark Mayambela. Mayambela, the Khayelitsha-born footballer returns to play in his home city for the first time, having left the Mother City almost ten years ago to join Bloemfontein Celtic. The fan favourite has been training with Ajax for the past two weeks and put pen to paper on a contract at the club on Tuesday. Mayambela says he’s excited to come home to Cape Town and is grateful to everyone at the club, especially CEO Ari Efstathiou and coach Roger De Sa, who Mayambela says has put his head on the block for him. The former Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates star says he is very grateful to De Sa who he spent a year with previously at Pirates. He says De Sa is a great guy and coach and he’s excited to work with him again. Mayambela says he feels quite old with all the young talent in the Ajax squad but is hoping to help them along the way. The 27 year old says that there’s a lot of talent and he can’t wait to see the likes of Masilake Phohlongo, Luthando Mateza and Neo Makua break through at the Urban Warriors.
SuperSport United CEO Stanley Mathews announced the signing of former Kaizer Chiefs centre-back Tefu Mashamaite from Swedish outfit BK Hacken at the SuperSport headquarters in Randburg today. The 31-year-old penned a two year contract with Matsatsantsa, with a one year option afterwards. Before his departure to Hacken, Mashamaite had previously worked with Stuart Baxter at Chiefs, claiming league and MTN8 honours in the 2014/2015 season. Mathews, who welcomed Mashamaite to the club says he has high expectations of the experienced defender. Mashamaite, who scored two goals and made 17 appearances for Hacken, expresses his delight at joining his new club Matsatsantsa, explains how this opportunity is a new chapter in his football career.
Ajax Cape town CEO Ari Efstathiou is delighted to bring Mayambela back home to Cape Town, and it’s a fantastic signing for Ajax. The urban warriors announced the signing of Mark Mayambela Tuesday the 30th of August 2016. Efstathiou says it is fantastic for the Khayelitsha fans of Ajax, as Mayambela is a one of the favourite sons of the township and the Ajax head coach Roger De Sa says that he feels Mayambela’s local flavour will bring something exciting to the club and he is delighted to work with him again. He says Mayambela is the type of player people pay to go watch and will bring a lot to the young Ajax team.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has appealed to the Premier Soccer League to postpone some of their fixtures in the next few weeks. The Brazilians will have a hectic month of September on both domestic and international front. They will play against Chippa United in the MTN 8 two-legged semifinals, with the first leg away on the 10th and the return leg a week later on the 17th. They also have a league fixture to honour on the 14th against Maritzburg United. Then they have two-legged CAF Champions league semifinal fixture on the 17th of September and a week later on the 24th, but the CAF first leg match clashes with the MTN 8 second leg fixture. Several Sundowns players have also been selected for the national team in the two matches against Mauritania in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday, and the friendly match against Egypt in the Nelson Mandela cup next week. Sundowns players have not had a rest due to Champions league commitments in the off seson, and Mosimane is afraid his players will suffer from burnout. The Brazilians bought several players during the off season who made their debuts against Supersport United yesterday in Sibusiso Vilakazi, the Brazilian Ricardo dos Nascimento, Lucky Mohomi. Mosimane was impressed with their performances.
Chippa United coach Daniel Malesela reckons the MTN8 semi-final draw has pitted exciting teams against each other as the Chilli Boyz will face Mamelodi Sundowns in the last four. With that in mind, Malesela also speaks about the scheduled Absa Premiership match against Sundowns on Sunday, 25 September. Malesela says they should go to this match fully prepared as they knew about the MTN8 competition as soon as they finished inside the top-eight bracket last season. The Chilli Boyz finished sixth last term.There is likelihood that the MTN8 semi-final second leg match between the Chilli Boyz and the Brazilians might be postponed as Sundowns will be in Zambia where they have a date with Zesco United in a CAF Champions League semi-final first leg encounter on the weekend of 17 and 18 September. The Sunday, 25 September Absa Premiership match might also be postponed as the Brazilians will be at home to Zesco in a CAF Champions League semi-final second leg tie.
Bafana Bafana head coach Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba has indicated that they are prepared to listen to Mamelodi Sundowns' request to rest their players but only if they receive something official. Mashaba was responding to Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane's comments that his players deserve a rest, as they would be involved in the CAF Champions League semi-finals, Absa Premiership and MTN 8 semi-finals. Bafana play Mauritania in a dead rubber African Nations Cup qualifier at Mbombela stadium on Friday the 2nd of September and have for a crucial friendly match against the revived Egyptian national team at Orlando stadium next week. Mashaba sounded slightly disappointed that Sundowns didn't approach them directly on this matter. Out of the five Sundowns players selected for Bafana only three are registered to play in the Champions League. Sundowns travel to Ndola, Zambia to play Zesco United in the first leg on the weekend of the 17th of next month. Zesco also have six players in the Chipolopolo squad to play Kenya in another dead rubber AFCON qualifier this week. Mashaba is clear on what Sundowns need to do. Following a bad start to the Gabon AFCON 2017 qualification campaign, a home draw against Gambia and away loss to Mauritania, Bafana found themselves out of the running after only managing two draws against Cameroon earlier this year. This has forced Mashaba and his technical team to use these two matches to rebuild the squad ahead of the World Cup qualifiers starting in six weeks time. Rebuilding in South Africa is just that, with millions of football fans expecting instant results. Most of the new players that have been called-up are no strangers to international football with eight of them coming from the Olympic squad. But it’s not the first time Mashaba is rebuilding, when results were going well in 2014 he blooded in a lot of youngsters, the likes of Coetzee and Fagrie Lakay even broke records as youngest players to have represented the senior national team at international level. Some of their teammates from Amajita were also introduced but as soon as results started to change in 2015, the process was abandoned. Mashaba has got an interesting take on the lessons learnt at the time, not many would admit but this turns out to be SA’s weakest point sometimes. The Bafana squad assembled in Johannesburg since yesterday and only two players have been left out from Ajax Cape Town, Rivaldo Coetzee and Prince Nxumalo. Both players were withdrawn from the squad as they are suffering from chicken pox (Coetzee) and a hamstring injury (Nxumalo). With Coetzee and Eric Mathoho out with injuries, now Thulani Hlatshwayo is the only regular centre-back and has already scored twice this season.
Bloemfontein Celtic head coach Serame Letsoaka says pressure will always be part of his job. Celtic played their first ABSA Premiership League game last week against Maritzburg United at the Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein. The “Team of Choice” beat Celtic 1-0. Last season Celtic failed to produce results going ten games at one stage without a win. Siwelele finished the league out of the top eight on 11th position. Celtic will play their next league fixture on the 14th of September against Free State Stars at Goble Park Stadium in Bethlehem. Siwelele will go three weeks without game time and the coach says the breaks in the league could work in his sides benefit, he believes by than his side will have figured out their rhythm. Letsoaka joined an already struggling Celtic December last year. He says his charges are under pressure and pressure will help make them produce the best results this season.
The fairytale continues for John Comitis’ new PSL club Cape Town City, as Australian Matt Sim scored the only goal for the City Boyz, to knockout Kaizer Chiefs in an MTN8 quarter-final game at Cape Town Stadium on Friday night the 26th of August 2016. Sim’s goal came in the seventh minute of the match, and for most of the game Eric Tinkler’s City side, who also won their opening league game on Tuesday against Polokwane City, had to defend bravely against the more-fancied Amakhosi. Chiefs’ coach Steve Komphela said it was a very frustrating night for his team. Having lost their opening league game against Wits mid-week, and after a poor end to the season last time around for Chiefs, there has been a lot of talk of pressure building on Komphela, but he says that he is not willing to entertain that idea. In the club’s last 14 official matches, there’s been eight defeats for Chiefs, five draws and only one win. He says he just wants to focus on his job at hand, and not think about things off the field.
Supersport lost their second match in a week after suffering their first league loss against Platinum Stars midweek. Their coach Stuart Baxter lamented conceding soft goals as their biggest downfall against Sundowns.The Tshwane derby lived up to its pre-match billing by producing four goals in the match. Baxter coached Chiefs for three seasons where he enjoyed remarkable success winning the league twice and several knockout trophies. He says the Pretoria derby lacks hype but is exciting.
Mamelodi Sundowns have advanced to the MTN 8 semifinals after beating neighbours Supersport United 3-1 at the Loftus stadium in Pretoria yesterday. Wayne Arendse, Sibusiso Vilakazi and Khama Billiat were on the scoresheet for the Brazilians, while Kingston Nkhatha scored a consolation goal for United. Mosimane says their cross town rivals bullied them in the early stages of the match.Mosimane also added that he was wary of United’s threat in the set pieces and aerial balls. He also emphasized that the pitch at Loftus was not conducive for their style of play. Sundowns will now play against Chippa United in the semifinals. The Eastern Cape team completely outplayed Platinum Stars on Saturday to book their ticket to the last four. Mosimane was full of praise for Dan “Dance” Malasela’s team.
Kaizer Chiefs’ Marketing Director Jessica Motaung has applauded the charitable work of comedian Sikhumbuzo Hlophe popularly known as “Skhumba.” Hlophe, who has been at the forefront of acquiring wheel chairs for the physically challenged, received a Chiefs jersey and two brand new wheelchairs from Motaung in Johannesburg today. Motaung says that she applauds Hlophe’s initiative because most charities do not have required needs for the physically challenged people. Motaung also revealed why they opted to take some of their three home games to Durban’s Moses Mabhida. Motaung says she anticipates a complex season and the pressure will be on Amakhosi to rectify last season’s errors of finishing the season without trophy. Chiefs took some of their home games to Polokwane in the 2014/15 season and last season they went to Cape Town. The three games taken to Moses Mabhida are Ajax Cape Town, Highlands Park and Baroka F.C. “Skhumba” spoke about his initiative.
Platinum Stars started their season on a winning note as they beat Supersport United 1-0 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg last night. Robert Ngambi sealed the game for his side in the 57th minute, even after debutant Sphamandla Mlilo was taken off with a red card. Head coach, Cavin Johnson, says he was pleased that his charges were able to still nab the win even though they were one man down. He admits that their counterparts had most of the possession during the game so that is something they need to work on going forward. Dikwena’s starting line-up consisted of many of the new young players and Johnson says he was very happy with their performance and their captain, Vuyo Mere being rooted uprooted from his position, as defender during the pre-season to midfield. According to Johnson, Mere will will be playing in midfield permanently.
Following an illustrious 14-year career with Orlando Pirates, Lucky Lekgwathi says this is the right time for him to hang his boots. Pirates made the official announcement of his retirement before their 2016/17 Premier Soccer League (PSL) opening match against Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday (24 August 2016) evening. To give their long-serving captain a perfect send off, the Buccaneers won the match 3 – 1. The 40 years – old former player says his decision to quit was influenced by his age. Affectionately known as “Phinda Mzala” to fans, Lekgwathi cut his teeth as a professional footballer in 1997 at the now defunct Mahwelereng Real Rovers, where he spent two seasons before moving to their also defunct crosstown rivals Ria Stars in 1999. It was at Stars where he caught the attention of Bucs, who roped him in 2002. He says he’s grateful for the support he got from the club chairman Irvin Khoza, his family and fans. Lekgwathi, who boasts more than 300 appearances for Bucs and 14 Bafana Bafana caps, last featured for the Soweto club in their 3-1 Nedbank Cup victory against BidVest Wits in 2014. Arguably the most successful Bucs captain, “Phinda Mzala” captained the Soweto giants in their historic back-to-back treble winning seasons (2010/11 and 2011/12), which he describes as the most memorable moments of his career. Meanwhile, Lekgwathi may have retired but he won’t be lost to football as the club has confirmed plans to retain him in a position yet to be announced. He says a lot of hard work goes into being a club captain, adding that he has full confidence in current Bucs captain Oupa Manyisa.
Following an impressive start to the season with a victory over Golden Arrows last night, Orlando Pirates coach Muhsin Ertugral believes that his charges are well on the right track to becoming a finished product. Striker Tendai Ndoro scored a hat-trick to help Pirates register a 3-1 win in their first game at Orlando Stadium under their new coach. Ertugral says he has been highly impressed with the quality of his squad at Pirates but getting them to produce the results will still take time.
Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt has hailed legendary coach Jomo Sono for spotting and grooming 26-year-old midfielder Thabang Monare following an impressive performance on debut against Kaizer Chiefs last night. Wits got off their Premier Soccer League season off to a flyer with a 2-1 victory over Chiefs in an encounter that fired early warning shots for the rest of the PSL teams. Hunt spoke highly of his brand new midfield combination of Monare and Xola Mlamba who signed with Wits from Chippa United. Wits made a handful of high profile signings with some experienced players joining the Cleaver Boys to reaffirm their title chasing ambitions again this season. Hunt says their integration of the new players is going smoother than expected. The three-time league champion with Supersport United, Hunt, says their high intensity game and robust approach was too much for Chiefs. With seasoned players the caliber of Phumlani Ntsangase, Siyabonga Nhlapho and Ben Motshwari not able to make the starting 11 at the start of the season, Hunt agrees that they are a much stronger unit this season. Hunt also finally spoke out on losing Bafana Bafana international Sibusiso Vilakazi to Mamelodi Sundowns with the move confirmed last month.
Maritzburg United will be eyeing a strong start to the new Absa Premiership season as they aim to avoid a repeat of last season’s woes. The Team of Choice travel to Bloemfontein Celtic for their first match of the year, at the Dr. Molemela Stadium on the 24th of August 2016. The match and the 2016/17 campaign present the KwaZulu-Natal side with the chance to start afresh after their great relegation escape last year. Marketing and Communications manager Brian Zuma says they are ready. Maritzburg fans can also look forward to an almost completely new-look team that will do duty against Celtic. They have strengthened considerably in their backline with the addition of former Siwelele captain Bevan Fransman, Bryce Moon and Themba Tshabalala, all expected to play. Another ex-Celtic man in Bongani Mpandle could be in goal, whilst their attack has been bolstered by Andrea Filleccia. Zuma said that the Belgian was ready to play despite a recent long-term injury. He could partner the club’s Player of the Season from last year Evans Rusike in attack, while Deolin Mekoa is also back from Olympic duty and ready to fire
Chippa United coach Dan Malesela says that he is satisfied with the competition in his team after the Chilli Boyz finalised their preparations for tomorrow’s 2016/2017 season opener against Free State Stars at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. Malesela insists that he is focusing on tomorrow’s game rather than thinking about Saturday’s MTN8 match against Platinum Stars,. The match against Dikwena is going to be played at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Phokeng, Rustenburg. The Chilli Boyz mentor reckons tomorrow’s match is very important in as far as planning for the MTN8 clash against Dikwena. He says that he doesn’t want his players to make mistakes though he adds that he will understand should they commit forced errors. The former Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Manning Rangers defender wants the name Chippa United to be on every football followers’ lips for all the right reasons.
With the first round of the premiership games kicking off on the 23th of August, Celtic will only play their first league fixture on Wednesday night against Maritzburg United at Dr Molemela Stadium. Head coach Serame Letsoaka shares that his pre-season preparations went well. Celtic recently added to their list of new signings Robert Sankara and Moeketsi Mvula from Free State Stars and striker Sydney Masana from Mthatha Bucks. The team has also promoted players from their development side to complete 15 new signings during their pre-season. Letsoaka says a coach is never satisfied.
Bloemfontein Celtic unveiled their new kit for the 2016/2017 ABSA Premiership season at the Bloem Plaza Centre in Bloemfontein. Celtic and Kappa say that they will continue to build relations, as they display their home and away jersey in front of their supporters. Khethokwakhe Masuku who signed with Celtic from Royal Eagles says he is looking forward to playing in their new kit.
After a successful Supporters Day over the weekend and ahead of Ajax Cape Town’s first game of the season, their sponsor has come out and said how happy they are with the club. It will be two years in October since leading Chinese technology company Huawei became the kit sponsor of the Urban Warriors and the company’s Marketing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Hawa Hyath, says that they are delighted to be involved with Ajax. She says that being at Ikamva at the Supporters Day and seeing how much the strong relationship between the club and their fans. She says that the synergy with the sponsor is very good as there is strong family dynamic with the club. During the off season Hyath accompanied two Ajax players, captain Travis Graham and veteran Nathan Paulse, on a trip to China to visit their headquarters. She says they were wonderful ambassadors, and it was an amazing experience seeing the two of them address the company about Ajax and their sponsorship.
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo says that he would not be where he is today if it wasn’t for God’s grace, hard work and the support he got from his team, family and fans. Mhlongo’s impressive performances between the sticks, since taking over the number one jersey after the tragic passing of Senzo Meyiwa in October 2014, cemented his place as Pirates’ first-choice goalkeeper. He says although it wasn’t easy the support he got kept him motivated. Last season the Soweto – born shot stopper suffered an injury setback, which kept him out of action for more than four months. Upon his return from the lengthy lay-off in January this year, he managed to wrestle the number one jersey from Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Felipe Ovono, who was in fine form for the Buccaneers, especially in the CAF Confederation Cup. He says with all the support he got, all he had to do was to go out there and showcase his God-given talent. Meanwhile, Mhlongo assures Pirates’ new signings that just like him, they will get all the support they need, as they work on settling in at the club. The Parktown outfit has signed several new players in the current transfer window period, in preparation for the upcoming 2016/17 Absa Premiership season. Here’s what he says they need to do in order to succeed at the Soweto club.
Orlando Pirates boss Dr Irvin Khoza has commended his club’s new signings including that of experienced head coach Muhsin Ertugral ahead of a historic 2016/17 Absa Premiership football season. With the Soweto Giants, Pirates, celebrating 80 years of existence in 2017, Khoza says the reinforcements were mandatory in the quest for more glory. Khoza was quick to highlight that the new signings are aware that the ultimate aim is to improve the history book of the club and speaks highly of his new coach in Ertugral but also makes it clear that he is well aware of the magnitude of the club like Pirates and what he needs to achieve. Having already lost the Carling Black Label Cup of Champions to cross-town rivals Kaizer Chiefs, Khoza was also quick to stress that Ertugral does have a mandate in his new job.
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Premier Soccer League chairman Dr Irvin Khoza earlier today announced that the PSL and MTN have agreed to extend their coalition for a further five years ahead of this year’s MTN 8 Wafa Wafa competition. The renewal is set to commence with effect of the 2017/18 season this time, before the league season kickoff. Khoza thanked the mobile phone giant for continuing to show confidence in the PSL and it’s top eight teams. This year’s edition is schedule to get underway on Friday August 26 with Mamelodi Sundowns, Bidvest Wits, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Supersport United, Chippa United, Cape Town City and Platinum Stars all gunning for the R 8 million prize money and the title. The 68-year-old Khoza also took time to pay tribute to former Minister of Sports and long-serving sport activist in the late Rev Makhenkesi Stofile who passed on earlier this week. Khoza says Stofile was a man who was always the solution when there was a deadlock. The Orlando Pirates chairman and former Fifa 2010 World Cup Committee member, Khoza, says his most moving moment in Stofile’s life was in the late 80’s when he united the world in fighting against ‘normal sport’ in an abnormal society during the apartheid times and succeeded. Khoza says he hopes today’s future sport stars could take a leaf out of Rev Stofile’s book of values and way of life.
Ajax Cape Town are currently giving two experienced campaigners a chance to impress at Ikamva. Lebohang Mokoena and Mark Mayambela are both currently training with the Urban Warriors, and both players were given a run in Ajax’s final friendly yesterday against Cape Town All Stars. Ajax begins their PSL campaign on the 23rd of August when they play NFD champions Baroka away at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in the opening game of the season. Ajax coach Roger De Sa says that with such a young team this season, he thinks the two could add some valuable experience to the team. Mayambela says that it was really great to have a chance to play against All Stars. He says that he really enjoyed playing after a long time of training by himself. Mayambela got the call from De Sa on Monday evening and immediately booked a flight down to Cape Town.The former Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates fan favourite says that he would love the opportunity to play in his hometown, and he believes that his experience could definitely help with such a young Ajax team. Mayambela says it was great to get a chance to play in the Ajax strip. He says before he joined Celtic he had a short trial at Ajax, and says it would be wonderful to get a chance to play top flight football in his home city for the first time. Mayambela, who last played football five months ago for SuperSport United against Kaizer Chiefs, says he is just happy to have the chance to play the game he loves, and that’s why he jumped at the chance when De Sa called him.
Premier Soccer League and Orlando Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has hailed the late Rev Makhenkesi Stofile as a man who scorned delight and lived a laborious life in his time serving sport across the world. The former Minister of Sports, Ambasador of South Africa to Germany and Eastern Cape Premier, Stofile, died aged 72 in his province of birth. Khoza, who enjoyed his youth days together with Stofile at the University of Fort Hare and later in the sports ministry and the 2010 Fifa World Cup Local Organizing Committee, says the world has lost an icon. The 68-year-old tells SABC Sport Journalist Thando Gqamane that he will always remember Rev Stofile for the conscious and revolutionary ways he inculcated in everyone around him. Khoza says he also hopes today’s youngsters could also take a leaf of Stofile’s book and understand that they all have a role to play in society.
The late former Minister of Sport (2004-2010) Rev. Makhenkesi Stofile was not just a leader to the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic (SASCOC) President Gideon Sam but also like an elder brother. Stofile passed away at the age of 71 yesterday after a short illness. A former African National Congress (ANC) Treasury-General and National Executive Committee (NEC) member, Eastern Cape Premier, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Vice-President and most recently a former Ambassador to Germany, Stofile played many roles in the society. He rose to prominence in the sporting circles during the dark days of apartheid when he successfully led the boycott of the New Zealand rugby tour to South Africa in 1984. A touched Sam, who grew up in Alice in the Eastern Cape, in this interview with SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli in Brazil, remembers Stofile as a champion of non-racial sport and leader par-excellence.
Cape Town City have continued to bolster their squad, announcing that Ghanaian international defender Joseph Adjei has signed with the club. The 1.89 meter central defender was playing in Ghana for league leaders Wa All Stars, and has been touted as a future international star. The club also confirmed that former Steenberg United goalkeeper, Gershin Kock has also penned a deal. Kock was a standout player for the Western Cape ABC Motsepe champions in their penalty defeat to Platinum Stars in the Nedbank Cup last season. Adjei says that he is very excited to come and play for City and push his career forward. He added that it has always been his dream to play in the PSL. He says that when he was in Ghana he would always watch the league on TV and hoped to move here one day. He believes that the league is very exciting and he is ready to play in South Africa.
University of Pretoria (Ama TUKS) forward Ian Chikohwa believes that coach Shaun Bartlett’s experience of the National First Division will be key in their bid to bounce straight back to topflight football next season. Tuks finished bottom of the three-team Premier Soccer League Promotion/Relegation after failing to win a single game and retain their PSL status. Chikohwa, who joined Tuks last season from the Ned Bank Cup Ke Yona Team, says they focused on growing as a team while fighting for automatic promotion.The former Ke Yona Team captain, Chikohwa, says he hopes to become a prominent feature in the Tuks team this season and also a regular in the goal scoring department. Chikohwa says this season Tuks will also focus on their strengths in score more goals and growing as a team. Having been unearthed in the third edition of the Nedbank Cup Ke Yona Team Search last season, Chikowha advised the 2016 Ke Yona crop that the hard work starts thereafter being drafted.
Ertugral is looking forward to welcoming back the Bucs trio of Gift Motupa, Abbubakar Mobara and Thabiso Kutumela, who were on national duty with the national Under-23 team at the Rio Olympics in Brazil. Owen Da Gama’s men crashed out of the Olympics following a one-all draw against Iraq in their final group match last week. Ertugral is confident that they’ll quickly adapt to his tactics and style of play.
Orlando Pirates newly signed goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane says he’s grateful for the opportunity to play for the Soweto club. The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, who didn’t form part of the group of Mpumalanga Black Aces players who relocated to Cape Town after the club was bought by John Comitis, signed a three – year deal with the Buccaneers last month. The move has reunited the 28 years – old Limpopo – born shot stopper with Muhsin Ertugral, under whom he played at Aces. He says he’s looking forward to helping Bucs win trophies in the upcoming season. The former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper, who only made nine league starts for Aces last season, will battle for Pirates’ number one jersey with Brighton Mhlongo, Felipe Ovono and Siyabonga Mpontshane. He says he’s aware that he has joined a club with brilliant goalkeepers, and is ready and willing to support whoever gets a chance to play.
Usain Bolt remains the fastest man in the world after he won the Rio Olympics 100m final in 9.81 last night at the Olympic stadium laving behind American Justin Gatlin who finished in 9.89. Bolt, a World and Olympic champions in both the 100m and 200m and a world record holder for both events didn’t have a good start. But as it has become a trademark, he picked in the last 50m and the rest is history. Canadian youngster Andre de Grasse settled for the bronze medal, taking it in 9.91secs. This is the third Olympic 100m gold medal in a row for Bolt and credits hard work. Bolt remains on target to leave Rio with a third successive Olympic treble, and a ninth gold, having won the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay titles in 2008 and 2012. The 29year-old says he’s proved that he’s the world’s greatest
Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba lauded the graduates from the 2016 Nedbank Cup Ke Yona team search as 18 players were announced at the Nedbak headquarters in Sandton, north of Johannesburg last night. The Ke Yona team is schedule to take on reigning Nedbank Cup champions Supersport United at the Sinaba Stadium, in Daveyton on September 4. Mashaba says the fourth edition of the Ke Yona team search was fruitful. With the tournament only in its fourth year and already having produced stars such as SA U23 star and former Black Aces left wing-back Aubrey Modiba, Mashaba says the ball is on the 18 players to grab the opportunities they are afforded and make the count. Mashaba also called on the Ke Yona 2016 team to draw inspiration from the likes of Modiba and former Ke Yona 2015 team captain Ian Chigovha who is now in the books of University of Pretoria.
Following the heartache of the 4th place in the 200m butterfly, Chad Le Clos has firmly stated that he is by no means done with the 200m butterfly event despite what analysts are saying. Le Clos explains he will be back in the pool next week with his heart firmly set on redeeming himself at the World Short course champs this year. Chad Le Clos who has suffered a massive blow with the new of his parents both suffering from cancer this year. The 24 year old explains that despite the 200m butterfly being a devastating loss, it doesn’t even feature in his top ten. Le Clos feels that despite the outcome of tomorrow’s performance he just wants his parents to be ok.
PSL Breaking News, Reviews, Previews and Profiles and Rio Olympics update with Loyiso Stsheke standing in for SnonzaJay on Umhlobo Wenene FM.
Motupa seems to be that future Bafana Bafana who always has a goal in him at all crucial times, he’s proved that in the CAF U23 tournament in Senegal last year and did so again in the COSAFA tournament recently. But he feels going forward, working as a collective is a must if the country is too achieve in big tournaments, maybe directing that to the individualism in South African football players.
Nigeria played their last game having already qualified for the quarterfinals and topped Group B, lost 2-0 to Colombia at Arena Corinthians in São Paulo. Both teams are through to the last eight and Nigeria moves to Salvador where they will play Denmark this weekend. The Dream Team VI head coach Samson Siasia had made a lot of changes to his starting line-up but he’s still concerned about his defense.
Coming to this tournament, a lot had been said about Khune’s selection to this team as some of his peers in the PSL felt that a chance should’ve been given to the younger Jody February to enjoy the moment at the Olympics. But the Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs number one’s performance in the three matches dispelled any notions about favours being done for him. He looks back at this SA’s men’s football team return to the Olympics for the first time in 16 years.
The South African men's football team hopes of reaching the Rio Olympics quarterfinals evaporated into thin air last night when they could only draw against Iraq in the last Group A game played at the Arena Corinthians in São Paulo. A 1-all draw between the two teams meant that they both crash out of the tournament with SA finishing bottom of the group with two points. Hosts Brazil had done SA a huge favour by hammering Denmark 4-0 in Salvador, meaning that SA needed only to win and proceed. Team SA had taken an early lead in the fourth minute through Gift Motupa but it was cancelled 12 minutes later by Iraqi captain Saad Luaibi. Head coach Owen Da Gama feels that his side impressed even though stats prove him otherwise.Despite scoring first, the SA U23 never looked settled in the game and were all over the place especially at the back. Saved numerous times by the woodwork and experienced goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, they rode their luck. Da Gama says they missed the services of Bafana centre-back Eric Mathoho, who was sidelined by a knee injury, which could keep him out of action for some time.The SA U23’s exit comes just a day after another SA football team, Banyana Banyana also crashed out of the women’s section, also finishing bottom of the group without having scored a single goal in these Olympics.
Nigerian football’s administrative problems are well documented and a year doesn’t finish without any bungling having happened somewhere in their structures but the talent always prevails. And the Rio Olympics have been no exception, with already two wins from the Nigerian Dream Team VI who have already booked a quarterfinal spot following two wins against Japan and Sweden respectively. They haven’t just qualified for the last eight but also top Group B ahead of their last game against Colombia at Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo tonight at 7pm (12am SA time). Super Eagles legend is no stranger to this tournament, he got a silver medal with one of the Dream Teams in Beijing 2008, losing to Lionel Messi and company, as Argentina took gold. In an interview with SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli, Siasia looks at how they turned around administrative problems into good performances.
At a time when some top football players from around the world turned down the opportunity to play in the Olympics or their clubs forced them to do so, Nigerian national team football captain John Obi-Mikel is relishing this opportunity. Mikel a key member of top English Premiership club Chelsea for a solid decade now, has played at all the categories of the national teams from U17 and says the green and white colours mean everything to him. Through his leadership, the 29year-old has managed to ensure that this team qualifies for the last eight as Group B winners ahead of a meeting with Colombia tonight. Mikel (75 international caps) tells SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli that they would like to win these Olympic games for the late Super Eagles captain and coach Stephen Keshi and former Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director and former Orlando Pirates coach Shuaibu Amodu.
The embarrassment of two South African football teams exiting the Rio Olympics without having scored a single goal remains a possibility if the national U23 team finish Group A’s games against Iraq at Arena Corinthians stadium in Sao Paulo on Thursday (3am SA time)] without having found the back of the net. But the SA men’s football team coach Owen Da Gama is adamant that his side can spring a surprise and the only way to do that is to attack from the word go. Following the forced withdrawal of Eric Mathoho and Lebo Mothiba due to injury and sickness respectively, the technical team has raised it’s hand by roping in two attackers who were on stand-by, Thabiso Kutumela and Andile Fikizolo. In this interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, Da Gama shares the importance of qualifying for the Olympics quarterfinals.
An all out attack obviously with a cautious approach, seems to be the only solution that the South African U23 national tea head coach Owen Da Gama and his team have as they continue to plan for their last do or die Rio Olympics Group A game against Iraq tomorrow. Speaking during a pre-match press conference at the Arena Corinthians, a venue for this game tomorrow 10pm (3am SA time), Da Gama is equally aware that his team needs to win by at least two clear goals to stand a chance of going through, irrespective of what happens in the Brazil and Denmark game. Da Gama is also facing a big possibility of bringing in one of the stand-by players if Eric Mathoho and Abbubaker Mobara don’t recover on time from injuries today. Unfortunately there are no defenders there as Thapelo Morena, Thabiso Kutumela and Andile Fikizolo are all attackers with Nkosingiphile Gumede being a goalkeeper. But Da Gama has got enough defenders in the team to move around and accommodate more attackers.
Cape Town City announced the signing of striker Lehlohonolo Majoro from Orlando Pirates on Tuesday. The 29 year old striker, who struggled for game time at the Buccaneers says that he is excited to join a club with new ambitions like City and he’s looking forward to get back to playing. He says that he feels he will fit in well at the team coached by former boss Eric Tinkler, and is looking forward to doing well for the team. The former Amazulu and Kaizer Chiefs strikers says that he’s ready to work hard and get back to the scoring form he was known for, fortunately for Majoro he is joining a team with a lot of former team-mates, and he says that he is happy to have Aubrey Ngoma and Tshepo Gumede at the club. However he says that he also is friendly with a few other guys as a lot of footballers socialise away from the game.
Chippa United chief executive officer, Peter Koutrolis, has explained why the Chilli Boyz sold their midfielder Xola Mlambo to Bidvest Wits. Mlambo had only been with the Chilli Boyz for less than a year after he joined the Port Elizabeth-based side in January this year following his dumping by National First Division (NFD) side Cape Town All Stars. With Mlambo having been one of the star players at the Chilli Boyz in the short time he spent at the club, Koutrolis reckons they have found replacements, who will take over the role played by the Dobsonville-born player. Meanwhile, Koutrolis is happy with how the Chilli Boyz have done so far during this preseason. Koutrolis believes the friendly matches that the Chilli Boyz have played are going to help them when the season starts.Koutrolis has made it clear that all the players they have signed were recommended by Chilli Boyz coach Dan Malesela.
Cape Town City are two weeks away from making their Absa Premiership (PSL) debut, when they host Polokwane City on Tuesday the 23rd of August. John Comitis’ new PSL team will have a busy first week as on Friday the 26th of August they will host Kaizer Chiefs in an MTN8 quarter-final, and coach Eric Tinkler says it’s important to build momentum as the begin the challenge ahead of them. The former Orlando Pirates coach says any team can beat any other side in the PSL, and he is hoping for a good run in the MTN8 as they would be a great platform to build off.Tinkler says they want to play to an entertaining brand of football, as that’s what the fans want to see, and it’s the type of football he enjoys. He says if they can mix that entertainment with good results, he is confident that supporters will come to the games.Tinkler says that so far things have been falling into place very well. He says that being able to assemble the majority of the squad as early they have, means that they should be well prepared for the start.
While technically Shuaib Walters will be playing for his third club in three seasons, the Cape Town City goalkeeper says he sees this more of a continuation of his Mpumalanga Black Aces career. John Comitis bought the Black Aces franchise at the end of last season, and having moved the club to the Cape, he has renamed it and relaunched it as a new team. Walters joined Aces last year after leaving Maritzburg United, and says that with the core of Aces players in the squad he is treating it more like a continuation of that team, just under new management. He says that even if they’d stayed as Aces they’d probably have lost a lot of players, and would’ve had to sign additional players, just like they’ve done at City. Walters left Cape Town a decade ago when he moved from Vasco Da Gama to Bloemfontein Celtic. He now returns to his hometown and he says he’s returning a very different player and person to when he left.Walters, one of the 3 nominees for PSL goalkeeper of the season in 2015/2016, is aiming to have an even better season this time around. He says that’s he’s first though targeting on conceding even fewer goals this time around, and if he does that he thinks that he could be up for a nomination again.
Banyana Banyana’s unacceptable loss last night against China, means that their hopes of reaching the Rio Olympics quarterfinals are up in the smoke especially with still a strong Brazilian side to come up against. But there’s one positive in these Olympic games and it has come in the form of Stephanie Malherbe, a quality midfielder who is still going to benefit the South African senior national women’s national football team. The Olympic matches were the 20year-old’s first official games for Banyana since she got her passport at the beginning of this year. Malherbe was born and raised in Temecula, California, but is also a citizen of South Africa, where both of her parents were born. The parents left SA 26 years ago and settled in the US in search of work and business. Her father Willem looks back at how his daughter has wanted to represent her SA. Malherbe’s sister Zahn was also around to watch the first game, a 1-0 loss to Sweden. She has also played football as well and says it runs in the family. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, tracked down Malherbe’s family members at the Rio Olympic stadium this week to find out more.
South Africa Under-19 coach David Notoane lamented their poor finishing as the key difference between winning and losing after they were beaten by English giants Arsenal in the final of the Durban Under-19 International Football Tournament on Saturday the 6th of August. The national junior team were beaten 3-1 at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, ending an extremely encouraging 10 days of competition. Notoane, who is in charge of the team due to regular coach Thabo Senong being involved with the Under-23s at the Olympic Games in Brazil, felt the final outcome could have been different had they taken their chances.Arsenal had the advantage early on in the final thank to a sixth-minute own goal from Sipho Mbule, put the ball into their own net. Stephy Mavididi added a brace, before Mbule scored what proved to be a mere consolation for the South Africans, who were the first local team to qualify for the final in its three year history. Notoane, though, felt they would have been in the game had they been more clinical. Despite their failure to win, there was some consolation for the home side with striker Khanyiso Mayo named Player of the Tournament. The 17-year-old also won the Golden Boot award having scored six goals, one more than Arsenal’s Mavididi. Notoane praised the young SuperSport United frontman, but agreed that he had plenty to learn after missing several chances in the deciding game.
Former Moroka Swallows midfielder Jabulani Mendu is finding it hard to come to terms with the fact that his former club, will not be plying their trade in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) this coming season. This follows failed attempts by a consortium of unknown investors led by Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi, to fast – track the return of the club to top-flight football by purchasing the premiership status of Free State Stars last month. The deal fell through after the consortium failed to meet the deadline set by the league for the deal to be concluded. The 68 years – old club succumbed to a downward spiral which saw them being relegated from the PSL in the 2014/15 season, and eventually suffering the same fate in the National First Division (NFD) last season. Mendu says painful as it may be what happened to Swallows is an important lesson.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela says modern day football requires players who poses a lot of energy and speed. Komphela says although the youngsters are inexperienced at times, they’re at least the players who are able to give the coach the pace and oomph throughout the game and the trend is even seen on international stages. Chiefs off-loaded aging players including as Morgan Gould (33 years) and Siboniso Gaxa (32 years) among others and acquired younger players mostly under the age of 27-years. Komphela says he is willing to take the risk of playing young players and possibly make history with them. Chiefs, who have been struggling without a consistent goal scorer for the two previous seasons, might have found one in the prolific striker Lewis Macha. The Zambian international scored a beautiful header Orlando Pirates in the Carling Black Label Cup. George Lebese was Chiefs’ top goal scorer with eight goals in all competitions last campaign while Mandla Masango was Glamour Boys’ sharp shooter with seven goals during the 2014/15 season. The much travelled coach says he will field youngsters based on performance and merit.
PSL Breaking News, Reviews, Previews and Profiles and Rio Olympics update with Loyiso Stsheke standing in for SnonzaJay on Umhlobo Wenene FM.
A 10-man South African men’s football team held hosts and tournament favoutites Brazil to a goalless draw in the opening Rio Olympics game at the Mane Garrincha stadium in Brasilia last night. Owen Da Gama’s team put up a great fight and could’ve stolen an early lead, only for Lebo Mothiba’s shot to be blocked in the first half. A solid defensive line led by the experienced Bafana Bafana number one goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune was resolute throughout the game and even when Mothobi Mvala was sent-off on the half-hour mark, they stood firm. In an earlier game in Group A, Iraq also held Denmark to a goalless draw and the next few matches’ results are going to be very interesting. Dolly says getting a point off Brazil is a great result and playing, as a unit was key. The next game for SA is against Denmark at the same venue on Sunday at 19:00 (12 midnight SA Time) and Dolly picks out key areas that they need to work on.
Headlining this talented young Selecao squad is FC Barcelona superstar Neymar but Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana number one goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune who was also in the running to wear the armband says all the boys need to do is to focus on their strengths and not the opposition. Brazil have never won the men’s football Olympic gold medal and this tournament on home soil they would be hoping that it can erase the memories of the 8-1 loss to Germany in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal two years ago. Interestingly South Africa beat Brazil 3-1 in the opening game the last time this age group qualified for the Olympics in Sydney 2000. The other two teams in the group are Iraq and Denmark and Khune says a point against Brazil won’t be a bad result especially with a target of seven points.
About nine months ago, Keagan Dolly led the South African U23 national football team to Olympic qualification during the African qualifiers in Senegal as they finished third in the tournament beating the hosts on penalties. Tomorrow when Owen Da Gama’s team open their Rio Olympics campaign against the hosts Brazil, the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder will reunite with the armband. Dolly last played for this Olympic team when they lost to Brazil 3-1 in a friendly match in March this year and speaking to reporters in Brasilia after training last night, he’s confident that they can topple the hosts.
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana started their Rio Olympics campaign with a one-nil (1-0) loss to Sweden at the Olympic stadium last night. Coach Vera Pauw credits the loss to the missed opportunities and fear of failure. Banyana created numerous half chances that resulted in them losing the ball in the final third.Pauw says that though their defence has improved, the attackers still need to work on their confidence.
Bloemfontein Celtic has had a busy pre-season ahead of the 2016/2017 ABSA premiership season. With eight signings already completed Celtic yesterday added Burkina Faso international Robert Sankara to their roster. The former Free State Stars centre-back has penned a two-year contract with Phunya Sele Sele. Sankara made 18 starts and scored one goal in the Absa Premiership for Stars last season, having joined Ea Lla Koto in 2012. Ramabodu says that they are still in the market for strikers and with their set target of a top three finish in the league they are confident in their current squad. He shared that the club wishes to set the record straight on the uncertainty pertaining to midfielder Thapelo Morena. Morena who is currently in RIO for the 2016 Olympics is wanted by Mamelodi Sundown’s but Ramabodu says that the player would not be leaving Celtic as they had negotiated a new salary deal with the player.
When the South African national U23 team beat the Brasilia Police Department 4-1 in a training match ahead of their opening Rio Olympics game against the hosts Brazil on Thursday, many would’ve been surprised that Keagan Dolly got to play and even scored. But so hungry was the Mamelodi Sundowns attacker for action that he begged head coach Owen “Rubber Doll’ Da Gama moments after arriving from SA to get some game time and he couldn’t turn him down. Dolly had flown in from SA to Sao Paulo, connected to Brasilia just a day after helping the Brazilians to reach the CAF Champions League semi-finals. He’s missed the COSAFA Cup triumph and also the visit to Japan as well as the most recent camp in Johannesburg. Dolly is coming to these 28th Olympic games, already with a good profile with Sundowns in the Champions League and recently scored a brace for Bafana Bafana in a 4-1 demolition of Gambia during a 2017 African Nations Cup dead rubber qualifier. Playing in the Olympics is likely to attract more international scouts for Dolly who is already being tracked by some European clubs.
Ajax Cape Town head coach Roger De Sa says that things at the Urban Warriors are going as planned so far as they push on with their pre-season training. Ajax played touring Bidvest Wits on Saturday in a training game that ended 1-1, their first game against PSL opponents, after two previous friendlies against NFD opposition. De Sa says the friendly against Gavin Hunt’s team was a good test and he got to see a few problem areas that they need to solve.With a lot of players absent due to injury and junior national team call-ups, De Sa played quite a few of their young and once again young defender Shane Saralina, the player of the tournament at this year’s Bayhill competition, was impressive in defence. He says that considering the absent players, Ajax are on track ahead of the new season.De Sa says that while it’s difficult with the players missing to make too many pre-judgements, he believes the club are still short of wingers, and he’ll be sitting down with CEO Ari Efstathiou to discuss possibly signing another player or two.
Ajax Cape Town have signed up former Chippa United and SuperSport United defender Roscoe Pietersen. The 27-year old, who spent last season on loan at Vasco Da Gama, also had a short loan spell at Amazulu the year before, after not quite finding his feet at SuperSport where he made just 19 league appearances in his four seasons in Pretoria. The Cape Town born player says it’s a great honour to sign for Ajax, and he’s happy to be home and will aim to make everyone proud. Pietersen, who has spent the past two weeks training with the club, says everyone has made him feel very welcome. He says the set up at Ikamva is one of the best in the country, and he’s looking forward to the season.
New Maritzburg United striker Andrea Filleccia admits he went through a period of depression during the past six months as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury. The 24-year-old was a candidate for the Golden Boot at the time after netting six goals. He then returned to his homeland during the recovery process, saying he feared for his career. Filleccia was ruled out for four months at the time, but is likely to be out for double that time by the time he makes his scheduled return in September. After those initial fears, though, the former Ea Lla Koto frontman has managed to settle his nerves and he says that his recovery is now looking far better. The Belgium frontman whose previous clubs include Dutch giants Feyenoord as well as Excelsior and La Louvière Centre in his homeland, says he had options to stay in Europe, but decided to reunite with former coach Middendorp, who flourished so well under in Bethlehem. He also says the lure of playing in KwaZulu-Natal compared to a return to the Free State was a far better one. With so much of faith shown in him, Filleccia is now hoping to repay the club. Maritzburg narrowly escaped relegation on the final day of last season, but their new attacker has no doubt there will be no such repeat in 2016/17.
The national U23 and Ajax Cape Town international goalkeeper Jody February feels that the selection of Bafana Bafana captain and Kaizer Chiefs number one goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune as an overage player for the Rio Olympics is going to benefit him immensely. February, only played four matches in all competitions for Ajax Cape Town last season and feels that a chance to play in the Olympics would go a long way in showcasing his talent.
On Saturday the 30th of July 2016 the Carling Black Label (CBL) Cup once again delivered on its promise to give Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs fans, a unique opportunity to select the starting line-ups of one of the biggest matches in the local footballing calendar, the Soweto derby. The sold-out match between the two Soweto giants was played at the 94 000 capacity FNB Stadium, and in the end it was Chiefs who walked away with bragging rights following their 2 – 0 victory over their archrivals. Carling Black Label general manager Vijay Govindsamy says they are delighted to have delivered another successful CBL Cup. The sixth edition of the competition was launched in May at Park Station in Johannesburg, and as always fans were given the opportunity to influence the composition of their teams by voting for their favorite players using a dedicated SMS number. The fans took advantage of the opportunity, and it was players of their own choice who featured in the first Soweto derby of the season on Saturday. Govindsamy says there’s a lot of behind the scenes work that had to be done to make this competition a success. Meanwhile, the CBL may have enjoyed huge success since its inception in 2011, but there are no plans yet to expand the competition to include other Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams. The former Stanlib head of marketing explains why this is the case.
The third edition of the Durban Under-19 International Football Tournament gets under way today with three South African teams in the eight-team line-up for the first time. The country has its own representative team, the nucleus of which comes from the Under-20 national team, better known as Amajita, who qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations last week. The competition also includes a local KwaZulu-Natal Academy team, while the Absa Premiership is represented for the first time via locally based Lamontville Golden Arrows. The South Africa team are coach by David Notoane and he is hoping they can build on last week’s success in Durban. The South Africa team is in Group B for the competition, alongside Brazilian team Fluminense, DR Congo giants TP Mazembe and Scottish outfit Glasgow Rangers, who Notoane’s men face first on Friday. Group A meanwhile gets underway today with Lamontville Golden Arrows playing Portugal’s Sporting Lisbon and the KZN Academy playing English club Arsenal. Notoane believes, that unlike in previous years, when the team representing South Africa in the tournament has struggled, they have prepared well this time around. The South African Under-20s are usually coached by Thabo Senong, but he is currently in Brazil with the Under-23 side helping coach Owen da Gama prepare for the Olympic Games. That has given Notoane, who is head of Mamelodi Sundown’s Reserve team, a chance. As part of its Vision 2022 mission, the SA Football Association wants to ensure all national teams are constantly among the top 3 in Africa and top 20 in the world by the year 2022 and Notoane believes they are on track after last week’s qualification.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) Executive Meeting has learn valuable lessons in the failed sale of Free State Stars status by a business consortium led by Gauteng MEC of Education Panyaza Lesufi and would tighten their rules going forward. That was the response from the PSL chairman Irvin Khoza when confirming today that there would be no immediate return of Moroka Swallows into the top flight as the deal between the consortium and Stars was off. The change of name and relocation issue came up recently when Mpumalanga Black Aces was renamed Cape Town City and relocated to Cape Town from Gauteng/Mpumalanga. Khoza has more on this is applied. Another challenge with this Swallows failed return to the top flight is that the members of the consortium who wanted to buy Stars status were not known except Lesufi, a point that Khoza also emphasizes. After Swallows was relegated from the PSL in 2015 and again from the National First Division (NFD) in May, there had been a lot of hope that this consortium would help to return the club to the elite football. Sadly it wasn’t to be and it’s something that was also felt by the Johannesburg Mayor Parks Tau.
An unnamed Orlando Pirates soccer player has been tested positive for use of cocaine by the South African Institute of Drug-free Sport (SAIDS) following an appearance in an official Premier Soccer League match last season. The player will appeal SAIDS’ results. Buccaneers administrative officer Floyd Mbele remained mum on revealing the players name saying the matter is sub judice. Mbele says that the team is awaiting a verdict from the hearing. Mbele has lambasted media reports linking a top Pirates player to the drug
Meanwhile, Pirates are preparing for their highly anticipated pre-season Carling Black Label Cup encounter against Kaizer Chiefs at the sold out Soccer City stadium this coming Saturday (kick-off is at 15h00). Bucs are the defending champions after defeating Chiefs on penalties last season. Newly appointed Pirates head coach Muhsin Ertugral reveals pre-season plans. Ertugral is widely known for his affection for giving young players a chance to play at the highest level. The former Kaizer Chiefs mentor has previously produced players such as Jabu Mahlangu, Mandla Masango and George Lebese to mention but a few. Ertugral says that he plans to continue giving more youngsters a chance.
The protracted Kaizer Chiefs and Siboniso Gaxa’s contract situation remains unresolved and Amakhosi Football Manager Bobby Motaung continues to insist that the defender’s contract with the club has expired. Gaxa and his management team have since taken the matter to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) as they remain adamant that he was offered a two year extension last year.The next DRC date for Gaxa and Chiefs is the 18th of July and Motaung says they have nothing to hide.In October last year, the Chiefs official twitter account updated that “Player Updates: Pa Gaxa has signed a 2 year contract extension with the Club that will run from 01 July 2016 – 30 June 2018.” But Motaung was adamant that he’s got no knowledge of this information, making an example about Bernard Parker’s contract that was also communicated on the same day but only signed in May this year by the player. Chiefs is involved in another contractual standoff with Chippa United over right-winger Joseph Malongoane. The Port Elizabeth based club is claiming that he’s still contracted to them but the player is alleged to be disputing that. Now Chippa are said to have reported both the player and Chiefs to the DRC about this matter but Motaung is again not bothered as they are also reported to have already signed a pre-contract with the former Orlando Pirates player. Few weeks ago, when unveiling new players, Chiefs reported that Togolese striker Camaldine Abraw would be out for nine months after reportedly getting injured whilst on international duty early last month. It’s believed that Abraw’s camp is disputing that and is challenging Chiefs to release the player if they don’t want him anymore. There could possible be a meeting between the two camps on Friday to resolve this but Motaung maintains that Abraw is injured.
Chippa United midfielder Sherwin Bailey, who was promoted from the club’s reserve team, reckons signing a professional contract with the Chilli Boyz is a fulfilment of his dream. Bailey was one of the more than 10 players unveiled by the Chilli Boyz almost two weeks ago. The 23-year-old Port Elizabeth-born Bailey says his promotion came after Chilli Boyz reserve team mentor Glen Minnie recommended him to first team coach Dan Malesela following some good performances. Now that he has been promoted to the first team, Bailey hopes to get game time in order for him to gain experience. And he promises to show football followers what he can do once he gets a chance to play.
Playing at highest level on the continent, dominating and winning trophies was very in key in Sibusiso Vilakazi’s decision to join Mamelodi Sundowns from Bidvest Wits this weekend. Vilakazi was unveiled at Sundowns headquarters in Chloorkop today, following his arrival that saw two players Cuthbert Malajila and Mogokolodi Ngele loaned to Bidvest Wits plus a transfer fee believed to be close to R5million. Speaking after his first training session with his new teammates this morning, the Bafana Bafana international says Sundowns good run in the African Champions League made things very easy for his decision. The 26 year old has been chased by the big three for the past three seasons especially after the coaches voted him as the PSL Footballer of the Season in 2013/2014. There is no doubt that this move also takes him to the top bracket in terms of the biggest earners in the league and he says this is a very good move for his family too. After Vilakazi won the Footballer of the season two years ago, Wits made it known that they were only interested in selling him to overseas teams. The 26year-old even went to Denmark for trials with Brondby but he says it wasn’t worth it.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ new signing Sibusiso Vilakazi is elated to have finally joined the club, stating he is happy to be at his desired team following his well-known want-out at Bidvest Wits. Vilakazi, popularly known as ‘Vila’, penned a three-year deal with the Chloorkop based side after spending his third spell with The Students. With unwanted injuries and transfer issues behind him, the 26-year-old midfielder finally finds himself a place among the league champions as he dons the coveted yellow and green jersey. Vilakazi says it is a relief to be with the team as he has been warmly welcomed by the technical team and his fellow colleagues and he says cannot wait to be fully part of the team so he can add something worthwhile to the club and improve himself as a player.
Fresh from concluding, arguably the biggest deal in this transfer window, the signature of Sibusiso “Vila” Vilakazi from Bidvest Wits, Mamelodi Sundowns now have two top targets. And one of them is Bloemfontein Celtic’s Thapelo Morena, who is making it clear that he wants to player in the African Champions League. Morena spoke to SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli before leaving with the SA U23 national team to the Rio Olympics this past weekend and he’s clear that the Sundowns move is appealing to him. He also disputes reports that he’s extended his stay at Celtic…
Fresh from beating Kaizer Chiefs to the signature of Bidvest Wits and Bafana Bafana star player Sibusiso Vilakazi, Mamelodi Sundowns have now focused now turned their focus on overtaking Amakhosi on another top target. SABC Sport understands that Sundowns and Chiefs are currently tussling over the services of Belgian based Bafana Bafana utility defender Anele Ngcongca. SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli is following this story of the 29year-old defender very closely and he’s compiled this report.
The most sought after football signature in the local game has finally been secured and Sibusiso “Vila” Vilakazi would be unveiled as a Mamelodi Sundowns player tomorrow at the club’s headquarters in Chloorkop. Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane revealed to SABC Sport yesterday that this is a deal they’ve been working on for a very long time and was pleased that Bidvest Wits finally came to the party. The Brazilians are believed to have paid about R5million plus two players Cuthbert Malajila and Mogokolodi Ngele moving the opposite direction on loan. It was believed that Malajila and Ngele were moving permanently to Wits but Mosimane insists that it’s loan deals plus money in exchange for the Bafana Bafana star player who is joining Sundowns on a three-year deal plus a two-year option.
South African U23 winger and Orlando Pirates new signing Riyaad Norodien believes that the longer he stays in Johannesburg, the quicker he will adapt to the new surroundings and grow his football career further. The Ajax Cape Town development product has signed a three-year contract with the Buccaneers in a move that will see him reunite with former coach at Ajax, Muhsin Ertugral. Norodien said he was already finding his feet around town.
Lamontville Golden Arrows would like to be a surprise package once again in the 2016/17 season, just like they were during the past campaign. This is according to Abafana Bes’thende chief executive officer Gordon Masondo as the club continues its preparation for the year ahead. Arrows won the Uthukela Mayoral Cup in Ladysmith last weekend and will this week be aiming to continue their preparations for the season with another good showing in the Uthungulu Mayoral Cup to be played in Richards Bay. Masondo says preparations are on track for the start of the new term. The Durban club were in the top half of the Absa Premiership table for most of the season thanks to some impressive results. They were one of just three teams to beat champions Mamelodi Sundowns, but a difficult mid-season patch meant they had to settle for ninth place. With the win in northern KwaZulu-Natal under their belt last week, Arrows can build more confidence this weekend in a competition that also includes fellow Absa Premiership club Bloemfontein Celtic as well as NFD pair AmaZulu and Thanda Royal Zulu. Masondo says the objective was to be prepared for next month’s start to the season, irrespective who they were playing in this
There was a time in the past three to four years where former 800m-world champion Caster Semenya was struggling to run good times and many wrote her off. And this is the period that had the Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula worried but he remained by her side and is very happy that she’s regained the form that saw her winning the world title in Berlin in 2009. With just less than two weeks to the Rio Olympics, Semenya broke her own national 800m record last week when she won the Diamond League meeting in Monaco in 1:55.33 beating the previous record of 1:55.45. Mbalula reveals his heart to heart talk with Semenya. It’s exciting times for South African athletes just two days before the full team leaves for Rio de Janeiro on Saturday as they will finalize their preparations for the Olympics there. The 100m national record holder Akani Simbine brought more smiles to South Africans when he bettered his won record, winning the Gyulai Istvan Memorial 100m race in Budapest in Hungary, in 9.89seconds beating his previous record of 9.96 seconds set in Pretoria earlier this year. Simbine also beat former world champion and record holder, Jamaican star Asafa Powell in the process. Tis proves Mbalula’s point that this country has got stars.Known as Razzmatazz in sporting circles, Mbalula also knows very well that Athletics South Africa (ASA) and Swimming South Africa (Swim SA) don’t have serious financial injection in the country. But the two federations contribute more medals more than any other code in an Olympic year. He says he will never be apologetic about rewarding the athletes.
Recently Mpumalanga Black Aces sold their status to PSL Executive member and former Ajax Cape Town chairman John Comitis who relocated the club to Cape Town and renamed Cape Town City. Aces had attempted to sell the club last season to then relegated Amazulu FC but the deal was not approved at the end by the league. SABC Sport understands that the Morfou family felt that they were spending too much money from their businesses on the football team. Stars also lost their sponsor Bonitas at the beginning this year and had been running the club from the family’s coffers. Khoza says running a PSL football team can be a very costly exercise.Almost every season in the PSL there’s always a club that’s willing to sell because some clubs can’t keep up with the escalating costs when there’s no financial injection. AmaTuks and Swallows were some of those teams and it’s now history now what has happened to them. But Khoza also provided reasons on what could've led to Stars selling their status. This past weekend, Lesufi addressed Swallows fans at the Ipeleng Community Hall in Soweto where he confirmed to them the possibility of their team returning to the PSL after they were relegated to the ABC Motsepe League few months ago. Whilst the members of this Swallows FC consortium are reportedly unknown, it’s also believed that the Italian club where the new team are expected to use as their training base in Bedford view has got a lot to do with this deal.Article 30.2 of the PSL Constitution under the acquisition and ownership, is very clear that should the sale, shares or interest be to a foreign person or entity, prior approval from SAFA should be obtained. And Khoza hinted that this could be the case with this mysterious consortium.
The potential buyers of the Free State Stars, Premier Soccer League (PSL) status only have 48 hours to conclude this deal and meet the league’s conditions or else there would be no transaction and no return of Moroka Swallows to elite football.This was the comment of the PSL chairman Irvin Khoza as he addressed a press conference yesterday the 20th of July 2016 on why this deal has taken too long. Khoza made it clear that Stars remains their member and sent a clear message to those making statements in the media, thought to be Gauteng MEC of Education Panyaza Lesufi, who is alleged to be talking on behalf of the purchasing consortium. Khoza also revealed that in principle the PSL Executive Committee had pre-approved this deal but under strict conditions. There’s a lot at stake if this deal doesn’t go through at the end and Khoza says this is not only unfair to Stars but also brand Lesufi is at stake as well. Stars have already sold some players to Orlando Pirates and other clubs and their assistant coach Bradley Carnell has also joined the Buccaneers. Khoza says the current situation is also messing up the plans of the Stars management and players too. Questions around this Swallows and Stars transaction seem to held back by not only the disclosure of the people involved in the consortium but also some questions that Khoza says remain unanswered by the buyers.
Former referee Sylvester Ndaba was not surprised Lindiwe “Ace” Thwala was voted the 2016 SAB Under21 league referee of the tournament at the University of Limpopo’s Oscar Mpetha stadium. The match official was also in the middle when University Sports South Africa (USSA) defeated Free State 2-0 in the competition’s finals on Saturday. Ndaba was part of the team that trained match officials for the competition and says everyone is proud of the work she put in considering that Thwala also outdid her male counterparts. The Soccerzone match officail analyst adds that they had 20 referees when they conducted the pre-tournament training saying all the women who took part will be put into another programme. He also cites Akhona Makhalima‘s progress as a result of the SAB referee’s development programme. Asked how referring can be made attractive as a profession, Ndaba believes the money they get should be improved to at least compete with those of players and coaches.
South African national U23 team coach Da Gama says leadership qualities are going to be very important from the senior players, particularly Khune but was cautious to admit that he’s hinting that the Bafana captain will also wear the armband in Brazil. There were also disturbing comments from Bidvest Wits goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs this past weekend, who questioned Khune’s selection to this team. This is dispute the FIFA and International Olympic Committee’s rules that allow the selection of three overage players for this camp. Da Gama says nobody is guaranteed a starting berth in this team. The problem with this U23 team’s defense has been this part of lacking a leader and Mathoho is also not one of the most vocal players around. But it’s duty that Da Gama seems to be passing to the goalkeepers, Khune in particular
The former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker says that he will not be surprised if Pitso Mosimane is given a second chance to lead the national team. The current Mamelodi Sundowns coach, coached South Africa from 2010 to 2012, failing to lead the team to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. But he has since re-established himself as one of the best in the country with the Brazilians. Under Mosimane’s leadership, the Chloorkop outfit have won two Absa Premiership titles, the Telkom Knockout and the Nedbank Cup. All his accolades have impressed Barker. Barker feels that Mosimane is rebuilding his reputation excellently at club level. Apart from domestic success, Sundowns are on the brink of reaching the CAF Champions League semi-finals. They claimed a famous 2-1 win over Egyptian giants Zamalek in Cairo Sunday the 17th of July and will be looking to win the continental spectacle for the first time and he believes that such a feat will be the cherry on the top for Mosimane and really put his name back on the coaching map. South Africa’s next assignment is to try and reach the 2018 World Cup, with that qualification campaign set to begin in October. But must negotiate a tough group, which also includes Senegal, Burkina Faso and the Cape Verde Islands Barker concedes that Bafana Bafana will find it tough to qualify.
Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs number one goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, fully understands his role in the Rio Olympics national U23 team. The senior national team captain was commenting after a training match against Bidvest Wits, a game ended in a 1-all draw at Sturrock Park earlier today. Khune together with his Bafana and Chiefs teammate Eric “Tower” Mathoho are the only overage players in this team. Having been an understudy before, the 29year-old knows what’s expected from him. FIFA allows three overage players for the men’s football teams and head coach Owen Da Gama had selected Andile Jali as the third player but his Belgian team KV Oostende refused to release him for the Olympics. In Sydney 2000, then U23 coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba brought Brian Baloyi as an overage player but it was Emile Baron who got the minutes. But Khune says he’s just one of the players in this team and would be following the technical team’s instructions.
Chippa United chairman Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi reckons that wednesday’s unveiling of more than 11 players marked the beginning of the season for the Port Elizabeth-based side. Apart from acquiring new players, the Chilli Boyz, who finished sixth at the end of last season, have also re-signed James Okwuosa on a three-year deal following the Nigerian-born defender’s failed move to Orlando Pirates. Mpengesi is also grateful to both the Nelson Mandela Bay and the Buffalo City metros for backing his club. Meanwhile, Mpengesi says he is quite pleased with the support the Chilli Boyz got from their supporters whenever they played at home. Chilli Boyz coach Daniel Malesela says that they did not just go out and sign whoever was available, Malesela has also revealed that he didn’t make any changes to his technical team except to fill the void left by physiotherapist Alex Morupa’s departure.
The South Africa Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee yesterday released a strong team of 137 athletes set to compete at the 2016 Rio Olympics starting next month. Despite a handful of regular names missing in the side, team South Africa is headlined by the inform Caster Semenya, Wayde Van Niekerk, Bafana Bafana U23’s and Banyana Banyana to mention a few. Sascoc president Gideon Sam called on South Africans to focus on the teams’ performance and get behind the team SA.
With many saying that preparations for the upcoming world showpiece started on the back of the 2012 London Olympics, the SASCOC president Gedion Sam says that the road has been long and hard but they are now ready to face the world. Sam adds that he hopes that all team South African athletes will use their adversities to motivate and push them the extra mile. Sam also took time to set the record straight with regards to athletes receiving their bonuses. After stories surfaced last week that SASCOC were seeking financial assistance to send their athletes to the game, Sam reaffirmed that there are incentives readily waiting for medal winners...
THE South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) today announced the team that will represent South Africa in the upcoming Rio Olympics game in Brazil next month. SASCOC also revealed the South African men’s U-23 and Banyana Banyana squad that will compete in Brazil, with the most capped Bafana Bafana keeper Itumeleng Khune and Eric Mathoho selected as over-aged players. South Africa Football Association chief executive Dennis Mumble says that the mandate for both male and female teams is to get past through the group stages of the tournament. The Olympic Games play outside FIFA calendar and this has stirred headache for SAFA when it comes to clubs releasing players for the games. SAFA has struggled to call up overseas based players . SA U-23 men’s coach Owen Da Gama has only managed to call two overseas based players in Lebo Mothiba and Tyroane Sandows who play for LOSC Lille (France) and Grêmio (Brazil) respectively. Previously, Banyana Banyana coach Vera Pauw lambasted SASCOC for the number of players allowed to travel to Brazil, saying 18 players are inadequate. However, SASCOC has allowed four extra players for each soccer team. Mumble has acknowledged Premier Soccer League for allowing clubs to release players by delaying the start of the domestic league.
Ajax Cape Town captain Travis Graham says that after just over a week of pre-season training, things are looking good for the Cape Town club ahead of the next PSL season. Graham, and a handful of his team-mates actually began their own training two weeks before the team assembled. With regard to players that have left the club namely Anssi Jaakkola, Abbubaker Mobara, Riyaad Norodien, Franklin Cale, Milton Ncube, Ashley Hartog and Ruzaigh Gamildien, Graham says that they will definitely be missed.One of those youngsters is midfielder Grant Margeman, and Graham says that the 18-year old is someone that could make a huge impact. The Ajax captain says he’s watched him throughout his career, and he is looking forward to work with him and help challenge him to develop into a top player. When Graham was promoted to the first team, he had Granwald Scott help him adjust to the seniors and the central midfield role, and he says he hopes to play a similar role for Margeman.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says his team will not be intimidated by the hostile environment in Egypt when they take on Zamalek in the CAF Champions league group B match in Cairo on Sunday the 17 of July 2016. The Brazilians are topping the group with three points by virtue of goal difference. The group has been reduced to just three teams after ES Setif from Algeria were disqualified due to crowd violence. Sundowns are expecting a tough match against the multiple former holders of the champs league Zamalek. The Brazilians have injury concerns ahead of the crucial match with many of their key players nursing niggling injuries, but Mosimane is confident that most of them will recover by Sunday. The Brazilians were eligible to register five new players in their team for the campaign after qualifying for the group stage. Percy Tau, who returned from a loan, reserve goalkeeper Thela Ngobeni due to injury to Kennedy Mwenee and Tiyani Mabunda have filled some of those spots with couple more still remaining. Sundowns will return to the champions league next season by virtue of being the Premier Soccer League champions last season. The Brazilians played against Chicken Inn from Zimbabwe in the prelim round, while the big teams had a bye. Mosimane says his team has made a significant progress in the last two seasons.
South African football players who were hoping to use the newly introduced system of intermediaries in this current transfer window would have to wait a bit longer. A FIFA Congress two years ago in Brazil passed a resolution that last year in April the old system of agents should be replaced by the intermediaries system. Whilst many countries started with intermediaries in April last year, SAFA has been battling in courts with the local agents, the main problem was around the commission of agents that had been capped at three percent. South African Football Association (SAFA) CEO Dennis Mumble says they’ve since revisited that and rectified what the agents were asking for but can’t implement because there’s still a court case.
Banyana Banyana star and former senior women’s national team captain Amanda “Tokkie” Dlamini says she hopes to be seen as a catalyst for change in women’s football in the country. Dlamini was speaking after their return from the US, where Banyana lost 1-0 to the World Champions this past weekend, a game that also marked her 100th appearance in international football. Dlamini became the fourth Banyana player after the retired Portia Modise and her current teammates Janine Van Wyk and Mpumi Nyandeni to reach the century magic number. With the announcement for the Rio Olympics team expected to be made on Thursday, Dlamini told journalists including SABC Sport’s Velile Mbuli also about the exciting trip they had in the US.
Orlando Pirates development coach Augusto Palacios anticipates tough competition from the teams that were drawn in the same group as his side in the Engen Knockout Challenge. Pirates were pitted against Jomo Cosmos, SuperSport United and Meadowlands Academy in group A at the tournament’s media draw, which was held at Wits University on Tuesday afternoon. The under – 17 tournament will be played on the 29th and 30th of July at Marks Park Sports Club. Bucs will kick-start the tournament with a clash against Matsatsantsa aPitori and Palacios says it’s important that they do not underestimate the teams in their group, as they all have what it takes to beat any team in the tournament.
Ajax Cape Town held their first press conference of the season Yesterday the 11th of July, where they welcomed new signings, Eric Chipeta, Jucie Lupeta and Thabo Mosadi to the club. With head coach Roger De Sa unavailable, his new assistant Mich D’Avray was on hand to meet the press and introduce the players, and also to announce that the club would now be postponing their camp in George which was meant to get underway this week. D’Avray says that with so many players being called up to national teams, with the u23 Olympic squad, the u20’s currently involved in qualifiers, and an u19 team team set to play in the Durban International tournament, it didn’t make sense to go forward with the camp right now. Having already confirmed the transfers of Abbubaker Mobara and Riyaad Norodien to Orlando Pirates, D’Avray also confirmed that goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola has left for England where he is set to do medicals with Reading FC in the English Championship. D’Avray says they are excited about their three new signings. He says he knows Chipeta well from his time as technical director at Chippa United, and believes he’ll bring a lot of experience to the club. He is also excited about Mosadi who joins from Tuks, and believes he’ll be a good replacement for Pirates-bound Norodien. D’Avray says that Lupeta still needs a lot of work but he offers something very different to the team upfront.
Former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs defender Fabian McCarthy has commended the appointment of former English Premier League star John Painstil as assistant coach of Kaizer Chiefs. The former Ghanaian stalwart will take up his first coaching job with the Soweto Giants, Chiefs, after finishing last season at Maritzburg United. However, McCarthy, who welcomes the reunion between Chiefs coach Steve Komphela and the 35-year-old Paintsil reiterates that they need to produce results on the field starting with the Carling Cup of Champions end of this month. With both teams Chiefs and Orlando Pirates having already announced their new signings a month before the voting lines are closes, McCarthy urged supporters to go out and vote for their players especially the newcomers.
The South African’s women national team coach Vera Pauw is proud of her team despite losing to USA in Chicago on Saturday night, the 9th of July. Banyana Banyana showed gutsy performance when they narrowly lost 1-0 to the World and Olympic champions in their own backyard in front of a packed stadium. The number one ranked team in the world scored the only goal of the match in the 35th minute courtesy of Crystal Dunn. It was the first ever meeting between the two sides, and coach Pauw was pleased with the performance. The USA have an impressive pedigree in women football, having won the world cup on three occasions and the Olympics title four times. The Dutch woman Pauw was impressed her team held her own against the mighty US when all and sundry expected a huge drubbing. Pauw says the match will serve as a morale booster ahead of the Olympics, where they are pitted in the same group with the host nation Brazil, Sweden and China.
The South African national U20 team can look forward to representing the country once again in the African Nations Cup (AFCON) U20 tournament in Zambia next year after doing a good business brushing aside Lesotho 2-0 in the first leg, third round qualifier at Setsoto stadium in Maseru Saturday the 9th of July. Two goals from Liam Jordan and Kamohelo Sithole ensured that Amajita would just have to cruise in the second leg in Johannesburg in two weeks time. With two away goals and a clean sheet, Amajita head coach Thabo Senong knows that his boys are now home and dry. Armed with nine players who played in the FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile last year, Amajita would be qualifying for the second time for the AFCON U20 with Senong at the helm as he was an assistant to the now Bafana head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba prior to Senegal last year.
South Africa’s women’s national team soccer coach Vera Pauw says that people should not compare her team with the 2012 London Olympics crop. Joseph Mkhonza’s team qualified for the Olympics for the first time four years ago but they finished rock bottom in a group comprising of Sweden, Japan and Canada. Pauw’s team will be looking to rewrite their own history in Rio, Brazil on August, but they are in a very tough group featuring the hosts Brazil, Sweden and China. Banyana failed to qualify for the FIFA World cup in Canada last year, which was a huge disappointment after the Olympic qualification four years ago. Pauw’s team has been preparing for the Olympics with the high profile teams such as the Netherlands, and the USA, whom they will be playing this weekend. While the team should be focusing on the Olympics, Pauw revealed that there are more pressing issues behind the scenes. She took a swipe at Sascoc (the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee)‚ saying that four players and four technical staff have been left stranded without accreditation and accommodation in the Olympic Village.The 53 year old feminine coah admitted that those challenges will impact negatively on the team’s chances of doing well in the global games. But she is hoping that the players will put on a good show despite the challenges.
Keabetswe Diale of Platinum Stars development academy says she feels like a proud mom seeing her boys being promoted to the first team. This comes after the announcement by the club on Wednesday confirming the signing of seven new players from their academy to join the senior team. Katlego Khunou, Tshireletso Lesabane, Sphandla Mlilo and Gift Links are among the newly promoted players and were all part of last season’s reserve team. Diale says they have all come a long way.With seven of their boys now playing for the first team, the Dikwena academy will be looking to fill the gaps. They will be holding trials for people between the ages of 13-16 on the 12th and 13th of July, at Royal Bafokeng Sports Campus and will begin at 08:00 and there will be no money involved in the process. Diale says that the age is a very sensitive issues in football and there have been cases where youngsters came forward having manipulated their ages, she urges all those that will be coming for the trials not to try and deceive them as this will affect them negatively in the long run.
Bidvest Wits defender Tebogo Moerane shares his experience of being in the team that brought back the Cosafa Cup trophy. The defender who has been unlucky with game time in his domestic club with only nine league appearances since signing from the Orlando Pirates development division in the 2013/14 season. Moerane says that it was good representing his country and bringing back some pride to the Bafana Bafana name. Moerane says that the Cosafa team worked very hard to bring back the honours so that the coach could see that they were ready for the Olympics and as well as to further represent their country in other competitions. The Bafana defender says that he would like to be part of the team that represents the country in the Rio Olympics as it will give him more exposure in the football world, and also help to give him more experience on the pitch. The 21 year old says that although he did not have any game time last season for The Clever Boys, but says that he is preparing himself to fight for a regular spot in starting 11 next season.
Orlando Pirates legend Lucky Lekgwathi is confident that Bucs will enjoy a lot of success under newly appointed coach Muhsin Ertugral, in the upcoming Absa Premiership season. Pirates appointed Ertugral as their head coach last month, following a dismal 2015/16 season in which they finished seventh on the log standings and without a trophy. The Turkish tactician, who spent the past season guiding Mpumalanga Black Aces, was introduced to Bucs players for the first time last week, on their first day from the off-season break. Lekgwathi still remembers the hard times Ertugral used to give them during his coaching stint at Kaizer Chiefs, known as a no-nonsense coach, Ertugral brings with him a wealth of local experience, which he gathered during his coaching stints at local outfits such as Aces, Chiefs, Ajax Cape Town and Golden Arrows. With Bucs on a shopping spree as they look to beef up their squad ahead of the new season, Lekgwathi says it’s important that the new signings know the history of the club and that they are expected to win trophies to celebrate the anniversary.
Ex-Kaizer Chiefs star Siyabonga Nkosi has backed Keagan Buchanan to be a success at Naturena following his move from Bloemfontein Celtic. The new Amakhosi man was the first signing made by coach Steve Komphela during the off season and is expected to replace Reneilwe Letsholonyane. Buchanan will become the first player since Nkosi to adorn the coveted number 10 jersey for Chiefs. Both players also have other similar career traits. Nkosi was also 24 when he moved to Soweto, both switched over from Siwelele and both are midfielders. But Nkosi feels there are difference and has called for Buchanan to be given time to settle. Initial reaction by Chiefs fans over his signing does not seem too positive. Buchanan does not feature in their Carling Black Label Cup starting line-up, with the four midfield places currently occupied by William Twala, Willard Katsande, Siphiwe Tshabalala and George Lebese. Nkosi, though, does not feel that making the team is the be-all-and-end-all. More importantly, according to the former Bafana Bafana ace, was for Buchanan to get the vote of the coach over the course of the season.
Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed the signing of Free State Stars player Lucky Mohomi, but rubbished reports that Thapelo Morena from Bloemfontein Celtic has signed with the team. The young players who were loaned out last season such as Motjeka Madisha and Percy Tau have returned to the team. Mogakolodi Ngele has, through his agent Tim Sukazi, asked for the club to either sell him or loan him out during this current transfer window, which closes at the end of the month. The Botswana international joined from Platinum Stars last season but has played second fiddle to the likes of Khama Billiat, Keagan Dolly and Leonardo Castro. Thuswa says nothing has been confirmed yet.
The national U20 men’s team Amajita have wrapped up their preparations for the African Nations Cup (AFCON) U20 third round, first leg qualifier against Lesotho and left for Maseru Yesrterday morning the 7th of July 2016. Amajita who beat Namibia 2-0 on aggregate in the previous round only need to win this tie to qualify for the AFCON U20 tournament in Zambia next year. Speaking after their last training session at the Nike Football Centre in Soweto this morning before driving to Lesotho, Amajita head coach Thabo Senong says leaving early works perfectly for them. Fitness levels aside, this is the third camp for Amajita and Senong is also banking on the improved combinations and understanding from his strong 23-man squad. Close to 10 players in this Amajita team have got Premier Soccer League contracts with their senior teams including Platinum Stars’ Kobamelo Kodisang, newly promoted Ajax Cape Town stars Masilakhe Phohlongo and Sirgio Kammers, Supersport United’s Fagrie Lakay and Zama Rambuwane and Bidvest Wits’ Liam Jordan and Sibongakonke Mbatha. And this is music into the ears of Senong. Amajita will be captained by the reliable and talented left-footed centre-back Tercious Malepe who is fresh from winning the COSAFA Cup with Bafana Bafana and touring Japan with the national U23 side. He emphasizes the importance of taking this team to Zambia next year. Malepe who played for Moroka Swallows last season in the National First Division when they got relegated, has been noted down for this team as an Orlando Pirates players. After all, the 19year-old was a Pirates player in the Diski Challenge before joining Swallows but would he be rejoining them once the international programme is over.
Mamelodi Sundowns have announced a long-term partnership with the giant sport apparel Puma which will go beyond 2019. The new commercial partnership represents the biggest football kit deal between the German company and Sundowns football history. The deal is rumoured to be in the region of 20 million rand. The sponsor is also associated with English champions Leicester City and giants Arsenal, German team Borrusia Dortmund and the Italian national team and also individuals such as Jamaican athlete Usain Bolt. Sundowns communications-co-ordinator Thulani Thuswa says it’s going to be one of the biggest technical sponsor in South African football. Sundowns had Nike as their kit sponsor for nearly a decade now having first teamed up with them back in 2008 when they took over from Diadora. Thuswa says the new sponsor chose to associate with the team because of their pedigree.
Even though SAFA in their latest intermediaries regulations, they’ve set a minimum of between three and 10 percent for commissions, Mumble says this would also be subject to the agreement between the club, player and the intermediary involved in that particular deal…
Lamontville Golden Arrows assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has remained tight-lipped over their new signings as the club’s pre-season training begins to take shape. Abafana Bes’thende players reported back for duty last week. There was a largely unfamiliar look to the squad too as around 10 players that were with them last season are now no longer on their books and have been replaced by other new faces. Ncikazi refused to divulge any names, but says their team is taking shape quickly. Bloemfontein Celtic have already confirmed that two of their players Lerato Lamola, and Vuyani Ntanga have joined Arrows, while another Siwelele man Wayde Jooste has posted pictures of himself training with the Durbanites along with a message of a confirmed move. There have also been widespread reports that Nigerian David Nworah, Clifton Miheso of Kenya and Zimbabwe’s Danny Phiri, all midfielders, have joined. Clinton Larsen’s side are not expected to play any friendly matches until late in the month and early next month as they build towards a late August official start.
Judging by the comments of the South African Football Association (SAFA) CEO Dennis Mumble, football players who were hoping to use the newly introduced system of intermediaries in this current transfer window would have to wait a bit longer. A FIFA Congress two years ago in Brazil passed a resolution that last year in April the old system of agents should be replaced by the intermediaries system. Whilst many countries started with intermediaries in April last year, SAFA has been battling in courts with the local agents, the main problem was around the commission of agents that had been capped at three percent. Mumble says they’ve since revisited that and rectified what the agents were asking for but can’t implement because there’s still a court case…
Former Orlando Pirates defender Edward Motale is excited by the prospect of rising Bafana Bafana star Abbubaker Mobara joining the club. Mobara has been one of the stand-out defenders in recent seasons and was a central figure as the Urban Warriors won the MTN8 last year. He also played a key role to help the country qualify for the Olympics. Mobara’s value is also three-fold considering the number of positions he can fill, whether it is across the back four or in midfield. Motale, a star defender in his prime, feels he is the type of player that will adapt well in Orlando. But he had some sound advice for the Cape Town-born player. Apart from Mobara, the Bucs have also concluded deals for his former Ajax team-mate and winger Riyaad Norodien. Other high-profile new faces at the club are forwards Bernard Morrison, who comes from Ghana, and ex-Baroka FC ace Thabiso Kutumela. There will also be a new coach in the dugout after Muhsin Ertugral replaced Eric Tinkler as coach. The club was forced to make changes after a disappointing 2015/16 campaign where they ended seventh in the Absa Premiership. Motale feels they need to strengthen further in the coming weeks if they want to be competitive next season. As for Ertugral, he joins the club on the back of an excellent season with Mpumalanga Black Aces, who he guided to fourth place. The Turkish-born German boss also has a distinguished domestic CV having coached the likes of Kaizer Chiefs and Ajax with a fair amount of success. Motale is confident with his arrival will boost Pirates.
Polokwane City announced on Wednesday the 5th of July 2016 that they have acquired the services of Belgium mentor Luc Eymael as their new head coach. Eymael replaces Julio Leal who left two weeks ago.Some of the sides Eymael has led include AFC Leopards, Rwanda’s Rayon Sports and Tunisian club JS Kairouan and Al- Merrikh of Sudan. The former goalkeeper believes he can turn around Rise & Shine‘s fortunes. The Limpopo side hasn’t had it easy in the premier league since their promotion. Their maiden campaign was a challenging one as they fought for survival at the playoffs. The second season they managed a 12th spot finish and last term 13th place. Meanwhile club chairman Johnny Mogaladi says they were attracted to Eymael because of his attacking philosophy. The chairman also reveals that City has signed Rodney Ramagalela from Mamelodi Sundowns and Walter Maponyane adding that they will make atleast two more players to complete their transfer business.
The Malawian Football Association has been inundated with CV’s from 25 foreign coaches who are eager to manage the Malawian national squad. This follows the non-renewal of head-coach Ernest Mtawali’s contract. Although the Malawian government is on record as saying the Malawi FA should consider hiring a local coach, due to financial constraints, the general secretary of the Malawi FA Suzgo Nyirenda revealed that a possibility of Malawi hiring a foreign remains feasible.
The South African Schools Football Association (SASFA) has maintained its earlier stance that they are prepared to settle the school’s football dispute with the football mother body South African Football Association (SAFA) out of court. This follows the South Gauteng High Court ruling yesterday in favour of SASFA that this dispute be taken back to a private arbitration and in the process resolution 29 that was taken in last year’s SAFA Constitutional Congress of the organization taking over schools football be declared unlawful and set aside for now. SASFA President Mandla “Shoes” Mazibuko whose organization was kicked out of the SAFA offices last year, says they are ready to smoke a peace pipe with the mother body.
SAFA who already had made plans to organize tournaments in different divisions from U13, U15, the Kay Motsepe Schools Cup and another tournament sponsored by Nestle now have a serious challenge on their hands. But Mumble also says now it’s time for the two organizations to go back to negotiation table for the sake of the game…
The South African Schools Football Association (SASFA) has maintained it’s earlier stance that they are prepared to settle the schools football dispute with the football mother body South African Football Association (SAFA) out of court. This follows the South Gauteng High Court ruling yesterday in favour of SASFA that this dispute be taken back to a private arbitration and in the process resolution 29 that was taken in last year’s SAFA Constitutional Congress of the organization taking over schools football be declared unlawful and set aside for now. SASFA President Mandla “Shoes” Mazibuko whose organization was kicked out of the SAFA offices last year, says they are ready to smoke a peace pipe with the mother body…
In the constitutional congress that took place in Mpumalanga in March last year, SAFA regions took a decision to take over schools football and it’s something that didn’t sit well with SASFA. In ratifying that decision in another extraordinary congress in Cape Town in September, SASFA was confirmed to be no longer an associate member of SAFA. But DMS Attorneys Director Dennis Sibuyi who was representing SASFA in this matter, confirmed Acting Judge VSRN Nkosi ruling’s specifically on this resolution 29…
Bloemfontein Celtic believes signing at least players paraded before the media at Dr Petrus Molemela stadium Sunday the 3rd of July, will go a long way towards ensuring the team do well in the 2016/2017 season. Among the eight new players is former Orlando Pirates Khethokwake Masuku, who was signed from NFD outfit Royal Eagles. Masuku shares that coming to a place like Bloemfontein is a great feeling he says he hopes to bring the team to victory in the new season.
Bloemfontein Celtic parted ways with midfielder Keegan Buchanan to Kaizer Chiefs at the end of the 2015/2016. Phunya sele sele also released Keamogetse Wolff, Wade Jooste and Alushavhiwe Marubini, while Julius Likontsane and Thabang Matuka have been loaned to teams that will utilize their services sufficiently so that they can get more game time. Striker Helder Pelembe also returned to Orlando Pirates after his loan spell at Celtic and Fiston Abdul Razak to Mamelodi Sundowns. Jooste is now reunited with his old coach Clinton Larsen at Arrows along with 2014/2015 lead goal scorer Lerato Lamola and Vuyani Ntanga. Celtic also lost the skills of their captain Bervan Fransman to Martizburg United and Cameroonian goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb will now wear the captains arm band. CEO Khumbulani Konco says they will fight to win a cup
Highlands Park co-chairman Larry Brookstone says he has missed Premier Soccer league football dearly and is delighted to be back in topflight with Highlands Park. Highlands Park, a former ‘white powerhouse club’ now based in Tembisa’s Makhulong Stadium, won the PSL Promotion/Relegation Playoffs to mark their return to PSL football after 24 years in the wilderness. The former Silver Stars boss, Brookstone, says he missed the daily involvement and administration of running a football club the most and he is here to stay. Brookstone believes that Highlands Park, headed by majority shareholder Brad Kaftel (with 40%), Hadley Laserow, Sinki Mnisi and Brookstone all with 20% each, have survived to return to the top because of the culture and tradition they have as a football club. With new innovations and television rights now influencing PSL football, Brookstone says they are aware of the difficulties that lay ahead next season. Brookstone also paid his respect to long serving player and friend in Zimbabwean international Tapuwa Kapini on his return to the top saying that he is pleases with his valuable contribution.The 31-year-old Kapini, who was relegated with Amazulu two seasons ago, has been a pillar of strength for Highlands Park at the back.
Despite saying no local player is worth R10million last Wednesday of the 29th June, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane doesn’t seem or sound like a man ready to give up on signing Bidvest Wits star player Sibusiso “General” Vilakazi. Speaking on Radio 2000’s Game On sport show with Andile Ncube on Thursday night, Mosimane couldn’t hide his admiration for Vilakazi. The Bafana Bafana international for the past three transfer windows has been chased by the big three and Mosimane says moving to an African Champions League team like Sundowns would help him. Vilakazi’s agent Mike Makaab has been quoted in the media on Friday, saying there should be clarity on the player’s future this week week.
Despite failing to lead a successful campaign to be a FIFA President earlier this year, Tokyo Sexwale continues to play a prominent role in the world’s football mother body’s affairs. Sexwale is currently in Israel and Palestine where he is leading a FIFA delegation as the chairman of the FIFA Monitoring Committee for those two countries. The monitoring committee was appointed in May 2015 and was extended in the latest Congress in Mexico two months ago. Sexwale says that the mission to facilitate normalization of football in this region continues. Today the 1st of July 2016, the FIFA delegation will be visiting the Palestinian Football Association headquarters in Gaza and inspect the facilities in the area. Sexwale who serves in three other FIFA Committees other than this one , has more on the reasons behind today’s visit, and he says that they will be holding meetings with the Israeli Political authorities and representatives from the Israel and Palestinian FA’s in Tel Aviv, Ramallah and Gaza. Sexwale who withdrew from the Presidential race on the day of the election has proven to be very close to the current FIFA President Gianni Infantino who honoured his invitation to Robben Island just days before the elections in February this year. The African National Congress (ANC) stalwart reveals that this visit is also preparing the ground for a forthcoming trip to this region by Infantino.
Shooz Mekuto, the former PRO at Ajax Cape Town has made a return to the Urban Warriors, having been appointed as the Supporters Liaison Officer at the Cape Town club. Mekuto left Ajax in 2014, and had a short spell at Chippa United, but now returns to Ikamva in a new role where he help build the club’s fan base. Mekuto says that he is very happy to be back as he believes there is unfinished business, and he hopes to add to the progress already made at the club. The 44 year old state that they need to become more visible and accessible to the fans and start focusing more on what people on the ground first. He says it’s key that Ajax start putting fans first.
Cape Town City have appointed Dutch national Guido Seerden as their new Head of Sports Science. John Comitis’ new club, which officially unveiled their name, logo and kit yesterday, have wasted no time in strengthening their technical department and Seerden will join Head Coach Eric Tinkler, Assistant Ian Taylor and goalkeeper coach Calvin Marlin as they prepare the first team for the upcoming season. The 28-year-old Seerden, who studied in the Netherlands and in England, has spent the past two years in the Middle East, mostly recently in Dubai and before that a year in Saudi Arabia. Cape Town City owner John Comitis is delighted to have Seerden on board. Comitis says that they have already drawn up a programme for the next three weeks and that it has been endorsed by head coach Tinkler.
Mamelodi Sundowns have boosted their chances of qualifying for the semifinal of the CAF African champions league after beating Enyimba from Nigeria 2-NIL at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atterdigeville on Wednesday the 29th June 2016. Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane was happy with the three points but not the performance. Sundowns are now topping the group level on points with Zamalek from Egypt. The Brazilians will now play Zamalek in back to back fixtures starting with an away fixture on the 19th of July 2016. Defender Asavela Mbekile didn’t have the best of games.Mbekile started the match playing as a right back but was shifted to the midfield before he was replaced. He will be favoured to replace the departed captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele at right back.Mbekile is expecting a hostile environment in Egypt even worse than what they experienced in Algeria, where the match was abandoned because of crowd trouble. He says the incident freaked the m out but also made them to be stronger mentally.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane celebrated his new four year-contract in style as the Brazilians continued with their fine start in the CAF Champions League group stages beating Nigerian giants Enyimba 2-1 in a group B match played at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville last night on the 29 of June 2016. With this win, Sundowns are now sitting jointly on top with Zamalek on three points and the two teams will meet in Cairo on the 17th July 2016. This was the second loss in a row for Enyimba, having gone down 1-0 at home to Zamalek in Port Harcourt two weeks ago.Meanwhile, Pitso Mosimane revealed last night the 29th of June 2016 that he has finally renewed after some delay in recent weeks. SABC Sport can also confirm that last night, was the last time Sundowns wore Nike, as their contract with the US-based company has not been renewed. When they play Zamalek next month, they’ll be spotting Puma, having signed a lucrative deal with the popular German sports apparel.
Former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates defender Edward ‘Magents’ Motale lauded the South African U23 players following their 3-2 Cosafa Cup final triumph over Botswana in Namibia last Saturday. The 49-year-old Motale says he is excited to see the team winning and performing whilst also building for the future. The former Dynamos defender says that South Africa also needs to follow suit with top footballing nations and play young players early in their careers.
Magesi FC chairman Solly Makhubela says their ability to constantly improve their game played a huge role in their promotion to the National First Division. The Limpopo side were promoted to the first division last week after being crowned 2016 ABC Motsepe league champions at the national playoffs in Bloemfontein. Next month the club will host celebrations in Moletji following their promotion to the First Division. Makhubela says the celebrations are being hosted by his Majesty Kgosi Kgabo Moloto III on July 23 at his royal house in Moletji Mosate.
Orlando Pirates midfielder Sifiso Myeni says his passion for the beautiful game is the reason why he always takes time out of his busy schedule to help nurture and develop young footballers. The 28 year – old player is the owner of amateur football club FC Porto, who ply their trade in the SAFA Ekurhuleni SAB League. He says while he hasn’t been finding it easy to juggle his club commitments with his FC Porto duties, what excites him is that he’s able to give youngsters a chance he never had.
Kaizer Chiefs Football Manager Bobby Motaung has expressed that even if a player is not bought, there’s still a hefty signing on fee and big salaries that have to be paid. The Chiefs transfer policy, that has seen them getting more players on free transfer than buying, was interrogated on Monday following the unveiling of eight new players at the club’s base in Naturena. While this is directed mainly at Chiefs, it’s something that is common all over the world and locally it’s mainly practiced by teams like Supersport United and Bidvest Wits. Out of the eight players, Chiefs only bought the two Zimbabwean internationals Mitchell Katsvairo and Edmore Chirambadare from Chicken Inn.
The drastic changes that have been made to the Kaizer Chiefs technical team for next season were necessary according to the football manager Bobby Motaung and head coach Steve Komphela. Chiefs announced today former Ghanaian international John Paintsil as the new new assistant replacing the club’s legend Doctor Khumalo, former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper coach Alexandre Revoredo will be Brian Baloyi’s senior and Marco Munhoz is the new fitness trainer. Paintsil only announced his retirement from football last week in Ghana, there will be a lot of questions about his experience at coaching level, he’s been to two World Cups and played in some top leagues including the English Premiership.
Newly signed Kaizer Chiefs defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele says he doesn’t he was undervalued by his former team Mamelodi Sundowns. He revealed this following his unveiling at the Chiefs’ club base in Naturena Monday morning the 27th June. It had been widely reported in the past few weeks that Mphahlele is seriously considering the Chiefs offer because it was way more than what Sundowns was offering. Despite being the captain of the club, Mphahlele was also said to be earning less than R85 000, when there’s about six players earning over three digits figure salary at the club. Mphahlele speaking to the media today including SABC Sport’s Velile Mbuli says it was important that he makes a sober decision on this new contract.
Mamelodi Sudowns coach Pitso Mosimane says that they are anticipating an extremely tough and physical CAF Champions League battle against Nigeria’s Enyimba International F.C. at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday night the 29 of June. Sundowns will play their first game in the now three-team group B mini-log after Algeria’s ES Setif were disqualified due to unruly fans’ behavior which forced a premature finish to their encounter with Sundowns leading 2-0 at the 8 May 1945 stadium. Mosimane reaffirms that they have prepared fully and well for Enyimba, who lost their opening match 1-0 to Zamalek. Mosimane also had some parting shots for former Sundowns captain and defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele who was yesterday announced by Kaizer Chiefs as their new signing. The mentor, Mosimane, also sang high praise for the player off the field conduct.
Orlando Pirates defender Happy Jele is upbeat about the next season, saying he is hopeful that they will end the trophy drought that has now plagued the Soweto club for a second consecutive season. Although the Buccaneers dropped out of the tile race long before the end of the 2015/16 Absa Premiership season, the Nedbank Cup (NBC) kept their silverware hopes alive, but it was not to be as their hopes were eventually dashed when they lost 2 – 1 to Super Sport United in the finals. Jele says that next season it’s important that they work as a unit in order to give their fans something to cheer about. The Mpumalanga born defender concedes that their participation in the CAF Confederation Cup left them fatigued, which he says had much to do with their poor performance domestically. With Bucs not taking part in the next edition of the continental tournament after losing the NBC, Jele says they have enough time to prepare and focus on doing well in the local scene next season.
Baroka FC unveiled 12 new players for their maiden Premier Soccer League season. The players were announced along with the side’s new sponsors at the club’s official promotion celebration ceremony in Ga-Mphahlele on Saturdaythe 25th of June. The 2015/16 National First Division champions signed defenders Mahashe Mzwanele (Milano United AFC), Tshepiso Leitsisa (Witbank Spurs) and Ignitious Kgobadi (Orbit College FC). They also signed midfielders Tumelo Mogale (Roses United), James Bell & Sipho Moeti both from (Moroka Swallows), Richard Matloga (Highlands Park), Tshepo Sediti (Orbit), Siphiwe Gwala (FC Cape Town) Rethabile Soso from Manco Milano FC. Striker Cleopas Dube (Witbank Spurs) is also on Baroka’s books along with Xolani Zakhele Ngcobo (Royal Eagles) and Innocent Mbangeni (Manco Milano). Meanwhile Clover SA recommitted to the side as their main sponsor for three years; they are joined by Two Mountains funerals and Passion beverages. Baroka chairman Khurishi Mphahlele also revealed that Giyani stadium will be their alternative home ground. The technical team stays as it was in the promotional league with Kgoloko Thobejane leading the side. New signing Cleopas Dube admitted this was a perfect way to end a productive season. Dube who finished as second top scorer in the NFD with 13 goals reveals that Bloemfontein Celtic and Golden Arrows were among the sides that wanted his services but he chose the Limpopo side. Meanwhile Chief Executive Officer of Passion beverages Mduduzi Shabangu adds that they are proud to be associated with a confident side like Baroka.
After captaining, a young Bafana Bafana to their fourth COSAFA Cup title Saturday the 25th of June in Windhoek, Namibia, beating Botswana 3-2 in the final, Rivaldo Coetzee can proudly look back as the true example of continuity in the South African football national teams. Three years ago, Coetzee, Tebogo Moerane and Jody February won the COSAFA U20 championship in Lesotho with head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba with Thabo Senong as his assistant. Yesterday all the three boys were part of the team. This U23 squad continues with it’s preparations for the Rio Olympics and will connect this evening straight to Japan where they play their Olympic team on Wednesday. Head coach Owen Da Gama has added Thapelo Morena, Mvala and Paseka Mako to the team that won the COSAFA Cup title. The 19year-old Ajax Cape Town defender says this regional title is a huge morale booster for the Olympics preparations
City of Ekurhuleni executive Mayor Mondli Gungubele has reaffirmed their unconditional support for Premier Soccer League newly promoted outfit Highlands Park after they won the PSL Promotion/Relegation playoffs. Gungubele earlier today announced that Ekurhuleni have already allocated R2 million towards revamping Highlands Park’s home ground Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa. Gungubele vows that the City of Ekurhuleni will do everything in their power to ensure that Highlands remains in the area and they are well. Speaking to the players and the technical team at the Germiston Civic Centre head offices at their breakfast meeting yesterday morning the 23rd of June 2016, Gungubele said that they are honoring the team because they are advocates of nation building and he believes that their return is timely. Long after the days of Tembisa Classic and Benoni United, Gungubele says the Lions of the North (Highlands Park) have brought a new lease of life to Ekuruleni...
The former Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture,The former Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Gungubele, also credited team director and co-shareholder Sinky Mnisi for his undying love for football and uplifting the community through sport. Mnisi, who played a huge hand in having Highlands based in Tembisa, has a rich history in SA football. Gungubele further called on Mnisi and the city to strengthen their working relationship moving forwardand uplifting the community through sport. Mnisi, who played a huge hand in having Highlands based in Tembisa, has a rich history in SA football. Gungubele further called on Mnisi and the city to strengthen their working relationship moving forward.
Bafana Bafana will play in the COSAFA Cup final for the first time since 2008 this weekend 25 June 2016, after humiliating a 10-man Swaziland side 5-1 in the semi-final played at the Sam Nujoma stadium in Windhoek, Namibia Wednesday the 22nd of June. Swaziland scored first through Tony Tsabedze just before half-time but South Africa replied through Thabiso Kutumela from a free-kick early in the second half. A goal from Lebogang Phiri, a brace from Menzi Masuku and another strike from Judas Moseamedi completed the rout for the young Bafana team. South Africa will now meet Botswana in the final after they beat Democratic Republic of Congo 5-4 on penalties in the second semi-final. Just like they did in the quarterfinal against Lesotho, Bafana brought in Masuku at the beginning of the second-half for Thembela Sikhakhane, pushed Abbubaker Mobara to the right-back and dropped Lebogang Phiri to the central midfield. However, Newly signed Supersport United goalkeeper Reeyad Pieterse was substituted at half-time and this allowed the technical team to give Jody February game time.
Mbabane Swallows and Swaziland international striker Felix Badenhorst is not only the leading goal scorer in the COSAFA Cup currently underway in Windhoek, Namibia with five goals but also one of the most sought after players in this tournament. For over a year now, Badenhorst has been linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs but SABC Sport has learnt that there has been no concrete offer from the South African football giants. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli had this short interview with Mbabane Swallows owner Victor Gamedze and he has the latest on Badenhorst…
Mbombela United may not have made it to the elite Absa Premiership next season, but “Tingwenyama” as the team is known, tried their best, according to coach Vusi Mkhatshwa. Having qualified for the PSL promotion playoffs in their first year in the NFD, Mkhatshwa has mixed feeling about his team’s performance, describing it as both achievement and disappointment. He says it is achievement because they made it to the NFD in the first season, but disappointed because they wanted to win the play-offs and campaign in the senior league. Mkhatshwa says fatigue affected them heavily because they did not rest enough from their last season’s play-offs when they were fighting to get into NFD last season. Although Mkhatshwa is not sure about his future with the team because his contract ends at the end of June 2016, says that he is very proud of his players even though they lost the competition.Mkhatshwa says they showed commitment, dedication, and mental strength, and he is happy to have been the leader who has instilled those principles
The problem of ill discipline by players with some choosing which international matches they want to be part of is not just a South African problem, as Namibia head coach Ricardo Mannetti found out last weekend. Following their 5-4 loss on penalties to Botswana in the COSAFA Cup quarterfinal on Saturday, Mannetti was fuming, saying one PSL based player is disrespecting the national team by dropping them in the last minute. A former Santos and Bush Bucks defensive midfielder during his playing days Mannetti, says that by rejecting the national team these players destabilized the camp. South Africa and Zambia are the only countries to have won African Nations Cup titles in the Southern African region, together with Zimbabwe these two countries are viewed as better resourced talent wise to use the COSAFA Cup for testing youthful talent and rebuilding.
Ajax Cape Town has agreed terms with Orlando Pirates for the sale of two of their star young players, Abbubaker Mobara and Riyaad Norodien. The two players, who have both represented South Africa at under 20 and under 23 level, will now discuss personal terms with Pirates before making the move to Soweto. Efstathiou says that the two players, who have been at the club for almost a decade have already excelled in their career at such young ages, and both are proud products of the Ajax academy.
Ajax Cape Town will begin their search for new talent this weekend when they host the first of five open under-12 trials at Ikamva in Parow on Sunday the 26th of June 2016. The Head of Scouting at the club, the legendary former player and coach Sergio Dos Santos, says that this is the only age group where they have open trials at the club, where they try to find the best under-12 talent in the Western Cape for their First Touch programme. The trials are just the start of the programme, and Dos Santos says they will select the best players on show, and begin weekly training with groups around the area until October, when they will all descend on Ikamva for the Ikamva Challenge. Ajax will then select the best sixteen players at the Challenge for the Ajax under-12 squad. While this first trial is on Sunday, Dos Santos says there will be more trials throughout July across the Western Cape. However he says that further details will only be released after this first session at Ikamva, and once they have identified areas to target.
Bafana Bafana only have 15 players to choose from for Wednesday’s COSAFA Cup semi-final against Swaziland at the Sam Nujoma stadium in Windhoek, Namibia. This follows the decision to send home Kwanda Mngonyama who is injured, Phumlani Ntshangase who suffers from ulcers and Gift Motupa who will be serving a suspension after he was sent-off in the quarterfinal against Lesotho on Saturday the 18th June 2016. Speaking before the training session this afternoon, assistant coach Owen Da Gama says that since they are thin up front, the best option could be starting with Thabiso Kutumela and have Menzi Masuku from the bench. Da Gama also revealed that Mngonyama’s situation is worrying and says it’s more than just about the injury but also his future as well at club level. Before the training started late this afternoon Monday the 20th of June 2016, there was about 40 minute talk that involved the players, Da Gama shares what head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba was trying to do following what wasn’t really an exciting showing against Lesotho on Saturday.
Ajax Cape Town’s CEO Ari Efstathiou says the club is incredibly proud after teenager Rivaldo Coetzee had the opportunity to captain Bafana Bafana at the Cosafa Cup. Coetzee has been named captain for the tournament and helped lead the side to the semi-finals when they beat Lesotho on penalties on the weekend. They will play Swaziland on Wednesday in the last four. Efstathiou says that it’s another first for Ajax, and it’s a fantastic achievement for the Kakamas-born defender. Efstathiou says that Coetzee is a great example to all at the club, especially those in the Academy. He says that he serves as inspiration with his achievements, and it will motivate the seven youngsters promoted to the first team ahead of next season. With two weeks still to go until Ajax resumes training, a handful of the players were already back at the club and keeping fit in the gym, and Efstathiou says it’s wonderful to see players so excited to get back into action.
University of Pretoria head coach Shaun Bartlett believes that his players did not earn themselves the rights to win any of their three PSL Promotion/Relegation playoff games. AmaTuks lost to Mbombela United home and away most recently (1-0 and 2-1) conceding (1-0) to Highlands Park in Thembisa in between. Bartlett says that they regret their missed opportunities. With players such as Bafana Bafana forward Thabo Mnyamane linked with a move to either Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs, the former Bafana Bafana striker, Bartlett, says he is impressed with a number of players who have been professional and committed to the club despite being on the exodus list. The 43-year-old Bartlett, who joined Tuks at the beginning of the year on a three-year contract, believes that he has only one year to rebuild the team and hopefully return to topflight football.
Albeit disappointed for failing to qualify for the Premier Soccer League Mbombela United coach Vusi Mkhatshwa commended his charges’ response to his coaching methods in just his first season in charge. Mkhatshwa, joined the team at the beginning of the season, says they have more positives that negatives to take out of the playoffs campaign...With Black Aces having being sold and relocated to Cape Town, United were hoping to qualify and fill the void left by Aces and represent Mpumalanga in the PSL next season. Mkhatshwa says despite losing a few players, they will gun for automatic Promotion next season...
Kaizer Chiefs anchor Willard Katsande has praised the standard of South African football saying Zimbabwean players plying their trade in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) are paving the way for young talented players back home. The Zimbabwean born hard-tackling midfielder together with his compatriots such as Orlando Pirates’ Tendai Ndoro, Khama Billiat and Cuthbert Malajila of Mamelodi Sundowns, helped Zimbabwe to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition to be held in Gabon next year. Katsande says their national team is reaping the benefits from their players in the PSL and hope that they will have a strong national squad in years to come.
Bafana Bafana and national U23 defender Kwanda Mngonyama is in danger of missing out on the Rio Olympics if he does not recover from his hamstring injury on time. This follows confirmation from the Bafana team medico Dr Thulani Ngwenya that the Mamelodi Sundowns centre-back, who was on loan to Maritzburg United last season, would be sent home today (Monday 20 june 2016) from the COSAFA Cup in Namibia, to recover from an injury sustained in a training match last week. Mngonyama sat out the 4-2 win on penalties in the quarterfinals against Lesotho Saturday the 18th of June 2016 and Ngwenya says he will also miss the trip to Japan where the U23’s play the hosts on the 29th of this month. A final squad of 18 players and four on standby for the Olympics will have to be confirmed by the 14th of next month and it will be interesting if Mngonyama’s fitness levels would’ve improved by then. But Ngwenya does not want to speculate.
The revival of Orlando Pirates for next season took another positive twist yesterday when AS Vita and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) national team head coach Florent Ibenge confirmed that the club’s diminutive midfielder Bernard Morrison would be moving to Bucs in the next few weeks. Morrison, a 23year-old Ghanaian born tricky midfielder, tormented Mamelodi Sundowns when the two teams played the African Champions League second round earlier this year, knocking out the Brazilians 2-1 on aggregate. But they were later expelled from the tournament after CAF found them to have used a defaulter. In this wide ranging interview with SABC Sport journalist, Ibenge who is at the COSAFA Cup tournament in Windhoek also touches on the reported move of AS Vita striker Kule Mbombo to National First Division (NFD) side Amazulu.
The revival of Orlando Pirates for next season took another positive twist yesterday when AS Vita and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) national team head coach Florent Ibenge confirmed that the club’s diminutive midfielder Bernard Morrison would be moving to Bucs in the next few weeks. Earlier in the week, Pirates had announced Muhsin Ertugral as their new coach for the next three years. Morrison, a 23year-old Ghanaian born tricky midfielder, tormented Mamelodi Sundowns when the two teams played the African Champions League second round earlier this year, knocking out the Brazilians 2-1 on aggregate. But they were later expelled from the tournament after CAF found them to have used a defaulter. In this wide ranging interview with SABC Sport journalist, Ibenge who is at the COSAFA Cup tournament in Windhoek also touches on the reported move of AS Vita striker Kule Mbombo to National First Division (NFD) side Amazulu…
As Bafana Bafana preparees to meet Lesotho in the COSAFA Cup quaterfinal match at the Sam Nujoma stadium in Windhoek, Namibia today, there’s an interesting history between Shakes Mashaba and Lesotho head coach Moses Maliehe. The 65year-old coached the Likuena mentor at Vaal Reef Stars way back in the National Soccer League (NSL) days and had some interesting comments on this teacher and student reunion…
After losing out on Muhsin Ertugral after he was named the new Orlando Pirates coach this week, John Comitis has wasted no time in appointing the former Pirates’ boss Eric Tinkler as head coach of the new Cape Town PSL side. Ertugral had been expected to continue as head coach of the club formerly known as Mpumalanga Black Aces, but made an about turn when he was revealed as the new Pirates coach on Tuesday. Tinkler will now have a new challenge in Cape Town, and will meet some of his new players when they assemble in the city on the 23rd of June. Comitis says he’s delighted to welcome a coach with the calibre of Tinkler aboard, and says that he’s sure he’s the right man for the job. After losing out on Muhsin Ertugral after he was named the new Orlando Pirates coach this week, John Comitis has wasted no time in appointing the former Pirates’ boss Eric Tinkler as head coach of the new Cape Town PSL side. Ertugral had been expected to continue as head coach of the club formerly known as Mpumalanga Black Aces, but made an about turn when he was revealed as the new Pirates coach on Tuesday. Tinkler will now have a new challenge in Cape Town, and will meet some of his new players when they assemble in the city on the 23rd of June. Comitis says he’s delighted to welcome a coach with the calibre of Tinkler aboard, and says that he’s sure he’s the right man for the job.
Highlands Park defensive midfielder Mothobi Mvala says that he still have the desire to don the national team jersey one day despite not travelling with the Shakes Mashaba’s squad to the COSAFA Castle Cup in Namibia’s Windhoek. Mvala was selected to represent the country for the first time but was left in the dark after there was no clear communication both from his club and the national team. Bafana Bafana will take on Lesotho tomorrow afternoon the 18th of June 2016, in the tournament’s first quarter finals at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Katutura. Mvala says he is disappointed that there was no clear communication from both parties about his call-up. Mvala says he will not lose hope though to represent the national team because that will open up doors for him to play overseas as a youngster. The 22-year-old hard-as-a-rock anchor says he will continue working hard so that his hard works can be recognised.
Mamelodi Sundowns reserve goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene says he will not be rusty against ES Setif from Algeria, when they lock horns in the CAF Champions league match group B match at the Stadium 8 Mai in Setif on Saturday night the 18th of June 2016. The Zambian international is an understudy to the regular goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who is suspended for three matches after he was sent off against Medeama from Ghana in the Confederations cup. Mweene is likely to start ahead of another reserve goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands, because he has been playing for his country in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in recent weeks. He says the game time will stand him in good stead against the Algerians. Mweene expects the Algerians to be aggressive playing at home to unsettle the Brazilians and score an early goal. But he says they have to be careful in the critical moments of the game especially in the first fifteen and last fifteen minutes.
Mashaba was the first Bafana coach to win the COSAFA Cup in 2002 and since then the team has only won the trophy in 2007 and 2008. The 65 year-old well-travelled coach repeats his previous statements that before the country can go on to conquer on bigger platforms, there’s a need to dominate the region first…
The 18-man Bafana squad that’s taking part in the COSAFA Cup already has got four players with senior international caps, led by regular starter Rivaldo Coetzee with 12 caps. Mashaba is dangling a carrot in front of these boys saying if they continue to excel they will follow in the footsteps of Coetzee, Keagan Dolly, Lebogang Phiri and Kwanda Mngonyama…
The focus on the bigger picture was important for Bafana Bafana head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba on his decision to allow the South African Football Association (SAFA) to send the national U23 men’s team in the place of the senior team to the COSAFA Cup in Namibia. Bafana have safely arrived in Windhoek where they enter the tournament in the quarterfinals on Saturday as one of the seeded teams in the regional tournament and they play the winner of Group B. Mashaba who will have the SA U23 head coach Owen Da Gama next to him, says it’s important that this team get’s enough preparation before the Rio Olympics in Brazil in six weeks time but warns that they are in Namibia to compete…
Highlands Park returned to big time football in South Africa for the first time in 24 years after winning the Premier Soccer League (PSL) promotional and relegation play-offs beating Mbombela United 2-0 at the Makhulong stadium in Tembisa yesterday on the 15 of May 2016.The former Platinum Stars coach believes that now the playoffs are eventually out of the way, it’s time for plans to start coming to fruition for next season. Freese also confirms that one of their priorities will be making a number of big signings just to stabilize the team. Shalulile, who will be joining his national team for their crucial COSAFA Cup quarterfinal against Botswana in Windhoek on Saturday on the 18 of May 2016, says he is pleased with his form for both club and country. The flamboyant Shalulile also commends head coach Freese for molding the team to what it is and reaffirmed that they are ready to play on the big Absa Premiership Stage.
The star of Danish based Bafana Bafana and SA U23 international Lebohang Phiri continues to rise and now he’s set his sights on not just excelling but also making his mark at the Rio Olympics in Brazil in August. After playing 40 matches in all competitions for his Danish club Brondby this season, Phiri is confident about his rise in the game. The 21year-old has been in the Danish Superliga for three years now and believes that moving early to overseas leagues helps the development of a player. As he prepares for the COSAFA Cup with Bafana Bafana, Phiri a Bidvest Wits product, tells SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli in this wide-ranging interview what to expect from Denmark who have also been drawn in Group B alongside SA, Brazil and Iraq…
Bloemfontein Celtic head coach Serame Letsoaka says that he has spotted great talent at the 2016 ABC Motsepe League Play-offs; however the players’ ages pose a big problem. The playoffs are currently going on in Bloemfontein in the Free State. The league will run from 13-19 June at the Dr Molemela Stadium as well as the Kaizer Sebothelo Stadium with the final being played on Sunday the 19th. The overall winners will walk into the NFD with a cool R1-million in prize money, while the runners-up will pocket R500 000 along with their promotion. Letsoaka was speaking after a game on Tuesday afternoon where Kwa Zulu Natal side Kings United beat Western Cape side Steenberg United 4-3 in what could be the playoffs best match. Letsoaka who joined Celtic in December last year says that the SFA lower division teams have great players but age is a big problem. The Celtic coach shares that Celtic have made crucial signings during their off season.
Day three of the 2016 ABC Motsepe League play-offs got off to a sizzling start today. Northern Cape side Morester Jueg battled it out against Limpopo side Magesi who came out like a house on fire opening the scoring pool in the first ten minutes of the game. A hand-ball from Jeug player Liziwi Gxoltelwa in their goal posts sent him for an early shower when referee Bafana Mosia showed him a straight red card. A penalty was handed in favor of Magesi and Tshimangadzo Ramaxwalla wasted no time netting their first goal. Ditlhoriso Mphyane quickly followed with a goal giving Magesi a 2-0 lead going into half time. It was Magesi captain Karabo Selabe that took them to three goals in the second half. Sakhele Nhlabathi scored the final goal of the game during extra time giving Magesi a 4-0 win over Jeug. Magesi Head coach Jacky Ledwaba says that Jeug was not an easy opponent.
Despite winning their opening game of the ABC Motsepe national- play-offs 4-3, Kings United FC head coach and former AmaZulu striker Simo Dladla says he's disappointed by his team’s performance against Western Cape side Steenberg United FC. A brace from Mmiseni Ndlovu and another brace from Lindokhuhle Mtshali proved enough for the Durban based side to secure the maximum points. Knowing very well that goal difference could decide the final standings, Dladla believes his defence failed them.
Orlando Pirates Administrative Officer Floyd Mbele has come out to explain the reasons behind the appointment of former Kaizer Chiefs, Ajax Cape Town and Mpumalanga Black Aces mentor Muhsin Ertugral as their new head coach. Pirates will start the 2016/17 Absa Premiership under Ertugral’s guidance following yesterday’s announcement over social media. Ertugral, who has signed a three-year deal with Bucs, takes over the coaching reigns from Eric Tinkler who has been in charge since the departure of Vladimir Vermezovic in December 2014.
Mbombela United will be without key striker Bongani Ndlovu for their second leg play-offs against Highlands Park Makhulong stadium in Tembisa, tomorrow afternoon. Ndlovu was injured in one of the team’s play-offs matches, and coach Vusi Mkhatswa says they had the whole of last week to prepare for this game so he is certain that his team will give a good performance. Mbombela lost 3-0 to Highlands in their first leg of the play-offs at Kanyamazane. Mkhatswa says they have learned a lot from that game and have made necessary improvements
South African Football Players Union president and Copa Coca Cola SA ambassador Hareaipha Simba Marumo believes that it is time for SA to start producing the world’s best footballers again by adopting the mentally of becoming world champions. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Platinum Stars target man says he believes that South African footballers can dominate the continent and the world if they adjust their mindsets and approaches to the game. The 38-year-old Marumo believes that not enough is being done to educate and train players according to how to become champions from a young age.
With Ajax Cape Town announcing that they have appointed Mich D’Avray to their technical team for next season, the club has parted ways with Roger Links, who spent the latter part of last season as assistant to head coach Roger De Sa. The former Battswood, Cape Town Spurs and Bafana Bafana defender re-joined Ajax at the start of the last campaign, but Links remains optimistic and says that when one door closes, another opens. He says that he really enjoyed the experience this past season, and just wants to keep working, so he’s already looking at other opportunities. Links says he remains optimistic going forward and he’s ready for the next chapter in his career. With John Comitis’ new club in Cape Town, making it the seventh professional club in the city, there are a number of options for Links to consider and he says that he will speak to Comitis when he gets a chance, but if he were to get involved with the new club, he doubts it would be in the assistant position, with Ian Taylor having already been appointed.
The national U23 national team entered day four of it’s preparation for the COSAFA Cup tournament that is underway in Namibia on the 13th of June 2016 and head coach Owen Da Gama is relishing the opportunity of an extensive camp for the Rio Olympics. The team which will campaign as Bafana Bafana leave for Windhoek on Wednesday 15 June 2016, as they are one of the seeded teams and will play a quarterfinal on the 18th of June 2016 at Sam Nujoma stadium against group B winners. Da Gama has thanked Bafana head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba for affording his team the opportunity of playing in the COSAFA Cup and prepare for the Olympics. Immediately after the COSAFA tournament, Da Gama’’s team has got an international friendly match lined-up against another Olympic team Japan in Tokyo on the 29th of this month. Da Gama says they are still busy with planning and will have more international friendly matches going to the Olympics.
With the pressure mounting for Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba to be sacked following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2017 African Cup of Nations in Gabon, Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula is one of the voices in support of the embattled coach to continue as the team’s mentor. Mashaba was given dual mandate by the South African Football Association to qualify the team to the 2017 AFCON and the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Mbalula says Mashaba should be given a chance to complete his second mandate. Mbalula also took a swipe at the supporters for being impatient and not giving coaches adequate time to implement their strategies and philosophies.
The South African Under-20 national team advanced to the third and final round of the CAF U20 African Nations Cup qualifiers courtesy of a 2 – 0 victory over Namibia at FNB Stadium yesterday. Fagrie Lakay’s 25th minute goal from the penalty spot and Liam Jordan’s late strike were enough to bring Amajita a step closer to the 20th edition of the continental showpiece which will be staged in Zambia next year. Amajita coach Thabo Senong says credit must go to his boys for sticking to their game plan, which made it possible for them to overcome the Young Warriors. Following a goalless draw in the first leg in Namibia a fortnight ago, Amajita came into this encounter knowing very well that nothing less than a victory would be enough for them. They played with urgency from the first whistle, exerting pressure on the visitors as they went in search of goals. Senong admits that they could have won the match with a bigger margin, adding that this is something they need to correct moving forward.
Having being released by SuperSport United after a disappointing few months, Mark Mayambela is currently on break in Cape Town. The former Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates fan favourite says that it is great to be home with family and friends and he is enjoying himself on this short break, with his brother Mihlali, who plays for Mark’s former club Djurgardens in Sweden, also in town for a short time, Mayambela says it’s great to hang out with his brother and help motivate him before he returns to Europe. Both brothers joined other professional players last week to play a special community game in Khayelitsha in memory of the late Cecil Lolo. On his future, the Khayelitsha-born midfielder, who has been linked with a move to NFD team Royal Eagles says that at the moment he is speaking to a few clubs both locally and abroad but his options are open at the moment.
Ajax Cape Town have announced that former Cape Town Spurs, Moroka Swallows and Perth Glory coach Mich d’Avray has joined the technical team at the Cape Town club. The former Ipswich Town striker, who who was born in Johannesburg but represented England at under-21 level, will assist Roger De Sa both on and off the field. Ajax coach Roger De Sa says that they have been discussing bringing d’Avray on board for some time and he’s delighted he’s agreed to join the team. De Sa, who is close friends with d’Avray, says that they were first team-mates before d’Avray actually coached De Sa, and the Ajax mentor thinks having on board will be great for the Cape Town club.
Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Doctor Khumalo has spoken about the commitment of South African footballers amid the recent success of Zimbabweans plying their trade in the Absa Premiership. Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Khama Billiat, who is from across the border, recently swept the board at the end-of-season Premier Soccer League awards. Others like Tendai Ndoro, Kudakwashe Mahachi and Chiefs’ own Willard Katsande continued to thrive, the latter being named Players' Player of the Season and Player of the Season for Amakhosi. Khumalo said the commitment of local players raised questions. Khumalo believes that one of the key ways for South Africa to improve was by investing in strong development programs for the youth. The Amakhosi Assistant coach, speaking at a coaching clinic in KwaZulu-Natal, revealed that the Soweto giants were already close to rolling out a five-year plan that will help farm their own players.
Cape Town based owners of Mpumalanga Black Aces will rename the team in the next few weeks. Aces will become Cape Town second PSL club next season, after former Ajax Cape Town CEO John Comitis bought Amazayoni early June 2016. Comitis says that it is very exciting to be involved with top flight football again. The former Ajax Cape town owner confirms that former Ajax Cape Town assistant coach and Cape Town All Stars coach Ian Taylor will be the assistant coach at the team, having just returned to South Africa after completing his UEFA A License. Comitis says that Craig Rosslee is also involved with the club, and has been from the outset and is hoping to have the full backing from the City of Cape Town going forward. He says that if the club is going to represent the city they need to get behind it, and he is very excited about the possibilities.
Ajax Cape Town has announced that former Cape Town Spurs, Moroka Swallows and Perth Glory coach Mich d’Avray has joined the technical team at the Cape Town club. The former Ipswich Town striker, who who was born in Johannesburg but represented England at under-21 level, will assist Roger De Sa both on and off the field. Ajax coach Roger De Sa says that they’ve been discussing bringing d’Avray on board for some time and he’s delighted he’s agreed to join the team. De Sa, who is close friends with d’Avray, says that they were first team-mates before d’Avray actually coached De Sa, and the Ajax mentor thinks having on board will be great for the Cape Town club.
Highlands Park coach Allan Freese says that he is worried about the break his team had to go through but hopes that the friendly games they played against Vodacom teams will carry them through. Lions of the North will take on University of Pretoria on Saturday afternoon the 11th of June 2016, at the Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa for their promotion play-offs to the Premier Soccer League. Highlands are on top of the three team mini-league with three points after beating Mbombela United away from home a fortnight ago (May 25). Freese says the Saturday game is a must-win for them and he knows that AmaTuks will come out guns-blazing.
Having led Chippa United to a sixth place on the Absa Premiership table at the end of the past season, Chilli Boyz coach Dan “Dance” Malesela wants an improved standing on the log next season. The former Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Manning Rangers defender says that the Chilli Boyz are going to compete for trophies next season. Meanwhile, Malesela has made it clear that he is going to launch an all-out assault on the Absa Premiership title next season something, which he says he wants to do in an effort to improve on the Chilli Boyz’s top-eight finish. The Chilli Boyz, who ended the season with 45 points from 30 matches, had 13 points when Malesela took over as caretaker coach after the club’s former mentor Mboneni Roger Sikhakhane was put on special leave and subsequently left the side. Malesela’s main objective is to be remembered as the first coach to have won a trophy with the Chilli Boyz.
South Africa’s under 20 national team coach Thabo Senong says scoring an early goal will put his team in the driving seat, when they tackle Namibia in the CAF Under 20 African youth championship qualifier second round return leg, at the FNB stadium on Saturday afternoon. The two teams played to a goalless draw in Windhoek, Namibia two weeks ago. Senong was disappointed that they did not score in the first leg, but also pleased that they did not concede.
Kaizer Chiefs target Mandla Ncikazi has given a strong indication that he will stay with his current team Lamontville Golden Arrows and continue as an assistant to head coach Clinton Larsen. Ncikazi who worked with Chiefs head coach Steve Komphela at Free State Stars and Maritzburg United has been earmarked to replace Doctor Khumalo on the Chiefs bench who is reported to being promoted to the technical director position. But after only rejoining Arrows last year from Maritzburg, it looks like the bond between him Abafana Besthende will see him staying at the KwaZulu-Natal club. Speaking at the launch of the Durban U19 international tournament in Umlazi today, Ncikazi says this is a well thought decision.
Despite the ongoing saga between the South African Football Association (Safa) and South African Schools Football Association (Sasfa) currently being heard at the High Court, Sasfa president Mandla ‘Shooz’ Mazibuko believes that schools football has a bright future. Sasfa yesterday launched the 2016 Copa Coca Cola U15 Tournament finals scheduled for Mangaung in October with former Platinum Stars and Mamelodi Sundowns target man Simba Marumo as the program ambassador. With many highlighting Sasfa as an imbalanced affiliate following their fallout with the Mother Body of football, Mazibuko remains adamant that schools football is on the right path.
The 2016 edition of the Copa Coca Cola U15 Tournament is set for Mangaung with preparation already in full swing at the newly rebuilt Dr Petros Molemela Stadium (Old Seisa Ramabudu) for the finals from October 1-3. The South Africa Schools Football Association (Sasfa) yesterday announced former Mamelodi Sundowns stalwart and now president of the South Africa Football Players Union (Safpu) Simba Marumo as their new ambassador for the program. Sasfa President Thabiso ‘Shooz’ Mekuto says this year has already been a bumper year for the program and they are looking forward to the finals.
Namibian Football Association president Frans Mbidi has congratulated the Zimbabwean national squad following their qualification for the Gabon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals. This follows Zimbabwe’s 10-year absence from the Afcon finals. Under the inspiration of Premier Soccer Soccer League (PSL) Footballer of the Season, Khama Billiat, Zimbabwe turned on the magic to prevail 3-0 over Malawi in Harare, cementing their berth among the nine teams that have already qualified. Mbidi urged Southern African nations that have failed to qualify for the Afcon finals like South Africa, Zambia and Botswana to go back to the drawing board and rectify their mistakes.
Former Nigerian national team captain and head coach Stephen “The Big Boss” Keshi, has died at the age of 54. Keshi who had been linked with the Orlando Pirates coaching job, is thought to have suffered a heart attack in the early hours of this morning. Keshi was one of only two men to win the Africa Cup of Nations both as a player and a coach, the other one being Mahmoud El-Gohary of Egypt. Just before Ephraim Mashaba’s appointment as Bafana Bafana coach, Keshi had been strongly linked to the job. Keshi told SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli that he hoped to coach the South African senior national football men’s team in future.
While the jury is still out on whether Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler’s contract will be renewed or not, Bucs defender Happy Jele speaks very highly of his coaching abilities, saying he deserves a second chance at the helm of the Soweto giants. Uncertainty surrounds Tinkler’s future at the Parktown outfit following his side’s a dismal showing in the 2015/16 Absa Premiership season, which saw them finish the just completed season seventh on the log standings and without silverware. Jele believes if given another chance Tinkler will deliver. The Buccaneers are still mum on the future of the former Bafana Bafana midfielder, there’s been media reports claiming that former Nigerian national team coach Stephen Keshi is due to take over the coaching reigns at Bucs. The former Super Eagles mentor signed with Tim Sukazi’s sports consultancy firm QT Sport last month, thereby confirming claims that he’s hunting for a coaching job in South Africa. Other unconfirmed media reports claim that Italian tactician Giovanni Solinas, who left Free State Stars at the end of the season citing personal reasons for his departure, is also keen on taking over from Tinkler
Despite Bafana Bafana's victory over Gambia 4-0 on Saturday, more than two teams registered 10 points this weekend, meaning that the South African football national team chances of finishing as one of the two best runners-up are up in the smoke as they can only finish on nine points. But this non-qualification has been long coming as this was Bafana’s first victory in this campaign in five matches. SAFA President Danny Jordaan admit that this is a huge setback for the country as they were hoping to build-up from the last AFCON qualification in Equatorial Guinea last year. But Jordaan was more diplomatic on the next step that should be taken…
Bafana Bafana’s failure to qualify for the 2017 African Nations Cup could have some serious consequences and the South African Football Association’s (SAFA’s) technical committee could give a direction this coming weekend, according to the organization’s Chief Executive Dennis Mumble. The challenge for the SAFA technical team and the leadership is that the AFCON qualifying campaign only finishes in September and few weeks later the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign kicks-off. Qualifying for the next AFCON was part of Mashaba’s mandate and Mumble says this weekend’s meeting is going to be tough for the technical team. Prior to their departure last week for Gambia, Mashaba admitted that inadequate technical preparation led to their slow start in this AFCON qualifying campaign and it’s a statement that has baffled Mumble as well.
Over the past few weeks, there have been speculative media reports that Bafana bafana head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba could be replaced by Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt, who has struggled to do well in continental club competitions despite his good record in the domestic league. South African Football Association’s (SAFA’s) Chief Executive Dennis Mumble Mumble refuted these reports.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Absa Premiership goalkeeper of the season Dennis Onyango says that they are working hard on getting their first AFCON qualification in 38 years. Uganda will be attempting to consolidate their position in the top two of Group D when they play hosts Botswana. The Cranes are currently tied on seven points with Burkina Faso but an inferior goal difference sees them sitting on the second spot. The Ugandan had a tough start to his Sundowns stint and he picks out the second round game against Ajax as his best of the season for obvious reasons. The 31year-old has been part of the national team for 11 years now and feels that he’s ready to retire after next year’s AFCON from international football.
After making a clean sweep at the Premier Soccer League (PSL) awards earlier this week, tomorrow Mamelodi Sundowns and Zimbabwean international attacker Khama Billiat will be hoping to end a 10-year wait and qualify his nation for the 2017 African Cup of Nations tournament in Gabon next year. Billiat walked away with the coveted Footballer of the year award and the Absa Premiership midfielder and Players player of the awards respectively. On Sunday the 5th of June 2016 he will lead the Zim Warriors in a crucial Group L qualifier against neighbours Malawi in Harare. A win for Billiat and his teammates and failure to win by Guinea in Swaziland would see them clinching their first AFCON qualification since 2006. Billiat who is sitting on top of good offers from French, Belgian and Turkish clubs offers says it would be a great moment to qualify for the AFCON in front of his father. It’s every parent’s dream to see their child leading the nation and the former Caps United player who scored a stunner in Blantyre last year when Zimbabwe beat the Flames 2-1 can’t wait for what is expected to be a historic clash at Rufaro stadium on Sunday.
Kaizer Chiefs newly promoted striker Emmanuel Letlotlo is not short in confidence and this can explain his predatory instincts in the final third. On Monday, he was honoured during the Premier Soccer League awards as the top goal scorer in the MultiChoice Diski Challenge with nine goals. At some stage it looked like Letlotlo would leave Chiefs and be stolen by one of their rivals but he has since signed a three-year deal and would lead Amakhosi’s lead next season. The 19year-old tells SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli about his close relationship with head coach Steve Komphela and how is this going to benefit Chiefs next season.
Maritzburg United captain Kurt Lentjies insist that his future at the club is not in his hands. Lentjies signed a new two-year contract in the winter of 2014, with the option of a third year. Reports in recent days have suggested that former club Bloemfontein Celtic were ready to make a move for the talismanic United skipper .Polokwane City are another club linked to Lentjies, while there is also said to be interest from Gauteng for a player that scored nine goals and provided eight assists this season.Whether he stays or leaves, Lentjies believes that no one is irreplaceable and feels the club will do much better next season. Lentjies, who was last week voted the Players' Player of the Season by his club peers, says a book can be written about the Maritzburg story of the past 10 months.
A happy Chippa United chairman Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi is grateful to everyone, who played a meaningful role in the team’s run during the 2015/2016 season.The Port Elizabeth-based Chilli Boyz finished the season in sixth place on the Absa Premiership standings with 45 points from 30 matches. Mpengesi has admitted that they made a lot of mistakes in as far as recruiting players was concerned.The Chilli Boyz boss reckons that there was a time when the team’s results worried him this past season. However, his worries were eased after Dan “Dance” Malesela took over as caretaker coach after former coach Mboneni Roger Sikhakhane was put on special leave and ultimately left the team. Meanwhile, Mpengesi also admitted that signing Ivory Coast-born Burkina Faso international Aristide Bance whom he says earned a lot of money from the team was one of the mistakes he committed this past season. Here the Chilli Boyz boss also touches on issues of ill-discipline citing Lerato Chabangu as an example. Mpengesi says playing matches in East London contributed positively to the team’s run thus they are going to pay five matches at the Buffalo City Stadium next season. The Chilli Boyz attracted more than 50 000 football fans in four matches at the 16 000-seater Buffalo City Stadium.
Liberia captain Anthony Laffor says their match against Togo is a crucial one. Liberia is on the verge of qualifying for the 2017 Africa cup of Nations to be held in Gabon for the first time in 14 years and a victory over Togo at home on Saturday in a group A match will ensure their qualification. The Liberians have only featured twice in the biennial tournament first in South Africa in 1996, led by former world footballer of the year George Weah. They also qualified six years later for the 2002 tournament.
SAFA Technical Director Neil Tovey believes that knowledge sharing is critical in the development of coaches in South Africa. Quality and skilled coaching is one of the main challenges South African football is grappling with at lower levels of the game. The South African Football Coaches Association (SAFCA), home to coaches from the 341 SAFA Local Football Associations (LFA’s) and 52 regions, held a youth coaching seminar at Johannesburg stadium last week to find ways of addressing this challenge.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane won the ABSA premiership coach of the month, edging out Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt and Mpumalanga Black Aces coach Muhsin Ertrugal. He led the Brazilians to the cup double with the league and Telkom Knockout Cup. Mosimane says the many awards that his team won will motivate the team going forward. Mosimane also won coach of the month award a record six times in one season, becoming the first coach to do so. The former Bafana Bafana coach has had highs and lows in his illustrious club career but he says this season will rank as his highlight.
Mamelodi Sundowns star player Khama Biliat made a clean sweep at the PSL Awards at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park last night as he took home all the main three awards. He bagged the most coveted prize, PSL Footballer of the season, the ABSA Premiership Player’s Player of the season and the Midfielder of the season. The Zimbabwean international beat off the challenge from teammates Hlompho Kekana and Keegan Dolly. Billiat, who took home the total prize money of R450 000, was running short of words to describe his excitement. This season he managed to score 13 goals in all competitions and provide 20 assists, something he had never achieved before. The 25year-old says evading injuries and capable teammates helped him to improve his game.
Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung has confirmed that Amakhosi management and technical team were co-operatively reviewing the cause of their poor run this season. He says the review was done with the head coach Steve Komphela and his technical team in a frantic search for solutions ahead of the next campaign. Chiefs finished fifth on the log with 46 points and Motaung says it is not a must to win the league and described football as a “cycle”. Motaung says the team will come back strong next season.
After leading Chippa United to a sixth place finish on the Absa Premiership table, Chilli Boyz coach Dan “Dance” Malesela has thanked fans for the support they gave to the Port Elizabeth-based side throughout the season. Malesela, who led the Chilli Boyz to their best finish ever since their formation in 2010, is grateful that some of the club’s fans were able to follow the team wherever they went to play this past season. After spending some time coaching in the NFD, Malesela had a fantastic run in his first season as coach in the PSL and he says it’s been good. The Chilli Boyz had 13 points when Malesela took over as caretaker coach after the club’s then mentor Mboneni Roger Sikhakhane was put on special leave before parting ways with the Port Elizabeth-based side. The Chilli Boyz ended the season with 45 points from 30 matches.
Mbombela United kept their hope of gaining promotion from the National First Division to the Premier Soccer League with a solitary goal win over University of Pretoria. After losing 3-0 to Highlands Park in the opening playoff, Mbombela United held on to Mxolisi Gumede’s first half goal to register their first win and collect the three points at the Tuks Stadium. United coach Vusi Mkhatshwa says that they had to win at all costs after dropping a home game midweek. Mbombela United missed numerous clear-cut goal scoring opportunities in the game and after conceding three in their opening game, Mkhatshwa says they are aware that they missed a great chance to recover their goal difference.
Following a dismal season which saw his side being eluded by cup success in all competitions and failing to challenge for the 2015/16 Absa Premiership title, Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler whose contract with Bucs comes to an end remains hopeful that the Soweto club will extend his stay. An opportunity to make an impression on his employers slipped through his fingers on Saturday 28 May 2016, when Bucs went down 3 – 2 to SuperSport United in the Nedbank Cup final at Peter Mokaba Stadium. Tinkler signed a one year contract with an option to renew with Bucs in May last year, after he had been acting as caretaker coach for five months since Vladimir Vermezovic’s departure in December 2014. He says he expects the club to make a decision on his future in the next coming weeks. While it remains to be seen whether his contract will be renewed despite ending the season empty handed, he says he’s grateful for the things he has learned since taking over the coaching reigns. Tinkler says there are several positions in the Bucs team that need to be bolstered, if the Soweto giants are to compete well next season. While elaborating on this issue, he points out defence among others as the department that needs serious strengthening
With the late Ted Dumitru as it’s technical advisor, the South African Football Coaches Association (SAFCA), was starting to make inroads beyond the borders of this country. His role at SAFCA was immense and was a darling of the coaches in the 341 Local Football Associations (LFA’s) as his Facebook page would attest. Dumitru who passed away at the age of 76 yesterday, had identified the crisis of skilled coaching in the country and was driving SAFCA towards the direction of helping SA football solve this problem without being consumed by foreign concepts. Veteran journalist Morio Sanyane had followed Dumitru’s work as a budding coach, reporter and now was working with him at SAFCA, driving their communication and media department and he’s got fond stories to share about the old man.
The Premier Soccer League has announced that 70% of the tickets for the Nedbank Cup final to be played at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon, the 28 of May 2016 have been sold. There are two categories of tickets available for the fans, R80 (west stand only) and R60 (rest of the Stadium) the VIP and children’s category are sold out. PSL Media and Communications Manager Luxolo September urge fans to buy tickets early. September says that fans will have the opportunity to grab up to R100 000 (hundred thousand rands) and the gates will open at 10:00am.
Back in 1994, South African football was introduced to the Chibuku Football Centre and it would later be redefined to the now Transnet-SAFA School of Excellence. This was the brainchild of the late Ted Dumitru according to former head of coaching at School of Excellence Sam Mbatha. The model that produced the likes of Dillon Sheppard, Steven Pienaar, Daine Klate, Zitha Mofokeng and many others, is the one that Mbatha, now a head of academy at Sundowns is instilling at the Brazilians. He remembers Dumitru as a visionary that changed youth football manuals in the country in this interview with SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli.
Ted Dumitru has left a huge gap in the coaching structures of South African football. That was the message of SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble when he addressed the more than 150 coaches who had gathered for the South African Football Coaches Association (SAFCA) at Johannesburg stadium this afternoon at the passing on of the former Bafana Bafana. The 76year-old collapsed this morning at a shopping centre in Eastgate and never recovered from what is suspected to be a cardiac arrest. Dumitru was scheduled as the last speaker to present his latest research findings in youth coaching. Mumble says Dumitru has left a huge void that will be difficult to fill.
Having first arrived in the country in 1985 to coach Kaizer Chiefs after the club’s boss Kaizer Motaung had spotted him not only coaching in Zambia and Swaziland but long before he came to Africa, coaching in the US, it was fitting that in 2004, 12 years after Chiefs had last won a league title, the late Ted Dumitru was the man to end that drought. Renowned for his maximal training approach philosophy, Dumitru delivered the first two league titles for Chiefs in the rebranded PSL. Two players who starred for him in that period, Fabian McCarthy and Jabulani Mendu also continued to be his protégées in coaching and they’ve got good memories to share in this short interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli.
Supersport United assistant coach Kaitano Tembo believes that the Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates this Saturday is their last chance to rescue a barren season currently worth forgetting. Tembo spoke highly of Matsatsantsa’s current form going into the Peter Mokaba Stadium bound cup clash. Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler says they are looking forward to putting on a good performance for their fans and ending the season on a high note by winning South Africa’s FA Cup. Despite rumors linking Tinkler with former Portuguese Premier League side Vitoria de Setubal club surfacing ahead of the final. Tinkler says that he is not focused on entertaining any rumors at this stage but preparing for the cup final. Supersport last won a trophy with the Telkom Cup during the 2013/14 season.
The South African Football Coaches Association (SAFCA) has confirmed the death of former Bafana Bafana coach Ted Dumitru, after he suffered a heart attack this morning. Dumitru (76)), who won four Premier Soccer League (PSL) league titles with Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, will be remembered for his good brand of football that his teams played.The Romanian born coach who came to South Africa to coach Chiefs in 1985, was due to address a SAFCA youth coaching seminar this afternoon at Johannesburg Stadium, which was his brainchild. SAFCA Technical Advisor Sudesh Singh confirmed the sad news to the more than 150 coaches who are attending this seminar.
Barely few days after they were officially crowned Absa premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns could lose several players in the off season. Captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele is also likely to be one of the many to leave the Brazilians after he confirmed that he received offers from both local and overseas-based team in Belgium. He has won four trophies to date and at some point he was loaned out to the University of Pretoria until Coach Pitso Mosimane recalled him.
Highlands Park have had a positive start to the 2016 Premier Soccer League (PSL) promotional and relegation play-offs walloping Mbombela United 3-0 at their own backyard at Kanyamazane stadium in Nelspruit yesterday,on the 25th of May 2016. Mbombela, who had finished third in the NFD standings, struggled to exert themselves in this game from the start and found the visitors’ defence uncompromising.Highlands plays a conservative approach, solid in their well-structured system and uses the counter effectively and set pieces too. Mbombela is trying to emulate the 2011 story of Chippa United who earned promotion to the PSL after only one season in the NFD from the ABC Motsepe League.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has won the final Absa premiership Coach of the Month for May, and also set the record for winning it six times in one season. Mosimane was awarded at the league’ sponsors headquarters in Johannesburg as part of their three days trophy parade which began in Pretoria on Monday. Mosimane beat off strong competition from Chippa United coach Dan Malesela and Serame Letsoaka from Bloemfontein Celtic. Mosimane is not concerned about the record but happy nonetheless.
FIFA has assured that the intermediary system will be implemented in South Africa in the next transfer window after they reached an agreement with SAFA. As from April last year, FIFA introduced the new system of intermediaries replacing the agents system with strict regulations. The stumbling block in the country has been the recommended three percent commissions for the intermediaries down from 10 percent. But in the revised regulations of working with intermediaries approved by the SAFA National Executive Committee last month, now the commission could be between three to 10 percent depending on the agreement between the player or club and the intermediary. FIFA Manager Transfer Matching Systems (TMS) general manager Mark Goddard reveals that SA is ready for intermediaries.
Mamelodi Sundowns have been given a lifeline in the African Champions League after they were reinstated by CAF. This followed after AS Vita from the Democratic Republic of Congo were bundled out for fielding an eligible player in the preliminary stage. The Brazilians were quickly pitted against Enyimba from Nigeria, Zamalek from Egypt, ES Setif from Algeria and in Group B in a draw which was made this afternoon. Coach Pitso Mosimane is excited with the developments.
Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns player Hlompho Kekana has had a sterling season for his team winning the Telkom knockout cup and the Absa Premiership title. Unsurprisingly, the evergreen midfielder has been nominated in three categories for Premier Soccer League Awards to be hosted at Emperors Palace next week Monday. Kekana, who has played 38 matches in all competitions scoring eight goals and providing two assists for the league champions, says that it is an honour to be nominated. Kekana has won four league titles, twice with downs and twice with Supersport. The 31 year old reveals the remedy Downs used for their successful season
The South African national U20 team is confident of finishing off their Namibian counterparts when they meet in SA in the second weekend of next month in the second leg of an African Nations Cup U20 qualifier. This is the feeling of Amajita head coach Thabo Senong, after seeing his team playing to a goalless draw at the Sam Nujoma stadium in Windhoek, Namibia on Saturday the 21st of May 2016. The winner of this second round will meet the winner of Mozambique and Lesotho and Senong was okay with the result. Amajita went to this game without key players from Ajax Cape Town and Supersport United and they will all be available in the second leg. But Senong felt that an away goal was going to be key this past weekend.
Jomo Cosmos owner and head coach Jomo Sono, has gotten so used to this relegation business to an extent that he has got no doubts about his team coming back next year. Sono was responding after his team was relegated for the fourth time from top-flight football after losing to Maritzburg United 3-1 at Olen Park stadium in Potchefstroom on Saturday 21 May 2016, Cosmos came to this game needing only one point and had received a major boost on Friday when they were not docked points in the arbitration case that found them guilty of having used an improperly registered player in goalkeeper Thabo Modiba and only fined them R200 000 plus costs of the sitting. Sono has got quality players in Charlton Mashumba, Pentjie Zulu and Cheslyn Jampies and Sono says those who want to leave are free to go.
Ajax Cape Town held their end of season awards at the Atlantic Imbizo Conference Centre at the V&A Waterfront on Saturday the 21st of May 2016. The big winners of the night were Mosa Lebusa and Prince Nxumalo who picked up the Player of the Season and the Players’ Player of the Season respectively. Nxumalo, who was unfortunately unable to attend due to medical issues, also missed the last game of the season due to his condition. He also picked up the goal scorer of the season for his 13 goals in the league, while Jody February won the award for Rookie of the Year. Ajax coach Roger De Sa says that Nxumalo has been a revelation for them this season and he hopes that he will only continue to go from strength to strength and Lebusa was the obvious choice for Player of the Season and a well-deserved winner. De Sa says that Ajax can be satisfied with their season, having picked up silverware early on, and while they struggled in the league, there were positives overall. He says that he is confident that next season they can be more competitive, with a lot of talented youngsters about to be promoted, and if they can hold onto current key players.
Mamelodi Sundowns President Patrice Motsepe paid tribute to the technical team, management and supporters for helping his team win the ABSA premiership title for the record seventh time. The Brazilians were coroneted in style after beating Platinum Stars 1-0 at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday. Khama Billiat’s fine goal in the first half settled the encounter. The Tshwane team also broke the PSL record for most number of points (71) in a season ever since the league was reduced to 16 teams. Kaizer Chiefs held the record last season with 69 points. The team’s President Patrice Motsepe, who was walking on crutches paid tribute to the technical team, management and supporters for their contribution.
Chippa United chairman Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi blames agents for “misleading” Chilli Boyz star midfielder Joseph Molangoane, who wants out of the Port Elizabeth-based Absa Premiership side. It was reported this past weekend that Molangoane was chased away from the Chilli Boyz camp before their 2-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday after it was found out that he had allegedly signed a pre-contract with Amakhosi. The Chilli Boyz chairman adds that the 28-year-old Malongoane needs to stick around in Port Elizabeth as they are trying to help him realise his true potential. Mpengesi insists that the Polokwane-born former Orlando Pirates, AmaZulu and Platinum Stars midfielder is not a finished product yet and he has accused the agents of “misleading” Molangoane in the same manner they “misled” Mark Mayambela, who left the Chilli Boyz and joined SuperSport United during the January transfer window. Mpengesi says Molangoane needs to learn a lesson from what happened to Mayambela, whom Matsatsantsa released less than six months at the club.The Port Elizabeth based side chairman has also rubbished rumours that one of the Chilli Boyz’s star players Buyani Sali is going to join Ajax Cape Town saying that the 26-year-old Lady Frere-born midfielder still has a contract with the Chilli Boyz.
Veteran Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe “Yeye” Letsholonyane was on the verge of crying when he was shaking hands with Amakhosi supporters for the last time as a Glamour Boy. Letsholonyane says his eight-year tenure at Naturena was memorable since his arrival from relegated Jomo Cosmos in 2008. Letsholonayne was speaking after playing his last game against Chippa United which they lost 2-0 thanks to Buyani Sali’s first half strike and Lerato Manzini’s second half goal. The 33-year-old Soweto born midfield maestro has won every domestic silverware available on offer starting with the 2008 MTN8 where he scored the decisive winning penalty in their 4-3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns after a goalless draw in 120 minutes. Letsholonyane says he is grateful to Amakhosi’s chairman Kaizer Motaung and manager Bobby Motaung for giving him the opportunity.
Orlando Pirates and Supersport United dished up a four-goal thrilling draw (2-2) on the last day of the season’s fixtures as both sides secured finishes in the Absa Premiership top half of the table. Pirates coach Eric Tinkler congratulated his charges after getting over the first hurdle but was quick to highlight that they still have work to do during the week. Tinkler’s charges, who were once hovering just above the relegation zone mid season, ensured that they saved themselves from embarrassment with the top eight finish after a roller-coaster. Tinkler says being in a similar situation a couple of seasons ago tremendously helped him turn things around with his players. Tinkler says it is now it’s time to focus on Saturday’s ‘next final.
Supersport United coach Stuart Baxter also commended his players for their response to his technical changes and for coming back twice in the game to secure the result and make it into the top eight teams. Without giving away too much, Baxter says that football fans can expect more of an open game in Nedbank Cup final Saturday the 28 of May 2016 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, as both sides try to finish the season with a piece of silverware, Baxter also says he believes both sides will also make a couple of changes to their teams making things a little unpredictable. The former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs coach Baxter, also commended his charges for responding to his introduction to the team and turning their season around. However, Baxter was also quick to reiterate that the season is not yet over still with a cup final to play.
Baroka FC have been credited as worthy National First Division champions after playing to a 1-all draw Yesterday 22 May 2016 against Milano United and win the NFD league title and gain promotion to the lucrative Premier Soccer League. Speaking at his side walloped Amazulu 4-1 at Makhulong stadium in Tembisa, Highlands Park head coach Allan Freese says that consistency was the key for Bakgaga. Freese would know very well because his side has finished second behind Baroka and they have battling against them for almost the whole season. Meanwhile Highlands Park will continue with their quest to earn promotion to the PSL when they kick-off the promotional and relegation play-offs against third placed NFD side Mbombela United in Nelspruit on Wednesday the 25th of May 2016 evening. The two teams will be joined by the 15th placed PSL side University of Pretoria in this round robin set-up of home and away legs. Freese says they had a chance of straight promotion but now that they could achieve it, they will use their current momentum to the play-offs.
After battling relegation for almost the entire season in the Absa Premiership, a nine minute blitz from Maritzburg United coming back from one-nil down to beat Jomo Cosmos 3-1 and save their PSL status, condemning Cosmos to the National First Division at Olen Park in Potchefstroom yesterday. A brace from Evans Rusike in the last four minutes of the game after Mohau Mokate in the 81st minute had canceled Mntambo’s 27th minute goal, ensured that the “Team of Choice” would be in the PSL next season. Even after the equalizer Maritzburg were still out of the PSL but head coach Ernst Middendorp said that he never stopped believing. Cosmos came to the game needing only one point to survive and a draw was going to be enough to secure their status but instead they’ve been relegated for the record fourth time. After seeing his team dominating in the first half, the wheels went off in the last 10 minutes, owner and head coach of Cosmos Jomo Sono blamed forced changes through injuries that caused his team to lose the shape. The brace took Rusike’s tally for the season to seven goals from 26 matches in the league and he described the feeling of scoring a brace that keeps the team in the top league. Cosmos goalkeeper Sherwin Naicker has been the shining light at the club this season producing 10 clean sheets in the league but sadly he finds himself and his teammates on their way back to the NFD after only one season in the PSL. He was understandably dejected with this result.
The Bafana-Bafana short stopper, who has been named in the latest Shakes Mashaba’s squad to take on Gambia for the 2017 AFCON Qualifiers, pleaded with the team’s supporters not to lose hope and promised them that they will come back stronger next season. Khune also urged his teammates to pull up their socks because a team like Chiefs’ magnitude needs all their players to be on their level best. He says they are now under immense pressure to bring back happiness into the Amakhosi’s faithful.
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has expressed the importance of approaching next season’s games with a different attitude. The 28-year-old Ventersdorp born goalie says that their coach Steve Komphela and his technical team have introduced their philosophy therefore all the players are to blame for not being able to achieve what they have achieved last season despite losing reliable Tefu Mashamaite and Mandla Masango.
Maritzburg United Marketing and Communications manager Brian Zuma insist they will not be relying on the outcome of an arbitration hearing to save their Absa Premiership status. The Team of Choice have this week been preparing for a must-win final match of the season against Jomo Cosmos in Potchefstroom tomorrow the 21st of May 2016. Ezenkosi’s build-up has been overshadowed by a hearing at SAFA House over the use of an ineligible player, which could see them docked three points. The verdict in that case against Cosmos is expected sometime Friday, 20/May/2016. In the meantime, though, second-bottom Maritzburg have been hard at work to try and rescue the season. A win at Olen Park will guarantee their survival. Anything less will mean Ernst Middendorp’s men, who have 24 points, will be relying on what happens in the match between bottom club University of Pretoria, presently on 22 points, and Lamontville Golden Arrows. Zuma acknowledges that the stakes are high
Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela says he reckons that South African-born black coaches are not valued enough and their opinions are always taken lightly. The well-spoken Komphela sent a stern warning to Chippa United coach Daniel Malesela, who is receiving all the praise for the style of play he has instilled at the Chilly Boys that, he should expect all sorts of attack when things start going bad. During the start of the season, all the teams in the top eight were coached by South African born coaches but only a few have managed to retain their jobs. Komphela says it is sad that sometimes black coaches are judged based on their skin-colour and not on what they can bring to the local football with some having being played the beautiful game before.
Bafana Bafana, who are still without a single win in the qualifiers, drew their opening game 0-0 with Gambia before going down 3-1 to Mauritania on the road before two consecutive draws with Cameroon. Mashaba, who first congratulated Mamelodi Sundowns for their PSL title triumph, says that they never got off on the right foot, the South African national football team coach was pretty clear on Bafana Bafana’s chances to qualify. South Africa has a slim to a highly unlikely chance to qualify for the Gabon bound continental showpiece as they find themselves second from the bottom of Group M, with only three points from four games.
Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba today announced a strong 23 men squad for their dire Afcon 2017 qualifier against Gambia next month, sprinkling a few surprises in the process. Mashaba included three new caps in his squad namely Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo, Polokwane City’s top goal scorer Thobani Mncwango and Chippa United’ right wing-back Diamond Thopola. Mashaba also called up Supersport United captain Dean Furman after making his last appearance against Angola in November last year.
Uganda Football Association general secretary Edgar Watson says Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper and Uganda International Dennis Onyango is a role model for the youth of his country. Watson adds that the goalkeeper remains a key figure in the national squad. Onyango is currently in a rich vein of form which has seen his club capture the Absa Premiership trophy this season. His nation is also in two fronts of qualifying for the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Gabon 2017 in Libreville.
The protracted arbitration case involving the alleged improperly registration of Jomo Cosmos goalkeeper Thabo Modiba will be finalized today. SABC Sport understands that the Arbitrator, Adv. Hilton Epstein wants to finish with this case today as the hearing is underway at the SAFA Offices in Johannesburg. Namibian club Windhoek Orlando Pirates have laid a complaint against Cosmos, alleging that they registered Modiba with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) without getting an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) from the Namibian Football Association (NFA).
AmaZulu’s general manager Lunga Sokhela insists the club has not gambled by appointing relatively unknown Zimbabwean Joey Antipas as their new coach. The 57-year-old was recently unveiled as the successor to Steve Barker, who was axed after their disappointing first season in the National First Division. Antipas had never witness a NFD match first-hand prior to being handed the reins at Usuthu.
National U/20 men’s football team coach Thabo Senong says he faces a tough task of trimming five players from the 23-man squad he has been training with ahead of their second round African Nations Cup qualifier. The team wraps its preparations at the Nike Football Centre in Soweto today before travelling tomorrow for their first leg encounter against Namibia in Windhoek on Saturday. Yesterday Amajita played a training match against G & Q Sports Management Agency on the artificial turf, defeating the side 3-0.
Buchanan, whose contract at Phunya Sele Sele was due to expire at the end of the season, expressed gratitude to the club. His departure comes after the club lost a string of key players in January, left-back Tumelo Mogapi who has Joined Maritzburg United, Gabadinho Mhango who signed a pre-contract agreement with Bidvest Wits and will join the students on a three year deal in July and Musa Bilankulu who left as a free agent and joined Lamontville Golden Arrows. Buchanan shares that teammates and technical staff at Celtic were very supportive in his recovery and says he is confident the club will get back to winning ways in the next season.
Bloemfontein Celtic CEO Khumbulani Konco yesterday th 16th of May 2016, confirmed the departure of midfielder Keagan Buchanan on the club’s website. Konco says Buchanan’s request came as a surprise as they have been engaging with him through his manager while he was in Cape Town where he was recovering from a torn ligament and had agreed to finalise everything when he returns. Club team manager Malawian international John Maduka says that the club is sad to see Buchanan go as he formed a key part in the squad.
With the 2016 Rio Olympics around the corner, Mamelodi Sundons head coach Pitso Mosimane also pleaded with South African national U23 Coach Owen Da Gama to be careful and manage players such as Keagan Dolly well. Mosimane adds that the former Ajax Cape Town winger is in the best shape of his life and just needs to be managed well.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane says that they have to Help Zimbabwe Bational team to qualify for the 2017 AFCON, despite having already helped Mamelodi Sundowns to their record seventh PSL title a fortnight ago, the 51 year old believes that Khama Billiat still has a vital role to play for both club and country this season. Zimbabwe are on the verge of qualifying for the 2017 Afcon tournament in Gabon going into the last round of qualifiers needing just one victory over either Malawi or Guinea. Mosimane believes that they still need Billiat to perform at his best going into their CAF Confederation Cup second leg clash against Medeama in Ghana on Wednesday afternoon 25 mAY 2016. Mosimane says that most importantly Zimbabwe needs the formidable attacker ahead of the qualifier.
African Warriors administrative manager Tsholedi Moloi has clarified that they didn't lodge a protest against Baroka FC questioning the registration of dribbling wizard Tshepo "Skhwama Samatariyane" Matete. This follows allegations this weekend that Baroka's imminent promotion to the Premier Soccer League this coming weekend could be derailed by a protest. In an interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, Moloi whose team is battling relegation to amateur football, admits that he was not aware that Matete was a free agent according to SAFA when Baroka registered him.
An attempt by some National First Division teams to stop log leaders Baroka FC from possibly confirming their promotion to the Premier Soccer League this coming weekend of the 21st May 2016 is likely to hit a snag. SABC Sport understands that last week African Warriors tried to lodge a protest just before their 1-0 win over Baroka, alleging that Tshepo “Skhwama Samatariyane” Matete was improperly registered. The Limpopo side are three points clear at the top, with a goal difference of +5 going to the last game. SABC Sport journalists Velile Mbuli, has tried to gather facts around Matete’s registration and he’s compiled this report.
Chippa United coach Dan “Dance” Malesela has admitted that hi team will lose a number of key players once the curtain comes down to the 2015/2016 season. Already, the club captain James Okwuosa is leaving the Chilli Boyz for Orlando Pirates while Zimbabwean-born defender Erick Chipeta will play for Ajax Cape Town next season. But Malesela insists that they are going to try their best to keep some of his trusted players. Meanwhile, the former United FC and Cape Town All Stars coach will have one-on-one meetings with his players on Wednesday in an effort to map out the way forward for the club. Malesela will inform players on his decision to keep or release them.
Ajax Cape Town coach Roger De Sa says that the PSL player of the season must be Mamelodi Sundowns’ Zimbabwean international Khama Billiat. De Sa says that Hlompho Kekana could be right up there, and an outsider might be the Brazilians’ goalkeeper Dennis Onyango. The 51 year old also praised the Bidvest goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs, saying that he has also been very good, he thinks Onyango is easily his pick for goalkeeper of the season. He recalls that during their matches against Sundowns the Ugandan keeper made a number of brilliant saves to deny Ajax.
The Zimbabwean Women,s National football team coach Shadreck Mlauzi, praised Banyana Banyana for the good performance but stressed that they need to work on their physical conditioning especially towards the end of the match. The South African senior women’s national team beat their Zimbabwean counterparts 1-0 at Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa on Sunday 15 May 2016 afternoon, Refiloe Jane received a cross from Lebogang Ramalepe midway through the second half sealed the victory for the Banyana team.The South African senior women’s national team is paired in a tough group in the quadrennial games with the hosts Brazil, Sweden and China. Banyana coach Vera Pauw.
Banyana Banyana’s preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil are well on track, after they registered a hard fought 1-0 win over fellow Olympic qualifiers Zimbabwe in a friendly match at the Makhulong stadium in Tembisa Sunday 15 May 2016. The South African senior women’s national team is paired in a tough group in the quadrennial games with the hosts Brazil, Sweden and China. Banyana coach Vera Pauw was pleased with the results, but bemoaned lack of aggression in front of goal. Banyana, who are ranked 54th in the world will play two friendly matches against Pauw’s compatriots the Netherlands early next month. Pauw is hoping to use those games to fine tune the last stage of the preparations against the 13th ranked team in the world.
Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Rhulani Mokoena praised CAF for being progressive. CAF competitions group stage are to increase from eight clubs to sixteen from 2017. Sundowns bowed out of the last 16 round to AS Vita from the Democratic Republic of Congo on away goal rule, which means they could grace the group stage next season at that stage. The Brazilians are returning to Africa’s richest and prestigious event after winning the league this season. Prize money in both competitions is expected to rise with Hayatou confirming a new 12-year media and marketing deal worth more than one billion dollars. The champions league winners currently receive 1.5 million US dollars, and the Confed cup winners take home 660 000 US dollars. Mokoena says the new developments will help his team to manage many issues better.
Veteran striker Nathan Paulse has extended his contract at Ajax Cape Town by another year. Paulse, who scored the winning goal in the final to help Ajax win the MTN8 trophy earlier in the season, has been a key member of the Ajax team, both on and off the field. Paulse says that he is pleased to extend his contract at the club and looking forward to help the team next season. He thinks overall he has had a decent season, and a lot to offer at the club still. The 34-year old Paulse says that he feels he has an important role off the pitch to help develop and inspire the younger players at the club.
Mamelodi Sundowns are poised to set a new club points record in a season following their victory over rivals Bidvest Wits by a goal-to-nil at Milpark last night. The newly crowned Absa Premiership champions, Sundowns, came into the game having equaled their two-seasons back record-breaking 65 points and were truly made to feel like such receiving a guard of honor into the field. Mosimane credits Zimbabwean striker Khama Billiat for his wonder strike and the difference on the night but acknowledges that both sides had their fair share of chances.However, Wits coach Gavin Hunt had a different view of the first half strike that collected all three points to move Sundowns to 68 points going into the last round of fixtures.
Zimbabwean trio Willard Katsande, Khama Billiat and Tendai Ndoro continue to fly their national flag high in the Premier Soccer League(PSL) whilst on the verge of helping the Warriors qualify for their first AFCON Tournament in a decade. The Warriors captain Katsande says that they need to stay focused and win their next game against Malawai later this month in order for their dream to become a reality. Mamelodi Sundowns prolific striker, Billiat, who recently fired the Chloorkop side to the 2015/16 Absa Premiership title, says they know they have to be professional in going about their business. Katsande adds that the experience also helps the players adjust well to situations they face. The Warriors, who last featured in an AFCON competition in the 2006 Ghana AFCON tournament, are currently spoiled for choice in the striking department with the likes of Billiat, Evans Rusike(Maritzburg United) and European star Knowledge Musona all firing at the moment.However, Pirates target man Ndoro says he still has hopes of getting that elusive national call up ahead of the last two qualifiers.
Maritzburg United coach Ernst Middendorp offered a rare smile after watching his team claim one of their most important wins in their history last night. The Pietermaritzburg side have spent almost the entire campaign rooted to the foot of the log, but thanks to a Thamsanqa Mkhize free-kick , they were given renewed hope in their bid to avoid relegation.They now have a total of 24 points, two more than University of Pretoria after the students could only draw with Polokwane City 2-2 in their match last night. Jomo Cosmos, the other team involved in the relegation battle, meanwhile, lost 1-0 to Lamontville Golden Arrows to stay on 25 points.. Middendorp too was impressed by the way they had kept plugging away.
Baroka FC’s hopes of wrapping up the National first Division (NFD) title and outright promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL), took a nosedive when they were shocked 1-0 by bottom dwellers African Warriors at the Charles Mopeli stadium in Phuthaditjhaba yesterday on the 11th of May 2016.The loss is a huge drawback for Baroka, who were hoping to go six points clear at the top with one game to go but now the dropped points mean that Highlands Park could equal them on 59 points should they beat relegation threatened Mthatha Bucks on Sunday the 15th of May 2016. Warriors are now on the 15th spot with 25 points and they play Thanda Royal Zulu in their last game next week Sunday the 22nd of May 2016, by that time the KwaZulu-Natal would have played Swallows in Dobsonville this Sunday, where a loss for The Birds would send them to amateur football. “Mayihlome” as Warriors are popularly known were close to being relegated yesterday had they lost that game and Mafereka admits that it wasn’t easy in the dressing room before the game.
Following the withdrawal of five Ajax Cape Town U19 players from the U20 provisional squad ahead their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Namibia, Ajax Cape Town CEO Ari Efstathiou has come out to explain their reasons for the withdrawals. Amajita head coach, Thabo Senong named Darren Johnson, Sergio Kammies, Aghmat Ceres, Shane Saralina and Masilake Phohlongo among his provisional squad. Efstathiou explained that the players would not however attend the camp as they’re currently in Europe with the Ajax under-19s playing in the annual Copa Amsterdam Tournament.
Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to break their 65 points record of two seasons ago, when they tackle Bidvest Wits away in the second last league match wednesday night, the 11th of May 2016. The Brazilians wrapped up the league last week when they beat the University of Pretoria 3-0 in Pretoria and are currently on 65 with two matches still remaining against the Wits and Platinum Stars. If they win the last two games they will smash Kaizer Chiefs points haul of 69, which is the PSL record set last season. Coach Pitso Mosimane says that even though they do not want to lose against the clever boys, who pushed them all the way for the league glory, it will not be a grudge match but they will pull out all the stops to win and do a favour to other teams that still want to finish on a high.
Maritzburg United Marketing and Communications manager Brian Zuma fiercely denied the allegations by Jomo Sono for his recent jibes against them, as both teams prepare for crunch Absa Premiership matches tomorrow the 10th of May 2016. Cosmos’ build-up has been marred by reports that they fielded an ineligible player in a match they won earlier this season, with unverified suggestions that the matter is being investigated. Sono, whose side meet United on the final day of the season, claims that United started the trouble.
Supersport United coach Stuart Baxter says they are equally focusing on going the full distance and challenging for both the Nedbank Cup and achieve a top eight finish with two games remaining in the Absa Premiership. The eighth placed United next face top three contenders Black Aces, tomorrow night the 11th of May 2016, before closing the season off with a visit to Orlando Stadium. However, Baxter’s team also still have the small matter of their cup semifinal clash against National First Division highflyers Baroka FC on Saturday evening, the 14th of May 2016. Baxter says they are working towards achieving both goals.
Santos head coach Zeca Marques, says that he will be leaving the team at the end of the current National First Division season, heading back to Portugal to spend some time, then will come backi to refresh his batteries. It’s been a difficult season for Santos, who with two games remaining in the National First Division are currently in 12th place, having climbed out of the danger zone, at Athlone stadium Sunday the 8th of May 2016. Marques says he loved working in Cape Town and he really enjoyed the experience but the Portugal born admits that it has been a stressful season.
Mamelodi Sundowns versatile player Mzikayise Mashaba says that they will not take Ghanaian team Medeama for granted in the return leg, despite an advantage of a two-goal cushion in the first leg. The Brazilians woke up from the slumber to score three goals in the last ten minutes in the CAF Confederations cup playoff match, to register a comeback 3-1 victory over the West Africans in Atteridgeville on Saturday night the 7th of May 2016. Medeama are a tough proposition at home having not lost in the tournament thus far. The winner of the tie will progress to the group stages. Mashaba, who had a great game on Saturday, says that they will not relax in the second leg on the 18th of this month. Sundowns are likely to be drawn against African giants TP Mazembe and Etoile du Sahel should they qualify for the group stages.
The Premier Soccer League is remaining cagey about the impact of the Jomo Cosmos arbitration case on the end of the season promotion and relegation play-offs. On Thursday Cosmos will appear in front of an arbitrator on allegations of having used an improperly registered player (goalkeeper Thabo Modabi) when they beat Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 earlier this year. If Cosmos are found guilty and are docked points, they could step the unusual step of going to the courts to challenge that decision. Whilst in the PSL, candidates for the big drop to the National First Division (NFD) and relegation play-offs currently looks to be between Maritzburg United and AmaTuks, it’s in the NFD where there’s a real battle for spots. Usually the NFD teams overpower PSL teams in these play-offs in the past 10 years only on three occasions that a PSL team has managed to retain it’s status in the big and lucrative league. But the most asked question around these play-offs has always been why a team that had a chance to fight for its top-flight status in 30 matches get a second chance in the play-offs.
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates legends played to an entertaining 1-all draw in Randfontein’s Mohlakeng Stadium on Saturday afternoon the 8th of May 2016.The game was organised by the Randfontein Local Municipality, Ntsoelengoe family, Chiefs and Pirates in honour and celebrating 10 year anniversary since the passing of Patrick “Ace” Ntsoelengoe. The stadium was then re-named to Patrick “Ace” Ntsoelengoe Stadium. Former Chiefs player Cyril Nzama, who was the captain of the day, says it is vital that legends be honoured while they are still alive, MacDonald Mukansi scored Chiefs’ goal in the 7th minute of the first half and later on Pirates equalized before the interval. Ace, described as one of greatest footballer to have graced the grounds of South African soil.
Veteran Chippa United defender Ruben Cloete is confident that the Chilli Boyz are going to finish inside the top-eight bracket at the end of this season. The Chilli Boyz, who are left with two matches against Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are seventh on the Absa Premiership standings with 39 points from 28 matches. The well-travelled Cloete reckons that the Premier Soccer League (PSL) gets tougher each season. And he admits that this season has been no different though he insists that it’s better than last term where the Chilli Boyz survived relegation on the last game of the season. The 33-year-old Cloete, who was born in Upington in the Northern Cape, says that he cannot exactly put a finger on where the changes at the Chilli Boyz came from this season. He, however, attributes the team’s change of fortunes this season to hard work from management, coaching and the players.
Santos moved up to the 12th place in the National First Division (NFD) and safer from relegation after they beat relegation threatened Moroka Swallows 1-0 at Athlone stadium Saturday the 7th of May 2016. It was Swallows’ first defeat in seven games and the club that was in the PSL last season, Amaswayiswayi are in danger of being demoted to the amateur ranks. Santos were hammered 4-0 at home by Royal Eagles in their last game and the win against Swallows has boosted them. Santos coach Zeca Marques says that this win came down to his team showing the right spirit out there. The Portugal born says that Shafeeq Arendse, who came on and caused a lot of problems for Swallows, and eventually won the penalty, has great ability and if he applies himself properly he can be a quality player.
Despite winning 2-0 against FC Cape Town on Saturday, 07 May 2016, Cape Town All Stars’ chances of reaching the PSL/National First Division promotional play-off positions are all but over after victories for Highlands Park and Mbombela United. All Stars are currently in the seventh position, but with just two games left of the South African second tier, they are six points behind Mbombela, who are third. Paseka Mako and Thembinkosi Lorch scored the goals for All Stars on Saturday, both strikes coming in the first half. Highlands and Baroka, who also won on Saturday to remain first, are guaranteed a minimum of a play-off spot, and are now the only two clubs involved in the title race. All Stars coach Professor Ngubane says his team executed their tactics well on the day and was pleased with their performance. FC Cape Town coach Johnny Ferreira says his team was very poor in the first half, and he believes that a bit of complacency crept in. He says they tried harder in the second half, but coming back from two goals down is never easy, and they lacked creativity.
Mamelodi Sundowns have taken a giant step towards qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup group stages, after beating Medeama Sporting Club from Ghana in a comeback 3-1 victory, in the playoff first leg match played at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday night, 07 May 2016. Eric Kwakwa opened the scoring for the visitors in the second minute. But the home team scored three goals in the last ten minutes of the match, with the goals coming from Leonardo Castro, Khama Billiat and Cuthbert Malajila. Coach Pitso Mosimane says the first half was the worst he has seen from his team, and therefore decided to give his players silent treatment during the break. Versatile player Mzikayise Mashaba had a sterling game in the middle of the park alongside Hlompho Kekana. He was unlucky not to score when he rattled the post in the first half. He says they felt bad with the lethargic performance in the first half and needed to show courage in the second half as the newly crowned Absa Premiership champions. There were reports from the Ghana press that Medeama coach Tom Strand would not come to South Africa, suggesting that he was banned from travelling with the team, when he allegedly absconded from training, and two league games. But Strand was on the bench and felt that his team got tired late in the match. He also believes that the third goal was offside.
The Absa Premier soccer league has named Khama Billiat “Player of the Month” for both March and April. Billiat helped Mamelodi Sundowns wrapped up the league last night after beating Pretoria University in a Pretoria derby at Tuks stadium. The Zimbabwe born striker has been influential for Downs this season, scoring 10 goals and assisting in 20 others in all competitions. Billiat gives credit to his teammates and the technical team for his good form. The Zimbabwean international’s good form has made him a target to opposition defenders who always want to destabilize him in the field. The nippy striker says that he would love to win “Player of the Season Award.
Mpumalanga Black Aces’ head coach Muhsin Ertugral is elated at his team’s performance this season, stating they could have been like 2015/2016 English Premier League champions Leicester City. AmaZayoni were the league’s surprise package this spell, making wonders under the former Kaizer Chiefs and Ajax Cape Town coach, where we saw Aces starting off the year at the top of the log, before ultimately giving up their spot to Mamelodi Sundowns after a performance slump that sunk them out of the top three, as well as end their chances of playing in Africa next season. Ertugral says he is quite happy with the team, stating how proud he is of them for remaining consistent throughout the year.
Kaizer Chiefs and Bloemfontein Celtic played a dull goalless draw during their Absa Premiership league at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday the 4th of May 2016. Komphela says he needs to work extremely hard on instilling self-belief on his strikers such as Camaldine Abraw, Siphelele Mthembu, Bernard Parker and Edward Manqele among others. Komphela then congratulated his counterpart and Mamelodi Sundowns tactician Pitso Mosimane who has officially and mathematically won the 2015/16 season for the record seventh time following their 3-0 win against University of Pretoria last night. Since the 2012/13 season both teams have now played to five goalless draw, while Amakhosi boasts five wins in the process and no win for Serame Letsoaka’s men. Letsoaka says his players’ failure to exchange the ball and try to penetrate Chiefs’ defence was poor and reckons that had they been able to do that. Celtic has not lost a game since thumping champions Sundowns 3-1 in March.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane admits that It was not a smooth ride at the beginning of the season for Sundowns and at some point it was hard to please fans of the club, as they wanted Mosimane out after a slow start that them losing two drawing one and only winning one of their first four league matches. To compound matters, Bloemfontein Celtic also knocked them out in the first round of the MTN 8. Mosimane recalls those unfortunate moments and how he recovered from them.
Mamelodi Sundowns clinched their record seventh Absa Premiership title in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) era and 10th overall (since 1985, from old NSL) when they hammered relegation threatened University of Pretoria 3-0 at Tuks stadium in Pretoria last night. Whilst all the focus has been on the CBD (Castro, Billiat and Dolly), Mosimane reserved some praised for one of their unsung heroes this season Hlompho “KK” Kekana. The Brazilians midfield kingpin has been inspirational for the Brazilians this season featuring in 27 league matches. Together with Laffor, they have won four league titles apiece and Mosimane has special praise for Kekana. When Mosimane first won the league title with Sundowns in the 2013/2014 season, he missed out on all the other trophies but this time he’s completed a double having won the Telkom Knockout Cup in December last year. He’s achieved all of this playing only a limited number of players from September last year and he singles out his star performers.
Platinum Stars kept their hopes of a top three finish in the Absa Premiership alive with a well-deserved 2-1 win over Orlando Pirates at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace last night the 2nd of May 2016. The victory for Stars ended a three-match winless streak in the league while Pirates suffered only their second defeat in their last five league outings. Stars coach Cavin Johnson that says his side defended well on the night against a very difficult team to track down with the ball and says he hopes that the football Gods will be on their side in the last three games in their quest to cement their place in the top three teams and automatically qualify for the Caf Confederation Cup.
Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler says he is very disappointed with the result and the way his charges turned out on the night knowing the importance of a victory. Pirates conceded both goals inside the opening 10 minutes in each half before pulling one back deep in the second half leaving it all a little too late. Tinkler says that his charges struggle to get into their game and their efforts of getting numbers forward left them exposed at the back. The 45 year old confessed that Pirates are now facing a massive uphill in their charge for third place as they are now seven points adrift from Stars who currently occupy the position.
Mpumalanga Black Aces head towards the end of their 2015/2016 league chasing campaign against gutsy Bidvest Wits in an Absa Premiership fixture at Mbombela stadium tonight the 3rd of May 2016. AmaZayoni will be looking to take home maximum points in order to solidify their place in the top five after the Mpumalanga side suffered a series of poor results that have seen them lose their momentum and sink further down from the elite pack. Aces’ Office and Communications Manager Gordon Masondo says they won’t give up points easily to Wits and says that they are comfortable with the team’s position, even though their chances of playing in Africa have slipped away'
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane was happy that his team won 3-1 convincingly against Kaizer Chiefs in the Absa Premiership match at Loftus stadium in Pretoria on Saturday night the 30th of April 2016, but admits that he does not like doing it against his counterpart Steve Komphela. The two teams have played three times already this season, with the Brazilians winning one league match and drawing the other. But the Tshwane team thrashed Amakhosi 3-1 in the Telkom knockout final last December. Komphela’s first season will end disappointingly without silverware. Mosimane has been advocating for the local black coaches to be afforded an opportunity to coach the biggest teams in South Africa, and that is why he wants the likes of Komphela to succeed in their teams.
Highlands Park coach Allan Freese feels that Baroka FC are in the driving seat with their game in hand but he’s happy with his team’s fighting spirit and pleased to take away a point from the game. Freese says that every point is valuable when you’re fighting for top position, and he is happy to not have left Cape Town with nothing with three games to go in this campaign. Highlands Park had fewer chances than in recent games and Freese says that they were perhaps missing too many of their regular players due to injuries and suspensions.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says that he fully commends the findings of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on transformation or the lack there of and protects South African football in the process. The South African Football Association (SAFA) was the only federation that received the green light amongst the big five sports federations in the country and Mosimane says he agrees with Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula and the EPG’s findings that were announced last week. However, the first ever Black African coach to win the South African Premier Soccer League, Mosimane, tells SABC Sport reporter Thando Gqamane that the Model C schools also need to come to the party and start playing football full-time.
Maritzburg United coach Ernst Middendorp lamented on what he called unfair play from SuperSport United following their latest Absa Premiership setback. The Team of Choice were beaten 2-1 after squandering a 1-0 lead at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday night the 29th of April 2016. It was another hammer blow to their survival prospects, as victory would have lifted them off the bottom of the table and into 14th position, instead the German born was left fuming at the Matsatsantsa players for not putting the ball out of play in the build-up to the equalising goal when one of the home players had gone down injured.
The Cape Town All Stars has just announced today that they have signed Nengomasha to boost their midfield as the fight intensifies for the promotional battle. Nengomasha left Chiefs in 2012 for Bidvest Wits before moving to Mpumalanga Black Aces two years later, and at the beginning of this season he was released by AmaZion and has been club less ever since. The fomer PSL Player of the year tried his luck at the relegation threatened AmaTuks but wasn’t successful, the 33year-old says he’s far from hanging up his boots.
Back in 2009 Kaizer Chiefs scored a jackpot when Football Manager Booby Motaung accompanied by the club’s development coaches Walter Steenbok now at (Mamelodi Sundowns) and Donald “Ace” Khuse spotted a fine talent in Zimbabwe, known as Knowledge Musona. Chiefs could have signed double trouble, as they left Khama Billiat behind when he was presented to them as a combo with Musona. One man who was in the mix at that time is Chiefs legend Tinashe Nengomasha and he still can not forget how Amakhosi left Billiat behind for Thomas Sweswe. Billiat one of the top candidates for the Footballer of the Season award, has had a season to remember, so far he’s featured in 22 goals in the Absa Premiership scoring 10 goals in the process and contributing a massive 10 assists.
Tinashe Nengomasha who spent 10 years at Chiefs, is happy to have brought so many talented players from Zimbabwe to Premier Soccer league. Billiat, Musona, Katsande, Tendai Ndoro, Evans Rusike and many other players in the PSL have helped to turn around the fortunes of the Zimbabwe Warriors. They are on the verge of qualifying for the African Nations Cup for the first time in 1o years and the PSL players have been influential in that turn around.
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Hlompho Kekana says that his team’s experience will help them to win the Absa Premiership league this season. The Brazilians have a crucial match against Kaizer Chiefs in the top of the table clash at Loftus stadium in Pretoria tomorrow the 30th of April 2016, 20h15. Sundowns won the league two years ago and Kekana, who is one of the contenders for the player of the season feels that it will help them to pip Bidvest Wits to the post, but says they have to beat Chiefs first.
Sunday’s (1st of May 2016) crucial game between Jomo Cosmos and University of Pretoria at the Olen Park stadium in Potchefstroom could go a long way in deciding which team finishes 15th on the Absa Premiership log this season. The two teams find themselves tied on 21 points but a superior goal difference sees AmaTuks a spot ahead of Ezenkosi on the 14th position. AmaTuks head coach Shaun Bartlett is trying to show a brave face in these difficult times. Bartlett was relegated two seasons ago with Golden Arrows but this time he feels that he is better equipped to deal with this situation, in this short interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, the former Bafana Bafana striker points at some positive vibes in his dressing room.
The soweto giant has launched their new retail store at Tshwane yesterday the 28th of April 2016. Speaking at the Tramshed Shopping Centre in Pretoria central where the new K.C. Retail Store launch was, Siphelele Mthembu stressed the importance of mingling with supporters ahead of their big clash against Mamelodi Sundowns. Mthembu, who has been playing second fiddle to Bernard Parker, Edward Manqele and Camaldine Abraw among others, says the support they got from their fans was pleasing. Mthembu says he believes that they will do well tomorrow night against Sundowns after their 2-1 win over University of Pretoria mid-week.
The national U23 team that qualified for the Rio Olympics in Senegal late last year had three School of Excellence products in Mahlambi, Deolin Mekoa and captain Keagan Dolly. Mathebula says currently in the big league the results of the School of Excellence are there for everyone to see…
One of the most exciting players in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) this season Phakamani Mahlambi only left the School of Excellence 18 months ago for Bidvest Wits. Mathebula makes a valid point when he says, they are not a commercial academy where everything is all about publicity…
Over the past few years questions have been asked on how productive is the Transnet School of Excellence, a footballing institution that is remembered for having produced the likes of Steven Pienaar, Daine Klate, Bernard Parker, Zitha “Ninja” Mofokeng, Mbulelo Mabizela and many others. Sections of the media and other role players in the game have been quick to label the school as history when it comes to producing talent. Currently there are more than 36 players active in overseas leagues, the PSL, National First Division (NFD) and also the MDC coming from School of Excellence. The head coach of the school Mojalefa Mathebula says this school has never stopped producing players…
Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt has hit out at Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula following his announcement to revoke international tournaments hosting rights for sports federations that have failed to meet their transformation standards. Hunt shared his reactions on the matter with SABC Sport following their comfortable 2-0 victory over his former club Supersport United in Pretoria last night. Hunt disagrees with the Eminent Persons Group’s report on transformation that concludes that football in the country has been transformed…
Following their 2 – 0 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday the 23rd of April 2016, Orlando Pirates focus on their Absa Premiership match against Polokwane City, at FNB Stadium on Wednesday the 27th April 2016. Coach Eric Tinkler says that it is important that they maintain consistency and the fact that Buccaneers have so far gone four matches in all competitions without a loss, does not mean they can now rest on their laurels. Tinkler believes a third spot finish this season is still possible if they maintain consistency and win their remaining five league matches.
With 84% of SA’s U18 SA population being black African whereas 16% are made up of coloureds, whites and Indians, the Eminent Persons Group’s (EPG’s) secretariat Dr. Willie Basson has warned that sporting codes that are dragging their feet in introducing the black African talent are facing a bleak future. He was speaking after the Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula announced yesterday that they have suspended the privileges of the South African Rugby Union (SARU, Cricket South Africa (CSA), Netball South Africa (Netball SA) and Athletics South Africa (ASA). Basson also revealed yesterday that CSA failed to submit data for the national teams, he says this affected the transformation scorecard. Basson a former CSA executive committee member and Acting President says highlights another crucial shortcoming for the national cricket body
Polokwane City goalkeeper George Chigova says he and teammates have learned a lot competing in this season’s Nedbank cup. Chigova says they are grateful for the lessons and hope to apply them in the league. The Zimbabwean born says that they are grateful for the lessons and hope to apply them in the league. Polokwane City face an inform Orlando Pirates at the FNB stadium tomorrow the 27th of April 2016 looking to get further away from the bottom four. City are 13th on the log with 26 points from 25 games while their hosts are sixth with 34 points from the same number of matches. The Zimbabwe international admits they need to win their remaining home games and adds that they are not going to rely on the current five point gap separating City from the bottom three sides.
Ajax Cape Town, who are pushing to get back into the top eight of the Absa Premiership, face a tough challenge tomorrow the 27th of April 2016 when they host league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns at the Athlone Stadium. Coach Roger De Sa says that with five games to go, their main target is to make sure that they get into the top eight so that they can have a chance to defend their MTN8 title. De Sa says that Pitso Mosimane’s men are a fantastic ball playing team and it’s key that if Ajax are to get a result they must take control of the match and allow them to play as little as possible. He says that their front three of Leonardo Castro, Keagan Dolly and Khama Billiat have been in fine form all season, and with both Billiat and Dolly, former Ajax players, they know what to expect.
The South African Sports Confederations and Olympics Committee (SASCOC) CEO Tubby Reddy has clarified that today’s decision by the Department of Sport to revoke the hosting rights of international events by four major sporting codes in the country will not affect current agreements. Reddy says that the federations now know what is at stake if they don’t meet their transformation target. SARU CEO Jurie Roux says they understand that their bid for the 2023 World Cup is under threat but hopes that by the time the final decision is made they would have had their privilege to bid reinstated. ASA is scheduled to host the African Athletics Championships in Durban from the 22nd until the 26th of June in Durban this year, the organization’s President Aleck Skhosana seemed relieved that he will be meeting the Sport Ministry on Thursday for clarification on that event.
Bidvest Wits will look to get back to winning ways tomorrow the 26th of April 2016, with a clean cut win against Supersport United, in an Absa Premiership match at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville. Bidvest Wits defender Siyabonga Nhlapo says that after dropping two points against “Ea Lla Koto” in their last league match, they need to make sure to walk away with three points tomorrow night. Nhlapo says although they are disappointed with last weekend results, it does not mean that they are out for the rest of the season. Nhlapo says that they are taking each game as it comes and are not looking at how few games are left in the league because he believes they have no reason to panic.
Highlands Park momentarily toppled Baroka F.C at the summit of the National First Division (NFD) to become the new log leaders following their 1-0 win over Milano United at Makhulong stadium in Tembisa on Saturday the 23rd of April 2016. With four games to go, the former Platinum Stars mentor stresses the importance of team work. Highlands are now 52 points from 26 games, two points adrift of Bakgaga who have a game in hand. Freese says all the players have a huge role to play on their automatic promotion quest. He says his duty now is to get players mentally fit and ensure that they grasp his game plan for the remaining games
Four top sports federations in the country, the South African Rugby Union (SARU), Cricket South Africa (CSA), Netball South Africa (Netball SA) and Athletics South Africa (ASA) have become the first victims of the punitive measure of the Eminent Persons Group’s transformation report. The four sporting codes will not be allowed to host international events until they’ve met their own transformation targets. Presenting the findings of the EPG’s third report in Pretoria today---Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula announced why these four federations won’t be hosting mega events until the 2016/2017 review period. Mbalula went to Britain last year with SARU for a briefing session on South Africa’s bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup but today he was clear that SARU will not be supported in it’s bid unless they meet the targets in the next year 2017. Mbalula clarified that this doesn’t prevent the national teams from participating in international events but from hosting them.
Chippa United coach Dan “Dance” Malesela is still searching for a win, which has eluded him since their 2-1 victory over Jomo Cosmos in an Absa Premiership clash at the Buffalo City Stadium in East London more than two months ago. Now Malesela hopes for three points as the Chilli Boyz host Platinum Stars at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Port Elizabeth’s KwaZakhele township on Wednesday the 27th of April 2016. With the Chilli Boyz sitting precariously in eighth position on the Absa Premiership standings with 34 points from 25 matches, Malesela is concerned about the team’s position as he wants to finish among the top eight teams at the end of the season. Meanwhile, a minus four goal difference is still a source of concern for Malesela and that is something he hopes to rectify as the season is drawing to a close. Be that as it may, Malesela believes a negative goal difference is something they can work on
Baroka FC coach Kgoloko Thobejane had promised a 3-0 victory over Polokwane City in the Nedbank Cup quaterfinal Limpopo derby and he delivered a win at the Old Peter Mokaba stadium yesterday. However his charges only managed two goals through Albert Mothupa and Collins Makgaka in the first half to win 2-0 an qualify for the semi-finals. Thobejane says Baroka are at home anywhere in South Africa and boldly states that they will be in the final.
A 10-man Orlando Pirates advanced to the Nedbank cup semifinals after beating the defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 in extra time at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville last night, Saturday, 23 April. Defender Edwin Gyimah was sent off when he received his second yellow card, after a reckless tackle on Khama Billiat with 20 minutes left to play. The Zimbabwean Tendai Ndoro broke the deadlock in the first half of extra time, and later turned a provider for Mpho Makola to finish four minutes later. Pirates coach Eric Tinkler was happy with the win while goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo who earned man of the match after pulling off numerous crucial saves says belief won them the match. Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane was magnanimous in defeat and said Pirates deserved to win because they showed more hunger and worked extremely hard.
Orlando Pirates inform striker Tendai Ndoro says that the Buccaneers have to win the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal clash against Mamelodi Sundowns at all costs tomorrow, in order to end the season well. The Zimbabwean-born says that he believes they are up against a tough task in Sundowns who also have his inform countrymen Khama Billiat at their services. Ndoro, who is in red-hot form at the moment, has scored nine goals in the last eight matches in all competitions in the last three moths. The former Black Aces goal-scoring machine says he hopes to continue scoring and helping Pirates reach greater heights.
Orlando Pirates defender Edwin Gyimah believes his experience of playing in the finals of the Nedbank Cup (NBC) will stand him in good stead when they square off against Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarterfinals of the tournament at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday 23 April 2016. The Ghanaian international won the tournament with SuperSport United in 2012 (they beat Sundowns 2 – 0). The former Mpumalanga Black Aces player says that although this match is very important to them, they don’t feel any pressure. He says the fact that they had more time to prepare for this match than the Brazilians, who were up against AS Vita in the CAF Champions League on Wednesday evening, won’t count for much.
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane says it’s a blessing in disguise that his team has dropped to the CAF Confederations cup after bowing out of the lucrative champions league. He said this ahead of their crucial Nedbank cup quarterfinal clash against Orlando Pirates in Atteridgeville on the 23rd of April 2016. The Brazilians were knocked out by AS Vita from the Democratic Republic of Congo on an away goal despite winning 2-1 in the second leg on Wednesday the 20th of April 2016. He says that the culture of football on the continent is totally different to the one here at home.
Orlando Pirates will be aiming to hit two birds with one stone in their Nedbank Cup quarterfinal clash against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville tomorrow the 23 of April 2016. The Nedbank Cup competition is the only hope for the Buccaneers ending their barren run and finish the season with some silverware and also qualifying for next year’s CAF Confederation Cup. Tinkler says that their focus is on making sure that the Brazilians do not get off to a flying start as they usually do and hopes that fatigue will be a factor for Sundowns in the game…
The star of one of the most decorated coaches on the African continent today continued to shine last night when Florent Ibenge led Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) giants AS Vita to the African Champions league group stages for the second time. He had also finished as runners-up in the Champions league to ES Setif of Algeria in 2014. Vita got silver medal in the 2014 Champions league (his first year and also beat Kaizer Cheifs), two months later in February 2016 Ibenge led the DRC national team to a third finish (bronze medal) in the African Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea. In the COSAFA Cup tournament coming up in Namibia this year June 2016, DRC will be the guests as they have taken the place of Comoros who have excused themselves in this tourney.
Asive Langwe, who is on loan at Ajax Cape Town from Bidvest Wits, says he has been very happy with his progress this season. Asive Langwe who he has made 8 appearances for Ajax’s first team in the league, including an impressive cameo against Kaizer Chiefs this past weekend. Langwe says it really helps having a coach like Roger De Sa who believes in his ability as it makes him believe in himself again. Langwe says that he needs to make sure he’s settled so he can continue to progress as a player, and having a stable environment is key to that. But he says nothing is guaranteed and knows that only hard work and good performances will see him get an offer.
Former Bafana Bafana team manager Zola Dunywa has applauded Chippa United chairman Siviwe “Chippa’ Mpengesi’s decision to bring professional football to the Eastern Cape, especially in East London .Zola Dunywa with former Bush Bucks team manager Kaya Majeke, reckons that the Chilli Boyz’s presence in the Eastern Cape can become a catalyst in football development in the province. Meanwhile, Zola Dunywa has also given Chippa Mpengesi the thumbs up after the Chilli Boyz owner tied coach Dan “Dance” Malesela to a three-year contract with the Port Elizabeth-based Absa Premiership side last month, March 2016.
Orlando Pirates legend Bernard Lushozi foresees Mamelodi Sundowns giving his former club a tough time when the two sides meet in the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday evening. Lushozi believes the Brazilians’ good run of form since the start of the 2015/16 Absa Premiership season gives them an advantage over the Buccaneers, who are also enjoying a good run of form lately. He says the Brazilians’ hunger for success makes them a very difficult side to beat.
Orlando Pirates took time out of their busy schedule to hand out sporting equipment and kit to pupils of Thabisang Primary School in Orlando West, Soweto, on Tuesday afternoon, 20 April 2016. Now in its second year, the event which was held some few kilometres from Pirates’ home ground, Orlando Stadium, was graced by the entire Pirates squad and technical team. This Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme is a joint initiative between the Soweto club, Spur, Masidlale Program and ABI. Pirates coach Eric Tinkler said that they are able to inspire kids to follow their dreams. The Soweto giants’ kind gesture was welcomed by Thabisang principal Yvonne Mabanga, who says they are excited about being this year’s beneficiaries of this initiative. She says now the responsibility lies with them to ensure that they do well in sport.
The 27-year-old Nothando Vilakazi says that Banyana Banyana head coach Vera Pauw has added a lot of dimension to the side since she arrived two years ago. The Banyana Banyana are unbeaten in 15 games in all competitions including six friendlies. The Palace Super Falcons Women’s Academy player, says she believes that the South African Women’s team has grown individually and as a collective. After missing out on qualifying for the 2015 Fifia Women’s World Cup in Canada, Vivo tells SABC Sport reporter Thando Gqamane that their target is winning big tournaments starting with the Olympics and the AWC. The Middelburg-born Vilakazi says she aims to catch the eye of possible scouts at the world event.
All Out Scout, the online football scouting network has joined forces with Ajax Cape Town to launch a campaign called Your Chance Is Now, that is offering a prize of a week trial at the Cape Town PSL club. Ajax Cape Town U17 coach Kosta Scholiadis saysthat the trial is open to anyone in South Africa over the age of sixteen. The website is www.AllOutScout.com and Scholiadis says that once a player has signed up for the campaign, they must start sharing the video on other social networks so that they can increase their votes, to make the top ten, where Ajax scouts will then select a winner.
Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Clinton Larsen has no sympathy for former club Maritzburg United ahead of their KwaZulu-Natal derby in KwaMashu tomorrow. The “Team of Choice” is in the Absa Premiership dumps in 16th position and staring relegation in the face. Larsen, who spent a few unhappy months with the Pietermaritzburg-based side, says their problems were brought upon themselves and will not allow his side to relent against them at the Princess Magogo Stadium. Abafana Bes’thende themselves are in free fall.
Following United’s controversial 1-0 defeat at the hands of Polokwane City over the weekend, Chippa United coach Dan Malesela vented his frustrations while also calling on all South African football stakeholders to give back to the beautiful game by being fair and true to the sport with the various services they render. According to Malesela, the Chilli Boys last week narrowly missed out on a victory against Supersport United due to a number of dubious decisions during the game and history repeated itself against Rise and Shine a week later. With the Premier Soccer League having recently introduced the fining system for underperforming officials after the SAFA has continued with their wholesale suspensions, Malesela adds that fining and suspending officials doesn’t change much for coaches as they get fired from their jobs on a regular.
Free State Stars again became Bidvest Wits bogey side after they held the Clever Boys to goalless draw in an ABSA premiership game played at Bidvest Wits Stadium on Saturday night the 16th of April 2016. This was a game Wits needed to win to continue heaping pressure on log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who are six points clear at the top with 58 points with only five games to go. Coach of the hosts Gavin Hunt says that despite his team having wasted lots of glorious opportunities to seal the win, they should keep going.
Kaizer Chiefs captain Siphiwe Tshabalala says that they will take a lot of positives from their agonizing two-all midweek draw with Black Aces heading into their clash against Ajax Cape Town at the FNB Stadium this Saturday. The former Bafana Bafana international says he is taking full responsibility, on behalf of the players, for Chiefs’ slump in form this season after losing both the Absa Premiership title and the MTN8 trophy, despite still having their eye on finishing as high as possible and also winning the fourth quarter innovation, Tshabalala conceded that the league title battle is no longer in their hands.
South African Football Association President Danny Jordaan says that the lack of success in the last 15 months for Bafana Bafana is surely not based on the quality of the players but the it could be more underlying issues that need to be investigated. Bafana have played eight African Nations Cup matches (qualifiers and tournament) since November 2014 without a win and only registered two wins against Angola in the 2018 World Cup preliminaries. Jordaan recalls how the current group of players qualified unbeaten for AFCON 2015, played good football in the tournament but 15 months later there are question marks. Jordaan doesn’t want to say the team has regressed but admits that there are some serious shortcomings somewhere that need to be addressed and one player has already came out to voice his displeasure about his continuous snubbing by the current technical team led by Ephraim “Shakes’ Mashaba in terms of getting game time, Dutch based highly rated holding midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo.Jordaan says they also plan to meet with the Odendaalsrus born-player, as the country cannot afford to lose such rare and valuable talent .
Bidvest Wits continues to close in on log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns as they took all three points following their 1-0 defeat of Jomo Cosmos in their Absa Premiership match at Olen Park Stadium in Potchefstroom last night on the 13th April 2016. Wits head coach, Gavin Hunt was quick to admit that Cosmos was the better team of the two, but they were fortunate enough to walk away with a win. Hunt says that even though his team is getting tired and they are missing some of their vital players, the passion in each of the players right now is enough to keep them going. Hunt also says that if they can ensure a win this coming Saturday on the against Free State Stars on the 16th of April 2016 , he believe they can carry on winning until the end of the season and hopefully take the league. Ezenkosi coach, Jomo Sono says one mistake cost them the game and he said that if they continue to play the way they are playing right now, they can avoid relegation by the end of the season.
Chippa United midfielder Xola Mlambo has described Chilli Boyz coach Dan “Dance” Malesela as a hard-to-please mentor and a perfectionist. Mlambo and Malesela’s working relationship started when they were both at National First Division side Cape Town All Stars. Xoli who has joined the Chillie Boys early this year January 2016 have scored two goals. meanwhile, the 24-year-old Mlambo expects a tough match when the Chilli Boys embarks on a points searching exercise with a clash against Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday the 16th of April 2016.The Chilli Boys who have not won in their last four league matches has played to a 1-1 draw with SuperSport United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium last Sunday on the 10th of April 2016 while Polokwane City will go into Saturday’s match following a 3-1 loss to log-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns at home last night on the 13th of April 2016.
South African national women’s team coach Vera Pauw has reiterated the importance of qualifying for the African Women’s Championships tournament to be held in Cameroon later this year 2016. Banyana Banyana beat neighbours Botswana by two goals from striker Sanah Mollo in the first leg of their final qualifier in Lobatse on Saturday the 9th of April 2016, and will be looking forward to finish off the job tonight the 12th of April 2016 at Makhulong stadium in Tembisa. Coach adds that she believes that Banyana Banyana are now ready to challenge and win title at major tournaments After failing to win the African Women’s Championships in Namibia and qualify for the Fifa Women’s World Cup two years ago. coach says they know the importance of tonight’s game before shifting focus to the 2016 Rio Olympics.
This wasn’t the first football disaster in the country, in a pre-season match at the Oppenheimer stadium in Orkney in 1992 about 42 football fans died in another Chiefs and Pirates game. Khoza says they are taking a message of tolerance from the 2001 disaster. This season has seen about four Soweto derbies, Khoza says these should be the days that commemorate the Ellis park disaster.
Today marks 15 years since the Ellis Park tragedy where 43 people died during a Soweto derby clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Only two families turned up to remember their loved ones at the same venue today and they have expressed their disappointment with how the football authorities are so doing so little to remember this year. Roy Nation and Thomo families lost their sons on the day and they came to lay some wreaths on the pitch today the 11th of April 2016. Nation had travelled to watch his beloved Pirates team with his son on the night, he says he believe that PSL and it’s clubs can do better and copy from how other football tragedies are remembered globally.
Maritzburg United coach Ernst Middendorp was lost for words when he spoke to the media after their defeat from University of Pretoria Saturday the 9th of April. He called the defending in that 20 minutes spell after half time as embarrassing, saying that he was shocked by the way they had thrown away the victory. United had been in control until the 48th minute, Middendorp called it a lack of concentration from his players and urged their supporters not to turn against the team.
Orlando Pirates continued their steady climb up the Absa Premiership table after beating Free State Stars by a solitary goal (1-0) at Orlando Stadium in Soweto last night, 09 April 2016. Tendai Ndoro’s eighth minute strike stretched Pirates’ winning run to four victories in all competitions at Orlando Stadium having scored nine goals in the process. The Buccaneers have only conceded two goals (both times on the road) in their last six games in all competitions keeping four consecutive clean sheets in their backyard at Orlando. Following their defeat to Pirates, Stars coach Giovanni Solinas emphasized that the serious top eight contenders have one goal only in mind. The loss to Pirates broke Stars’ five match unbeaten streak in all competitions and Solinas still insists that they need one more league victory to be mathematically safe from relegation.
Ajax Cape Town have begun their recruitment for next season by signing Chippa United and Zimbabwean international defender Erick Chipeta, who will join the Urban Warriors at the end of the season. Chipeta has been one of Chippa United’s stars for the past two seasons, and has made 22 appearances out of a possible 23 games so far this season and has also scored three times. He has signed a three-year deal with the Cape Town outfit.
Moroka Swallows possible painful demotion to amateur football is few weeks away from being decided with only seven games to go this season, they remain rooted at the bottom of the National First Division (NFD) log sitting five points behind African Warriors. Their relegation to the ABC Motsepe League looks inevitable just a year after they were demoted from the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Gauteng MEC of Education Panyaza Lesufi has been an interested party in the administration of this club in the past 18 months says that they’ve tried every trick on the book to save the Dube Birds. Seeing a strong brand like Swallows with a rich history of more than 69 years vanishing into obscurity is painful for football fans not only in Soweto but around South Africa.
Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns were drawn against each other at the Nedbank Cup (NBC) last eight draw, which took place in Johannesburg last night. Pirates defender Happy Jele welcomes the draw and says that they are looking forward to the match. The 29 years old player is aware that they’ll be up against a side that is enjoying a good run of form, but says they are confident that they’ll do well against the NBC defending champions.
The Orlando Pirates Veteran was signed by Golden Arrows from a then National First Division Uthukela in 2005 and went on to stay six years at Abafana Besthende where he also captain them to their maiden trophy in the PSL, the 2008 MTN 8. Sangweni is known for his no nonsense approach on the field of play and his excellent leadership qualities on the field. Sangweni says that he is grateful to God the almighty for the talent.
A recurring knee injury has forced Orlando Pirates veteran defender Siyabonga Sangweni to take a premature retirement from football after 11 years of professional football career, this was confirmed by the club’s chairman Dr Irvin Khoza at Rand stadium yesterday the 7th of April 2016. Sangweni arrived at Pirates in 2011 from Golden Arrows and he has played over 80 matches for the Buccaneers in this five-year period. He was also part of the Bafana Bafana 2010 World Cup under head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira and he counts 29 caps and six goals at international level.
University of Pretoria will travel to Kwa-Zulu Natal to take on Maritzburg United in the Absa Premiership encounter at Harry Gwala stadium on Saturday, the 9th of April 2016. Captain Tebogo Monyai says they are going for revenge in Pietermaritzburg since they got bruised by Supersport United in the Nedbank Cup on Tuesday the 5th of April 2016. Head coach Shaun Bartlett says every game should be a motivation to the players irrespective of the opponent as they both struggling in the league this season facing the relegation zone. Amatuks are still searching for their first three points on the road for this season.
Ajax Cape Town has promoted goalkeeper Darren Johnson and fullback Sirgio Kammies to the first team, from their youth system. The two youngsters join Masilake Phohlongo who signed with the first team on March 2016. Vladislav Heric, who has been in charge of the Ajax Cape Town development side, says that he is delighted for the two boys after their good performances in the Premier Soccer League Reserve side and more recently at the Metropolitan Premier Cup.
Black Leopards head coach Sello Chokoe, who was appointed on the 21 of March 2016 replacing Kostadin Papic, says that it has been a successful two weeks with his players and he feels they understand how he wants them to play. The Limpopo side are ninth on the National First Division log with 28 points from 23 matches while their visitors are second from bottom with 18 points from the same number of matches. Chokoe admits that it is important for fans to have confidence in him as a coach adding that he will try to win his opening game and is confident that he will have what he labelled a decent squad..
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane claimed back-to-back Absa Premiership Coach of the Month awards for both January and February. Mosimane, who has won numerous Absa Premiership monthly awards this season, guided his side to some memorable victories over University of Pretoria, SuperSport United, Maritzburg United, Chippa United, Free State Stars, Orlando Pirates and Mpumalanga Black Aces, during the January-February period. In the process, the Brazilians scored 19 goals that have seen them currently lead the table with 52 points after 23 games, 4 points ahead of Bidvest Wits. Joining Mosimane on stage at the Premier Soccer League’s monthly awards ceremony was Kaizer Chiefs’ Willard Katsande and Hlompo Kekana of Mamelodi Sundowns, who were both named the Player of the Month for January and February 2016, respectively.
The ongoing standoff between the South African Football Association (SAFA) and their former member South African Schools Football Association (SASFA) is intensifying and now they are awaiting a court outcome to rule on who will be eligible to run schools football in the country. SAFA last year in its extra-ordinary congress took a resolution to expel SASFA and take over the running of schools football in the country. Speaking at the launch of the McDonalds U14 schools league that took place at the Nike Football Centre in Soweto today, 6th of April 2016, SASFA President Mandla “Shoes” Mazibuko says their programmes are not threatened. SASFA’s hopes of winning their battle against SAFA were also boosted by the presence of the Gauteng MEC of Education Panyaza Lesufi who reiterated that football politics should stay out of education.
Orlando Pirates legend Andries Sebola is impressed by his former club’s current run of form, and believes it has improved their chances of achieving their target of ending this season in the top four. He says given their poor start this season and having been eluded by the Telkom Knockout and MTN8, the Soweto giants have shown great improvement. Apart from his positive league predictions for Bucs, the Limpopo-born retired striker also has no doubt in his mind that if the Soweto giants continue their fine form, they will lift the Nedbank Cup.
Maritzburg United coach Ernst Middendorp calls on his players to be mentally stronger now than before in their quest to escape relegation from the Premier Soccer League at the end of this season. Since returning for the second round of the 2015/16 Absa Premiership season, Middendorop says The Team of Choice have been preparing themselves for the bottom of the table scrap. United are rooted to the bottom of the league table a point behind University of Pretoria (with a game in hand) in the eight remaining matches. Middendorp says they have been working on and off the field strengthening the entire group for the final push.
Baroka FC CEO Morgan Mammila says it will be good for the ABSA Premiership to have another team from Limpopo province. Polokwane City are the only team flying the province flag high, but they are not completely safe from relegation. “Rise and Shine” are just six points above the University of Pretoria who are in the play-off position. Baroka are the favourites to gain automatic promotion as they are leading the National First Division by four points with seven matches remaining.
Former national under-23 captain Matthew Booth, who led the team to the Sydney Olympics, where they famously beat Brazil, says he has high hopes for the Olympic team at Rio later this year. However Booth says the team must be allowed to grow and have good support from SAFA and the public. Booth also has advice for players overseas who are being ignored by the coaches, like Kamohelo Mokotjo, who just announced he is unavailable for Bafana, Kagisho Dikgacoi or May Mahlangu, and says they should seize their opportunity when they get it.
There are only two PSL teams that have women’s teams namely Mamelodi Sundowns and Bloemfontein Celtic, in the mid 90’s Kaizer Chiefs was aligned to the Soweto Ladies team of Banyana Banyana stars Sibongile Khumalo, Khabo Zitha and many others. The biggest followed club in the country with a women’s team would bring a different dimension to women’s football in the country. Even so, Kaizer Motaung says that they would be interested in having a women's football team but there are few things that the local football mother body needs to do before they can consider that option.
It will not be a train smash if Kaizer Chiefs finish the season with not a single trophy on their cabinet. Amakhosi have already been eliminated from the Nedbank Cup and the African Champions League. Kaizer Motaung a veteran football administrator of more than four decades, appeals to the South African football fans to show maturity in their understanding of the game, saying that this is the nature of the game. The 71year-old former Orlando Pirates and Atlanta says that they have started to identify the areas that need to be strengthened within the team, he also made it clear that he is fully behind Kaizer Chiefs coach, Steve Komphela.
Bafana Bafana’s disappointing and negative results have forced the South African Football Association (SAFA) to form a technical advisory board that will assess head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba and his technical team. Bafana have now played eight African Nations Cup matches without a win from their 2015 campaign in Equatorial Guinea. They last won a game when they beat Sudan 2-1 to qualify for the last AFCON and are virtually out of the Gabon campaign as they occupy the third spot with only three points and two games to go. Speaking after a quarterly SAFA National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Saturday, 2 April 2016, the organisation’s Chief Executive Dennis Mumble said that this technical advisory board will be meeting within the next two weeks.
The birth of Kaizer Chiefs can be directly linked to the club chairman Kaizer Motaung having turned down $1million a season in the USA to comeback and form Amakhosi. This revelation was made by former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young last Friday the 1st of April 2016, when he visited Motaung his long time friend when he used to play for Atlanta Chiefs in the USA. Young who was a keen football follower and close apartheid struggle efforts at the time, has a lot of respect for what Motaung did, coming back to South Africa to form this big footballing giant. Young also a former US ambassador to the United Nations, says Motaung made a telling impact in American football.
Mpumalanga Black Aces have joined forces with StopRhinoPoaching.com, a credible organisation focused on both rhino protection and ranger wellness, and South African National Parks in a historic partnership where football meets conservation, as they launch ACE, the youthful rhino mascot. The launch which took place this morning the 4th of April 2016 in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg saw industry leaders come together to celebrate the monumental feat that has never been seen before as the Aces’ management take a stand in ending the killing of Rhinos. Aces’ co-chairman George Morfou says it is the club’s obligation to be involved in such a meaningful cause and help stop rhino poaching
Mamelodi Sundowns have appealed to the Premier Soccer League to postpone their league match against Polokwane City next week Wednesday the 13th of April 2016. The Brazilians will travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo to face AS Vita Club in the CAF Champions League second round first leg clash on Sunday the 10th of April 2016, and return on Monday evening. They then have to travel to lock horns with the Limpopo team on Wednesday, and come back to face Jomo Cosmos three days later at home. Coach Pitso Mosimane, speaking after the victory over Mbombela United in the Nedbank Cup said the programme is unfavourable for his team.
SuperSport United coach Stuart Baxter has made progress with the Pretoria side winning four games, losing three and drawing one. Bxater believes that his team will be much better next season, provided he signs the kind of players needed to achieve that. After being crowned Gauteng Champion of Champions in a friendly tournament at Tsakane Stadium in Ekurhuleni, Sunday the 24 of March 2016. The Wolverhampton born says that the players confidence is growing, the performance is getting better and as a team they are getting there.
For the past 15 years, Football Editor at The Citizen Jonty Mark has been covering professional football in South Africa and feels that local clubs should share the blame for the lack of quality at Bafana Bafana. Mark says Bafana’s decline has got everything to do with some Premier Soccer League (PSL) not taking the CAF club competitions serious. With the exception of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, no other local teams have shown serious intentions of excelling on the continental tournaments. Addressing some serious points from the post match conference of Shakes Mashaba on Tuesday, Mark in an interview with SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli, he recalls some of Bafana’s worst qualifying campaigns…
When there’s no pressure Bafana Bafana performs but come crunch time, they can’t meet the expectations, that’s the view of The Star senior football journalist Mazola Molefe. He was speaking after the South African senior national football men’s team failed to win against Cameroon midweek in Durban leaving them winless in four 2017 AFCON qualifiers. With the chance to qualify for Gabon up in the smoke, the focus will move to the 2018 World Cup qualifiers starting in October this year. In this wide-ranging interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, Molefe says Mashaba should still be given a chance but strengthen his technical team. As SAFA prepares for another National Executive committee meeting this weekend and with a number of questions around the Bafana technical team, Molefe also speaks about what appears to be a cold war between Mashaba and SAFA’s Technical Director Neil Tovey…
Whilst Bafana Bafana head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba continues to argue his team’s chances of sneaking into the 2017 African Nations Cup tournament in Gabon next year, those with good knowledge of the process are telling him to forget. Leading African football journalist Mark Gleeson says the campaign was over when Bafana played an exciting 2-all with Cameroon in Limbe last weekend. Speaking after the disappointing goalless draw with the Indomitable Lions in Durban on Tuesday night, Gleeson tells SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli that Bafana are regressing and Mashaba doesn’t know what he’s doing…
The beleaguered Bafana Bafana head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba has started to play the tape of his predecessors, blaming lack of quality striker or finishers on the Premier Soccer League clubs and the grassroot problems in the country. This followed the team’s goalless draw against Cameroon at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban on Tuesday night, a result that virtually rules them out of qualifying for the 2017 African Nations Cup tournament in Gabon.
Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat yesterday, 29th March 2016, welcomed the Proteas with great disappointment upon their early arrival from the World T20 Cup following their round robin (group stages) exit. South Africa continued their poor run of form in world tournaments when they were eliminated with a game to spare in India after losing to the England and West Indies in their first three games. Asked where he thought things went south at the tournament, Proteas coach Russell Domingo refrained to put the blame on a specific aspects but highlights that in T20 cricket there are less margins for error. Titans stalwart, Faf Du Plessis says that failing to adapt to the conditions and game plan changes quickly on game-day was also a huge contributing factor to yet another Proteas downfall at a world tournament. But first, Lorgat also blasted the Proteas Women’s team, emphasizing that South Africa at large expected more from both sides.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Authorities has imposed a hefty $20, 000.00 (approximately R309 000) fine on Chad and banned them from participating in the next edition of the Afcon qualifiers. According to CAF, Chad had breached Article 59 of the rules and regulations of the Afcon competition. Chad, who had played two of the Gabon 2017 Afcon qualifiers against Nigeria and Egypt, and lost both games, dropped a bombshell by withdrawing from the event half way mark. Chad’s withdrawal puts the Afcon qualifiers in disrepute. It also places Group G in turmoil as both Nigeria and Egypt have had their points deducted. Mozambican FA secretary-general and a member of CAF’s competition panel Filipe Lucas Johane explains.
The implementation of club licencing programme in South Africa will go a long way in improving the level of professionalism in the elite league and amateur ranks. The views were expressed by SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble at the two-day CAF Licensing Workshop which is featuring the 32 Premier Soccer League (PSL) and National First Division (NFD) teams. The Licensing System is based on five key criteria; sporting, personnel and administrative, financial, infrastructure and legal. Mumble says the system will help his organisation achieve their vision 2022 of striving to consistently be in the top three in Africa, and top 20 in the world in terms of rankings. PSL general manager Derek Blanckensee says his league has been operating based on the document called compliance manual which has largely the same characteristics as the Club Licencing system. Blanckensee says the main challenge will be to comply with the layout of club licensing as prescribed by FIFA and CAF. The Chief Operations Officer of the National First Division’s club, Vasco da GAMA, Edries Burton says the licencing system will help the clubs to run their teams professionally. Lamontville Golden Arrows general manager James Dlamini says the licencing system will help his team to run efficiently and effectively, to be on the same par with the big teams in the PSL.
Former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe feels that the nation needs to be realistic about the state of football in general in the country when it comes to talent that’s there to represent the country. He was responding to Bafana’s hopes of turning things around in the 2017 African Nations Cup qualifiers, last night before the all-important game against Cameroon at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban on the 29th of March 2016. Radebe who played over 70 times for Bafana is also currently a member of the SAFA technical Committee. But in this wide-ranging interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, Radebe seems to be frustrated by the slow rate of positive changes in SA football. He also blames some clubs not taking continental competitions seriously, which affects the national team.
Inspite of the three changes made in the starting line-up for Bafana Bafana's crucial 2017 African Nations Cup qualifier against Cameroon at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban tonight,the 29th of March 2016, the nation’s number one goalkeeper and captain Itumeleng Khune still believes that their qualification dream is alive despite being five points behind Group M leaders (Cameroon). The left back Sifiso Hlanti will be replacing Thabo Matlaba, Rivaldo Coetzee replace Anele Ngcongca at right-back and Thulani Serero who came in as a substitute this past weekend will starts in the place of Mpho Makola.
The Cameroon national team has completed it’s preparations for African Nations Cup qualifier against Bafana Bafana at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban tonight the 29th of March 2016 (7pm). The Indomitable Lions have been boosted by the availability of their key striker Vincent Aboubakar of FC Porto for tomorrow evening’s game after he missed the Saturday game due to suspension. Cameroon newly appointed head coach Hugo Broos was all smiles when responding to questions about Aboubakar’s availability.
Over the past few weeks leading to this international week, Bafana bafana coach Shakes Mashaba has found himself in battles with the media and the general public owing to his questionable selection policy and Bafana’s difficult position in these qualifiers. Yesterday the 27th of March 2016 he pleaded with the local football fans to rally behind him and the team.
Under Mashaba’s reign, Bafana bafana performed better on the road, in their first AFCON qualifier in 2015 here in Durban they failed to beat minnows Gambia. Bafana bafana and Kaizer Chiefs goal keeper Itumeleng Khune, agrees that there is less pressure playing away compared to home and they enjoy their game but they still prefer playing at home.
Supersport United were crowned the winners of the inaugural Gauteng Champion of Champions, yesterday the 27th of March 2016. This follows after they won their two matches beating Jomo Cosmos 1-NIL and Mamelodi Sundowns 2-Nil. Supersport coach Stuart Baxter fielded a largely inexperienced team against Cosmos, but played most of his senior players in the second match against Sundowns. He was pleased with the performance from his team overall.
Chippa United head coach Dan “Dance” Malesela says that serious work must start now that he has signed a three-year contract with the Port Elizabeth-based Premier Soccer League club. Masilela says that his priority now, is to ensure that the Chilli Boyz, who are sixth on the Absa Premiership standings, don’t drop out of the top-eight bracket. The 50-year-old coach made it clear that he is going to bring fresh ideas and new players in the team. Malesela’s main task now is to finish inside the top-eight bracket something which he says is gonna help boost his players’ confidence going forward.
Ephraim Mashaba has tipped Hlompho Kekana’s wonderful long-range strike on Saturday the 28th of March 2016 in Limbe, Cameroon for the FIFA Puskas goal of the year award, this year. Mashaba and his technical team were not expecting Kekana to shoot for a goal at that particular moment. He says that was one of the best goals he has ever seen. The Mamelodi Sundowns midfield kingpin scored from his own half after spotting that Cameroon goalkeeper N'dy Assembe was off the line.
Speaking of the two defenders Anele Ngcongca and Thabo Matlaba, Bafana bafana head Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba, says that missing key players from the defense it is not an easy thing, because it disturbs the whole plan. Bafana bafana will face Cameroon tomorrow, the 29th of March 2016 at Moses Mabhida Stadium without the two defenders due to injuries (Ngcongca - calf muscle & Matlaba - concussion), including Darren keet (Stomach Bug). Mashaba admits that they are under tremendous pressure and it is always there, the current situation is nothing new.
Head coach Pitso Mosimane says that they are humble to be invited in the Gauteng Champion of Champions tournament, as that will give him an opportunity to see what he has in stork and to give other players a chance to showcase their ability. Mamelodi Sundowns is currently involved in three competitions at this crucial juncture of the season, namely the Absa Premiership, Nedbank Cup and the African Champions League
Jomo Cosmos head coach Jomo Sono, says that he is excited to contribute to the charity, in Gauteng Champion of Champions football tournament to be held in Tsakane stadium at Ekhuruleni on Sunday the 27th of March 2016. The tournament will have a unique format of the teams taking on each other in a round robin format over three 45 minutes. Sono says it’s an honour to play for charity organizations…..
Currently the Zim Warriors have assembled one of the strongest teams in the COSAFA region and they should fancy their chances in a group that also has neighbours Malawi as well as 2015 AFCON quarterfinalists Guinea. Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane who oversaw the 3-1 demolition on aggregate of Congolese side AC Leopards last weekend--- has been following the progress of Zimbabwe football closely in recent times and feels that they’ve got the talent to conquer in these qualifiers…
The 2017 African Nations Cup qualifiers are in full swing and closer to home in Southern Africa serious battles of regional rivalry would be the order of the day. Zimbabwe has only qualified twice for the AFCON tournament in 2004 and 2006 respectively and on both occasions have exited in the first round. But in the next few days they have an opportunity to get themselves in pole position for Gabon when they meet neighbours Swaziland in top of the table Group L back to back clashes in Lobamba and Harare respectively. Both teams are on four points after two matches played. Speaking to SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli after returning from Congo-Brazzaville with Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday evening where they qualified for the next stage of the African Champions League---PSL footballer of the season contender Khama Billiat says the time has come for them to raise the bar for the Warriors…
Newly appointed Black Leopards head coach Sello Chokoe says he has been waiting for a quality team to approach him before getting back into the coaching scene. Chokoe was announced as Leopards coach on Monday, 21 March 2016, replacing Kostadin Papic who left last week. Chokoe is the fourth mentor to take charge of Limpopo’s National First Division side this season after Zeca Marques, Major David Bright and Papic. He wasn’t clear about his mandate from management but adds that he knows he has to hit the ground running.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane has refuted reports that the team’s progress in the African Champions League will affect their chances of winning the domestic Absa Premiership title. Mosimane was speaking after their arrival from Congo-Brazzaville yesterday, 22 March 2016, where they beat AC Leopards 3-1 on aggregate to proceed to the second round of the continental tourney. Sundowns are currently four points clear in the league ahead of Bidvest Wits who exited the CAF Confederation Cup this past weekend.
Another Bafana team member Asavela “Shoes” Mbekile started from the bench in Dolisie but came on as a sub to solidify things in the midfield. The former Chippa United and Moroka Swallows utility player joined Bafana Bafana camp last night. He’s hoping that Sundowns’ good run will rub off to the national team ahead of this crucial 2017 African Nations Cup back to back matches against Cameroon in Central Africa and Durban over the next few days.
South Africa’s only remaining team in the CAF club competitions, Mamelodi Sundowns returned home last night after finding themselves stranded in Congo-Brazzaville since Saturday evening due to elections in that country. Sundowns has beaten the highly rated Congolese side AC Leopards 3-1 on aggregate after playing a 1-all draw in the African Champions League first round, 2nd leg encounter in Dolisie on Saturday. Head coach Pitso Mosimane says the early goal from Hlompho Kekana settled the game for them as they had brought a 2-0 lead from the first leg.
It was Kekana’s eighth goal in all competitions this season and he has continued to play a pivotal role in this team at a time when they have also missed the services of the injured and departing Bongani Zungu. Kekana joined the national team camp at 10pm last night (Tuesday, 22 March 2016) and he is looking forward to work his way to the group stages.
Having last represented South Africa over a year ago at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Darren Keet says he is excited to be back in national team colours. Rooted to the bottom of Group M after the first two games, Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba’s team have a mountain to climb going into the next two ties against a strong Cameroon side starting on Saturday. Keet, who last kept goals for Bafana during their 3-1 Afcon exit defeat at the hands of Algeria, says he is looking forward to the enormous challenge at hand.
Bafana Bafana defender Thulani Hlatshwayo says they will take a lot of confidence from their last meeting with Cameroon heading into their all-important 2017 African Nations Cup qualifier over the weekend. In only their second meeting with the Indomitable Lions, since 2008, the two sides drew one-all with South Africa maintaining their unbeaten record. Hlatshwayo says they are going to Limbe knowing what to expect and, with clear goals.
After missing out on the opportunity to honour his first call up for South Africa due to illness last September, Ajax Cape Town striker Prince Nxumalo is delighted to be part of the national set-up. The 25-year-old Nxumalo says he is also happy with the way he has been welcomed to the team.
Present in this seminar is James Johnson who heads the newly created FIFA Head Professional Football Department. The former Australian professional footballer who joined FIFA in May 2013, has more in his new department that will be central to the operation of professional football activities and responsible for relations with pro football stakeholders. Johnson says that CAF has done an outstanding job by implementing the club-programming licensing in Africa.
Referring to today's club-licensing seminar, the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) President Simba Marumo, says that the seminar is a very good platform for players to air their views on club licensing and issues that affect them.
The former Trinidad and Tobago, Newcastle United and West Ham goalkeeper Shaka Hislop delivered keynote speech to open the seminar and emphasized the importance of embracing the scientific approach to the game. Hislop has noticed a lot of growth in the football structures there and he credits the implementation of club licensing for that.
Sugzo Nyirenda who is a member of the CAF club licensing committee says that the implementation of club-licensing programme in Africa is at a snail’s space and this has got to do with serious challenges that the continent has. Nyirenda spoke at the FIFA club licensing regional seminar in Sandton, Johannesburg this morning, the 22nd of March 2016. According to him, in Africa they are behind in implementing club licensing because of the socio-economic challenges of the continent compared to their counterparts, one of the challenges just like here in South Africa is that there are very few teams in the continent that own stadia.
Black Aces co-chairman George Morfou says that Aces has a widely recognized academy side known as Corinthians Black Aces Football Club, where they currently have 700 kids playing in different age groups, ranging from six years old to an open men’s team. Morfou says that the Aces U17 development squad recently participated in the 2016 Future Champions Gauteng International Tournament.
Former French football star Christian Karembeu says once again diverse nationalities were united through sport in unison with the famous Nelson Mandela’s speech about the power of sport. Karembeu who is also an ambassador for La Liga was impressed by the talent on show at the 2016 Gauteng Future Champs in Soweto with Europe, Asia, South America and Africa well represented. And he says he is glad that there is sustainability since it was launched here in South Africa in 2009 leading up to the first ever African Soccer World Cup.
Former France international and the current Spanish La Liga’s Primeira division representative Christian Karembeu, praised the impressive standard and superb organization of the 2016 Future Champions under 17 twelve team tournament which was held in Soweto last week. Bidvest Wits, Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns were part of the strong field including eight international teams. Ten-man Spanish giants Atletico Madrid narrowly beat the local side Wits 2-1 in a thrilling final to capture the crown on Saturday, 19th March. No South African team has won this tournament in the eighth year of its existence. The 1998 FIFA world cup and 2000 European Championship winner Karembeu was impressed with the overall organisation of the tournament.
Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler who led the club to the CAF Confederations silver medal last year, says that it is important to have teams to represent PSL in the continental Competitions and teams that are not taking these competitions serious are taking the country backwards...
The story of some South African teams not taking CAF club competitions Serious is getting a bit boring and not helping the progress of football internationally for this country. Azam FC head coach Stewart Hall reacted to Wits having made eight changes to the team that beat Polokwane City in a league fixture, but went on to lose to them 3-0 in the first leg, first round match last weekend, the 12th of March 2016. Hall stopped short of saying Wits disrespect them and the continental competition.
Bidvest Wits head coach Gavin Hunt is unapologetic about how they set to approach the CAF competitions and gave an impression that this is a club’s policy. Hunt says that in the second leg match against Azam Fc they will be fielding the second string team because he cannot ‘risk’ his core team. The Clever boys will play-up against Azam Fc tomorrow the 20th of March 2016, 14:00 PM at Chamazi Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula, says that he cannot speak on behalf of the former SAFA CEO Leslie Sedibe, who is banned from all football matters for five years, relating to the match-fixing allegations before 2010. He says that he is not able to comment, but as an individual, if Sedibe feels that he is been treated unfairly he will support him in his right to clear his name.
Addressing the media yesterday the 17th of March 2016, Fikile Mbalula said that the bribery allegations hurt the South African brand. He says that our image has been tainted by these stories and that is why he is trying to make sure the truth is heard.
Minister of Sports and Recreation Fikile Mbalula addressed the media yesterday afternoon, the 17th of March 2016 to respond to the bribery claims around the 2010 World Cup that have been in the press lately. Mbalula says that everything about the $10 million donation to the African Diaspora was above board from their point of view and was not a bribe.
Just two days after the former SAFA CEO Leslie Sedibe claims that the truth about the controversial $10million payment that South Africa is alleged to have paid to get the 2010 World Cup would come out, FIFA has dropped a bombshell by admitting that indeed this was a bribe. The latest move by the FIFA legal department is to reclaim the cash from corrupt officials who they alleged abused their positions as executive members at the time.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane refused to be drawn into commenting on the selection of Bafana Bafana’s squad, which will face Cameroon in the African Cup of Nations two-legged qualifier on the 26th of March 2016. The under-23 captain Keegan Dolly has been one of the key players for Sundowns this season and is included in the Olympic team to play hosts Brazil in South America later this month. Mosimane was, however disappointed that his leftback Tebogo Langerman was left out of the national team.
Expect denials all around but tomorrow’s Absa Premiership clash against the high riding log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, it is most likely to be Bloemfontein Celtic head coach Serame Letsoaka’s last game in charge of Siwelele. SABC Sport has it on good authority that the relationship between the two parties is coming to an end this week following a string of poor performances. But there are also allegations of financial challenges at the club including unpaid players bonuses and staff members also disgruntled with their salaries too. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli has complied this report…
For the second year running, Kaizer Chiefs won’t be taking part in the biggest youth football tournament in Southern Africa, they Metropolitan Premier U19 Cup that takes place over the Easters in Cape Town. Also known as the Bayhill tournament, this showpiece has been graced by some of the finest talent from this country like Benni McCarthy, Steven Pienaar, Thulani Serero, Keagan Dolly and many others. Chiefs development academy, which has failed to produce quality talent over the years, last participated in the Bayhill tournament three years ago. Former Amakhosi winger Arthur “10111” Zwane coaches the U17 and U19 teams at the club and has more on the state of Chiefs academy at the moment…
Wilson Raj Perumal has hit South African football where it matters the most once again, Just a day after FIFA banned three former South African Football officials on allegations related to match fixing, it’s been confirmed by local football authorities that they are investigating serious allegations linking PSL players to match fixing cases involving Asian betting syndicate. Six years after the convicted match fixer Wilson Raj Perumal first brought his cancer to Southern Africa---Zimbabwe and South Africa to be exact, he’s back again and this time hitting the PSL and it’s clubs.
The 33-year-old Polokwane City midfield maestro Jabulani Maluleke, says that the late John “Shoes” Moshoeu inspires him to continue playing football for as long as he can. Maluleke says that age is nothing but a number when it comes to football and that he is still looking forward to many more years of his love affair with football.
Sedibe challenged SAFA, he asked them why they did not publicize the response of the National Prosecuting Authority after he had asked the then Police Commissioner to investigate this match fixing scandal. Interestingly, Sedibe did not want to discuss the merits of this agreement that SAFA entered into with Football 4 U, a company run by convicted match fixer Wilson Raj Perumal. He continued to plead his innocence but also blames those who were reporting to him for letting him down.
Former SAFA CEO Leslie Sedebe, has come out with guns blazing and says he doesn’t recognize the FIFA investigation and ban and will fight the world’s football mother body in a South African court of law. Sedibe who was a SAFA CEO from January 2010 to February 2011, says FIFA and SAFA found a scape goat in him and says this matter should be heard in a court of law.
Leslie Sedebe says that FIFA’s investigation remains incomplete and unreliable to him, as they still fail to deal with the local football authority to give him access to the information. Sedibe also had more damaging revelations that SAFA lawyers had demanded that he destroy any information that he had during his employ under SAFA.
Orlando Pirates extended their unbeaten streak in the Absa Premiership to three games and fourth in all competitions with a hefty 5 – 0 victory over 10-man Jomo Cosmos at Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening, the 12th of March 2016. Tinkler says their performance has improved since their 3 – 1 victory against Mpumalanga Black Aces last month.
The pressure is also starting to mount of Komphela, who has also seen his first failing to score in the last three matches and is facing a trophy less season at Amakhosi. Last Saturday the 12th of March 2016, he tasted the wrath of Chiefs supporters as they were shouting #STEVEMUSTFALL. The former Free State Stars and Maritzburg United head coach says he understands where the fans are coming from.
Kaizer Chiefs progress in the CAF Champions League is hanging in balance after they lost a crucial first round first leg home game 1-0 to Cote D’Ivoire’s Asec Mimosas at FNB stadium Saturday night, the 12th of March 2016. This is the second time, Chiefs has lost to Asec in South Africa, as they went down 2-1 in the 2014 CAF Confederations play-off first leg game and went on to lose 3-1 on aggregate, but Komphela whose side has failed to score in the past three matches is still positive about their chances.
Mamelodi Sundowns will carry a two-goal advantage when they travel to Congo-Brazzaville in the second leg next weekend the 18th of March 2016. This follows after they beat AC Leopards 2 NIL on Saturday the 12th of March 2016, in the CAF Champions league first round first leg encounter at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville. Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane is happy with the results, he says that he believe they could have scored more goals ...
For the second year running, Kaizer Chiefs won’t be taking part in the biggest youth football tournament in Southern Africa, the Metropolitan Premier U19 Cup that takes place over the Easters in Cape Town. Also known as the Bayhill tournament, this showpiece has been graced by some of the finest talent from this country like Benni McCarthy, Steven Pienaar, Thulani Serero, Keagan Dolly and many others. Chiefs development academy, which has failed to produce quality talent over the years, last participated in the Bayhill tournament three years ago. Former Amakhosi winger Arthur “10111” Zwane coaches the U17 and U19 teams at the club and has more on the state of Chiefs academy at the moment.
The pressure to deliver is getting into Bafana Bafana head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba as he once again went back to his old ways of taking the media head on when questioned about his selection. Announcing his 25-man squad to face Cameroon in a 2017 African Nations Cup qualifiers double fixture later this month (March), Mashaba dedicated a separate 15 minutes just to reiterate his questionable selection criteria. The debatable points were around players who haven’t played competitive football since last November like Jackson Mabokgwane and Itumeleng Khune who only came back last night (Wednesday, 09 March) for Kaizer Chiefs from an injury. Mashaba stuck to his criteria.
The 51 year-old Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane, says that he is hoping the new FIFA president Gianni Infantino will assist in the development of African Football. The Swiss has promised 50% of FIFA’s revenues back to member associations, under his plan each of the 209 federations would get 5 million US dollars over four years for Project developments…..
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has blamed the lack of support from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) as the result of local teams not doing well in CAF club competitions. Sundowns will play against Bloemfontein Celtic next week Tuesday, the 15th of March 2016 , and they have to play against Leopards in Congo-Brazzaville few days later and this is something Mosimane has got a problem with...
Kaizer Chiefs U17 coach Arthur “10111” Zwane's view is that one of the reasons local academies use players who are on their way out of the U17 age group is because they want to win at all costs and don’t address the fundamental purpose at that level, which is to develop. Zwane says that the Gauteng Future Champions tournament is vital because it gives the local U17 teams the opportunity to play against international teams and it exposes the young local talent to international standards....
Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Chief Director Ivor Hoff, says that the Gauteng Future Champions tournament is also more about introducing their provincial game to international standards. Addressing the concerns of Amajimbos head coach, Hoff agrees that teams need to be encouraged to use younger players who would use this opportunity of playing against their international counterparts at international level with the national team too...
The ninth edition of the Gauteng Future Champions international tournament was launched today the 9th of March 2016 at SAFA house in Johannesburg, sadly the national U17 head coach Molefi Ntseki says the tournament is not going to help them select the best talent for the new group of Amajimbos. He says the ages of players who play in this Future champs tournament won’t assist them.....
Moroka Swallows, one of the oldest football teams in South Africa finds itself in trouble and is only nine games away from falling down into the amateur ranks. Just a season after being relegated to the National First Division (NFD), they are now occupying the bottom spot and are serious candidates for the big drop to the ABC Motsepe League. A day before they host Supersport United in the Nedbank Cup last 32 match at Dobsonville stadium, veteran midfielder Dikgang “Terminator” Mabalane has spoken about the difficulties of guiding youngsters who usually go months without being paid their salaries…
Swallows has only won two matches this season in the NFD and lost 14, they have the worst defensive record having let it 42 goals leaving them with a very bad -27 goal difference record. Mabalane says having to deal with raw youngsters from the amateur structures who suddenly have to deal with this situation makes things more difficult…
Meanwhile Orlando Pirates striker Tendai Ndoro, who scored a brace in their victory over Chiefs Saturday the 7th of March, is modest about his goal scoring prowess. The Zimbawean international star says that he does not complain about not starting in the game because it is not all about him, he added by saying that all Pirates strikers can play and score goals for team and they have to support them…
Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler, says that their objective of completing 2015/16 season on a positive note, remains important to them. Tinkler’s focus on ending the season as high a possible on the log, is equally important as winning the trophies, with his side having advanced to the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup now his focus is on their Absa Premiership match against Jomo Cosmos at Orlando Stadium on Saturday the 12th of March 2016.
The former Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Manning Rangers defender feels a little bit embarrassed by the manner in which his players performed on the day. He says they did the exact opposite of what he told them to do. Though he claims that he is not rubbishing his players, Malesela insists, however, that they let him down when it mattered most. And he blames that on lack of ambition on the part of the players….
Once more Malesela questioned his defenders’ commitment in the wake of clumsy defending, which resulted in Bakgaka scoring all the goals. Malesela believes that his back four should have done better….
A disappointed acting Chippa United coach, Dan “Dance” Malesela, had some strong words for his players after the Chilli Boyz were dumped out of the Nedbank Cup by top National First Division side, Baroka FC, who beat them 3-2 at the Buffalo City Stadium in East London yesterday. Most of Malesela’s criticism was directed to the Chilli Boyz defenders….
Platinum Stars performance analyst and the reserve team head coach Allan Clark, says that the downside of the PSL reserve league is to glorify only players who are in their twenties. One of the players who excelled in Clark’s team whom he believes that is underrated is the 16-year old Kobamelo Kodisang, who made his debut as a 15-year-old for the senior team when they beat Golden Arrows 2-0 in the first round. Kodisang was also part of the national under 17 team which went to the world cup in Chile last year. Clark, who also has an experience in the Bafana Bafana set-up, having worked under Pitso Mosimane says Kodisang is a precocious talent, but doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.
Bafana Bafana head coach Ephraim ‘Shakes” Mashaba has a serious challenge as he plans for a double 2017 African Nations Cup qualifier against Group M log leaders Cameroon later this month (March). Mashaba is announcing his squad for the two matches next Thursday, 10 March 2016, but has got his two top goalkeepers Itumeleng Khune and Jackson Mabokgwane out either on injuries or not having played competitive since November last year. Enter veteran goal minder Moeneeb Josephs, whose stats this season read 20 matches, 18 goals conceded and nine clean sheets (the best record so far this season) but he doesn't seem interested in playing for Bafana anymore. Josephs counts 22 caps at international level
The Bidvest Wits camp continued to be ravaged by injuries and the latest victim is Bafana Bafana star player Sibusiso “General” Vilakazi. Speaking at the team’s training session this Wednesday morning, 02 march at Sturrock Park in Johannesburg, head coach Gavin Hunt lamented the amount of injuries the team is suffering from. Vilakazi’s injury follows closely after the long-term lay-offs that have just been suffered by Papy Faty and revelation of the season Phakamani Mahlambi. Vilakazi had scored the first goal during the 6-0 demolition of Seychelles’ Light Stars in the CAF Confederation Cup this past weekend. As the Students turn their focus to the Nedbank Cup last 32 encounter against the embattled Bloemfontein Celtic on Friday, 04 march, Hunt is paying very little attention to the administrative problems around the Free State side. Celtic beat Wits in the league in January and that’s the only win they've achieved under Serame Letsoaka in more than 10 matches.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Supersport United have promised fireworks in their Tshwane derby, when they lock horns in the ABSA premiership clash at Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville tonight, the 1st of March 2016. The Brazilians have already beaten their neighbours on two occasions this season, in the first round and also in the Telkom Knockout Cup semifinal. SuperSport United coach Stuart Baxter admits that his team will be the underdogs against the Sundowns, who have looked almost invincible in the league this season.
Some Premier Soccer League teams like Maritzburg United had gone years before finishing inside the top eight but Chippa United could achieve that feat this season, thanks to good coaching from Dan “Dance” Malesela. The former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns defender says that there is nothing to celebrate yet despite his team currently sitting comfortably in the top six, with 31 points from 21 matches in the Absa Premiership table, he adds that the team still need to work hard in the next nine games. Since Malesela’s arrival in December 2015, the Chilli Boys have been consistent in playing a good attractive brand of football.
Chippa United coach Dan "Dance" Malesela started proper coaching at the Transnet School of Excellence and has also coached at the Sundowns development academy. All Malesela’s teams from United FC and Cape Town All Stars maintained a certain brand of football and even now at Chippa he’s remained true to that. He says if players don’t follow the concept of building from the back and sticking to carpet football they know that selection is not guaranteed.
Following their comprehensive eight wicket Momentum One Day Cup title win over the Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras last night, Bizhub Highveld Lions coach Geoffrey Toyana says he dedicates the trophy to his entire squad. Throughout the entire competition, the Lions have been led from the front by the experience of captain Stephen Cook (504 runs in the competition) and veteran Alviro Petersen shinning with the bat. Toyana has also called on his young Lions squad to put Sunday title triumph behind them and reassemble on Wedneday morning with different attitudes ahead of their Sunfoil Series title clash on Thursday.
Bloemfontein Celtic boss Max Tshabalala says that the team is up for sale. Addressing the media at the club’s headquarters in Bloemfontein earlier today, Tshabalala says that he has had enough of unruly supporters with their relentless actions over months. Phunya Sele Sele was found in 1969 by the late Norman Mathobisa and Victor Mahatanya. It was initially called Mangaung United. In 1984 Dr Petrus Molemela took over the club and changed the name to Bloemfontein Celtic.
Mamelodi Sundowns has advance in the first round of the CAF Champions League after beating the Zimbabwean team Chicken Inn 2-0, in the preliminary round second leg at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday night the 27th of February 2016. The win gave the Brazilians a 2-1 aggregate success after they went down 1-0 in the first leg, in Bulawayo two weeks ago. Sundowns were awarded a penalty after Khama Billiat was brought down in the box by defender Bernard Passmore at the death. It was the first time the Brazilians earned a spot kick this season in all competitions.
Kaizer Chiefs apologises to it’s thousands of fans who have been patient with the non-arrival of the opponents Volcan de Moroni for the CAF Champions League preliminary round, second leg encounter at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban the past weekend of the 28 of February 2016. A walkover was then granted by the match officials and after winning the first leg 4-0 in Comoros, Chiefs advance on 7-0 aggregate. Amakhosi’s Communications Manager Vina Maphosa apologizes to the fans.
A very disappointing 2-0 home loss to Angola’s Sagrada Esperanca last night at Athlone Stadium, saw Ajax Cape Town knocked out of this year’s CAF Confederations Cup. Ajax Cape Town coach Roger De Sa, says it was not a very good performance from the players, and credit must go to Esperanca for taking advantage of that fact. De Sa says the game is all about making fewer mistakes than the opposition, and Ajax made crucial errors at crucial times, and that’s why they lost.
Ajax Cape Town goalkeeper Brandon Petersen says that he’s looking forward and feeling positive about tomorrow's game the 27th of February 2016, against Sagrada Esperanca at Athlone Stadium. He says that after playing in a few Multichoice Diski games he is ready and excited to get back to the field. Petersen, who was on the bench for the first leg in Angola, says that he’s expecting a good physical battle.
Ajax Cape Town will resume CAF Confederation Cup competition action this weekend, when they take on Angola’s Sagrada Esperanca at Athlone Stadium on Saturday night the 27th of February 2016. The Cape Town team will go into the game leading 2-1 from the first leg and coach Roger De Sa says they feel suitably prepared for the match. De Sa says that there will definitely be a few changes to the team that will plays tommorrow night, as he needs to give a few players a break as his team will be playing against Chippa United in the Absa Premiership on Tuesday the 1st of March 2016.
Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Khama Billiat is confident that his team will stage a comeback tomorrow the 27th of February 2016 against Chicken inn Fc. The Zimbabwean international player has been in an impressive form, scoring eight league goals and also providing a number of assists as well. Champions league is the Brazilians main target this season, after bowing out in the first round to the current champions TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo last season.
Mamelodi Sundowns will need to overturn a one goal deficit against Chicken Inn if they are to realize their ambition of winning the CAF Champions league. The Brazilians will host the Zimbabwean team in the CAF champions league preliminary round second leg tomorrow the 27th of February 2016, at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville. Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says that they will play their normal football.
The Confederation of African Football has reiterated its support for FIFA Presidential candidate Sheik Salman Ibrahim Al Khalifa ahead of today’s elections the 26th of February 2016 at the FIFA Extraordinary Congress in Zurich, Switzerland. Earlier this month in Kigali, Rwanda, the CAF Executive Committee decided on Sheik Salman, as it’s preferred candidate ahead of South African Tokyo Sexwale, Gianni Infantino, Jerome Champagne and Prince Ali Al-Bin Hussein. CAF listed 11 key points on why they are supporting Salman and on almost all of them, Binyam says Africa shares a common vision with Asia.The inadequate representation of other confederations on FIFA platforms from world cup tournaments to executive committee as compared to UEFA or CONMEBOL is another key factor on why CAF has took a stance of backing Salman according to Binyam.
While Ajax Cape Town are perhaps best known for the players they develop, Asive Langwe is hoping the club will be where he gets a chance to resurrect his once promising career. The former Bidvest Wits starlet joined Ajax on loan at the start of the season and in recent months has broken into the first team match squad. Langwe says he had a good relationship with coach Roger De Sa at Wits, and it was definitely one of the factors that helped him decide to come on loan to Ajax. The 22-year old from Katlehong says that he’s felt very welcomed since joining the, and he’s been working hard to get back into shape.
New AmaZulu striker Mame Niang has revealed that he turned down several offers from Absa Premiership clubs in favour of a move to the National First Division. The accomplished Senegal forward shocked everyone when he announced he had signed for the Durban side after being linked to several top-flight clubs, such as Orlando Pirates and Maritzburg United, to name a few. The 31-year-old, who is on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns, also took a pay cut along the way and he is hoping that re-uniting with former boss Steve Barker will help reignite his career. Niang is also excited about lining up alongside Siyabonga Nomvethe.
Kaizer Chiefs missed a big opportunity of not only moving to the second spot on the Absa Premiership standings but also closing the gap between them and log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns down to five points. This follows their 1-all draw against Polokwane City at FNB stadium Tuesday night having missed a number of chances in the second half. The Citizens drew first blood when Thobani Mncwango headed in his ninth goal of the season from a free-kick in the 31st minute. But five minutes later Eric Mathoho replied also with header from a corner for his seventh goal in all competitions this season. City goalkeeper walked away with a man of the match award after denying Chiefs the winning goal on numerous occasions. Chiefs coach Steve Komphela and City coach Julio Leal.
Mamelodi Sundowns Goalkeeper Dennis Onyango admits that the next two games will be cruciail, but they are planning to take one game at a time.Sundowns will be facing Black Aces tomorrow the 24th of February 2016 and Chicken inn this coming weekend the 27th of February 2016. The Ugandan international goalkeeper also expressed the concern that Wits and Chiefs victories have put enormous pressure on his team.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela says they hope that the confidence from their previous wins will see them through against Polokwane City in the Absa Premiership match tonight the 23rd of February 2016 at FNB Stadium. Komphela says that inspite of Siyanda Xulu and Reneilwe Letsholonyane who remain casualties he’d love to keep the momentum going, especially at this point of the season, where every point is vital if they’re to challenge and defend their title.
Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to get their quest for ABSA premiership glory back on track, when they host Black Aces at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville tomorrow night the 24th of February 2016. The six-time PSL champions suffered a minor setback when they dropped two valuable points against Golden Arrows last weekend, while their biggest rivals Bidvest Wits and Kaizer Chiefs collected maximum points to narrow the gap. The next two games will probably define the season for Mosimane’s team. The Liberian international captain Anthony Laffor says that Aces team, who are ten points off the pace cannot be written off just yet.
Orlando Pirates head Coach Eric Tinkler says that their main objective is to finish the 2015/16 Absa Premier Soccer League season in top eight. Despite struggling to assert themselves this season, which has been characterized by inconsistencies in terms of results, Tinkler still believes finishing the season as high as possible is still achievable. In their next league encounter Bucs, who have never finished a season outside the top eight bracket since the start of the modern day PSL in 1996, will welcome Bloemfontein Celtic at Orlando Stadium on Saturday the 27th of February 2016. Tinkler says that their remaining ten league matches are going to be very tough as all the teams they’ll be up against are looking to finish the season in the top eight.
Black Aces coach Muhsin Ertugral, says that if his team win against Mamelodi Sundowns tomorrow on the 24th of February 2016, the Absa Premiership title race will still be wide open. The unmoved fourth placed Aces travel to the Lucas “Master Pieces” Moripe Stadium to face log leaders Sundowns. Despite the loss to Pirates and Sundowns also on the back foot, Ertugral says he is looking forward to setting the record straight with coach Pitso Mosimane.
National First Division rookies Mthatha Bucks and Mpumalanga based team Mbombela United shared spoils in front of an electrifying crowd at Mthatha stadium on Sunday. Head coach Velile Dyaloyi says that not only Bucks are under pressure, but all the National First Division teams find themselves in a similar situation. Amathol’amnyama are currently 15th on the log standing, with five points. According to Dyaloyi, as long as they keep picking up the points they’ve got the situation under control.
Sexwale who is the only African amongst the five candidates to vying to replace the suspended Sepp Blatter hints that he doesn’t really stand a chance in Zurich. But he says whoever is FIFA president, they need to know the different conditions people face to play football around the world and the story of Robben Island’s footballers is symbolic of that…
Both Sexwale and Infantino don’t have Africa’s support going to Friday’s election as the CAF Executive committee decided in Kigali, Rwanda earlier this month to back Asia’s Sheik Salman Ibrahim Al Khalifa. Infantino who started his campaign in Cairo, says it is apt that he finished his campaign at Robben Island in Cape Town, as it symbolizes the changes that Fifa must make in football…
Sexwale who had spent 10 years at Robben Island during the dark days of Apartheid, says he had invited all of the candidates namely Sheik Salman Al Khalifa, Prince Ali Bin-Al Hussein and Jerome Champagne, however due to schedule conflicts, only Infantino could attend at this time…
FIFA Presidential candidate and UEFA Secretary general Gianni Infantino has given a strong indication yet that there could be a possible partnership between him and Tokyo Sexwale post the FIFA elections in Zurich on Friday. South Africa’s FIFA Presidential candidate Tokyo Sexwale returned to Robben Island today, as he took fellow candidate Infantino on a tour of the jail where he was once held as a political prisoner. Infantino says that it was important for him to experience this emotional journey. He says football is not only about the top leagues and divisions, it is something that can change perceptions and effect change…
This week on the 26 of February, FIFA will finally complete its search for Sepp Blatter’s replacement in Zurich, Switzerland. Africa’s only candidate Tokyo Sexwale welcomed another front-runner Gianni Infantino at Robben Island this Morning, the 22nd of February 2016 and also at the Mayibuye Centre at University of Cape Town later in the afternoon. This visit is more than just a tour but just like the events of this week, the real answer will come on Friday. Infantino made an interesting comment there about Sexwale.
The Former World footballer of the year, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid legend Luis Figo says that football fans are fortunate to be witnessing the two feared attacking combinations in world football the MSN of FC Barcelona (Messi, Suarez, Neymar) leads the BBC of Real Madrid (Benzeama, Bale and Cristiano). In this wide-ranging exclusive interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, Figo refused to compare the two combinations of the Spanish La Liga top giants.
The Former Bidvest Wits and Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth, says that he does not regret his decision of retiring in 2013/ 2014 season, even though he had an option to continue with his football career. Retiring and coming back has been a norm in football, as some players would eventually be tempted to go back to the game, to name a few; Jabu ‘Ngwana wa tshwenya’ Mahlangu & Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi but Booth is certain about his retiring decision.
The South African Football Coaches Association ( SAFCA ) Technical Advisor Ted Dumitru, who also sits in the South African Football Association ( SAFA ) technical committee has welcomed the findings of the ground breaking football research. Dumitro says it is going to aid the football development in the country.
When African players excel in these junior tournaments they are immediately signed up by European clubs and Mogale says this doesn’t only interfere with their growth patterns. He says African players have to adapt to European methods and conditions that are not suitable for them…
A study done by two members of the South African Football Coaches Association (SAFCA) and University of Pretoria Sport Science graduates has found that African players mature earlier than Europeans and their training programmes have to be altered to accommodate that. Keledi Mogale and Kabelo Mokoena are both youth football coaches in Pretoria and their study on early maturation of South African players could go a long way towards revolutionizing youth football training in the country. Addressing SAFCA members during today’s presentation at Johannesburg stadium, Mogale has more on their findings…
Former FC Barcelona and Real Madrid legend Luis Figo believes that it will be not be easy for the Catalan side to rewrite the history books and become the first team to defend the UEFA Champions League title. Figo, a former Portuguese international was in the country this week to promote the Champions league tournament as the knockout phase kicked off. Barcelona won a treble last season under Luis “Lucho” Enrique and on Wednesday, 17 Feb, they went six points clear at the top of the La Liga standings after beating Sporting Gijon 3-1. In this exclusive interview with SABC Sport's Velile Mbuli, Figo also looks at the difference between Barca and Madrid this season.
Botswana will play Comoros Island in a tricky Gabon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) away qualifying fixture on March 26, 2016, in an encounter whose result could be defining for the southern African side. The Comoros Island have proved to be a combative competitor and their display against Ghana recently during a World Cup qualifier at home proved that the Islanders are improving in leaps and bounds. Botswana head coach Peter Butler acknowledged that it is not going to be a walk in the park. He says away games in international football are difficult in its nature.
Supersport United coach Stuart Baxter says Steve Komphela is doing a very good job at Kaizer Chiefs. Komphela replaced the Englishman at the beginning of the season after his predecessor guided Amakhosi to four trophies in three seasons. Komphela is under tremendous pressure after he reached two finals this season, but failed to win both of them. It will also be a mission for Chiefs to retain their Absa Premiership title, with them trailing log leaders and in-form Mamelodi Sundowns by a staggering 10 points with only eleven matches to play. But Baxter says Komphela must be given credit for giving the likes of defender Lorenzo Gordinho game time.
Platinum Stars head coach Cavin Johnson, says that South African teams participating in CAF competitions need to be given more time to prepare, in order to do better in Africa. Johnson believes that the scheduling of fixtures is not helping enough.
Ajax Cape Town CEO Ari Efstathiou says that they are still not happy with any of the organisation but will go to Angola to play. Last Friday the 5th of February 2016 Ajax announced that due being unable to confirm travel logistics and the team’s safety, they were withdrawing from the tournament, however after meeting with angered SAFA officials on Monday (8-february-2016), the club has said they will be going to Angola to honour CAF Confederation Cup fixture against GD Sagrada Esperanca of Angola on the 13th of February 2016.
Ajax Cape Town coach Roger De Sa says his personal view was that they’d get more support from their own national association, but he is disappointed at how Ajax was attacked for their earlier stance. De Sa says most of the arrangements are still unclear, but with threats being issued, they will go to Angola and they will only be taking eighteen players with them; Confirming that Prince Nxumalo would not travel in case of health concerns, and he will more than likely rotate the team a bit. Ajax will play against GD Sagrada Esperanca of Angola this weekend on the 13th of February 2016.
South Sudan came out in support of European candidate Gianni Infantino, the UEFA Secretary General has promised to work hard on the African votes. Infantino says that the discussion he had in Africa with African Association makes him confident and he is very optimistic. In Zurich on the 26th of February 2016, the voting to replace Sepp Blatter would be done by 54 Presidents from different FA’s on this continent (209 globally), and these are the people that Infantino promises to work on leading to the important day. On Friday the 5th of February 2016 CAF executive committee voted to endorse other Contender Sheik Salman Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Egypt were the first African Football Association to pronounce that they will be backing Prince Ali Bin Al.
Cape Town All Stars have parted ways with their head coach Ian Taylor and his assistant Dylan Deane, after the club suffered three straight defeats.Taylor, the former Ajax Cape Town assistant who joined All Stars in December, confirms to SABC that he received a termination letter on Monday, the 8th of February 2016. All Stars were leading the National First Division table earlier this season, but are currently seventh on the table, nine points off the leaders.
Ajax Cape Town head coach Roger De Sá, expressed his disappointment as the Urban Warriors had to withdraw from the CAF confederation Cup. De Sa says they can not take the risk of travelling without any concrete arrangements in place. The team announced that they have been forced to withdraw from the CAF Confederation Cup, just over a week before they were due to play away against Angola’s Sagrada Esperanca in the preliminary stages.
University of Pretoria played 2-all draw in a lively ABSA Premiership encounter against Free State Stars at the Tuks stadium. AmaTuks head coach Shaun Bartlett in only his second game in charge says that they may live to regret dropping points. The 43-year-old coach is now looking to help revive the fortunes of AmaTuks side languishing in the relegation zone, positioned 15th on the log with 13 points from 17 games. Bartlett says consistency will be key.
Bidvest Wits have only registered four points out of a possible 12 in the last four matches, three of these games have been at home where they only won 5-0 against Polokwane City two weeks ago. Following their 1-all draw against Platinum Stars midweek, they face Golden Arrows in Durban tomorrow afternoon. On Wednesday, young goalkeeper Jethren Barr played his first game this season as he stood in for the suspended Moeneeb Josephs and Hunt is confident that he will bounce back from that howler…
The team of 1996 was made up of quick learners, leaders and it’s one of the things that helped Bafana Bafana to win their maiden African Nations Cup title on home soil. This is according to former Bafana captain Neil Tovey as he looks back, 20 years after this wonderful achievement. On this day back in 1996---Bafana beat Tunisia 2-0 in the AFCON final at FNB stadium thanks to a brace from Mark Williams. Tovey, who is now SAFA’s Technical Director, is fully aware that he’s carrying the burden of turning the fortunes of Bafana and all the other national teams around. In this wide-ranging interview with SABC Sport journalist, Tovey says there are strong elements from those glory days that he would like to bring back.
FIFA Presidential candidate Tokyo Sexwale left with SAFA President Danny Jordaan for Kigali, Rwanda on Wednesday morning, with no conclusive answer that he can count on the home support ahead of Friday’s crucial decision. The CAF Executive Committee meets on the sidelines of the CHAN tournament in Rwanda and it’s expected that they will pronounce on which candidate they will be backing to replace Sepp Blatter come the FIFA Elections on the 26th of February. Following a meeting between SAFA Emergency Committee and Sexwale at the OR Tambo Airport on Tuesday night, Jordaan was clear that they will await the outcome of the CAF meeting before deciding on these elections.
Polokwane City midfielder Cole Alexander says his decision to join SuperSport United was a tough one. Amatsatsantsa announced that Alexander signed a pre contract with them and, he will join the team on the 1st of July this year. Alexander reveals that his manager told him that Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Bloemfontein Celtic and Bidvest Wits were also chasing his signature. He says he is grateful to City for giving him the platform to showcase his talent. The midfielder says that he is going to work harder than ever in the remaining months to leave lasting memories for the people of Polokwane.
Consistency remains a challenge for Lamontville Golden Arrows with a large contingent of young players in their squad, said coach Clinton Larsen as he praise debutants Musa Bilankulu and Mahlatse Makudubela.
Mamelodi Sundowns have now stretched their unbeaten run in the Absa Premiership to 13 matches but Pitso Mosimane has got one serious concern, that he’s been using one starting line-up for over four months now. Mosimane has been playing with this team since September and the results show. Just at the beginning of the 2nd half of the season, it’s tight at the top and Mosimane doesn’t agree that this is a three horse race between them, Black Aces and Wits.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Steve Komphela called for the Premier Soccer League to consider using foreign match officials for big games. Komphela made his statement following a goalless draw between the 'glamour boys' and Orlando Pirates at FNB stadium on Saturday, 30 January 2016.The game was officiated by Phillip Tinyani, assisted by Zakhele Siwela and Peter Chauke.
Orlando Pirates head coach Eric Tinkler feels that kermit Erasmus could’ve handled his move to French Ligue 1 giants Stade Rennais better. Erasmus hadn’t trained with Pirates for two weeks and missed the previous 1-0 loss to Jomo Cosmos. He said that he was not even aware of the possibility of the striker being released in the transfer window.
During his address, Kaizer Motaung who formed his club back in 1970 having broken away with a group of his teammates from Orlando Pirates---recalled that his first full-time job was at the Stock Exchange. Just like Motaung, Jomo Sono also returned from USA and left Pirates to form Jomo Cosmos. When the history of the formation of the NSL and PSL is shared, there’s always a reminder of the sacrifices that were made in the past and part of this includes Chiefs and Pirates agreeing to share equal gate takings and monthly grants with all the PSL teams.
History was made on Wednesday, 27 January 2016, when the founding fathers of the Premier Soccer League (PSL), chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza, Kaizer Chiefs boss Kaizer Motaung and Jomo Cosmos owner Jomo Sono opened the market at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Dubbed the fathers of South African football----instead of ringing the bell, they blew the horn, vuvuzela and beat the drums as the JSE opened it’s markets for 2016 in honour of these legends. Twenty years ago the three gentlemen were instrumental in the formation of the now lucrative PSL and Khoza says today’s honour has got a very strong message.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso “Jingles Mosimane is unhappy that Absa premiership teams are playing only one match per week in January. The league just came back from a festive season recess, while in November there was a long break to accommodate the men’s under-23 national team when they were campaigning in the eight nations tournament in Senegal for the Rio Olympics qualification. Mosimane is upset that his team will play league matches non-stop in February with the CAF champions league also due to start next month.
Former Moroka Swallows coach Zeca Marques, who is now in charge of Cape Town team Santos, says the current situation at his former club really saddens him. Swallows are currently bottom of the table in the National First Division (2nd tier), after being relegated from the Absa Premiership at the end of last season. Marques says he thinks about it all the time, and the worst part is that he predicted this might happen. He says that when he was in charge of the club the writing was on the wall, but all possible solutions fell on deaf ears.
Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Mark Mayambela, who recently joined the struggling Supersport during the transfer window from Chippa United says doing well for his new team might enhance his chances of playing for Bafana Bafana.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says he doesn’t know the content of the letter which was passed to his players on to the pitch during their 2-NIL victory over Supersport United on Saturday night, 23rd January 2016. Sundowns have been accused of time delaying tactics with the letter which was given to goalkeeper Dennis Onyango, allegedly instructing him to fake an injury during the match. But Mosimane denied knowing what was in the letter.
The plight of current and former footballers and how they struggle to control their financials was laid bare by former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns left-back Lovers Mohlala last week. In an exclusive interview with Thomas Mlambo on Sport at 10 on SABC 1 last Wednesday, 20 January 2016, Mohlala expanded on the statement he had put up on Facebook pleading with the current generation not to repeat the mistakes they made. The youngsters who are currently in development academies can easily grasp the message from Mohlala and other players. Mohlala also pleaded with the government and the private sector to help financially and with resources to cover more ground.
A sign of sound leadership and maturity at Mamelodi Sundowns is showing itself out in the manner in which they’re handling the departure of their influential midfielder Bongani Zungu at the end of this season. Zungu and his management team yesterday, 20 January 2016, confirmed that he would be moving to Portuguese Primeira Liga team Vitoria Guimaraes at the end of the season where he has signed a two-year deal. Sundowns coach told the media today that they’re in the process of searching for a perfect replacement for Zungu. SABC Sport Velile Mbuli reports.
The South African---Premier Soccer League (PSL) would be celebrating their 20th anniversary later this year, there are some founding members of this league that are no longer part of the National Soccer League (NSL). Umtata Bush Bucks, which later became known as Bush Bucks (no relation to NFD’s Mthatha Bucks) was one of the founding members of the PSL back in 1996/97 season. The club’s owner and former PSL Executive member Sturu Pasiya tells SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli about an ambitious academy who’s vision is to return to the elite league in four years time…
The South African under-23 national team captain Keagan Dolly says that impressing at the Rio Olympics in Brazil will boost many players’ chances of signing for big European teams in the near future. The team reached the Olympics for the first time in 15 years, when they finished third in the eight nations tournament held in Senegal late last year. Many European scouts will be present to search for new talent at the quadrennial tournament which will take place in August. SA’s top stars such as Benni McCarthy, Aaron Mokoena and Matthew Booth played in the 2000 Sydney Olympics in Australia, and they subsequently moved on to bigger things in Europe later on. Dolly is hoping half of the current crop will impress the scouts as well.
Executive Mayor of the Buffalo City Metro Alfred Mtsi, has welcomed the Chilli Boyz’s decision to move some of their matches to the Buffalo City Stadium.
Chippa United Chief Operations Officer, Lukhanyo Mzinzi is ecstatic after the Chilli Boyz’s matches at the Buffalo City Stadium in East London were confirmed by the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Mzinzi says the Chilli Boyz family is excited about the prospects of playing some of their matches at the 16 000-seater Buffalo City Stadium. The Chilli Boyz’s first match at the East London venue is against Ajax Cape Town on Sunday, 24th January 2016, live on SABC 1 at 15:00.
Orlando Pirates head coach Eric Tinkler is blaming the media for the pressure that his team finds itself under. This was Tinkler’s comment after his team came back from three-nil down to draw level 3-all against Maritzburg United in an Absa Premiership game at Harry Gwala stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday, Saturday. Pirates were hoping to build on their win against AmaTuks from last week but Tinkler is confident that a good run will eventually come for his team.
Mpumalanga Black Aces continued with their good run this season when they came back from one-nil down to beat Bidvest Wits 2-1 at the Bidvest stadium Friday night. Collins Mbesuma’s brace did the job for Amazayoni and head coach Muhsin Ertugral said that their game plan worked perfectly on the night.
The FIFA Presidential election race has taken another twist and long time front runner Sheik Salman Ibrahim Al Khalifa is now in pole position to succeed Sepp Blatter come the 26th of next month in Zurich, Switzerland. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is signing a Memorandum Of Understanding with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which is led by Al Khalifa in Kigali, Rwanda today. This can only mean one thing for another presidential hopeful, Tokyo Sexwale from South Africa that his chances of getting this position are very slim. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli has been following this story and provides some good insight…
Kaizer Chiefs held its 46th birthday celebration in Phefeni, Soweto on Tuesday, the 12th of January 2016, where Motaung was born and bred. The celebration was attended by all senior players and the coach, Steve Komphela, supporters and staff. Legends such as Cyril Nzama, Ryder Mofokeng, JC Xaba, Lucky Stylianou and Pele Blaschke were also present. Chiefs’ Marketing Director, Jessica Motaung said that it is vital to look back where the team comes from to know where it is going. She said that she would like to see the team have an impact in the continent and grow as a sport institution.
Chippa United team manager Luthando “Trompies” Zibeko has confirmed that Mark Mayambela has been released by the Port Elizabeth-based side to SuperSport United after an agreement over the player’s move was reached between the two clubs.
Keene who has also played in Sweden and India hints that he is ready to play on Sunday against Chippa United in Port Elizabeth if called upon and if the paperwork gives him the go ahead…
Bidvest Wits newly signed English striker James Keene has revealed that he was recommended by former Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter to his new team. Wits hope that Keene’s addition will help boost their bid at the league title. The 30 year old striker, who was on trial at Chiefs earlier last year says that it was ex-Amakhosi coach, who recommended him to go trial with “The Clever Boys”…
At his prime, he was one of the best players to have been produced by Nigeria and was part of the historic team that won the 1996 Olympics football gold medal in Atlanta. Former Super Eagles and Ajax Amsterdam attacker Tijani Babangida says his nation’s football needs to have it’s best players in the top leagues and teams if they are to boss the continent again. The 42year-old is in South Africa as part of the Super Eagles technical team preparing their squad for the CHAN tournaments that get’s underway in Rwanda on the 16th of this month. Babangida is now Sunday Oliseh’s assistant at the Super Eagles and he tells SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli that his former skipper is changing the fortunes of this team…
Banyana Banyana legend Portia Modise praised the SASOL national league for women, but feels they need to reduce the large number of teams to create a small competitive league, which will produce quality players for the national team.
Former Proteas fast bowler Makhaya Ntini says he believes that despite the tremendous resilience in the fight from the Proteas in the ongoing second Sunfoil Test match against England in Cape Town, the pressure is still on South Africa in the four Test match series.
by Thando Gqamane
Banyana Banyana legend Portia Modise believes that the team will do well at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil. However, Modise warns the nation not to put undue pressure on the women to reach the knockout stages in the quadrennial tournament. The 32- year old says women’s football in South Africa needs to improve in many aspects before the team can be expected to qualify for the quarterfinals and beyond in the future.
The Absa Premier League transfer window officially opened at the beginning of the week. The Polokwane City head coach Julio Leal says he does not want to give much away about his market plans. Leal's Citizens is a big squad and says he wants to reduce to a manageable number and give everyone some game time.
The Nigerian national team is going to the fourth CHAN tournament in Rwanda later this month with a two-pronged approach, to continue with their rebuilding mission and also to do well. Today the Super Eagles beat PSL side University of Pretoria 3-0 in an training match ahead of tomorrow's international friendly against Angola in Pretoria.
By Velile Mbuli
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane says the R1million that is allocated to PSL teams that play in the CAF club competitions is not enough. Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs will play in the CAF Champions League whilst Ajax Cape Town and Bidvest Wits will rerepresent South Africa in the CAF Confederation Cup. Sundowns will meet Zimbabwean champions Chicken-Inn FC in the preliminary stage next month and Mosimane says reaching the group stages is their main priority this year...
By Velile Mbuli
It’s not only Bongani Zungu that is on the verge of an overseas deal at Mamelodi Sundowns but also the exciting left-footed player Keagan Dolly. Fresh from captaining the national U23 team in Senegal where they qualified for the Rio Olympics later this year, Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane says Dolly and Zungu are both being chased by a top English Premier League side.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says lowly placed Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes is not good for their star midfielder Bongani Zungu. The Portuguese side has been trying hard to sign Zungu for the past six months and according to media reports they've finally tabled an enticing offer to him. But Mosimane maintains that the 23year-old should move to a bigger team instead.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane says they have not given up on convincing Bongani Zungu to stay with the team. The Bafana Bafana international midfielder's contract with Sundowns expires at the end of this season and he has made it known that his first priority is to secure an overseas move.
The 2014/2015 Absa Premiership champions Kaizer Chiefs have set a new record for the most number of points won in a season in a 16 team PSL league after beating outgoing champions Mamelodi Sundowns one-nil at Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria. A last gasp goal from Bernard Parker saw Amakhosi beating the 10-man Sundowns to stretch their lead at the top to 66 points after 28 matches beating last season’s 65 points mark set by the Brazilians. Chiefs head coach Stuart Baxter was diplomatic in his response when asked about breaking a record against a team that set them…
Less than a week after Kaizer Chiefs had lifted its fourth Absa Premiership title, the club’s Football Manager Bobby Motaung has promised the fans some quality signings to strengthen the team. Chiefs who still have a challenge of finalizing contracts of some of their top players like Itumeleng Khune, Tefu Mashamaite, Mandla Masango and George Lebese are in serious need of revamping their current squad. Some of the key players in the team are either approaching age 30 or above that age. And Motaung says they will be going to the market to solidify their team…
A midfield that had Doctor Khumalo and the late John “Shoes” Moshoue will forever be synonymous with Clive Barker, the coach who won South Africa it’s maiden African Nations Cup title. Moshoue with four goals in the 1996 AFCON pioneered the success of the golden generation of Bafana. And from Bafana Bafana to his last professional team, Barker was the central figure in Moshoue’s career. Speaking at the Moshoue memorial service this afternoon and responding to the Programme Director’s questions Robert Marawa, Barker has fondly remembered some of the man’s greatest moments…
PSL and Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza says the departed football legend John “Shoes” Moshoue was a model professional that the current generation of players should learn from. Speaking at memorial service at Grace Bible Church in Soweto this afternoon, Khoza also placed Moshoue as one of the players who had the star power that attracted millions of fans to watch the local league…
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has expressed his reservations about the hosting of the Nedbank Cup final at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth saying it will favour Ajax Cape Town more than them. Mosimane was speaking after his team ensured their passage to the final following a 1-0 win over Vasco Da Gama in the semi-final at Lucas Moripe stadium. The PSL announced immediately after this game that PE, would host this final and Mosimane feels that the “Windy City” conditions will suit the Urban Warriors rather…
Following an embarrassing first round exit last season, Mamelodi Sundowns are ready for the Nedbank Cup semifinals this year. The Brazilians face National First Division side Vasco Da Gama on Sunday in the second of two North - South derbies with Ajax Cape Town hosting cup kings Super Sport United on Saturday night. Mosimane says they immediately turned their attention to the Nedbank Cup after their one-all draw against Platinum Stars on Wednesday night…
On a sad week when the South African football community is mourning the departure of one of the greatest players to have graced a football field in this country, John “Shoes” Moshoue, his former team Kaizer Chiefs has dedicated it’s Absa Premiership title triumph to him. Amakhosi clinched the 2014/2015 title last night after hammering Polokwane City 4-1 at FNB stadium last night. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli was at the FNB stadium and has compiled this report…
Kaizer Chiefs clinched their fourth Absa Premiership title style in an emphatic fashion last night as they thumped Polokwane City 4-1 at FNB stadium to win the league with three games to spare. Playing in front of close to 22 000 fans, Amakhosi led 2-0 at half-time thanks to goals from George Lebese and Bernard Parker. Matthew Rusike netted a brace in the second half as Rendani Ndou curled in a beautiful consolation goal for the visitors. Chiefs are now 15 points clear at the top with 63 points after 27 matches played and head coach Stuart Baxter says despite having won the title it’s not the time to celebrate yet…
Less than two hours after football legend and former Bafana Bafana midfielder John “Shoes” Moshoue’s had passed on yesterday at the age of 49, a column written in Ghana was already trending on twitter. Titled “The year every Ghanaian kid wanted to John “Shoes” Moshoue”. Godfred Boafo’s column was referring to the 3-0 demolition job of the Black Stars in the 1996 African Nations Cup semi-final where Shoes was the destroyer in chief. If his dribbling skills were so effective on the field of play and so was his football brain and intellect off the field as well. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli spoke to the departed hero back in 2011 and recalls these moments…
Just few days after the Malawian government announced plans to evacuate it’s nationals from South Africa following an upsurge in xenophobic violence, foreign players in Premier Soccer League says they also live in fear. Malawian and Bloemfontein Celtic top striker Gabadinho Mhango says the xenophobic attacks that have gripped the country particularly in Durban has got them scared and fearing for their fellow nationals. Speaking after their 5-0 demolition of Mamelodi Sundowns in an Absa Premiership match at Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville, Mhango has urged other footballers to speak out against these attacks and disgraceful scenes…
Football plays a big role in the society and Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Doctor Khumalo is appealing to fellow South Africans to calm down and end the violent attacks directed at the fellow Africans. Speaking against the Xenophobic attacks that have broken out around the country, particularly in Durban in the past few days, Khumalo says the killing and displacement of foreign nationals is embarrassing the country and needs to be stopped…
Kaizer Chiefs have edged closer to clinching their fourth Absa Premiership title following a narrow 1-0 win over University of Pretoria at the Tuks stadium in Pretoria. Siphiwe Tshabalala’s curling free kick in the 70th minute sailed into the top right corner to open a 13-point lead at the top for Amakhosi with only four matches to go in this campaign. They have now collected 60 points after 26 matches played. Chiefs assistant coach Doctor Khumalo admitted that they struggled to adapt to the small pitch in the first half and needed something special to win this encounter…
It was a day of mixed feelings as Banyana Banyana qualified for the All Africa Games and the men’s U23 national team failed to qualify after matches against Botswana and Sudan respectively at Dobsonville stadium. Banyana beat Botswana 5-0, to make it 6-0 on aggregate after having won the first leg 1-0 in Gaborone and will make their way to the All Africa Games in September. Banyana coach Vera Pauw has credited this clinical performance to a good preparation the team had…
As early as next week, the South African Football Association (SAFA) will start going public with the decisions of the referees reviewing committee. This was confirmed by SAFA Head of referees Peter Sejake today as he was responding to questions about the underperformance of referees. SAFA has long had this reviewing committee that has been taking decisions and punishing referees and Sejake says they just have to go public now with them…
Orlando Pirates and Platinum Stars’ thrilling 3-all draw in an Absa Premiership game played at the Orlando stadium last night is a serious contender for the game of the season. It was a game that had everything a football fan would’ve asked for exciting moves, brilliant goals and a hat-trick from Mogokolodi Ngele. On three occasions Dikwena gave up their lead but head coach Cavin Johnson was at least satisfied that they managed to return home with a point…
By this time next month, the domestic Premier Soccer League programme will only be a week away from finishing the 2014/2015 season. But for the junior and senior national teams it will also be a beginning of a hectic programme until the end of the year. Next month the u23 also start the Rio Olympic qualifiers. There’s also COSAFA Cup for Bafana Bafana next month, 2017 AFCON and 2016 CHAN qualifiers in June. It’s a jam packed programme that will seriously challenged the national selectors but Bafana assistant coach Thabo Senong says they are ready and there’s enough talent in the country to take part in all these matches…
Former Polokwane City and Santos coach Boebie Solomons has criticized the old and outdated concept of calling a camp to select a national u/23 squad. He was referring to the recent selection that was made by Baby Bafana coach Owen Da Gama when he called 40 players to select a team to tour Palestine and play an All-Africa games qualifier against Sudan last month. Solomons who now coaches Cape Town All Stars in the National First Division (NFD) says there’s enough talent there to choose from but only if there’s a dedicated team of scouts to monitor it…
Glendene United won their first ever Metropolitan u19 Premier Cup when they beat JL Zwane 1-0 in an all Cape Tonian final in front of a packed crowd at Erica Park in Belhar, Cape Town. An early goal in the first half from Asbdulaleem Jacobs made all the difference in this tightly contested final. Glendene who had knocked out a much fancied and feared Supersport United academy on their way to the final showed maturity in their play. And newly appointed coach Lyle Barreiro says their plan paid off…
The South African Football Association constitutional congress’ resolution to take over the running of Schools football from it’s associate member South African Schools Football Association (SASFA) could start another cold war in local football. The commission that was deliberating on this issue recommended that SAFA take over the running of schools football in partnership with Sports and Recreation South Africa and Department of Basic Education. SASFA was represented by its President Mandla “Shoes” Mazibuko and Secretary General Steve Pila in the congress at Emnotweni Sun in Mbombela this past weekend. But Mazibuko is crying foul saying they were never properly consulted about this…
The 2015 edition of the Council of Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) Championships has been boosted by the return of Castle Lager, a long-term sponsor of this tourney for the better part of the last 18 years. After failing to host last year’s tournament due to sponsorship challenges, this year’s tourney will take place in North West from the 17th to the 30th of May. Apart from the brewery company Australian energy drink Power Horse is another new partner for COSAFA. With these two sponsors on board, COSAFA Secretary General Sue Destombes says they are now good to go…
In it’s next elective congress in May this year, football world’s governing body FIFA will be emphasizing on the election of women to it’s executive. Whilst all the focus is on who will be the president, the election of women to the FIFA Executive Committee will also be prioritized. And it’s something that FIFA wants to see spreading to it’s member associations., it came as no surprise that SAFA in it’s next elections in 2018 wants to have a female Vice-President. As part of it’s delegation to SAFA’s Constitutional congress In Mbombela this past weekend, the PSL had Kaizer Chiefs Marketing Director Jessica Motaung and she was impressed with what she saw…
One of the key players the fans have looked forward to seeing back in the national team is Ajax Amsterdam’s playmaker Thulani “Cream” Serero. His dramatic exclusion from the AFCON squad in a way crippled Bafana at the continental showpiece. But after some intervention from the SAFA top brass, head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba ended up recalling into the team for this camp together with the likes of Kamohelo Mokotjo (FC Twente, Dutch), Ayanda Patosi (Lokeren, Belgium). Serero who turns 25 next month is also happy to be back and says he’s always available for the national team…
Life will never be the same again for players representatives (agents) in South Africa after the SAFA Constitutional Congress at Emnotweni Sun in Mbombela this weekend approved three percent as a commission for the soon to be introduced intermediaries system. As from the first of next month (Wednesday) FIFA is introducing new regulations that will see agents now being referred to as intermediaries and their powers severely restricted. Previously agents were entitled to 10 percent of the player transfer deals. SABC Sport understands that there was also an argument for five percent but SAFA President Danny Jordaan has reasons why they’ve gone with this FIFA minimum requirement….
Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba has started to play the tape of his two predecessors Pitso Mosimane and Gordon Igesund, the poor finishing that is costing the team. This followed Bafana’s one-all draw against an under strength Nigerian team in an international at Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit. Ahmed Musa’s top class curling strike was cancelled out by Bongani Zungu’s first goal in international football deep into injury time. But before that Bafana had wasted several goal-scoring chances including a missed penalty by Andile Jali. Leading to Mashaba to decry the lack of composure in the final third…
At a time when some Premier Soccer League teams have been alleged to be going through financial difficulties especially those without sponsors, the league is working on introducing salary caps. The huge sums of salaries in the PSL have been going on for the past eight years since the league signed a mega broadcast deal that amounted to R1,5 billion in 2007. It has become normal in the PSL to have players that earn between three to five million rand annually, if not more. Speaking after the National Soccer League (NSL) Board of Governors (BOG) meeting this week, PSL chairman Irvin Khoza says it’s about time things changed…
Following Bafana Bafana’s comfortable 3-1 win over the neighbouring Swaziland side last night, head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba is under no illusions that the next international friendly match against Nigeria in Nelspruit on Sunday will be a tougher game than last night’s one. Goals from Thulani Hlatshwayo, debutant Thabo Mnyamane and Mandla Masango made all the difference for Bafana. After playing two draws in the AFCON qualifiers last year and played a part in the Super Eagles failing to defender their title in Equatorial Guinea two months ago, Mashaba knows that they are coming here for a good result…
Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba has expressed happiness with his team’s performance after they beat neighbouring Swaziland 3-1 in an international friendly match played at Somhlolo stadium in Mbabane last night. Two quick goals at the beginning of the second half from captain of the day Thulani Hlatshwayo and debutant Thabo Mnyamane and a late goal from Mandla Masango were enough to secure the result with Felix Badenhorst scoring the consolation goal for the hosts. It was a good work out for Bafana as Mashaba played 17 players on the night including six debutants. Mashaba says the hosts gave them a good workout…
South African football players will be freed from the unrewarding and one-sided long-term contracts with agents as from the first of the month. The National Soccer League (NSL) Board of Governors (BOG) held a meeting yesterday at the Birchwood hotel in Ekurhuleni to deliberate on this and other changes. As from next Wednesday, FIFA is introducing the new system of intermediaries replacing the agents system with strict regulations too. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli has been following this story and also spoke to the PSL chairman Irvin Khoza…
It was meant to be a question that was asking about the exploits of on form Zimbabwean international midfielder Khama Billiat but Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane ended up addressing the alleged exclusion of his players by Bafana Bafana selection team. With 10 goals in all competitions this season and an outright match winner so far for the Brazilians especially in the last three months Billiat is a strong contender for the player of the season. But Mosimane is more concerned about the exclusion of his players at Bafana Bafana and feels that as a team that’s been doing well, they deserve better…
There have been forced withdrawals from the Bafana Bafana team that is scheduled to play Swaziland and Nigeria in international friendlies in Mbabane and Mbombela this week. A total of 24 players are already in camp and held their first training session at Orlando stadium in Soweto this afternoon. Captain Dean Furman will not be reporting for this camp after his English League One club Doncaster Rovers requested that he be excused from the two matches a they have a tight schedule of matches. Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba confirmed that they have accepted Rovers’ request as part of also building relations with the clubs…
The Platinum Stars management has promised that by the end of this week they would have finalized the performance reviewing of it’s coach Allan Freese who was placed on special leave last Friday following a string of poor results. With 10 losses, six wins and six draws, Dikwena’s results in the Absa Premiership have led to this situation. Stars Football Manager says this is the culmination of a process that also involved Freese…
It was a sweet revenge for National First Division (NFD) side Black Leopards as they stunned Kaizer Chiefs beating them 2-1 and knocked them out of the Nedbank Cup last 16 at FNB stadium last night. A last gasp deflected shot from Roggert Nyundu won the game for Lidoda Duvha after Willard Katsande had cancelled out Morgan Shivhambu’s early goal. Chiefs beat Leopards in similar fashion in this tournament last year, scoring a late winner in extra-time. Leopards head coach Zeca Marques says it was always going to be about which team needed this most…
Mamelodi Sundowns have brought to an end Platinum Stars’ dominance over them this season in the cup competitions after they beat them 3-1 in the Nedbank Cup last 16 stage at Royal Bafokeng Sport Palace in Rustenburg. Dikwena had previously knocked the Brazilians out of the MTN 8 and Telkom Knockout this season but goals from Mzikayise Mashaba, Khama Billiat and Hlompho made all the difference for the visitors. As Sundowns proceed to the last eight, head coach Pitso Mosimane was a happy man to have ended this hoodoo…
Former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune hasn’t played for the national team since the CHAN tournament in January last year and he only lasted one training session early in September last year with Bafana. This week he was called-up to the senior national team for the first time since then and also missed out on the recent AFCON tournament because he wasn’t playing at Kaizer Chiefs. Khune who is armed with 72 international caps is hoping that his return to the national is the beginning of good things to come…
After a one-year absence from the Bafana Bafana set-up, Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has returned to the national team and is part of the 30-man squad that will play Swaziland and Nigeria next week. Khune’s return also coincides with the return of most of overseas-based players who were seen as rebels at Bafana like Thulani Serero, May Mahlangu, Thulani Patosi and Kamohelo Mokotjo. Their return follows the intervention by the SAFA top brass earlier this month where it was agreed that these players should be made available for selection. Mashaba says the talk that there are issues between him and the players is a thing of the past…
Late in August last year, just after Amajita had qualified for the African Youth Championships, the SA U/20 national team head coach Thabo Senong who was an assistant at the time was raving about a Brazilian based South African youngster. Eight months later, armed with a gifted left foot finish, Tyren Sandows has made an immediate impression. The 19 year-old’s hat-trick during the 5-2 demolition of neighbours Zambia in a dead rubber game on Sunday cannot be taken lightly. The bigger picture was to qualify for the FIFA U/20 World Cup but that opportunity was missed and Sandows who now plays for Gremio in Brazil tells SABC Sport journalist that his dream is to represent Mzansi in front of the Brazilians at the Rio Olympics next year…
Exactly two months after the PSL’s most decorated footballer, Daine Klate returned to Supersport United after five years at Orlando Pirates, he made his debut this past weekend during his club’s 2-0 win over neighbours University of Pretoria in an Absa Premiership game. When Klate rejoined United at the end of January he was carrying an injury having last played during Pirates’ one-all draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in a league game in December last year. With five PSL titles, three Nedbank and Absa Cup trophies, two MTN 8 and SAA Supa trophies, one Telkom Knockout title and an African Champions League silver medal, the 30year-old tells SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli that at Supersport United is where he belongs. But he hasn’t forgotten the legendary status he’s earned at the Buccaneers…
Banyana Banyana will play their first All Africa games qualifier on Friday away to our neighbours Botswana but star striker Portia Modise says this will still not erase the memories of missing out on qualifying for the 2015 FIFA Women’s Cup in Canada later this year. The All Africa games take place in Democratic Republic of Congo later this year and Banyana have to win this tie to make it. The team is fresh from participating in the Cyprus Women’s Cup where they finished 10th out of 12 teams. The more prestigious Olympic qualifiers for Rio next year start in May and will run until October with only two spots available for Africa. In this interesting interview with SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli, Modise who is Banyana’s all-time leading goal scorer with 100 goals from 117 matches says the gap between women and men’s football will never close…
The South African national u/20 team head coach Thabo Senong believes that the future is bright for his team despite failing to qualify for the FIFA U/20 World Cup. Senong said this during Amajita’s arrival from Senegal at the OR Tambo international airport yesterday, where they were taking part in the African Youth Championships. Amajita finished third in Group B behind Mali and Ghana respectively and failed to reach the semi-finals. They hammered Zambia 5-2 in a dead rubber game on Sunday and Senong says these are the signs that it was not all lost…
It remains a huge concern to Orlando Pirates caretaker coach Eric Tinkler that his side failed to keep a clean sheet when they narrowly beat Uganda Revenue Authority 2-1 in a CAF Confederation Cup first round, first leg encounter at Orlando stadium on Saturday. A late own goal by Happy Jele after cracking strikes from Rooi Mahamutsha and Lehlohonolo Majoro proved to be costly for the hosts. Tinkler knows that this result could invite trouble for them in the away leg on the first weekend of next month…
South African football teams are leading the way in the implementation of the CAF club licensing system and way ahead of their counterparts in the continent. That’s the view of CAF club licensing manager Ahmed Haraz who spent the past week in the country meeting with SAFA and PSL leadership as part of the weeklong review of the club licensing in South Africa. Haraz says not only are SA clubs are ahead but they would now like to use some local expertise to fast-track this process around the continent…
University of Pretoria assistant coach Sly Mosala has challenged South African coaches to go beyond the borders of this country and prove that they are top coaches. Mosala is currently working with Sammy Troughton at the AmaTuks after they were promoted together to replace Steve Barker who left for Amazulu late last year. He recently won the inaugural PSL Reserve league challenge and will be touring with his team to Holland and German as part of the main prize. In this wide-ranging interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, Mosala says they are also fortunate at AmaTuks because they don’t have strong mandates with Troughton like other coaches…
Chippa United coach Ernst Middendorp was whisked away by cops from irate Chilli Boyz supporters after the club landed at the Port Elizabeth Airport today following last night’s 2-0 loss to Orlando Pirates. And now the supporters want the German-born coach to leave the club. An angry Chilli Boyz supporter Pam Buwa was speaking on behalf of the supporters, who say Middendorp has overstayed his welcome at the Port Elizabeth side….
The football leadership in Nigeria has made it clear that they’ve got a plan B and plan C should their current head coach Stephen “The Boss” Keshi fail to commit to a new deal before the end of this month. Keshi who won the Super Eagles it’s first African Nations Cup title in 19 years in 2013 and took them to the FIFA World Cup knockout stages last year for the first time in 12 years is at loggerheads with the Nigerian Football Federation. Keshi is unhappy about the terms of his new contract and it remains to be seen if he will be in charge of the Super Eagles when they play Bafana Bafana later this month. In this short interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, Nigerian Football Federation First Vice-President Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi addresses the Keshi issue. But he starts by discussing the tragic shooting of Kano Pillars players by alleged robbers on their way to a league game…
In a move to make the African Champions League more attractive and competitive, SABC Sport has established that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is planning to expand the group stages from eight teams to 16 teams. It has been argued previously that the current format of two groups of four teams is not enough for the growing number of competitive teams in the continent. In this wide-ranging interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, CAF Vice-President Suketu Patel also has more on the latest development in African Football including the plans of setting up an in-house TV production house made up of African companies only…
At a time when globally most football teams put one striker upfront and pack the midfield with ball players, coaches in South Africa have to constantly answer questions from the media and fans on why they are not fielding two strikers. The Soweto derby post match conference following the goalless draw between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at FNB stadium on Saturday reminded the coaches again about this serious lack of knowledge of the game locally. Many have argued before that Lehlohonolo Majoro and Kermit Erasmus who have scored 16 goals between themselves in the Absa Premiership this season should play together. Pirates care-taker coach Eric Tinkler not for the first time this season explains why it’s dangerous to play two strikers in some big games…
Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter says consistency in good performances will be key heading into the biggest football game in the country, the Soweto derby, against Orlando Pirates this Saturday. Chiefs collected maximum points with a 1-0 win over Ajax Cape Town at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday on the back of a CAF Champions League win in Botswana last Saturday. The midweek win meant that Chiefs reclaimed their 10 points lead at the top going into the derby and Baxter says they need to be more consistent...
According to Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler the pressure leading up to the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs comes with the magnitude of the spectacle and it should be treated with such importance. Pirates lost the first leg of the derby 2-0 and they haven’t lost a league game since. Tinkler also calls on the supporters of both Pirates and Chiefs to respect and support their players on and off the field especially on derby day…
With five league titles, 11 years at professional level and still going strong, Supersport United’s beloved son Daine Klate is the best person to give a perspective on the current Absa Premiership title race. Klate won three league titles at United and was part of the historic double treble winning squad at Pirates. With 10 games to go, Chiefs is seven points clear at the top following’s Bidvest Wits’ crucial 1-0 win over the expensively assembled Mamelodi Sundowns last night. Klate says with ten games
Kaizer Chiefs registered their first win in the Absa Premiership this year and also reclaimed it’s 10 point lead at the top when they narrowly beat Ajax Cape Town 1-0 at FNB stadium last night. Mandla Masango’s 14th goal his sixth of the season saw Amakhosi reaching 50 points with only nine games to go in this campaign. This is also a huge morale boost for the team ahead of the all-important Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates at the same venue on Saturday. Head coach Stuart Baxter wasn’t happy with the performance but welcomed the three points…
Wits beat Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 to move to second spot in the Absa Premier Soccer League. With this win Students also cut Kaizer Chiefs lead at the top to seven points, even though Chiefs have a game in hand. And with nine games remaining the former Supersport United mentor continued to play the devil advocate and he says he is more concerned about his team than what is happening at other teams...
Sibusiso Vilakazi scored the only goal of the match to hand Wits maximum points when they beat Mamelodi Sundows 1-0 at Bidvest Stadium last night. The Student showed urgency from the first whistle forcing the visitors to defend for most part of the first half, but it was Vilakazi's goal in the 77th minute that really made the difference, and now Students have extended their unbeaten run to 10 games in domestic competitions and have amassed 22 point from home in11 games. And Wits coach Gavin Hunt who was continuously chewing a chocolate throughout the post match says they deserved to win the game...
For South Africa to keep its four spots in the CAF Club competitions from 2017 going forward it’s a must and the three teams left in the competition have to at least reach the group stages to make sure that these four spots are safe. SA is currently on 11 points according to the CAF club rankings for next year and have made the top 12 by just being the last Football Association on the table (number 12). Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are the three teams that are remaining in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederations Cup respectively. Speaking after their 4-1 aggregate win over St Michel of Seychelles this past weekend, Mosimane says it’s important that they preserve the extra two spots…
After several months of inactivity, Banyana Banyana will play their first match since October last year when they take on Mexico in their opening match of the Cyprus Women’s Cup in Ayia Napa on Wednesday. The team last played when they missed out on qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup during the African Women’s Championship in Namibia last year. As the team prepares for it’s first game, veteran utility player Noko Matlou who has since been converted into a defender by coach Vera Pauw tells SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli and a group of journalists that she misses being a striker and why Banyana is not singing anymore during it’s camps…
National u17 team coach Molefi Ntseki says he’s proud of his team despite falling short of winning the African u17 championships as they lost 2-0 to Mali in the final at Niamey in Niger last night. This was Amajita’s first loss of the tournament, in a competition that has seen them qualifying for the FIFA u17 World Cup in Chile in October later this year. The two teams had drawn 2-all in the group stages but Mali’s physical strength and aerial advantage was the main difference yesterday. This is the first Amajimbos team to have made the final and qualifying for the World Cup and Ntseki is a proud man…
Mamelodi Sundowns were so confident of making it through to the first round of the African Champions League, that they had started making plans for their game against TP Mazembe. This was confirmed by the head coach Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane after his side easily saw off Seychelles’ St Michel 3-0 to win 4-1 on aggregate at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday night. The preliminary round first leg had finished one-all two weeks ago. The first game against the four time African champions will be at home for Sundowns in two weeks time and Mosimane says they’ve made plans already for the usually problematic away leg in Lubumbashi…
It’s only the first year since South Africa regained the four spots in the CAF club competitions for the first time in many years, thanks to the exploits of Orlando Pirates in the 2013 African Champions League. But there’s uncertainty on whether the SA representatives will proceed to the next stage in the Champions League this weekend given their results in the first legs. Absa Premiership log leaders Kaizer Chiefs have a bigger challenge, carrying a slender 2-1 lead to Gaborone in Botswana against a well-determined Township Rollers side. Chiefs centre-back Morgan Gould says tomorrow’s game and it’s challenges excites them…
Nedbank Cup defending champions Orlando Pirates have been handed a tough last 16 draw against their nemesis Supersport United but Bucs defender Ayanda Gcaba says they are ready to end the hoodoo. “Amatsatsansa a Pitori” booted Pirates out of the Telkom Knockout semi-finals in November on their way to winning the trophy the following month. Today’s draw at the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg was attended by hundreds of football fans and players from all the teams. A Pirates and United game will be a clash between two teams that are on form and Gcaba is fancying their chances…
The South African national u17 team continued to rewrite the history books in the African u17 championships in Niamey, Niger when they beat world champions Nigeria one-nil in the first semi-final yesterday and reach the final for the first time. Amajimbos had earlier made history on Sunday by qualifying for the FIFA u17 World Cup for the first time. A first-half strike from Khanyisa Mayo son of former Bafana Bafana striker Patrick Mayo was enough to take Amajimbos to the final. Head coach Molefi Ntseki was spiritual after the game as he explained why they took a conservative approach to this game…
Former Golden Eaglets coach, Alphonsus Dike has called for caution in the side's semi-final clash against the Amajimbos of South Africa, according to AllAfrica.com. The reigning world champions will play South Africa for a place in the final African Under-17 Championship in Niger. The Eaglets garnered seven points to top Group A while South Africa finished second in Group B behind Mali with five points. Dike says Eaglets must be at their very best to prevail over South Africa. More often Nigerians have mocked and jeered South Africa ahead of competitive clash at all levels in football but this time around they seem to sit up and take note of South Africans’ quality. South African Football Association NEC member Ms Nomsa Mahlangu has more…
Banyana Banyana star striker, Portia Modise was finally honoured by the South African Football Association for her 100 goals milestone in international football at the SAFA House earlier today. The striker became a centurion for Banyana in 117 appearances during the 5-1 win over Algeria at the African Women’s Championship in Namibia. Modise started playing for the South African national team in her teen years. She’s also the reigning SA Sports Star of the year after winning the million rand prize and a car during the SA Sports Awards function in November last year. The 31year-old has thanked the association for this acknowledgement…
A strong programme that has seen the SA u20 national team playing over 15 matches in the last 12 months enabled Amajita coach Thabo Senong to select a strong 21-man squad to the African Youth Championships in Senegal next month. The team has eight Premier Soccer League and five National First Division players and four overseas based players in Portugal and Brazil. In a tough group that will see Amajita opening the tournament against Ghana on the ninth of next month, Bafana will be looking for a semi-final berth that will qualify them for the FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand in May. And Senong says they were spoilt for choice when settling for the final squad…
As the national u/20 coach Thabo Senong prepares to announce his final 21-man squad for the African Youth Championships tomorrow, there are still problems with some clubs who are refusing to release players for this crucial tournament. But SAFA President Danny Jordaan has assured that they will try their level best to negotiate with some PSL clubs to release these players. SABC Sport understands that Ajax Cape Town is refusing to release Bafana Bafana defender Rivaldo Coetzee. Jordaan says this is a matter of national interest…
Has Itumeleng Khune shunned the Kaizer Chiefs captaincy for good? That will be the question lingering on many people’s minds especially after this weekend’s 4-0 win over SAB Regional League side Edusport FC in the Nedbank Cup last 32 match. Morgan Gould had the armband this week, exactly a week after Khune had been said to have given his blessings to Tefu Mashamaite to keep the captaincy for now. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli assesses this situation and can it be linked to Khune’s future at Chiefs…
The current u17 national team Amajimbos are the lifeblood of SAFA’s vision 2022 and the steps they’ve undertaken in the past five months to qualify for the African u17 championships and yesterday for the FIFA u17 World Cup is a step in the right direction. Amajimbos beat Cameroon 3-1 yesterday in Niamey, Niger to qualify for the semi-finals and also for the World Cup in Chile later this year. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli looks at the road traveled by Molefi Ntseki and his boys so far…
Kaizer Chiefs easy 4-0 win over SAB Regional League side Edusport FC in the Nedbank Cup last 32 match at FNB stadium turned sour when the club’s trusted goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune went off on a forced substitution in the 69th minutes. Khune had collided with teammate Morgan Gould and was treated in the field for more than five minutes before being rushed to hospital. But the coach Stuart Baxter has downplayed the seriousness of this injury and it looks like the player could be back in action in the next game…
Senegalese national team captain and number one goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul has set his sights on linking up with a Premier Soccer League club but he’s running impatient because of an offer from a European club. Coundoul arrived in the country on Tuesday with Issa Sarr’s agent Dennis Idrissa and attended a Nedbank Cup match between Orlando Pirates and Tornado FC at Orlando stadium the following day. The 32year-old who played against Bafana Bafana in the AFCON last month, spent years in the US where he studied and played in the Major League Soccer for New York Red Bulls. Should Coundoul sign with a local side it will send a strong statement about the quality of players that the PSL is starting to attract from the continent. But as SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli finds out from Coundoul in this interview an offer from a Finnish club could make him think otherwise…
The national u/17 team Amajimbos has made history by qualifying for FIFA u17 World Cup for the first time when they reached the African u17 Championship semi-finals in Niamey, Niger. Amajimbos beat Cameroon 3-1 in the final Group B game yesterday to finish second behind Mali who beat Ivory Coast 1-0 in the other game. An own goal from Fokem Achille and a brace from captain Nelson Maluleke ensured that Amajimbos would play reigning world champions Nigeria in the first semi-final on Wednesday. Head coach Molefi Ntseki says this achievement is for the nation…
A win by clear two goals for the South African national u/17 team against Cameroon on Sunday should be enough to secure them qualification for the FIFA World Cup in Chile later this year. This follows Amajimbos’ hard fought 2-all draw against Mali yesterday as they recovered from two-nil down in their second African u17 Championships group B game in Niamey, Niger. After having drawn the opening game by a similar margin against Ivory Coast, Amajimbos now find themselves third on the log with two points, they’re two points behind leaders Mali and the Ivorians who will face each other in the last game. Cameroon is already out of the tournament having lost it’s first two matches and Amajimbos head coach Molefi Ntseki says they will treat Sunday’s game like a cup final….
Nedbank Cup defending champions Orlando Pirates cruised to the last 16 stage of this tournament when they comfortable hammered ABC Motsepe League’s 10-man Tornado FC 4-0 at Orlando stadium in Soweto last night. A rare brace from Thandani “Bibo” Ntshumayelo and goals from Lennox Bacela and Sifiso Myeni were enough to see the Buccaneers going through against the side from Mdantsane near East London in the Eastern Cape. This was Pirates’ third consecutive win in as many matches this year and head coach Eric Tinkler settling early in this game was important…
The South African Football Association (SAFA) is pushing ahead with the appointment of a Technical Director and the organization’s President Danny Jordaan has assured Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba that the new man is not coming to babysit him. In an exclusive interview with SABC Sport and SABC News, Jordaan also commented for the first time on Bafana’s performance in the recent African Nations Cup tournament. SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli was at SAFA House and has compiled this report…
Currently occupying second spot from the bottom in the Absa Premiership standings, Platinum Stars’ problems are bigger than many people think. Off the field the club is having its entire board overhauled as its struggles on the pitch seem to have emanated from the boardroom. Dikwena’s Football Manager Senzo Mazingisa returned to work yesterday four months after he was suspended. SABC Sport has learnt that following the resignation of the club’s chairman Ratanang Nke recently, the King of the Bafokeng Nation has called for a new board. Mazingisa told SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli during the Nedbank Cup launch in Sandton last night that he’s not bitter about the events of the last few months and is looking forward to helping the team avoid the relegation axe…
In the history of the African Champions League, Kaizer Chiefs have never reached the group stages and their performance in the preliminary round, first leg encounter against Botswana’s Township Rollers this past weekend was not inspiring any confidence. It had to take captain Tefu Mashamaite’s last gasp winner to ensure that Amakhosi take a slender 2-1 win at FNB stadium on Saturday night. The return leg will be played on the last day of this month at Gaborone. After falling off in the last hurdle losing to AS Vita last year for a spot in the group stages, Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter says valuable lessons were learnt and mistakes won’t be repeated…
At the age of 32, the future looks very bright for South African assistant referee Zakhele Siwela who has just returned from his third African Nations Cup tournament. The Alexandra born match official has already officiated in two matches in the past week here at home since his return from Equatorial Guinea last Tuesday. Siwela was one of the top match officials in this tournament and CAF confirmed this by appointing to officiate in the semi-final of eventual champions Ivory Coast and Democratic Republic of Congo. In this wide ranging interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, Siwela talks about the possible World Cup officiating, how to improve the current state of SA match officiating and other key talking points…
Following Orlando Pirates’ 2-0 win over Platinum Stars at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on Saturday afternoon, Pirates coach said he was pleased with their second league victory in just as many games. A goal in either half was enough for the Buccaneers to secure maximum points in the scotching Rustenburg heat. However, Tinkler, says he was not entirely happy with their performance in certain stages of the game.
It took the experience of Kaizer Chiefs captain Tefu Mashamaite to give his side the hope of progressing to the next stage of the African Champions league when he headed in a last gasp goal as Amakhosi beat Botswana’s Township Rollers 2-1 at FNB stadium last night. Many had anticipated the home side to cruise in this preliminary round, first leg encounter especially after Matthew Rusike had put them ahead in the sixth minute. The visitors found their equalizer inside the first two minutes in the second half through Segolane Boy. Chiefs failed at the last hurdle to reach the group stages last year and Baxter knows that they will have to dig deep in the second leg…
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Lebohang “Cheeseboy” Mokoena reckons the Brazilians can overhaul Kaizer Chiefs at the top of the Absa Premiership standings just like they did last season….
Following Orlando Pirates’ 2-0 win over Platinum Stars at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on Saturday afternoon, Pirates coach said he was pleased with their second league victory in just as many games. A goal in either half was enough for the Buccaneers to secure maximum points in the scotching Rustenburg heat. However, Tinkler, says he was not entirely happy with their performance in certain stages of the game.
Pirates went into the break leading by a goal to nil courtesy of former Kaizer Chiefs striker Lehlohonolo Majoro, who returned for only 15 minutes in the second half before getting a straight red card for retaliation. Tinkler says they had to change their tactics in the second stanza and thankfully they worked in their favor.
Shortly after Majoro’s sendoff, past the hour mark, Tinkler called on the services of Lennox Bacela ahead of Kermit Erasmas much to the Buccs fans disapproval. Tinkler says he is happy that Bacela got onto the scoring sheet to seal the victory after being booed by fans before he came on.
With the loss to Pirates, Platinum Stars have now failed to collect maximum points at home in two matches this past week. Stars coach Allan Freese believes that things are getting worse in front of goal and subsequently at the back of late. Freese says he is disappointed with his side not being able to force a result from the game.
Platinum Stars are currently in 15th position on the Absa Premiership log table only nine points adrift from rock-bottom Amazulu and a point behind both Moroka Swallows and Free State Stars with one game in hand. Despite Ndumiso Mabena’s disallowed goal, Freese says they also had enough opportunities to score goals in the game.
With pressure mounting each game, Freese also believes his players need to start taking some responsibility for their below par performances.
With relegation fears now starting to creep in, Freese appeals to his side to get together and come up with a turn around strategy before it’s too late, starting with improving their form at home.
The University of Pretoria, Tuks, returned to the Absa Premiership with a hard fought 2-1 win over Eastern Cape side Chippa United in Pretoria on Tuesday night. Two goals from either side of the half saw the hosts collect maximum points and that left coach Sammy Troughton pleased with the re-start.
In previous years it’s always been difficult for CAF to justify why Yaya Toure would get the African Footballer of the year award mainly because of the underachieving
Ivory Coast team at international level. This was not only unfair on Toure but also the coaches and captains who vote for these players because they look at their
contribution both at club and international level. But when the Elephants lifted their second AFCON title beating Ghana 9-8 on penalties at Estadio de Bata in
Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, the reigning and four time African Footballer of the year says the whole team has had to endure a lot of negativity even back home and
this title comes as a huge relief…
AmaTuks striker Thabo Mnyamane has not denied nor confirmed if there has been interest from Orlando Pirates in his services but says that at the moment he is happy with staying put with the University of Pretoria. Mnyamane has recently hit a rich vein of form and was today awarded the Absa premiership Player of the Month award. Mnyamane who was spotted playing in the Varsity Cup and is playing in his first full season of PSL football says that he has had a reasonable season thus far but it is not where he wants his levels of performance to be……
They had qualified as the third best placed team in all the seven 2015 African Nations Cup qualification groups but Democratic Republic of Congo finished the tournament in Equatorial Guinea as the third best team. The Leopards beat the hosts 4-2 on penalties after the game for the third place played at Estadio de Malabo last night had finished goalless at full-time. This was the team’s best run in the tournament since 1998 in Burkina Faso where they ended in the same position. Crystal Palace dribbling wizard Yannick Bolasie says they’ve also surprised themselves with their finish in this tournament…
The golden generation of Ivory Coast has finally achieved something and this time they’ve struck gold. This follows the Elephants’ 9-8 win on penalties over Ghana after the game had finished goalless after extra-time at Estadio de Bata in Equatorial Guinea last night. It was almost the replica of the 1992 AFCON final in Senegal between the two teams, which finished 11-10 on penalties in the favour of the Ivorians. Captain and reigning African Footballer of the year Yaya Toure ensured that the team secures this victory after finishing second in 2006 and 2012. The Manchester City midfield kingpin says they’re overjoyed at finally having achieved something…
Since the start of the biannual January event, the Africa Cup of Nations, the tournament has been marred by all sorts of scandals and controversy, from the players to the referee. And last night the unruly behaviour by the Equatorial Guinea supporters was an icing on the cake. Dede Ayew’s third goal for Ghana was enough to trigger the home fans bad behaviour and play was interrupted for 30 minutes, as they threw bottles and all sorts of stuff into the pitch aimed at the Ghanaian fans who were seated on the other side of the stands. And despite the shenanigans Ghana marched to the final with comfortable 3-0 win over Equatorial Guinea to book a repeat of 1992 final. Ironically even at public viewing areas, in Bata the capital city, there were similar problems with supporters constantly exchanging blows. Here is our SABC Sport Journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo who had to run for cover as he was ducking bottles talking to one of the staunch Nzalang Nacional supporter Samuel Pablo at one of the public viewing area in Bata about the game…
Coaches and players have condemned the violence that broke out at Estadio de Malabo last night during Ghana’s 3-0 demolition of the hosts Equatorial Guinea in the 2015 African Nations Cup second semi-final. Play was suspended for close to 35 minutes as the unruly home fans were throwing missiles onto the pitch. Ghana fans massed behind the goalposts after 82 minutes of the game to seek refuge from missiles being thrown at them. Bottles rained down as police battled to gain control, while a helicopter hovered over the stadium. Play resumed for just three minutes as Ghana completed a 3-0 win to reach Sunday's final against Ivory Coast. Black Stars head coach Avram Grant decried the violent scenes saying they are not good for the advancement of the game in Africa…
Tonight’s 2015 African Nations Cup semi-final against hosts Equatorial Guinea at Estadio de Malabo will be Ghana’s fifth consecutive last four appearance and scars from the previous four semis are still visible inside their hearts. They only reached the final once in 2010 and lost to Egypt in Angola but have ended these other campaigns in the last four. Speaking to the media last night, assistant coach Max Konadu knows that after a trophy drought of 33 years people back home in Accra, Kumasi and other areas of Ghana expect the Black Stars to add the long awaited fifth AFCON trophy on the list. But they have been hurt before and they’ve learnt their lessons…
Just a day before the 2015 African Nations Cup hosts Equatorial Guinea face Ghana in the second semi-final at Estadio de Malabo, their head coach Esteban Becker was still facing questions around their controversial win over Tunisia in the quarterfinals last weekend. The Central African country was awarded a controversial penalty deep into injury time, they managed to equalize and beat Tunisia 2-1 with a well taken free-kick in the extra-time by their star player Javier Balboa. Becker is laughing at allegations that his team is being favoured in this competition through dubious match officiating…
Ivory Coast cruised to the final of the African Nations Cup after they thumped Democratic Republic of Congo 3-1 in the first semifinal at Estadio de Bata in Equatorial Guinea last night. Even though it was a four goals thriller the game got off to a slow start and it was Yaya Toure’s sensational goal in the 21st minute that would set the tone. And three minutes later Bezua Mbokani equalized for DRC via a penalty kick after Erick Bailey was judged to have handled the ball inside the box. But the Ivoirians would retaliate with goals from Gervinho and Wilfred Kanon as they put the game beyond reach. But somehow Ivory Coast coach Herve Renard was not impressed with how the team played…
Ivory Coast coach Herve Renard says he cannot understand why suddenly people dub them as the favourite when at the start of the tournament no one thought of it. Ivory Coast will battle with Democratic Republic of Congo for a spot in the final of the 2015 African Nations Cup at Estadio de Bata. Both teams were superlative in their quarterfinals; Ivory Coast thumped Algeria 3-1 to advance to the semis while DR Congo came from two goals down to beat archrivals Congo Brazzaville 4-2…
Ivory Coast coach Herve Renard says he cannot understand why suddenly people dub them as the favourite when at the start of the tournament no one thought of it. Ivory Coast will battle with Democratic Republic of Congo for a spot in the final of the 2015 African Nations Cup at Estadio de Bata. Both teams were superlative in their quarterfinals; Ivory Coast thumped Algeria 3-1 to advance to the semis while DR Congo came from two goals down to beat archrivals Congo Brazzaville 4-2…
Ivory Coast coach Herve Renard says he cannot understand why suddenly people dub them as the favourite when at the start of the tournament no one thought of it. Ivory Coast will battle with Democratic Republic of Congo for a spot in the final of the 2015 African Nations Cup at Estadio de Bata. Both teams were superlative in their quarterfinals; Ivory Coast thumped Algeria 3-1 to advance to the semis while DR Congo came from two goals down to beat arch rivals Congo Brazzaville 4-2…
Democratic Republic of Congo coach Florent Ibenge is unshaken by the prospect of exchanging wits with the star-studded Ivory Coast team for place in the final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations at Estadio de Bata tomorrow evening. The two sides will be meeting for the third time in space of five months after they met during the 2015 AFCON qualifiers with Ivory Coast winning the first encounter 2-1 in Kinshasa, and four days later DRC returned the fovour by winning 4-3 in Abidjan. Nonetheless the last time DRC reached the final of the African Nations Cup was back in 1974 while for the Ivorian was in 2012. And Ibenge says the win is inevitable and no stone will be left unturned…
The match officiating in the first 2015 African Nations Cup quarterfinal between the hosts Equatorial Guinea and Tunisia in Bata last weekend, has left many people including the Ghanaians fearing that their national team could be getting a raw deal in the semi-final on Thursday. Seechurn Rajindaparsad from Mauritius helped to send Tunisia out of the tournament with his baffling decision to award a stoppage-time penalty to Equatorial Guinea. But Ghana Football Association President Kwesi Nyantakyi has assured fellow Ghanaians that there’s nothing to worry about, credible match officials have been appointed for this game. Nyantakyi who also sits on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee says the decision to send Rajindaparsad home, proves that CAF cannot tolerate incompetence…
The match officiating in the first 2015 African Nations Cup quarterfinal between the hosts Equatorial Guinea and Tunisia in Bata last weekend, has left many people including the Ghanaians fearing that their national team could be getting a raw deal in the semi-final on Thursday. Seechurn Rajindaparsad from Mauritius helped to send Tunisia out of the tournament with his baffling decision to award a stoppage-time penalty to Equatorial Guinea. But Ghana Football Association President Kwesi Nyantakyi has assured fellow Ghanaians that there’s nothing to worry about, credible match officials have been appointed for this game. Nyantakyi who also sits on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee says the decision to send Rajindaparsad home, proves that CAF cannot tolerate incompetence…
Democratic Republic of Congo coach Florent Ibenge is unshaken by the prospect of exchanging wits with the star-studded Ivory Coast team for place in the final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations at Estadio de Bata tomorrow evening. The two sides will be meeting for the third time in space of five months after they met during the 2015 AFCON qualifiers with Ivory Coast winning the first encounter 2-1 in Kinshasa, and four days later DRC returned the fovour by winning 4-3 in Abidjan. Nonetheless the last time DRC reached the final of the African Nations Cup was back in 1974 while for the Ivorian was in 2012. And Ibenge says the win is inevitable and no stone will be left unturned…
Throughout the transfer period Ajax Cape Town were scant on details about players they were looking to bring to the club as they prepared the team for the second half of the ABSA Premiership season. The Cape Town team secured a loan deal for Bidvest Wits striker and winger Erwin Isaacs, and also saw the return of midfielder Toriq Losper to Cape Town after cutting short his loan spell at Bidvest Wits. Urban Warriors’ coach Roger De Sa took some time out to speak to the SABC about the arrivals at Ikamva. Winger and striker Erwin Isaacs will play out the remainder of the season at Ajax Cape Town in a loan deal that gives the Urban Warriors an option to make the move permanent. De Sa says that Erwin was one of the transfer targets that were keen on joining the club. At the beginning of the season, the twenty two year old midfielder Toriq Losper requested to be loaned out to a Johannesburg team so that he could be close to his family. His loan spell at Wits was frustrating for the player and he failed to get regular football. The player reached out to Ajax management and requested to come back home to the Urban Warriors. Coach Roger De Sa believes that the arrival of Erwin Isaacs and the return of Toriq Losper will bring much needed boost to the team. The Urban Warriors coach also believes that the competition these players bring will elevate the team’s performance in training and on the pitch. No promises have been made to Losper and Isaacs with regards to game time and the two players will have to earn their place in the starting eleven. Coach Roger De Sa also stated that Ajax Cape Town will not be changing their style of play and tactics but will be looking to players like Isaacs to slot into the existing set-up.
Chippa United COO Lukanyo Mzinzi has stressed that they have not abandoned their plans to play some of their matches in East London. Port Elizabeth’s Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will only be ready to host matches next month. This is why the Chilli Boyz are taking their games to the Isaac Wolfson Stadium in KwaZakhele township in Port Elizabeth. The Chilli Boyz were not that active during last month’s transfer window as they only added four players to their squad. And Mzinzi reveals the names of their new recruits. Chilli Boyz coach Ernst Middendorp claims the club’s training sessions are conducted differently to how it was during Roger Sikhakhane’s era. And he claims his players are responding well to his methods. While preparing for the home straight of the Absa Premiership, the Chilli Boys held a training camp in Johannesburg where they played friendly matches against Black Aces, Platinum Stars, Highlands Park and Jomo Cosmos.
Following their early exit from 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba took time to revisit their shortcomings at the continental event and answered some of his critics upon their return. Mashaba confessed that at times his youngsters were overwhelmed by the international standards of the tournament despite having played great football in all three of their group matches.
Having scored first in all three of their group games, keeping and improving on the lead or their lack of mental fortitude was evidently Bafanaa’s Achilles’ heel. Mashaba says the hunger and determination to succeed was always there in the changing rooms during the game. And Mashaba adds that taking from this tournament’s performances his charges will deliver in due time.
One of the departments that’s had Mashaba under fire from the media and his critics during the AFCON is the goalkeeping department. Mashaba played all three Bafana keepers, Darren Keet, Jackson Mabokgwane and Brilliant Khuzwayo respectively in all three of Bafana’s matches. Suffice to say the late Senzo Meyiwa left a huge void in the national team but Mashaba says they are building a team with the trio.
One of the positives Bafana Bafana drew from their AFCON campaign was the growth of local based players at the continental showpiece. Mashaba says he was pleased with his PSL based players and looks forward to seeing them grow from strength to strength in other forthcoming tournaments. Following the apparently resolved Thulani Serero and Bafana saga, Mashaba also addressed the issue of patriotism.
The former U20 national team coach, Mashaba, also took time to congratulate Amajita for their triumph in the Russia Commonwealth Tournament last week. The U20’s beat Finland 2-1 in the final to lift the trophy and continue their preparations for the Africa Youth Championships in Senegal in March.
The fairytale continues for the tournament host Equatorial Guinea after they reached their first ever semifinal of the African Cup of Nations following a 2-1 win over Tunisia. Even though the Central African team is yet to qualify for the African showpiece one will have to excuse them this time around as they have shown exceptional commitment and determination. And their Argentinean born coach Esteban Becker is only two games away from replicating his performance in 2010 when he guided the women’s team to their first ever African Women Championship title, and for that the fans are immodest, and their number one supporter Aureole Laure had their president to thank for their luck…
A change in mentality is one of the major factors that have contributed positively to the Ivory Coast latest positive results. This was the view of the Elephants winger Max Gradel after his country’s convincing 3-1 win over Algeria in last night’s 2015 African Nations Cup quarterfinal at Estadio de Malabo in Equatorial Guinea. As the Elephants now wait for a semi-final against Democratic Republic of Congo this week, there’s belief in this Ivorian team that a second AFCON title could be on they. SABC Sport journalist, Velile Mbuli was at Estadio de Malabo…
Hardly 24 hours after Guinea was knocked out of the 2015 Africans Nations Cup tournament, their head coach Michel Dussuyer has resigned from his job. The Syli Nationale lost 3-0 to a rampant Ghanaian national team side in a quarterfinal match played at Estadio de Malabo. More sad news for the small nation of Guinea is that their leading player Ibrahima Traore who plays for Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach is also thinking of retiring from international football…
When Zambia won it’s maiden African Nations Cup title in 2012, the contribution of the South African Premier Soccer League based players was immense. Back then Herve Renard’s squad had seven players who were plying their trade in the PSL and the number went up to 11 when counting those that had been in the PSL before, including MVP of the tournament Chris Katongo. As Ghana prepares to meet Guinea on Sunday in an AFCON 2015 quarterfinal, four players with strong links to the PSL will be part of the match day squad. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli is in Malabo in Equatorial Guinea building up a big weekend for African football…
It was billed as a final before the final and a clash between two teams that have occupied Africa’s top ranking in the last 18 months but only one team could proceed to the 2015 African Nations Cup semi-finals and it was Cote D’Ivoire who blew away Algeria with a 3-1 win at the Estadio de Malabo in Equatorial Guinea last night. A brace from newly signed Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony and a late goal from Gervinho were enough to seal this win that will see the Elephants meeting surprise packages Democratic Republic of Congo in the first semi-final in Bata on Wednesday. The Elephants coach Herve Renard is already looking forward to the game against The Leopards a team that beat them at home in Abidjan for the first time during the qualifiers…
Equatorial Guinea have surpassed everyone’s expectations on hosting an almost trouble free 2015 Africa Cup of Nations following a short notice from the Confederations of the African Football (CAF). Normally a country has to be notified at least a year in advance in case of emergency. But after Morocco snubbed the tournament the 2012 AFCON co-host Equatorial Guinea were awarded the event with less than two months to go before the start of the biannual event. As usual there were lot doubting Thomases with international media continuously criticizing the CAF’s decision. But the same cannot be said about the people here and Hotel bosses in all the host cities like Matthias Ndoung of Bata and he says since the tournament started his place has been fully booked as fans continue to swap places as their team advances. Here Ndoung speaking to SABC Sport Journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo…
The hope for the dream final is on in the 2015 African Nations Cup after Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire both proceeded to the semi-finals with a possibility of repeating the 1992 final. An impressive brace from Christian Atsu and first international goal from Kwesi Appiah were enough to ensure a three-nil win for the Black Stars over Guinea at Estadio de Malabo. Ghana who have reached the last four AFCON semis with nothing to show will meet hosts Equatorial Guinea in the second semi-final in Malabo. Head coach Avram Grant believes that his team is becoming stronger as the tournament progresses and says their dream of making the final is alive…
The Democratic Republic of Congo beat their neigbhours Congo Brazzaville 4-2 in the most exciting match of the tournament thus far at Estadio de Bata in Equatorial Guinea. However DRC’s victory was not without tribulation as they had to overcome a two goals deficit early in the second half. Dore Ferebory and Thievy Bifouma gave Congo the cushion they needed with goals in the 55th and 61 minute. But that move proved to be detrimental as they awakened the snoozing giant that would retaliate with four goals in the last 35 minutes. Meanwhile their captain Yousseff Mulumbu who was still nursing an injury says he cannot believe what has just happened as he credits experience…
Nigerian Football corresponded Samm Audu was full of sympathy for Mali after their fate was decided by a draw of lots almost 24 hours after their 1-1 draw with Guinea. However recapping the last match of Mali, their captain Seydou Keita will surely take time to forgive himself after his casual penalty kick that was easily saved by the Guinea goalkeeper, Yaby Natara. Nonetheless Audu speaking to our SABCSport Journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo says unfortunately it had to come to this…
Guinea will play Ghana in the third 2015 African Nations Cup quarterfinal in Malabo on Sunday after a drawing of lots saw them through at the Hilton Hotel in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea yesterday. Guinea and Mali’s last group D game had finished one-all in Mongomo on Wednesday and this meant that the two teams were level on points, head-to-head, goal difference and goals scored. In accordance with article 74 of the AFCON regulations a random draw took place with officials from the two Football Associations present and Mali unfortunately had to go home. With Cote D’Ivoire having won this group, Guinea finishes second and Guinea Football Association President Antonio…
When most international football coaches are appointed in the continent, one of the first thing that they do is to draw a plan to visit some of the key players who ply their trade in Europe. The main idea is not just to assess how they are playing but also to get progress reports from their club coaches and formulate working relations with them on how the particular players can best be utilized by the national teams. By the time Avram Grant went into camp for the current African Nations Cup competition, he had visited some of the Ghanaian national team players and their clubs. The problems Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba has with some of the overseas-based players are well documented. Speaking after Bafana’s exit in the AFCON tournament last night where they lost to Ghana 2-1 at Estadio Mongomo, Mashaba doesn’t see a need of visiting the overseas-based players…
Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan says he never had any doubts that Ghana will not qualify, even after losing their first. The Black Stars were beaten 2-1 by Senegal in their opening game of the 2015 Africa Nations Cup, but a 1-0 victory over Group C favourite Algeria and a 2-1 win over South Africa reaffirmed their position as one of the most consistent team in Africa…
Guinean national team captain Ibrahima Traore has criticized the Confederation of African Football's regulations that will them being pitted against Mali later today in a draw of lots to decide which team will play Ghana in the 2015 African Nations Cup quarterfinal. This follows the one-all draw played by the two teams last night at Estadio de Mongomo in Equatorial Guinea, that sees them finishing joint second on three points apiece, on same goal difference, goals scored and goals conceded. Article 74 of the AFCON regulations allows for a random to be conducted when faced with this situation and it will take place at Malabo at 3pm (4pm SA time) today. But Traore says deciding a winner in this fashion in a big tournament like the AFCON is unfair to the teams…
Bafana Bafana striker Bernard Parker says he has no regrets even though they were booted out of the Africa Nations Cup following their 2-1 defeat to Ghana at Estadio de Mongomo in Equatorial Guinea. The game went to half-time South Africa leading 1-0 courtesy to Mandla Masango’s volley in the 17th minutes. However experience on the day paid dividend and super-sub John Boye equalized in the 58thminute before Andre Ayew hammered the final nail to consolidate their position at the summit of Group C. And even though Bafana Bafana finish bottom of the log Parker looked satisfied with their performance and he says there are a lot of positives they can takeout from this…
There is a huge possibility of the African Nations Cup quarterfinal matches that were set to be played at Ebebiyin and Mongomo being moved to Bata and Malabo respectively. In an exclusive interview with SABC Sport, the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) Media Director Junior Binyam says there are important factors that can not be ignored that could influence this decision. One of them is the host country Equatorial Guinea being scheduled to play Tunisia in a small venue (8 000 seater) like Estadio de Ebebiyin. With the last eight matches scheduled played this coming weekend, Binyam tells SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli that the CAF Executive Committee will convene a meeting this week to finalize this matter...
Bafana Bafana have been knocked out of the 2015 African Nations Cup tournament after relinquishing a one-nil lead again to lose 2-1 to Ghana in the final group C match played at Estadio de Mongomo in Equatorial Guinea. Ghana and Algeria who beat Senegal 2-0 in Malabo have qualified for the quarterfinals from this group. Masango opened the lead for Bafana early in the first half but they failed to defend their lead again as Ghana scored two goals in ten minutes in the last 17 minutes. A lot of questions would be asked about Bafana’s tactics on the day and in this tournament but Mashaba has defended the continuous changes he has made…
Former Bafana Bafana striker and Orlando Pirates legend Jerry ‘Legs of Thunder’ Sikhosana believes Bafana Bafana have the potential to cause grate upsets at the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea. Bafana need a convincing win against arch rivals Ghana this evening at the Estadio de Mongomo to progress to the next round. Sikhosana, who now coaches ABC Motsepe League side Tornado in Mdantsane, East London says he also sees the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon as potential title chasers. Sikhosana spoke to SABC Sport Journalist Thando Gqamane at the Nedbank Cup Last 32 Draw in Randburg.
Tunisia and DR Congo are through to the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations following a 1-1 draw at an almost empty Estadio de Bata in Equatorial Guinea. Ahmed Akaichi scored for Tunisia in the first half before super-sub Loteteka Boikila who plies his trade in Russia for Terez Grozny leveled the matters in the 66th minute. The results also sees DRC end their AFCON frustrations by going to the knockout stage for the first time since 2006, much to the satisfaction of their coach Florent Ibenge who was given the hot seat in August last year…
For the second time in a row, two teams that qualified from the same group have been eliminated from the 2015 African Nations Cup tournament in Equatorial Guinea. Zambia and Cape Verde played to a goalless draw at a wet Estadio de Ebebiyin last night and that result was not enough to take any of the two teams through to the quarterfinals. In Bata it finished it finished one-all between Group B winners Tunisia and Democratic Republic of Congo and both teams advanced to the last eight. On Sunday two teams that had qualified from the same group Gabon and Burkina Faso were knocked out by two less fancied opponents in hosts Equatorial Guinea and Congo respectively. For Zambian coach Honor Janza who was only one of three African born coaches in this tournament, says this is a huge disappointment but also a lesson as they are rebranding the team…
Bafana Bafana head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba has warned that his team is capable of pulling off a shocking result as they prepare to meet Ghana in the final African Nations Cup group C match at Estadio de Mongomo in Equatorial Guinea tonight. Bafana who are currently bottom of the group with only one point, need to beat Ghana and hope that Senegal beats Algeria for them to advance to the quarterfinals. In Ghana they’re meeting a team that is also hungry for a win as they aim to progress to the last eight once more. Mashaba sounds confident that today could be a day of surprises…
The crunch African Nations Cup Group C encounter between Bafana Bafana could be a goal spectacle of some sort with both teams expected to play fluid football going out for an all out attack. As things stand in Group C, Senegal tops with four points with both Ghana and Algeria tied on three points and South Africa on one point. In last night’s training session at Estadio Santiago Nguema the focus was more on finishing and shooting from outside the penalty area for Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba’s boys. Kaizer Chiefs striker Bernard Parker also anticipates an exciting game given the pressure on Ghana in this tournament…
Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula has thrown his weight behind Bafana Bafana to bounce back tomorrow against Ghana in the final African Nations Cup group C match to be played at Estadio de Mongomo in Equatorial Guinea. Bafana need to win this game and hope that Senegal beats Algeria is they are to progress to the next stage. He was speaking in a packed press conference attended both by South African and Ghanaian journalists at Hotel Mongomo a place that is also shared by the two teams. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli who is covering the AFCON tournament has compiled this report.
Congo and hosts Equatorial Guinea became the first teams to advance to the 2015 African Nations Cup quarterfinals after beating Burkina Faso and Gabon respectively. Congo Brazzaville beat the Stallions 2-1 in the last Group A match played at Estadio de Ebibeyin. Congo's two goals came via Spanish based star striker Thievy Bifouma and Fabrice Ondama whilst Aristide Bance scored the consolation goal for the Burkinabe side. Congo topped the group with seven points and will play the runner-up of Group B in the last eight. Well-traveled Congo coach Claude Le Roy is satisfied because the qualification for the last eight was achieved in style…
The main reason Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba started with Jackson Mabokgwane ahead of Darren Keet during the one-all draw against Senegal on Friday was a rotation policy they’ve embarked on. The decision to drop Keet after conceding three goals against Algeria was also seen as a bit drastic as if he was being blamed for those goals. But responding to questions from the travelling South African media, Mashaba has more on this and their possible approach against Ghana on Tuesday where nothing less than a victory would make them stand a chance of advancing to the last eight…
Cameroon was held to another 1-1 draw by Guinea in a pulsating second match of Group D at a partially full Estadio de Malabo. The Indomitable Lions were first to find the back of the net through the boot of Benjamin Moukandjo but before the first half whistle went Ibrahima Traore equalized for Guinea. However with few clear cut chances between the two a draw seemed like a fair result. But Cameroon coach Folker Finke somehow bagged to differ and he says he is disappointed that his charges failed to kill the game when they were one up and in the end they were made to pay the price....
Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane says it’s up to the coach if he will retain him as the number one goalkeeper going into the decisive African Nations Cup match against Ghana at Estadio de Mongomo in Equatorial Guinea. Mabokgwane made his AFCON debut during hard fought one-all draw against Senegal on Friday after having started ahead of Darren Keet who manned the goalposts during the 3-1 loss to Algeria last Monday. Speaking to SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli and other South African journalists in Equatorial Guinea, Mabokgwane believes that they could’ve dealt better with Senegal’s equalizer on the hour mark…
Super-sub Max Gradel scored in the 85th minute to save Ivory Coast from the brink of defeat against Mali in the first match of Group B of the Africa Cup of Nations that ended 1-1 at Estadio de Malabo. Wolverhampton's striker Bakary Sako gave Mali the start they anticipated with a goal in 6th minutes. However the result meant Mali will have to wait for another chance to finally end their 31 years winless streak against their West African rivals. The Ivorian coach Herve Renard says he knew that the game will be very difficult and tactical...
Former Bafana Bafana striker Philemon Masinga is of the view that the national team could have done better during their 1-1 draw with Senegal in a Group C Africa Cup of Nations match in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea, last night. He explains.....
Bafana Bafana’s fate of remaining in the African Nations Cup tournament beyond the group stages is not in their own hands, following an unnecessary one-all draw against a star studded Senegalese side at Estadio de Mongomo in Equatorial Guinea last night. This was Bafana’s first point in the Group C after having lost to Algeria 3-1 in the opening game. Oupa Manyisa opened the score in 46th minute but the Terranga Lions equalized in the 60th minute through Kara Mbodji’s header. Once again Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba lamented the missed chances that resulted in his team being rooted at the bottom of the log.
Individualism and lack of unity in their play, cost Zambia the game yesterday as they gave away a one-nil lead to lose 2-1 to Tunisian in their second African Nations Cup group B game at Estadio de Ebibeyin Equatorial Guinea last night. These were the views of Chipolopolo coach after seeing his side missing several easy chances that could have decided this game long before Tunisia’s winning goal on the stroke of full-time. Janza says egoistic players cost them on the night… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Democratic Republic of Congo captain Youssuf Mulumbu was left a disappointed man as his team was held into a goalless draw by Cape Verde in an African Nations Cup, Group match played at Estadio de Ebibeyin in Equatorial Guinea last night. The draw means that DRC are tied on two points and joint second with Cape Verde going into the last match next week. Mulumbu who was substituted in the 23rd minute after he got injured was disappointed with the result and also touches on his injury… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
The first teams to be knocked out of the 30th edition of the African Nations Cup tournament could possibly come from Group C tonight if Ghana and South Africa lose their games against Algeria and Senegal respectively at the Estadio de Mongomo in Equatorial Guinea tonight. Both the Black Stars and Bafana lost their opening games to the two teams on Monday and are currently sitting third and fourth on the standings. Following Bafana’s 3-1 loss to Algeria, emotions have been high back home in SA and this despite this being the first loss for this team under Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba in 11 games. The man who had no mandate to qualify Bafana for this tournament has assured the nation that the team is ready to fight for three points tonight at 8pm (9pm SA time)… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
If football was played on paper, the Bafana Bafana and Senegal 2015 African Nations Cup Group C match would be finished by now as a contest. Such are the huge differences when it comes to the profile of players in the two opposite camps with the West African side boasting an array of star playing in big leagues around the world in almost all the departments of the game. During their 2-1 win over Ghana, Senegal coach Alain Giresse started two top strikers Moussa Sow (Fernebahce, Turkey) and Papiss Cisse (Newcastle United, England) on the bench. Stoke City’s Mame Diouf not only scored the equalizer but also won the man of the match award. But it’s big contest like these that bring the best out of Bafana, the underdog status suits them just fine and midfielder Thuso Phala believes that reputation counts for nothing…
Nearly 70 percent of sport’s air time is focused on the beautiful game. Domestic soccer is synonymous with the Laduma brand, which focuses on the Absa Premiership, while Soccerzone and Soccer 411 are the most watched soccer review and preview shows in the country.
Cape Verde will need to improve on some balance in their Group B 2015 African Nations Cup Group B match against Democratic Republic of Congo at Estadio de Ebibeyin tonight.
This is according to their head coach Rui Aguas as he had observed from their opening match against Tunisia, which ended in a one-all draw. A win tonight will put Cape Verde in a better position to qualify for the last eight. And their coach Rui Aguas says there are important things they need to tighten in their game plan.
Host Equatorial Guinea was held to a goalless draw by the Burkina Faso in round two of the 2015 Africa Cup Nations at Estadio de Bata last night. The match started on a high tempo with both teams exchanging blows but somehow the Stallions were unlucky to end the first half without a goal. But soon after the break it was the host turn who were more lively with some great interchanges and just like Burkina Faso all their efforts was in vain as they failed to convert with the goalkeeper at their messy. And Nzalang’s international player Rui Fernando Gomez who plies his trade in Malta for Hibernian says they tried to win the game but goals eluded them… SABC Sport journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo reports
Thousands and Thousands of Mali and Cameroon supporters invaded the Estadio de Malabo long before the match, chanting and singing their traditional songs but soon after the match they were all left disappointed following a 1-1 stalemate in the second game of the evening. Man of the match Sambou Yatabare scored for Mali and his goal was erased by Ambroise Oyongo with six minutes remaining before the final whistle. Even though it was an end to end attack Mali coach Wajelech Kasperczak was not happy with the outcome and reckons they should sealed the game after going one up in the 71st minute… SABC Sport journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo reports
The Bafana Bafana technical team has thrown it’s weight behind under fire striker Tokelo Rantie who has been heavily criticized back home in South Africa after missing a crucial penalty during a 3-1 loss to Algeria in an opening Group C African Nations Cup match in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea. Rantie who has hardly been the darling of the local football fans at times despite the big role he plays in the Bafana attack has been trending on twitter since that loss on Monday. As the team aims to regroup and prepare for the Senegal match, assistant coach Thabo Senong says Rantie’s creative play is second best to no one in this team… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
In three meetings between the two teams in the AFCON finals, Tunisia has never lost to Zambia with the latest match between the two teams ending in a one-all draw in Angola 2010. The Carthage Eagles coach Georges Leekens has got a lot of belief on his players coming into this match.
Tunisia were one of the strongest teams in the qualifiers, finishing unbeaten with four wins and two draws, in a group that involved Senegal and record seven times champions Egypt. The Belgian born coach says the tough opponents in Group B also make it very difficult to predict this group.
The 64year-old coach who is also well travelled, seems to have some strong connection to Zambian football having been to the Southern African country 20 years ago. Leekens who has had two stints with the Belgian national team and also coached Algeria, says the quality of his team should see them through in this group.
Ten-man Ivory Coast team was made to fight hard for a 1-1 draw against Group D minnows Guinea in a highly entertaining match at Nuevo Estadio de Malabo. Even though the match was dubbed “David vs Goalith” it was Guinea who opened the scoring in the 36 minutes via Mohamed Yattara before the expulsion of Gervinho in the 68 minute. The AS Roma star player lost his temper by striking a Guinea player following an argument. And Ivory Coast coach Herve Renard who shrugged off the favourites tag after the game says the red-card was a huge blow… SABC Sport journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo reports
Zambian senior national team coach Honor Janza says losing influential midfielder Nathan Sinkala through an injury from the 2015 African Nations Cup tournament will not affect their plans of advancing into the quarterfinals. Speaking in a match day minus one press conference ahead of their second Group B encounter against Tunisia at Ebibeyin tomorrow, Janza says they have no other option but to find a quick solution. Sinkala who is on loan from TP Mazembe to Swiss side Grasshopper Zurich, was a member of the Chipolopolo team that won it’s maiden AFCON title in 2012. He got injured during their one-all draw against Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday and Janza believes that this is an opportunity for other players to rise to the occasion.
Senegal number one goalkeeper and captain Bouna Coundoul has made a bold statement that they can beat any team in this 2015 African Nations Cup tournament on their day. The Terranga Lions showed some character coming back from one-nil down to win 2-1 against Ghana with the last kick-off of the game at the Estadio de Mongomo last night. Coundoul says coming to this tournament people were not giving them a chance.
Bafana Bafana and Ajax Cape Town teenage centre-back Rivaldo Coetzee’s African Nations Cup tournament is as good as over, that’s according to the national team head coach Ephraim “Shakes” . This follows Coetzee’s knee injury that forced him off the field in the 29th minute during the 3-1 loss to Algeria at Estadio de Mongomo. It’s a recurring knee injury sustained in a warm-up match against Cameroon and was rested against Mali. Mashaba doesn’t see Coetzee coming back from this injury during the AFCON… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Chippa United striker George Akpabio believes they could have done better against German side, VfL Wolfsburg. The German Bundesliga giants came from 3-1 down to beat the Chilli Boys 4-3… SABC Sport journalist Monwabisi Jimlongo reports
A Senegalese striker and super sub Moussa Sow scored with the last kick-off the game to secure his country a 2-1 win and full three points against Ghana in the opening games of the African Nations Cup Group C at the Estadio de Mongomo in Equatorial Guinea. The Lions of Terranga came back from one nil down after Dede Ayew had converted a penalty against the run of play very early in the game. Stoke City striker Mame Diouf equalized on the 58th minute. Coach Alain Giresse is happy to have secured three points in the first game in the group of death… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Minnows Cape Verde salvage a very important point against Group B favourites Tunisia at Estadio de Ebebiyin. It was an evenly poised game until the second half following a dazzling interchange between Houcine Nater and Ahmed Akiachi who unlocked the Cape Verde’s stubborn defense and Mohamed Moncer did not hesitate to pounce on the opportunity to score from an almost open net. But Ramos Heldon denied the African giants a chance to go top of the log as he leveled the scores from a penalty kick after he was fouled by Ali Maaloul inside the box. And the hard to please Verde coach Rui Aguas speaking through an interpreter says they could have won the match had they capitalized on the opportunities… SABC Sport journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo reports
A late second half meltdown saw Bafana Bafana crumbling as they gave away a one-nil lead to lose 3-1 to tournament favourites Algeria in their opening game of the African Nations Cup at Estadio de Mongomo in Equatorial Guinea last night. After missing several scoring chances in the first half, Thuso Phala scored the opening goal six minutes into the second half. Tokelo Rantie could have made it 2-0 in the 55th minute but his penalty kick hit the crossbar. A spirited performance from the Desert Foxes saw them scoring three goals within 14 minutes and bagged the three points. Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba says loss of focus cost them the much-needed points… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Bafana Bafana will round up their preparations for their opening 2015 African Nations Cup game against Algeria with a one hour training session at the Estadio de Mongomo, the match venue for the encounter. A clean bill of health has been reported for the team ahead of this game. The confidence of the players is also starting to show. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli is with the team in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea and has compiled this report...
At 52nd globally and 12th in Africa, Bafana Bafana are coming into tonight’s African Nations Cup tournament opening match against Algeria as the lowest ranked team in their group, way behind fellow Group C teams. Algeria are ranked 18th internationally and number one in the continent, with other two teams in the group Ghana and Senegal sitting in the continent’s top five. But rankings count for little in the AFCON and many people around Mongomo, from media covering this tournament to other experts believe that Bafana is going to surprise teams. Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba says as they prepare to meet Algeria at the Estadio de Mongomo at 9pm this evening, their good work has not gone unnoticed… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
The 30th edition of the African Nations Cup get’s underway this evening at the Estadio de Bata with hosts Equatorial Guinea coming up against Congo and Cameroon coach Volker Finke says the real business is about to start. Speaking after watching Bafana Bafana’s three-nil demolition of Mali in Gabon earlier this week, Finke says people shouldn’t read much to warm-up matches because they are just that. Cameroon who are in Group D with Cote D’Ivoire, Mali and Guinea, had earlier drawn one-all with Bafana in a friendly match at Stade de L’amitie in Libreville. Finke says about 11 teams are capable of winning this AFCON… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
The three-nil win over Mali in Libreville, Gabon, was not only Bafana’s first win against the West African country but also the first time midfield king pin Andile Jali had worn an armband. The Matatiele born player who is now based in Belgium playing for KV Oostende has come a long way in his football career since Clive Barker spotted him in a Coca Cola football Stars schools tournament in Port Elizabeth. Now with 23 caps at international level, Jali’s star continues to rise and in this interview with SABC Sport’s Velile Mbuli he speaks proudly about the Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba led team with only few days before the AFCON tournament gets underway… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
The 2015 Nedbank Cup Last 32 draw saw David pitted against Goliath as anticipated when Orlando Pirates drew the Jerry Skhosana coached Mdantsane outfit Tornado FC to Orlando Stadium. Meanwhile, Kaizar Chiefs will face-off with either African All Stars or Edu Sports FC at the Soccer City in the first round. Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter says they will not under estimate whoever they face between the two sides that still have to battle one another to book the fixture with the Absa Premiership’s unbeaten Amakhosi. SABC Sport journalist Thando Gqamane reports
Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba has stretched his unbeaten record with the national team to 10 matches with six wins and four draws, following the convincing three-nil win over Mali at Stade Monedan in Libreville, Gabon. Mashaba says this good run is good for their confidence going to the 2015 African Nations Cup tournament that get’s underway in the neighbouring Equatorial Guinea this weekend… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbulie reports
Bafana Bafana have wrapped up their preparations for the 2015 African Nations Cup tournament with a convincing three-nil win over a highly rated Malian national team at the Stade Monedan in Libreville, Gabon yesterday. A headed goal from Thulani Hlatshwayo in the first half and two goals from Sibusiso “General” Vilakazi and Dean Furman in the second half saw Bafana registering their first ever win over Mali. Following a win against Zambia and a draw against Cameroon, Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba says they are now ready for the tournament that get’s underway in the neighbouring Equatorial Guinea on Saturday… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
20-year-old Soweto-born Amajita regular starter Pule Maraisane says he is enjoying his football in Portugal and at the national junior level with the South Africa U20 side. Maraisane, who is currently with the David Notoane guided Amajita from Qatar in the Middle East enroute to Russia’s Commonwealth Tournament starting on Thursday, says he is now looking forward to bigger things. The Stars of Africa Academy product, who almost quit football after being sidelined by injury for a year and six month, says he is looking forward to cementing his place at Tourizenze FC’s second string team and go on to break into the first team while also looking to force his way into the Bafana Bafana team in the next couple of years. Amajita are currently in preparation for their Africa Youth Championships taking place in Senegal in March where they will be looking to qualify for the world showpiece in New Zealand later this year. Maraisane is one of five SA U20’s playing for Tourizenze FC including Thamsanqa Ngobezana(20), Tsepo Matsemela(19), Tlotlo Leepile(18) and Thibang Phete(20). SABC Sport journalist Thando Gqamane reports
Belgian based defensive midfielder Andile Jali will captain Bafana Bafana for the first time tomorrow when they take on Mali in their last friendly and warm-up match before the 2015 African Nations Cup tournament get’s this coming weekend in Equatorial Guinea. Bafana plays Mali at Stade Monedan on the outskirts of Libreville at 3pm today. Head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba has made six changes to the team that started against Cameroon last weekend. One of those changes sees Mpumalanga Black Aces goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane starting for the first and he’s got huge expectations from this AFCON tournament…SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli reports
Bafana Bafana will wrap up their preparation for the 2015 African Cup of Nations tournament in Equatorial Guinea with an international friendly match against Mali at Monedan stadium in Libreville, Gabon at 4pm (5pm SA time) Wednesday (January 14). Following Bafana’s one-all draw against the much feared Cameroonian side on Saturday, head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba expects his boys to improve on the offensive line in this coming match. With only a week away from the opening AFCON match against Algeria, Mashaba says now it’s time to polish the critical areas… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Nine games unbeaten, that’s how Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba’s record reads exactly six months after he returned as the Bafana Bafana coach with only a week before the commencement of the 2015 African Nations Cup tournament in Equatorial Guinea. This follows last night’s one-all draw against the star studded Cameroonian side in an international friendly match played at the Stade De L’amitie in Libreville, Gabon. The West African giants took the lead through a well hit free-kick by Porto FC star striker Vincent Aboubakar early in the game. It took a moment of brilliance from Sibusiso “General” Vilakazi to draw level in the 76th minute for the visitors. Mashaba talks about the resilience of his team but also notes the critical mistakes that need to be corrected… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Minister of Sports and Recreation Fikile Mbalula took his hat off to the South African Football Association for the brilliant job they have done in reuniting the nation again through football. Mbalula echoed SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan’s words in congratulating all the national team for qualifying for their continental competitions in their respective levels. Mr Razzmatazz urged Bafana Bafana to go out and make the nation proud, saying that winning the trophy will be a bonus. Mbalula also went as far as retracting his ‘bunch of losers’ statement and highlighted that it is time that the continent and the world learn that South Africa has turned the corner under the tutorledge of Shakes SABC Sport journalist Thando Gqamane reports
The Bafana Bafana all-time leading goal scorer is Benni McCarthy with 32 goals from 80 caps and it’s the record that Bernard Parker is confident that he can reach as he prepares for the African Nations Cup tournament in Equatorial Guinea later this month. Recently in the one-nil win over Zambia in an international friendly, the Kaizer Chiefs striker returned to Bafana for the first time since the 5-0 loss to Brazil in March. Parker, who has scored 23 goals in 69 matches, provided a crucial assist to Thuso Phala that led to the winning goal. He’s played in the World Cup, FIFA Confederations Cup and AFCON yet he says his hunger to don the national colours has never diminished… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Four times World Footballer of the year Lionel Messi is coming to South Africa in March this year. The FC Barcelona star will be leading the Argentinean national team in an international friendly match against Bafana Bafana at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban. SABC Sport has also learnt that the City of Ethekwini has already started with preparations for this game. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli has more....
Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba has praised Zambia for giving his team a tough test during their one-nil win in an international friendly match and African Nations Cup qualifier played at Orlando stadium in Soweto yesterday. Substitute Thuso Phala scored the only goal of the nine minutes from full-time rounding off a well-worked move that involved Themba Zwane, Sibusiso Vilakazi and Bernard Parker. Bafana will now leave on Wednesday for Gabon where they will wrap up their preparations for the AFCON tournament that is starting in Equatorial Guinea on the 17th of this month. Mashaba says his team did well despite the lack of match fitness…SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter says their 3-0 win over Bidvest Wits last night so far is not only their biggest win but also their best performance of the season given the quality of the opposition. A brace from Bernard Parker and thumping header from Eric Mathoho ensured that Amakhosi went 11 points clear at the top in the Absa Premiership standings at Bidvest stadium. It was for the first time Chiefs had scored more than two goals in the league this season and Baxter says the game had all the ingredients of a quality match… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter says their 3-0 win over Bidvest Wits last night so far is not only their biggest win but also their best performance of the season given the quality of the opposition. A brace from Bernard Parker and thumping header from Eric Mathoho ensured that Amakhosi went 11 points clear at the top in the Absa Premiership standings at Bidvest stadium. It was for the first time Chiefs had scored more than two goals in the league this season and Baxter says the game had all the ingredients of a quality match… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Steve Barker’s reign at Amazulu has kicked off to the best possible start as he managed to secure Usuthu their first win of the season in 12 matches beating his former team University of Pretoria 2-1 in the Absa Premiership match played at Moses Mabhida stadium last night. Amazulu goals came from Sadate Ouro-Akoriko and Bornwell Mwape with the free scoring Ugandan international Geoffrey Massa netting the consolation goal for the visitors. Despite the win Amazulu remain rooted at the bottom of the log four points behind Free State Stars after 12 games played but the win is all that matters to Barker and his lads… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Bafana Bafana and South African junior national team's revival has not only been results orientated but also focused on long term projects as well. Spearheading this process has been the champion of all rounded success himself Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba. He was announced last night as the coach of the year at the SA sports awards in Sandton following a glorious four months of turning the fortunes of SA football around. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli has been following these long term plans…
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is leaving no stone unturned in making sure that they stage a successful African Nations Cup tournament in Equatorial Guinea in two months time. This is according to CAF Vice President and COSAFA President Suketu Patel who was speaking after the COSAFA Annual General meeting at SAFA House in Johannesburg on Saturday. The Central African country which co-hosted the 2012 AFCON edition with Gabon came in as a late replacement for Morocco two weeks ago when the North African country dumped the 30th edition of the AFCON citing fears of the spreading of the EBOLA virus. Patel says CAF has already sent a team of more than 30 from their staff members to Equatorial Guinea to prepare for the tournament… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
The four teams that will be representing South Africa in next year’s CAF club championships namely Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs (African Champions League) and Bidvest Wits and Orlando Pirates (CAF Confederations Cup) can start registering new players with the PSL next Monday. With the cut off date for registering players with CAF closing on the 15th of next month, there’s a special dispensation for these four teams to register new players between the first and the 12th of next month. PSL football general manager Derek Blanckensee says this is outside the normal transfer window that will start in January… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Absa Premiership log leaders Kaizer Chiefs stretched their unbeaten run in the league to 11 matches this season after they were held to a one-all draw by the defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB stadium yesterday. Sundowns playmaker Teko Modise took the lead for the Brazilians eight minutes into the second half but 12 minutes later Mamelodi born midfielder George Lebese leveled the matters for the hosts. Chiefs maintained their 11-point lead at the top and head coach Stuart Baxter feels that the result was a true reflection of the game… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
The COSAFA Cup senior challenge will return to South Africa for the first time in six years next year. This follows the COSAFA Annual General meeting at the SAFA House in Johannesburg on Saturday where a decision was taken on next year’s hosts. After successfully hosting the tournament in Zambia in 2013, the Southern African football regional body couldn’t stage the event this year after struggling with a host country for various reasons. SA last hosted this event in 2008 and COSAFA President Suketu Patel is now expecting more commercial partners to come on board… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Premier Soccer League CEO Brand De Villiers says they will do everything in their power to make sure that Orlando stadium gets a respectable crowd come the Telkom Knockout final between Supersport United and Platinum Stars on the 29th of this month. De Villiers said this after the venue announcement for the TKO final at the PSL offices in Parktown today where United was also favoured by the draw as the home team. United and Stars record some of the lowest crowd attendances in the PSL but De Villiers says they are hoping to have more than 20 000 people attending this game… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli
Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba has made three changes to the team that started during a 2-1 win over Sudan in the 2015 African Nations cup qualifier for tonight’s crunch encounter against Nigeria at the newly built Akwa Bom International stadium in Uyo, Nigeria. Kaizer Chiefs reliable centre-back Tefu Mashamaite comes in to replace teenager Rivaldo Coetzee, the most experience player in this camp with 50 caps Reneilwe “Yeye” Letsholonyane comes in the place of Andile Jali and Mandla “Bullet” Masango replaces the injured Ajax Amsterdam playmaker Thulani “Cream” Serero. This will be Mashamaite’s third cap for Bafana and despite having qualified for the AFCON showpiece in Equatorial Guinea in January, he still feels there’s a lot to play for tonight… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Sudan’s 2-1 loss to Bafana Bafana at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban last Saturday ended their hopes of reaching the 2015 African Nations Cup tournament in Equatorial Guinea. Their last game of the qualifying campaign this evening against Congo at the Khartoum stadium in Khartoum will just be a normal game, as they’ve got nothing to play for. The Falcons of Jediane coach Mohammad “Mazda” Abdallah tells SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli that he will field youngsters tonight and is also not sure about his future… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Not having beaten Nigeria in a competitive game is a motivation on it’s own for the Bafana Bafana team ahead of a crunch 2015 African Nations Cup encounter against the Super Eagles at the Akwa Ibom international stadium in Uyo. These are the views of Belgian based right-back Anele Ngcongca ahead of their training session at the match venue. This will be the 11th meeting between the two countries, Nigeria have won seven times and South Africa only once in 2004. Ngcongca says despite having qualified for Equatorial Guinea next year, there’s a lot to play for… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba says November 19's 2015 African Nations Cup qualifier against Nigeria in Uyo, is more than just about the three points that the hosts badly need. Bafana have already qualified for the 2015 AFCON after beating Sudan 2-1 in Durban this past weekend and are also assured of the top spot as they are four points clear at the top with 11 points from five matches. But South Africa has never beaten Nigeria in a competitive match and the Super Eagles need a win to qualify for the continental showpiece in Equatorial Guinea in two months time. Mashaba is not expecting any intimidation tactics… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
The gods of football are smiling on South Africa and there’s a need to take this positive spirit forward. These were the words of Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba following the country’s qualification for the 2015 African Cup of Nations tournament at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban. Bafana beat Sudan 2-1 to clinch the qualification and also secured the top spot in Group A. Mashaba says with all national teams doing well, this is the turning point for SA football… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Bafana Bafana survived a nervy last 10 minutes to beat Sudan 2-1 and qualify for the 2015 African Nations Cup at Moses Mabhida stadium yesterday. Two goals from Thulani “Cream” Serero and Tokelo Rantie were enough to secure the South African senior men’s national football team their first AFCON qualification since 2008. Bafana now move to 11 points after five matches and continue to top Group A. It was a first win at home, first goal at home, first goal conceded in this qualifying campaign and also first AFCON qualification in six years. Head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba salutes his soldiers… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
After managing only 11 stars and three goals in his first season in the Premier Soccer League last season, Free State Stars striker Moeketsi Sekola’s bright start into this season made him realize his dream of being called-up to represent his country. Following the withdrawal of attackers May Mahlangu and Sibusiso “General” Vilakazi from the team earlier this week, Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba says they had to beef up striking force ahead of a crucial 2015 African Nations Cup qualifier against Sudan at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban on November 15. Mashaba explains why they opted to bring in another striker instead of offensive midfielders… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
The controlling body of African football – CAF – has banned and disqualified Morocco from taking part in in the 2015 African Cup of Nations tournament. This follows Morocco’s last minute decision to pull out of hosting this continental showpiece. The North African country requested for a postponement of the tournament citing fears over the Ebola pandemic that has hit the West Africa. Morocco eventually declined the hosting rights, throwing Africa’s premier soccer showpiece into jeopardy. CAF media manager Eric Mwanza explains that a new host should be announced tomorrow… SABC Sport journalist Coudjoe Amankwaa reports
Four months ago when Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba returned as the Bafana Bafana coach, one of the points that he’s been driving is to select patriotic players who are prepared to die for the South African flag on the pitch. And today that statement was tested when Swedish based midfielder May Mahlangu withdrew from the Bafana team to play AFCON 2015 qualifiers claiming that he’s tired. Mahlangu was being called up for the first time by this current technical team and judging by Mashaba’s response it could well be the last time… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli
Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba could be forced to start planning for the African Cup of Nations tournament next year without the services of former national team captain Itumeleng Khune. Speaking after Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at Amazulu, Amakhosi coach Stuart Baxter says Khune who has been out of action due to a toe injury since the beginning of September is only likely to come back mid or late next month. If Bafana qualifies for the AFCON tournament, Mashaba would have to finalize his squad by the end of next month and judging by Baxter’s response it’s doubtful that the Chiefs number one goalkeeper will be fit for the continental showpiece… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim ”Shakes” Mashaba says it will be important for the national team to win their next African Nations Cup 2015 qualifier against Sudan at Moses Mabhida stadium this coming Saturday as a perfect send-off to the nation’s late captain Senzo Meyiwa. Mashaba was speaking after visiting the gravesite of Meyiwa in Chesterville, Durban together with the Bafana players, the former Orlando Pirates number one goalkeeper was shot dead in an alleged botched robbery in Vosloorus two weeks ago. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Orlando Pirates began life without Senzo Meyiwa on a poor note as they were beaten 2-0 by Supersport United in the first Telkom Knockout semifinal encounter at Orlando Stadium last night, and in so doing, they failed to secure a sixth consecutive cup final berth. Goals from Lebogang Manyama and Dove Wome in the first half were enough to propel the Tshwane outfit to the final. But United coach Gordon Igesund feels they should have scored more... SABC Sport journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo reports
Platinum Stars look to be on course to defend their Telkom Knockout title after advancing to the final of the “Ziwa Mo” yesterday beating Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in the second semi-final at Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg. Less than three months after Eleazar Rodgers had been deemed surplus to requirements at Chloorkop, he came back to make them pay dearly yesterday, scoring the decisive goal for Dikwena. Stars will now meet Supersport United in the final in the last weekend of this month. But Stars head coach Allan Freese says reaching the final doesn’t make them forget about their Absa Premiership problems… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
The Chief Executive of the Football Association of Malawi (FAM, Suzgo Nyirenda has confirmed that their national team, the Flames will host Mali and travel to Addis-Ababa four days later to tackle Ethiopia in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers. In an exclusive interview with Coudjoe Amankwaa, Nyirenda disputed claims of an indefinite suspension of the national team’s training camp for the double-header ties in Group B against second-placed Mali at home and an away trip to Ethiopia. Nyirenda revealed that his organization embarked on a fund-raising campaign to raise the needed funds and its all systems go. Malawi are third in the group with three points and badly need wins in the final matches to secure a spot in the final in Morocco. SABC Sport journalist Coudjoe Amankwaa reports
Orlando Pirates defender Ayanda Gcaba says as players they have adjusted and will be ready for Supersport United. Pirates will host Premier Soccer League high flyers, United in the first semi-final of the Telkom Knockout at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. The match will also be the first for the Soweto giant since the death of their captain Senzo Meyiwa who was laid to rest over the weekend… SABC Sport journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo reports
Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba this afternoon took time out to join the Carling Black Label Coach The Coaches Programme, partnered by SAFA, at the Sandton Sport Club aimed at educating grassroots level coaches in the country. Mashaba says having such a programme fully functioning is a huge contribution towards their Safa’s 2022 Technical Master Plan and hopes the coaches can utilize the knowledge gained through the programme in their regions… SABC Sport journalist Thando Gqamane reports
It was meant to be a historic announcement of the European football giants Liverpool Schools project joining forces with the KwaZulu-Natal, South African Football Association and the Hoy Park Management to for the establishment of a new KZN international training centre and provincial football academy. But the objections from the South African Football Coaches Association (SAFCA) changed the whole picture as they protested that this was a contradiction of philosophies. This happened on the second and last day of the Soccerex African Forum in front of delegates and guests from around the continent. SAFCA Technical member Sudesh Singh poses some serious questions… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
A last gasp goal from close range by George Lebese earned Kaizer Chiefs a crucial 2-1 win over tail enders Amazulu in an Absa Premiership match played at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban last night. Chiefs came back from one-nil down to win this game to go 11 points clear at the top after 10 matches played. It was a well-earned brace from Lebese who came close to being substituted just before his volleyed goal in the one hour mark. Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter admits that these are the kind of points that he will treasure dearly come the end of the season… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
For African football to be free and progressive, there’s a need to stop inheriting everything that’s coming from Europe and start to believe in our own methods too. Those were the views of the South African Football Coaches Association (SAFCA) at the Soccerex African Forum at the Moses Mabhida stadium. The debate centred on African teams’ failure to reach the quarterfinals in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and continuous shortcomings in the local game despite the presence of European coaches. SAFCA technical advisor Ted Dumitru says Africa should stop relying on foreign methods…
Former Bafana Bafana captain Aaron “Mbazo” Mokoena has praised the senior national team coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba for helping to turn the fortunes of Bafana around in a short space of time. Mokoena has been speaking at the Soccerex Africa forum that started at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban today. The Jomo Cosmos product also played under Mashaba in the junior national teams and also at Bafana and says his appointment was long overdue… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reiterated that its flagship competition, the Africa Cup of Nations, will take place between 17th January and 8th February next year, despite host nation Morocco’s continuing concerns about the threat posed by the Ebola virus. CAF has given the Royal Morocco Football Federation, which has pushed for a postponement, until Saturday (November 8 2014) to ‘clarify their position’ and decide whether they will host the tournament. The current CAF position follows a lengthy statement released after its latest executive committee meeting. African Soccer correspondent Edshine Phosa explains…
Former Bafana Bafana captain and national u/23 coach Steve Khompela has advised the senior national team camp to be more rational in their approach to their next African Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan and not only ride on the emotional support. Khompela was speaking after the funeral service of the late Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban on Saturday. In this wide ranging interview Khompela tells SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli about Meyiwa and Khune’s rivalry and has words of encouragement for Pirates players as well…
Members of the Bafana Bafana technical team have made it known that it will be difficult to replace the late Senzo Meyiwa in the national team both as a captain and number one goalkeeper. These were the views of Bafana assistant coach Thabo Senong and goalkeeper coach Lucky Shiburi who is also a former Buccaneers goal minder. Senong and Shiburi told SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli at the joint memorial service of the three fallen sports heroes Meyiwa (football), Mbulaeni Mulaudzi (Athletics) and Phindile Mwelase (Boxing) that they will have to win their next African Nations Cup qualifier in Durban on the 15th of this month in memory of Senzo…
Ex-Nigerian coach Stephen Keshi has been requested by the President of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan to return and complete the rest of the African Nations Cup qualifiers with the Nigerian national squad Super Eagles, video analyst Anderson Ogugua confirms. Nigeria plays Congo and South Africa next month in the last two AFCON qualifiers. The Super Eagles’ Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye also tweeted this morning that Keshi is set to return to his job. Keshi has apparently been asked to return to his post as part of reconciliatory moves in the Nigeria Football Federation. SABC Sport journalist Coudjoe Amankwaa reports
Mamelodi Sundowns and former Orlando Pirates midfielder Lebohang “Cheeseboy” Mokoena has welcomed the decision by the PSL Executive committee to postpone all the Absa Premiership and National First Division matches this weekend. Mokoena was speaking at the joint memorial service of the fallen sports heroes Senzo Meyiwa, Mbulaeni Mulaudzi and Phindile Mwelase at the Standard Bank Arena in Johannesburg. Mokoena who grew up with Meyiwa in the Pirates junior structures up until the senior team was very touched by today’s memorial service… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Former Bafana Bafana, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Brian Baloyi has remembered the late Orlando Pirates captain and number one goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa as a very respectful and patient footballer. Meyiwa was shot dead in Vosloorus on Sunday evening and will be buried in Umlazi on November 1. Baloyi says he got close to Meyiwa when he was struggling to get the number one jersey at Pirates and encouraged him to fight for it… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Kaizer Chiefs boss and a former Orlando Pirates player himself, Kaizer Motaung has described Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa’s loss as a national tragedy. He was speaking at the press conference organized by Pirates at Rand stadium. In this short interview Motaung tells SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli that the 27 year-old’s life was taken away just when his career was starting to blossom…
Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula has called on the community of Ekurhuleni to come forward with any kind of information they have so that the killers of Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain Senzo Meyiwa could be arrested. He was commenting after the Pirates press conference at the Rand stadium this morning following the sad killing of Meyiwa at Vosloorus. Fielding different questions from the media, Mbalula says this is a double tragedy as the country was still getting into terms with the loss of the Olympic medalist and 800m world champion who passed away last Friday… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba who also handed Senzo Meyiwa the captaincy armband last month and the boy went on lead the team to two wins and two draws that currently see them topping Group A for AFCON 2015 qualifiers, also pays tribute to Nzori as Meyiwa was popularly know to his teammates. In this interview with journalists after the press conference today, Mashaba says this killing has robbed the nation of a unifier and peacemaker on and off the field of play… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza has described the killing of the club’s captain and Bafana Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa as a sad loss to the whole nation. He was speaking at a press conference at the Rand stadium attended by the players, technical of Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung, SAFA and PSL CEO’s Dennis Mumble and Brand De Villiers as well as Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba. Meyiwa only 27 years old was shot and killed in Vosloorus following an altercation with robbers, police allege. Khoza says Meyiwa’s death has taken everybody by surprise… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
With the Absa Premiership programme about six games from the halfway mark, teams are starting to set realistic targets based on the current results. Whilst some teams continue to improve, others have made coaching changes due to indifferent results. Three teams are under the guidance of caretaker coaches already but for how long? SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli takes a look at some interesting talking points…
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana started their final game of the 2014 CAF 9th African Women Championship in Namibia against Ivory Coast as the dominating team, the first half saw them create ample scoring chances but converting none. The second half brought out a different Banyana Banyana who seemed to be chasing the ball than controlling it, Coach Vera Pauw says that the game plan remained the same but the players decided to change it on the field which resulted in them losing the game by a goal to nil… SABC Sport journalist Rhandzu Mthombeni reports
As the country was still reeling from the loss of the Olympian medalist and former 800m world champion Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, more devastating news of the death of current Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain Senzo Meyiwa was confirmed. According to the reports Meyiwa was shot dead in Vosloorus, East Rand but more details will follow in an Orlando Pirates press conference at the Rand stadium. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli looks back at Meyiwa’s magnificent football career…
Nigeria will meet Cameroon in the finals of the 9th CAF African women championships at Sam Najumo stadium, Namibia on October 25 night. Nigeria middle fielder Desire Oparanozie says that her team will continue their good run that started in the group stages and Cameroon’s physicality will not stop them from being crowned champions… SABC Sport journalist Rhandzu Mthombeni reports
At the beginning of the season, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane made it known that for 2014/2015 he is mainly targeting to defend the Absa Premiership title and also do well in the African Champions League. As he prepares to face bottom of the log Amazulu side in the Telkom Knockout last eight, Mosimane has not changed his tune. After exiting early in the MTN 8 and currently sitting on the fourth spot on the log, 10 points behind early pacesetters Kaizer Chiefs, Mosimane says winning the TKO title would be great but still maintains that there are priorities… SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Banyana Banyana’s FIFA World Cup dream was put on halt when they lost 2-1 to Nigeria in the first semifinal of the CAF African Women’s Championship at the partially full Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek. At halftime Nigeria had a two goals cushion, thanks to Asisat Oshoala’s brace, while Refiloe Jane scored a dubious goal for South Africa. And as always Banyana coach Vera Pauw was gracious in defeat and she says Nigeria made it difficult for them to play their usual game… SABC Sport journalist Lucky Qacha reports
Banyana Banyana coach Vera Pauw has vehemently criticized the system of this year’s African Women’s Championship, where one group plays at normal ground and the other on an artificial pitch. South Africa will for the first time here, play on the artificial pitch as they fight for a place in the final against Nigeria at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Damara Location, near Windhoek. And for that reason, Pauw says Nigeria will definitely have a home ground advantage… SABC Sport journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo reports
President Michael Sata will on Zambia’s 50th Independence Day anniversary honour the national football team that won the country the first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in 2012 in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. The Chipolopolo and other sports personalities will be honoured for their contribution to the development of sports in Zambia. In a first ever Special Single Class Golden Jubilee Medal, President Sata has picked various sporting icons who include the likes of Kalusha Bwalya, the only player from Southern Africa to have won the African Footballer-of-the-Year. Zambia Olympic Movement executive Ms Mirriam Claire Moyo explains… SABC Sport journalist Coudjoe Amankwaa reports
The South African team Banyana Banyana will face Nigeria again in the semi-final of the CAF African women championship but this time in Windhoek, Namibia. The last time these two teams met Banyana Banyana walked away victorious by a goal to nil. South African coach Vera Pauw says that though her team has shown improvement by scoring five (5) goals against Algeria in their last group stage match, people should be realistic when they look at the Nigerian game…
Banyana Banyana could secure a World Cup spot if they win against Nigeria on October 22, as the top three teams of this tournament qualify for Canada FIFA world cup next year. Pauw says her team is possibly faced with two finals and they should take each game as it comes… SABC Sport journalist Rhandzu Mthombeni reports
The South African women’s national soccer team are skating on thin ice following their 1-1 draw with Ghana in an entertaining Group B second round encounter of the 9th African Women’s Championship at Independence Stadium in Windhoek last night. Both team hardly troubled the goalkeepers throughout the match. However in the 19th minute MVP player of the match Mpumi Nyandeni pounced on a loose ball to put Banyana ahead, but her goal was cancelled late in the second half by Elizabeth Cudjoe. However Banyana coach Vera Pauw says once again lapses of concentration have cost them maximum points…SABC Sport journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo reports
Nigeria secured themselves a place in the 9th Africa Women’s Championships in Namibia with a crushing 6-0 victory over Zambia in their second Group A clash. The West African giants now wait for either Ivory Coast or host nation Namibia to book the second spot in the group. Nigerian coach Edwin Okon says their aim is to finish as the best team in the tournament.
Despite the hammering at the hands of Nigeria, Zambian coach Charles Bwale says his youthful squad has learnt a lot already from their first two games of the tournament. Zambia finished the second half with 10 players on the field when Grace Zulu received her second bookable offence, something that Bwale believes made their task inevitably impossible. SABC Sport journalist Lucky Qacha reports
The South African women’s national soccer team got off to a worst possible start in their campaign to qualify for the 2015 Canada World Cup. Banyana Banyana lost 1-0 to Cameroon in a thrilling opening game of Group B at Independence Stadium. The Rainbow nation girls had plenty of chances to cause an upset but lady luck eluded them. Meanwhile Banyana coach Vera Pauw says they had their chances, unfortunately could not find the back of the net…SABC Sport journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo
South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) President Gideon Sam has praised South African Football Association (SAFA) for showing decisiveness at the 24th Annual Congress and also took the time to congratulate the association for the way it has conducted its business so far with the organisation having posting a R10 million profit after coming from the red...SABC Sport journalist Jefferson Lupuwana reports
After claiming their second consecutive victory on the road in the 2015 AFCON qualifiers with a resounding 2-0 win over Congo Brazzaville on Saturday, Bafana Bafana have now scored four goals in three games without leaking. Coach Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba believes the record can still improve with three more games remaining. SABC Sport journalist Thando Gqamana reports
Banyana Banyana coach Vera Pauw says her ultimate goal is to qualify for the team for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada next year. The senior national women’s football team left for Namibia last night, to begin a journey that could see them qualify for the global showpiece for the first time, that is if they finish in the top three of this year’s African Women’s Championship (AWC). Pauw has also lauded her predecessor Joseph “Skheshekheshe” Mkhonza for his good work with Banyana…SABC Sport journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo
South African national women’s soccer skipper Janine “Booth” van Wyk says the Namibian bug has hit her team-mates and they cannot wait to get to Windhoek. Van Wyk made these revelations just before they left the country at OR Tambo International Airport yesterday, a journey that could see them qualify for the world cup for the first time. According to Van Wyk they cannot wait for the tournament to kickoff to measure their growth…SABC Sport journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo reports
Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba has called up Bidvest Wits right back Siyabonga Nhlapo to replace injured experienced campaigner Anele Ngcongca for the crucial 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Congo. Ngcongca who was expected to play a leading role in these two matches, sustained a knee injury playing for his Belgian Jupiter Pro League side RC Genk this past weekend. His withdrawal that of Ajax Cape Town centre-back Ayabulela Magqwaka also through an injury but Mashaba has downplayed the effect of these withdrawals…SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
With the fifth coaching change this season in the Premier Soccer League looming in the Free State province, Moroka Swallows coach Zeca Marques can breath a sigh of relief that his job is safe. This was confirmed by the club’s CEO Leon Prins after Swallows were thrashed 3-0 for the second time in two months by Bidvest Wits but this time in the Telkom Knockout. In an unusual move by a club boss, Prins interrupted a post match interview and jumped to Marques’ defense, lashing out at the players for not following instructions…SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Having not tasted any success in cup competitions in three seasons of top flight football, University of Pretoria coach Steve Barker believes the time has come for Tuks to put an end to their cup drought. Barker’s men take on neighbours Mamelodi Sundowns in a Tswane derby in the Last 16 round of the Telkom Knockout at Loftus.
Despite a shaky start to the Absa Premiership with only one win and three draws from seven games thus far, the Tuks coach warned Sundowns of an extremely difficult game ahead. Going into the game, Barker reiterated that they also welcome the ‘underdog tag’ which he believes gives his players more freedom on the field.
With coach Pitso Mosimane’s side scoring freely in their recent games, Barker says Tuks will look to play to their strengths and be solid in defence to nullify the reigning Absa Premier Soccer League champions with their match winners. SABC Sport journalist Thando Gqamane reports
Kaizer Chiefs might be on a roll, 11 game winning streak that also includes an MTN 8 trophy but head coach Stuart Baxter knows the challenge of having to play the same team in two consecutive weekends. Chiefs narrowly beat Maritzburg United 1-0 in an Absa Premiership match last weekend and the two teams are locking horns again in the Telkom Knockout first round clash at FNB stadium on Saturday evening. Chiefs needed a penalty to beat United last week and Baxter is aware that this game poses a different challenge…SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Bucs midfielder Thandani “Bibo” Ntshumayelo has hinted that with the challenges that they are encountering now maybe they are missing the leadership qualities of their captain Lucky Lekgwathi…SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
South African Football Association (SAFA) president Dr Danny Jordaan has hinted he intends stepping down after just one-term at the helm of football so as to allow the next generation of leaders an opportunity. However he reveals that he would push through the National Executive Committee (NEC) to extend his term until 2018 after the Fifa world cup in Russia before he steps down. SABC Sport journalist Coudjoe Amankwaa reports
The South African Women Senior National Team (Banyana Banyana) coach, Vera Pauw has named her final 21-player squad to represent the country at the 10th edition of the CAF African Women’s Championship, which will be held in Namibia from 11 – 25 October. Meanwhile with Banyana’s first group match only eleven days away from now, midfield maestro Refiloe Jane is relieved to have made the cut but she says she feels for those who could not make it…SABC Sport journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo reports
The trend in South African football in the past three seasons has seen Premier Soccer League clubs parting ways with their coaches around the FIFA international week. And with already three coaching changes this season inside the first two months of the 2014/2015 season, they all took place around the first FIFA week of the season. With the calendar going into another international week in few days, Amazulu’s Craig Rosslee could be next. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports…
South Africa national football teams have always had this fear when playing away and struggled to score on the road but that’s all changing now. Bafana Bafana, Amajita and Amajimbos in the past two months have banged the net on the road and registered positive results in competitive matches. As he looks forward to the CAF u17 championships in Niger next year, the SA national u17 team coach Molefi Ntseki tells SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli about a good synergy that exists between the SAFA national team coaches…
With qualification for the CAF u17 championships now done and dusted, Amajimbos coach Molefi Ntseki is now shifting his focus into qualifying the team for the FIFA u17 World Cup in Chile next year. Ntseki was speaking at the arrival press conference of Amajimbos from Egypt where they were held to a 2-all draw and ensured a 4-3 aggregate win in the third final round of the qualifiers. It was for the first time Amajimbos qualified for this tournament since 2007 and Ntseki is already looking ahead to Niger…SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
The South African national u17 team achieved their qualification for next year’s CAF Championship through teamwork but there are also individuals who excelled. And one of them is Khanyisa Mayo, a son to former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs utility player Patrick Mayo. The 16 year-old who recently featured for Chippa United in the PSL Reserve League netted a brace against Egypt in Cairo to take his tally to five goals in four matches in the qualifiers. His father had already concluded a deal with Supersport United long before Chippa came into the picture and this in interview with SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli, Mayo opens up about his future plans on the international stage…
When the South African national u17 men’s football team qualified for the CAF u17 championship this past weekend after holding Egypt to a 2-all in Cairo and winning 4-3 on aggregate, it was for the first time since 2007 that Amajimbos achieved this feat. They also became the third SAFA national team to qualify for a continental tournament this year after Banyana Banyana and Amajita. With Bafana Bafana having also started fairly well in the 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula says these are promising signs for SA football…SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
The Executive Committee of the African Football Confederation CAF and Africa members of the FIFA Executive Committee has pledged their support for Joseph Sepp Blatter for another term at the helm of the football’s world governing body FIFA. In a meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia recently, the importance of Blatter’s programmes of development in Africa was hailed. FIFA development officer for southern and east Africa Ashford Mamelodi explains…SABC Sport journalist Coudjoe Amankwaa reports
Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes:” Mashaba has rewarded current form in his latest national team squad that will face Congo in two crucial 2015 African Cup of Nations matches next month. Mashaba has made six changes to the team that picked up four points against Sudan and Nigeria earlier this month. The inclusions are Kaizer Chiefs veteran midfielder Reneilwe “Yeye” Letsholonyane and Orlando Pirates striker Kermit Erasmus who between them have scored 11 goals this season. Another notable inclusion is that of Ajax Amsterdam midfield maestro Thulani Serero and Mashaba says all these players deserve the call-ups…SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
The South African women’s national team can count themselves lucky following their 2-1 win over Ivory Coast in an international friendly match at Moruleng Stadium. In the dying minutes of the game the visitors were denied a penalty by referee Ester Novo of Mozambique, with replays clearly showing that the encroachment was way inside the box, much to the awe of the South African coach Vera Pauw. However she says they did not create enough chances to warrant them a victory…SABC Sport journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo reports
With just three weeks to go before the start of the opening game of the African Women’s Championship in Namibia, the South African women’s national soccer team will know if they are ready to conquer Africa. Banyana Banyana have enjoyed a great run in their build up to the AWC, and their match against Ivory Coast at Moruleng Stadium late this afternoon will set the tone on what to expect in Namibia. Banyana coach Vera Pauw says finally they have credible opponent and it will be tight game…SABC Sport journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo reports
Kaizer Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung has attributed the club’s early success this season in the form of the MTN 8 title to a good off-season preparation. Motaung was speaking after the one-nil win over Pirates at Moses Mabhida stadium on Saturday evening, courtesy of a Tefu Mashamaite header. The club’s boss says it was also historic that this results has been achieved in a province where Amakhosi have got a strong connection…SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter who is on his third year with Chiefs was also coaching on his 100th game with Amakhosi and this milestone also saw him managing to win his third trophy with the club. He also elaborates on the deadly situation of his lads in set-pieces…SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli reports
Lifa Tsutsulupa says he is happy with how things have fared for them in the new season. However if you were to compare the current and the 2013/14 season Swallows were two points better after round 6 with 11 points but their last five games left a bitter taste in the mouth as they escaped the promotion/ relegation battle by three points. Even so their captain Tsutsulupa says Swallows showed a lot of character to overturn their past troubles...SABC Sport journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo reports
The brilliance of Brilliant Khuzwayo and a composed Kaizer Chiefs defensive organization won Amakhosi their first MTN 8 title in four years when they beat archrivals Orlando Pirates 1-0 at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban. A 28th minute header from stand in captain Tefu Mashamaite off a George Maluleka free-kick proved to be the difference on the night and got Amakhosi a staggering R8 million. This was Chiefs first trophy in 18 months after finishing last season without some silverware and head coach Stuart Baxter was full of praises for his players especially Khuzwayo…SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports att_20151130_162500_src.png — PNG (111.8 KB)
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced it will converge in Warri, Delta State, for an Extra-Ordinary General Assembly on Saturday. According to the NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu, this congress is in line with an earlier directive by the world football governing body, FIFA for a foremost of two such congresses to decide on the roadmap leading to fresh elections in future. Outgoing NFF president Aminu Maigari was arrested on his way to the elections prompting Fifa to declare the elections invalid. NFF official Anderson Ogugua explains…
Following the resignation of NFF’s president Chris Giwa, after FIFA had declared the election null and void, the General Assembly is expected to elect a fresh NFF Electoral Committee and new NFF Electoral Appeals Committee…SABC Sport journalist Coudjoe Amankwaa reports
With days to the opening ceremony of the ninth African Women’s Championship (AWC) in Namibia, the trophy for the championship has arrived in capital, Windhoek. The CAFONLINE website reports that the trophy arrived in the company of Namibia Football Association (NFA) president, John Muinjo at the Hosea Kutako International Airport, Windhoek. It is for the very first time that there is a title sponsor for the AWC and CAF is very grateful to Telecom Namibia for coming on board in trying to make this tournament a spectacle that it should be. Namibian Football Association president Muinjo explains…SABC Sport journalist Coudjoe Amankwaa reports
Close to its 15 years of existence in the South African football scene, Ajax Cape Town has always been seen as the leading football development team in the Premier Soccer League. And in the latest Bafana Bafana selection, those signs were evident with more than four players having strong Ajax links. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli followed this story closely and has put together this report…
South African national soccer women’s captain Janine Van Wyk says there is no excuse for not performing well in the upcoming Namibia African Women’s Championship especially with the avalanche of friendlies they have played since the arrival of Vera Pauw in March. Even though South Africa does not have a women’s professional league running, there has been action aplenty for the national team. In the last four months Banyana Banyana has played eight friendlies including one African Women’s Championship qualifier against Comoros…
And, Banyana have not only been winning games but their striking prowess has been impressive. Last Saturday they hammered Botswana 10-0 and before that they beat Zambia and Namibia 4-0 and 2-0 respectively. Nevertheless van Wyk predicts a tougher road ahead…SABC Sport journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo reports
This coming Saturday’s MTN 8 final is all about history and the bragging rights for the Soweto Derby according to Orlando Pirates coach Vladimir Vermezovic. Speaking after their training session this morning at Rand stadium, Vermezovic believes that the quality of talent in both camps of Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs will make this sold out affair at Moses Mabhida stadium quite a spectacle. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports…
University of Johannesburg conceded a late goal from a set-piece to hand TUKS their second Varsity Football title in as many years in Soweto last night. UJ coach Bradley Carnell lauded his charges while congratulating TUKS. SABC Sport Reporter Thando Gqamane has more on the story…
It will only be the third cup final in the past five years between the Soweto arch-rivals and the sold-out signs at Moses Mabhida stadium for this MTN 8 final was just the first sign of the overwhelming expectation for this game. Speaking to the media before their training session at the club’s base in the Naturena Village this morning, Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter says Orlando Pirates play a high tempo game and they will meet them at that level…SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Arguably the world’s most popular team by number of global fans reached and certainly one of the biggest football clubs by revenue in the world, Manchester United’s fall from grace in the field of play has been well documented. After Sir Alex Ferguson’s triumphant 2012/13 English premiership champions were overnight just turned into pushovers with the team languishing in an unfamiliar seventh position last season under then appointed manager David Moyes. It was not long before “The Chosen One” as Moyes was affectionately known before he was shown the back door after a dismal run that saw the Red Devils become the laughing stock of world football. SABC Sport journalist Jefferson Lupuwana reports
Chippa United owner Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi says it is the duty of the Premier Soccer League and National First Division club bosses to make sure that more young and qualified local coaches get a chance to work at the highest level. Mpengesi was speaking after his club’s 2-0 win at Moroka Swallows yesterday where Roger Sikhakhane led the team for the first time since Kosta Papic’s departure. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports…
Chippa United registered their second win of the Absa Premiership season and their first on the road when they beat a 10-man Moroka Swallows 2-0 at Dobsonville stadium yesterday. Two goals from Nigerian midfielder Ugonna Uzochukwu and David Zulu were enough to send the Chilli Boys into the ninth spot on the log. United’s caretaker coach Roger Sikhakhane says despite having a one man advantage for the entire second half, they worked hard to defeat Swallows……SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
The South African women’s national football team extended their unbeaten run to six matches after thumping Botswana 10-0 in an international friendly at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg yesterday. A five goal feast from Portia Modise, a brace from Slindile Ngubane, and a goal each from Sanah Mollo, Mamello Mkhabane and Refiloe handed Banyana Banyana the emphatic victory. Meanwhile over the moon Banyana coach Vera Puaw says this time around she could not fault them…SABC Sport journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo reports
AmaZulu coach Craig Rosslee says despite the fact that his team is rooted at the bottom of the PSL log he will not be worrying about losing his job but will rather be aiming at getting his team out of the relegation zone.....SABC Sport journalist Jefferson Lupuwana reports...
Four points from a possible six in the first two Africans Cup of Nations qualifiers have left Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba believing that his team is on the right track. He was speaking after an entertaining goalless draw against the African champions, Nigeria at Cape Town stadium last night. The team missed some crucial chances towards the end though but Mashaba is focusing on the positives from this two week long camp, that started with a three-nil win away to Sudan last week…SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports
Banyana Banyana striker turned defender Noko”Beep Beep” Matlou seems to be enjoying her new position. Matlou has been playing as a defender in the last five games and her partnership with Janine van Wyk has been unyielding as they only slip in two goals. Even so Matlou says it was not her choice to switch positions…SABC Sport journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo reports
Few months ago Stephen “The Boss” Keshi was one of the leading candidates for the Bafana Bafana coaching job and despite not getting it losing to Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba, he’s made a starling revelation that he would still like to coach the team in future. The Nigerian national team coach was speaking ahead of their training session at Cape Town stadium last night in preparation for tonight’s crunch 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports…
Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba says they will be adopting a cautious approach in their strategy for the crucial 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria at Cape Town this evening. This will be a 10th meeting between the two teams since South Africa’s readmission to international football in 1992 with the Super Eagles having won eight games and Bafana only one. Kick-Off time is 8pm. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports…
The public image of Bafana Bafana for a very long time has been tainted due to poor results but a lot is about to change and it was evident when the team visited the Canal Walk Shopping Centre in Cape Town earlier today. Following an encouraging 3-0 win in the African Nations Cup qualifier away to Sudan last Friday, as the team prepares for another crunch encounter against African Champions Nigeria tomorrow, head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba is pulling out all the stops to get them psychological ready. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports…
A senior Nigerian national team player has stopped short of calling his country’s football leadership nothing but a joke. Stand in captain Austin Ejide says the events of the past few days that nearly resulted in the Super Eagles being banned from international football and disqualified from the 2015 African Cup of Nations tournament paint are unfortunate. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli visited the Nigerian training camp last night and has compiled this report…
Banyana Banyana veteran striker Portia Modise says the preparations for the Namibian African Women’s Championship could not have been better. The South African women’s national team have been in camp for over a month and on Saturday they will host Botswana in an international friendly at Royal Bafokeng Stadium as part of the AWC preparations. According to Modise they are heading the right direction…SABC Sport journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo reports…
Bafana Bafana and Nigeria’s 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifier will go ahead at the Cape Town stadium on Wednesday evening after the Nigerian Football Federation internal politics were resolved today to the satisfaction of FIFA. The world’s football mother body had instructed Chris Giwa to give up his claim of being NFF President and they threatened an international. Giwa gave in to FIFA’s call and the executive of Aminu Maigari is back in charge and the Super Eagles will continue with their shaky AFCON qualifiers. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports…
Amazulu striker Bongani “Drogba” Ndulula together with Ajax Cape Town’s Keagan Dolly were the two debutants in Friday’s Bafana Bafana thumping 3-0 win over Sudan in Khartoum. Ndulula who is the joint top goal scorer with 15 goals in the national u/23, a record he shares with Siyabonga “Bhele” Nomvete scored the last goal on Friday. And he tells SABC Sport’s Velile Mbuli that there’s still more to come…
Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba’s return as the Bafana Bafana coach started in the best possible way when they walloped Sudan 3-0 in their first 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifier at the El Merreikh stadium in Khartoum. It was Bafana’s first win in nine months, since the 3-1 win over Mozambique in the CHAN tournament in January. Reigning PSL footballer of the year Sibusiso “General” Vilakazi came from bench in the second half to score a brace and debutant Bongani “Drogba” Ndulula put in the final nail in the coffin. After going into half-time deadline at 0-0, Mashaba says there was a need for the ball players to take the centre stage…SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports…
It is still not clear if Nigeria will be heading down to Cape Town to face Bafana Bafana in the second 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifier at the Cape Town stadium. The African champions, face a possibility of being banned from international football by FIFA if Chris Giwa who was not elected procedurally as Nigerian Football Federation President last week doesn’t step down from this position. CAF has already warned that if Nigeria misses Bafana’s game they would be banned from the AFCON qualifying campaign. But following a 3-0 win in Sudan, Shakes Mashaba’s team is going ahead with the preparations. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports…
Bafana Bafana players have downplayed the hot weather conditions for the tricky first 2015 African Nations Cup qualifier against Sudan in Khartoum. The weather forecast predicts 33 degrees Celsius here in Khartoum where the two teams will meet at the El Merreikh stadium, a 22 minute drive from Bafana’s hotel. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli filed this report
A recurring foot injury, has once again forced Bafana Bafana captain Itumeleng Khune out of the national team and he didn’t travel with the 24-man squad, which arrived in Khartoum, Sudan for the crucial African Cup of Nations qualifiers on Friday. Khune last played for Bafana during a CHAN game against Mali in January this year and since then he’s missed five national team matches since then. Speaking after Bafana’s arrival in Khartoum, this evening, Team Doctor Thulani Ngwenya has more on the Khune situation…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The appointment of Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba as the Bafana Bafana coach was not accepted by everybody and today he tackled his critics head on. Addressing journalists in the Bafana’s arrival presser at the Milpark Hotel in Johannesburg this afternoon, Mashaba says he will welcome criticism but only when it’s fair and constructive. Bafana started their preparations today for the 2015 African Nations qualifier against Sudan in Khartoum on Friday. Velile Mbuli has compiled this report…
Just a day after qualifying Amajita for the African Youth Championships in Senegal by beating Cameroon 3-2 on aggregate yesterday, newly appointed Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba has spoken out on what he thinks was unfair criticism about his appointment. One weekly newspaper wrote that…I quote “Mashaba won the role on pure availability more than anything else”. And the man who returns for his second spell as Bafana coach responded today…
Mashaba’s record at junior level speaks for itself, qualified the first u20 team to the AYC tournament in Morocco in 1997 and lost in the final to the hosts and went to the FIFA u20 World Cup in Malaysia the same year. He went up with that group of players to the Sydney Olympics in 2000. His record with Bafana stands at 19 matches, 12 wins, five draws and two losses, one of the best records for a Bafana coach. And he says claims that he was the cheapest choice are insulting to him…
The team held it’s first training session this morning at the Marks Park ground, and most of the players have arrived in camp and two players were confirmed to be out through injuries, Bidvest Wits centre-back Buhle Mkhwanazi and Supersport United goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Mashaba says qualifying for Morocco is a priority to him…
But it’s the issue of captaincy that will also dominate the headlines around Bafana this week as Mashaba says they are yet to make a decision as he tables his requirements of a good captain…
Based on these points, one can be forgiven for thinking that Itumeleng Khune’s reign as Bafana skipper is coming to an end. And one potential candidate is Belgian based defender Anele Ngcongca and asked if he’s ready to assume this role, he says he would welcome the challenge…
On the 10th of this month Bafana will be hosting Nigeria in the second AFCON qualifier in Cape Town, South Africa has never beaten the Super Eagles in a competitive match. And Mashaba says this time something has got to give…
Bafana will have two more training sessions tomorrow before they depart for Sudan on Wednesday morning. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The Orlando Pirates players are confident and are finding their form at the right time, this is according to the club’s head coach Vladimir Vermezovic. He was responding after his team dished out another three-nil win against Polokwane City in an Absa Premiership match at Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane yesterday. Goals from Kermit Erasmus, Thabo “Section” Qalinge and Lehlohonolo Majoro ensured the Buccaneers delivered the same score line that floored defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns during the week. And VV sang praises of his team…
Qalinge started his first match for Pirates, having been brought in as a substitute in the past five matches. He went on to score a cracker on the stroke of half-time and VV says the 23year-old is destined for big things…
Unlike in the past, Pirates strikers have delivered in recent matches and indications are that they will easily reach double figures this season in all competitions. Between the two of them, Erasmus and Majoro have scored nine goals between themselves in the eight matches played so far in all competitions. VV is encouraged by this good return from the strikers but warns that they shouldn’t put themselves under unnecessary pressure…
Meanwhile Polokwane City coach Boebie Solomons could become the second PSL coach to be sacked in the 2014/2015 season following this thumping loss at home. It was City’s fourth loss in five matches this season and their second at home. And Solomons admits himself that their performance is disheartening…
City fired their first coach (Duncan Lechesa) last season after only five matches and SABC Sport understands that Cavin Johnson who was also sacked by Supersport United on Friday has been sounded out to replace Solomons. But the former Santos coach is already talking about bettering things in the two week international break…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba has hailed the South African national u20 team’s qualification for the 2015 African Youth Championship (AYC) as the first step towards building a strong Bafana. He was speaking after Amajita’s 2-1 (3-2 on aggregate) win against Cameroon at the Old Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane. It is for the first time Amajita have qualified for this team since 2009 and Mashaba says this augurs well for the future…
The AYC tournament will take place in Senegal next March with semi-finalists in that eight team tournament qualifying for the 2015 FIFA u20 World Cup in New Zealand.
This was Mashaba’s last game with this group of players, he’s been together with them when he won the Zone 6 u17 championship in Zambia in 2012, went up with them to win the COSAFA u20 championship in Lesotho last December. Mashaba who will be starting his first game with Bafana Bafana, says this is a fitting farewell…
Amajita were behind as early as early third minute when Marius Noubissi Marius scored the opening goal capitalizing on a defensive error. But a brace from Fagrie Lakay before half time made all the difference. Mashaba says coming back from one-nil down against a quality team like Cameroon with four European based players on their side, shows the character in this team…
Amajita captain Ayabulela Magqwaka is one of the players that has been part of this team from 2012 and says the unity in this group has got them this far…
Lakay also comes from the group that has been in place since 2012, he had previously failed to qualify for the CAF u17 championship and says this the best brace he’s ever scored in his football career…
SAFA’s 2022 vision of the technical master plan is taking shape through results like this according to the organization’s President Danny Jordaan…
Jordaan also says it’s a good result for Mashaba who will be going to Sudan with Bafana this week ahead of the first African Cup of Nations qualifier in Khartoum on Friday…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
On August 29 at 5pm, the curtain will be coming down on the local transfer window the Premier Soccer League announced last week but Kaizer Chiefs fans shouldn’t expect a last minute transfer activity from their side. This is based on the club’s coach Stuart Baxter’s response after the 5-0 aggregate win in an MTN 8 semi-final against Platinum Stars at FNB stadium yesterday. SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli attended this game…
One of the reasons Kaizer Chiefs has yet to confirm it’s participation in next year’s African Champions League tournament is the lack of depth in their squad. Their number one target Knowledge Musona’s deal has fallen through, Bidvest Wits is also refusing to sell them their captain Sibusiso “General” Vilakazi. The team has brought in seven new players in this transfer window, three on free transfers, one on loan and promoted three from it’s academy. They haven’t spent on marquee signings at all and Baxter says they are not desperate…
Meanwhile Baxter has came out in support of his club following the failed move of getting Musona back on loan from Bundesliga club TSG Hoffeinheim. The Zimbabwean international has always maintained that he wants to remain in Europe but Chiefs pushed hard for him to return and Baxter says it wasn’t worth it chasing a player that was not committed to come back…
With Musona not coming, this gives Chiefs a chance to fill that extra foreign spot before Friday. Yesterday Katlego “Killer” Mphela scored a goal on his first appearance this season and is the fourth striker after Kingston Nkhatha, Siphelele Mthembu and the injured Bernard Parker. And Baxter is not sure if this is the position they could be prioritizing for this extra foreign spot…
As predicted last week, after a good start into the new season that saw Mandla “Bullet” Masango scoring four goals in five matches, he was selected in Shakes Mashaba’s first Bafana squad to play in the 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifiers next month. Baxter has issued a stern challenge to Masango…
In what many see as a move to get rid of the old guard, a number of players that played in the 2010 World Cup are not part of the current squad. One of those is Chiefs’ Reneilwe “Yeye” Letsholonyane, the veteran midfielder with 48 caps has no hard feelings…
With the big spenders Mamelodi Sundowns expected to conclude Keagan Dolly and Mogokolodi Ngele’s deals this week, it remains to be seen if Chiefs will finish this window without having “bought” a single player. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The South African national u20 football team, Amajita has been boosted by the arrival of five more players ahead of the crucial African Youth Championships third round, 2nd leg qualifier against Cameroon in Polokwane on Sunday. The two teams played a one-all draw in the first leg in Yaoundé two weeks ago and the winner of this tie will qualify for the AYC tournament in Senegal in March next year. Velile Mbuli attended the press conference at SAFA House this morning…
A project that Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba started at the Zone 6 games in Zambia two years ago, could come into fruition this coming weekend. Mashaba started with the team as u17 and won that tournament, he proceeded to the COSAFA u20 championship in Lesotho in December last year and conquered there too. Now he’s only 90 minutes away from qualifying Amajita to the AYC. The newly appointed Bafana Bafana coach selected five Amajita players to the senior national team last week and he says there’s a plan behind this…
The team has been boosted by the arrival of Bidvest Wits left-back Tebogo Moerane who couldn’t travel with the team to Cameroon and his PSL experience will come in handy. Mashaba would’ve also liked to have FC Twente’s Nhlakanipho “Nanana” Ntuli but again his Dutch team has refused to release him…
The Cameroonians are no pushovers with players who are based overseas including three FC Barcelona players in their team. But Mashaba says they will impose their game plan on the visitors…
On their return from Cameroon two weeks ago, Mashaba urged the local football fans to rally behind the team in the 2nd leg. The game will take place at the Old Peter Mokaba stadium on Sunday preceded by a Banyana Banyana match. SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble has promised enough support from the organization’s five regions in Limpopo…
The semi-finalists in next year’s AYC will qualify for the 2015 FIFA World Cup in New Zealand. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The omission of South Africa’s best football export at the moment Thulani Serero from Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba’s first Bafana Bafana squad has received a lot of attention from the nation. This follows Mashaba’s announcement of a 34-man squad to face Sudan and Nigeria in 2015 African Nations Cup qualifiers in the first week of next month. Announcing the team in Cape Town today where Bafana will play Nigeria on the 10th of next month five days after their first game in Khartoum, Mashaba says there’s nothing sinister about the omission of the Ajax Amsterdam midfielder…
Serero who scored a goal against European giants FC Barcelona last season, for the second season running is the only SA player that will take part in the UEFA Champions league this season. He also had running battles with the outgoing coach Gordon Igesund resulting in him being kicked out of the camp on the eve of a crucial World Cup qualifier against Botswana last year. Newly appointed assistant coach Owen Da Gama was part of the squad selection and says it will get better with time…
From the day Mashaba was appointed,, SAFA has been very clear that there’s no mandate to qualify for next year’s AFCON but the focus is on building a team for the future. Mashaba showed this with his selection of SA U/20 players the team that he’s on the verge of qualifying for the African Youth Championships in Senegal next March. Mashaba confirms that his spine is the u23 team he’s worked with before mixed with the current Amajita team…
Amajita captain Ayabulela Magqwaka, Rivaldo Coetzee (both Ajax CT), Dumisani Msibi (Supersport United), Siyanda Ngubo (Shining Stars, ABC Motsepe League) and Nhlakanipho “Nanana” Ntuli (FC Twente, Holland) are all Amajita players announced in today’s squad.
It’s also not clear if current Bafana captain Itumeleng Khune will continue wearing that armband as Mashaba says they are still going to assess some few things…
Besides the 25-man squad travelling to Sudan, nine other players including Supersport United goalkeeper Ronwen Williams will join Bafana for the camp in preparation for the Nigeria game. And Mashaba’s sees nothing wrong in selecting Msibi a third choice at United and first choice at Amajita to travel with them to Sudan…
Building up to this squad announcement, a lot of names were bandied about based on current form in the first few matches of the season and Mashaba says Mandla Masango’s situation is no exception…
The omission of most of the players that played at for Bafana in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2010 World Cup is something that was to be expected as Mashaba talks Vision 2022 but he also made it clear that this is not the end of the road for them…
Amajita play their final and crucial AYC qualifier against Cameroon in Polokwane on the last day of this month and three days later Bafana leave on a chartered flight for Khartoum where they meet Sudan two days later. Mashaba will still be coaching both teams and he’s aware that it’s a tight programme but says these assignments are both important for the future…
The hot weather conditions will be a huge factor in Khartoum and after not qualifying for an AFCON tournament since 2008 despite the long-term vision of SAFA, Mashaba is aware that people are eager to see Bafana in Morocco next year. But he doesn’t seem to know much about Sudan at this stage, the team that will also play a preparatory against Zambia in Ndola next week…
The selection of Thabo Matlaba and Oupa Manyisa came as a bit of a surprise after the SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble recently told the media that the two together with Teko Modise will be facing a SAFA disciplinary committee for turning down call-ups to the national team and that they won’t be available for selection. But Mashaba says he wasn’t told anything about them and he also doesn’t believe that this will send a wrong message to other players…
Mashaba’s also took this opportunity to confirm his technical team going forward, Da Gama as has been speculated in the media is the first assistant coach. The second assistant coach is Thabo Senong who has been assisting Mashaba at Amajita and the goalkeeper coach is former Orlando Pirates glove man Lucky Shiburi. Mashaba says these were deserving candidates and he chose them solely based on their competence…
SABC Sport understands that SAFA will call a press conference to announce the full national teams technical staff including that of Bafana, Amajita and SA U23. Watch this space…
Da Gama who promoted Platinum Stars then known as HP Silver Stars to the PSL in 200, and has unearthed a lot of players from the lower levels of the game to the PSL says his ability to spot talent could be what got Mashaba interested in his services…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
It will be a dream Soweto Derby MTN 8 final come the 20th of next month after the two South African football giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs confirmed their passage to the final in an emphatic way this past weekend. First it was Pirates with a 5-1 aggregate win after beating Bidvest Wits 3-1 in the second leg at Orlando stadium on Saturday night. And yesterday Amakhosi had it easy against Platinum Stars cruising 3-0 at FNB stadium to secure a 5-0 aggregate win. Chiefs head coach Stuart Baxter was also happy with the dominant performance…
The venue for the final is likely to be announced this week and SABC Sport understands that Port Elizabeth seems to be the favourite choice for now.
As the team that was trailing from the first leg, Stars hardly gave Chiefs any problems in the first half, the defending champions were expected to take the game to the hosts but it wasn’t to be. And even coach Allan Freese says that their game plan on the day never took off…
In the past few seasons, Stars have maintained a good record against Chiefs, especially at home and last season they also knocked them out of the Telkom Knockout. Freese admits that in these two games, Chiefs was just too strong for them…
Veteran midfielder Reneilwe “Yeye” not only scored the second goal but also produced a man of the match performance for the second time in this season’s Wafa-Wafa…
The last time the two Soweto giants met in an MTN 8 final, Pirates won 1-0 through an Oupa Manyisa extra-time long range strike at FNB stadium in 2011. Current Bucs coach Vladimir Vermezovic was still with Chiefs then, Baxter is urging the supporters of the two teams to not only focus their support on meetings between the two teams…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Nigeria will play Germany in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Canada 2014 final after thrashing Korea DPR 6-2. The bare outcome represent just the final page of an enthralling semi-final story that showcased two different and equally thrilling kinds of football match. The day's early game was all about one in-form team, with the Nigerian Falconets’ carrying out a ruthless demolition job on a Korea DPR. Nigeria showed amazing team efforts to defeat Korea DPR. Nigerian Super Eagles video analyst Anderson Ogugua explains…
The Super Falconets' Asisat Oshoala undoubtedly emerged as the star of the day, illuminating this one-sided Moncton encounter with four goals that set all kind of records tumbling in the women’s game. The 24-year old Oshoala has seven goals to her credit. She would emerge the event’s top goal scorer.
Meanwhile the third and fourth play-offs will be contested by France and the out-going defending champions Korea DPR. Elsewhere in Montreal emerged very different kind of a showdown as two European heavyweights contested arguably the most engaging and unpredictable contest of the tournament for a spot in the final. And while France dominated and created by far the better scoring chances, Germany's clinical finishing and legendary will to win saw them through to what promises to be a classic final. Journalist: Coudjoe Amankwaa
Absa Premiership log leaders Kaizer Chiefs continued with their winning ways when they grinded out a 1-0 win against a stubborn Bloemfontein Celtic at FNB stadium last night, to make three out of three in the league. Man of the moment Mandla “Bullet” Masango completed a well-worked move that involved George Maluleka and George Lebese in the 79th minute to net his fourth goal of the season in five matches. It was a tough game for both sides and Chiefs head coach Stuart Baxter says when the points are tallied up at the end of the season, these are the matches that count…
Celtic after three games played in the league they are yet to win a game with two draws and a loss. Siwelele coach Ernst Middendorp says his side’s lack of composure in the final third cost them in this game, like in the previous matches…
Celtic had lost 3-0 in the corresponding league fixture at FNB stadium between the two teams a score line that was not a true reflection of the game but this time Middendorp admits that they were not disgraced…
With the second leg of the MTN 8 semi-final still to come against Platinum Stars on Sunday, Baxter was expected to make some few changes but he stuck to his tried and tested starting line-up of the past four matches. The Scottish coach makes it known that this was a big game too equally important just like the cup competition semi-final tie that they lead 2-0…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The Mamelodi Sundowns controversial loan policy that sees their loaned players not being able to play against them has come under scrutiny and even the club’s President Patrice Motsepe is against it. But could this be the last season for it, as there continues to be an outright outcry against it. The loan policy is just one of the many issues Motsepe addressed after the Brazilians club awards in Pretoria on Sunday evening. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli reports…
Out of the 22 players that Sundowns loaned last season, only four or five of those have been retained this season and the rest are going out on loan again. In their opening game of the Absa Premiership, Maritzburg United had to play without three players they loaned from Sundowns, namely Kwanda Mngonyama, Abel Mabaso and Sibusiso Khumalo. Last season Sundowns had loaned out players to not less than 10 PSL teams and the club’s President Patrice Motsepe knows that this is a matter that’s difficult to defend…
Many have alleged that this is a ploy to weaken other teams and that this helped Sundowns to win their sixth Absa Premiership title last season, for the first time in seven years. But it’s not a foregone conclusion that this loan policy will change at Sundowns as Motsepe says the board has the final say…
This loan policy has also started to be very unpopular with some PSL clubs, AmaTuks who have loaned players from Sundowns for the past two seasons don’t want to see it anymore. Just recently Maritzburg United coach Steve Khompela called for it to be boycotted…
But Sundowns is not the only team that’s applying this loan policy locally and internationally. And the man who introduced it at the Brazilians has gone on to implement it at Supersport United and at Bidvest Wits. The Clever Boys CEO Jose Ferreira recently explained to us how does this loan policy work…
Head coach Pitso Mosimane who was handsomely rewarded with a Presidential award accompanied by prize money of R250 000 for winning the league title, has publicly claimed that their target this season is to defend their title and reach African Champions League group stages. But Motsepe who has seen the team’s trophy cabinet dry for six consecutive years says there’s no pressure…
Sundowns have not started well this season, they are yet to register a win in three matches and have suffered two losses including an exit in the MTN 8. After their one-all draw against United, a small group of supporters threw missiles in the direction of Mosimane that prompted the club to release a statement condemning that. Motsepe who has previously fired coaches on the back of supporters’ actions has rebuked this behavior…
The mining magnate billionaire has also revealed that as Sundowns they are prepared to help the Tshwane Metro in fast-tracking the completion of the renovation of HM Pitjie stadium in Mamelodi so that the Brazilians can return home. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
A key stakeholder in the development of the game of football in South Africa has started to sort out its house and the future looks bright for the aspiring coaches in the country. This emerged at the South African Football Coaches Association (SAFCA) technical symposium at Rand stadium on Friday. SAFCA is also moving ahead with plans that will result into the implementation of a unique SA football philosophy. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli attended this daylong symposium…
A total of 160 coaches from all the nine provinces attended this symposium that was organized by the SAFCA leadership that was appointed last year. Presenting on various topics were SAFCA’s Technical Advisor Ted Dumitru, SAFA President Danny Jordaan and his SAFCA counterpart Greg Mashilo. Coming out of this gathering it’s clear that this organization wants to fast track the coaching education from Local Football Associations, regional and provincial levels to have more qualified coaches who will in turn develop more quality talent in abundance. SAFCA’s Technical Head Simon Ngomane says the next step will be to hold a technical convention where the SA football philosophy will be detailed…
An advanced training concept for SAFA youth coaches comprising new and superior methods, including Maximal Training for Youth that have been developed and successfully tested in South Africa were presented by Zipho Dlangalala. The respected Mamelodi Sundowns youth coach outlines this programme…
The key note address came from Professor Manoel Neto from Brazil who has had a number of top local coaches as his students in the past including the likes of Ngomane, Dlangalala, Cavin Johnson and Farouk Khan just to count a few. Prof Neto who has done a lot of work in Africa since 1980, points out the real challenges of SA players having observed six PSL matches…
Professor Neto, a distinguished global football personality – the Director of Brazilian Football Coaches Association and a Senior FIFA Instructor says it’s not difficult for SAFCA and SAFA to improve the game in SA, all that’s needed are just proper structures…
Former Bafana Bafana coach Ted Dumitru presented a vastly important aspect of ‘High performance training for International Excellence’ and he’s also lauded this opportunity of equipping coaches at the lower levels of the game…
In his presentation of SAFA’s Vision 2022, Jordaan called on SAFCA to assume a leading role in the development of SA football…
Jordaan also announced in this symposium that SAFCA is welcome to have it’s offices at SAFA House and work closer to the organizations technical structures. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
A Soweto derby MTN 8 final is looking more likely after the results of the 1st legs of the semi-finals this weekend but Orlando Pirates coach Vladimir Vermezovic has cautioned that it’s not all over yet. VV was speaking after his club’s 2-0 nil win over Bidvest Wits at Bidvest stadium yesterday. Bucs archrivals Kaizer Chiefs also recorded a 2-nil away win against Platinum Stars in Rustenburg on Saturday. Crucial goals from defenders Siyabonga Sangweni and Thabo Matlaba made the difference in this game but VV says it’s not over yet…
The second legs will be played next weekend with Pirates and Wits settling their outcome on Saturday night at Orlando stadium and Chiefs meeting Stars again at FNB stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Wits lost to Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final few months ago and coach Gavin Hunt was hugely disappointed by yesterday’s result in a post match reaction to a group of journalists that only last two minutes…
Pirates strikers have found the going tough this season, after four matches played this season goals have only came from midfielders and defenders but this is not a big issue for VV…
Hunt has had a lot to say about the condition of their pitch in the past two weeks and yesterday was no exception…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The South African Men’s Under 20 National Team have arrived safely in Yaoundé, Cameroon for the African Youth Championship qualifiers third round first leg clash. This was after a nine-hour trip that took them via Nairobi, Kenya. Amajita arrived in Yaoundé without most of their luggage including the playing kit and toiletry. Word from Kenya Airways was that the bags were not loaded in Nairobi where the team was in transit, and would only be delivered to the squad tomorrow evening on the next available flight to Yaoundé. Amajita team manager Lindile “Ace” Kika explains how their luggage went missing…
Kika says their preparations will be slightly affected because of this missing luggage but also hopes that the recent tour they took to West Africa with this team has prepared these boys for challenges like these…
To compensate for the delay, Kenya Airways contributed some finance to assist the team to buy toiletries while waiting for their luggage and Kika agrees that this is not an ideal preparation for a big game like this…
Amajita coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba who will be starting with his Bafana Bafana duties when he returns from this trip has urged the players to focus on the job at hand and not worry about things they cannot control…
This first leg clash will be played at Omnisports Ahmadou Ahidjo on Saturday afternoon with the return leg set for Polokwane stadium on the last day of this month. Amajita held their first training session this morning and Mashaba says the time for talking is over…
Amajita need to win this tie to qualify for the 2015 African Youth Champs in Senegal in March and a semi-final berth there will see them qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand next year. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Moroka Swallows registered their second successive league win after beating AmaZulu 2-1 in an Absa Premiership clash at the Dobsonville Stadium. The Dube Birds coach, Zeca Marques expressed satisfaction with the win but lamented the lack of passion in this game...
The hosts were coming off a big away victory against their traditional rivals Orlando Pirates and it was Lerato Chabangu who again made the difference as he put on a “man of the match” display and tucked away the winning goal to ensure a 100% start for his side. Marques was pleased with his prolific marksmen’s performance and went as far as calling him a “game changer”....
Chabangu who came in for the injured Swallows captain, Lefa Tsutsulupa in the 23rd minute created the first opening of the game in the 29th minute when his free kick found Luvhengo Mungomeni inside the box, who then headed past Tapuwa Kapini to hand his side a 1-0 lead at the break. Chabangu says the team seems to be pulling in the right direction....
On the other hand Usuthu coach Craig Rosslee was unhappy with the goals his team conceded and says his team did not defend well...
Rosslee added that with tough encounters coming up his team will have to start picking points up...Journalist: Jefferson Lupuwana
The PSL reserve league programme has returned as the Multichoice Diski Challenge bigger and better than before, the league’s chairman Irvin Khoza announced in Randburg today. All the 16 PSL teams will have their u19 teams competing between the next month and March next year and also giving an opportunity to youngsters on the fringes of PSL teams to get game time. SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli attended this launch…
At a time when the buzz word in local football is development and lack of opportunities for youngsters to get game time in the PSL, the league has came up with a good solution. The formation of this new u19 PSL Reserve League that will run for three years will finally see the 16 teams’ academies getting a platform to showcase their talent. Previously there’s been a pilot reserve league project that was only based in Gauteng but the PSL chairman Irvin Khoza says this new project is bigger…
Most of these u19 teams are already affiliated to SAFA regional and local football association structures and as custodians of football in the country SAFA runs the amateur league structures. Asked if they have informed SAFA about this new Reserve league Khoza clarified that they are not running parallel programmes to SAFA but they are responding to the CAF club licensing system…
The minister of Sports Fikile Mbalula has called this new concept a game changer in the local game that will address a lot of challenges when it comes to football development…
Supersport United is one of the few teams in the league known for it’s strong development academy system, last season they registered close to 14 u/23 players in the league at a time when most teams couldn’t even reach five. United’s Director of Football Stan Matthews sees the formation of this league as a chance to give their youngsters game time…
Bidvest Wits is no stranger to football development, already they run a fully-fledged academy where youngsters are not only played football but also catered for academically. Wits General manager George Mogotsi says clubs have always been looking forward to this project…
The lack of life skills programmes in the local game has been a concern for sometime and Khoza reveals that this will be catered for in this reserve league including a leadership programme…
The teams have been separated into two groups of eight and will play one round until the knockout phase. The champions will spend four days in Holland with KNVB and also play two matches against teams from the Bundesliga in Germany. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The expensively assembled Mamelodi Sundowns has only played two matches in this new season and both produced negative results that left few people on the stands unhappy. It’s still too early for the Sundowns faithful to react negatively like this but what are their concerns? SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli watched the Sundowns 1-all draw with Maritzburg United in the opening game Absa Premiership at Loftus stadium this past Friday and complied this report…
The reigning PSL champions were looking for a kind of a result that would have set the tone for the new season, a dominant performance coupled with goals. But as it as happened in the 180 minutes last season between the two teams, spoils were shared. This follows after the club’s exit in the MTN 8 last week, losing at home again to Platinum Stars. A small group of Sundowns fans were yelling at coach Pitso Mosimane after the game raising their concerns, he didn’t “hear” them but says they’ve got the right to do that…
The Sundowns fans are known for their tendencies of making life difficult for coaches when they underperform. But they can also be unreasonable at times for a team that won its first silverware in six years, three months ago when they lifted their sixth league title for the first time in seven years. For a team that was starved of success the demands of this fan so early in the new season are they justified…?
But this fan was not alone in critiquing the technical expects of the game from the Brazilians side, he was joined by the club’s legend Joel “Fire” Masilela who was equally disappointed by the two opening games’ results and the showing too…
Football fans differ and some of those who don’t spend better part of the game running around and dancing like Bishop, the identifiable Sundawana who normally carries a “Concise Oxford English Dictionary” have got faith in their team…
Fire also felt that Mario Booysen’s introduction as a fifth defender with 19 minutes to go, was unwarranted and the team didn’t play according to the strengths of debutant Mame “Long Weekend” Niang…
Niang became signing number 12 for Sundowns in this transfer window and also the 19th foreign player currently on their books. It was a game of mixed feelings for him, providing an assist and also indirectly forcing the game to be a draw. But Mosimane is happy with the Senegalese showing…
In one game last season at the very same Loftus stadium, Victor Gomes awarded a record five penalties when Sundowns narrowly beat Ajax Cape Town but he continued where he left off on Friday. This time Niang was the culprit and he was punished for allegedly using his elbow against Mondli Cele inside the penalty area. Mosimane has spoken positively about Gomes before but he wasn’t sure this time around…
After the opening weekend that only produced 12 goals from eight matches with only two teams scoring two goals, Sundowns will be hoping for an improved performance away to Ajax on Wednesday. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Newly appointed Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba has given a strong indication that he will be making a total overhaul of the playing squad when he selects his first squad later this month. Mashaba was addressing his first press conference as a Bafana coach at SAFA House today. Following a lot of Bafana failures in the last six to eight years, there have been widespread calls to build a new team and Mashaba is promising to take that direction…
With the first African Cup of Nations qualifier away to Sudan in Khartoum taking place in the first weekend of next month, Mashaba also reasons that he will still need to blend the team with some of the experienced players…
Mashaba is leaving his u20 national team post for the senior national team job and he has also assured that his full technical team for Bafana will be released soon. He says it’s important that his technical team and junior national team coaches be people who have worked extensively in youth football in the country…
Mashaba is still expected to be part of the Amajita technical team until they finish their African Youth Championship qualification process against Cameroon in the next three weeks. The last qualifier for u20 and Bafana’s first game is only six days apart but Mashaba assures that there will be smooth operation because the new Amajita coach will be a Bafana assistant as well…
When Mashaba left the Bafana job unceremoniously in 2004, some of the differences emanated from strained relations with certain overseas based players. He’s committed himself to working with all the players who are patriotic to don the national team colours…
The issue of club versus country remains another huge challenge for national team coaches in the country, especially in the last five years here locally. Mashaba was once a victim of it as well when he was coaching the national u23 team…
Before the last Bafana tour of Australasia in May, there were players who deliberately turned down national team call-ups and forced the former coach Gordon Igesund to travel with a weakened squad. Mashaba says these are some of the things that need to be addressed and calls for patriotism from the players
Following the appointment of Mashaba there have been a lot of reports in the country saying Mashaba was not the first choice for this job. Some have gone far as saying he was a cheap choice and not the perfect candidate for this job. And SAFA President Danny Jordaan has refuted all of this…
For a long time during this search for a new coach Jordaan was alleged to be preferring the return of Carlos Queiroz but today he dismissed that and went deep into explaining the process that was followed…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Unbelievably as it may sound, Chippa United coach Kostadin Papic has admitted that the Premier Soccer League returnees are not as ready as he would have liked them to be ahead of Saturday’s season opener against Platinum Stars in Port Elizabeth....
Though Papic claims the Chilli Boys are not ready yet, he adds that Dikwena will have to fall as he and his players want to make a lasting impression in their first official match at their new PE home....
Normally, Chilli Boys captain Andile Mbenyane doesn’t watch his next opponent as he doesn’t want to get confused when he meets them on the field. And it was not surprising that he did the same when Dikwena bundled Mamelodi Sundowns out of the MTN8 competition last Saturday...
Normally, Chilli Boys captain Andile Mbenyane doesn’t watch his next opponent as he doesn’t want to get confused when he meets them on the field. And it was not surprising that he did the same when Dikwena bundled Mamelodi Sundowns out of the MTN8 competition last Saturday...
A radio interview with Chippa United boss, Siviwe Mpengesi, convinced veteran goalkeeper Tsepo Motsoeneng that the Chilli Boys are a place to be....Journalist: Monwabisi Jimlongo
Bafana Bafana players have reacted positively to the appointment of Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba as the new national team coach with some going as far as saying he’s the type of a coach worth dying for. Mashaba returned to the country this morning from West Africa where he had been on tour with the SA U20 squad preparing for the crunch two-legged tie against Cameroon this month. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli has been talking to some PSL players and this is what he gathered…
As Mashaba prepares to start his fourth stint as Bafana coach, he can count on the support of the current PSL players, who have given his appointment thumbs up. Newly signed Bidvest Wits utility defender Thulani “Tyson” Hlatshwayo might be having few Bafana caps but is a veteran at international level having played for all junior nationals teams from u17 to u23. He’s worked with Mashaba as well and he’s waxing lyrical about his appointment…
Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker Teko Modise who recently turned down a national team call-up for the Australasia tour says Mashaba is a type of a coach whom every player admires…
Bafana captain Itumeleng Khune has also pledged his support for Mashaba and says players they will go all out to make sure that he achieves his plans…
Mashaba is expected to juggle between the Amajita and Bafana positions for now until after the first leg African Youth Champions qualifier away to Cameroon next week. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The future of South African football cannot be judged by the way the national Under-19 team performed at the inaugural Durban International Football Tournament, according to coach Serame Letsoaka. The country's interest in the competition ended disappointingly yesterday when the South African team drew 1-1 against English club Everton at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Claremont near Durban. The home side drew the first game 0-0 against Feyenoord of the Netherlands, before being thrashed 4-0 by Neymar’s former Brazilian side Santos. But Serame felt there were lessons to take...
Letsoaka was, however, critical of some of the finishing skills by his strikers as they wasted numerous chances in their three games. That he says was one of the big differences between winning and drawing two of their games…
In the end, they finished third in Group B with two points from three games. Feyenoord ended top on seven points after they beat Santos 2-1 earlier yesterday. The Brazilians finished with six points, while Everton came last with a single point.
Letsoaka added that the competition was by no means a fair reflection on his young side, who barely had a week together to prepare after they were hurriedly put together at a recent tournament held in Bloemfontein…
Letsoaka an outgoing Bafana assistant coach and also favourite to succeed Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba as an SA u/20 national team coach says the need to beef up the pool of talent through proper scouting of talent is key…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Head coach of Ghana Black Stars, James Kwasi Appiah will step down from his job on his return from South Africa later this week if a hatched decision by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) executive committee to impose on him into inviting an expatriate technical director is enforced. Leading Ghanaian website Ghanaweb has reported that the GFA Exco is set to hold a crunch meeting with the Black Stars technical head this week to review his new 2-year contract extension. Principally amongst the subjects of review is to force Appiah in seeking a technical assistance. Accra-based television personality Jerry Kwame Ayensu explains…
Some members of the Exco, the highest decision making body of the GFA opposed to the decision to extend Appiah’s contract and have thus decided to review the deal and make new inputs. This is to basically force the appointment of a technical director from abroad.
Pundits predict Appiah would be 'forced' by the Ghana FA Exco into seeking a technical aide if he is to remain in the job for the next two years as expected but the coach would down-rightly step down from the job if such a decision is enforced at the meeting.
There are allegations that the country’s Sports Ministry together with some members of the GFA Executive Committee have asked GFA President Kwasi Nyantakyi to freeze the contract extension proposal pending further consultations.
Appiah's contract has been extended till 2016 and is expected to fetch him a $100,000 signing fee, and almost double of his previous salary from $20,000 to $36,500. Ghana will begin the qualifiers for the 2015 African Cup of Nations in Morocco next month. Journalist: Coudjoe Amankwaa
Orlando Pirates had a bright start to the new 2014/2015 season when they easily knocked out Supersport United 2-1 in the MTN 8 quarterfinal match played at Orlando stadium last night. Two first half strikes from the Port Elizabeth duo of Daine Klate and Kermit Erasmus had the Buccaneers ahead and the visitors’ consolation goal came from David Mathebula, 20 minutes from full-time. Pirates could have easily won this game by a bigger margin and head coach Vladimir Vermezovic bemoans the poor finishing by his players…
It was for the second time in two consecutive years that United were ousted by Pirates at this stage of the Wafa-Wafa tournament and they looked pretty average on the night. And it’s a statement that’s also supported by their embattled coach Cavin Johnson who says there are players who just didn’t pitch up…
The latest reports are that Johnson could be one of the first few coaches to lose their jobs in the new season, towards the end of last season outgoing Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund was heavily linked to this job. United signed a number of new quality players in this transfer window and Johnson says they had a decent pre-season programme…
Newly signed midfielder Thabo Qalinge, who arrived from Mpumalanga Black Aces during the week, made his debut last night for the Bucs spotting the famous no.15 jersey that has been worn by the likes of Andile Jali and Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi in recent year. And VV says the 22 year-old is destined for big things…
Meanwhile Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt has praised Jackson Mabokgwane after stopping two penalties and also making good saves to ensure that his team beats Celtic 4-3 on penalties in the MTN 8 quarterfinal match on Friday. Hunt says he rates the former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper very highly…
Former Ajax Cape Town youngster Toriq Losper also made his debut for the Clever Boys and won the man of the match award. Hunt says the youngster comes from a proper academy and it shows in his game…
Celtic coach Ernst Middendorp has insinuated that there were other factors that contributed to their loss on Friday, he says the match officiating decisions left them at a disadvantage…
As from this past Friday, Celtic is under new management and Middendorp says they are doing their best to make sure that the team has got everything they need in term of the playing squad…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter is not getting carried away by his team’s 4-0 win over Mpumalanga Black Aces in the MTN 8 quarterfinals at FNB stadium. A brace from Mandla Masango and well worked goals from Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Kingston Nkhatha ensured Amakhosi’s passage into the Wafa-Wafa semi-finals. Two goals inside the first the five minutes set the tone for this game and Baxter says that was the plan…
Chiefs have joined archrivals Orlando Pirates, Bidvest Wits and Platinum Stars in the semi-finals. The last four draw will be held at the PSL at 12:30.
Aces lost to Chiefs in the opening Absa Premiership game of last season but also ended their league hopes towards the end. Amazayoni’s head coach Clive Barker says they lost to a better team and it could’ve been worse…
Aces lost some key players in this transfer window, notable the Sundowns trio of Themba Zwane, Method Mwanjale and Abel Mabaso who were on loan and last week they sold the talented Thabo Qalinge to Orlando Pirates. They fielded four new players yesterday and Barker admits that it’s going to take time before they gel as a team..
Chiefs came to this season opener without three of their stars from last season, namely Siphiwe Tshabalala, Bernard Parker (both injured) and Knowledge Musona (loan deal expired) , Baxter says it shows that there’s enough competition in his squad…
In the past two seasons Masango has only featured in less than18 Amakhosi’s matches in all competitions, he’s in the last year of his contract with Chiefs. He came very close to being loaned out to Moroka Swallows last month and Baxter shares a conversation he had with the 25 year-old before the game…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The South African national u/17 team could progress to the final stage of the CAF u17 championships qualifiers this coming weekend if they beat Tanzania in the second leg at Dobsonville stadium. The two teams played to a goalless draw in Dar Es Salam two weeks ago. They meet again on Saturday and Diambars academy defender Keanu Cupido is banking on the 12th player to rally behind them…
The 16 year-old centre-back says they will need an early goal to calm the nerves and also talks about the experience of travelling in the continent for the first time…
The impact of Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba ‘s appointment as Bafana Bafana coach has also filtered down to Amajimbos as Cupido says he sees a role for himself very soon in the senior team. The player who model’s his game on Real Madrid’s young defender Raphael Varane says in 2018 he will be 20 and is dreaming of being in Russia with Bafana…
Should Amajimbos win this weekend they will meet the winner of Egypt and Congo in the third round and final qualifying stage. The u17 CAF Championships will take place in Niger in May next year. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The long awaited PSL Radio Show with SABC public service radio stations will kick-off this week, starting on Ikwekwezi FM and Ukhozi and it will see PSL football content on the broadcasters’ multiple radio platforms. The launch took place at the SABC this morning and it was attended by both PSL and SABC management, clubs representatives and production crews from different stations. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli filed this report for us…
Faced with the challenges of attracting fans back to the stadia in PSL matches, the league entered into a five year with the SABC to air a weekly one hour show that will promote the matches and provide content to market the clubs. The show will be on nine African Language stations as wells as 2000 FM, SA FM and RSG. PSL CEO Brand De Villiers says they are excited by this new project and is positive that it will produce the desired results…
SABC Chief Operations Officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng says with more than 26 million listeners on SABC radio stations a day, the PSL teams can rest assured that the 12 radio stations will carry the message home…
The name of the new show is PSL Sekunjalo, each team will have a dedicated journalist and this unique show is about creating a conversation platform for all the teams, promoting the club’s brands and profiling players. SABC Sport Radio General Manager Diane Riemer outlines the productions plans for PSL Sekunjalo…
With the new PSL 2014/2015 season kicking-off this weekend, SABC stations will be going all out to make sure that PSL Sekunjalo makes a first impression. SABC Sport Group Executive Bessie Tugwana says the broadcaster has got a role to play in helping the PSL to better crowd attendances…
The 16 PSL teams have also been grouped according to stations that are mainly broadcasting in their areas but their content will also be shared across all the 12 stations involved in this project. Kaizer Chiefs Marketing Director Jessica Motaung has hailed PSL Sekunjalo as a breath of fresh air for the PSL teams…
This five-year deal is a trade-exchange, which means that the SABC is not paying cash to the PSL, but will rather provide airtime, which is the organization’s currency. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Absa Premiership Champions Mamelodi Sundowns are approaching the new season wiser and with key objectives. This was revealed by the club’s head coach Pitso Mosimane in their first press conference of the season at the club’s base in Chloorkop today. Sundowns kick-off the new season against Platinum Stars in the MTN 8 quarterfinal at Loftus stadium on Saturday afternoon. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli was there for us…
The Brazilians will be competing in five competitions this season, namely the league, MTN 8, Telkom Knockout, Nedbank Cup and the big one, the African Champions League. After winning their first silverware in six years in May, Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane has learnt a lesson that they should pick their battles for the season ahead. He says it’s important that the South African teams should prioritize the competitions and for him defending their league title and doing well in the Champions League comes first…
One of the challenges the PSL teams that competed in the CAF club competitions in the last 18 months encountered was the heavy backlog of fixtures. Mosimane reveals that Sundowns planned ahead by approaching PSL before they prepared their new fixture list…
Sundowns has assembled arguably the strongest team in the PSL with Nigerian star midfielder Ejike Uzoenyi and Zimbabwean flashy playmaker Kudakwashe Mahachi joining about eight top players signed from PSL teams. As they approach their first game of the season this weekend, Mosimane believes that they are on the right track but admits that the new players are still to gel with the rest of the squad…
The capturing of the tallest player in the league Mame Niang from cross town rivals Supersport United with Togolese international Dove Wome going to the different direction on loan, came as a bit of a surprise. But Mosimane is not hiding the fact that the Senegalese international will be vital for them in their Champions League campaign…
Mosimane also announced that they are done with signing players for the new season but was not silent about their Keagan Dolly chase. The Westbury born future star, is a product of the Brazilians development academy having joined them from the School of Excellence. Lack of vision in the Downs camp saw Dolly moving to Ajax Cape Town in 2011. He had impressed in the annual Metropolitan Bayhill u19 tournament and the Urban Warriors snapped him up and he played against Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United few months later. Now Sundowns are reported to be paying close to seven million rands for their own product but he will remain at Ikamva until next season with the Chloorkop side paying this salary this season. So Ajax will be saving a lot of money but Mosimane says Dolly could be key for them in future as he’s got an ageing midfield…
The Sundowns camp is also ravaged by injuries to key players like Lebohang “Cheeseboy Mokoena, Mzikayise Mashaba, Cuthbert Malajila, Anthony Laffor, Surprise Moriri and Khama Billiat. So the new signings will come in handy, starting this coming weekend. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Ghana women’s Under-20 national soccer squad, Black Princesses admits that a credible performance in the Women’s World Cup in Canada could go a long way in restoring the credibility of Ghanaian football’s image globally. It follows Ghana men’s squad shenanigans in Brazil during the FIFA World Cup. Head coach Bash Hayford has named his final-21-woman squad for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals, which begins next week. According to Ghanaweb, in keeping with continuity for the sake of success, the squad includes majority of the players who won bronze at the 2012 Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup finals in Azerbaijan. Fifa Media official Emmanuel Maradas explains…
Two key players- Linda Smith and striker Theresa Ackon-Cobbinah- were excluded from the team currently training in Canada. And Maradas reckons the duo’s exclusion could either impact on the over-all performances of the squad…
Meanwhile the Black Princess preparations for the start of the tournament have been smooth following some impression friendly matches. Ghana opens her campaign against hosts Canada on 5 August before facing Finland and North Korea respectively. Journalist: Coudjoe Amankwaa
South African football will get an opportunity next year to place itself amongst the top countries again in continental football with four teams set to represent the country in the CAF club competitions. This is thanks to the exploits of Orlando Pirates whose runners-up spot in the 2013 African Champions League ensured the return of the extra two spots in CAF club competitions. To reserve these spots, teams at least have to reach the group stages but Bucs chairman Irvin Khoza says playing in the two competitions can come at a heavy price too…
For next year, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs qualify for the Champions League and Pirates and Bidvest Wits for the Confeds Cup. Chiefs have indicated that they are still discussing their participation in next year’s tournament. And Khoza says the experience of continental club football is priceless…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The lack of co-operation between SAFA and PSL has also contributed to the decline of Bafana Bafana in recent years. Coaches of the top two teams in the country Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have called for their colleagues to rally behind the newly appointed national team coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba. Speaking to the media after the Carling Black Label Cup this past weekend both Stuart Baxter and Vladimir Vermezovic have vowed to support Mashaba.
Bafana’s poor results in the last four years cannot only be traced to shortcomings of their technical teams and players but also to some outside factors. And one of those is the lack of co-operation between the PSL clubs and the national teams. On several occasions clubs have either refused to release players or pulled them out of the national team camps. And Amakhosi coach Stuart Baxter says this has to stop if football has to improve in this country
Mashaba got first hand experience of this lack of co-operation during the London 2012 Olympics qualifiers when he couldn’t get his first choice players for the national u/23 national team in November 2011. Playing with a second string team, they failed to qualify and Baxter a former Finland national team coach says PSL coaches need to encourage their players to die for the Bafana jersey…
Bucs coach Vladimir Vermezovic is no stranger to the challenges that face SA football, he was the coach at Chiefs when the club pulled out three key players from Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana squad that was on it’s way to Tanzania. The Serbian concurs that Mashaba needs all their support…
The theme of Mashaba’s appointment is centred on rebuilding and reconstruction of Bafana and for this PSL coaches will also to give youthful players a chance, something that rarely happens in the local game. VV fielded a youngster Maselaelo “Shakes” Seanego yesterday and he’s worked with the 20 year-old at Chiefs before and hopefully many PSL coaches will follow suit this season…
Just before their departure for the West African tour with the SA u/20 national team Mashaba boldly stated that half of his current Amajita squad can do the job at Bafana…
Mashaba returns to the country next week on Tuesday and he will be hoping that after the first weekend of this season, the eight PSL teams in action would have shown in the youth at least. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
South Africa’s respected football coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba has been announced as the new Bafana Bafana coach, replacing Gordon Igesund whose contract expires at the end of next month. Mashaba beat another former Bafana coach and current Iran national team coach Carlos Queiroz to the job as the SAFA top brass went on a serious lobbying in the past few days after having received recommendations from the technical committee. SABC Sport Journalist Velile Mbuli was at the SAFA House…
Up until only last week, the former Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows centre-back, was considered to be behind Queiroz and Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi for this job. But the Portuguese coach’s huge salary demands and pressure for a local appointment is believed to have returned Mashaba for his fourth stint with Bafana. Speaking after a SAFA National Executive Committee meeting at SAFA House today, the football mother body’s President Danny Jordaan confirms that Mashaba mandate is a long-term vision of qualifying the team for 2018 World Cup in Russia…
Mashaba has the best win ratio of any Bafana coach in history, he was roped in 1992 and 2001 on a caretaker basis and was handed the job on a permanent basis in 2002 soon after the World Cup. He qualified Bafana for the 2004 African Cup of Nations tournament in Tunisia but was fired just few weeks before the tournament. Hi proud record with Bafana reads, played 19 games, won 12, drawn five and lost two. Jordaan says Mashaba’s track record with SA national teams is unrivalled…
SABC Sport can confirm that the contract was sent to Mashaba in Bamako, Mali, where he’s currently on a West Africa tour with the national u/20 team yesterday and it was signed and returned back to South Africa. Next month Amajita play two crucial qualifiers against Cameroon and positive results will see them qualifying for the African Youth Championships in Senegal next year. Jordaan says he will finish the Amajita duties first before assuming his new role…
With Iran said to be offering Queiroz close to R36 million annually for his contract renewal, Jordaan says they were not scared away by a salary package but settled for a candidate that suited their future plans…
Meanwhile Minister of Sports Fikile Mbalula flew back from the Commonwealth games in Glasgow to attend this announcement and he says he’s more than happy to see the man who took South Africa to their only Olympic qualification in Sydney 2000 back at the helm…
The 64 year-old’s first assignment with Bafana will be the 2015 AFCON qualifier away to Sudan on the fifth of September in Khartoum and he’s expected to finalize his technical team when he returns from the West African tour on the 5th of next month. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
With only few days into the new season, both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs coaches believe that their teams are ready for the 2014/2015 season. A dull goalless draw in yesterday’s Carling Black Label game that was won 6-5 on penalties by Pirates at FNB stadium gave a different picture. SABC Sport journalist Velile Mbuli was attending the game…
Pre-season matches hardly give the full picture of what is to follow in the new season and yesterday’s Soweto derby was no exception. There was lot of experimenting from both sides, especially Pirates. Bucs victorious coach Vladimir Vermezovic whose team hosts Supersport United in the MTN 8 quarterfinal match next Saturday sounds confident about the season ahead…
Whilst Pirates made six substitutions, Chiefs only made three as they looked most likely to getting their starting line-up ready for their Wafa-Wafa opening game against Mpumalanga Black Aces at FNB stadium on Sunday. Based on yesterday’s performance, Amakhosi coach Stuart Baxter is not reading too much into it…
The Chiefs camp is already reeling from injuries and the season has not even started. They came to yesterday’s game minus the services of Siphiwe Tshabalala and Bernard Parker. Baxter confirms that the number of players on the sidelines could rise to three after Kingston Nkhatha’s injury yesterday…
This concept is in it’s fourth year and Pirates won it for the record third time yesterday, next year’s game will be the final one in the current contract. Carling Black Label’s general Manager Vijay Govindsamy says there are no plans of changing this format…
Baxter has also defended George Maluleka for missing two penalties, one during the game and also during the penalty kicks. He will be hoping that the mental strength is not affected in the season ahead. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The strength of Orlando Pirates lies on the unity within the squad, this is according to the club’s striker Lennox Bacela ahead of their eagerly anticipated Black Label Carling Cup match against archrivals Kaizer Chiefs at FNB stadium on July 26. Bacela who was honoured with the golden boot award during the clubs’ awards function says he felt at home at the club from his very first day…
Bacela will be starting from the bench tomorrow as Kermit Erasmus and Lehlohonolo Majoro have been paired together upfront by the supporters. But the former Bloemfontein Celtic marksman has continued to shower praises on Pirates’ player of the season Oupa “Ace” Manyisa and he says his work ethic separates him, from the rest…
Chiefs right-back Siboniso “Pa” Gaxa says the players have learnt from the previous season where they finished without some silverware. But with only a week before the MTN 8 campaign gets underway, Gaxa says they need to go back to what worked for them when they won the double in the 2012/2013 season…
Chiefs is also expected to field two trialists in the second half tomorrow and also some of the new faces including the youngsters promoted from the development. Gaxa has also defended the team for not making wholesale changes to the squad…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Kaizer Chiefs will take on their archrivals Orlando Pirates in the Black Label Carling Cup match without two of their key players in Bernard Parker and Siphiwe Tshabalala who are both injured but coach Stuart Baxter is not anticipating any problems come Saturday July 26 at FNB stadium. The starting line-ups were announced and Willard Katsande has replaced Shabba. Speaking just before their training session at the club’s headquarters in Naturena, Baxter says the starting line-up is balanced…
Chiefs have rarely played two strikers in big games but this weekend they will start with Kingston Nkhatha and Katlego “Killer” Mphela upfront. The injury to Shabba is also forcing them to start with three holding midfielders but Baxter says his side can cope…
Chiefs and Pirates have retained the bulk of their squads from last season and whilst this could be advantageous to their new season, Baxter says there are still some few additions needed to freshen up the squad…
There are currently two trialists at Chiefs but as earlier indicated they only have one foreign spot to fill with the other one reserved for Knowledge Musona’s possible return. Zimbabwean midfielder Ovidy Karuru was said to be close to signing for Amakhosi but the arrival of Togolese striker Francis Kone means they will have to wait a bit on who will be coming on board…
Maluleka is completing his first pre-season at Chiefs and after finishing the season on a high note scoring goals and providing assists, he is eager to hit the ground running in the new season…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza has praised Oupa “Ace”Manyisa as an ideal and exemplary professional sportsman who deserves all the praises coming his way. Khoza was speaking after the Randfontein born midfield kingpin won three awards at the Bucs function last night including the Orlando Pirates Player of the season award. Manyisa walked home with R200 000 last night after also winning the Players player of the year award. Khoza says Manyisa has become a key figure in the game as shown by the interest of eight times African Champions Al Ahly…
Manyisa is now in his sixth year with the Buccaneers and it has not been plain sailing, having been once chased away by coaches at the club and played in various positions including the right-back. He joined Pirates from Jazzy Queen Legodi’s Africa Sports Youth Academy and Khoza says he’s also an example of the faith shown by the club in players from lower divisions…
In this transfer window Pirates has signed players from the SAFA/SAB Regional (third Division), AC Motsepe League (Second Division) and recalled some of their players who were on loan to PSL teams and National First Division. Khoza says it’s important that big teams like Pirates take a lead in spotting talent from lower division so as to broaden the pool of talent for South African national teams…
Pirates pre-season camp in this transfer window has been destabilized a bit by rumours linking their star players like Manyisa and another star performer Thabo Matlaba away from the club. It’s no secret that Manyisa has been linked to Mamelodi Sundowns but Khoza has decried the unsportsmanship approach used by some teams in courting their players…
Meanwhile a lot has been said about the future of Bucs captain Lucky Lekgwathi at the club but Khoza allayed all the fears last night when he said 37 year-old remains an integral part Pirates and there’s big plans for him beyond his playing days…
As the Buccaneers prepare for another marathon of a season, starting with Saturday’s crunch final pre-season match against archrivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Black Label Carling Cup match at FNB stadium, they will draw strength from their performances of last season. Khoza also honoured Manyisa and Senzo Meyiwa with the chairman’s award for breaking records, playing a total of 51 games out of 53 last season. He says the away goal scored by Thandani Ntshumayelo during a historic 3-0 win over Al Ahly in the African Champions League last year, was a true indication of how teamwork has been vital in this team…
Manyisa who will be turning 26 next Wednesday has also matured as a footballer and has a message for his teammates and fellow professional footballers on how they should conduct themselves…
Manyisa who is only left with a year on his current contract with Pirates, was also clear after last night’s function that he’s not going anywhere and will remain with the Buccaneers unless an overseas move comes through…
Manyisa has also had few offers coming from overseas teams just before the end of last season but he says the offer from Al Ahly was very flattering…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
There will be a lot of expectations for Platinum Stars to deliver next season after overachieving last season winning two trophies and the club’s Football Manager Senzo Mazingisa says they will be equal to the task. Dikwena has lost seven players in this transfer window and most of them key players like Lindokuhle Mbatha, Issa Sarr, the highly experienced trio of Henrico Botes, Elias Ngwepe and Benson Mhlongo. Siphelele’s Mthembu’s free transfer to Kaizer Chiefs was also unexpected but Mazingisa says these things happen in football…
Stars start the defense of their MTN 8 title against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus stadium next week.
One of the latest additions to Dikwena is former Bidvest Wits anchorman Letladi Madubanya who will be filling the vacancy left by Sarr. Mazingisa says next week they will unveil all their new players including their new kit…
Two of Stars’ key players, Robert Ngambi and Mogakolodi “Tsotso” Ngele continue to be targeted by some top teams in this transfer window. SABC Sport understands that Pirates have not stopped chasing the Botswana international’s services but they are not alone. Mazingisa maintains that the two players are going nowhere…
Mazingisa acknowledges that next season will be tougher for them but he ensures that they will remain competitive…
Dikwena is not one of the strongest teams in the PSL when it comes to promoting it’s own talent, their academy system is not one of the best yet in the league. But Mazingisa says they are addressing that and there’s some slight improvement…
Stars and National First Division’s United FC are the only professional teams in the North West province and Mazingisa says good relations between the two teams are very important for the growth of football in that province…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
As the SAFA technical committee was meeting today to decide on the individual or two individuals to recommend to the National Executive Committee on Saturday for the vacant Bafana Bafana coaching job. The players have added their voice on the preferred candidate and outgoing Nigerian national team coach Stephen Keshi is very popular amongst them. Bafana and Orlando Pirates leading goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa says Keshi’s experience in the continent would be key for Bafana and he won’t be a stranger to the local game…
Speaking after Pirates’ training session at Rand stadium this morning ahead of their high profile pre-season Black Label Carling Cup match against archrivals Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, Meyiwa says as players they have been debating Bafana’s chances of qualifying for next year’s African Cup of Nations in Morocco. After starting against Australia just before the World Cup, the Durban born keeper is also eager to make his mark under the new coach…
Meanwhile towards the end of last season Pirates coach Vladimir Vermezovic promised that fans should watch out for a new team believing fully on his philosophy for the new season. And he believes that starting with the Soweto Derby on Saturday, they will demonstrate what they will be about in the 2014/2015 season…
So far Bucs has only made one signing from the Premier Soccer League, capturing holding midfielder Issa Sarr from Platinum Stars and the rest of their new players are from lower divisions and loan returnees. VV believes that they’ve got a balanced and competitive squad but three more additions will do…
Lehlohonolo Majoro scored the only goal of the game when his former team beat Pirates 1-0 in the Carling Cup last year. But most importantly he’s having his first pre-season with Pirates and he believes that it’s during this time that a player’s concentration can set the tone foe the season…
The starting line-ups for the Carling Cup will be revealed tomorrow evening for the sold out encounter that will take place on Saturday afternoon at FNB stadium. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Orlando Pirates left back Thabo “Festival” Matlaba has denied media reports that he is not seeing eye to eye with the club’s head coach Vladimir Vermezovic. The story of Matlaba not being on good terms with VV emanated from the Soweto Derby which was only VV’s second game in charge when he started Matlaba on the bench. From then it has since developed and resurfaced again during the pre-season. However the Tembisa born lad is distancing himself from that…
Matlaba is also in the last year of his three-year contract with Pirates and it is believed that he is yet to renew it. He has also been linked to a move to Kaizer Chiefs or Mamelodi Sundowns but for him an overseas move is the biggest attraction…
When Pirates takes on Chiefs in the Carling Black Label Cup pre-season match next weekend, the Ghost can expect a VV fueled style of play team according to left-winger Daine Klate. The Serbian born coach has always maintained that people should judge him on what will happen come August and Klate says he’s been trying to instill his philosophy on and off the pitch…
Pirates has also signed some few players from the lower divisions with an idea of keeping one or two and maybe loan others out as they have done previously. The tall striker Zukile Mkhize from SAB League champions Blue Birds in KwaZulu-Natal is one of the interesting additions. Klate says they are settling in nicely…
Klate who made his professional debut at Supersport United 10 years ago as a teenager, has message for rookies in the PSL, he says they should learn from players like his teammate Happy Jele who joined Pirates from a second division team…
The Port Elizabeth born midfielder who is also a product of School of Excellence has commended the Buccaneers for promoting talent from the lower divisions and says this is the way to go by giving a chance players who have the hunger to deliver at the senior level…
The Buccaneers are expected to field some of the youngsters in the sold out Soweto Derby at FNB stadium next weekend. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
South African u20 and u23 coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba says the Durban International u19 tournament will play a critical role in the local game. The tournament jointly organized by the KwaZulu-Natal government, City of Ethekwini and SAFA will take place in Durban for the next three years. The first edition gets underway on the last day of this month until the ninth of next month at four venues around Durban. A specially formed South African u19 side to be coached by Serame Letsoaka will take on overseas teams like Santos from Brazil, Boca Juniors of Argentina, England’s Everton, Benfica of Portugal and AS Roma from Italy amongst other teams. Mashaba says this tourney comes at a critical time for SA…
One of the teams that are coming is Dutch giants Feyenoord and this will see these matches taking place at Sugar Ray Xulu stadium in Claremont, King Zwelithini stadium in Umlazi, Princess Magogo stadium in KwaMashu and at the iconic Moses Mabhida stadium. Mashaba says local players will also be exposed to the international trends here…
Meanwhile Amajita have arrived safely in Burkina Faso as they start their West African Tour in preparation for the crucial last leg of the African Youth Championship qualifiers against Cameroon at the end of next month. They play Burkina Faso on Wednesday, then face Mali, Cote D’Ivoire and Senegal before returning home in two weeks time. But Mashaba is concerned that he doesn’t have all his top players for this tour…
Should Amajita win their two legged tie against Cameroon next month, they will qualify for next year’s AYC in Senegal in March. A semi-final berth there will qualify them for the FIFA u20 World Cup in New Zealand later next year. Mashaba says they are on the brink of something good should they see off Cameroon…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Former FC Barcelona and Holland national team coach Frank Rijkaard has emerged as the main competitor to Nigerian national team coach Stephen Keshi for the vacant Bafana Bafana coaching job. This follows news from Asia last night that the number one target Carlos Queiroz has agreed to extend his contract with the Iran Football Federation for the next four years and will sign the new deal on the first of next month. The new Bafana coach will be announced next Saturday following a SAFA National Executive Committee meeting in Johannesburg. SABC Sport reporter Velile Mbuli has the latest…
As early as February this year, Queiroz who qualified Bafana for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan emerged as a favourite to replace Gordon Igesund after he had met SAFA officials during the CHAN tournament in Cape Town. When Igesund was informed that his contract that expires next month wouldn’t be renewed, Queiroz was said to be heading back to Nasrec again after the recent World Cup in Brazil. But confirmation has since came from Iranian media that the Mozambican born coach has agreed to extend his deal until 2018 following a meeting with the Iranian Football Federation on Friday. This rules Queiroz out of the race for the Bafana job and SABC Sport has it on good authority that Rijkaard a former Dutch international will rival Keshi who enjoys a lot of support within the SAFA NEC. SAFA President Danny Jordaan confirmed to us that the technical committee headed by Nastasia Tshichlas will meet on Tuesday and scale down the long list of interested coaches to two candidates and recommended them to the SAFA NEC who will then deliberate and make the final decision on Saturday. Jordaan had earlier said that SAFA would not entre into a bidding war with Iran for Queiroz’s services as they were reported to be offering him R36million annually in their new deal improving it by close to R14million. SAFA is expected to engage the two candidates after the technical committee’s meeting and it’s expected that the new Bafana coach could in the country after next Saturday’s meeting. Current u20 and u23 international coach Shakes Mashaba expressed an interest in this Bafana job this week but it’s expected that the SAFA leadership will urge him to concentrate on the good job his doing with the junior national teams. Rijkaard last job was in Saudi Arabia where he was fired earlier this year after he failed to qualify them for this year’s World Cup and he announced his retirement from coaching after this. Keshi who significantly changed the environment in the dressing room announced that he’s leaving his Nigerian job after leading the Super Eagles to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 12 years. He had also won the African Cup of Nations title here in SA last year, the Super Eagles’ first AFCON title in 19 years. We can also reveal that the planned unveiling of a new SAFA Technical Director could be delayed to avoid the clash of philosophies with the new coach. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The efficient grassroots programmes is the main reason, football is on the ascendancy in the province of Free State. This was according to the Free State coach Litre Mokitlane following his province’s triumph in the SAFA/SAB u21 championship yesterday beating North West 4-2 in the final played in Mafikeng. Free State were semi-finalists in the SAFA u17 championships and bronze medalists in u19 national champs earlier this year. This achievement does not surprise Mokitlane…
The tournament was contested by nine provinces through selection teams with University Sport South Africa being the 10th team. But still Free State made a clean sweep in the individual awards to show how special the team was in this tournament. Kovsies’ Dylan O’Brien finished as the tournament top goal scorer with six goals and he says the best is yet to come…
SAFA President Danny Jordaan says the plan now is to see provinces and regions playing regularly and competitive against ach other to increase the competitive levels…
Meanwhile the legal battles have all been resolved and the nine provincial teams to take part in the ABC Motsepe league will go to a draw in Durban today. The second division play-offs get underway tomorrow at King Zwelithini stadium with the two finalists earning promotion to the National First Division at the end of this week. SAFA Director of Competitions Jeff Monnakgotla has the latest…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
For the second year running, not all top football tertiary institutions will take part in the Varsity Football tournament that kicks-off next week and will run until the 15th of September. The exciting eight-team tourney started last year with the top eight universities from the previous year’s University Sport South Africa national tournament qualify for it. To be eligible for participation, only the institutions that signed the broadcast rights agreement take part in the tournament. Former Springboks captain François Pienaar is the CEO of Advent Sport Entertainment and Media Pty Ltd, the company that owns Varsity Sports and says institutions that don’t sign these rights cannot take part in Varsity Football…
Last year both University of Zululand and University of KwaZulu-Natal didn’t take part in this tournament despite having been part of USSA Football top eight. Zululand was again eligible for participation this year but still hasn’t signed the agreement. SABC Sport has learnt that the reason some institutions don’t want to sign is because football gets R70 000 preparation fee whilst Varsity Rugby Shield gets R600 000 and Varsity Rugby gets a whopping R1, 3million as a preparation fee per institution. But Pienaar says rugby has been there longer than football under Varsity Sports…
The exciting tournament also known for it’s razzmatazz off the field get’s underway next Monday with defending champions Tuks (University of Pretoria) kicking off against Kovsies (University of Free State) at the Tuks stadium. Varsity Sports started only with rugby seven years ago and now there’s more sporting codes involved but Pienaar says football is quickly proving to be a big attraction…
The Nelson Mandela Metro University also known as Madibaz finished as runners-up last year, they are coached by former Bush Bucks and Democratic Republic of Congo’s goalkeeper Dikete Tampungu and he’s expecting big things from his team this year…
The University of Johannesburg which finished ninth in last year’s USSA nationals will be making it’s debut in Varsity Football this year. They will be coached by former Bafana Bafana, Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits left back Bradley Carnell. The man who spent more than 10 years in Germany is excited by this new challenge…
The other institutions involved include North West University, University of Western Cape, University of Cape Town and University of Limpopo. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
With SAFA’s number one target for the vacant Bafana Bafana coaching job Carlos Queiroz, strongly rumoured to be on the verge of extending his contract with the Iranian Football Federation, it could be time for the local football bosses to come up with plan B. Nigerian national team coach Stephen Keshi was said to be the other front runner for this job but the statements from SAFA in the past two weeks tell a different message about their interest in him. Now current SA u/20 coach Shakes Mashaba has thrown his name into the hat and says he’s available for the Bafana’s main job…
Mashaba is currently involved with Amajita and they are only two games away from qualifying for the African Youth Championships in Senegal next year. They play Cameroon away and home in the last two weekends of next month. As SAFA say it’s preparing for the future and Mashaba is already working with that talent, he could be the best placed person to take that mandate forward…
SABC Sport understands that Mashaba has always been a favourite of the majority of the SAFA National executive Committee but his commitments with Amajita and u23 national team stood in his way.
Speaking from the SAFA/SAB u21 championships in Mafikeng, where he’s also came to spot some talent from the nine provinces and University South Africa team in action, Mashaba the players that he’s seen here is the not true best of the best talent in this division…
Mashaba who has a good track record at junior level, having also qualified the first u20 national squad for the African Youth Championships in Morocco in 1997 and took the same team to the FIFA World Cup in Malaysia the same year. The majority of that squad was part of Mashaba’s historic Sydney 2000 Olympics team. He’s scouted in almost all the corners of the country and says the selection criteria of provincial squads needs to be revisited…
Meanwhile as Amajita are preparing for the West African tour that will include matches against Burkina Faso, Mali, Cote D’Ivoire and Senegal in preparation for the Cameroon matches. Mashaba is concerned that he could be travelling with a weakened squad because some PSL clubs don’t’ want to release players…
In April this year during the inaugural SAFA u19 championships in Bloemfontein, Mashaba spotted Tshepo Chaine an 18 year-old striker from Black Urbans FC (from Botshabelo). Few weeks later Chaine made headlines in Ethiopia where he scored a crucial goal during Amajita’s 2-0 win over the hosts in their first AYC qualifying match. And only recently PSL teams started to show interest in the boy and he was tied to a two-year deal by Bloemfontein Celtic on Monday. The ink is hardly dry on his first professional football contract and his new club is denying the chance to play for Amajita according to Mashaba…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The speculation around Kaizer Chiefs considering not participating in the CAF Champions League next year is gaining momentum and former Bafana Bafana midfielder Helman Mkhalele says South African clubs need to show more commitment in the CAF club competitions. SA football was thrown a lifeline last week when CAF confirmed that the PSL could enter four teams in the 2015 Champions League and CAF Confederations club respectively. This meant that Chiefs would join Mamelodi Sundowns in the Champions League and Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits would take part in the Confeds Cup. However SABC Sport understands that Chiefs is considering pulling out. Mkhalele who won the 1995 African Champions Cup with Pirates is appealing to local teams to take these competitions serious…
After they were eliminated earlier this year in the Champions League, Chiefs fielded weakened squads in the CAF Confeds and at some stage sent only 13 players to Cote D’Ivoire when they were eliminated by Asec Mimosas. Mkhalele says as the four clubs are strengthening their teams now, they need to have the CAF Champions League and domestic in mind in terms of the demands…
Mkhalele is also pleading with foreign coaches who work in SA to respect the African competitions…
Having four teams in the CAF club championships is also a big boost for Bafana because there will be close to 100 players in one season exposed to continental football at club level. These four spots were regained through Pirate’s good run in the Champions League in 2013 where they finished as runners up to record eight times champions Al Ahly.
Mkhalele together with former Bafana captain Neil Tovey and striker Phil Masinga are the three ambassadors for the Castle Lager Superstars project. They are attending the SAFA/SAB u/21 Championships in Mafikeng for the whole week, spotting talent too. Mkhalele says whilst there is no doubt about the good talent in this tournament, there are still some glaring shortcomings on how the quality of play for the nine provinces and the University Sports South African team involved here…
Mkhalele who has a level two coaching badge is a little bit disappointed with the quality of play in this tournament and he says lack of proper coaching is the cause…
Meanwhile Kaizer Chiefs Football Manager Bobby Motaung says they have not taken a final decision on their participation for next year but are deliberating on a lot of things before making a final decision. So soon they will announce whether they are participating or not. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Following the embarrassing Euro 2000 campaign where Germany bombed out of the tournament in the group stages, a revolutionary change took place within German youth football eventually guided by Technical Director Matthias Sammer. The German FA (DFB) decided to no longer scout and train the traditional strong and fit players but to start developing modern creative players. Sammer appointed Dutch football technique coach Marcel Lucassen to work with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira, Marko Marin and Mario Gotze developing an exciting new generation of extremely skillful German stars. Lucassen was in the country last month for a World Football Academy workshop and he had a wide ranging interview with SABC Sport’s Velile Mbuli on the rebirth of German football, whose national team won it’s fourth World Cup title last night…
Through this revolution led by Sammer that covers 366 areas of Germany, the impressive initiative caters for children aged 8 to 14 and is served by 1000 part-time DFB coaches. And all of them hold the UEFA B license and are expected to scout as well as train the players. That was Dutch football expert Marcel Lucassen wrapping up that interview with Velile Mbuli.
The SAFA/SAB u/21 championship got underway in Mafikeng in the North West this morning, where the best of the best players from nine provincial squads selected from 52 regional leagues are battling for the top prize. Each province has to promote two teams to the ABC Motsepe League (Second Division) and coming here, SAFA Director of Competitions Jeff Monnakgotla says that process is almost complete…
In a bid to inculcate a new culture of growing responsible footballers, Monnakgotla also reveals that this tournament for the first time is introducing a life skills component. The final will be played at the North West University next Sunday and he’s hoping that by then these footballers will go home having learnt a lot on and off the field…
Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneiwle “Yeye” Letsholonyane played in this league during it’s days as the Castle Regional League, his younger brother Reuben plays for the Kaizer Chiefs reserve team in the SAFA Johannesburg Regional League and he’s looking forward to the day they will play together in the Amakhosi senior team…
Chiefs has just promoted four players from it’s reserve team that were playing in the reserve league and some could says this weakened their chances of earning promotion to the second division after they finished third in the provincial play-offs yesterday. The promoted players are currently in camp with Stuart Baxter’s squad and Letsholonyane says they are coping so far but the level won’t be the same…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Germany became the first European side to win a FIFA World Cup on South American soil with a late, late goal that stopped Argentina claiming victory in the spiritual home of their biggest rivals, at Estadio Maracana in Rio De Janeiro. The winning goal was scored when substitute Mario Götze chested down an Andre Schurrle cross deep into extra time and volleyed it past Sergio Romero and 1-0 to Die Mannschaft (The Team). It secured Germany's fourth World Cup and their first major tournament victory since 1996, relieving the pressure on Joachim Loew and sparking wild celebrations. Loew says this success is a culmination of 10 years of hard work…
Germany finished the tournament unbeaten, having scored the most goals (18) and conceded only five.
Gotze a product of the famous Borussia Dortmund youth academy where he arrived as an eight year-old but now at Bayern Munich was a late substitute in yesterday’s game. He was the fifth sub to score from the bench for Germany in this tournament and it’s a moment that will continue to be spoken long after he’s retired from the game…
The 22 year-old is the second youngest player to score in a world Cup final after Pele (17) in Sweden in 1958.
Throughout this tournament, arguably the world’s best goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has shown why he won the World Cup’s Golden Glove. After seven matches in the World Cup he finished with a save rate of 86,2 percent and has made the most saves (25) in this tournament. The Bayern Munich keeper has risked his life in this tournament, playing as a sweeper at times and now he’s reaping the rewards…
Winning their third World Cup and first one in 28 years in Brazil would have been a fitting moment for the Albiceleste but sadly it wasn’t it to be. Coach Allejandro Sabella who helped the team to reach their first World Cup semi-finals and final in 24 years describes the mood in Argentina’s dressing room after the game…
Four times World Footballer of the year Lionel Messi came to this tournament under huge pressure to prove his supremacy. Sadly he leaves with a silver medal but also won the Golden Ball (Player of the tournament) and coach Allejandro Sabella says the FC Barcelona star deserves this accolade…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Kaizer Chiefs could be facing a crisis of looking for a new coach just three weeks before the new 2014/2015 season gets underway. This follows reports that their current coach Stuart Baxter has been negotiating with SAFA for the vacant Technical Director job. The expectation is that the Scottish born coach would be unveiled together with a new Bafana Bafana coach next week when SAFA President Danny Jordaan returns from the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. But it’s not going to be that easy for Baxter to leave Chiefs. Speaking during the launch of Amakhosi’s new jersey today, Chiefs Marketing Director Jessica Motaung says they have a two-year contract with Baxter and they expect him to see it through…
SABC Sport has learnt that Baxter is not entirely happy at Chiefs and is also concerned about their transfer market activity, which is yet to address the areas he needed to be covered. But with only few weeks to go to the new season, Baxter’s departure could throw Chiefs plans into disarray, as there’s not enough time to find a suitable candidate for the job. And Motaung maintains that the fans have got nothing to worry about…
Baxter has also said that he’s aware of the SAFA approach but is concentrating on his Chiefs job now. But for how long time will tell as the SAFA Technical Director role is awaiting him. And Baxter was awaited to make a decision by Friday but he’s contracted to Chiefs for the next two years.
During the launch of the home and away jerseys today, Motaung also revealed that they would soon be opening Amakhosi’s museum at the Naturena Village, which forms part of the major project the club has embarked on. Together with the club’s technical sponsors Nike, Motaung says the big container with the audio and visual history of Chiefs dating back to it’s formation in 1970 will be open to the fans for viewing…
Already this season Chiefs has promoted three players from their development academy and it’s expected that the development players will soon be going back to training in Naturena, as their training grounds are almost complete. Motaung says they are targeting 2016 to complete the gigantic plans for the Village…
Arguably the biggest team in South Africa in terms of supporters, almost every season Chiefs is blamed by it’s supporters of not spending enough on buying quality players. This is in comparison to the expensively assembled Mamelodi Sundowns, which stole the Absa Premiership title from Chiefs last season and left their trophy cabinet empty. But Motaung makes a point that whilst as a big club they are expected to compete for everything on offer, the team has a long-term vision that remains their main priority now…
Last week, Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula praised Chiefs’ long term plans which has seen the club undergoing a major construction project, building new facilities for it’s development and maximizing it’s commercial areas within the Naturena village. Jessica who also serves in one of the PSL’s sub-committees is confident that this is a model most teams are following in SA…
Speaking in a press conference last Friday, Mbalula lauded Chiefs plans and as all clubs move towards complying fully with the club licensing system that will be compulsory throughout the African continent next year, he said this is the way to go…
The Chiefs and Nike partnership is now in it’s 13th year and the company’s Communications Manager Seruscka Naidoo has more on the new jersey designs and importance of this container… Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Argentina and Germany will meet in their third FIFA World Cup final at Estadio do Maracana in Rio De Janeiro after the South Americans beat tournament early pacesetters Netherlands 4-2 on penalties. The highly tactical contest played at Sao Paulo had finished goalless after extra time and the Dutch unable to bring on their specialist penalty kicks saver Tim Krul, the Albiceleste’s shot stopper Sergio Romero saved two penalties to see his team through. The AS Monaco goal minder believes that this is their moment to shine along with their inspirational captain and four times world footballer of the year Lionel Messi…
A Maradonna inspired Argentina won the 1986 World Cup edition in Mexico beating Germany 3-2 in the final but the Europeans made it even when they beat the South Americans 1-0 in the Italian World Cup four years later. FC Barcelona’s utility player Javier Mascherano who had a great game says football intelligence got them to the final…
Mascherano has already won two Olympic gold medals with Argentina and his five star performance at Sao Paulo was also praised by coach Allejandro Sabella…
Meanwhile reacting to the Netherlands defeat to Argentina and the prospect of facing hosts Brazil in a 3rd place play-off, Louis Van Gaal says he has always stated that there should never be such a fixture and only a final after the semi-finals…
Van Gaal’s comments were also echoed by the influential winger Arjen Robben who was also part of the team that walked away with silver medals at FNB stadium four years ago…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Nigeria has been suspended from all international football by world football’s governing body, Fifa amid allegations of government interference in its football federation. The ban means no Nigerian team - including club sides - can play internationally. Fifa had given Nigeria's government until Tuesday to reinstate the sacked Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) executive committee. The NFF was dissolved last week and replaced by a sole administrator. NFF analyst Anderson Ogugua explains…
During the period of suspension, the NFF may not be represented in any regional, continental or international competitions, including at club level, or in friendly matches.
The most immediate effect is that Nigeria will not be entitled to participate in the upcoming Under-20 Women's World Cup, which starts on the fifth of next month - should the suspension not be lifted by next Tuesday.
An extraordinary general assembly of the federation went ahead in Abuja on Saturday, which voted out the NFF leadership who have been accused of derailing the country's World Cup campaign in Brazil, despite Fifa's warning of a possible suspension. African champions Nigeria reached the second round of the World Cup in Brazil for only the third time in their history, after they also did so in 1994 and 1998
The issue of head coach Stephen Keshi was laid to rest when Ogugua revealed that Keshi’s cpontract expired at the end of the world cup and it was not renewed. Keshi hinted he might join another nation although he was cagey not to elaborate. Journalist: Coudjoe Amankwaa
The 2014 FIFA World Cup hosts Brazil hopes of rewriting the wrongs of 1950 went up in the spoke as they were humiliated 7-1 by a vintage German side in front of 60 000 fans in a semi-final match played at Estadio Minerao stadium in Belo Horizonte last night. A barely believable match saw Germany take a 5-0 half-time lead as they destroyed the host nation. The score line is also Brazil’s biggest defeat ever beating their 6-0 loss to Uruguay in 1920. Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari takes full responsibility for this result…
Brazil’s hopes of reaching the final on home soil and win it ended in shame, in humiliation, in tears of utter shock, disbelief, disrepair, records rewritten for all the wrong reasons. Scolari who coached his country to their fifth World Cup title in 2002, says this was the worst day of his life…
This humiliation was also Brazil’s first loss on home soil since 2002, their defense was in tatters in the first half manned by captain of the day David Luiz in the absence of the suspended Thiago Silva. A teary Luiz apologises to fellow Brazilians…
In only six minutes, Germany scored four goals in the first half and the Brazilian defense was in shambles. Even the Selecao players were confused themselves according to Luiz…
This was a sweet revenge for the German team that had lost 2-0 to Brazil in the 2002 World Cup final and had not beaten the Selecao in a competitive match. Germany goal scorer and ma of the match Toni Kroos says they took advantage of the Brazil players’ emotional state after conceding the first goal…
This will be Germany’s eighth World Cup final and they are chasing their fourth title, coach Joachim Loew believes that the hosts were confused and began to crack up but he doesn’t expect a similar game against Argentina or Netherlands at Estadio do Maracana on Sunday…
German legend Miroslav Klose also became the World Cup’s all-time top goal scorer with 16 goals when he scored the second goal. The 36 year-old had very little to say about the milestone and focused on the success of the team…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
An emotional Neymar delivered a message to his teammates and the people of Brazil before being flown home on a helicopter after suffering a cruel injury during their 2-1 win over Colombia in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal in Fortaleza on Friday. Neymar will miss the remainder of the World Cup with a broken bone in his back following a gruesome tackle from Colombia’s Juan Zuniga three minutes from full-time. The FC Barcelona superstar reveals his heartache at being ruled out of the World Cup through injury but predicts that Brazil will emerge triumphant, making him a world champion….
Brazil play Germany in the first semi-final in Belo Horizonte tomorrow evening and Argentina squares up to Netherlands in Sao Paulo on Wednesday.
Meanwhile Brazil’s team doctor Jose Luiz Runco revealed that the spinal injury sustained by Neymar will keep the player out of action for at least 40 days but that he will need to be reassessed later in his recovery…
Dr Runco says it was a difficult moment having to tell the biggest star of this showpiece that his World Cup is over but he avoided letting Neymar to ask the question first about his chances of playing in this tournament…
Reports emerged from Brazil last night that Neymar is considering an injection in his back to get him through to the World Cup final, should Brazil make it. But it’s highly unlikely that the team doctors would allow that. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The fourth edition of the Carling Cup pre-season match between Soweto archrivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is selling like hot cakes with 90 per cent of the tickets having been sold. More than 75 000 tickets have been sold for the match that will take place at FNB stadium on the 26th of this month and Carling Black Label Brand Campaign Manager Mthunzi Jonas says tickets could be sold out as early as this week…
Last year the votes reached 22 million but people voting for free, now there’s a standard fee that has been introduced as per government regulations. Jonas says their target has since been revised and reveals once again Amakhosi captain is leading with the votes…
With the transfer window open and both teams constantly making changes, Jonas say they are not guided by any media speculation in removing or adding players to the list but official confirmation from the clubs…
The popular concept for this game remains the champion coaches who get to be part of the two teams’ dressing room and benches on this day and that phase will be finalized on the 19th of this month according to Jonas…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Holland winger Arjen Robben has insisted that the controversial penalty that was awarded to him in stoppage time against Mexico to secure his’ country’s victory in the FIFA World Cup last 16 match in Fortaleza was legitimate. But the Bayern Munich star also admitted that had had dived earlier in the game. Seeking to clarify his earlier media comments regarding these two issues, Robben yesterday pleaded not to be quoted out of context when it comes to this matter…
Robben who has been subject of many alleged diving incidents on the pitch before says he will not change from being honest in future because of this latest incident…
There have been several controversial match officiating decisions in this tournament and many football fans have called either players of referees cheats. Asked whether players accept to be called like that when there was actual no cheating involved, Robben says people are entitled to their own opinions…
Controversy aside, Robben has been one of the shining lights of the The Dutch’s impressive 100 per cent winning record so far in this World Cup. His three goals plus an assist in four matches tells the whole story and the 30year-old agrees that he’s at his best level ever…
When Robben completed his brace during the 5-1 demolition of the outgoing world champions Spain in their opening game of the big spectacle, he also recorded the fastest ever sprint by a footballer at 37km per hour. Robben who has previously also been at Chelsea and Real Madrid was modest about this recorded…
The Dutch side is attempting to win it’s first ever World Cup title after thrice finishing second in 1974, 1978 and most recently in 2010. They are up against surprise packages Costa Rica in the quarterfinals on Saturday evening in Salvador and Robben says the Central Americans can’t be underestimated… Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The line-up for the mouth-watering FIFA World Cup quarterfinals was finalised when Argentina and Belgium completed the last eight match-ups. Argentina were made to sweat by a resilient Switzerland unit and the winning goal for the South Americans was only scored two minutes away from penalty kicks, Angel Di Maria rounding off Lionel Messi’s good run. The four-times world footballer of the year won the man of the match award for the record fourth time in this World Cup but still for him it was all about the team effort…
With close to 40 000 of the fans in at Corinthians stadium in Sao Paulo fully behind Argentina, the situation was tense and Messi describes the crucial moment when he decided to pass to Di Maria instead of taking the opportunity himself…
However the exit of Switzerland did not only hit the Swiss people back home but also marked the last football match as a coach or on field participation for one of the well-respected and most successful coaches of the modern era Ottmar Hitzfeld. The man who won two Champions League title with Borrusia Dortmund and Bayern Munich says from now on he will concentrate on the less stressful media work…
The Belgian were made to sweat for their 2-1 win over USA with all the goals coming in the extra time in Salvador. The result also meant that all the group winners advanced to the last eight. Belgium will now meet Argentina in the third quarterfinal in Brasilia on Saturday. Coach Marc Wilmots was full of praise for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku who scored the winning goal and provided an assist for the opener coming from the bench…
It was one of the most exciting matches in this World Cup and the man who mainly contributed to that excitement was Everton’s goalkeeper Tim Howard who pulled off great saves to deny some of his club mates. Howard made 16 saves, setting a World Cup record the most ever saves in more than 50 years. And his disappointment on this exit is understandable… Journalist: Velile Mbuli
African national teams that participated in the on-going Fifa World Cup in Brazil lost focus when players embarked on fights for bonuses instead of concentrating on the games at hand. This is the view of South African Football Association (Safa) President and a member of the 2014 Fifa Organising committee Danny Jordaan. As a result, Africa teams could not progress beyond the second round. Two of the Africans teams that progressed to the Last-16 were eliminated. Jordaan, who is in Brazil was at pains to explain the extent to which issues not relating to playing could affect and derail teams performances…
Jordaan insisted that for the first time in many years, Africa has a realistic chance of having four teams progress to the knock-out stage of the Fifa World Cup. And yet only two teams, Nigeria and Algeria – progressed to the next round. He says the expectations were not met…
Jordaan insisted that based on this year’s world cup statistics, days of European dominance on the global stage is over. He bases his argument on the fact that defending champions Spain were hammered 5-1 and suffered two losses in a row…
This has been one of Africans worse performances on the global stage. However, Jordaan maintains that football authorities in Africa still have a case to put forward in Fifa board-room regarding the number of allocations to the six continents…
Ghana’s government transported $3-million via a chartered plane to Brazil to defuse a bizarre bonuses saga. And Jordaan says it was an unfortunate incident and sad…
Asked whether the antics off the field by some African teams could affect their fight in the board room, Jordaan says it was not all doom and gloom for the continent. He says other Confederations also had their glaring weaknesses like Asia…Journalist: Coudjoe Amankwaa
Nigeria’s exit from the 2014 FIFA World Cup was met with some high profile retirements as the Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo who was playing 100th game on the day announced his retirement from international football. This followed a two-nil loss to France in the round of 16 to bring to an end their best performance in the World Cup in 16 years. But the most interesting one for South Africans was the resignation of the head coach Stephen Keshi who has now emerged as an overwhelming favourite for the Bafana Bafana job. Here’s Keshi during a post-match interview responding to a question on his future…
Keshi posted on his twitter account immediately after the game and we quote “Friends, it has been a good run and I have enjoyed every moment. It's been an honour coaching the Super Eagles. It is however time to bow out. Keshi who won the 2013 African Cup of Nations title with Nigeria says they’ve proved beyond reasonable doubt that African teams can stand up to the big guns…
According to the tournament stats after the group stages, Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper and vice-captain Vincent Enyeama was one of the top five performers in this 20th edition of the FIFA World Cup. He pulled off some great saves again in this game, four to be exact to bring his total saves to 23 in this tourney. But Enyeama has blamed lack of concentration as the root cause of their exit…
After 12 years as a Senior Super Eagles and 94 international caps to show for that Enyeama is also calling it quits, the 31 year-old says he’s going to consult his family first but his mind seems to be made up…
In this tournament Nigeria registered their first win in the World Cup since France 1998, had a good showing from an individual point of view as well. Enyeama says the future looks bright for this team…
As Keshi, Yobo and Enyeama announced their goodbyes from the Super Eagles, the general feeling in Nigeria football is that the future is very bright for this team with some good youngsters based in Europe who have a lot to offer going forward. Keshi says this team is going to dominate in the future…
The African dream in the 2014 World Cup ended last night when Algeria’s gallant effort to advance to the last eight was shattered in the extra-time by four times world champions Germany as they lost 2-1 in Port Alegre. Veteran centre-back and captain Madijd Bouguerra says this team is going to hold on to its current number one ranking in Africa for years to come…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Nigeria, like their last 16 opponents France, trained away from the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia to allow the pitch to be preserved. But when John Obi Mikel faced the media last night, the number one topic continued to be were bonuses being paid. The Chelsea holding midfielder was very clear that this money issue has had very little effect on their preparations and that it’s water under the bridge…
It`s sixteen years since Nigeria reached the knockout stage, but the team that won the Africa Cup of Nations are showing no sign of nerves.. They seem to be relishing the opportunity to shine on the world stage, a team Mikel insists is without a star…
The French team is not a closed book to the Super Eagles, over the years there are a number of Nigerian players who have played in the French Ligue 1. Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper and Vice-Captain Vincent Enyeama had wonderful season recently with Lille as he kept 11 consecutive clean sheets and came very close to breaking a 22 year-old record. And Mikel says this counts a lot coming to this game…
The main talking point in recent matches has been the weathering conditions, the high temperatures faced by teams with an early kick-off and FIFA introduced the cooling breaks yesterday in an game between Netherlands and Mexico. Coming from West Africa this is a kind of weather Nigeria is used to and France has also been preparing at Ribeirao Preto a city, which is very hot. Keshi feels that both teams will cope with the conditions…
Another important milestone for the Super Eagles in this match will be to see their captain Joseph Yobo finally earning his 100th cap at international level and Mikel says it’s a big moment for the rest of the team too…
With 145 goals having been scored after only 52 matches in this tournament, many coaches have declared this an open tournament where any team stands a chance to spring a surprise. And Keshi believes that despite a good start for the French side they also stand a chance in Brasilia…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Netherlands coach Louis Van Gaal has played down the favourites tag for his side after they came back from one-nil down to beat Mexico 2-1 and advance to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals in Fortaleza. With two minutes to go on regulation time, the Latin America country was ready to celebrate it’s first progress to the last eight in 28 years but Wesley Sneijder and Klaas Huntelaar had other ideas. The Dutch maintained their 100 per cent winning record of four out of four victories in this tournament, as they prepare to meet Costa Rica in the quarterfinals in Salvador. Van Gaal remains modest about their championship chances…
Playing in searing heat weather conditions of temperatures of up to 39 degrees Celsius that forced FIFA for the first time to introduce two official cooling breaks, Van Gaal admits that it took some belief from the players that they can come in this game and win it. He says it’s a huge boost to their main objective of lifting the World Cup for the first time…
One player, billions of football fans globally will dearly miss in this tournament has got to be Mexico’s number one goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa who again denied the Dutch side on several occasions. Ochoa pulled off some stupendous saves just like he had done against Neymar and company when they held hosts Brazil to a goalless draw at the very same Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza two weeks ago. The French based goalkeeper is satisfied with his heroics from this tournament…
In seven World Cup finals now since 1986 on home soil, the “El Tricolor” have been eliminated in the round of 16 and back home they’ve even nicknamed the last eight target as the famous fifth game. Ochoa doesn’t think it’s a mental barrier issue…
Meanwhile the fairy tale continues for Costa Rica as they reached the World Cup last eight for the first time in their history, they played the better part of the second-half being one man down and on the 88th minute the Greeks equalised to take the game to extra-time and eventually penalties. Levante goalkeeper Keylor Navas pulled off some great saves throughout the game and also saved a penalty during the penalty kicks to help his side win 5-3. He hails the historic achievement…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Brazil’s number one goalkeeper Julio Cesar has thanked coach Felipe Scolari for believing in him after he saved two penalties to help the 2014 FIFA World Cup hosts advance to the quarterfinals beating Chile 3-2 on penalties at Estadio Minerao stadium in Belo Horizonte. The game had finished one-all thanks to goals from David Luiz for Brazil and Alexis Sanchez for Chile and they were both scored in the first half. Scolari had faith in Cesar when he fielded him during the FIFA Confederations Cup last year when he was even club less and those memories came back yesterday for the 34 year-old…
After the last penalty which was missed by Chile’s Gonzalo Jara, emotional Selecao players broke down, crying tears of joy after a gruelling encounter in front of 60 000 Brazilian fans. Cesar was also overwhelmed before the penalty kicks and he shares what was going through his mind and what his teammates were telling him…
Brazil will now meet Colombia in the second quarterfinal match in Fortaleza next Friday and captain Thiago Silva is raising a very important factor of the weather and also the kick-off times that are affecting their performances…
Coming to this tournament, Colombia were easily written out as one of the potential quarterfinalists after they lost their top marksman Radamel Falcao through an injury. But the 22 year-old attacker James Rodriguez had other ideas, a brace against Uruguay at Estadio Do Maracana last night was enough to secure a 2-0 win for the Los Cafeteros. Rodriguez is already the tournament’s leading goals scorers with five goals and four assists from four matches
Rodriguez who is currently on the books of the French Ligue 1 big spenders AS Monaco scored what many see as the number one contender for goal of the tournament last night and he says the attacking formation that was employed by their Argentine coach Jose Pekerman worked wonders…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Things seemed brighter in the Nigerian camp ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup round of 16 match against France in Brasilia. The reported issues about players’ bonuses and appearance fees don’t appear to have had any major effect on the squad. President Goodluck Jonathan is reported to have called the captain of the team Joseph Yobo and settled the matter. Coach Stephen Keshi says it’s been business as usual within the camp…
For many this World Cup is a new experience and they are also growing into a style of football demanded by the coach. And Keshi too a former Super Eagles captain is relishing the opportunity of challenging himself against the best in the world…
Going into their last group game against Argentina in Port Alegre, all the focus was on Lionel Messi but Nigeria had an answer in Ahmed Musa, the Russian based flying winger who equally netted a brace. The two goals were extraordinary, well taken and Keshi says they spoke to the quality of Musa…
The CSKA Moscow’s forward who has represented Nigeria on 40 occasions at international level says as the current generation they are also happy to have helped their country qualify for the first for the World Cup knockout stages in 16 years…
Musa together with the likes of Kenneth Omeruo and Uche Nwofor in the current squad were part of the Nigeria team that played in the FIFA u/20 World Cup in Colombia in 2011. Musa was part of the team that lost 3-2 after extra time to France in the quarterfinal there and he’s got a good score to settle…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Algeria has joined Nigeria as the only African teams to reach the 20th FIFA World Cup second round after playing to a one-all draw against Russia in Curitiba last night. The Desert Foxes have made history by reaching the World Cup second round for the first time and also it’s for the first time two African teams have reached the knockout phase. Algeria finished second in group H behind Belgium and will face the high riding Germany in Port Alegre next Monday. Rafike Halliche captained the Desert Foxes on the night and he couldn’t contain his excitement…
Algeria has got a very young squad and mainly dominated by players who were in France and grew up playing academy football and some of them have even represented the French junior national teams. Halliche says their young team is getting stronger by day…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Ghana national team coach Kwesi Appiah has denied that the controversial and shameful happenings in their camp on the eve of their important game contributed to their exit in the FIFA World Cup. The Black Stars were eliminated from the tournament after losing 2-1 to Portugal in Brasilia. Ghana needed to win this game to qualify for the last 16 stage as USA lost to Germany in the other game. Hours before this crucial match, the Ghana Football Association sent home two key players Sulley Muntari and Kevin Prince Boateng for disciplinary reasons. However Appiah says this did not affect their performance…
It’s for the first time Ghana has not managed to reach the knockout phase in the World Cup after reaching the second round in their first appearance in Germany 2006 and quarterfinals in South Africa in 2010. Appiah says in the past two editions they had an experienced squad and now they are building a new team…
Appiah says he's 100 per cent sure that the financial and disciplinary problems the national team has faced this week will never happen again and says the decision to release the two players was not taken on the day of the game but a night before…
Appiah has finished with the worst record ever for Ghana in the World Cup finals, having failed to win a single game in the competition. But he’s still positive that he’s going to keep his job and says the off the field issues didn’t affect his preparations…
Having led his team to the Round of 16, Jürgen Klinsmann feels as if the USA are growing with every game and are only just getting started. USA lost their final group game 1-0 to Germany but a superior goal difference saw them finishing higher than Portugal. They will play Belgium in Salvador on Tuesday, Group G was dubbed the group of death and Klinsmann says they felt it…
Klinsmann who won the World Cup title with Germany in Italy in 1990 and coached them during the 2006 World Cup on home soil has more on why there’s a huge different between the group stages and the knockout phase…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
As England finally bowed out of the 20th edition of the FIFA World Cup yesterday, following a goalless draw against Costa Rica in Belo Horizonte, the Three Lions coach Roy Hodgson believes that the future is bright for this team judging by the talent they’ve got. England finished bottom of Group D managing only one point from three matches following losses to Italy and Uruguay respectively. Hodgson says players like the 20 year-old Ross Barkley are the future of this team…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The mood in Ivory Coast capital of Abidjan and other towns in the west African nation was sombre, sadness, deserted with utter shock. This follows Ivory Coast 2-1 loss to Greece which sent the Elephants exiting the Fifa 2014 World cup tournament in Brazil. It’s the third time in a row Ivory Coast has exited FIFA World Cup finals in the first round despite having a galaxy of stars in their arsenal. African soccer correspondent and the general manager of Radio and Television sport in Ivory Coast, Mamadou Gaye shared the mood in Abidjan…..
Pundits had placed their bets on Ivory Coast to go far among the five African representations given their fairly balanced Group C, which had Columbia, Japan and Greece.
According to Gaye, Ivory Coast lost the match due to coach Lamouchi’s poor tactics and substitutions. He says the Ivory Coast’s FA’s decision to appoint an inexperienced coach, who was just a television analyst in France, has come back to haunt them…
The glaring division in the Ivory Coast team was exposed for the global community to see. In that Ivory Coast was the only national squad to have played in the tournament with two captains. Gaye says it brought to the fore the issue of egos among the star studded players…
Asked to comment about how the golden generation of Ivory Coast players has failed to win anything and also failed to make an impact on the global stage, the hard hitting Gaye says this glorified generation is a bunch of failures…
Ironically, the Ivory Coast national squad failed to assemble in Abidjan and receive the blessings of the people as well as the President Alhassan Outtarra. And when they were presented with the national flag in Brazil by the Sports Minister, the players displayed a lackadaisical attitude…Journalist: Coudjoe Amankwaa
The star of Ghana’s top striker Asamoah Gyan continues to rise and now from breaking records in his home country, he’s quickly establishing himself as an African legend. Gyan’s second goal during the 2-all draw against FIFA World Cup favourites Germany has seen him becoming the first Ghanaian to score in three different World Cups. But most importantly the 28 year-old has equaled the great Roger Milla’s record of five goals to be come the joint highest scoring African in World Cup’s history. But Gyan sees himself as one of the luckiest players to have achieved this much in football…
The Black Stars could have sealed the game just few minutes after having the taken the lead against Germany, they missed a chance to extend the lead to 3-1 when Jordan Ayew instead of passing to Gyan took a tame shot that was easily saved by Manuel Neuer. The experienced Germans went on to equalize moments later, Gyan says as strikers they learn not to be over emotional when teammates make wrong decisions in the final third…
Ghana has got an outside chance of reaching the second round, they need to beat Portugal at least by a two goal margin and hope that Germany beats USA to continue with their tradition of qualifying for the knockout of phases. Gyan admits that it is going to be an uphill battle against Cristiano Ronaldo’s team in Brasilia…
Gyan is also the most capped Black Stars player in the World Cup finals with appearances and also the all-time leading goal scorer with 41 goals from 80 matches. And the Black Stars captain believes they can still go through…
The team spirit in this Ghanaian team is also amazing as evidenced by some of the things the players get to do during training and off the field…
Outside football Gyan is also a musician and recorded a Hip-Hop song titled “African Girls” in 2010, which went on to win an award during the Ghanaian Music awards in 2011. He explains the thinking behind his celebration moves…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Having scored his third and fourth goals of this World Cup during the 4-1 demolition of Cameroon in Brasilia last night, Neymar reveals that he feels no pressure at all. The FC Barcelona star is putting his relaxed frame of mind down to the fact he's living his dream. Brazil now face neighbours Chile in the last 16 stage a team they have beaten before in this round in 1998 and 2010. The 22 year-old who has now netted 35 goals in 52 international appearances for Brazil says he’s always waited for this opportunity…
Brazil and Manchester City anchorman Fernandinho made his first appearance in this World Cup replacing Paulinho at half-time and scored his second international goal. Fernandinho says the hosts are starting to find their rhythm at the right time…
Mexico who conceded their first goal of the tournament during their 3-1 win over Croatia in Recife last night will face the rampant Netherlands in the last 16. Captain Rafael Marquez continued to break the records as he scored his third goal in three different World Cups and all he wants is to make history…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Nigerian national football team coach Stephen Keshi says he’s never doubted his team’s abilities of reaching the FIFA World Cup second round despite the negative feedback he received after last week’s goalless draw against Iran. Speaking after the Super Eagles’ 1-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina that placed the West African side on the second spot with four points, two point s behind Argentina, Keshi says criticism and being doubted is nothing new to him in this job…
Before this victory against Bosnia, the Super Eagles hadn’t won World Cup match since 1998 where they last beat Bulgaria 1-0 and it’s another stat that Keshi wanted to change. Asked about his team’s discipline on the pitch and how it’s inculcated into the team, this was Keshi’s response…
After having been out of the Super Eagles team for years now, Stoke City’s Peter Odemwingie returned to score the all important goal. He’s had some problems with national coaches for some time (with Keshi, when he was omitted from the AFCON 2013 winning squad) but now Odemwingie has started to make some informed decisions…
Saturday’s goal was his first in four years for Nigeria and brings his total tally at international to 11 in 63 matches. And coming to the team contributing with goals is another thing that he was missing…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Africa’s number one ranked country Algeria rounded off a great weekend of results for the continent in the FIFA World Cup in Brazil when they thumped South Korea 4-2 in Group H. The result sees the Desert Foxes jumping to the second spot on the log with three points and in a good position to secure the second round place if they beat Russia in the last game. This was the first win for Algeria in the World Cup in 32 years and captain Madjid Bouguerra is relieved that they have their destiny in their own hands…
Algeria also became the first African team to score four goals in the World Cup and after leading 3-0 at half-time, Bouguerra says it was always going to be difficult to keep a clean sheet against a forceful team like South Korea…
There had also been some negative reports coming to this game, an alleged infighting within the Algerian camp but Bouguerra says the result proves the non-existence of that speculation...Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Everton star and former Bafana Bafana Steven Pienaar says it is their duty as current players especially those plying their trade overseas to help improve football back home. “Schillo” as Pienaar is popularly known was speaking during the Steven Pienaar annual Community Tournament, which was concluded in Westbury, Johannesburg earlier this week. The tournament is in its fourth year and caters for different age groups from u/11 to the seniors. Pienaar says it’s important that they give back to communities that raised them…
Since it’s inception four years ago, the tournament has only been concentrated in Pienaar’s neighbourghood of Westbury, Johannesburg and Gauteng but now he says they also want to involve other areas as well around the country…
Another interesting development is to see another PSL star coming from Westbury making it big, Ajax Cape Town’s Keagan Dolly who recently won the Absa Premiership young players of the season award. Pienaar is proud of Dolly who he says has also played in this tournament…
Another big problem for local football is the shortage of qualified coaches something that impacts on the quality of footballers that are being produced. Pienaar says this is another angle they are trying to cover through this tournament…
Pienaar remains the shining light and top product of the School of Excellence academy that produced a lot of professional footballers in the mid nineties but is now in a sorry state. A lot of promises have been made by SAFA in recent years to return the school to it’s glory days and be the flagship of football academies but all in vain. Pienaar who joined Ajax Cape Town from School of Excellence says he’s even prepared to be the face of any campaign that’s aimed at reviving the School of Excellence because it’s current state worries him…
After Ajax Ct, Pienaar went on to join Ajax Amsterdam, Borussia Dortmund, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur before returning to Everton again. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Day 10 at the FIFA World Cup proved to be an exciting and perfect evening for the African teams as both Ghana and Nigeria recorded positive results against quality opposition. After a rampant Germany had walked all over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in their opening game beating them 4-0, there were fears that Ghana was going to face a hammering. But the Black Stars rose to the occasion and at some stage even led 2-1 but the game ended 2-all in Fortaleza. Ghana’s goals came from Andrea Ayew and Asamoah Gyan and coach Kwesi Appiah is proud of his team…
Ghana’s hopes of still standing a chance of qualifying for the last 16 stage are hinging on Portugal avoiding a loss against USA tonight and the Black Stars also beating Ronaldo’s team in the last game. Appiah says anything is possible in football…
The South African Premier Soccer League was finally represented on the night when Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Fatau Dauda finally started for the Black Stars on the night and Mamelodi Sundowns’ new signee Ejike Uzoenyi also got game time in the Nigerian team. Dauda says it was important for him to contribute with some good saves so that the team could manage to get a point out of this game…
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are in pole position to qualify for the last 16 stage after beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-0 in Cuiaba. This was Nigeria’s first win in the World Cup in 16 years after last beating Bulgaria with a similar score line in France 1998. Coach Stephen Keshi who was vilified back home after playing to a goalless draw against Iran says his side is starting to find it’s rhythm…
Bosnia has now been eliminated from the tournament and becomes the fifth team to bow out after outgoing champions Spain, Australia, Cameroon and England.
Stoke City’s Peter Odemwingie scored the all important goal for the Super Eagles to also earn the man of the match award. It was his first goal for Nigeria in four years and obviously meant a lot to him and his teammates…
Nigeria now have a tricky and tough encounter to wrap up the group F games against log leaders Argentina, they only need a draw from that game or even a loss won’t be bad for them if Iran fails to win against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Odemwingie is hoping that this win and three points has brought some sense of belief to the team…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Nigeria’s head coach Stephen Keshi fought fire with fire yesterday as he was responding to questions from frustrated and angry journalists when his team unexpectedly played a goalless draw with Iran in their opening FIFA World Cup match last night. The Super Eagles who are in a tough group that involves favourites Argentina and Bosnia and Herzegovina dropped two valuable points that could hinder their progress in this tournament. Asked whether they will win their next two matches, this was Keshi’s response…
Group F between Argentina and Bosnia and Herzegovina was a very tight affair tactically and Nigeria will have to be at their best to get maximum points from them. B8t Keshi says anything is possible in this World Cup…
Keshi says he was not surprised with the tactics that were employed by Iran’s coach Carlos Queiroz on the day saying the ultra-defensive system suited their opponents…
Keshi who is also one of the favourites for the vacant Bafana Bafana job is no stranger to criticism, more especially from the media, fans and even the Nigeria Football Federation. The former Super Eagles captain who won the AFCON title as a player in 1994 and as a coach last year says he’s gotten used to this unfair criticism…
Meanwhile both teams were booed as they left the field last night in what proved to be the first draw of this World Cup. Whilst the Nigerian were disappointed with the sharing of spoils, Queiroz says they have a reason to be happy with this result…
Queiroz who is said to be the number choice for the Bafana job, says the Iran team which is currently ranked … in the world and number one in Asia has made a lot of progress in recent years and deserves respect for that…
In another interesting game, Russia opens it’s World Cup campaign against another Asian opponent in South Korea and well travelled Italian tactician Fabio Capello. The former England coach expects his charges to play a faster game given the pace of his opponents whom they faced six months ago in a friendly match…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan says the players should share the blame for the 2-1 loss to USA in their opening Group G game in the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The Black Stars, who won the toss for kick-off, conceded the first goal inside the first 30 seconds of the game. After the Black Stars had equalized in the second-half, USA restored the lead within few minutes. Ghana now has two tough games against Germany and Portugal respectively but Gyan remains optimistic about their chances of progressing to the second round…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Germany midfielder Thomas Muller says they are concentrating on winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup and not breaking personal records. Muller scored the tournament’s first hat-trick yesterday when the four time world champions humiliated Portugal 4-0 in a Group G match played at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador. The three goals took Muller’s tally in the World Cup to eight after he scored five goals in 2010, his teammate Miroslav Klose needs only two goals to overtake Brazil’s Ronaldo as World Cup’s all-time top goal scorer at 15 goals. However Muller says that they are not focusing on personal glory…
The last time the two teams met in a major competition Germany beat Portugal only 1-0in the 2012 Euro Championships and Muller says their opponents were not bad but things worked into their favour…
Portugal’s notorious defender was sent-off early in the second-half after an off the ball incident on Muller, the Bayern Munich defender tries to recall what happened there…
Portugal now find themselves on bottom of the log also with a huge negative goal difference after this thumping but coach Paulo Bento remains hopeful about their next two matches against USA and Ghana respectively…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
African teams continued to struggle in the FIFA World Cup as Nigeria was involved in the first draw of the tournament and Ghana suffered a loss to USA on the stroke of full-time. Cote D’Ivoire is the only team that has registered a win so far, Cameroon was the first team to lose to and Algeria plays it’s first game later today. Nigeria squandered several goal scoring opportunities to play out a goalless draw against Iran, a team perceived as the weakest opponent in Group F. Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi says his players froze when it mattered most…
In Natal, tactical indiscipline cost the Black Stars of Ghana three valuable points in a group of death as they conceded goal in crucial minutes of the game to lose 2-1 to USA in Group G. They have two tough matches still to come against the rampant Germans and desperate Portugal. Coach Kwesi Appiah agrees that crucial mistakes cost them the game…
It was a sweet revenge for the Americans after having been eliminated from the 2010 edition by Ghana and had also lost to them in 2006. USA coach and German legend Jürgen Klinsmann says his team never gives up…
On the local front, the Iran and Nigeria game was dubbed as a battle between the favourites for the Bafana Bafana vacant coaching job as both coaches Carlos Queiroz and Keshi are said to be the top two candidates. Whilst the Super Eagles were disappointed with the result, the Asians had an opposite reaction and strangely Queiroz says the point gained means a lot…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
United Arab Emirates club Al Ain has offered World Cup-bound Ghanaian skipper Asamoah Gyan a bumper new deal. The 28-year-old, who was chased by several English Premier League clubs including West Ham United and Stoke City in January, has renewed his contract in the Garden City for another two years. Al Ain knows some good performances in Brazil this summer would see his stock rise again, so they are keen to lock him into a fresh deal until 2018. Gyan has gone on to score 104 goals in all competitions and Al Ain is confident there will be plenty more to come. Ghanaian official Henry Asante explains…….
Meanwhile following Ghana’s 4-0 win over South Korea this week before jetting to Brazil, pundits agree that Jordan Ayew, who scored a hat-trick could become Ghana’s trump card in Group G pool alongside Germany, Portugal and USA…
Meanwhile Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi’s decision to snub striker Sunday Mba has raised question marks about the potency of the Super Eagles in Brazil. Mba’s all important goal at the Soccer City in South Africa early last year helped Nigeria clinched the AFCON title. And Ikechukwu Uche’s snub, followed by Mba, has created unhappiness in Africa’s most populous nation according to Asante…
Meanwhile the African champions, Nigeria will start their opening campaign against Iran. They then play rookies Bosnia Herzogovina and pre-tournament favourites Argentina. Judging by the competition, Asante believes that the Super Eagles have the quality to progress beyond the group stages…Journalist: Coudjoe Amankwaa
Danny Welbeck will be fit for England's opening World Cup game against Italy on Saturday, according to Wayne Rooney. Welbeck picked up a thigh injury during training on Tuesday and missed yesterday's session in the Rio heat. However, Manchester United striker Rooney moved to allay fears his club-mate would miss the game in Manaus….
Rooney who ended the World Cup qualifiers, as England’s top goal scorer with seven goals is also not worried about a starting place in Manaus on Saturday…
The 28year-old made his debut for England 11 years ago and this will be his third World Cup. The former Everton striker has played more than 90 games for the “Three Lions” scoring 39 goals in the process. He says this youthful squad is the best group he’s been part of...
Italian veteran Andrea Pirlo has reiterated that he may retire from international football at the conclusion of the Azzuri’s FIFA World Cup campaign. It was announced yesterday that the 35-year-old has signed a two-year deal to remain at Juventus until 2016. However, in a press conference ahead of Italy's World Cup opener against England on Saturday, Pirlo explained that the Brazil showpiece is likely to mark his last major international tournament….
Pirlo was part of the Italy squad that was crowned world champions in 2006.
An Italian championship winner with Juventus last season, Pirlo, keeps getting better with age, and few have forgotten his master class against England in the last European championships. Once again the midfield kingpin is looking forward to a clash of footballing cultures...
Italy have had excellent results under coach Cesare Prandelli and finished third in last year's FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, but drawn in a tough Group D, Pirlo appreciates few expect them to go all the way...Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has refused to divulge their targets for the 2014 FIFA World Cup that kicks off in Brazil. Speaking after their arrival in Sao Paulo from their training camp in USA, Keshi says his boys are fully prepared for the big spectacle and ready to rumble with tournament favourites Argentina, Iran and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group F. The Super Eagles last won a game in the World Cup finals in France in 1998, in 2002 and 2010 they exited in the group stages having failed to register a single win.
The Super Eagles open their World Cup campaign against Iran in Curitiba on Monday. Asked if this is a dream come true for him to coach in the World Cup, Keshi says he’s had two opportunities before to do this and was denied by football bosses in Nigeria and Togo respectively…
Nigeria have failed to win any of their last three warm-up matches coming to this tournament and even suffered a crucial injury to one of their key players Elderson Echieleji. Keshi says the time was not enough to prepare but they are ready for the tournament…
Meanwhile this could be the last saloon for the golden generation of Cote D’Ivoire to stand up and be counted by making their mark in a major tournament. Despite all the hype, the likes of Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and Didier Zokora have nothing to show for their star studded team in all these years. Most of the Elephants’s big guns are likely to retire from international football very soon and Liverpool centre-back Kolo Toure who has been part of the national team set-up for the past 14 years is looking forward to the tournament…
The Elephants are in Group C and play their opening game against Japan on Saturday in Recife. The other two teams in the group are Colombia and Greece. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Cameroon’s national men’s squad eventually left for the 2014 FIFA World Cup after refusing to board a chartered plane following a strike over bonuses. The special flight carrying the Indomitable Lions left the capital Yaounde after the Cameroon Football Federation (Facafoot) paid each player a bonus of more than 5-million CFA fancs (R110,000.00) in addition to a 50-million CFA fancs bonus paid by the government. Cameroon and Mamelodi Sundowns legend Roger Feutmba explains…..
Cameroon is in Group A alongside hosts, Brazil, Mexico and Croatia. The fight over bonuses has raised eyebrows about the focus of the Cameroonian squad. As to whether they can progress to the next round remains anyone’s guess. Cameroon plays Mexico in their opening match on June 13. And a member of the historic 1990 Cameroonian quarterfinalists, Feutmba remains upbeat about Cameroon’s chances to the second round.
The Cameroon Football Authorities had to take a loan to pay the players because it would not receive the money from world football’s controlling body, Fifa until three months after the World Cup is over.
Cameroon footballers have refused in the past to play because of rows with Facafoot over cash bonuses. The run up to this tournament has been undermined by disagreements over the payment the squad should receive for playing in Brazil.
Asked whether the examples set by captain Samuel Eto’o and his team mates are setting a wrong precedence, this is what Roger Feutmba has to say…
Cameroon remains Africa’s most successful football nation, having qualified for the World Cup finals a record seven times. The Indomitable Lions was also the first African team to qualify for the quarterfinals of the World Cup finals in Italia 1990, under the Rogger Milla inspired charges.
HASHTAG: #SABCsport
Journalist: Coudjoe Amankwaa
Newly promoted PSL side Chippa United’s Chief Operations Officer Peter Koutrolis has given a strong indication that Steve Khompela could be soon be announced as the new SAFA technical director or Bafana Bafana assistant coach. Koutrolis was responding to questions as to why they are no longer going forward with the agreement Khompela entered into with them. They have since entered into a one-year deal with former Black Leopards coach Kostadin Papic as their coach for next season. Koutrolis says apart from Maritzburg United who were also putting up a fight for their coach, Khompela has other suitors…
Khompela a former SA u/23 national team coach, also served as an assistant to Carlos Quieroz and Stuart Baxter in their previous spells as Bafana coaches.
Koutrolis has confirmed Papic as their new coach and expects the former Orlando Pirates coach to bring the brand of football that he’s renowned for to Phillipi stadium next season…
Critics will argue that there’s not much difference between Papic and his fellow Serbian Vladislav Heric who promoted Chippa from National First Division this season but was dumped by the Cape Town club recently. But Koutrolis holds a different view as he says they have not offered Heric another role at the club…
Whilst Papic’s teams are known for their good brand of football and good going forward but not much can be said about their defensive organization. And this was also proven at Leopards this past season but Koutrolis says the best way of countering that is to sign quality players in that area…
Meanwhile in their quest to build a strong team for next season, Koutrolis has revealed that they are buying some of players they had on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns. He also reveals that they are close to getting other players from the Brazilians who were playing in the PSL last season…
The Sowetan also reported today that Zambian international striker Chris Katongo who spent the past few months at the relegated Durban side Golden Arrows is close to joining Chippa United. Koutrolis says the deal is not done yet but the two parties are advanced in their negotiations…
Chippa United open their 2014/2015 Absa Premiership campaign at home against Platinum Stars in the second weekend of August this year. They follow up with an away game to Supersport United and another home game to AmaTuks. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Outgoing Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund says he’s leaving his job with his head held high, having made his mark in this position. SAFA President Danny Jordaan announced yesterday that Igesund’s contract would not be renewed when it expires at the end of August this year. Igesund who couldn’t fulfill his two mandates of reaching the semi-finals of the 2013 AFCON tournament and qualifying for this year’s FIFA World Cup says his record as the national team coach speaks for itself…
Igesund says he ranks last year’s one-nil win over world champions and current number one team Spain as one of his career highlights…
Igesund took over from Pitso Mosimane in June 2012 and started with the late Thomas Madigage as his assistant and was joined by former u/20 international coach Serame Letsoaka as a second assistant and Alex Heredia as a goalkeeper coach. He believes that his technical team is good team enough to assist his successor…
Igesund also prides himself in having introduced young blood into the team and believes that Bafana is in a better state than the team he inherited from his predecessor…
Igesund says whilst he’s disappointed with SAFA’s decision not to renew his contract when it expires, he holds no grudges…
Igesund could as early as next week announce his next move as SABC Sport understands that there are three PSL teams that have started to engage him. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
After failing to achieve his two main mandates as the Bafana Bafana coach, Gordon Igesund’s contract will not be renewed when it comes to an end in August this year. This was confirmed by the SAFA President Danny Jordaan during a press conference at SAFA House. The announcement followed a meeting of the SAFA NEC that ratified the recommendations of the SAFA technical committee this past weekend. Igesund who was appointed in June 2012, failed to reach the AFCON 2013 semi-finals and qualify for this year’s World Cup. Jordaan says they gave Igesund an opportunity to explain himself…
Igesund who had just recently returned with Bafana from Australia and New Zealand where he played two draws last week was already looking forward to rebuilding the team having spoken about his vision 2018. And Jordaan says his exit is purely based on failing his mandate nothing else…
Two prominent names in former Bafana coach Carlos Queiroz and Nigerian Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi have been linked with this job. The Mozambican born Queiroz who is currently coaching Iran in the World Cup in Brazil is seen as the favourite for the post as he’s believed to be advanced in negotiations with SAFA but Keshi is another preferred candidate given his success rate in the continent. Jordaan looks at the targets but says the main aim is to restore credibility to the Bafana brand…
Bafana have been drawn in a tough group for the AFCON 2015 qualifiers that will be played between September and November, it concludes defending champions Nigeria, Sudan and a winner between Rwanda and Congo. The new coach will have to hit the ground running.
Queiroz was the last coach to qualify Bafana for the World Cup in South Korea and Japan in 2002 and Carlos Alberto Parreira also the last coach to qualify Bafana for the AFCON tournament in Ghana 2008. The old local and foreign coaches debate is dominating again as Keshi is seen as second choice with no local coach in the mix. But Jordaan argues that they want the best man for the job irrespective of his nationality…
SABC Sport understands that former Orlando Pirates coach Ruud Krol has also applied for the job and whilst SAFA remains interested in Keshi, they wouldn’t like to jeopardize their relationship with the Nigerian football Federation by being seen as disrupting their camp ahead of the World Cup.
National U/20 and U/23 coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba looked set to take over from Igesund up until SAFA decided not to tamper with his good work in the junior national teams. With Igesund’s technical team also on it’s way out, Mashaba is likely to assist the incoming coach and his technical; team for continuity purposes. And after two years operating without a permanent Technical Director, Jordaan says that role will also be filled as part of the changes…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Beleaguered Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund says he’s happy with the work his team has achieved on this Australasian tour. He was speaking after the 65th ranked Bafana labored to a lackluster goalless draw against the 117th placed New Zealand side at MT Smart stadium in Auckland today. South Africa had earlier this week played an impressive one-all draw against a World Cup bound Australian team with Igesund using a so-called second string side. He says better finishing in the final third could have seen a different result being registered today…
Just like the Socceroos game, the All Whites had easily targeted Ajax Amsterdam’s playmaker Thulani “Cream” Serero as a player that was making things to happen for Bafana and tackles were flying from all angles. In the second half the rough tackles became too much on him and the Australian and home matches officials that officiated this game hardly protected him something that concerned Igesund…
New Zealand caretaker coach Neil Emblen was hugely impressed with Bafana, more especially the foreign contingent…
RC Genk utility defender Anele Ngcongca who was playing as a centre-back and captained the team today also sees some positive results from this tour and says were unlucky not to win against the Oceania side…
Meanwhile SABC Sport understands that Bafana Bafana coach Serame Letsoaka could surfaced at Platinum Stars or Free State Stars as a Technical director of head coach. He declined to comment on this but it’s understood that the two clubs have approached him and he’s now making up his mind on which offer to settle for. This could be another indication that the current national team technical team is crumbling. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is the official 2014 FIFA World Cup broadcaster in South Africa. In an announcement made earlier today at Auckland Park, Acting COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng has reaffirmed their commitment of televising all the World Cup games live on television and radio stations. The SABC deal was initially signed before the 2006 Germany World Cup and following a successful hosting of the 2010 showpiece it was only fair for the national broadcaster to continue to honour their agreement. SABC Head of Sport Bessie Tugwana says South Africa can brace themselves for another world class production, but first here is SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng with the details…
Tugwana says the six hour, time difference between the two countries is no big issue and will not affect them by any means….…
However with SABC wealthy of their reach to masses through 19 radio stations in eleven official languages, Tugwana says they will also have highlights packages well-preserved…
Meanwhile Motsoeneng has also admitted that they will be bringing in a couple of well-known experts for a broader perspective and in depth analysis but could not divulge more…….
SABC will broadcast all 64 Brazil World Cup games live across three Television Channels and 19 radio stations in all 11 official languages. “The Beautiful Game the Way You like it” Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
The long awaited SAFA National Executive Committee meeting that is set to decide the future of beleaguered Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund takes place tomorrow and will look to avoid indecisiveness. Igesund’s contract comes to an end in August but with the crucial AFCON 2015 qualifiers starting in September the SAFA top brass is running against time to put the matter to bed. Tonight’s Bafana game against New Zealand in Auckland could be Igesund’s last match with the national team, Velile Mbuli reports…
To keep Igesund or not. That’s the difficult task the SAFA NEC will have to deal with tomorrow. Igesund who failed to reach the semi-finals of AFCON 2013 and qualify for the 2014 World Cup still believes that he’s got a future with this team. But SABC Sport understands that two highly profiled and World Cup bound candidates in Nigerian and Iran coaches Stephen Keshi and Carlos Queiroz have been in touch with the local football authorities. Earlier this week, SAFA President Danny Jordaan said they are looking for a coach who will hit the ground running and Keshi’s knowledge of the continent’s conditions and it’s challenges makes him a favourite for the job. Talking to us few weeks ago Nigeria and Arsenal football legend Nwankwo Kanu said given a chance “The Big Boss” who won the AFCON title with the Super Eagles would be a perfect match for Bafana……
Current u/20 and u/23 coach Shakes Mashaba is out of the running for this job as SAFA wants him to focus on building a strong team for the future which includes qualifying for the u/20 World Cup next year and 2016 Rio Olympics. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund has paid tribute to the late Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Isaac “Shakes” Kungwane who passed away on Wednesday after a short illness. He was speaking at the team’s hotel in Takapuna, Auckland in New Zealand where Bafana are playing an international friendly tomorrow. Igesund who coached Kungwane at Manning Rangers in the late 90’s remembers him as a very joyful person…
A moment of silence will be observed for Kungwane and New Zealand’s Duncan Cole (played in the 1982 World Cup for the All Whites) before tomorrow night’s game.
Bafana assistant coach and former Qwaqwa Stars (now Free State Stars) defender Serame Letsoaka is blaming his early retirement in 1995 on Kungwane’s dribbling skills that made the Alexandra born midfield maestro a household name in the South African football circles…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The results of this Australasian trip will have very little bearing or nothing at all in this coming weekend’s SAFA National Executive Committee meeting that is set to decide the fate of Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund. The senior national team coach’s contract expires in August but SAFA is eager to settle this matter this week to give direction for 2015 African Nations Cup qualifiers that start in September. Igesund had a mandate to reach the AFCON 2013 semi-finals and qualify for this year’s FIFA World Cup and failed both. SAFA President Danny Jordaan lists the two most important agenda points for this coming weekend…Journalist: Danny Jordaan
Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund believes that the future is bright for his team after they held FIFA World Cup bound Australia to a 1-all draw at the ANZ stadium in Sydney this evening. The game had been hyped up as a farewell game for the hosts and they were surprised by a neat finish from Ayanda Patosi, which was quickly cancelled by a Tim Cahill goal in the first half. A lot had been said about Bafana's weakened squad coming to this match with 14 withdrawals being the talk of the town and Igesund says his youthful players came out unscathed...
Igesund who came to this game under pressure with his future also on the line believes that the result is a true reflection of the game after Senzo Meyiwa made five crucial saves in the first half to see the 65th Bafana frustrating the 59th placed hosts…
Belgian based youngster Ayanda Patosi also had a great showing that also resulted in that opening goal. It was his first start in Bafana colours and believes that he’s made his mark.
South Africa’s top star player at the moment Thulani Serero of Ajax Amsterdam in Holland also earned rave reviews in the media centre with local journalists hugely impressed with his intelligence on the ball. He says they the lapse of concentration after their opening goal is regrettable…
Australia are in a very tough Group in the World Cup that involves defending champions Spain, 2010 finalists Netherlands and dark hoses Chile. The Socceroos head coach Ange Postecoglou thanked Bafana for giving them a good contest…
The Australians missed several goal scoring opportunities in the first half which could have easily decided this encounter but Postecoglou says credit should go to Meyiwa for his shot stopping saves on the night…
On Wednesday Australia leave for Brazil and very early this morning Bafana will proceed to Auckland where they take on New Zealand in the last match of this Australasian tour on Friday. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund is pinning his hopes on his youthful brigade to turn on the style against Australia in an international friendly this evening. The two teams meet at ANZ stadium in Sydney at 19:30 (11:30 SA TIME) a game that is mainly seen as a send-off for the FIFA World Cup bound Socceroos. After a spate of withdrawals, this Bafana squad has a number of players in their early twenties and Igesund believes that they also have enough experience to spring a surprise…
The overconfident Socceroos are likely to install a 4-3-3 system as they aim to impress the more than 60 000 people who are expected to attend this game to bid farewell to their national team which leaves for Brazil on Wednesday. Igesund says these are two national teams with two different objectives coming to this game…
Igesund doesn’t know much about the Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou But he’s picked up some pointers about their style of play and expected them to attack from the word go tomorrow…
Bafana can expect a festival mood at the stadium today as the local authorities have encouraged the businesses to release local citizens early from work to be able to attend the game. Also ticket fares for trains and busses to the game have been included on the match day ticket. Postecoglou has also downplayed Bafana’s weakened squad talk and will give them the respect they deserve….
Veteran Socceroos attacker Tim Cahill played with Steven Pienaar at Everton in the English Premier League and has got some little knowledge of South African football but is aware that tonight’s game is a different ball game altogether…
Meanwhile lanky centre-back Eric Mathoho will travel back to South Africa immediately after taking part in today's international friendly against Australia, to attend the funeral of his cousin, who passed away this weekend. Igesund confirms that Mathoho will not join the rest of the team for the interntional friendly against New Zealand stadium…
The sad news reached the Kaizer Chiefs defender in Sydney on Saturday, on the eve of Bafana's friendly international clash with World Cup-bound Socceroos. No replacement will be called up to replace Mathoho according to Igesund…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Zimbabwean international striker Knowledge Musona has sent a clear message to PSL teams that in South Africa he will only play for Kaizer Chiefs. Musona was speaking after the Chiefs awards function in Kyalami last night responding to rumours linking with the big spending Absa Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Musona is currently on loan to Chiefs from his German Bundesliga club TSG Hoffeinheim and it expires next month. He has continuously said that his first option is to return to Europe but here in SA he’s clear that his blood is gold and black…
Sundowns are known for bossing the PSL transfer market with their President Patrice Motsepe’s billions bankrolling the team and making it easier for them to outbid other clubs. But Musona who joined Chiefs at the age of 19 in 2009 from Aces Youth Academy in Zimbabwe says not even money would sway him locally to play for any other team other than Chiefs…
During the awards function Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung announced that the club’s Football Manager Bobby Motaung flew out of the country last night to sort out transfer matters believed this Musona issue. He finished as the club’s overall top goal scorer this season with 16 goals and reiterates that he would like to go back to Europe but nothing is confirmed yet…
Meanwhile another Zimbabwean international Willard Katsande was the biggest winner at the Chiefs awards last night as he took home the Player of the year award and the Players’ player of the year awards plus three other small awards on offer. In total he will be banking R230 000 from his winnings last night and he says next season he would like to consistent with good performances…
Katsande also drove away in style as he won the brand new Nissan Z370.
Katsande the midfield strongman was also nominated for the two big PSL awards the Footballer of the season and the Players’ player of the year but he lost both to Sibusiso Vilakazi. And he’s accepted that the Bidvest Wits captain was a deserved winner…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The newly crowned Absa Premiership Young player of the season Keagan Dolly believes that he can fit into any of the Big three teams in the country, namely Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates. The 21 year-old walked away with R50 000 last night after winning this award following an exciting season he had with the struggling Ajax Cape Town. The Sundowns youth academy product knows what he wants…
The Brazilians who seem to be ready to bid for all the special players in the league have already contacted Dolly but he says they didn’t follow proper channels…
Dolly joined Ajax in 2011 after they saw him play for the Sundowns juniors in the Bayhill tournament. He had joined Sundowns from the School of Excellence and remembers a lot of other youngsters who are now in the PSL but not at the Brazilians. It pains him that after all the years spent at that development academy they don’t get a chance to play for the senior team…
Dolly also received a call-up to Bafana Bafana late last year when they went to play Morocco in an international friendly. And he’s looking forward to keeping himself in the national team set-up radar…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund has been forced to make an astonishing 11 changes to his 18-man squad that is travelling to Australia and New Zealand later this weekend for international friendlies to be played next week. Injuries and club commitments have been given as reasons for the withdrawals that include four Kaizer Chiefs players, two Orlando Pirates players and some of the overseas based players. The overseas duo of Kagisho Dikgacoi and Siyanda Xulu were the first players to pull out of the team and Igesund says there are valid reasons…
Igesund had also called up the newly crowned PSL Footballer of the year Sibusiso “General” Vilakazi as replacement but the Bidvest Wits star is also said to be injured and has since been replaced by Teko Modise…
When the press conference took place this morning, team doctor Carl Tabane has only assessed the Chiefs players and he’s confirmed that they were not in the right condition for this trip…
Orlando Pirates striker Kermit Erasmus is one of the players that were called last night but at that time he was already on a flight to Holland. And it doesn’t look like Igesund and team manager Barney Kujane were aware about that…
This is Modise’s first call-up to Bafana since Igesund last called him up just before the 2013 African Cup of Nations tournament here on home soil. Igesund says the Mamelodi Sundowns midfield general who helped his team to their sixth Absa Premiership title deserves this call-up…
Bafana play Australia on the 26th of this month and four days later they take on New Zealand. They leave for the Australia on Tuesday and there are already concerns Down Under about the quality of the team that Bafana is bringing given these latest changes. Australia is preparing for the FIFA World Cup in Brazil and this is their send-off match before they leave for South America. Igesund says obviously the quality of his team is not the same anymore…
Nevertheless Igesund says the team he’s selected is made up mainly of players who are part of his pool and have been part of the national team set-up and also their average age group as well augurs well for the future…
Despite all the drama that has accompanied the withdrawal of these players two days before they depart for Australia, Igesund says he’s not disappointed by the latest happenings…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Abdul Fatawu Dauda is confident that he could regain the Ghanaian number one jersey in the FIFA World Cup that kicks off in Brazil next month. Dauda was confirmed in the preliminary Black Stars squad that was announced by coach Kwesi Appiah this week. He’s one of the three goalkeepers in that team and despite playing only three matches for Pirates this season, Dauda doesn’t rule out starting matches in the World Cup…
Dauda who joined Pirates at the beginning of the season from Ashanti Gold SC has faced a daunting task this season trying to take over the number one jersey from Senzo Meyiwa. But the Bucs development product has been in fine form especially after his heroics in the African Champions League. Dauda says he’s always known that Appiah knows what he’s capable of…
Few weeks ago, Appiah was in the country to visit Dauda, Sundowns centre-back Rashid Sumaila who has also managed to make the 26-man preliminary squad and other Ghanaian players in the country to monitor their progress…
The 29year-old who hails from Obuasi has recently linked with Egyptian clubs but stringent league rules there prohibit clubs from signing foreign goalkeepers. But Dauda says given a chance he’s prepared to leave Pirates for a team where he will get game time…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Banyana Banyana team manager Fran Hilton Smith says the team is upbeat and in good spirits during their week long camp which began on Sunday in Soweto. The national team squad of 26 players has a healthy mix of youth and experience and Banyana Banyana coach Vera Pauw included some new faces. Banyana Banyana will conclude their camp with an encounter against the Black Queens of Ghana at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday. The game will afford Pauw an opportunity to gauge her team’s fitness ahead of their African Women’s Championship qualifier away to little known Comoros Island.......
Banyana have not been training together since their 2 all draw against neighbours Zimbabwe early last month, while their opponent the Black Queens have also been idling after beating Burkina Faso 3-0 in March. Despite this, Smith is still optimistic that the 52 ranked Banyana will emerge victorious against a team that is ranked two places above them…
Standing in Banyana’s way to qualify for the 2014 African Women Championship which will be held in Namibia, is the lowly ranked Comoros. The home and away fixtures against the 123 ranked Comoros seems to be a foregone conclusion.......
Smith was frank and hopeful that Banyana are confident of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time. The top three teams at the African Women’s Championship will qualify for the 2015 Canada World Cup…
Smith said that football was not too far from establishing a professional women's league which will be inspired by the inaugural Netball Premier League which began last weekend. Since Pauw’s arrival in the country a month ago she has indicated her desire and the importance of having a professional women’s football league…Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
In their quest to have a big and competitive squad to play in four competitions next season, Mamelodi Sundowns coach says they will strengthen their team again in preparation for a strong showing in the 2015 African Champions League. The newly crowned Absa Premiership champions will be joined by their runners-up Kaizer Chiefs as South Africa’s representative in next year’s tournament. Sundowns brought in 13 players at the beginning of this season and Mosimane says it’s important to have a big squad when you campaign in the continental tournaments. He says it’s important that they learn from the failures of Chiefs who crumbled in the last few weeks due to a limited squad in size…
This is Sundowns’ sixth league title in the PSL era and their first in seven years. They hadn’t won any piece of silverware since they last won the Nedbank Cup in 2008. But for next season Mosimane has got priorities, defending the league title and doing well in the Champions League…
Mosimane took Supersport United to the group stages of the African Champions League in 2004 believes that SA teams can make a good impression in the CAF tournaments. He says the clubs stand a better chance of impressing there than Bafana…
Sundowns has got close to 25 players loaned out to teams in the PSL and National First Division and others are in different countries in the continent including Nyasha Mushekwi in Belgium. Mosimane says only deserving players will be recalled to Chloorkop…
For former Bloemfontein Celtic defender Thabo Nthethe this was his first silverware at club level having joined Sundowns in January this year. He says the team responded quickly to Mosimane’s ideology…
Despite having joined on during the January transfer window, Nthethe went to start 15 league matches and managed to score a crucial goal as well in this campaign. He’s not surprised that hardly six months in this team he’s owning a gold medal…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
After 14 years in the Premier Soccer League, Lamontville Golden Arrows were relegated to the National First Division last night after losing 1-0 to neighbours Amazulu at Princess Magogo stadium in KwaMashu near Durban. This was Arrows’ 20th defeat of the season in the league, the most number of losses in the Absa Premiership this season. Caretaker coach Shaun Bartlett was the fourth coach to be used by Arrows this season and he says various factors have led to their demotion to the NFD…
Bartlett who came to Arrows as Muhsin Ertugral’s assistant says he will wait for a meeting with the owner of the team Mato Madlala before he considers a next step. But he’s also admitted that he’s more than ready to go to the NFD with “Abafana Besthende”…
The relegation of Arrows now leaves KwaZulu-Natal with only two teams in the top flight and it’s a situation that could remain like that for years to come. Bartlett describes the mood in the dressing room after last night’s result…
There’s couple of good players in this Arrows team that are expected to attract some big offers from the top teams in the league, the likes Bongi Ntuli, Mzuvukile Tom, Thanduyise Khuboni, Chris Katongo and many others. Bartlett says it will be advisable that they make enough money from these transfer deals so that they can build a strong team that will fight for a quick return to the PSL like Chippa United did…
Barlett who has played in some of the biggest leagues in the world including the Barclays Premier League and was also in charge of a PSL team for the first time, says the mental strength of the players at Arrows is one of the things that contributed to their current situation…
Usuthu assistant coach Wilfred Mugeyi who was in charge of last night says had Arrows performed the same way they did in their last few matches throughout the season thing could have been different…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The 2013/14 PSL awards nominees were announced at the PSL headquarters in Parktown this morning and most notably outstanding is Bidvest Wits skipper, Sibusiso Vilakazi who has been nominated in three categories, namely Footballer of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season and Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament. General Manager for the PSL, Derek Blanckensee says this year they have had to change the criteria on how to come up with the final nominees….
PSL Judging panel convenor and football analyst Farouk Khan gave more on how the process unfolded in coming up with the final nominees…
Khan further asserted that some players may have performed at various stages of the league and yet some may have also performed consistently throughout the season and such factors had to be taken into consideration…
The PSL awards are set to take place in just over a week’s time (18 May 2014) at the Sandton Convention Centre and they are expected to cap a turbulent season that saw so many breaks during the season due to many factors. Blanckensee conceded that this was indeed a challenging season but they have successfully managed to ride the wave
Meanwhile the PSL also conducted a draw for the promotional play-off that will see the 15 the placed ABSA premiership team come up against the National First Division’s second placed and third placed sides which are yet to be determined this coming weekend. Blanckensee explains why they chose to conduct the draw before the final round of games…Journalist: Jefferson Lupuwana
Moroka Swallows survived a relegation battle after picking up a valuable point away to Polokwane City. The Swallows, City game ended in a goalless draw at Peter Mokaba Stadium. However City coach Boebie Solomons was dismayed with the Birds’ approach on the night. He says they were too defensive throughout the ninety minutes…
Meanwhile Zeca Marques breathed a huge sigh of relief when his charges held on in the second half to salvage their first point in five outings, unlike in their previous games where they would concede after the hour mark…
The Dube Birds hardly troubled City goalkeeper Modiri Marumo as they spent the majority of the 90 minutes in their own half, and Solomons vehemently criticized their approach. However Majazana says they would not take risks…….
Meanwhile Swallows final match of the season will be against relegation threatened counterparts, Free State Stars, and Marques says for the first time in a long time they will not be feeling any pressure…Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
The Mamelodi Sundowns technical team did a lot of consultation throughout the season and coach Pitso Mosimane thanked some previous league winning coaches who offered him a lot of advices and support. Speaking after the Brazilians clinched their sixth Absa Premiership league title after beating Supersport United 3-0 at Loftus stadium last night, Mosimane has also thanked the support of the board that provided him with all the resources he needed…
The last league title Sundowns won was back in the 2006/2007 season under Gordon Igesund and Trott Moloto was the last coach to win some piece of silverware with this team with the Nedbank Cup title in 2008. Mosimane says it was important that the support stuff were people who supported his vision and were fully behind him…
Sundowns who are now on a record winning streak this season of 10 wins in a row could also equal their own league record of 11 consecutive wins. The Brazilians have scored 50 goals in the league this season, 10 more than Kaizer Chiefs who had opened an 11 point gap at some stage. Mosimane says he also enjoyed a lot of support from the club’s President Patrice Motsepe…
Mosimane used about 35 players this season who contributed this league title championship, which makes them the most successful team in the PSL era. He’s thanked them for their professionalism and also opening themselves to new ideas…
This was without a doubt one of the mist competitive PSL league campaigns in many years, judging by the number of goal scored and points gained. At 64 points Sundowns has won the league with a game to spare breaking the previous record of points that won the 16 team league, the 63 points that was achieved by Chiefs during the 2003/2004 season. Mosimane says the competition kept them going…
This was Alje Schut’s second season with Sundowns and he’s now captained them to a league title. He’s been a key figure in this achievement having played in 24 matches, he looks back at what worked differently than in the previous season…
The Dutch centre-back who spent 13 years at his hometown Eredivisie club Utrecht FC says this ranks top of his footballing achievements and he also touches on some special occasion for the Schut’s family…
Schut who took over the captain’s armband from Teko Modise this season has also credited Mosimane for a job well done saying he’s been the driving force behind the team…
Modise who has had a remarkable second half of the season, scoring crucial goals also described his wonderful long range strike that caught the reliable Ronwen Williams napping…
Mosimane few weeks ago said he’s learnt for the first time as a coach that you don’t ignore good talent and experience and he was referring to the old guard of Sundowns that included Surprise Moriri and Esrom Nyandoro. The 34year-old Moriri who is in 10th year at Sundowns and was celebrating his third league title with the team has praised the former Bafana Bafana coach for transforming the Brazilians…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt says winning trophies for him is the real success than finishing in the top three in the league and breaking records. He was speaking after his side qualified for the Nedbank Cup final beating Kaizer Chiefs 4-2 on penalties in the first semi-final that finished 2-all after extra-time at Bidvest stadium yesterday. Wits last played in the final when they won the 2010 Nedbank Cup edition beating Amazulu 3-0 at FNB stadium. Wits will now meet Orlando Pirates in the final after they beat Maritzburg United 2-1 in the second semi-final. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Winning the Nedbank Cup in two weeks time would give Orlando Pirates a major boost to it’s preparations for next season according to the club’s head coach Vladimir Vermezovic. The Buccaneers reached their fourth cup final of the season when they beat Maritzburg United 2-1 in the semi-final on Saturday night. Vermezovic who is only in his third month at Pirates says
Vermezovic won two Telkom Knockout trophies during his three year stint with Kaizer Chiefs continued to complain that his players are fatigued following a long season in five major completions…
The Team of Choice suffered a major blow in the opening minutes of the game when their on form striker Orlando Smeekes sustained an injury early in the game. He was replaced by Terence Mandaza who later scored a consolation goal, coach Steve Khompela describes the mood in the dressing room after this game…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
It’s almost a week since the Norman Arendse Commission cleared Gordon Igesund of any wrong doing on the allegations he faced and set some tough recommendations especially against football agents. Some of the leading South African football agents are not hiding their unhappiness with some of these recommendations. Arendse said his Task Team has recommended that agents be banned from the Bafana camp and sharing the same hotel with the team. But Tim Sukazi who is also a lawyer by profession has vowed to defy that…
Glyn Binkin who is also representing a number of Bafana players and has been to several trips with the national team, has questioned why suddenly there are these divisions in the local game…
Meanwhile Sukazi has challenged Arendse’s Commission on clearing Igesund saying the ruling doesn’t make sense since they’ve released a number of recommendations that insinuated that there were some wrongs that were committed…
Binkin who has also defended Igesund says he’s also surprised by these recommendations when the verdict has cleared the coach…
Stories of certain agents having an upper hand on the representation of players in the national team are not new in SA football and it took this commission to finally try to address it. Despite Igesund having been cleared on this, Sukazi says this issue is not a secret and alleges that it’s happening currently with Bafana…
In recent years, Binkin has had a lot of players representing Bafana and he has denied that this is the case preferring to say when an agency has many players, it’s dominance in the national team is unavoidable…
Sukazi represents more than four coaches in South Africa including some who are in the PSL and says the recommendation that a Bafana coach shouldn’t share the same agent with the players is a disturbing one…
Binkin who does not represent any coach currently, also sees it as questionable that a coach will now be forced to work at Bafana without being represented by an agent…
Bafana captain and number one goalkeeper tumeleng Khune was said to be the chief witness in this commission who didn’t testify and some are saying had he testified the outcome could have been different. He’s now being represented by foreign based agents and Sukazi says if he was his player he could have helped to present his side of the story…
Arendse a former Cricket South Africa president and currently a member of the board of directors has also served in rugby as well. He’s currently a member of the SAFA National Executive Committee too. Some of his recommendations like a selection panel for Bafana and contracting players are things that are happening at rugby and cricket but never been heard of in football globally. Sukazi doubts that this would work in football…
Binkin says current form is very important in football and comparing rugby and cricket to football is being very shortsighted about this issue of contracts…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Wits dented Kaizer Chiefs league defense when they held them to a 0-0 draw in a pulsating Absa Premier Soccer League match at Bidvest Stadium last night. Both teams were culprits at goals but Wits could count themselves unlucky after their goal by Amos “Sthembiso “Nqcobo was disallowed. Chiefs were desperately in need of maximum points to keep the pressure on log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who now lead them by five points although they still have a game in hand. Meanwhile Gavin Hunt says Amakhosi should count themselves lucky for walking away with a point…
With Champions League spot still a possibility for both teams even if they finish in second position, Hunt has bemoaned the missed chances, but he’s optimistic that they can still surpass “The Glamour Boys” who lead them by three points with three games remaining…
Meanwhile his counterpart Stuart Baxter says people can write-off Chiefs title race at their own peril…
Baxter says they have had their share of bad runs in both seasons and anything is still possible…
Just like last season were Chiefs struggled to get a point from three matches to clinch their first PSL title in eight years. Chiefs have won 2 matches in the last five PSL matches and those victories were against Golden Arrows and Polokwane City…Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
Former South African National women’s football captain Amanda “Toki”Dlamini’s chances of plying her trade overseas are slowly fading away. The 25 year-old was looking forward to join her team-mate Nompumelelo Nyandeni at a Russian based club FC Rossiyanka or English teams Liverpool and Bristol early this month but unfortunately all of those deals did not materialize. Despite the setbacks Dlamini is still optimistic but says for now her focus is in her SASOL League team Univesity of Johannesburg…
According to Tshepo Khuzwayo’s sources some people in the South African Football Association were posing as Dlamini’s agents and the clubs were not keen to negotiate with them.
A fortnight ago Banyana Banyana dusted off their cobweb with a 2 all draw against Zimbabwe in a friendly match at Dobsonville. The match was to give a hint to coach Vera Pauw of what to expect when they exchange wits away to Comoros Island in the first leg of the African Women’s Champions qualifiers. However Dlamini who’s scored the equalizer coming off the bench was not pleased with their level of fitness. Dlamini says she hopes the SASOL league that is currently underway will put them to speed before their showdown with Comoros on the 24 of May…
Even though Banyana Banyana who are ranked 52 have confidence against the Comoros who are ranked 123, Toki says they won’t underestimate their opponents…
Propitiously Comoros have forfeited their home fixture and now Banyana Banyana will be looking for a draw when they host them early in June (7-8) at Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton.
Meanwhile the former Durban Ladies striker has also praised Pauw’s football philosophy and she says she is a strong believer of cohesion whether they defend or attack…Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
Newly crowned National First Division champions Chippa United have been inspired by the performance and operations of Mpumalanga Black Aces in the Premier Soccer League this season. Chippa confirmed their immediate return to the PSL for next season following the indifferent results of the chasing pack this past weekend. Despite losing 3-1 to Witbank Spurs yesterday, their promotion was confirmed with four games to spare. Speaking at the arrival of his team at the Cape Town International Airport last night, Chippa chairman Chippa Mpengesi says he never doubted that his team would make a quick return to the big league…
This is Chippa’s second promotion to PSL within three years, they went up in July 2012 and were relegated he following year. After spending only season in the NFD, Mpengesi says he’s learnt his lesson…
After winning promotion last year Aces replaced their coach Jacob Sakala with the veteran coach Clive Barker who had just finished the season with Bidvest Wits at a respectable fourth position in the PSL. They also went on to sign quality players and Mpengesi believes that this is the way to go for his team too…
It’s not the first time that Vladislav Heric has promoted a team to the PSL having done so in the past few years with Bay United. The Serbian born coach is not worried about his future…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Ajax Cape Town has successfully defended its Metropolitan Premier u/19 Cup beating Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in the final at Erica Park, Belhar in Cape Town. This was their sixth overall Bayhill tournament trophy since they first won it in 2001. However the overall objective for Ajax is to prepare these players for the next level and that is promotion to the senior team. Ajax youth coach Maheer Davids says it is important that these players are ready for the highest level...
Ajax Cape Town head coach Roger De Sa was also an interesting spectator and he has promised that quite a sizable number of these players will be seen in the PSL next season...
At one of his former teams, Bidvest Wits head coach De Sa worked a lot with youngsters and promoted them to the senior team and after joining from Orlando Pirates this is one area he missed...
Despite losing in the final, Sundowns swept almost all the individual awards that were on offer, player of the tournament, goalkeeper of the tournament including coach of the tournament that went to Rhulani Mokwena. He was equally pleased with his charges' performance...Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Mamelodi Sundowns extended their league winning streak to eight matches when they beat Mpumalanga Black Aces 1-0 in an entertaining drama manifested encounter at Loftus last night. Elias Pelembe scored the only goal for the match when he beat Jackson Mabokgwane in the 8th minute with a scotching header just before the Aces goalkeeper was replaced by man of the match Bafana Nhlapo. Nevertheless the score-line was not something to write home about as both teams were guilty of missing numerous scoring opportunities, much to the disappointment of Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane who feels hard done by the missed opportunities…
Despite walking away with maximum points in 8 matches in a row, Mosimane still maintains that there is still a long way to go before Sundowns can win their first PSL title in 7 years…
Meanwhile his counterpart Clive ‘the dog’ Barker was forced to shuffle his winning squad due to the Sundowns loan agreement and he says this is not good for football, even so he still feels that they also deserved something…
The players that are on loan to Aces from Sundowns are Method Mwanjali, Themba Zwane and Abel Mabaso.
Aces have had great success against the big teams with wins over Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Moroka Swallows and they have earned themselves nickname “Giant killers”. But Barker says those wins count for nothing if the team can’t translate them into success as they want challenge for the league title next season...
Barker has also expressed concerns over his goal scoring machine Zimbabwean international Tendai Ndoro, admitting that he might not be there next season as many teams have expressed their interest...
On Saturday Mamelodi Sundowns will be away to the struggling Moroka Swallows, who lost 2-1 to fellow title contenders Wits. Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
A double substitution by Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt on the 69th minute turned things around for the students as they went on to win 2-1 against the struggling Moroka Swallows in the Absa Premiership. All the three goals were scored in the last ten minutes, with Ethiopian Getaneh Kebede finding drawing the first blood in 83rd minute. Swallows equalized in the 90th minute through captain Lefa Tsutsulupa but the lead was quickly restored by Wits captain Sibusiso “General” Vilakazi. Hunt says it was a thrilling finish…
Wits remain eight points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who also won 1-0 against Mpumalanga Black Aces last night. Next Wednesday they will face 2nd placed Kaizer Chiefs who also beat Polokwane City 1-0 last night. With two games in hand, Hunt still feels there will be some hiccups in this title race…
This was Swallows’ fourth loss in a row and head coach Zeca Marques and his captain Lefa Tsutsulupa were so upset wit the result that they even refused to do the mandatory post match interviews. Swallows centre-back Luvhengo Mungomeni reflects on this sad turn of events for The Birds…
Swallows who are currently 13th o the log with 30 points from 27 matches, have won only two games, lost nine and draw only two league games played this year. With only three games to go in this campaign, Luvhengo is positive that things will turn around…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Orlando Pirates have continued with the winning momentum beating Maritzburg United 1-0 in the Absa Premiership match played at Orlando stadium in Soweto. A last gasp goal from Mozambican striker Helder Pelembe ensured that Bucs returned to the winning ways in the leagues after suffering back to back defeats to Mpumalanga Black Aces and Supersport United respectively. The win sees Pirates jumping up three spots to number four on the log with five games to go. And coach Vladimir Vermezovic says this is a huge relief to his side…
Pirates completed a double this season over United but the two teams will be meeting again in three weeks time in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals. And coach Steve Khompela believes that he’s gathered enough notes for his homework…
Thamsanqa Gabuza started only his second league game in Pirates colours this season and despite taking a lot of criticism from armchair critics on the social network throughout the game he provided the crucial assist that led to the winning goal. Vermezovic was equally impressed by the former Golden Arrows striker who is yet score at Bucs…
Meanwhile the presence of the tallest player in the league Mame Niang of Supersport United at last night’s game has attracted a lot of interest from football fans. Niang rejoined United at the beginning of this season after spending the previous season on loan to AmaTuks where he scored opening goal. “Amatsatsansa a Pitori” quickly activated the option they had on him after founding out that Pirates were interested in his services. Now SABC Sport has been reliably informed that the Senegalese striker is very much interested in joining the Buccaneers. Asked if they are interested in Niang, this was VV’s response…
If Pirates want the services of Niang they will have to enter into negotiations with United because his contract with the Pretoria based side only expires in June 2016. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The Bidvest Wits and Kaizer Chiefs Nedbank Cup semi-final will be between two teams that still have a chance of achieving a double come end of the season. Both teams are still in contention for the league title despite trailing Mamelodi Sundowns by eight (two games in hand for Wits) and three (one game in hand for Chiefs) points respectively. Speaking after the draw, Wits coach Gavin Hunt revealed that he had never imagined that in his first season, his team would be in this situation…
Hunt won the 2012 Nedbank Cup title (Supersport United beat Sundowns) and lost last year’s final (United lost to Chiefs)
Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter announced his arrival at Amakhosi last season by winning the league title and the Nedbank cup and the Scottish coach says it’s satisfying that they’re still in contention to retain their titles…
The semis will take place on the 3rd and 4th of May and full details will be released later this week.
Meanwhile Chiefs has been missing some very easy goal scoring opportunities in their past few matches especially in their back to back losses in the league. They’ve been playing without their most prolific goal scorer Knowledge Musona and Baxter is hoping that he will be available for the league match away to Polokwane City…
Orlando Pirates coach Vladimir Vermezovic has promised to use the Absa Premiership clash against Maritzburg United as a study for the Ke Yona semi-final in three weeks time…
“The Team of Choice” beat Pirates 3-2 in the corresponding fixture last season and coach Steve Khompela says they will use the game at Orlando stadium as some sort of homework as well. He believes that they are capable of pulling off an upset in the semis…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Orlando Pirates’ narrow win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals this past weekend has given their newly appointed coach Vladimir Vermezovic something to talk about. Coming on the back of two back to back defeats in the Absa Premiership, VV now believes that an appearance in the Ke Yona final will guarantee them the trophy. In his previous spell with Kaizer Chiefs in the country missed out on the league title but won two consecutive Telkom Knockout titles with Amakhosi. Following a smash and grab 2-1 win over Sundowns on Saturday night, the Serbian says they are not far away from some silverware this season…
The semi-finals draw will take place at the PSL offices at noon today, joining Pirates in the hat will be the defending champions Chiefs, Bidvest Wits and Maritzburg United.
This loss ended Sundowns’ eight game winning streak in all competitions but still after the game the Brazilians fans were not disappointed at all as they were singing on their way out of the stadium. Mosimane is aware that this is in anticipation of the league title where they are currently on top with four games to go…
Mosimane also took a dig at the referee who was officiated in this game Robert Smith especially on the penalty that he awarded to Pirates very early in the game…
Meanwhile, following confirmation from Egypt that the eight time African champions Al Ahly have started negotiations with Pirates for the services of their evergreen playmaker Oupa “Ace” Manyisa, VV says if the money is good for the club they won’t stand in the player’s way…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Wits coach Gavin Hunt says mathematically they still have a chance of winning the league. Wits beat Platinum Stars 1-0 in their Absa Premier Soccer League encounter at Bidvest Stadium last night. Super-sub Asive Langwe made sure that the Student extended their unbeaten run to four games as he scored the only goal for the match. According to Hunt his players put up a good fight even though there were few scoring opportunities ...
Wits have picked up six red cards this season, the most of any PSL side; and last night it was no different as Matthew Booth and Sboniso Gumede both received yellows. However despite their misfortune on the pitch they still have a good chance of surpassing their best ever season where they finished third in 2002/3... (In 2002/3 Wits finished third on 54 points, one point behind Supersport United and seven behind Orlando Pirates)...
After the runaway Kaizer Chiefs train was halted by Mamelodi Sundowns and Mpumalanga Black Aces, the former Supersport United mentor reckons the final stretch will be grueling...
Meanwhile his opposite number Platinum Stars Allan Freese says the match didn't have the x-factor as both teams hardly tested the goalkeepers but lapses of concentration in the last minutes cost them dearly...
At the start of the season Freese was adamant that they could go one better than last season and win the league but he now finds himself in a battle for top eight spot with four games remaining...
Meanwhile with two teams now eligible for the Caf Champion League next season courtesy to Orlando Pirates performance last season, Hunt cannot wait for another bite at the cherry as he targets a top two finish...
Following a 5-0 humiliation against the five-time Soccer World Cup Champions Brazil at FNB Stadium last month, the South African national senior soccer team will now look to redeem their pride when they embark on the Australasian tour later next month. Bafana Bafana will add to the cricket and rugby rivalry that is already in existence when they faceoff with Australia who have qualified for the 2014 World Cup and New Zealand in friendly matches. Bafana Bafana team manager Barney Khujane has more on this…
According to Bafana Bafana Gordon Igesund he struggled to get international players since the games will be played on a non FIFA date. Even so he says he has assembled a fairly balanced 18-man squad and he hopes they will do the country proud…
With seven weeks to go before their match against the Socceroos (Australia) Igesund says he has a contingency plan in case of late withdrawals due to injuries and other club commitments…
Bafana Bafana last met with The All White (NZ) in 2009 in the Fifa Confederations Cup in Rustenburg, with the home team winning 2-0. While their last match with the Socceroos was a 2-2 draw in London in 2008. Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
Vera Pauw says the upcoming International friendly against Zimbabwe will be a very important game in terms of making steps forward and getting her team competitive games ahead of a crucial CAF African Women’s Championship qualifier against Comoros next month....
Pauw says she intends to see the team involved in more tough competitions with the West African sides like Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon and Ivory Coast as well some good Asians side to be able to measure their level of competency....
Meanwhile prolific striker Portia Modise, who has been capped 104 for Banyana Banyana, makes a welcome return to the squad. Modise says it all starts with proficiency of the local league for them to perform well and keep up with the high standard of the international stage...
Pauw is set to give opportunities to a few new faces in order to get them senior national team debuts. One such player who could not contain her excitement is Congolese born Ode Fulutudilu who will proudly dawn the South African jersey for the first time …Journalist: Jefferson Lupuwana
Orlando Pirates coach Vladimir Vermezovic has attributed their recent indifferent performances to their misfiring strikers and says their ineffectiveness in the final third is a big worry. A midfielder Oupa Manyisa is the club’s leading goal scorer in the Absa Premiership with only four goals out of the 24 that have been scored by the team in the league. Kermit Erasmus a striker, is next with three goals after 21 matches played this season. In the past Bucs have even had defenders as top goal scorers and not the strikers. Speaking after their one-nil loss to Supersport United, VV says lack of confidence, fatigue are some of the factors that have led to the lack of goals at Pirates…
In line with his policy of preparing for next season, VV has also started to give most of his players game time to assess them before he makes some changes in the team personnel. He brought in former Golden Arrows striker Thamsanqa Gabuza as a substitute. Asked about Zambian international Collins Mbesuma whose contract is coming to an end this season, VV hinted that “Ntofontofo” should consider an early retirement…
VV’s record in the league since his first game at Pirates now reads two wins (both against Moroka Swallows), three losses and a draw. He made seven changes to the team that had started during the one-nil to Mpumalanga Black Aces and here he is justifying them…
The PSL log is very interesting besides the title race and relegation battle, the competition for the final positions in the top eight is also interesting. Pirates and United are fifth and sixth on the log respectively seven points behind third placed Bidvest Wits who have a game in hand. United can still finish third but will need to do well in their last six matches and coach Cavin Johnson says they will need to perform well even against the so-called small teams…
There were also misleading reports last week that United’s leading goal scorer with six goals in the league Mame Niang will be out of action for a long period after it was alleged that he had broken his arm during a 3-1 loss to Maritzburg United. But now Johnson says he could be back earlier than they had anticipated…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Bloemfontein Celtic maintained their proud home record when they collected maximum points in the Absa Premiership at Kaizer Sebothelo stadium in Botshabelo beating Platinum Stars 1-0. Joel Mogorosi scored the only goal of the game in the 60th minute finishing off a wonderful move from the skillful super sub Lerato Lamola. The win saw Isiwelele kicking Dikwena out of the top eight with 36 points from 25 matches. Celtic have only lost once at home this season and that was in their opening game of the season to Mamelodi Sundowns. Head Coach Ernst Middendorp boasted about his smart tactics on the day…
Celtic also made two crucial tactical changes early in the second-half that swung things into their favour, the double substitution saw Lerato Lamola and Keagan Buchanan coming on for Lyle Lakay and club top goal scorer Gabadinho Mhango. Middendorp sees it as a gamble that paid off…
Stars wasted a number of clear goal scoring opportunities including a one on one miss by Siphelele Mthembu. They’ve lost three of their last four league matches and coach Allan Freese is a concerned man…
This will go down as on the most successful seasons in Stars’ history after completing a double early in the season winning the MTN 8 as well as the Telkom Knockout. But Freese says it’s surprising now that the players seem to find it difficult to wrap up the season properly…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Kaizer Chiefs have restored their three-point lead at the top following a two-nil win against bottom of the log Golden Arrows in an Absa Premiership match played at FNB stadium last night. Two goals from Molowandou Mathoho and Kingston Nkhatha were enough to earn Amakhosi their 15th win of the season. This sets up a mouth watering and potential title decider against highflying second placed Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB stadium on Saturday. Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter talks about the importance of these three points with seven matches left for them in this campaign…
This was an 18th loss in 23 leagues matches this season for Arrows and with seven games to go in this campaign they remain seven points behind 15th placed Polokwane City. Caretaker coach Shaun Bartlett remains hopeful of surviving the big axe…
There had been reports before this games that Bartlett could face the chop as the head coach if they don’t register maximum points in this match but the former Bafana Bafana striker has downplayed that…
There was another man of the match performance from Chiefs strongman Willard “Salt & Pepper” Katsande last night, whilst there are few players who have been stand out performers in the league this season. Katsande is one of the main candidates for the player of the season awards and Baxter says he just has to keep on producing the goods…
Chiefs captain and number one goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is likely to return to action against Sundowns after spending close to a month on the sidelines due to an ankle injury. Baxter also hints that Knowledge Musona could feature in Saturday night’s crunch encounter…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
SAFA is poised to appoint an u/17 national team coach after the completion of the SAFA u/17 inter-provincial tournament that kicked-off at the Nike Football Centre in Soweto today and will run until Sunday. The championships are contested by the nine provinces with u/17 teams of Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits as guests. There are three national selectors looking at talent here and according to SAFA President Danny Jordaan one of them could be the potential u/17 national team coach…
The qualifiers for the African u/17 Youth Championships will start in June and SA is scheduled to meet Tanzania in their first round of qualifiers in July.
The last u/17 intern-provincial tournament was held in the Eastern Cape in 2011, after two years with no activity SAFA has returned to the basics. Jordaan says the talent here in this tournament will not be lost to SAFA…
The provinces’ players come from the 52 regions and going forward Jordaan says each area should keep a database of its top talent…
The opening of the tournament was also graced by the presence of the FIFA Secretary-General Jerome Valcke. He says through the 2010 FIFA World Cup legacy, SAFA should ensure that they have adequate development programmes that would ensure that they’ve strong teams that qualify for international tournaments…
Valcke says the model of the German Football Association that has seen them having a strong national team coming from junior national teams is a model that needs to be followed…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Kaizer Chiefs’ participation in the CAF Confederations Cup is hanging in the balance as the club is said to be considering whether to take part or not. Chiefs was knocked out of the African Champions League after losing to Democratic Republic of Congo’s AS Vita 3-2 on aggregate despite winning 2-0 at home. The eight teams that lost in the Champions League 2nd round will be drawn against the eight winners from the Confeds Cup 2nd round in Cairo tomorrow for the play-off stage that will determine which eight teams advance to the group stages. Speaking after their loss on Saturday, Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter couldn’t guarantee what kind of focus his team would give to this competition…
Article 14.4 of the CAF club competition reads…Apart from financial sanctions, every club withdrawing from the competition after the establishment of the fixtures will be forbidden from participating in all CAF inter-clubs competitions for three years following its withdrawal.
It would not be for the first time Chiefs is withdrawing from the CAF competitions, in 2005 after they had lost to Tunisian giants Esperance in the very same stage of the Champions League, they then refused to play Egyptian club Ismaili FC in the CAF Confeds Cup. They were banned for three years and this year was their first participation in CAF tournaments since then. But Baxter after seeing his team exit the more lucrative Champions League this weekend, says there’s some lessons he’s learnt so far especially on the pitch…
It should be noted that TP Mazembe lost to Orlando Pirates in this stage of the Champions League and went on to lose to Ruud Krol’s CS Sfaxien in the CAF Confeds final. Both teams are now in the Champions League group stages using the experience gained in last year’s Confeds Cup very well. Chiefs are also most likely to qualify for the Champions League again next year.
Meanwhile Baxter is considering bringing a goalkeeper from their reserve team to sit on the bench against Golden Arrows on Wednesday if Reeyad Pieterse doesn’t recover on time for this Absa Premiership clash. Pieterse left the field early in the first half on Saturday after he collided against the post. Baxter even hints that the club’s captain and number one goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune could be rushed back from his rehabilitation…
It is for the first time in the history of DRC football that two teams have qualified for the African Champions League group stages since this format of the tournament was introduced in 1997. Coach Florent Ibenge says this is a huge boost for football in DRC…
Besides TP Mazembe, the other top teams that have qualified for the Champions League group stages include Esperance, Al Ahly Benghazi of Libya who shocked record eight time and defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt, Zamalek, CS Sfaxien and Hilal of Sudan amongst other teams. Ibenge has more on their ambitions in this tournament…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane was a relieved man after watching his lads brushing a struggling Golden Arrows side 4-1 to advance to the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals at King Zwelithini stadium in Umlazi on Saturday. What made Mosimane happy was avoiding extra-time as that saved them some tired legs with a tough Absa Premiership clash away to Platinum Stars awaiting them tomorrow evening. A double is still a possibility for the Brazilians and Mosimane knows that fitness levels will play a major part…
Sundowns has also been hampered by a lot of injuries this season, at some stage more than 10 players were frequenting the physio’s room. With the season at this critical stage, Mosimane says some of them are returning at the right time…..
Mosimane also took some time to field teenager and grade 12 student Percy Tau, who announced his arrival in the big league with a clinical strike. Tau had the crowd on its feet at the very same King Zwelithini turf during the Kay Motsepe u/19 Schools Cup final this year and Mosimane says the boy is destined for big things…
Arrows who are rock bottom on the log with only nine matches to go used this game to rest some of their key players, as safeguarding their status in the league is the most important thing. Caretaker coach Shaun Bartlett justifies his decisions…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Mamelodi Sundowns kept within touching distance of log-leaders, Kaizer Chiefs after scrapping for a 1-0 win over Polokwane City courtesy of a Teko Modise goal in an ABSA PSL encounter played at Loftus Versfeld. Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane says they wanted to win this game and they will keep going against all odds...
Sundowns wasted little time in going on the attack after they had earlier in the day watched Amakhosi put a sterling display to extend their lead at the summit and the onus was on Sundowns to keep the momentum and keep Chiefs within a stone’s throw. Mosimane feels his squad has been unfortunate with injuries and has had to rotate his team but his charges have performed well under the circumstances. This is what Mosimane had to say about the injury situation at the Tshwane based side...
Polokwane City on the other hand always had a mountain to climb but nevertheless they were gunning to steal some points to get themselves out of the dreaded relegation zone. The Limpopo based side, though dominated for the most part of the game put on a spirited charge in the final minutes of extra time, forcing two corners and a free-kick outside the penalty box. Coach Boebie Solomons thought his boys gave their all in the second half.... Journalist: Jefferson Lupuwana
The battle line has been drawn and daggers are flying from all corners for arguably the biggest derby in Africa, when Orlando Pirates host Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon. And one common denominator in this year’s derby is former Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic and former Bernard Parker’s striking partner Lehlohonolo Majoro who are now both in Pirates corner. Meanwhile Vermezovic says the three years he spent at Naturena will definitely come in handy on March 15…
Vermezovic was the one who lured Knowledge Musona and Parker at Chiefs in 2010 and 2011 respectively. The buoyant 50 year-old Serbian mentor says there’s nothing special about Chiefs except for the little changes they made after he left the club in 2012…
Meanwhile according to Amakhosi’s coach Stuart Baxter whose playing his cards closely, the hype around the derby is forever gaining momentum and he reckons at the end of the day the team that can control the anxiety and expectations will come up tops…
Chiefs go into this fixture after losing 2-0 to Platinum Stars while Vermezovic got off to a winning start by beating Swallows 1-0. However the English mentor has admitted that they would have loved to have increased the lead at the top but he says the form before the derby counts for nothing…
The 60 year-old former Bafana Bafana coach reckons Bucs need a full three points to keep their PSL title chase alive and that could play into their advantage…Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
Talent alone is not enough to open doors for aspiring young professional athletes. Waylan Rooi has found this after he became only the second South African to qualify to attend the Nike Academy in England after impressing during the Nike Chance trials in London. The 17 year-old Rooi was one of only five players to be selected into the academy from a group of 43 players representing 33 countries. He’s learnt a lot in the past few days about how sportsmen should conduct themselves…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Orlando Pirates new coach Vladimir Vermezovic got off to a winning start when the Buccaneers registered a slender one-nil win over Moroka Swallows at the Dobsonville stadium. An early goal from Kermit Erasmus ensured that Bucs move up to the fourth spot on the Absa Premiership log, ten points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs. Captain Lucky Lekgwathi says this was a good preparatory game for the Soweto derby and talks about the impact of VV’s arrival in their camp this week…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
It was a sweet revenge for Steve Khompela as Maritzburg United piled more misery on his former team Free State Stars beating them 3-2 in an Absa Premiership match at Harry Gwala stadium in Pietermaritzburg last night. Stars had fired Khompela unceremoniously in December last year. An early brace from an unlikely source, defender Rheece Evans set the tone for the Team of Choice. They’ve consolidated their position away from the relegation zone on the 13th spot with 23 points from 20 matches. Khompela doesn’t see this result as a revenge and also touches on his team’s complacency towards the end…
Stars has lost six matches and only won one and drawn two since Khompela’s departure. He left them on the 11th spot and now their second last on the log.
Khompela’s record at United in the league since his arrival this year reads three wins, one draw and a loss. He’s moved them up from the 15th spot on the log and they score early goals as well. The former national u/23 team coach says early goals are key and touches on the importance of the big crowds…
After the bottom of the log side Golden Arrows, Stars have the second worst defensive record having let in 30 goals. With 10 games to go they will need to be clinical in their final third as well. Richard Henyekane missed three sitters last night and caretaker coach Themba Sithole knows that for a team that’s 15th on the log this is very bad…
This was Star’s 11th loss of the season and they’ve only won one game on the road against Arrows.
Stars are six points behind Maritzburg United and are left with tough home and away games that include Bidvest Wits, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Supersport United. Surprisingly Sithole says the word relegation doesn’t exist in the vocabulary… Journalist: Velile Mbuli
An international coach from Europe could for the first time coach Banyana Banyana. Since the formation of the senior national women’s team in 1994, they have never been coached by a foreign coach with strong credentials at that level. However SABC Sport understands that a European female coach is ready to replace Joseph “Skheshekheshe” Mkhoza. The former Kaizer Chiefs defender became the first coach to qualify Banyana for the Olympics in London 2012. Speaking to SABC Sport before the Brazil game last week SAFA President Danny Jordaan said all the national teams coaching jobs are going to be filled…
Almost a month ago, SAFA also announced that they have appointed a six member committee to investigate allegations of beleaguered Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund trying to influence players to stake a bonus strike and football agents meddling with squad selections. Jordaan says that investigation is still underway but time is running out…
SAFA is believed to be taking it’s bilaterals with it’s Brazilian counterpart to the next level with Brazilian Football Confederations (CBF) expected to help the local body with junior national teams preparations. Jordaan restructuring of the junior national teams and development programmes is their primary focus for now…
Former Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira reiterated his old call last week that without a proper reserve league for the professional teams, the dream of producing top football talent will not be realized. He repeated again that five foreign players for the PSL is too much…
A club like Mamelodi Sundowns currently has got more than 18 foreign players on it’s books, most of them having been naturalized as South Africans. Parreira says a strict rule of only three foreign players on the ground should be applied…
Meanwhile Bafana could be forced to face Australia on the 26th of May without Kaizer Chiefs and Supersport United players if the two clubs advance to the group stages of the African Champions League and CAF Confederations Cup respectively. But it won’t be a problem to call-up other players because FIFA has ordered that all the national leagues should wrap up their programmes by the 18th of May to give World Cup teams enough time to prepare. And this is something Gordon Igesund doesn’t seem to understand…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Minister of Sports Fikile Mbalula says South African football needs to turn the corner very fast. Mbalula says this can only happen if SAFA comes up with a decisive plan to move forward. This follows Bafana Bafana's humiliating five-nil loss at the hands of five-time World Champions Brazil on Wednesday night. Mbalula was criticized for coming hard on Bafana following their early exit in the CHAN tournament earlier this year. Following the humiliation at the hands of Brazil, Mbalula says decisive steps need to be taken now…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Bafana Bafana suffered their heaviest defeat ever when they were walloped 5-0 by Brazil in an international friendly match played at FNB stadiuma. A hat-trick from FC Barcelona superstar Neymar plus goals from Chelsea’s Oscar and Man City’s Fernandinho floored the South African side who hardly troubled the five times world champions on the night. This was Bafana’s biggest defeat since the country’s return to international football in 1992. Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund says his team lost to a better team on the night…
This was Brazil’s 14th win in their last 15 matches and their preparations for the FIFA World Cup that will be held on home soil in June are well on track. Coach Luis Felipe Scolari believes that the difference between the two teams on the night was experience and quality…
Going into this match a lot was said about which goalkeeper Igesund was going to start with as captain and number goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune was sidelined by an injury. Igesund opted to give Supersport United’s Ronwen Williams his international debut and it was a baptism of fire for the 21 year-old. But Igesund defends his decision…
This was Brazil’s last game before they announce their final 23-man squad for the World Cup in May. With 98 days to go to the World Cup, Scolari appears to be satisfied with the progress of his side…
This was the eighth loss under Igesund in 29 matches and comes after the disastrous exit from the African Nations Championship tournament. The four time league championship winning coach whose contract with SAFA is not likely to be renewed when it expires in August, thinks he’s rebuilding the team…
Bafana’s next game is an international friendly away to Australia in Sydney on the 26th of May and possibly another European country immediately after that. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The competition for places in the Brazilian national team is very tight and the game against Bafana Bafana tomorrow could be the last place to decide who goes to the FIFA World Cup on home soil. The five times world champions held their first and only training session at the FNB stadium this afternoon, the venue for tomorrow evening’s international friendly. Head coach Luis Felipe Scolari has brought only 19 players for this game but will announce his final World Cup 23-man squad on the seventh of May. Manchester City midfield powerhouse Fernandiho missed the FIFA Confederations Cup last year and is hoping to use the Bafana’s game to cement his place…
One man who is almost assured of his place in the final squad is Real Madrid’s overlapping left-back Marcelo and he’s spoken of the need to get a convincing victory against Bafana…
Bafana’s victory over World Champions Spain at the very same FNB stadium last year is another important result that Brazil is hoping will the hosts giving them a strong preparation match. But Fernandinho knows that a loss to Bafana with few months to the World Cup is an unwanted result back home…
Fernandinho is fresh from winning the Capital One Cup for Man City against Sunderland last weekend and the team is still in contention for other key trophies this season. The 28 year-old previously with Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine is hungry for more success…
Fernandinho is back in South Africa for the second time in nine months after he was here during the pre-season tour with City and they played against Supersport United and Amazulu respectively. He’s teammates with another midfield kingpin Yaya Toure of Cote D’Ivoire and is aware of what to expect when they meet another respected African country like Cameroon in Group A…
After two years struggling without a sponsor, one of the key leagues in football development in the country the SAFA 2nd division has secured a partner. SAFA last night announced that the Motsepe Foundation will sponsor the SAFA Second Division League for the next five years as part of the association’s commitment to focus on youth development. The league will now be known as the ABC Motsepe League, and will carry a first prize of R1-m to the winning team of which R200 000 will be used by the winning team for development purposes. Motsepe the President of Mamelodi Sundowns has more on what attracted him to venture into this partnership…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana captain Itumeleng Khune is likely to be ruled out of the all important international friendly match against record five time world champions Brazil on Wednesday night. This follows Khune’s ankle injury that he suffered in the Chiefs warm-up before their African Champions League first round first leg encounter. Chiefs recorded a 4-0 win over Mozambican side Liga Muculmana at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban last night. Reserve goalkeeper Reeyad Pieterse immediately replaced Khune before the game and kept a clean sheet. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Former Bafana Bafana coach and currently Brazil national team technical coordinator Carlos Alberto Parreira believes that the host country are favourites for this year's FIFA World Cup. The Brazil squad arrived in South Africa yesterday in three different groups for tomorrow’s friendly international against Bafana Bafana at the FNB stadium. It will be a fifth meeting between the two teams with Brazil having an unblemished record with four wins. The pain of losing to Uruguay on home soil in the 1950 final is still fresh in the Brazilians minds and Parreira says they can be counted amongst the favourites…
The record six times world championship have brought a squad of 19 players and this is the last international match before head coach Luiz Felipe announces his final 23-man squad for the World Cup on the 7th of May. With Kaka not part of this team, Parreira says places are still up for grabs in their final squad…
Brazil is in Group A alongside Mexico, Croatia and Cameroon. Playing against Bafana will give the Selecao a good opportunity of testing what to expect from the Indomitable Lions and Parreira they are taking this match very seriously…
Parreira coached Bafana during the 2010 World Cup and had also qualified them for the 2008 African Nations Cup in Ghana. Since then the team has failed to qualify for an AFCON tournament and also this year's World Cup. The 1994 World Cup winning coach is clear on why football in this country has stagnated at international football…
When he was still with Bafana, Parreira continuously called for the establishment of the reserve league and it materialized but was not sustainable. He says the issue of foreign players dominating in the PSL is not helping the situation either…
By last night, more than 50-thousand tickets have been sold for the match and with Neymar and the Selecao stars in town, ticket sales are set soar. Reporter: Velile Mbuli
A 10-man Bidvest Wits ended Supersport United’s five games winning-streak when they beat them 3-2 in a dramatic Premier Soccer League match at Bidvest Stadium last night. And once again the referee on the night, Victor ‘Penaldinho’ Gomes has stole the limelight as he handed two dubious penalties, including a straight red-card to Onismor Bhasera. It was Gomes 11th penalty in four matches. And as if the comedy was over Sthembiso Ngcobo was denied a goal as he was judged to be offside and their coach Gavin Hunt says both penalties were not penalties but he is happy to continue their unbeaten run at home…
In the meantime Student’s captain Sibusiso Vilakazi scored his first hat-trick since turning professional in 2009 and Hunt still insist that he could be better if he could show more hunger…
Meanwhile when Bhasera was given an early shower following a dangerous tackle on Thabo Moloi in the 33rd minute, Johnson says they should have capitalized on the numbers advantage following their early goal by Sibusiso Khumalo…
The 55 year-old, Johnson also conceded that their league title race is almost over but he reckons it all depends on log leaders Kaizer Chiefs…
With this victory Wits extend their home unbeaten record to eight and they are still in fourth place with 31 points 12 shy of log leaders Kaizer Chiefs. Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
As Mamelodi Sundowns prepare to square up against Orlando Pirates in tonight’s mouth-watering Absa Premiership clash without four of their key players, Coach Pitso Mosimane says his players are not getting enough protection from referees. Mosimane lamented how the referee handled the last match in the Nedbank cup game against Ajax Cape Town saying his attacking midfielder, Khama Billiat was on the receiving end of some heavy tackles.....
The Sandawana mentor further added that Billiat, in addition to not being protected had received an unwarranted yellow card and is suspended for tonight’s clash. Mosimane says if needs be he will be vocal when he feels his team is not being treated justly....
Sundowns leading goal scorer Katlego Mashego, who has scored seven goals in 20 appearances this season, suffered a groin injury against Ajax and will be out of action for six weeks. Another striker Cuthbert Malajila will miss the Bucs encounter because of a hamstring injury. The Zimbabwe international is expected back in three weeks time. Forward Rodney Ramagalela is the only out striker who is fit and available for team selection. Barely less than three weeks ago Sundowns defeated Pirates at Orlando Stadium by one goal to nil but Mosimane says there’s still a long way to go....
The Brazilians will have to make do without their first choice goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene who joins Billiat on the suspension list after picking up his fourth yellow card against Ajax. Journalist: Jefferson Lupuwana
Moroka Swallows are still winless in 2014 after they lost 2-1 to Supersport United in Dobsonville Stadium last night. Giorgi Nergadze gave the home team an early lead but his goal was cancelled by former team-mate Bennet Chenene and just before the hour-mark Dino Ndlovu scored the second for Matsatsantsa. Meanwhile enraged Swallows coach Zeca Marques lashed out at his defense sloppiness and he says they should have not lost that game...
Even so the ‘Dube Birds’ led the game for most part of the first half before former Orlando Pirates winger, Chenene broke the hearts of the home fans when he equalized in the 35th minute, however ‘Majazana” reckons he was offside…
Meanwhile United had a goal disallowed just before the break when Sameeh Doutie scored from a rebound but he was judged to have handled the ball by referee Victor Hlungwani even though replays shows otherwise. Nonetheless Cavin Johnson who’s yet to lose a game this year says he’s happy to have grind-out positive result…
In the last six games, Johnson has managed to collect 15 points from a possible 18 and he’s keeping taps with the two top teams Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns. Meanwhile the former Platinum Stars mentor attributes their change of fortune to the back to normal PSL fixtures…
Moroka Swallows remain in 13th position on 23 points, and so is Superspot United but they are two points behind Mamelodi Sundowns who are second on the table behind Kaizer Chiefs. Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
Kaizer Chiefs have increased their lead at the top of the Absa Premiership log back to nine points following a bullish three-nil win over Bloemfontein Celtic at FNB stadium last night. A first half goal from Bernard Parker, second-half strike from Knowledge Musona plus Keegan Buchanan’s own goal secured Amakhosi the three points. Coming behind them is Mamelodi Sundowns with two games in hand. Chiefs is now unbeaten in 11 league games but still Head coach Stuart Baxter was not entirely happy with the performance…
This was Celtic’s first loss in 2014 after two wins and a draw since the African Nations Championship recess. They are ninth on the log with 23 points from 18 matches. Coach Ernst Middendorp feels that his players showed Chiefs too much respect…
Parker is now on ten goals in the league, three goals ahead of last year’s top goal scorer Katlego Mashego. Musona also increased his tally to six goals in the league. Baxter was raving about the two goals scored by his strikers…
The Celtic starting line-up had four defenders and two anchorman who were playing too deep but Middendorp has denied that they were coming out for a draw….
Beleaguered Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund has recalled Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Thulani Serero to the national team set-up for the first time since a fall out between the two in September last year. Serero is part of the 23-man squad that was announced by Igesund at SAFA House and will play five-time world champions Brazil in an international friendly at FNB stadium on the fifth of next month. Serero has impressed for Ajax in the past four months including scoring an important goal in the historic win against FC Barcelona. Igesund says he’s been in constant communication with Serero…
Igesund has also kept some of the players that impressed during the recent African Nations Championship tournament like Thato Mokeke and Lindokuhle Mbatha. Brazil is bringing a galaxy of stars for this encounter. There are 10 overseas and 13 locally based players in this squad. Bafana dropped down ten places on the FIFA rankings this week from the 54th to 64th spot and a loss in this game is likely to see the downward spiral continuing. But Igesund says pressure comes with the territory…
Brazil has selected a full strength squad that includes FC Barcelona superstar Neymar, Chelsea trio of Oscar, Ramires and David Luiz, captain Thiago Silva of Paris St Germain and Manchester City's top anchorman Fernandinho. Igesund received a stay of execution when the South African Football Association leadership decided to let him continue in his job until the end of his contract. However he does not believe that his future hinges on this game...
In November last year Bafana pulled off a shocking result when they beat world champions Spain one-nil in an international friendly match at FNB stadium. Igesund says the majority of the players who took part in that game are part of the current squad and is banking on them to repeat that feat...
In the four previous meetings between the two teams, Brazil has won all the games. The group of players that will be coming from Brazil will arrive in the country on Monday the third of March with the European contingent expected the following day. Igesund believes that a lot has been achieved during his tenure…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Kaizer Chiefs are through to the African Champions League first round after beating Black Africa of Namibia 4-1 on aggregate following a one-all draw in the second leg of the preliminary round in Windhoek. Chiefs had won the first leg three-nil in Johannesburg last week. Zimbabwean international striker Kingston Nkhatha is now on three goals in the tournament after scoring the opening goal this past weekend. Chiefs will now face Mozambique's Liga Muculmana De Sportivo in the next round after they beat Madagascar's ENPI one-nil on aggregate. Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter
Chiefs had made ... changes to the team that started against Maritzburg United last Tuesday including a debut for teenager Simphiwe Mtsweni and a rare start for Ugandan international Ivan Bukenya d reserve goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse. Baxter says the rotation policy is working well but was not entirely happy with the performances of some of the fringe players...
Chiefs will play the first leg of the first round at home between the 28th of this month and the second of next month. The return leg will take place in Maputo on the following weekend. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has hailed the rotation policy they adopted this weekend and given a strong hint that they could be continuing with it in between the domestic Premier Soccer League programme and the African Champions League. This follows a three-nil win in their opening game Champions League preliminary round first leg game against Black Africans from Namibia at FNB stadium last night. Baxter had made five changes to the team that started during the one-nil win over Supersport United midweek and he's indicated they will continue with this policy to maintain a refreshed squad...
The second leg will take place in Windhoek next Saturday and Baxter believes that the score line from the home leg is decent enough for Amakhosi...
Black Africa, Namibian champions for the past three seasons hardly created any scoring opportunities and their coach Bryan Isaacs admits that it was always going to be a toll order against Chiefs...
Chiefs are yet to concede a goal in four matches this year and extending that that clean sheet record to five games in a row will certainly put them through to the first round. Baxter says this tie is far from being over...
Isaacs a self-confessed Chiefs fan, says they will try everything in their power to take the game to Chiefs in Namibia but knows that overturning this result will take something special...Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Libya have made history by winning their first ever silverware in the international arena when they beat Ghana 4-3 on penalties to win the third edition of the African Nations Championship at Cape Town stadium. The game had finished goalless after extra-time as both teams struggled to find the back of the net. Libya won only one match and drew five in this competition (including the final technically). Head coach Javier Clemente is happy that the people of Libya finally have something to celebrate...
The strife torn Libya was supposed to host this tournament and also last years African Cup of Nations but exchanged with South Africa, which was supposed to host the 2017 edition. After receiving news that people were celebrating in the streets of Tripoli, Clemente ...
Coming to the final, Ghana had been seen as favourites based on their performance including the elimination of Nigeria in the semi-finals. But head coach Maxwell Konadu easily accepted the result...
Ghana and Nigeria were the only two teams in this tournament that are going to the FIFA World Cup in Brazil in few months time. Konadu who is also an assistant to head coach of the senior team Kwesi Appiah says there some positives in this tournament...Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi said that he was happy with the way in which his team performed throughout the African Nations Championship after they beat Zimbabwe 1-0 in their third and fourth place play-off at the Cape Town Stadium. Keshi emphasized that the tournament was to expose as many players to international football and also for him to see if he can use a handful of players for his squad for the upcoming Fifa World Cup in Brazil………
Keshi also confirmed that his team will play against Mexico in a friendly on the 5th of March in Atlanta in the USA and that he would like to have another game where he can sift through his squad for the World Cup ahead of their training camp in Houston before going to Brazil……..
Zimbabwe coach Ian Gorowa believes that finishing fourth in the tournament will help elevate his team to believe that they can sit at the top table of African football and also aid the development of southern African football to return back to it’s glory days……..
Gorowa conceded that his team’s weakness was their inability to score goals and even though they were steady in defence and only leaked two goals throughout the tournament, Gorowa says they will need to resolve their goal scoring issues. Gorowa also commended his players performances revealing that most of them had caught the eye of many of South Africa’s Premier Soccer League clubs……Journalist: Vata Ngobeni
Stormers captain Jean de Villiers says they will use their pre-season warm up match against the Bulls at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on February 1 to improve on the things they have been working on during the off-season. De Villiers also said it was an opportunity for players to claim a spot in the team. The Stormers named a strong team which will see Springbok flank Schalk Burger start alongside Siya Kolisi and Duane Vermeulen while centre Damian de Allende will start on the wing……..
De Villiers said that his team are confident that they can win the Super Rugby competition but warned that every team in the competition probably feels the same……
Playing against an equally strong Bulls team, De Villiers is under no illusion that it will be a tough outing in Polokwane on Saturday and said that the game being staged in Limpopo will benefit the expansion of rugby throughout the country……
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke believes that one warm up match is more than sufficient and that it will be important for his team to improve by the week during the season. Ludeke is adamant that their game against the Stormers on Saturday in Polokwane will help in seeing where they need to make adjustments ahead of their season opener against the Sharks in Durban on February 15…..
Ludeke said that he is looking for a quality performance from his team and his full strength team sees the return from injury of captain Pierre Spies, flanks Arno Botha and Deon Stegmann and flyhalf Louis Fouche. The Bulls also announced the return of flyhalf Jacques-Louis Potgieter after playing in France for Bayonne and Dax. Potgieter last played for the Bulls in 2011 before leaving them for the Sharks and has signed a two year contract with the three time Super Rugby champions……
Bulls captain Pierre Spies says that it will be important for his team to focus on playing well this weekend and on a personal note is excited to be returning to rugby after being out of action for six months after sustaining a bicep injury last year in a Test against Samoa……Journalist: Vata Ngobeni
The Black Stars of Ghana stormed into the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals to book a clash with Libya after converting all their spot kicks for a 4-1 penalty shoot-out victory over the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The West Africans both contested in a tight encounter that ended nil all at Free State Stadium in Mangaung. Nigeria Coach Stephen Keshi was disappointed but accepted the defeat saying that is how football goes...
Super Eagles Captain, Chigozie Agbim expressed his disappointment saying that they gave everything but it was not meant to be. The Enugu Rangers goalkeeper said they will now be focusing on clinching third place as they face Zimbabwe in the 3rd and 4th Playoff....
In the 64th minute Ghana was a man down after Kwabena Adusei was sent off for a second bookable offense. The Black Stars however kept their nerves till the final whistle. Although playing with one man short seemed to weigh Ghana down, it was however the support from the hugely partisan Mangaung crowd that buoyed The Black Stars on. Ghana from the beginning of the tournament have played all their games at Free State Stadium and will only move out of Mangaung for the first time as finalists in Cape Town. Here is what Coach Maxwell Konadu had to say about the support received from Mangaung locals....
The final sees two teams that emerged from group C. Ghana and Libya had earlier on in the group phase shared the spoils in a one all draw in Mangaung. Ironically it was Libya that was initially supposed to host this particular tournament before South Africa came to their rescue after political strife hit the North African country. The Mediterranean Knights now find themselves in the final to be facing the Black Stars of Ghana. Jefferson Lupuwana
Libya have made history by reaching their first African Nations Championship final after beating Zimbabwe 5-4 on penalties after the game had ended goalless after extra time. Libya's previous appearance in the CHAN was in the inaugural 2009 edition where they bombed out in the group stages but this time they have outdone themselves. They will meet Ghana in the final, a second meeting in the tournament for these two teams. Former Spanish national team coach Javier Clemente stopped short of saying his team was lucky to reach the final as they hardly created chances in this game....Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Pride will be at stake when Nigeria and Ghana go toe to toe in the traditional West African derby at the Free State stadium. They meet in the semi-finals of the African Nations Championship, while Zimbabwe takes on Libya in the other semi-final. There is a strong rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana that dates back to the first match between the two teams in 1960. Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi says the rivalry between the two teams is unprecedented in African football…
At competitive level Nigeria has not beaten Ghana in the past eight years, their last win coming in the 2006 African Nations Cup in Egypt. A victory for Nigeria would be sweet revenge in the CHAN competition. They were eliminated by Ghana in the qualifying stage for the inaugural tournament in 2009. The Black Stars coach Maxwell Konadu weighs in on the rivalry between the two football mad nations…
Keshi is just one hurdle away from lifting a second successive continental trophy in the space of 12 months. However for him that is not the point - seeing this young team achieving is the ultimate motivation…
Ghana and Nigeria are the only two teams in this tournament that will also be going to the FIFA World Cup in Brazil later this year. The Black Stars are in this tournament with some reputation having won the West African Football Union (WAFU) championship late last year. Konadu says the politicians back home also feel the tension of the game
This will be the first competitive match between the two teams since a goalless draw played in Watford two years ago. Tomorrow’s clash promises to be exciting, with a free scoring Nigerian team that has banged in 12 goals, against the Ghanaians who have a conservative approach having conceded only one goal in four matches. Konadu says mental strength will be key in this match…
Konadu who is also an assistant to Black Stars senior coach Kwesi Appiah has also downplayed the talk of coming up against a tactical astute coach like Keshi the reigning African coach of the year…
Ghana have played all their previous four matches here in Bloemfontein and could be carrying some advantage coming to this game as Nigeria has flown from the coastal Western Cape. Koda says their main advantage will be on the stands but not on the pitch…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Nigeria senior national team coach Stephen Keshi believes that their nail-biting 4-3 win over Morocco at Cape Town Stadium was a good advert for the African Nations Championship and African football in general. The Super Eagles came back from three-nil down at half-time to win 4-3 after extra-time and advanced to the CHAN semi-finals. It is an encounter that was surely won from the bench through tactics and timely substitutions. Keshi the reigning African Coach of the year, is raving about this tournament of only locally based players…
Nigeria will be facing their archrivals Ghana in a West African derby in the second semi-final at Free State stadium in Bloemfontein.
As the Super Eagles celebrated their hard fought win against the Atlas Lions with players and officials jumping up and down, Keshi remained on the bench and he shares what was going through his mind. He says his players’ fighting spirit has got a lot to do with him too…
Last week Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula blasted Bafana Bafana players following the team’s exit from the CHAN tournament after a 3-1 thumping by Nigeria. Keshi has defended Mbalula but he also believes that the players will raise the level of their game after these remarks…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
DR Congo coach Santos Muntubile felt hard done as his side lost by one goal to nil courtesy of a penalty awarded by Mauritanian referee Ali Lemghaifry at the Free State Stadium in Mangaung. The Leopards put in a spirited fight especially after they went down but it was not to be and Muntubile says the referee decided their fate....
Muntubile added that the Leopards are going to pick up the pieces after the disappointment of this tournament and will be channelling their focus on building a team for the CAF U-23 Championship to be hosted by DR Congo in 2015....
This Black Stars victory was sweet revenge for a Ghanaian side that still freshly remembered the CHAN 2009 final defeat 2-0 by DR Congo in the maiden edition of the tournament played in Ivory Coast. Ghanaian Coach Maxwell Konadu says he is happy with victory even if it came from the penalty spot and highlighted an incident when they themselves conceded a penalty in the group match against Libya...
Ghana Captain Jordan Opoku being the only remaining player to have played in all three editions of the CHAN tournament was a relieved man and says divine intervention, unity and hard work have been the ingredients of success thus far...Journalist: Jefferson Lupuwana
Nigeria coach Stephen “The Big Boss” Keshi recalled the dramatic 4-all draw during the opening game of the 2010 African Cup of Nations in Angola when his then team Mali came back from 4-0 down to level 4-all. This follows the Super Eagles’ highly entertaining 4-3 win over Morocco after extra-time recovering from being 3-0 down at half-time to advance to the African Nations Championship semi-finals. Playing in front of a passionate crowd, Keshi’s boys turned on the style in the second stanza scoring the equalizer in the 90th minute. Keshi says all it took for his players was belief that they can make it happen…
Nigeria captain and goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim who made some telling saves despite conceding three goals inside the first 40 minutes of the game says this Super Eagles team has got the spirit of the wounded lion…
Morocco will rue their missed chances as they could have easily wrapped up the game, following an early brace from Mohsine Moutaouali. Morocco head coach Hassan Benabicha says they lost to a better team…
The Atlas Lions captain Nadir Lamyaghri was also part of the team that bowed out in the group stages in last years AFCON and he says they are now turning their focus to next year’s AFCON that will be held on their door step…
Meanwhile Nigeria will now wait for a winner between Ghana and Democratic of Congo for a mouthwatering semi-final at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Wednesday. Despite trailing for the better part of this game, Keshi had done his homework on the Moroccans…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Zimbabwe coach Ian Gorowa said he was satisfied with how his team played in their African Nations Championship quarterfinal 2-1 win against Mali at Cape Town Stadium. Gorowa conceded that it was a tough affair but that they took advantage of their goal scoring opportunities…….
While Mali’s late consolation goal was the first conceded by Zimbabwe in the tournament, Gorowa said that his team’s success is built around a good defence and their ability to use their speedy players on attack to score goals……
Gorowa said that his team was prepared to fight for the honour of the SADC region as they are the only southern African team remaining in the tournament after South Africa and Mozambique were knocked out in the group stages. It is also the first time that Zimbabwe has gone as far as the semi-finals in any continental competition…….
Mali coach Djibril Drame conceded that his team failed to capitalize on the few goal scoring opportunities they created and that is the reason for their demise and ultimate exit from the competition……
Drame says that it will be important for his country to learn from their shortcomings in the tournament and ensure that they rectify their failings while making a passionate plea to keeping his job as head coach…Journalist: Vata Ngobeni
Zimbabwe will be fighting for the pride of the Southern African Region when they take on Mali in the African Nations Championship quarter-finals in Cape Town this weekend. The Zimbabweans are the only Council of Southern African Football Associations member left in the competition after hosts South Africa and Mozambique bombed out in the group stages. Head coach Ian Gorowa says representing the region also adds some pressure on his young team…
The last time a COSAFA country won a continental competition was when Zambia clinched the 2012 African Cup of Nations. Zimbabwe missed out on the 2013 AFCON semi-finals and also will not be going to the Brazilian World Cup in June. Gorowa a former interim-coach at Mamelodi Sundowns and head coach at Moroka Swallows, has more on the gap between COSAFA teams and the rest of the continent…
The CHAN tournament has provided the players with an opportunity to display their talent and already the skillful Zim number 10 Kudakwashe Mahachi is reportedly joining Sundowns after this tournament. Gorowa admits that it has not been easy trying to get players to concentrate in this tournament with offers flying around from PSL teams and agents…
Meanwhile Ajax Cape Town have confirmed that they are closely monitoring Uganda’s hot striker Yunus Sentamu who finished the tournament with three goals. Ajax Director Ari Efstathiou is aware that Sentanmu has also been linked with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates and did not want to divulge more information…
Sentamu, who is a matric student back home, was playing in his first major tournament for his country but is eager to play here in South Africa. He says having players like Ivan Bukenya at Chiefs and Geoffrey Massa at AmaTuks makes things easy for him…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi believes that all the teams that have participated in the African Nations Championship have been more than competitive and those that have not gone through to the knockout stage have been unfortunate. Keshi spoke highly of their quarterfinal adversary Morocco who they will lock horns with at the Cape Town Stadium on January 25…….
Keshi also revealed that his team were under no pressure in this tournament even though they are the reigning African Champions and said that they were here to gain experience for their fringe players……..
Keshi celebrated his 52nd birthday and speaking from their team training this afternoon, Keshi said he was extremely humbled by the birthday wishes from his compatriots especially the messages on social media. Keshi says the only birthday gift he will be expecting from his team is to make their country happy……
Keshi made it known that he had been given no mandate for the tournament and besides giving players exposure to international football he was hopeful that a handful of players can play their way into the national team for the upcoming Fifa World Cup in Brazil……Journalist: Vata Ngobeni
Democratic Republic of Congo beat a spirited young Burundi team 2-1 to advance to the quarterfinal of the African Nations Championship at Peter Mokaba stadium last night. Coming into this match Leopards were third on the log and needed a win to progress further, while a draw for Swallow would have done the trick. However it wasn’t to be as DRC showed their intent from the first minute. Meanwhile Swallows coach assistant Papi Kimoto says lack of experience and complacency cost them…
Even though they failed to make it passed the group stages in their maiden appearance Kimoto says they have learned a lot and in two years time they will be able to hold their own…
Meanwhile last night it was Santos Muntubile’s first full match 90 min in charge after he was sent off against Mauritania for dissent. The Leopards coach reckons his team suffered immensely while he was on a one game suspension but he’s happy to guide the team to another victory…
Meanwhile man of the match Jean-Marc Makusu of DRC who never put a foot wrong throughout the night says he was determined to propel his team forward…
Meanwhile in the other Group D game in Bloemfontein last night Gabon were held to a 2 all draw by debutant Mauritania. Meanwhile in the quarterfinals Libya will exchange blows with DRC, while Gabon exchange wits with Ghana. Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
It was an emotional exit for Congo Brazzaville after squandering a two goals cushion. Congo were almost assured of a spot in quarterfinals until a late equalizer by Libyan midfielder Abdelrahman Fetori in the referees added time to end the game 2 all at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. The Red Devils led 1-0 at half time and shortly after the interval Hardy Binguila made it two nil. According to their coach Le Roy they played a very good attacking football but Libya was better prepared mentally...
The 65 year-old also rued the missed chances and he reckons a two goals cushion wasn’t enough for his immature squad…
Meanwhile Le Roy admitted it was always going to be a daunting task because coming into to this game they needed to win, while a draw for the Mediterranean Knight was enough to propel them ahead…
Meanwhile following the draw Libya were toppled from the top of Group C standings by Ghana who beat Ethiopia 1-0 and they will exchange blows with the winner of Group D (Burundi or Gabon) in Sunday’s quarterfinal. Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
The African Nations Championship Local Organizing Committee is embarking on a serious drive to woo supporters into the stadium for the last two rounds of matches. Bafana Bafana’s exit from the CHAN tournament following a 3-1 loss to Nigeria was a huge concern for the organizers as they were the crowd pullers at Cape Town stadium. Following the completion of Group B, Morocco will play Nigeria in the first quarterfinal and Mali will face Zimbabwe in the second game, a double header scheduled for Cape Town stadium. CHAN LOC CEO Mvuzo Mbebe says their plans were not set around Bafana…
Attendance has not been bad at the two Cape Town venues, as the tournaments reaches the competitive stage, Mbebe remains optimistic that they will get closer to their target of 350 000 people attending these matches…
Attendances in Bloemfontein picked up in the second round of matches but Polokwane continued to struggle, Mbebe is hoping for the better in the knockout stages…
Mbebe was also raving about the encouraging TV ratings for a tournament that was earlier looked down at in this country…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula believes that a total overhaul of Bafana Bafana is essential if the fortunes of this team are to be turned around. Speaking after the elimination of Bafana from the African Nations Championship this past weekend, Mbalula says the majority of the Bafana current squad have been around with this team for far too long. He believes that they do not bring any value to the team and the sooner they are replaced the better…
However Siphiwe Tshabalala the most experienced player in the Bafana team currently with 87 international caps believes that he still has a future in the national team…
Moeneeb Josephs the Bidvest Wits goalkeeper who had been out of the national team set-up for close to 18 months says his selection in future will depend on the national team coach…
Tshabalala who has also played in the 2006, 2008 and 2013 AFCONS, 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup has apologized for this disgraceful exit from the CHAN tournament…
The future of the coach Gordon Igesund is uncertain at this stage and will be decided by the SAFA National Executive Committee in the next few weeks. However according to Josephs, Igesund has done enough to keep his job…
Tshabalala has also worked with more than four coaches at Bafana and he believes that Igesund has got a good project going with the national team…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Burundi captain Ndikumana Selemani made amends to his early penalty miss to hand his team a 3-2 victory over spirited Mauritania in a thrilling Group D encounter at Peter Mokaba Stadium. It was an action packed duel between the minnows and the Les Mourabitones of Mauritania opened the scores as early as the first minute through Ely Cheikh Samba but eleven minutes later the Swallows of Burundi eqaulised. And in the second half the flare continued with Swallows taking honours this time before Mohammed Denna equalized. Here is Burundi’s coach Lofty Mohamed Naseem as he expresses his emotions, through an interpreter…
Meanwhile Naseem also conceded that his young squad is picking up at the right time…
Nonetheless his opposite number Patrice Neveu says they have no one else to blame but themselves as they were on and off throughout the game…
Once again Mauritania conceded a penalty but this time around the goalkeeper was equal to the task. Meanwhile Burundi captain Ndikumana Selemani who rose from villain to hero could count himself lucky as he was not cautioned for head-butting Bocar Coulibaly. Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
As Mozambique leave the African Nations Championship without a win from their three matches, coach Joao Chissano believes that his team will emerge stronger and better from the tournament after their 2-1 loss to Mali at the Athlone Stadium. Mozambique lost two of their three matches and drew one……
Mali coach Djibril Drame said he was happy with the fact that his team were able to come from behind in their 2-1 win over Mozambique and managed to finish at the top of Group A with two wins and a draw. Drame emphasized the fact that his team were finally able to overcome weaker opposition to them, a problem that had dogged Malian football for a long time having previously lost to teams they should not be losing to……..
While many believe that the ultimate winners of the tournament will come out of Group A, Drame said that it was important for his team and Nigeria to perform on the field of play rather than listen to talk of them being amongst the favourites to lift the trophy. Drame though acknowledged that Group A was probably the toughest in the tournament…….
Drame has attributed his team’s good form and unbeaten run so far to hard work and belief that they can go all the way in the tournament……Journalist: Vata Ngobeni
Gabon central defender Franck Steeven Obame gave Gabon the start they were looking for when he found the back net in the 2nd minute of the game. Even so both teams were guilty of missing numerous scoring opportunities and Obame’s goal was enough to hand the Black Panthers of Gabon a victory over Western African rivals Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Meanwhile their coach Stephane Bounguendza says the two changes he made to the team that drew against Burundi made the difference…Here’s Bounguendza speaking through an interpreter…
The Obame’s goals was also the first open play goal for Group D and Bounguendza says the game was almost a carbon copy of what they have been doing at training…
Meanwhile dejected Leopards assistant coach Papi Kimoto could not contain his disappointed and he says his players lost focus…Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund’s job is on the line following a humiliating 3-1 loss to Nigeria that saw his team crashing out of the African Nations Championship at Cape Town Stadium. A brace from man of the match Ejike Uzoenyi, and strike from Ifeanyi Ede were enough to seal the game long before Bernard Parker’s 23rd international goal from the penalty spot 10 minutes from full-time. Igesund who had failed his past two mandates of reaching the 2013 African Nations Cup semi-finals and qualifying for the 2014 World Cup does not seem to understand the consequences of this result…
There was no mandate from the SAFA leadership to Igesund for this tournament but being knocked out of the CHAN tournament with arguably some of a stronger squad of locally based players is inviting trouble for him. A high level meeting is believed to have taken place that involved the coach and the senior SAFA management possibly discussing the consequences of this result. And Igesund says he will accept any decision taken by his superiors…
Nigeria finished second in the group with five points, two points behind group winners Mali who beat Mozambique 2-1 at Athlone stadium. Nigeria will meet winners of Group B and Mali come up against losers of the same group in the last eight. The Super Eagles had lost their opening game but head coach Stephen Keshi has more on how they managed to bounce back…
Moeneeb Josephs played his first game for the national team since September 2012 during the two-nil win over Mozambique and it turned out to be a disaster as his howler led to a penalty and after only 27 minutes the score was 2-0. The Bidvest Wits goalkeeper has apologized to the nation…
Keshi showed faith in his goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim who had conceded four goals before this tournament and was criticized back home for his mistakes. Agbim who is a third goalkeeper in the Super Eagles regular national squad was Nigeria’s best player after Ozoenyi, making crucial saves against Bafana. And Keshi believes in his man…
This was Nigeria’s seventh win over South Africa and fifth in a competitive game, Bafana has beaten the Super Eagles only once in an international friendly in 2004. Igesund had dismissed Nigeria’s dominance over SA prior to this game and there was no place to hide in the post match conference…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The African Nations Championship Group B has been thrown wide open with only one round of matches left to play. Morocco squandered several goal-scoring opportunities as they were held to a one-all draw by a well determined Burkina Faso side. The North Africans scored the quickest goal of the tournament trough Brahi El Bahri inside the first 50 seconds. The Atlas continued to miss chance clear-cut chances until a last gasp equalizer from Bassirou Ouedraogo two minutes from full-time. The result leaves Morocco tied on two points with Zimbabwe both teams two points behind Uganda. Morocco coach Hassan Benabicha was left ruing the missed chances…
Burkina Faso struggled to adapt on the night but also missed crucial chances when it mattered most. They remain rooted at the bottom of the log with only one point, head coach Brama Traore says the early goal spurred them on…
Morocco’s next assignment is a tricky one as they clash against Group B leaders Uganda who are currently on four points but also not guaranteed to proceed to the last eight. Benabicha says he will step up the preparations leading to the last match against Uganda at Cape Town stadium on Monday…
Burkina Faso’s chances of advancing to the last eight are slim, to go through they need to beat Zimbabwe at Athlone stadium on Monday and hope that Uganda avoids a loss against Morocco. Traore says their group has turned into a group of death…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Zimbabwe coach Ian Gorowa says he is disappointed at the failure of his team to score goals in their nil all draw against Uganda in their Group B match of the African Nations Championship at Athlone Stadium. Zimbabwe still stand a chance of going through to the knockout stages of the competition even though they are in third place in the group and will need a win in their last match against Burkina Faso on January 20…….
Gorowa conceded that his team’s fate was not entirely in their hands but remained hopeful that his team can still score an avalanche of goals in their last game against Burkina Faso…….
Even though Zimbabwe has not been able to score a goal and have also not conceded any, Gorowa said that the tournament will help in giving his players exposure to international football while building the necessary experience needed to build a formidable side…….
Uganda coach Milutin Sredojevic said he was not satisfied with the performance of his team as they looked lackluster and says they will also need to tighten their defence if they are to finish on top of the group and progress to the next round when they play against Morocco on January 20……..
Sredojevic hopes that their draw against Zimbabwe will be a good lesson for his team and that it is his job to also guide and mentor the youngsters in the team so that they can be able to play at their optimum ahead of their last game……Journalist: Vata Ngobeni
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi commended his team for showing character in their 4-2 win against Mozambique in their second match of Group A which also kept alive their hopes of making the knockout stages of the competition. Keshi said his team had worked hard in training and were rewarded in the game especially in the second half…….
Keshi attributed the turn of fortunes for his team after their shock loss to Mali in the first game to stage fright and the fact that his players had hardly played under floodlights. Even though Keshi was critical of the slippery surface at the Cape Town Stadium, he was elated with the way in which his players adapted and also came to the defence of his goalkeeper Agbim Chigozie who conceded an easy second goal for Mozambique…….
With Nigeria needing to win their last group game against South Africa to progress to the knockout stages while Bafana Bafana only need a draw, Keshi conceded that January 19's encounter will be extremely difficult especially with the experience the host nation has within its ranks…..
Mozambique became the first team to be knocked out of the competition but Mozambique coach Joao Chissano says it has been a good experience for his side and that he is very proud of how his young side performed in the tournament……
As much as Mozambique went into the half-time interval with two goals a piece, Chissano says he had made his players believe that they could beat Nigeria and for the better part of the game they had managed to match and at times dominate the African champions……..
Even though the tournament has ended for Mozambique, Chissano said that there is still a lot to play for ahead of their last group game against Mali on January 19…Journalist: Vata Ngobeni
Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund is confident that his side stands a good chance of progressing to the African Nations Champions quarterfinals despite being held to a one-all draw by Mali at Cape Town stadium last night. The hosts took the lead in the 25th minute when Bernard Parker scored his third goal of the tournament from the penalty spot after Lindokuhle Mbatha had been brought down inside the box. The Eagles of Mali equalized through a stunner from Ibourahima Sidibe in the 54th minute. Bafana remains on top on goal difference but will need a win or draw against Nigeria to qualify for the last eight….
Igesund says all the teams in this group mainly Bafana, Mali and Nigeria are feeling the pressure of qualifying for the last eight. He has praised the Malians as a solid team stopping short of calling them surprise packages of this tournament so far…
Bafana finished the game with three defensive midfielders and the situation did not help them when they desperately needed a late winner because they were only left with one tired striker in Parker. Igesund explains that his main intention was to neutralize the Malian midfield particularly Cheick Doumbia…
There were concerns about the match officiating with Cameroonian referee ML Souley Mohamadou failing to award a penalty against Bafana when Itumeleng Khune had brought down a Malian striker. He later gave away a penalty to SA when Mbatha looked to have been outside the box. However Malian coach Djibril Drame was diplomatic in his response on these decisions…
Mali and Bafana are tied on four points apiece with the hosts topping the group on goal difference. The Eagles of Mali have been the revelation of this tournament and Drame says given a chance CHAN will grow even bigger…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Ethiopian Coach Sewnet Bishaw reckons his side can bounce back from the disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of North African side Libya but says his team needs a new mentality to change their fortunes...
Ethiopia are a side known to play with passion and tireless runs at opposition and will be pinning their hopes on returning to their style in their next game against Congo Brazzaville. Bishaw was however philosophical in his analysis of the outcome saying he will tell his team to put their defeat in the past just as he has already done...
With Bishaw having been in charge during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (CAF) and his team having been the second best, support-wise of course after the host country, South Africa many would have expected this Ethiopian side to be more comfortable however Coach Bishaw says all that counts to nothing and says what is more important is to have a strong team...Reporter: Jefferson Lupuwana
Nigerian coach Stephen Keshi is on record saying South Africa will not beat Nigeria at any level of competitive football in the for-seeable future. Keshi’s pronouncement comes against the backdrop of him having struggled to assemble a CHAN squad for the underway tournament in South Africa. The conceited Keshihas also insisted that not even the world’s best coach Jose Mourinho can assemble a squad in three weeks time and secure positive results. Nigerian international correspondence Anderson Oguguaelucidates…
Key Nigerian players were unavailable due to injuries and a quest for greener pastures abroad. Ogugua assesses the challenges faced by Keshi.
Nigeria havelost 2-1 to arch-rival Mali in their opening match;Ogugia acknowledges that the next two games against Mozambique and South Africa will tell a full story.
Asked to predict his top four national teams into the semifinals, this is what Ogugua had to say. Supplied by Coudjoe Amankwaa
Goals from Elmutasem Abushnaf and Abdel Salam Omar were enough to give Libya a perfect start after they beat Ethiopia 2-0 in their African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group C encounter at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. Despite the fact that the Ethiopians enjoyed a lot of support from the hugely partisan crowd, their coach Sewnet Bishaw feels the pressure from the passionate fans did not get to his players but they simply did not perform...
The display by the East Africans is in stark contrast to the team that played their hearts out to reach the 2014 World Cup qualifier play-offs against Nigeria. On the path to getting as far as the playoffs it was Ethiopia that upset South Africa’s own ambitions in this last campaign by beating Bafana Bafana in Addis Ababa and holding them in the reverse fixture. Bishaw says the team he brought this time around lacked in experience as he was missing several key players....
The Libyans who pulled off this unexpected victory to seal off a morale boosting victory for their war ravaged country were equally thrilled with the victory and their Spanish Coach Javier Clementé says despite fact that his players were affected by war for three years they managed to convince everyone that Libyan football is in a rebuilding process especially looking at the fact that Libya has the youngest team of the tournament...Reporter: Jefferson Lupuwana
Theophilus Anobaah was the stand out performer as Ghana sunk Congo Brazzaville 1-0 in a Group C encounter played in front of a vocal crowd at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. Ghanaian Coach says his team did not play their best football but says his team deserved to win...
Anobaah proved to be a thorn in the Congolese defence and was rightly rewarded with a fortuitous strike in the 35th min. Konadu praised his winger’s display and says he was not surprised to see Anobaah walk away with the man of the match award...
Congo did not go down without a fight as they desperately went in search of the equaliser in the dying moments but were unable to break down an organised Ghanaian outfit. Congolese Coach Sebastien Migne says he team is not yet a solid group but they will be working on their weaknesses..Reporter: Jefferson Lupuwana
Once again Bafana Bafana happy hunting ground Peter Mokaba stadium will host another milestone when they play host to Group D of the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) amongst them the inaugural winners DR Congo, Here’s our SABCSport Journalist Tshepo Khuzwayo with more on this…
An impressive Ugandan performance stole the show at Athlone stadium as they shot to the top of Group B beating Burkina Faso 2-1 in their opening African Nations’ Championship game. The East Africans scored in each half before the Burkinabe’s found a consolation goal very late in the game. Uganda are two points clear at the top following an entertaining goalless draw between Zimbabwe and Morocco. Ugandan coach Milutin Sredojevic sings the praises of Yunus Sentamu who scored a brace on the day…
Burkina Faso have brought the same team that lost 2-0 to Bafana Bafana during the Nelson Mandela Sports Day last year. It would seem that Head coach Brama Traore had underestimated The Cranes coming into this encounter…
Sredojevic a former Orlando Pirates coach is already looking forward to the January 16 encounter against Zimbabwe which promises to be produce fireworks as both teams play an enterprising brand of football…
Burkina Faso have brought a very young team to this tournament with only seven players in their current squad born in the 1980’s. Traore says they have a long term vision with this current squad…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund believes that their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals of the African Nations Championship have been greatly enhanced following a 3-1 win over neighbours Mozambique in the opening game at Cape Town stadium. South Africa came back from one-nil down to score a victory that puts them on top of Group A on goal difference. Igesund says this win sets the tone for the tournament…
The goal scored by Mozambique was the first against South Africa in five matches between the two teams. The goal came against the run of play and coach Joao Chissano admits that the hosts were all over them and they had to change the system of play…
Bafana squandered several goal scoring opportunities and it could come back to haunt them later in the group stages but Igesund is happy that opportunities are being created…
The CHAN tournament is only limited to players playing in the domestic league and is an opportunity to usher in the youth brigade. Ajax Cape Town’s Thato Mokeke, Platinum Stars’ Lindokuhle Mbatha and Moroka Swallow’s Asavela Mbekile made their international debuts on the night and Igesund was a happy man…
After Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Mali, the next two games are going to be very tough for both teams. Chissano says they will fight all the way to proceed to the last eight but their meeting against the Super Eagles is set to produce fireworks…
Weather conditions in Cape Town ahead of this game were perfect and many expected Bafana to play their usual quick passing game but this was not helped by the grounds men who over watered just before the game. The pitch was slippery but Igesund was complimentary of the grounds men…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Just like most of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams that have been hard at work beefing up their squad for the second half of the season, Bloemfontein Celtic have also acquired the services of Wits defender Musa Bilankulu on a six months loan deal with option to buy permanently. Here’s Celtic CEO Khumbulani Konco with more on this…
With the Orange African Nations Championship (CHAN) looming, Celtic technical team will have their hands full as they scout for more players from the visiting African teams. Siwelele are in desperate need of defenders and strikers after conceding 21 goals and scoring 19 in fourteen league games…
Meanwhile since Ernst Middendorp took over the reins at Celtic in mid October last year the team collected 10 points in eight matches from a possible 24. However their last two games were not so convincing as they lost 2-1 and 3-1 away to Ajax Cape Town and Wits respectively…
Meanwhile with Siwelele set to resume their league fixtures on the 4th of February away to archrivals Free State Stars, Konco says the long break will not detour their plans as they have lined-up a couple of friendlies against 1st division teams…Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
City of Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille visited the Bafana Bafana team at their training session this in Pinelands to wish them luck and welcome them to the city ahead of their CHAN opener against Mozambique to be played at the Cape Town Stadium on January 11. De Lille also urged the people of Cape Town to wear their Bafana jerseys every Friday for the duration of the tournament to show their support for the national team……..
De Lille said that Cape Town had proven to be a football mad city with most of the Bafana Bafana games having been played in the past attracting near capacity crowds. De Lille is hopeful that the tournament will get plenty of support from the people of Cape Town……..
De Lille revealed that the city will be in discussion with Safa to bring more games involving Bafana Bafana to Cape Town in the future and that they will also be heavily involved in development…….
Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund says that it is all systems go for his team and that they are prepared and ready to kick-off the tournament come Saturday……
Igesund said that he will decide on his starting team after coming up with a gameplan ahead of their opener against Mozambique. Igesund also said that there was healthy competition within the team for places in the starting line-up…….
Despite the fact that Bafana Bafana have had little time to prepare for the tournament and only played one warm-up match, Igesund is confident that his team are in a positive frame of mind with two days left before their match against Mozambique…….
Igesund said he was pleased that the CHAN tournament matches have been handed a A-rating by Fifa and Caf meaning that the matches will count as full internationals with players being awarded caps for the matches they will be playing. Igesund believes the decision taken by Fifa and Caf will motivate the team further to try get into the top eight teams on the continent…….
Igesund sent out a sobering reminder to Bafana fans that winning the CHAN tournament will not be easy. Igesund says that all the teams in the competition are strong and that they also have aspirations of winning the competition…..Journalist: Vata Ngobeni
Bidvest Wits anchorman Matthew Pattison has been recalled to the Bafana Bafana team following a groin injury to Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jabulani Shongwe. He was injured in Bafana’s warm-up match against National First Division side Milano United in Cape Town as they build-up to the African Nations’ Championship starting this coming weekend against Mozambique. Pattison returns to the national team for the first time under Gordon Igesund. The Bafana coach says Shongwe will return to his club… Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula has come down hard on those people who have been calling the African Nations Championship tournament useless and pointless. The CHAN tournament that is reserved for players playing in the domestic leagues in the continent kicks-off this weekend in Cape Town with Bafana Bafana playing Mozambique in the opening match. The tourney has unfortunately been ridiculed in this country despite it’s developmental objectives and Mbalula is clearly not happy…
Whilst most countries were busy putting their teams together, South Africa faced challenges in selecting it’s final 23-man squad as SAFA tried hard to negotiate with clubs to release players. Mbalula is clear that Bafana Bafana should go all out and win this tourney…
This is the third edition of CHAN and SA participated in the last tournament in SUDAN in 2011, Mbalula is surprised at the people’s reaction to this tourney as if it’s something new…
There are concerns that the tournament will be poorly attended given the negative publicity and the perceptions out there about it but Mbalula is urging the nation to rally behind the tournament and the teams…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The January transfer window is already abuzz with ABSA PSL teams looking to bolster their sides and seal the deals for their summer targets. Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane remains coy to reveal his transfer targets amid the speculations in the media linking Sundowns to certain players and says his main goal is to build a formidable side as his team is far from being a finished product...Journalist: Jefferson Lupuwana
There could be serious consequences for Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits, the two teams that are alleged to be refusing to release players to Bafana Bafana for the African Nations Championship. By January 2 only 15 players had arrived from Mamelodi Sundowns, Platinum Stars, AmaTuks, Bloemfontein Celtic and Moroka Swallows had arrived in camp. CHAN is a tournament reserved for players playing in the domestic leagues and kicks-off in Cape Town next weekend. SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble reveals that they are holding an emergency committee meeting today to find a solution to this problem…
Chiefs released a statement saying they will only release their five players after the 23rd of January when the group stages had already finished. However Mumble says this contravenes the agreement that was reached by the International Board last month…
Wits is also reported to have instructed it's four players not to report to this camp. They have no fixtures lined up for this month and Mumble says today’s meeting will also discuss them…
At the time of going on air, SABC Sport was waiting an official statement from SAFA confirming that Wits players have been allowed to join the camp following last minute discussions between the two parties.
Bafana's opponents in Group A Mozambique, Nigeria and Mali have already announced their final squads. SAFA is not entertaining the idea of calling up replacements yet. Mumble says they have also not taken kindly to the media utterances that were made by one club official about Bafana coach Gordon Igesund…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Oupa Manyisa scored a brace to inspire Orlando Pirates to a 3-1 victory over Golden Arrows in the Absa Premier Soccer League match (PSL) at Orlando Stadium. It was Bucs third victory in a row, while for the visitors it was their fifth defeat in succession and they remain rooted at the bottom of the log. Meanwhile Pirates coach Roger de Sa says he is happy to end the year on a high and he reckons their title contenders even though they have a lot of games to catch-up…
Meanwhile Abafana Bes’thende coach Mark Harrison who was hoping for an improved performance against Bucs than Telkom Knockout quarterfinals retained the same starting-lineup that did duties against Kaizer Chiefs with the only change being of Gift Sithole who came in for Nkanyiso Mngwengwe. Meanwhile Harrison says he had no option but to use the same starting eleven…
Since the 53 year-old took over the reins at Arrows in October they have only won twice in nine matches (6 points from possible 27). However the former Stoke City goalkeeper will not take the blame and he says his players are not PSL material…
Meanwhile in the last four games Bucs strikers are yet to find the back of the net, and this has been a huge concern for De Sa but he reckons it is not only the strikers duty to score the goals…
Orlando Pirates will return to camp earlier than most teams as they prepare for their match against Supersport United on the 18 of January. And none of their players will be in action at the CHAN tournament that kicks off on the 11th of January due to their fixture backlog. Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
As Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs head for the Christmas and festive season recess, the coaches are aware that there is a lot of work ahead for them. Bidvest Wits are going into the break comfortably in the top three, two points adrift of log leaders Kaizer Chiefs with a game in hand. Speaking after their hard fought 3-1 win over Bloemfontein Celtic, Wits coach Gavin Hunt says 25 points from 13 matches is very reasonable at this stage…
Hunt is on his sixth month now as a Wits coach having joined at the end of last season, he believes that his players are warming up to his methods…
Getting a striker in the transfer window that will be opening in two weeks is Hunt’s top priority but he has ruled out a move for the want away Kaizer Chiefs marksman Lehlohonolo Majoro…
In his first interview as a Wits coach, Hunt promised to make the team more competitive and to challenge for the honours, six months down the line he has not abandoned that plan…
As a storm looks to be brewing between SAFA, PSL and the clubs over the releasing of the players for the CHAN tournament next month, Hunt has expressed his disappointment in how the whole thing has been handled. He is expecting some of his players to be called-up for the month long tournaments that will feature players who play in their domestic leagues only…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Bafana Bafana will have a decent and competitive team in the African Nations Championships (CHAN) next month following a compromise that was reached between SAFA and the PSL. SABC Sport understands that only Orlando Pirates will not be releasing players to the national team as they are far behind in the Absa Premiership programme. It is alleged that Pirates will play four league matches during the CHAN programme. SAFA President Danny Jordaan did not want to go into details, only to say the team will be announced on December 23…
The two league rounds that the PSL had scheduled in the middle of the CHAN tournament are also reported to have been rescheduled.
Bafana coach Gordon Igesund says he has already selected his team but will obviously have to go through some changes now given the latest developments…
The CHAN tournament is contested by players based in the domestic leagues and Bafana are in Group A with neighbours Mozambique, Nigeria and Mali. The Super Eagles have also roped in some of the players that won the recent FIFA u/17 World Cup in their CHAN squad. However Igesund does not see the need of involving players who won the COSAFA u/20 tournament in his squad as part of building for the future…
Bafana had planned to play a friendly match away to Namibia before the end of this year in preparation for this tournament but now is off. However Igesund confirms that they have got a game against Botswana in Gaborone on the 28th of this month…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Contractual renewal negotiations between Kaizer Chiefs and their top striker Lehlohonolo Majoro have reached a deadlock and the player has decided not to re-sign with the club. Majoro’s agent Tim Sukazi revealed that they took this decision at a time when the negotiations were at an advanced stage. However Sukazi has not ruled out a possibility of the two parties finding a solution to this problem but for now, the player is not re-signing…
There are seven players whose contracts are coming are expiring at the end of this season at Chiefs, including Majoro. In an interview earlier with SABC, Chiefs Football Manager Bobby Motaung revealed that for most of them negotiations have gone except this one player presumably Majoro is taking a different route…
Majoro has only started two leagues games for Chiefs this season and came on as a substitute in seven matches out of the 12 games played so far. It’s an alarming stat for a player that has always managed to reach double figures in the goal scoring charts in the past three seasons. Sukazi doesn’t hide it that one of the reasons Majoro is refusing to re-sign is due to lack of game time…
Majoro joined Chiefs from Amazulu in in July 2011 for a reported fee of around R3.5million. Motaung says the fans should understand that if the Bafana Bafana striker is deciding to leave it’s not the club’s decision but his personal decision…
Supersport United who it turns out were also behind the collapsing of the deal between Chiefs and Ajax Cape Town for the services of Lebogang Manyama are also believed to have approached Majoro and his camp unofficially. But Sukazi has vehemently denied this as he knows that approaches by clubs before the stipulated time for outside negotiations are illegal…
Speculation is rife that negotiations between Supersport United and Majoro’s camp are at an advanced stage.
Motaung reiterated yesterday that they are chasing the services of Mamelodi Sundowns striker Edward Manqele who is currently on loan to Moroka Swallows, perhaps it’s a sign that they’ve given up on these Majoro negotiations already… Journalist: Velile Mbuli
With an international friendly match against record five time World champions Brazil set to be confirmed, Bafana Bafana look set to play more top international teams next year. SAFA President Danny Jordaan has confirmed that they’ve been approached by more than three countries that have qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Asian giants Iran are coached by former Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Quieroz and have been drawn in the same group with Nigeria, Argentina and Bosnia in the World Cup. Jordaan confirms that they are one of the countries that want to play Bafana….
Meanwhile the protracted African Nations Championship (CHAN) and Bafana Bafana squad selection problem is yet to be resolved. Most teams that will be playing in this competition here in South Africa next month are already on week of the preparations’. The deadline for the submission of final squads to CAF is on the last day of this month and Jordaan remains hopeful that a solution will be found for this problem…
Earlier there had been indications that Bafana coach Gordon Igesund would be required to win this CHAN tournament, which is only contested for by players playing in the domestic leagues. But Jordaan says before any pronouncements are made, the focus should be on getting the players first…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
FIFA President Sepp Blatter has confirmed that they will be holding a Nelson Mandela moment before every FIFA Club World Cup match in the tournament that gets underway in Morocco. This is a sign of respect to the departed South Africa’s first democratically elected President. During last week’s 2014 World Cup draw in Brazil, FIFA paid tribute to Madiba who passed away aged 95. Blatter says the international icon will forever remain in their thoughts…
Madiba will be laid to rest in his home village of Qunu near Mthatha in the Eastern Cape on December 15.
Madiba a former amateur boxer played an important role in South Africa’s re-admission into international football in 1992. He engaged the then FIFA President Joao Havelange and Blatter who was a Secretary-General to pave the way for SAFA to be re-accepted to FIFA after an international ban due to Apartheid. Blatter says Madiba’s has always believed in the game of billions in changing the world…
Mandela was also instrumental in securing the 2010 World Cup for South Africa, his role in swaying those 14 votes towards his country of birth is well documented. Blatter says it had always been Madiba’s dream to see the World Cup taking place in South Africa…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The fairytale continues for Platinum Stars after they won their second PSL trophy in a space of three months last night following a 2-1 over Orlando Pirates in the Telkom Knockout final at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit. Stars beat Pirates on penalties in the MTN 8 final in September. The Buccaneers were first on the scoreboard through captain Lucky Lekgwathi 29th minute header. However Dikwena coach Allan Freese had other ideas when late in the second half he introduced the mercurial Botswana playmaker Mogokolodi Ngele who snatched a brace. Freese explains the masterstroke he pulled with his tactics…
This was a third final Pirates lost in a space of three months taking into consideration the African Champions League loss to Al Ahly. Showing a brave face, coach Roger De Sa says life has to go on after this disappointing loss…
In the semi-finals Stars defeated Kaizer Chiefs and followed up with a win against Pirates again in the final and Freese says he is not following any special formula against the Buccaneers…
Pirates have now suffered two consecutive defeats after going down 3-2 to Bloemfontein Celtic at home in the ABSA premiership. They remain rooted at the bottom of the log with seven points but mainly because they have played six and seven games fewer than the top five and most teams in the league. Their next mission is an away match to Ajax Cape Town on December 11 and De Sa knows that they are in for a tough battle…
Stars are also doing fairly well in the league so far, currently placed fourth, four points behind the log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with 19 points from 12 matches. They next face the rejuvenated Celtic at home in Moruleng Stadium and Freese has got a clear message for his boys…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
University of Pretoria’s good run at home this season continued when they beat the embattled Free State Stars side 3-1 in an Absa Premiership match played at Tuks stadium in Pretoria. A brace inside the first six minutes from Ugandan international Geoffrey Massa set the tone for this match. AmaTuks were fresh from registering a 2-0 win over Amazulu recently. Barker is pleased with the response of his players after a slump few weeks ago…
This was Themba Sithole’s first game in charge as a caretaker coach following the axing of Steve Komphela. Call it a baptism of fire but Sithole sees only some positives from this loss…
This was Star’s sixth loss in 12 matches in the league, marking one of their worst starts in the PSL in a very long time. They are currently 13th on the log with 12 points but Sithole says this situation is not even close to being called crisis…
The win sees AmaTuks moving to the tenth spot on the log with 14 points from 12 matches. However Barker admits that he told his players to take advantage of Star’s technical team changes…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Premier Soccer League side Free State Stars have parted ways with their coach Steve Khompela following a string of poor results. The two-nil loss to Kaizer Chiefs was Stars' fifth loss in the Absa Premiership this season. The club is currently eleventh on the log with twelve points from eleven matches. Stars General Manager Rantsi Mokoena says the results gave them no choice but to arrive at this decision...
Khompela has been at Stars since 2010 after his return from Platinum Stars and duting this period “Ea Lla Koto” has been a competitive outfit, Mokoena admits that this was a difficult decision to take but it had to be made…
Free State Stars assistant coach Themba Sithole will take over in the interim and Mokoena says their next coach will have to understand the culture of the club...
It’s been 19 years since Stars last won some silverware when a Bunene Ngaduane inspired team downed Hellenic 3-2 in the then Coca Cola Cup final in Bloemfontein. Mokoena says their target this season was to finally bring something to their trophy cabinet…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Global leading financial management company Ernest and Young of South Africa (EY) announced its sponsorship agreement with the South African Football Association (SAFA) for an undisclosed amount of money. As part of the sponsorship agreement, EY is committed to making a difference by contributing to the development of sport in the country. Here’s CEO of EY Africa Ajen Sita
Meanwhile with both SA men and women national teams slowly making their strides on the global stage EY says this is the perfect way to position their brand as they look to expand to other countries…
SAFA president Danny Jordaan says this will provide them with an opportunity to work with world class professionals and moreover it will stabilize their financial management…
Meanwhile EY is no stranger to SAFA having worked with them during the 2010 FIFA world Cup, and Jordaan did not mince his word when he proclaimed that for the first time they will permanently outsource their financial control and management to an outside company…
Barely two months after being appointed to the hot seat, Jordaan has been making the headlines – First at the Durban SOCCEREX, he announced a plan to build a world class development centre in Durban, and last month in Johannesburg he unveiled SASOL as their corporate sponsor of SAFA developments. Meanwhile Jordaan says SAFA has been underperforming financially and with EY onboard the sky is the limit…
EY CEO Ajen Sita is still impresses by the recent Bafana Bafana performance and commitment on the field when they outwitted the world champions Spain a fortnight ago…Journalist: Coudjoe Amankwaa
A 10-man Kaizer Chiefs bounced back to winning ways when they walloped rookies Polokwane City 4-1 in a rain interrupted Absa premiership match played at FNB stadium. This was a quick response from Amakhosi after they were knocked out of the Telkom Knockout, losing to finalists Platinum Stars. A brace from Bernard Parker and goals from Eric Mathoho and Kingtson Nkhatha earned Chiefs the victory. The win moves Chiefs to third on the log with 18 points from 10 matches. Baxter also rued some missed chances…
Chiefs makeshift right-back Josta Dladla was sent-off for dissent by referee Philip Tinyani less than 10 minutes before fulltime.
This was a second loss for City coach Boebie Solomons since he took over at the club and it sees them dropping down to the 12th spot on the log with 11 points from 12 matches. Solomons acknowledges that they were up against a superior opponent…
The consolation goal for the Polokwane side came from substitute Puleng Tloloane four minutes from full-time.
Eyebrows were raised when Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune did not return for the second-half and was replaced by the 21 year-old goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse an appearance that also marked his debut in the PSL. Baxter says they were taking precautionary measures with Khune after he picked up a slight hamstring strain. He’s confident that the Bafana Bafana captain will be available for the weekend clash at Free State Stars…
City was fresh from a 3-0 win over AmaTuks but Solomons denies that his players were celebrating. He simply feels that they were average against Chiefs…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Andile Jali scored a sucker punch in the second-half of extra time to ensure Orlando Pirates goes through to the Telkom Knockout final after beating SuperSport United 2-1 in a semi-final clash at the Lucas Moripe Stadium. United Coach Calvin Johnson rued missed chances and cried foul over a disallowed goal saying to lose the way his team did is difficult to take...
Meanwhile Pirates coach, Roger de Sa seemed a relieved man and says his team had to dig deep and fight back to claim a victory against a tough opponent...
After coming off from an impressive display for Bafana Bafana in their onenil victory against Spain, Pirates midfielder, Andile Jali pulled off another classy performance combining well with Mbesuma before pouncing through the SuperSport defence and slitting home his teammate’s flicked pass. Jali says the team has been working hard especially with the busy schedule they have had both locally and internationally...Journalist: Jefferson Lupuwana
South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan has refuted reports that South Africa’s historic 1-0 win over current European and World champions, Spain mid-week will be downgraded to a practice match. This follows Spain’s seventh substitutions during the match which pundits insist was against Fifa’s rules on international friendly matches. In a scathing response, Jordan says the reports are baseless and unfounded, adding that it is just a figment of imagination from faceless journalists. Jordaan explains……
However on the controversial issue of Spain’s fielding a seventh substitution, this is what Jordaan had to say.
He further emphasized that as SAFA, they consider the match between South Africa and Spain a category A clash. And in as far as they are concerned the result would stand official.
Asked to clarify as to why a referee from Lesotho was assigned to officiate such a big match, Jordaan insists that officials competency should be based on their capabilities and not where they come from. According to Jordaan, European referees make more mistakes than their African counterparts.
The motive of those peddling the down-grading of the match has been questioned. Jordan says faceless people trying to undermine and rubbish Bafana Bafana’s deserved win over Spain must be exposed.
According to SAFA, all the match reports will be submitted to FIFA so that, the world’s football controlling body can pronounce.
South Africans are still proud of Bafana Bafana’s performance against Spain. In fact skeptics predicted a Spanish drubbing of South Africa. However coach Gordon Igesund and his charges did not disappoint. Journalist: Coudjoe Amankwaa
Bafana Bafana recorded their most famous win in more than a decade when they beat the World and European champions Spain 1-0 in an international friendly match played at FNB stadium. Bernard Parker’s 56th minute strike was enough to see Bafana upstaging Spain on their return to the venue where they lifted their maiden World Cup title in 2010. Coach Gordon Igesund was excited with the victory but he is not getting carried away…
This was the first loss for Spain in an international friendly since November 2011 when they lost one-nil to England in London. Coach Vicente Del Bosque acknowledges that Bafana were a better team on the night…
Bafana’s wonderful result was marred by a controversial substitution that Spain forced after their substitute goalkeeper Victor Valdes got injured. The La Roja had exhausted their quota of six subs and by forcing Napoli’s Pepe Reina substitution they infuriated Igesund and there was then an ugly spat that went on for few minutes. Del Bosque says they got permission from the Lesotho match-officials…
However Igesund has distanced himself from this incident saying he never objected to the substitution but was sticking to the regulations of the game…
According to the Laws of the Game, "up to a maximum of six substitutes may be used in any match played in an official competition organized under the auspices of FIFA, the confederations or the member associations. • In all other matches, a greater number of substitutes may be used provided that: • the teams concerned reach agreement on a maximum number; • the referee is informed before the match. If the referee is not informed, or if no agreement is reached before the match, no more than six substitutes are allowed.
This was the second defeat for Spain this year following a 3-0 thumping at the hands of Brazil in the FIFA Confederations Cup final at the Maracana stadium in June. However Del Bosque denied that his team does not have a plan B when they are on the ropes…
President Jacob Zuma and former President Thabo Mbeki visited the dressing room after the game, they did not only join the celebration song but expressed their happiness with this magnificent result…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The SAFA match-fixing scandal has taken another twist. Football's world governing body FIFA has confirmed it has now taken over the investigation. This match fixing case involves five Bafana Bafana friendly matches that preceded the 2010 FIFA World cup. The South African government was expected to appoint a commission of inquiry to investigate the scandal but it will now be investigated by FIFA's ethics committee. Earlier this year President Jacob Zuma's office revealed that they were consulting FIFA. But now FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke says they are taking over...
Five SAFA officials including former President Kirsten Nematandani were suspended after they were implicated in a FIFA report. These matches were organised by convicted match-fixer and Singapore businessman Wilson Raj Perumal of Football 4 U. Valcke says their Ethics Committee will handle this case better...
This match-fixing case has dented SAFA's image globally and they recently lost their technical sponsor PUMA. Valcke says match-fixing is not just an African problem but a challenge faced by their federations globally...Podcast by Velile Mbuli for SABC Sport.Picture: Gallo Images.
Embattled Swaziland soccer national team Isihlangu have been struggling to appear in the continental soccer show piece AFCON. The neighbours have been participating in Cosafa tournament for some time…. but are still to qualify for the finals of AFCON. With South Africa hosting the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in January, chances of seeing Isihlangu are null and void. Swaziland have not just battled on the continent but also within the sub-regional fronts. Pundits attribute their lack of qualification to poor development structures. Former Editor and current Sports Correspondent for the Times of Swaziland newspaper Lathu Jonga explains...
The leadership of the Swaziland Football Association, under the guidance of its President Bomber Adam Mthetwa has been stable. And yet they’ve got nothing in terms of results to show for it. Critics are calling for Mthetwa and his executives to make way for fresh blood to take Swazi football to the next level.
Isihlangu’s caretaker coach, Harries Bulunga reckons that anything other than a loss when his charges tackle South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in an international friendly clash on Friday will be a bonus. Bulunga, having acted as assistant to Belgian Valere Billen before the later’s exit last week, has been presented with an opportunity to make a major statement on his capability that might probably land him a full time appointment.
And while the official line for Swaziland’s former Belgian’s exit was attributed to pressing family commitment in Brussel, pundits are quick to say a lack of results from the senior squad, ISihlangu was to blame for his sudden dep[arture. In fact under Billen, Egypt hammered Swaziland 10-1. Podcast by Coudjoe Amankwaa. Picture: Gallo Images.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup Legacy Trust Board has approved a total budget of sixty million rand to be allocated to projects that include SAFA Regions. More than 973 beneficiaries benefited from the fifty-six million rand budget that was allocated earlier this year. Bursaries, equipment and kit, sport schools, academies and NGO's working on social development through football are some of the categories which will be prioritised for applications. World Cup Legacy Trust Chairperson and SAFA President Danny Jordaan says they are focusing on making a difference through this trust. The application period will run from the 20th of this month and close on the 31st of January next year. Jordaan says they have a strict evaluation committee that goes through all the applications.
Of SAFA's 341 local football associations, 291 have reported the successful formation of Under-13 and Under-15 leagues as a result of support from the legacy trust. Jordaan says now the focus will turn to establishing provincial structures.
There have been reports, including dossiers written by faceless people alleging that the World Cup legacy trust money was being misused. But FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke says they are satisfied with its administration because they are also heavily involved. Following the votes scandal that broke out at FIFA few years ago around the World Cup bids and resulted in Executive Members being suspended and expelled, Valcke says they view corruption and maladministration in a serious light.
Valcke was in the country to also open the Alexandra FIFA Football for Hope Centre the last one of the 20 centres they promised to build in Africa before the 2010 World Cup. He’s positive that even in Brazil they will leave behind some legacy despite the riots that threatened the running of the recent FIFA Confederations Cup…Podcast by Velile Mbuli for SABC Sport.
Football’s world controlling body -Fifa - President Sepp Blatter says his organization is considering a change of venue for the decisive return-leg World Cup qualifier between Egypt and Ghana in Cairo on November 19 2013. Blatter’s declaration follows a swift intervention of Ghana government regarding the safety of its playing personnel, officials and supporters. Sports Editor of Radio XYZ Henry Asante explains....
And while the safety of the Black Stars players’ debate rage on, pundits have cautioned relations between both nations that have been cordial since time immemorial could be affected. A strong bond had always existed between Ghana and Egypt but indications are relations could turn sour.
Fifa has come under the spotlight to ensure consistency. The Ghanaians Football Authorities are trying all to could to get assurances from the Egyptian counterparts that there would be no damage, injury or death to any of it travelling contingencies.
Fifa says if monitoring the situation in Egypt as they look carefully at the decision to allow Egypt to play against Ghana in Cairo in the return leg World Cup qualifier. Blatter has revealed that in future he would like to avoid World Cup qualifying play-offs.
Meanwhile the Egyptian embassy in Ghana has indicated it has started issuing travelling visas to the travelling parties of Ghanaians who are going to Cairo to watch the match. Supporters, officials and the playing personnel have been urged to secure visa before embarking on their trip.
Fifa has assigned Ivory Coast referee Doue Noumandiaz Desire as the referee for Ghana’s vital Brazil 2014 World Cup tie play-off against Egypt in Cairo. The appointment of an Ivorian referee, who hails from West Africa, where Ghana is located, has raised eyebrows in certain quarters. But Henry Asante shares a different opinion.... Podcast by: Coudjoe Amankwaa.
Mazibuko who is also the President of the South African Schools Football Association (SAFSA) launched the 2013 Metropolitan U/16 Schools Cup today. The draw was made for the finals that will take place in Seshego, Polokwane between the 4th and 7th of next month. At a time when SAFA is also focusing on development, these schools tournaments have been running all these years but lack of synergy between the structures remains a serious problem. A total of 1500 schools entered this year’s Metropolitan SASFA U-16 Cup, in recent years there have been concerns about the lack of white players coming through the structures. But how good is the participation of former model c schools in these SASFA tournaments?
SuperSport United’s duo of Thabo Moloi and Gino Moeketsi, Bloemfontein Celtic’s Lerato Manzini are just some of the current PSL players who participated in the Metropolitan SASFA U/16 Cup in recent years. The problems local professional football players encounter off the field are well documented and Metropolitan Brand Executive Belinda Faulkner has more on the life-skills component of this tournament...Podcast by: Velile Mbuli.
The SA Football Association (SAFA) has handed life bans to the 15 Free State football officials who took the football governing body to court ahead of SAFA's Elective Congress in September, an action that goes against FIFA regulations. President of the Xhariep region, Mzwandile Maforvane says the incident brought the game of football into disrepute. New SAFA President Dr. Danny Jordaan said, “This ruling should send out a strong message that SAFA will not tolerate individuals who flagrantly violate FIFA Statutes by taking football matters to courts.” Maforvane further added saying a chance of appeal is very slim but still very much possible as the SAFA’s constitution, Article 71.1. clearly stipulates that no football matters can be taken to court. Podcast by Jefferson Lupwana. Image: Gallo Images.
Ivory Coast international and English Premiership side Manchester City player YayaToure has urged football world’s controlling body FIFA and their European counterparts, UEFA toissue tougher sanctions against CSKA Moscow outfits. This follows CSKA Moscow’s fans alleged racial chants and abuse of Toure, in a purported monkey sounds during a UEFAChampionship clash between both teams in Moscow. Every time Toure touched the ball, monkey sounds were echoed. Yayahas called on African nations to boycott Russia 2018 World Cup finals if racism is not dealt with. Some English, African and in particular Mario Balotteli have suffered monkey chants in Russia in recent times. FIFA’s media advisor Emmanuel Maradas says it’s not the first time racism is under the spotlight in Russia. The midfield maestro,YayaToure who was wearing a “no Racism” armband in Moscow as Manchester City captain, admits that the alleged “monkey sounds” against him saddens him. However he was glad that through his situation, it would force people to take a note of racism in Russia. Maradas says Toure's voice carries much weight, given his stature in global football. He says racism cannot carry on in football in the 21st century. Toure is expected to have an audience with FIFA President Sepp Blatter with a view to finding closure to the racism saga in Moscow. However FIFA’s anti-racism committee member, Jeffrey Webb has also indicated his organization’s willingness to engage with Yaya so as to find closure. Podcast by: Coudjoe Amankwaa
With Pirates having previously played to nearly empty stadiums in the run up to this big champions league final against the seven times winners Al Ahly of Egypt, Orlando Pirates spokesperson Mickey Modisane has spoken out to urge South Africans to rally behind the team as they fly the country’s flag high. Modisane went as far as showing the importance of this final the need to finish off the tie in the first leg at home. Modisane also spoke of the achievements of the class of ’95 as he says that will be a source of motivation for the Buccaneers. Podcast by Jefferson Lupwana.
After a shaky start to this season Bloemfontien Celtic Coach, Ernst Middendorp believes his players are slowly buying into his philosophy after just two games in charge. In eight games Phunya Sele Sele has won just one game, drawn five, lost two and sits eleventh on the log. The Bloemfontein based side roped in the German Coach to turn their fortunes around after parting ways with Clinton Larsen and Middendorp believes there is potential in the current crop. Middendorp says by the end of the season he’ll have a seriously competitive team and added that he believes in his own ideas and is not there to make friends adding that he should be able to get Celtic back to where they are meant to be in South African football. Podcast by Jefferson Lupwana.
The South African Sports Confederation And Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has thrown the challenge to all major South African cities to start preparing a bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. With the real benefits of sports tourism having been already experienced from the hosting of global sporting event in the past, South Africa will aim to remain on the world map and SASCOC and all stakeholders have identified the 2022 Games as the next target according to SASCOC CEO Tubby Reddy. Sports tourism accounted for 10% of last year’s 9.2 million visitors to South Africa and with that in mind the need to host more events in the country has been realised. SASCOC announced along with all stakeholders in the resolutions made at the Sports and Tourism Indaba the need for a national bidding and hosting strategy up to 2030 in line with the national development plan of the country. Reddy spoke about the need for cities to start planning ahead....Information supplied by Jefferson Lupuwana.
Orlando Pirates coach Roger De Sa says he’s happy to find the back of the net more than once. Last night, Pirates did not show any fatigue from their African venture when thumped Golden Arrows 4-0 to advance to the semifinal of the Telkom Knockout at Orlando Stadium. Lennox Bacela was deadly with his boot on the night as he scored his first hat-trick in Bucs colours, and those goals he was set off by Kermit Erasmus who also found the back of the net…
However it was a hostile reception for his opposite number Mark Harrison in his first match as Arrows coach. Meanwhile Harrison admitted that Bucs are on a high following their good run at the Champion Leauge, however he says he’s disappointed to lose by four goals…
Bucks made two changes to the squad that drew with Esperance over the weekend – as they brought inErasmus for Sifiso Myeni who’s nursing a groin injury and Khethokwakhe Masuku for Tlou Segolela, and that gamble paid handsomely as they marched to their third semifinal in three months, following their MTN8 final, and the Caf Champions League. Meanwhile having performed below par against small teams this season, De Sa wasn’t going to take any chances this time around and he says that is why he kept the bulk of the squad…
The former Wits coach also lauded man of the match Lennox Bacela for his aggression in front of the goals, but he reckons he could have scored more. In contrast there were many doubting Thomases when the 30 year-old joined Pirates during the transfer window, but he has since silenced the critics by scoring 10 goals in 14 games. According to De Sa he can only get better…
Meanwhile Bucs skipper on the night Happy Jele also gave credit to his team-mates for their ferocious display…
Pirates join other qualifiers, Supersport United, Platinum Stars and Kaizer Chiefs in the Telkom Knockout semi-finals. Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
The West African Football Union (WAFU) authorities admit that the launch of the tournament aims to ensure that professional football in the sub-region is taken to another level. Authorities reckon the revival of the WAFU tournament was a great moment for both the sub-hemisphere and the continent as a whole. Ghanaian public broadcaster (GTV) acclaimed anchor Jerry Kwame Ayensu hailed the tournament as a giant step in the right direction for African football as a whole. Ayensu says it will enhance the quality of domestic players in their respective leagues in West Africa……….
The business conglomerates in West African have shown interest in funding this year’s tournament. It’s been incredible because several other sponsorships keep coming on board. Ayensu says even the media rights have been sold, and hence it’s all systems go.
Ghana will play their opening match against Sierra Leone at the Accra Sports Stadium on November 21. Winners in each Group will face each other for the coveted title. Runners-up in each Group will also play each other for the third (bronze medal) and fourth position.
And while the overall champions’ prize money remains unclear during the launch, observers remain positive that companies will come out to sponsor specific awards; namely The-Man-Of-The Match award as well as the Player-Of-The-Tournament award respectively.
The competition will provide participants and Ghana in particular, a competitive opportunity to test their strengths before the Championship of Africa Nations (CHAN) event in South Africa early next year.
The competition, themed: “Go TV WAFU Cup Competition” is scheduled for November 21- 38 at the Accra Sports Stadium. Journalist: Coudjoe Amankwaa
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says he is happy that his team showed character. Sundowns maintained their unbeaten run in the league when they beat AmaZulu 7-1 in an entertaining match at Loftus Stadium. The victory also takes Sundowns to the summit of the Absa Premier Soccer League. According to Mosimane this was almost a carbon copy of their friendly match against the very same team a week ago…
However dejected Usuthu’s assistant coach Wilfred Mugeyi was not impressed with his charges but he says the four week break is to blame…
Defensive midfielder Hlompho Kekana opened the floodgates when he scored the quickest goal of the season from range, and former Chippa United coach says that was suicidal against such a star-studded Sundowns …
Even though the 7-1 victory was the 2nd biggest winning margin for Mosimane as coach since he last beat the very same team 8-1 in 2004 while he was still coach of Supersport United, the hard to please coach says their performance against Platinum Stars in the Telkom Knockout over the weekend was far much better…
Judging by the starting line-up and the subs, it was clear that the former Bafana Bafana mentor was not going to leave any stone unturned, utilising all of his strikers and in the end it paid dividend. Meanwhile the 49 year-old former Jomo Cosmos player says he took a lot of criticism last season when he lambasted his players for poor finishing…
Meanwhile the 44 year-old former Bush Bucks and Free State Stars midfielder conceded that it won’t be easy to motivate the players and make them focus on the next game, but he reckons they have to adapt because it happens to the best team in the world…
With this victory Mamelodi Sundowns topple Supersport United from the summit of the PSL log on 14 points.
In other games played last night – Bloemfoentein Celtic were held to 2 all draw by Moroka Swallows, while PSL high flyers Platinum Stars also drew 2-2 against Mpumalanga Black Aces. Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
Supersport United coach Cavin Johnson says the introduction of Bradley Grobler, George Maluleka and Thuso Phala in the second half shifted the momentum in their favour. It was a sweat revenge for Matsatsantsa who lost their league game when they hosted Moroka Swallows a fortnight ago. United beat Swallows 3-1 in added time after both teams finished 1 all to book a place in the semifinal of the Telkom Knockout at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
Meanwhile his opposite number Zeca Marques says the score-line is not a true reflection of the game…
Marques also admitted that the injury to their captain Lifa Tsutsulupa early in the first half hampered their plans…
Meanwhile it wasn’t Tsutsulupa who got injured on the day; the man he collided with Innocent Mdledle and Thabo September also had to leave the pitch on a stretcher. Nonetheless following a two weeks layoff Johnson reckons is going to be tough and taxing with probabilities of playing three matches a week…
And the man that got Matsatsantsa on their feet - Man of the match George Maluleka whose modesty is unquestionable says all credit must go to his team-mates…
The game also served as a commemoration of their former assistant coach Thomas Madigage who passed away in a car accident on this day last year. But Johnson reckons they will do a proper tribute when they travel away to Maritzburg United on October 23.
In the other game Platinum Stars continued to be a hoodoo team for Mamelodi Sundowns when they dispatched them 2-1 at Moruleng Stadium to reach yet another Cup semifinal. Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
It’s all systems go as South Africa rolls up the red carpet for the third edition of the African Nations Championship tournament (CHAN). The teams had been provided with essential guidelines and information to assist in their preparations for next year’s ultimate football showcase. Local Organizing Committee (LOC) official Andrew Dipela reckons his organization is happy for the work done thus far for the eagerly- anticipated tournament. Dipela says he expects fireworks and quality football on the green-grass.…..
And while great satisfaction has been expressed by participating teams with the quality of the facilities that have been made available to them by host cities, Africa can now brace itself for what will go down as one of the best CHAN tournaments.
The LOC remains upbeat that preparations at the host cities are well on track. Dipela says that at this stage, kick-off is imminent. The Orange CHAN South Africa 2014 will start on January 11 and end on February 1 2014.
The nations that have qualified for CHAN 2014 are in no particular order, hosts, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Congo/Brazaville, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Libya, Gabon, Mauritania, Morocco and Mozambique. Journalist: Coudjoe Amankwaa
Orlando Pirates will look to write more history by adding another star to their badge as they prepare for battle in their CAF Champions League second leg semi-final fixture against Esperance of Tunisia. With the clash set to take place this Saturday at the Stade Olympique in Rades, the home ground of the Tunisian giants, the stage is set for an intriguing battle. Former Pirates midfielder Helman Mkhalele who was part of the 1995 team that made history by winning this tournament believes that Pirates has an upper hand getting into this second leg by virtue of the nil all draw and the Bucs not conceding a goal....
When Orlando Pirates conquered Africa in 1995, the country was brought to a standstill as the nation saluted the newly crowned continental champions. Mkhalele says the class of 1995 had a strong mindset as they went to Abidjan to tackle the Ivorian giants, Asec Mimosa in their own background after drawing 2 all at FNB Stadium with the sole purpose of winning. Orlando Pirates went on to beat Asec Mimosa thanks to a Jerry Skhosana solitary goal and Mkhalele believes the current crop will need an element of luck, aided by mental resolve...
A lot will be at stake because the team that will go all the way to the final and win it is set to compete at the World Cup Championship with the likes of current European Champions Bayern Munich of Germany and South American champions, Atlético Mineiro of Brazil. It is disappointing to note that many South African supporters do not recognise the significance such competitions as seven times winners Al Ahly of Egypt and two time winners Esperance came to play at nearly empty stadiums with many of the fans opting to stay at home. Mkhalele says the sooner people realise the importance of such tournament the better for our teams because they need the supporters to come in their thousand in order to boost the home team and intimidate the visitors....
Mkhalele says people involved in football have to be bold enough to face the challenges currently dogging our country and added that we need to have new people writing their own history in South African football, extending beyond our glory years of 1995/96....Journalist: Jefferson Lupuwana
Orlando Pirates leave for Tunisia ahead of their CAF Champions league second-leg semi-final clash against Esperance. Pirates will go into this away encounter against Esperance, knowing that they need to score if they want to advance to the final. After a goalless draw between the two teams at the Orlando Stadium, the Buccaneers need a scoring draw or a win to advance to the final. And in order to ensure that the team goes to Tunisia in a pumped up mood, Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula decided to pay them a visit...
Pirates were knocked out at this stage of the competition in 2006 by another Tunisian side CS Sfaxien and seven years later they are back again and the only SA team to have come this far. Mbalula says the 1995 African champions …
Bucs will go into October 19's encounter boosted by the return of industrious midfielder Thandani Ntshumayelo and dazzling playmaker Sifiso Myeni who resumed full training with the squad this week after recovering from their respective injuries. The motivation from the “Razzmatazz” has been warmly received by the head coach Roger De Sa…
On Saturday night in front of a packed Stade Olympique de Radès, the Buccaneers will be attempting to repeat the heroics of Abidjan 1995 and the evergreen midfielder Daine Klate believes that they are equal to the task…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Platinum Stars left-wing Patrick Malokase says their game against Mamelodi Sundowns will not be easy. Dikwena will exchange blows with Sundowns in the second quarterfinal of the Telkom Knockout at Moruleng Stadium on October 19. It will be the second meeting between the two teams this season after playing to a 1 all draw at Loftus Stadium. According to Malokase the home ground advantage will give them the edge…
Before their MTN8 heroics, Dikwena supporters at home have been coming in drips and drags. But on Saturday Malokase reckons they will get what their money is worth…
The former Orlando Pirates player says so far the young and the senior players have been dovetailing very well. In the MTN8 final Allan Freese fielded his most experienced squad with only two youngsters getting the nod. But the 31 year-old hopes they can carry on the momentum…
Malokase has seen very little game time since he joined Dikwena on loan before agreeing to a permanent deal last season. However things have changed slightly this season, as he has already started in three games and most recently their game against Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium…
In the first game of the Telkom Knockout Supersport United will take on Moroka Swallows at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday at 15h00, before Platinum Stars host Mamelodi Sundowns in the evening.
Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund is switching his focus to the African Nations Championship tournament and believes that they win this tourney but only if he will have access to his best players. Chan is not a FIFA sanctioned tournament and clubs are not obliged to release players. But Igesund remains hopeful that SAFA and PSL will find a solution for this matter…
The PSL has scheduled two rounds of fixtures in the middle of this tournament and should Bafana proceed to the knockout stages, some players might have to return to their clubs. Igesund is hoping that the talks between SAFA and PSL in the next few days will yield positive results…
Last week, SAFA Vice-President Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana told SABC NEWS that Igesund’s mandate is at least to reach the CHAN final. But SAFA President Danny Jordaan contradicted this after the National Executive Committee’s first meeting on Saturday…
Igesund whose contract expires in July next year and has already failed in his two mandates after replacing Pitso Mosimane in June last year, reacted angrily to Nonkonyana’s statement…
Bafana are now focusing on preparing for the CHAN tournament and Igesund has revealed that their next opponents next month will be African opposition as he looks at fine tuning his group of locally based players…
Yesterday the draw for the COSAFA U/20 tournament was conducted in Lesotho where the regional showpiece will take place in December. Amajita are currently without a coach following the expiry of Solly Luvhengo’s contract recently. Igesund says he will be slightly involved in the preparation of a team for this tournament…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The newly elected SAFA leadership held it’s first National Executive Committee meeting and they have resolved to bid for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup amongst some of the events they would like to host. SAFA President Danny Jordaan says the success of Banyana Banyana in recent years makes a good case for Africa to host this event for the first time…
Prior to the recent SAFA elections where Jordaan easily beat former SAFA Vice-President Mandla “Shoes” Mazibuko to the presidential post, the former 2010 World Cup CEO had waxed lyrical about his successful partnership with the PSL chairman and SAFA Vice-President Irvin Khoza. He says this partnership is being revived again for the benefit of South African football and reveals some of the global events they are planning to host…
This meeting was also for the purposes of appointing new committees and for the first time in the history of South African football, three committees will be headed by women something that Jordaan is proud of…
Club versus country issues have caused problems for SAFA and PSL in recent years and an international board has since been established to resolve that amongst other issues according to Jordaan…
The rest of the SAFA committees are chaired by experienced people in the game and this includes a former SABC board member and Jordaan is hoping that this will bring stability to this financially strapped organization…
A lot of promises were made by the former executive and didn’t materialize, Jordaan says before the end of next month they are planning to hold a Lekgotla that will work towards the implementation of this new leadership’s plans…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The senior soccer national squad of Ghana will embark on a series of international friendly games ahead of next year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament in South Africa. The tournament ought toprovide Ghana a chance to give a good account of theirdomestic league to football fans across the continent.Ghana’s assistant coach Maxwell Konadu revealed that Ghana did not play in any qualifying games due to nations pulling out but programs have been put in place to ensure adequate preparation. Konadu reckons his charges would participate in a regional tournament – the West African Football Union – WAFU- before jetting out to South Africa early next year.Konadu explains…..
The players earmarked to represent Ghana would be tested on the continental stage. A series of friendly matches to be played before the event, will give the selected players the necessary exposure required before the tournament. And while lack of game time during qualification remains a set-back measures will be put in place to ensure their readiness……..
The exodus of young Ghanaian players abroad at a tender age in search of greener pastures remains a huge set-back for the domestic league. And while it is a challenge for the premiership, stopping it would also be difficult. Perhaps a balance needs to be found as to what is the right age acceptable for Ghanaian players to travel abroad.
Ghana have qualified for previous editions ofthe CHAN tournaments but have not won the title. The Black Stars are hoping to make it a third time lucky in South Africa by winning the event. Ghana were runners-up in the inaugural CHAN event held in Ivory Coast, where they lost to Zambia in the finals. Journalist: Coudjoe Amankwaa
After 35 years of absence from the continental soccer scene, Ugandan coach Sredojevic Milutin reckons next year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) could be the catalyst needed to rebuild a competitive squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Milutin says Uganda remains a powerhouse in the east Africa sub-region. Speaking ahead of the logistics meeting held in Johannesburg in preparation for the CHAN tournament early next year, the Ugandan coach outlined his side’s ambitions…….
The professional league in Uganda remains competitive despite a lack of television coverage. The Ugandan League has produced several quality players who ply their trade in the South African ABSA Premiership. In terms of organization and quality, Milutin was of the opinion that it can match the very best on the African continent.
A 25-man squad has been earmarked to represents Uganda in next year’s CHAN to be held in South Africa. According to the former Orlando Pirates coach – Milutin – his charges will be in Kenya for pre-tournament training camp before heading to South Africa for the tournament.
Asked to realistically predict Uganda’s performance in the tournament, Milutin says they will take it step by step. He admits that Uganda are in a tough group but with belief and proper preparations, he hopes to sail from the group stages.
The last time Uganda qualified for a major tournament on the continent was in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 1978 where they reached the final but only to lose to Ghana by 2-0. Journalist: Coudjoe Amankwaa
Moroka Swallows midfielder Larry Cohen says their match against Supersport United will be very interesting. Cohen revealed his feeling after the Telkom Knock Out quarterfinal draw that was announced in Randburg last night. Top of the table Matsatsantsa seem to have found their mojo under their new mentor Cavin Johnson, while the ‘Dube Bird’ are also finding their strides in the new season after missing out on the top eight. Both teams have the same number of points, but the last time the two teams met Swallows had the bragging rights as they ended United’s unbeaten run in the league three weeks ago…
Meanwhile after ending a three year trophy drought with the MTN8 last season, Cohen says they are determined to continue with the momentum…
However Supersport and Bafana Bafana defender Bevan Fransman says they are still bitter about the defeat, even though they have since moved on…
The ‘Television boys’ path to the quarterfinals of the Telkom Knockout wasn’t so convincing against Ajax Cape Town over the weekend - a game that was marred by two own goals and a red card. However the 29 year-old centre back did not make the scorching weather as an excuse but conceded that their performance on the day was poor…
Meanwhile in another intriguing draw Orlando Pirates could welcome Golden Arrows, that’s if they win against Mpumalanga Black Aces tonight at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit. Meanwhile Bucs midfielder Manti Moholo says they won’t get ahead of themselves but will focus on the task at hand…Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
Namibia national soccer squad current crop of players, have developed into a formidable side. The Brave Warriors have put their 2014 Fifa World Cup failure behind them and they are now looking forward to qualifying for the Morocco 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final. Here’s Namibian Football Association (NFA) President John Muinjo with more on this...
Meanwhile the Namibian Football Authorities have lined up international friendlies for the Brave Warriors with a view to preparing the senior men’s squad for the up-coming major tournaments. Muinjo revealed that although Egypt has pulled out of a friendly, they have lined-up other friendlies with South Africa and Mozambique…
Ex Namibian international player Ricardo Mnneti has been elevated to the senior head-coach position in a move seen as empowering local coaches, while ensuring continuity. Mnneti’s elevation comes after ex head -coach Roger Pelgrem resigned…
Namibia has been awarded the right to host the African Women Championship next year and expectations seem to be mounting for the ladies national squad to compete. Namibian football’s short, medium and long term objectives were clarified…Journalist: Coudjoe Amankwaa
The inconsistency in the Premier Soccer League game scheduling system is starting to affect the clubs. Already in the third month of the season only five rounds of league games have been played by most teams with some still on four or even two (Orlando Pirates). Full round of league fixtures was last played two weeks ago and that programme will resume in two weeks time again. As they prepare for the Telkom Knockout first round tie against rookies Polokwane City in Polokwane on Saturday, Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter says this situation is also affecting the standard of the game…
The obvious point at this stage is that the cup competitions are fighting for the same space occupied by the league programme. Pirates’ congested scheduling in the CAF Champions League plus the FIFA calendar make things worse for the PSL. Baxter says they’ve also used this opportunity to rest their players…
For the next seven weeks, only four rounds of league fixtures will take place.
Last season the reserve league was a perfect opportunity for fringe players to get game time and also the long breaks were not felt that much. But this season it’s yet to start and it’s still not clear whether it’s continuing or not, much to Baxter’s frustration…
It’s a second meeting between Chiefs and City in a space of seven months in the cup competitions after Amakhosi had beaten them 2-0 in the Nedbank Cup last 16 and went on to win the trophy in May. But back then City was still a National First Division team and a lot has changed since then, now they are in the PSL and have already parted ways with a coach in Duncan Lechesa. But Baxter doesn’t believe that this give them an advantage…
Newly signed Ugandan utility player Ivan Bukenya won’t be available for this weekend’s clash as he’s still sorting out his work permit. Baxter says with this addition they are balancing the side…
Bukenya joins Chiefs on a two year deal from Iraqi side Arbil SC and with Amakhosi set to compete in the African Champions League next year Baxter knows that some of the features he’s noticed in the Ugandan’s game will come in handy…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Day two of the 2013 Soccerex at the Iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban saw the announcement of a World class sports facility that would be heavily involved in honing our football talent and becoming the flagship of youth football development in South Africa. Over and above being a nursery for football development, the training centre will look to become a High Performance Training Centre for other sporting codes. Sports and Recreation Minister, Fikile Mbalula was on hand to endorse this landmark development in South African football and highlighted the challenges the country has faced in the past...
Mbalula added that this Academy will have to be fully equipped and utilised by everybody in the country....
With the new South African Football Association president, Dr Danny Jordan putting emphasis on lack of junior development, the timing of the launch of Africa’s first International academy could not have come at a better time. Jordaan highlighted the huge task ahead in terms of developing our junior ranks and says this Academy is a first step to achieving this objective....Journalist: Jefferson Lupuwana
The Soccerex African Forum returned to Durban at the Moses Mabhida Stadium building following the hugely successful event hosted last year. The Forum brought leading decision makers in African football together with businesses from across the continent and the world with the aim of uniting the business of football in Africa. The event saw senior football decision makers from around the continent under one roof in a vibrant networking environment. Deputy Minister of sports and recreation, Gert Oosthuizen says this event presents the opportunity for all football stakeholders to build on the successes of last year’s event as well as the 2010 World cup legacy and bring football and business together...
Also attending the event and amongst the guest speakers was South African football legend Lucas Hadebe who says he hopes events like the Soccerex will catapult South African football to greater heights especially if the ideas shared are implemented...
With football having developed to one of the world’s most lucrative industries with construction deals, sponsorships, merchandising, television rights and player transfers all contributing to an huge commercial benefits for business, countries and sporting personalities. African Nations Championships (CHAN) Local Organising Committee CEO, Mvuzo Mbebe says the focus is now on the grips of the real commercial aspects of football...
Meanwhile with huge expectations placed on South Africa hosting another major football event, the 2014 CHAN tournament, Mbebe says as hosts, it is important for South Africa to maintain the standards set in previous football tournaments. Hosting major events has always brought economic benefits to our shores with South Africa being amongst the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world, Mbebe added that it is in the interests of CHAN as a stake holder to attend the Soccerex and engage business to bring them on board to impact every aspect of the game of football...Journalist: Jefferson Mpungwa
Following Bafana Bafana’s failure to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, head coach Gordon Igesund is looking forward to the future. Igesund announced a youthful 23-man squad to play Morocco in an international friendly set to take place at Agadir New Stadium in Agadir City on the 11th of this month. The squad comprises of 12 overseas based and 11 locally based players. Igesund says with the 2015 African Cup of Nations in mind, the time has come to look ahead…
Igesund has a two pronged approach with this latest squad selection, with uncapped players like Ajax Cape Town’s Keagan Dolly, Bidvest Wits captain Sibusiso “General” Vilakazi, Supersport United goalkeeper Ronwen Williams being prepared for next year’s CHAN tournament. At 31, Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe “Yeye” Letsholonyane is the oldest member in this squad and Igesund says the presence of the old guard is also important…
Igesund who is likely to be retained by the new SAFA leadership under Danny Jordaan despite having failed his two mandates (reach AFCON 2013 semis and qualify for 2014 World Cup in Brazil) is positive about the future of SA football as he also talks about building for the 2018 World Cup in Russia…
With the CHAN tournament being staged here in South Africa from the 11th of January until the 1st of February next year, Igesund has also released his programme which also includes preparations for the 2015 AFCON qualifiers…
Igesund has only selected one Orlando Pirates player in Kermit Erasmus as he is giving the Sea Robbers enough time to prepare for their African Champions League second leg semi-final tie against Esperance in Tunisia on the 20th of this month…
Erasmus is not eligible to play in the Champions League because he is cup-tied having represented Supersport United in the CAF Confederations Cup earlier this year.
However the eagerly awaited talking point was the omission of Ajax Amsterdam’s Thulani Serero, SA’s only representative in the current UEFA Champions League tournament. Igesund says SAFA is handling this matter after Serero was kicked out of the camp last month with the technical team alleging that he had faked an injury…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Platinum Stars skipper Vuyo Mere says finally they managed to supplement their good season. Star beat Orlando Pirates 3-1 on penalties after both teams finished 1 all in regulation time in the MTN8 final at a wet Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday night. According to Mere the achievement was long overdue…
The 29 year-old defender who has won seven trophies during his tenure at Mamelodi Sundowns says the youngsters in the team now know what glory taste like and it won’t be hard to motivate them…
Meanwhile former Bucs striker Takesure Chinyama who’s still bitter about the way he left the Orlando team says he’s happy to be part of the winning team even though he missed a penalty…
However Orlando Pirates supporters braced the wet chilly weather as they came in great numbers and only a handful of Dikwena supporters could be seen, as a result the 31 Zimbabwean international says he was nervous but managed to absorb the pressure…
This was Platinum Stars first trophy since they changed their name from Silver Stars and relocated to the Royal Bafokeng Stadium. Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
Danny Jordaan came out tops when he beat his only challenger, Mandla “Shoes” Mazibuko in the hotly contested South African Football Association (SAFA) presidential election held at an obscurely located Helderfontein Estates in Midrand at the 23rd SAFA elective congress. Jordaan replaces outgoing president Kirsten Nematandani after garnering 162 votes to the 88 Mazibuko got. Jordaan who brings with him vast experience in football administration says this was a landmark day in South African football...
Meanwhile, Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana, Lucas Nhlapo and Elvis Shishana were elected as the three vice-presidents from the five nominated.....
Jordaan says he hopes to improve the coaching situation in South Africa, firstly by increasing their numbers and also improving their qualifications. He was quick to criticise the football culture that South Africa supposedly has and says that not enough football is being played especially within our junior ranks...
Meanwhile Jordaan says not only do the junior ranks have to be improved but also coaching has to be improved drastically. Jordaan says as long as the current structure remains, South Africa will never be on the same level as countries such as Germany and England....Journalist: Jefferson Lupuwana
When SAFA regions vote for the new President on September 28, they need to put principles ahead of personal agendas. That’s the view of SAFA Johannesburg Vice-President Jimmy Bakos who will also be attending the SAFA Elective Congress in Fourways on Saturday. Speaking at the launch of the Clinix Stix Morewa Soccer Challenge in Soweto today, Bakos says these elections are not just about the two Presidential candidates Danny Jordaan and Mandla Mazibuko only…
The SAFA Elective Congress will be held at the Helderfontein Estate in Fourways with the new President and his entire executive expected to be unveiled to the media at around 16h00 on the same day.
Jordaan is up against Mazibuko for the presidential post with seven candidates vying for the three Vice-Presidents slots including Mazibuko again who on his side also has former Bafana Bafana team doctor Dr Victor Ramathesele. Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana still features both sides as a Vice-President candidate. Bakos says time for speeches is over, it’s time for action when it comes to development…
The late Morewa is still remembered as the most successful SAFA President since the country’s return to international football in 1991, the 1996 AFCON success and the vision of hosting a World Cup. Bakos says when Morewa left SAFA under controversial circumstances in 1996 that was the death of football development in SA…
It was during Morewa’s reign that Shakes Mashaba unleashed South Africa in the international youth tournaments. Speaking at the launch of the seventh edition of Stix Morewa tournament in Soweto today, Mashaba remembers him as a friend of development…
From 1996 until 2002, those years can be referred to as the golden years of SA football at a time when SAFA was still new in the international arena. In that period Mashaba coached an u/20 team to it’s first ever FIFA World Cup in Malaysia and proceeded with the bulk of that squad to Sydney 2000 Olympics. And some of those players also dominated the Bafana Bafana 2002 World Cup squad in Korea and Japan. Mashaba credits Morewa’s vision for this…
A number of PSL players have taken part in this Clinix Stix Morewa Soccer Challenge since it’s introduction in 2006, notably the BIDVest Wits duo of Sibusiso “General” Vilakazi and Katlego “English” Pule. The word development has been overused during this electioneering period but Mashaba has a simple message that the right people should do this…
Mashaba who has also coached Bafana Bafana and Swaziland national team says the challenge here at home is that players with no junior national teams experience mushroom at the highest level and it shows at a later stage…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Orlando Pirates coach Roger de Sa says once again he is happy with a draw following their goalless draw with Al Ahly in the Champions league. Bucs became the first team to advance to the final of the MTN8 when they drew 1-1 with Kaizer Chiefs in a pulsating match at Orlando Stadium in Soweto with an aggregate of 2-1. According to De Sa Sifiso Myeni made the difference when he came in for Tlou Segolela…
Meanwhile his opposite number Stuart Baxter says their intentions were clear from the onset that they wanted to win the game, but somehow they lost the rhythm…
However the post-match conference that was supposed to have been about the game turned out to be more about the poor officiating, and once again the two time PSL referee of the year (2000 &2010;) Daniel Bennett who made numerous blunders during the AFCON this year was on the firing line. The English mentor admitted he will watch the game again on DVD and have a second thought on the dubious penalty that was awarded to the Buccaneers and he says he hopes the officials can do the same…
The 60 year-old former Bafana Bafana mentor acknowledged that referees are not consistent with their decisions, and he says maybe he needs be re-educated about some of this rules. According to Baxter the referees’ judge a player based on previous conduct, and he says they are deliberately targeting Willard Katsande whether he is the offender or not…
Meanwhile the Mozambique born mentor, De Sa reiterated Baxter’s sentiments and he says whether the referee made a bad decision or not that could influence the results no one seem to care…
Orlando Pirates will contest the MTN8 Cup against Platinum Stars who beat Wits 2-1 to match into the final with a 6-3 aggregate. The Final will be played on September 28 at Moses Mabhida stadium in Ethekwini. Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi has assured that they will be going for nothing less than three points come the crunch African Champions League encounter against defending champions Al Ahly at Orlando stadium. Pirates are currently sitting three points behind the record seven time champions and a win will see them finishing on top through a superior head to head record. Lekgwathi is aware that should AC Leopards beat Zamalek in the other Group A game, a draw might not be enough…
Al Ahly arrived in Johannesburg and held their first training session.
Pirates led this group from the first round of matches but have suddenly relinquished the top spot after suffering two successive losses against Zamalek and AC Leopards respectively on the road. But Lekgwathi says the boys are still well determined to be amongst the two teams that will be proceeding to the last four come Sunday…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter is positive that his side can defend it’s Absa Premiership title but believes that it’s still too early to talk about who will win the league championship. Chiefs are currently seventh on the log with eight points from five matches. Chiefs host Platinum Stars at the FNB stadium tomorrow evening and Baxter says this season cannot be compared to the previous edition…
Platinum Stars took four points off Chiefs’ campaign last season and were one of the teams that nearly spoilt the party for Amakhosi. Dikwena is also one of only three teams (Bidvest Wits and Mamelodi Sundowns) that remain unbeaten this season, a stat that does not concern Baxter…
There have already been surprising results in the league and Baxter attributes this to the efforts different teams took in preparing for new season in order to overcome last season’s short comings…
With four quality strikers at Chiefs it has also meant that one of two of them will suffer by being constantly on the bench and not getting game time. At first Kingston Nkhatha was the victim and recently Lehlohonolo Majoro has found himself in a similar situation. But Baxter clarifies that the whole selection process is based on fairness and strategies…
So far Chiefs has scored only five goals in the league and four of them came from only two strikers (Bernard Parker and Knowledge Musona). Baxter says the priority for now is on finding a perfect combination upfront…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi has accepted that he can’t play all the matches this season and expects the coach Roger De Sa to rotate the squad to suit their hectic schedule. Pirates are involved four different competitions, the Absa Premiership, African Champions League, MTN 8 and soon will be starting the Telkom Knockout. Speaking ahead of their league clash against struggling rookies Polokwane City, the 38year-old says he doesn’t want to repeat old mistakes…
Lekgwathi a veteran of more than 11years at Pirates says this big club is used to challenging schedules as they are also holding out for a semi-final berth in the Champions League should they beat Al Ahly on Sunday…
Due to Pirates’ hectic schedule this will only be their second league game this season with other teams already on four and five matches respectively. But Lekgwathi says they have to capitalize on the fact that City doesn’t have a coach following Duncan Lechesa’s “resignation” on Monday morning…
Whilst Polokwane City are finding life difficult in the PSL, fellow rookies Mpumalanga Black Aces seem to be coping. They’ve lost two matches already by close margins, beat Amazulu away and came very close to ending log leaders Supersport United’s unbeaten run on Sunday. Aces midfielder Dennis “Yuki” Masina is sending a strong message to Maritzburg United ahead of their clash at Harry Gwala stadium in Pietermaritzburg tonight…
After starting well beating Polokwane City in the opening game of the season, Maritzburg have produced indifferent results since then (lost two and drawn one) and it’s a situation that newly appointed captain Michael Morton hopes they can rectify starting with tonight’s game…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
It will be a repeat of the last year’s Telkom Knockout final when the 32nd edition gets underway in the next two weeks after defending champions Bloemfontein Celtic drew Mamelodi Sundowns. Isiwelele beat the Brazilians 1-0 through a controversial goal to win their first piece of silverware in seven years. Celtic were thrashed 3-1 by Sundowns on the opening weekend of the season but reserve goalkeeper Thembalethu Moses says this will be a different ball game altogether…
Dates and venues will be confirmed later this week but the first game is expected to take place on the 2nd of next month with the final scheduled for the 30th of November this year.
After spending millions of rands in assembling a galaxy of stars (15 new players) Sundowns are itching to win their first trophy in six years. Zimbabwean international Esrom Nyandoro says their league win over Celtic has got no bearing on this first round encounter…
Mpumalanga Black Aces have been impressive in their first four matches in the league despite having also suffered two losses. They drew Orlando Pirates in the first round and there is a strong presence of former Buccaneers in the Aces camp including Dennis Masina…
It is a hectic schedule for the Buccaneers as they will be expected to fit in these games in their already jam-packed programme but Bucs captain Lucky Lekgwathi is ready for the battle…
Maritzburg United were also handed a tricky away draw to the evergreen Platinum Stars, a team that has continued where it left off last season. United newly appointed captain Michael Morton has got all the respect for Dikwena…
Another team that has had a fine start to the new season is Amazulu, who have managed to pick up important away wins already on two occasions. Usuthu goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini is hoping that this will continue with their last 16 fixture away to Free State Stars…
FULL DRAW: The draw: Supersport United v Ajax Cape Town Bloemfontein Celtic v Mamelodi Sundowns Free State Stars v AmaZulu Bidvest Wits v Golden Arrows Platinum Stars v Maritzburg United Mpumalanga Black Aces v Orlando Pirates Polokwane City v Kaizer Chiefs Moroka Swallows v University of Pretoria. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
A structure that is believed to be the missing link in local football, the South African Football Coaches Association (SAFCA) has been resuscitated and will hold it’s elective congress this coming weekend. Part of its objectives is to better the coaching standards in this country through this forum. Former Banyana Banyana coach Greg Mashilo is the Interim President…
Today’s launch was also attended by two PSL coaches in Bidvest Wits’ Gavin Hunt and Supersport United’s Cavin Johnson and they’ve committed themselves to get this structure off the ground. Hunt one of the highly qualified coaches in the country is excited by this project…
Johnson was the founding member of SAFCA back in 1992 and through the School of Excellence where he started a number of coaches were produced. He sets out what is needed…
With 52 regions, 341 Local Football Associations (LFA’s) Mashilo says the current ratio of qualified coaches and instructors does not add up and they will soon organize seminars where educational forums for coaches will be held…
Part of SAFCA’s focus according to Mashilo is to regulate the influx of foreign coaches coming to the country to coach PSL and NFD teams but it’s still not clear how they will be able to enforce that…
But Hunt holds a different view and feels that this structure should instead focus on helping with coaching education at the lower levels of the game than focus on PSL…
Hunt cut his teeth in coaching in the junior structures in the Western Cape and came through the ranks to coach at Seven Stars and Hellenic before becoming the PSL coach of the season at Black Leopards. The three time league championship winning coach says it’s time to start implementing and forget about theory…
SAFCA is also one of the 12 associate members of SAFA and will have a voting status in next week’s elections where Dr Danny Jordaan comes up against Mandla “Shoes” Mazibuko for the Presidential post. This structure has been dormant for more than 20 years and Mashilo knows that questions will be asked as to whether they are rising from the dead because of elections…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Orlando Pirates coach Roger De Sa remains optimistic that his side will make it to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League. This despite the Buccaneers losing one-nil against AC Leopards in Dolisie, Congo.
It was Pirates successive defeat in the competition after losing to Zamalek a fortnight ago. De Sa believes that the conditions were too much for his side…
Pirates needed to beat the Congolese team to secure their place in the semi-finals of Africa's biggest club competition. But they struggled to take their chances in the first half and sat in their own half in the second stanza…
For the first time in this year’s group stages, Pirates have been replaced by Al Ahly at the top of Group A after the defending champions beat their arch-rivals Zamalek 4-2.
The Buccaneers will now have to throw everything into their next game at home against Al Ahly when they meet in the final round of fixtures. De Sa feels that a draw should be enough to see them advancing to the last four…
Contrary to what De Sa is saying, a draw might not be enough for Pirates, more especially if Leopards draw away to Zamalek and have a better head to head record against Pirates.
Pirates were also hampered by injuries and suspensions going to this game but De Sa is positive he will have a full squad to choose from bar long term injuries…
Pirates who have only played one league match this season will resume their campaign against Polokwane City. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Wits coach Gavin Hunt says their match against Ajax Cape Town won’t be easy. Wits will kick start round four of the Absa Premier Soccer League when they exchange wits with Ajax at Bidvest Stadium tomorrow night…
Just like any other coach in the PSL, Hunt says the break won’t do them any good and reckons it will be difficult to carry on the momentum…
However despite the break Hunt is targeting maximum points to keep the pressure on the early pacesetter Supersport United…
Meanwhile Mpumalanga Black Aces communications manager Gordon Masondo says they are ready to bounce back to winning ways against Supersport United. Amazayoni will host Matsatsantsa a Pitori in a must win game for them at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday. According to Masondo they will give Supersport a run for their money…
Unlike Gavin Hunt, Stuart Baxter and other PSL coaches, Masondo says the break came at the right time, and it afforded them the opportunity to work more with the squad…
Meanwhile Masondo also welcomed the appointment of the former Amazayoni captain Jonas ‘Lombi’ Mabusela as an assistant to Clive Barker alongside Johnny Ferreira…
Meanwhile all teams will resume their Premier Soccer League fixtures this weekend, with the exception off Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates who are on duty for the Caf Champions League. Journalist: Tshepo khuzwayo
South African national soccer coach Gordon Igesund says their defeat to neighbours Zimbabwe was a blessing. Bafana lost 2-1 to the Warriors in an international friendly at Orlando Stadium. According to Igesund the majority of the players are not ready to play for Bafana Bafana…
Meanwhile Igesund says he is not too fancied by his poor showing of his team last night. The 57 year-old was at liberty to call his strongest possible squad since it was a FIFA weekend however he opted to experiment with inexperienced youth…
Following the humiliation, Igesund admitted that he will not throw the youngsters at a deep end again but will gradually introduce them to the national team…Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund says he did all he could but unfortunately it was not enough. South Africa failed to go through to the knockout stage of the 2014 Brazil World Cup qualifier even though they beat neighbours Botswana 4-1 at the fortress Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. According to Igesund no one is to blame for their failure to qualify…
Igesund also lauded man of match Dean Furman for his performance on the day. The 25 year-old Doncaster Rovers midfielder complimented his performance on the day by scoring his first goal for the national team, when he made 2-0 just before halftime…
One of the biggest surprises of the day was the inclusion of Bongani Khumalo in the starting lineup. However when Igesund was ask about Khumalo’s performance, he swiftly diverted the question and spoke about the overall performance of his defenders Anele Ngcongca, Thabo Matlaba and Kagiso Dikgacoi…
Khumalo hasn’t played for Bafana since the Africa Cup of Nations five months ago.
Even though Bafana won, the 57 year-old has failed all of his assignments, but he reckons he’s not going anywhere until his contract expires next year. Igesund was employed by SAFA in July last year he was given a mandate to reach the semi-final of the 2013 AFCON and to qualify for the 2014 Brazil World Cup.
Group A leaders Ethiopia cut Bafana’s lifeline as they came from behind to beat Central African Republic 2-1, to advance to the knockout stage. Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
Competition is so tight in the current Bafana Bafana team set-up that even established players are not sure about their starting berths. Speaking to the media this morning just before their training session in Durban, Kaizer Chiefs marksman Bernard Parker says the healthy competitive spirit in the team augurs well for them ahead of the crunch 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against neighbours Botswana at the Moses Mabhida stadium on September 7…
Parker, Tokelo Rantie and Kermit Erasmus are the strikers in this team and the common thing about these three is their height. However head coach Gordon Igesund is more concerned about the created chances that are not being converted and Parker admits it’s something that has to be dealt with starting with this weekend’s game…
Parker scored the opening goal and unfortunately later in the game scored an own goal as well against Ethiopia during the 2-1 away loss in Addis Ababa in June. After that game it had seemed as if Bafana’s chances of going to Brazil were dead and buried but a lifeline was to be thrown to SA after Ethiopia had used a defaulter against Botswana and were docked points by FIFA. Despite having a chance of qualifying, Parker still feels that Ethiopia carries a huge advantage…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
SAFA Vice -President Dr Danny Jordaan has promised to work very closely with Dr Irvin Khoza for the betterment of South African football. Jordaan who is a Presidential candidate endorsed by the Football Transformation Forum (FTF) for the SAFA Elections at the end of this month, addressed the media for the first time yesterday ahead of the big day on the 28th of this month. Jordaan who is set to go toe to toe with fellow SAFA Vice President Mandla ”Shoes” Mazibuko for the top post has spoken glowingly about how his partnership with Khoza can turn around SA football. Journalist: Velile Mbuli
It is approximately five months since Bongani Khumalo was dropped as Bafana Bafana captain and also not called up to the team but there are no hard feelings from the English based defender. Khumalo is returning to Bafana for the first time since he led the team to the African Cup of Nations quarter-finals in February. Bafana tackle Botswana at the Moses Mabhida stadium on Saturday in a 2014 World Cup qualifier and need nothing less than a win hope that Central African Republic avoids a loss against Ethiopia. The Doncaster Rovers centre-back is relieved to be back in the national team...
Khumalo spent last season on loan to Greek side PAOK before moving to Doncaster Rovers recently on another load deal from English Premiership giants Tottenham Hotspur. He says his club form has never been in doubt...
Khumalo was part of the team when they dropped some two valuable points in Botswana last year and says this coming weekend’s qualifier should be treated like a cup final. But he also reveals that he's not been following the progress of Bafana very closely in the past five months....
Journalist: Velile Mbuli
The withdrawal of Dr Irvin Khoza from the forthcoming SAFA Elections led to many to believe that now it’s for Dr Danny Jordaan to lose but not so according to the other Presidential candidate Mandla “Shoes” Mazibuko. The SAFA elective congress will take place in Johannesburg on the 28th of this month. Mazibuko says their group met this past weekend to realign their strategy and have also wooed some other NEC members from the rival camp…
SABC Sport understands that this group amongst it’s top four will have one of the respected former Bafana Bafana technical team members. Mazibuko reveals that they’ve built a formidable team…
However the issue of numbers has been disturbing so far with one camp claiming to have 29 regions and the other 32 when there are only 52 SAFA regions. Currently three regions Bojanala (North West), Mkhanyakude (KZN) and Capricorn (Limpopo) have to before the SAFA Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) and Mazibuko feels that no camp can claim to have them in their corner yet…
At times during this campaigning process football fans seemed to get worried that name calling and character assassinations were going to be the order of the day. But it’s the interference of the staff that mainly concerns Mazibuko as they seem to be deeply divided between the two camps…
The incumbent Kirsten Nematandani had hoped to get re-elected on the 28th of this month but unfortunately couldn’t get a single nomination from the regions or associate members. But recently he’s been linked to Mazibuko’s group and it’s something that the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA) President couldn’t confirm nor deny…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Orlando Pirates coach Roger De Sa says he is very disappointed by the controversial penalties given to home teams in Africa. De Sa shared his sentiments during the teams arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, following his team’s 2-1 defeat to Egyptian giants Zamalek over the weekend. According to De Sa their goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa who was the hero away to Al Ahly, could not save them this time around…
Meanwhile Buccaneers skipper Lucky Lekgwathi who was on the receiving end for allegedly conceding a penalty says despite the defeat the mood in the camp is still high…
Orlando Pirates top Group A on goals difference on the same points with Al Ahly, while AC Leopards and Zamalek are three back on 4 points. Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
Questions around the oversupply of foreign players at Mamelodi Sundowns have continued to dominate media briefings and this past weekend’s post match conference was no exception. In total there are 12 foreign players at Sundowns including the naturalised players. After confirming Zambian international Mukuka Mulenga and Khama Billiat a week ago, the number of foreigners due for registration grew to seven. Asked by the media after their 1-nil win over Golden Arrows, on how they’ve managed to accommodate all these players, this was Mosimane’s response…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
After months of speculation, Dr Danny Jordaan has been nominated for the SAFA Presidency and will contest the SAFA elections on the 28th of next month. The SAFA Vice-President has accepted the nomination that also has Lucas Nhlapo, Elvis Shisana and Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana as his proposed elected deputies. SABC Sport has seen the nomination forms that came from 32 out of 52 regions of SAFA supporting Jordaan and his group. Football Transformation Forum’s (FTF) Secretary General Mzwandile Maforvane…
Last night was the deadline for the submission of nomination forms and it’s still not clear whether PSL chairman and SAFA Vice President Dr Irvin Khoza has accepted his nomination with questions of eligibility still surrounding him. Maforvane has more on the criteria they used on the nomination of Vice-Presidents…
Nonkonyana currently a SAFA Vice-President had earlier been nominated by the Khoza group as well but Maforvane clears the confusion…
The incumbent Kirsten Nematandani was the first candidate to announce that he’s standing for re-election but at the time of going on air, no region had nominated him and if that’s the case he will be eliminated from the race. Maforvane has revealed that they will be announcing their plans tomorrow and explains how their regions have grown to 32…
Some of the names that dominate the national list of the NEC include Advocate Norman Arendse, Truman Prince and Xolile Kompela but it’s appearance of Ria Ledwaba (former Ria Stars owner), Nomsa Mahlangu and Nastasia Tsichlas (former Mamelodi Sundowns MD) on this list that becomes interesting. Maforvane says it shows that they have a clear vision on the role women have to play in local football…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter says the game could have gone either way. Chiefs were held to a 1-1 draw by Moroka Swallows in the Absa Premier Soccer League at Soccer City last night. Swallows were first to score through Lerato Chabangu shortly after halftime and Bernard Park leveled matter through a penalty. According to Baxter there were too many mistakes from both sides…
The 60 year-old did not hide the way his defense has been playing lately, and he says today they were very erratic…
Meanwhile his opposite number Zeca Marques said he was happy to have walked away with a point…
After losing the last seven games to Chiefs and last night nearly getting maximum points, Marques says his team is slowly moving into the right direction…Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter says it was evident that his players were panicking as they made countless mistakes within the first 30 minutes. Bafana Bafana winger Daine Klate scored the only goal of the match to give the visitors Orlando Pirates a 1-0 cushion in the MTN8 semifinal first leg at FNB Stadium. According to Baxter Pirates took full advantage of his jittering players…
Meanwhile Baxter conceded that there was nothing to grumble about, but he feels that they could have got something in the second half as they displayed better quality football…
Bucs coach Roger de Sa admitted that Chiefs were vulnerable in the first half, but he says things got even tighter as the game progressed…
Pirates made some changes in second half bringing in Thamsanqa Gabuza, Kermit Erasmus and Manti Moholo. Meanwhile the 48 year-old mentor says with those changes they hoping to catch Chiefs on a counter…
It was the first win for Roger de Sa against Kaizer Chiefs since he took of Orlando Pirates last season. And it was also his first win against Chiefs in 9 outings with different teams (Wits and Santos). Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
Kaizer Chiefs midfield maestro Reneilwe Letsholonyane says they are ready to continue from where they left off against archrivals Orlando Pirates during the Carling Black Label when they exchange blows in the first leg of the MTN8 at FNB Stadium on August 24. Chiefs are yet to lose a match in the last three outings dating back to the pre-season tournaments, while Pirates are also on a high following their 4-1 victory against Egyptian giants Zamalek in the CAF Champions league, but they are yet to win a domestic match after going down 1-0 to AmaZulu in their first league game. According to Yeye, playing Pirates is always exciting irrespective of the number of games they have played against them…
The Chiefs Pirates derby has been heavily criticised for the failure to not produce enough goals, with the exception of the March 2012 encounter where Pirates beat Amakhosi by 3-2. However Yeye was quick to brush aside those criticisms saying as a team they would love to score more goals but they are not playing alone…
Meanwhile Bucs skipper Lucky Lekgwathi says Chiefs hasn’t changed much in last two years and they hoping that history can repeat its self. Pirates have been regular winners of the Carling Black Label Cup since its inception three seasons ago but in this year’s competition Chiefs had the bragging rights…
Despite the positive vibe in the Pirates camp recently, Lekgwathi was also cautious on the fire power Chiefs posses and he says anyone of those players is capable of causing an upset…
Pirates have couple of casualties, but the positive news from the camp though is the return of Bafana Bafana defender Siyabonga Sangweni. Meanwhile their 37 year-old skipper Lekgwathi hopes Andile Jali will also be available for this crucial game…
Bucs and Bafana Bafana left winger Daine Klaite admitted Lennox Bacela was a huge revelation for Pirates upfront. The 28 year-old says in the absence of Collins Mbesuma due to injury, but they are still dangerous upfront…
Last season the teams played to successive draws in their two league clashes. In fact, five of their last eight league encounters have ended in draws. Journalist: Tshepo Khuzwayo
The audio is a combination of English and Nguni. It was for the first time in four years that Mamelodi Sundowns finished outside the top eight in the Absa Premiership last season and coach Pitso Mosimane knew right there that his team needed a major overhaul. And he hasn’t wasted anytime to do that signing 15 top quality players. The Brazilians are known for splashing their millions on the local talent but to Mosimane this season their signings are informed by a bigger picture…
Mosimane agrees that signing so many players and releasing a number of them as well might be seen as a circus by certain people but they know what they are doing…
Sundowns has not just brought in 15 players but released 14 as well, Mosimane makes sure that the club’s critics have got that message…
From the first day when Mosimane arrived at Sundowns last season he’s always complained about the lack of balance in the team especially upfront and it’s something that he now believes is rectified…Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Despite making history and becoming the first team in the continent to beat Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Zamalek in two consecutive games, Orlando Pirates coach Roger De Sa has reminded his charges that they have not achieved anything yet. The 4-1 drubbing of Zamalek at Orlando stadium saw the Buccaneers opening a three point lead at the top of African Champions League Group A. De Sa says qualification for the semi-finals is not a certainty yet…
Al Ahly registered their first win in the group stages beating Congolese side AC Leopards 1-0 away.
Pirates are now left with three games in the group stages, their next two matches are away to Zamalek (1st September) and AC Leopards (14th September) before closing here at home against Al Ahly on the 21st of September. De Sa says because all the teams will be going all out to get points he’s expecting open games…
After three matches played in this competition, the Buccaneers remain the only unbeaten team in both groups and they’ve scored more goals (seven) than any other team. This coming weekend they face Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN 8 semi-final first leg on the back of these wonderful results. And De Sa believes that they are living their dream…
Journalist: Velile Mbuli
Nigerian men's national squad coach Stephen Keshi remains upbeat about his side's chances against Malawi in a do-or-die World Cup qualifier tie in Calabar in Nigeria next month. Keshi - whose side beat South Africa 2-0 in a mid-week international friendly away - insists the entire Nigeria as a country and his players are waiting for Malawi. Nigeria drew 2-2 with Guinea at home during the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers two years ago and observers reckon history could repeat itself. But Keshi thinks otherwise, declaring everything is ready...
Keshi says his players commitment and attitude against South Africa in Durban were spot on. He admits his charges' tactical awareness and ball possession were critical for his sides' victory.
After a draw with Namibia in their recent World Cup qualifier tie, Keshi admits that the trip to Durban was good on all fronts; as it helped build team spirit, unity among his players and above all give other new players an opportunity to stake their claim in the Super Eagles.
Journalist: Coudjoe Amankwaa