LekokoLaSpace: Recent Episodes
By Koketso
LekokoLaSpace is a South African football based podcast by fans that is independent in it's approach. We seek to bridge the gap between the ordinary fan, players, coaches and administrators.
Do we know which criteria is used to select the footballer of the season? In this episode we speak to football commentator Brian Mofokeng, who is also part of the judging panel for player awards.
We had a chat with the Vice President of Yanga FC, Mr Haji Arafat. The aim being the epic CAF Champions League Clash between Yanga FC vs Sundowns. Will there be hostility in Tanzania? Can Sundowns come out alive of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium?
In this episode we have a discussion with a powerhouse of SA football. We take a journey from her Ria Stars days to the recent SAFA vice presidency episode and the drama that comes with it.
Did you know that the Laliga has offices across Africa, and has helped build academies to help develop the sport in the Continet? In this episode we discuss the plan and approach in making sure development of future stars that will play in the league is carried out properly
Muhsin Ertugral, a coach that came to South African and made it a mission to give young talent a chance. In this episode we find out what his secret is to build a winning team.
Women in football. Take a room and put in an agent, a sportscaster and a coach of a national football team, then you have a conversation that tackles challenges women experience in the sport. in this episode we have Coach Simphiwe Dludlu, Jessica Nkomo, Naledi Aphane.
There has been a lot of doubt cast over Bafana's preparation for the AFCON. In this episode we have a chat with Banyana Banyana administrator and Former Bafana player who represented the national team in one of the worst Bafana appearance at the AFCON, Ricardo Katza.
It's the beginning of the AFCON 2023, and in the room we managed to get a member of the Ghana 2010 World Cup Quarterfinalist, John Paintsil, Soccer Laduma Reporter, Kamogelo Motecwane and Football Guru, Floyd Mbele to analyze the chances each team has in the tournament.
Qualified or unqualified? How much of a role do coaching qualifications play in influencing a coach's philosophy. Will the coaching minimum qualification requirement have a positive influence on the South African football at large? In this episode we have a chat with coach Dan Malesela on his thoughts regarding the changes.
Dondol Stars was the best performing Semi Pro team in the 2023 Nedbank Cup. That brought an exodus of players to PSL team. Did they get compensation for all that talent?
Dondol's chairman, Lordwick Makhura and Accredited FIFA agent, Clinton Mphahlele unpack the Development Compensation conversation for us.
SAFA has officially set the minimum requirements for PSL coaches when the 2024/2025 starts.
We put a former PSL Coach, Owen Da Gama, A top journalist, Tiyani Mabasa, and Transfermrkt's Sahil Ebrahim to try and find out what "The Chiefs Way " is.
Question: Is it possible to put a fee on a development player?
Listen in, and learn all about the details of development player's contract.
Apologies for the technical glitch experienced during the recording of this episode
A discussion on Dr Kaizer Motaung's Hall of Fame - Mr Floyd Mbele takes Kaizer Chiefs supporter, Man B on a history lesson of how Kaizer Chiefs came to be.
Random Fact: Did you know Dr Kaizer Motaung is a fan of Wolverhampton FC, and that's where KC colours came from.
Do people know the difference between banter and insults? Can fans get into trouble for what they think is just banter? In this episode we are joined by Fans from different teams and an attorney, Thokozani Nkabinde.
In this episode we have a chat with Mr Pound for Pound. His plans for Chippa United to play in the CAF Champions League, and how he plans on navigating to the destination.
What better way to be in the know about the transfer window than to have journos from Unplayable, iDiski and Soccer Laduma in one room? Listen in to hear all the scoops
We often hear the term, "an option" has been exercised when a player's contract comes to an end, but do we really understand what that is all about? Do we understand how and when the "option" can be exercised? Which steps does the team have to follow? In this episode we speak to football administrator, Floyed Mbele and Cape Town Spurs player, Michael Morton about player contracts.
There's talent and then there's Cassius Mailula. At 21 years of age he's set to represent South Africa in the MLS. His ambition is to ultimately play football in Europe, for Chelsea. In this episode we get to speak the former Mamelodi Sundowns player.
We have heard stories about TS Galaxy's players' salaries not being paid. There was also a leaked audio. Now what would players who find themselves in that situation do? What are their rights? What would be the way forward? In this episode we discuss the players rights and how the South African Football Players Union would be able to help them out.
We've always had the impression that our league is at least amongst the best in the continent, right? I mean the commercial side suggests so. Is that why we were shocked by the recent announcement by the IFFHS ranking the PSL below the Tanzanian league? In this episode we have a discussion on how the rankings work, why the inactivity in our league is the reason we could possibly be lowly ranked and also compare the standard of our league to those in the continent.
Every building project has a a specific set of material and a deadline. Ask any project manager about the expected turnaround time and more likely that not they would advise to budget for disappointments. Kaizer Chiefs is undergoing a rebuilding phase. The introduction of the Technical Director and a new coach brought an opportunity to realign and head in the right direction. It provided a chance to fix errors of the past. Are they on the right track? Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Should fans trust the process? In this episode we discuss the team's progress and what needs to be done.
We do apologise for the sound quality of this episode
"SHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKES" The whole stadium would shout whenever he touched the ball. As he dazzles the opponents with sultry skills. In this episode we have a chat about why players from the East Rand are known for their lack of discipline. How player power managed to get Gordon Igesund to reconcile. What playing against Ronaldinho was like and the vision President Patrice Motsepe had for his team is now coming to fruition.
The role of a football agent is never an easy one. Not only are you managing talent, but constantly demanded to have the best in the game, manage their personalities, deal with team owners who sometimes do not value the role they play and then protect the integrity of the role from imposters constantly looking to make a quick buck. In this episode we have a round table discussion with the first FIFA accredited agent in the continent, Karabo Mathang-Tshabuse and one of the most astute player representative in the land Basia Michaels - The A Team as we call it. Have a listen in on the discussion regarding the advantage they have in being qualified lawyers in the field and how they have managed to become the best in the industry.
Not often do we delve into the Football Science side of things on this podcast, so you must know that it take someone very special and who is diligent to get us to step out of our comfort zone. In this episode we have one one the best Biokineticist and Fitness conditioner, Simonè Conley. The former HighlandsPark and current Sundowns ladies team fitness conditioner gives a day in her time to discuss the role she played at getting the PSL team to be one of the fittest in the country.
What exactly does it take to broadcast a football match? Listen in and find out exactly what goes on behind the scenes to bring the beautiful game to our tellies.
The transfer window has barely opened and already we are seeing a great deal of activity in the market. In this episode we discuss the transfer rumours with Makonco as well as SS analyst Karabo Phasha. We also the previlage of being joined by QT Sport Agent, Basia Michael as well as Chippa United General Manager Morgan Mammila
In this episode we take have a round table discussion with KC supporters where they take responsibility for the season ahead. Expectation for coach Arthur Zwane were also ironed discussed as well as the new signings
In a tell all Portia exposes how female footballers are treated in SA by the federation.
We have a chat with a man that's responsible for giving the Orlando Pirates supporters the tag of "Happy People". In this episode we get to touch on the squad of 2004
In this episode we have a chat with former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Brian Baloyi as well as Nqobile of CashNSport to discuss the supposed deal the FA has signed as well as the development in our football.
The role of the assistant coach in the PSL? Are they just there to be ball boys and carry cones as many think? In this episode we find out more as to what is happening behind the scenes.
What's video Analysis in the grand scheme of things? In this episode we get to discuss the process behind video analysis and the thorough approach it requires for one to be effective.
Sundowns Vs Al Ahly Match Preview with coach Cavin Johnson, Shakes Rampedi and Pro Philani. How the Sundowns Trio taught coach Pitso a football lesson.
We often undermine the role DRs play in the beautiful game. And if we take a closer look at the role they play we might be shocked at how influential they are. I mean think about it, no player can be signed at a team without the go ahead of the medical team. In this episode we discuss the importance of having a sound medical team in any of the PSL teams. Dr Sphamandla Ndlovu and Dr Singe Chonco are the guest and they bring valuable insight to the lay person.
Has the role of the PRO in the PSL deemed redundant? In this episode we reminisce with some of the soccer loving supporters on the role primarily created to cater for the very same supporters. Is the reason we are seeing a steady decline of bums on seats because there's no one to listen to them anymore? I
Mr Ref GP!!! Yep you guessed right. In this episode we have a look at the Referee that could handle the Afcon Final. We get to find out what makes the man tick and of course his relationship with Gabuza.
What's better than discussing transfer rumours with Fabrizio Romano? Discussing transfer rumours with 2 Fabrizio Romanos! Actually hold that though! Fabrizio calls himself "Mazola Makonco" when he's about to serve facts. In this chat we get to discuss all the latest movements in the PSL and what the future could hold for teams that cannot compete in the transfer market.
"How best do we take football to the next level?" - A loaded question I might add. This question forces us to think and device a way forward. It forces us to come up with a plan and slogan that will take us to the next level as a football loving nation. But most importantly it forces us to introspect.
In this episode we have a critical conversation where we focus on the problems we have that are preventing us from progressing. It's high time we do not shun away from seeing the mistakes we are constantly making and understanding what makes us repeat them time and time again. Once we have a total comprehension of those, it is then we can say we understands how we can take our football to the next level.
You probably know him as the voice of sports every time you tune your frequency to 98.7, Power FM. But have you ever asked yourself what makes the man tick?! In this episode we get a chance to discuss cars, Nigerian Music, Law and of course Politics. Yep, those are some of the elements that makes the ship sail. Have a listen, I promise you won't regret.
We are halfway through the DSTV Premiership season and befittingly so we had to convene a panel of well-rounded analysts to discuss what an abnormality this Sundowns team is, how Baxter's charges have bounced back. We look at how draws have setback the Sea robbers and how Baroka could face relegation amongst other things.
In this episode we get to discuss a topic never discussed before. We have seen administrators change sides because of money and players move teams because they are not happy, but have we ever considered what would happen if supporters prioritised their happiness?
In a continuation from part on I reshuffled the panel to bring a fresh perspective into the topic. This time around the focus was more on knockout tournaments and the role sponsors play in bringing supporters back to the stadium. I'm joined by Bronson Mokabela and Bongani Ntshingilawho bring a wealth of information to the topic.
In this episode we had the privilege of hosting one of the most established sportscaster of our generation- Thato Moeng. A very light-hearted chat where we get to know more about Thato the person and her dreams and ambitions.
In a conversation with punter - Hendrick Maoka, our resident sports finance guru Nqobile, and from HollywoodBets Devin Heffer as well as Banele Pikwa from HollywoodBets we touched on a topic unlike no other - Sports Betting. We got to learn what terms such as "Odds", "bookies" and "overs" all mean. Tricks as well as advice on responsible betting were shared.
We call them all sorts of names because we feel that as fans we feel that it is up to us to call them out when they are not performing on the field. That may be true to some degree, but what are the long term effects? In this episode I have the pleasure of having former Bafana player Matthew Booth, Former SABCSport Analyst Chris Bongo and a qualified Pshycologist Tebogo. We get to discuss the importance of footballers taking charge of their mental health.
What better way than to get the full story from the horse's mouth?! In a tell all, we got former Black Leopards midfield wizards Christopher Netshidzivhe to tell his tale about why former pros experience financial challenges. He also got to tell us about his first contract, the people that represented him and the denied move to SuperSport United FC even though he had signed a precontract.
*Please note, for the sake of the interviewee being able to tell his story we had to sometimes use a language he is comfortable in
He could have potentially been a national hockey player or a sprinter, but as football supporters we have to be grateful the day Mark decided to choose football over the other 2 disciplines. A firm believer in God who has allowed his religion be the moral compass throughout his career. Have a listen as we take a journey of Mark Haskins as he evolved from being a pro player to an analyst and a development coach.
From a very young age it was evident that Calvin Sosibo had a plan on how to maximise being a pro footballer. He left nothing to chance. In this chat we get to find out how his journey in football, more especially playing overseas has impacted him and the lessons he had learn quickly in managing his finances.
Firstly let me apologise for the poor sound when class was in session as "the professor" was handing out a lecture in playing between half spaces and the skinning of defenders alive. Mark took us on a chapter in his life where he was the darling of the Green & White and the Black & White institutions.
We've seen her strutting her staff interviewing prominent figures in the sporting arena, football to be more precise , but what if we were to reverse the roles?! On this 1h30 minute chat we get to know the lady behind the hard questions, the love for sport and the block button.
What started out as a casual chat, turned into an impromptu round table discussion about the progress of our national team. On the panel Thando is joined by coach Rulani Mokwena , Award winning Journo -Velile Myando, Football agent -Basia Michael, Football Analyst-Pro Philani, Former Bafana Bafana player- Matthew Booth and the football community. What was discussed was the importance of having someone as honest as Hugo Broos taking charge of reviving our national team.
We close off the heritage feature with a round-table discussion with the resident expert analyst - Pule Jakkals and former Baroka FC General Manager. We quickly have a discussion about Baroka, Chippa as well as the University of South African Football Jomo Cosmos.
We finally get to have a headliner on the platform. And yes I'm being literal about it as we chat to the one and only king of the pen, Tiyani Mabasa. The Director/Editor of FarPost takes us on a journey of how he got to build a name for himself as one of the best journos in the country.
In this episode we have a chat with Mike Makaab, a pioneer of football agents in the country. We took the chat all the way back to his playing days, when he was coached by Clive Barker, to when he subsequently worked with the same man at Bafana Bafana in the Afcon winning squad and eventually becoming a football agent.
Ok I do understand that any chat over 4 hours is ridiculous, but this is Mamelodi Sundowns FC we are talking about. The most successful team in modern day era. I somehow knew I was gonna get lost in the chat as nostalgia got the better of me. After all I was born in Mamelodi. In this episode I am joined by fellow Sundowns supporter as we unpack the heritage of the club. We really got lost in the moment, but I promise it is worth it.
We see teams kitted in beautiful attire when they get on the field. Do we really know what goes on behind the scenes. The technology used to make the kit, the marketing, etc. In this episode industry expert take us through a journey of being a technical sponsor.
In a 2 part episode, we put the microscope on the development of the South African player:
-
In part one we have a panel of development coaches ( Coach Selekedi, Coach Simon and coach Vuyo)
-
In part two we invited Coach Rulani Mokwena and fitness and conditioning coach, Gontse to join the panel and discuss what is basically lacking from an average developed player.
From 1969... to 2021 the heritage of Kaizer Chiefs is second to none. In this episode we ask ntate Sadaam Maake, Pule, Lazola, Mshengu and Khumo to take us down memory lane.
For this heritage month we took the liberty to go through the biggest institution's(Orlando Pirates) time line. The formation, the trophies, the drought, the violence...
How much does the PSL value heritage? A lot of supporters feel that the PSL is centred around the sponsors more than the league itself, which then compromises the history of the league. In this discussion we take a look at ways and means the to find a balance between the 2.
One of our most brutal and controversial chats we have had. Coach Kerr tell it all, from him winning the Nedbank Cup to his departure TTM
A round table discussion with football supporters who have felt the need to create their own content. We get to discuss the drive behind their passion, challenges experience and the love and hate they get from fellow supporters.
Episode feature: Masandawana Fan Vlog, Amakhosi4Live, Football Stalkers, Coffee With Aunty Disky, Ms Eleanor, Shabba, Ta Fitty, Muzi, Lungi and Tebogo Ziyesh.
A discussion with Maritzburg Utd FC's Football and Operational Manager, Quiton Jettoo and Shumba Academy's Chairperson, Siya Loyilane about the financial implications Covid 19 has had on professional and amateur teams.
A thorough discussion as we put the spotlight on the benefit the players get from the Image Rights. Nhlanhla Shabalala (SAFPU) highlights some of the battles the union experiences in ensuring these rights are compensated fairly by the league.
Is being a football commentator something you are born with or something you can learn?
The DSTV 21/22 season team by team preview. We first had to look back at the season that was and provide a detailed analysis of the teams' performance and them give an insightful prediction.
Part 1 as we tackle We tackle the issue of player image and autograph rights in the PSL as we have a chat
An honest chat with AmaZulu FC owner where he outlines the team's ambitions for the new season, their approach to the CAF Champions League and the marketing strategy to growing the Usuthu brand.
National First Division Update with James Mayinga, Simphiwe Dludlu and Matome Kganakga.
- Discussing effective Marketing strategies with Marketing extraordinaire - Nqobile Gama
2.Discovering the Roles of football agents in the PSL
Moroka Swallows Chairman draws comparisons between the season they had in the NFD and their First season back in top flight football. He also affords us an opportunity to chat with his technical team to gauge the level of preparations that goes on behind the scene.
A one of a kind space with Robert Marawa as he engages the listeners with utmost honesty. In this episode he reveals why he was removed from SABC, his SuperSport contract and which local team he supports. Listen up as you learn more about Icon