Author: Rethabile Nyelele

In a move that has sent ripples through African football, Egyptian giants Al Ahly have officially announced the appointment of Spanish tactician Jose Riveiro as their new head coach. The confirmation came on Thursday evening through the club’s social media platforms, putting an end to weeks of speculation. Pirates Part Ways With Riveiro The decision follows Orlando Pirates’ shock revelation that Riveiro would be departing before the conclusion of his contract, which was initially set to expire at the end of June. The Buccaneers confirmed that the coach had requested an early release after securing a deal with a new…

Former national captain Dane van Niekerk faces a crucial test if she hopes to don the Proteas jersey again ahead of the upcoming Women’s World Cup in India. She had stepped away from international duty in 2023, and van Niekerk’s path back into the squad is far from straightforward. Time Trial Setback Still Lingers Van Niekerk’s exit from the national setup followed her omission from the 2023 T20 World Cup squad, hosted here in the country. That decision came after she failed to meet Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) fitness requirement: completing a 2km run in 9 minutes and 30 seconds.…

Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi has officially confirmed that long-serving club captain Innocent Maela is preparing to take a different direction in his football career. Ncikazi, speaking after Pirates’ 1-1 draw with Magesi FC at Orlando Stadium, lauded Maela as a remarkable individual on and off the pitch. Innocent Maela’s Farewell Signals A Shift The 32-year-old defender made a rare appearance in what now appears to be his final match as a Buccaneer, with growing speculation that he is transitioning into a non-playing role at the club. The match saw Maela bid an emotional farewell to supporters when he…

South Africa’s national football team has unveiled an exciting Bafana Bafana squad for their upcoming international friendlies. Several rising stars from Orlando Pirates are grabbing the spotlight. Led by head coach Hugo Broos, the selection blends youth and experience. It offers new opportunities for emerging talent to make their mark on the senior stage. Bright Prospects from Orlando Pirates Earn Call-Ups Two promising Pirates youngsters, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Mohau Nkota, are set to earn their first senior national team caps. Mbokazi, who only recently debuted at club level, has enjoyed a rapid rise this season. Nkota’s standout performances for the…

With another lacklustre campaign behind them, speculation has been rife around the future of Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi. However, insiders close to the club have indicated that the Tunisian mentor is not heading anywhere just yet. Kaizer Chiefs’ Standards Slipping The 2024/25 season has done little to restore Kaizer Chiefs’ former glory. For the second consecutive year, the Soweto giants failed to secure a top-eight finish in the Betway Premiership under Nasreddine Nabi’s leadership, which continues to frustrate the club’s loyal fanbase. Their ninth-place standing is a far cry from the expectations placed on a club of such…

Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi has promised a stronger and more determined Buccaneers outfit next season. This comes following their 1-1 draw with Magesi FC at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening. The result brought down the curtain on a Betway Premiership campaign that ended in a rather subdued fashion for the Soweto giants. A Flat Ending to a Dramatic Season While the 2023/24 league title had already been decided in Mamelodi Sundowns’ favor nearly two weeks earlier, Pirates were still required to honor their final fixture. This match was played days after what was dubbed the league’s final weekend.…

Kaizer Chiefs appear to be edging closer to securing the signature of Bafana Bafana winger Oswin Appollis. Reports suggest that negotiations between the club and the player are now at an advanced stage. A Longstanding Target for the Soweto Giants Amakhosi have reportedly held a strong interest in the Polokwane City attacker for close to two years. Before the current season kicked off, Chiefs are believed to have tabled an offer for the player. However, it was turned down by Rise and Shine. The club’s pursuit has continued, and it now seems the move could materialise ahead of the new…

Zakhele Lepasa appears to be on the verge of leaving Orlando Pirates as the season concludes. This follows a frustrating campaign in which he did not feature in any competitive matches. At 28, the striker has endured a challenging period. He finds himself completely sidelined from first-team action. He missed out on opportunities in the Betway Premiership, all domestic cup fixtures, and the Buccaneers’ CAF Champions League campaign. A Career Stagnating Once considered a key attacking option, Lepasa’s decline has been steep. During the 2022/23 season, he was loaned out to SuperSport United where he displayed flashes of his former…

The race for the 2024/25 South African United Rugby Championship (URC) Player of the Season is heating up, with 17 standout players from the country’s four franchises shortlisted following a campaign filled with thrilling performances. The prestigious honour, which recognises the most impactful local player in the competition, will be awarded on Thursday, 5 June. Top Trio Leads the Pack Among the most talked-about nominees are three players whose performances have consistently caught the eye — one from the Stormers and two from the Bulls. Stormers fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been pivotal in orchestrating his side’s attacking game this season,…

Kaizer Chiefs’ long-serving football manager Bobby Motaung finds himself embroiled in fresh legal woes. Court documents have been filed seeking the sequestration of his estate. This follows a longstanding financial dispute involving millions of rands tied to a property transaction dating back over a decade. Property Deal Comes Back to Haunt Kaizer Chiefs Boss According to a report by Sunday World, Pent Up Investment CC has approached the Johannesburg High Court in a bid to recover outstanding funds allegedly owed by Motaung. The company’s head, Costas Couremetis, alleges that Motaung still owes more than R4.3 million stemming from a 2009…