WATCH: Exciting opening of revamped uMhlathuze soccer stadium
ALSO READ: WATCH: PSL officials inspect uMhlathuze stadium
Emphasis was on the tangible benefits the R200-million investment will bring to the city and district, beginning this weekend when the KZN Premier's Cup will be hosted at the stadium.
Excited football fanatic Innocent Khanyile is among the many who can't wait for visiting teams to enter 'The Slaughterhouse'.
Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 060 784 2695
Instagram – zululand_observer
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
18 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Transfer window hits and misses
Orlando Pirates have been the busiest PSL club this offseason, with eleven confirmed signings already boosting squad depth ahead of the new campaign. The likes of Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi headline the arrivals, showcasing the club's clear intent to compete on all fronts. Despite this aggressive recruitment drive, not everything has gone to plan. Two top-tier targets (Fiston Mayele and Fawaaz Basadien) have eluded the Mayfair side, with both players seemingly closing in on moves elsewhere — one locally and the other to a foreign destination. The latter missed Stellenbosch training yesterday amid Mamelodi Sundowns links, suggesting that an exit is all but confirmed. Questions remain over a rising star's future Adding to the uncertainty is the ongoing saga surrounding one of the team's most promising young stars, Relebohile Mofokeng. The talented attacker has attracted interest from abroad, with clubs in Europe, North Africa, and the United States reportedly tracking his progress. His father has made his position crystal clear: he wants his son to leave South African football this season and take the next step abroad. 'He needs to compete in UEFA competitions. If he goes to Saudi now, he won't experience that. Yes, he'd be rich — but happiness is more important,' he stated. While Pirates have not officially commented on the situation, fans are understandably nervous. Losing such a promising player could undo some of the gains made this transfer window. The transfer window is still open, and anything can happen. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
Ranked: FIVE best Kaizer Chiefs coaches in the PSL era
Kaizer Chiefs have had some great coaches over the past 55 years, but the focus here is on the five best coaches since the inception of the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Only two coaches in the club's history have won the league title within the last 30 years, indicating a lack of consistency. While the club enjoyed success in terms of trophies since their formation, everything changed in 2015 when Stuart Baxter left, leading to a decade without any silverware. The trophy drought came to an end in May when they won the Nedbank Cup. 1. Ted Dumitru The late Romanian coach led Amakhosi to their first PSL league title in the 2003/04 season. Nicknamed 'Master Ted,' Dumitru successfully defended the title the following season in a memorable campaign. During the championship race, Amakhosi managed to overtake the season-long leaders, Orlando Pirates, in the last game of the season. Dumitru was praised for his strategic approach to matches and for inspiring Amakhosi's late-season surge. 2. Muhsin Ertugral Ertugral is one of the most iconic coaches in the PSL era. He won six major trophies during his time at Naturena and is best known for leading 'Operation Vat Alles' in 2001, which saw Chiefs clinch every cup competition in the league. 3. Stuart Baxter Baxter's first tenure saw him win four trophies with Amakhosi, and he became the second coach after Dumitru to win a league title for the team in the PSL era. He left abruptly in 2015 but returned in 2021, although he was unable to replicate the success that saw him guide the Glamour Boys to two doubles. 4. Paul Dolezar Known as 'Mr. Rothmans Cup,' Dolezar claimed three consecutive Rothmans Cups, winning two back-to-back with Chiefs. While he struggled to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the league title, many believe that with more time, he could have led the team to a league championship. 5. Ernst Middendorp Mazinyo's first stint with Amakhosi was a mixed experience; he won the Absa Cup and the SAA Super 8. He returned to the club a decade later in 2018 and came close to winning the league. Middendorp is one of the few Kaizer Chiefs coaches to lead the club to a second-place finish in the PSL era. Unfortunately, he was dismissed after losing the title in the final 15 minutes of the season. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates strongest XI that can potentially WIN the league
Orlando Pirates are yet to win a league title since 2012 despite coming close several times in the past six years. Last season, they pushed champions Mamelodi Sundowns but ultimately fell off in the final few matches of the season. With 11 new signings, many Bucs faithful feel the team is ready to once again take the fight to Masandawana. With the new signings and a new coach, it might take time for some players to get used to the system. So far, the team has looked somewhat flat in the pre-season and will need to improve before their season opener against Polokwane City. Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine The 28-year-old keeper has looked solid in goals and is no doubt SA's number two behind Ronwen Williams. Right-back: Deano van Rooyen Van Rooyen has impressed since joining the Buccaneers last season. He is good in attack and defence and if he's injury-free, he might play a vital role in helping his team improve from last season. Centre-back: Nkosinathi Sibisi Sibisi had some great games for the Buccaneers last season. The experienced defender will need to be consistent if Orlando Pirates are to win the league. Centre-back: Mbekezile Mbokazi At 19, Mbokazi is rated one of the best PSL defenders. The KZN-born defender only played less than 15 matches for Pirates but already established himself as a key player in the team. Left-Back: Deon Hotto The Namibian versatile attacker can play different positions, and in the past, he has excelled at left-back. If he can operate on the left hand side of defence, then Abdeslam Ouaddou's team will be balanced at the back with three experienced players. Defensive midfielder: Makhehlene Makhaula The 36-year-old has played the destroyer role perfectly in the middle of the park. He will need to once again be on top of his game to ensure that Orlando Pirates chase that elusive league title. A fit Makhaula is bad news for 15 other teams. Central midfielder: Sipho Mbule Mbule is an upgrade from Thalenthe Mbatha. If the ex-Mamelodi Sundowns star can stay focused, he could drive the team, which lacked a consistent central midfielder. Attacking midfielder: Patrick Maswanganyi Tito has been hot and cold last season but maybe Pirates signing Sinoxolo Kwayiba will force him to pull up his socks. Left winger: Relebohile Mofokeng Mofokeng might stay for another season, and if he stays, good news for the Buccaneers. He normally operates on the left but he can be effective if he combines well with Van Rooyen on the right. Right winger: Oswin Appollis Appollis is no doubt the best signing of the season so far. The 23-year-old will add more to the Pirates attack given his experience with the national team. He can combine well with Tito, Mofokeng and Tshegofatso Mabasa. Striker: Tshegofatso Mabasa Mabasa should be preferred ahead of Evidence Makgopa. He has scored 17 goals in the 2023/24 season and perhaps this could be his redemption arc. If Orlando Pirates are to win the league, they need to have a core of their old players at their best. If the Sea Robbers are to stop Downs' dominance, new players have to deliver, whether from the bench or as starters. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
