‘Successor to Ronwen': scout who took keeper Fletcher Lowe to Afcon champs Amajita
Prince Sobayeni, the scout who introduced Fletcher Lowe to newly-crowned Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations champions Amajita, believes the 18-year-old goalkeeper is the natural successor to Bafana Bafana star Ronwen Williams.
Lowe won the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award for his excellent performance conceding two goals in Amajita's seven games and none in the knockout stage, where he was man of the match in South Africa's 1-0 final win against Morocco in Cairo on Sunday.
Sobayeni, who works as a digital scout for the South African Football Association (Safa) sifting through internet analysis to find eligible players who have slipped under the radar, introduced the goalkeeper to South Africa under-20 coach Raymond Mdaka.
'He does seem like the natural successor to Ronwen. It's football and you never know how things go. But of things go smoothly, he should be,' Sobayeni told TimesLIVE.
'He's young. Some of us are even arguing now, why not put him as the Bafana Bafana third choice? Let him get that experience, because we've already seen the quality.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
9 hours ago
- IOL News
Sibisi grateful for Broos' support as he prepares to captain Bafana
Nkosinathi Sibisi has embraced his leadership role with Bafana Bafana, thanking coach Hugo Broos for his faith ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Mozambique. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Bafana Bafana stand-in captain Nkosinathi Sibisi is grateful to coach Hugo Broos for standing by him during times of scrutiny regarding his national team call-ups. Sibisi has been one of the ever-present players in the national team set-up since Broos took the reins more than four years ago. However, his selections were not always based on form, as he was often in and out of the Orlando Pirates defensive unit due to injuries, poor form and suspensions. Broos admitted that it was not easy to continue selecting Sibisi when he was not playing regularly, but believed his presence and natural skillset remained valuable to the team. Fortunately for the Belgian coach, his faith has recently been rewarded. Sibisi featured prominently for Pirates this past season, missing only three Premiership matches. Luke Le Roux on the integration of young players into the Bafana Bafana team#BafanaPride @SABC_Sport — Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 8, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ As a result, Broos named him one of the temporary captains for the current international window, alongside Fawaaz Basadien, stepping in for regular captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Basadien captained the team in the first international friendly against Tanzania at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane last Friday, which ended in a goalless draw. Sibisi, meanwhile, is set to lead the side against Mozambique in another friendly at the same venue on Tuesday at 7.30pm, and he is thankful to Broos for his continued belief. 'It's a privilege and an honour for me,' said Sibisi, who is also vice-captain at Pirates. 'I'd like to thank the coach for showing confidence in me. We have been together since the very first camp he started. 'There were question marks at times whenever I was here. So, to be able to lead the team tomorrow (tonight) will be a huge honour for me.' Khulumani Ndamane shares the emotions he felt on Friday when he made his Bafana Bafana debut against Tanzania and also won Man of the Match.#BafanaPride@SABC_Sport — Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 8, 2025 Sibisi has formed a solid partnership with youngster Mbekezeli Mbokazi at centre-back for Pirates after the latter was promoted to the senior team by coach José Riveiro. That partnership is set to continue at international level, as Broos confirmed in a pre-match press conference that the duo could start together against the Mambas. 'I've played with Mbokazi at club level, so it won't be any different in the national team,' Sibisi said. 'He's a very humble boy, and he takes instructions well. So, it's very easy for me to play alongside him. I don't think it'll be a big adjustment for him. As the coach has mentioned, it might be a perfect choice for me to partner him – to give him guidance and the confidence to take his chance.' Including Sibisi and Mbokazi, there are six other Pirates players in the current Bafana squad, making up the largest contingent from any club. However, the 23-member squad selected for the two friendlies has gelled well, with no signs of division along club lines. 'The camaraderie is key. I think everyone is playing their part – regardless of whether it's guys from Pirates or Stellies. When we come together, we are representing Bafana,' Sibisi said. 'We have to put that aside and play as one. We know that if we play as one, there's a better chance of us winning the game ahead of us.' Sibisi is also in camp with some of the defenders – Basadien and Thabo Moloisane (both from Stellenbosch) – who could be his rivals for the PSL Defender of the Season award. 'The guys you've mentioned are really top, top players. Fawaaz and Thabo have been doing well for Stellenbosch,' Sibisi said. 'It's always nice when we meet. There's no sort of competition between us. We just try to do the best we can for our clubs and hope that is rewarded. 'As for the Defender of the Season award, we'll just let God take His way. If it is meant to be, then it will be. If not, we will just continue.'
The Herald
13 hours ago
- The Herald
Satisfied Broos to start with changed Bafana XI against Mozambique
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos was impressed with the new face in their 0-0 friendly draw against Tanzania at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday, revealing he will field a different team when South host Mozambique at the same venue on Tuesday (7.30pm). Bafana's starting XI against Tanzania had several debutants, including the Orlando Pirates duo of Deano van Rooyen and Simphiwe Selepe, Ashley Cupido of Stellenbosch FC, Tshepang Moremi of AmaZulu and Khulumani Ndamane of TS Galaxy, who was voted man-of-the-match. "As far as I can remember, there were no chances for Tanzania. I couldn't ask for more, I am happy with the performance of some players,' Broos said. The Bafana coach suggested there was room for improvement for some of the players. He stressed, though, he was not going to put be critical on anyone as the purpose of this month's friendlies was to introduce players to the national team in a non-pressure environment.
IOL News
13 hours ago
- IOL News
Maseko omission raises questions ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns' Club World Cup campaign
Bafana Bafana's Thapelo Maseko was a notable omission from the Mamelodi Sundowns squad that departed for the Fifa Club World Cup on Sunday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix The absence of promising winger Thapelo Maseko from Mamelodi Sundowns' squad for the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup has ignited a swirl of speculation concerning his future at the club. Not too long ago, the 21-year-old captured the imagination of the African football fraternity with his achievements, notably clinching the African Football League Player of the Tournament title in November 2023. He was also the leading goalscorer in the inaugural continental competition, which Sundowns won. Subsequently, he secured international caps with Bafana Bafana during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but now finds his future shrouded in uncertainty. Despite this meteoric rise, Maseko has seen a sharp decrease in his game time this season, leading many to question whether internal adjustments within the squad could be at play. The #FIFACWC trophy made a special stop at Ukuthula Lodge, surrounded by the stunning beauty of Africa as Masandawana's journey roars onward. 🏆🦁 Watch the full experience on our Youtube Channel. 📲 #TakeItToTheWorld #RabatsenaGape — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) June 8, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ His undeniable talent and previous contributions to Sundowns' victories had endeared him to fans, making his absence from the team more conspicuous as they prepare for a high-stakes tournament in the United States. Alongside Maseko, the confirmed 23-man squad for the World Cup is noteworthy for the exclusion of several players who have been worthy acquisitions at Sundowns. Among these omissions is Jody February, the recently re-signed goalkeeper, who had surgery just days before the team's departure to the US. In the defensive ranks, Lucas Suárez, the Uruguayan import, also missed out as he continues to acclimatise to the nuances of local football. His struggles on the pitch have rendered him less impactful compared to teammates like Mosa Lebusa — particularly after an unfortunate blunder during the Nedbank Cup semi-final against Kaizer Chiefs, who defeated Sundowns. At 30-years old, Suárez's prospects for a long-term deal appear slim, especially with emerging talents such as Keanu Cupido and Kegan Johannes, who also failed to make the tour party. Also notably absent from the line-up is Matías Esquivel, an Argentine playmaker on the brink of breaking through after a few cameo appearances. He has since fallen out of favour.
