
Pirates and Sundowns news: Oswin Appollis and Lucas Ribeiro
The 23-year-old Bafana winger delivered immediate impact at Orlando Stadium, scoring the opening goal and earning a penalty that led to the second in a 2–0 win over his former club, Polokwane City.
The new Orlando Pirates number 12's performance earned him the Man of the Match award and won over the Buccaneers' faithful instantly.
According to Ouaddou, Appollis is a joy to watch with his attacking instincts, but his development is far from complete.
'I played against Appollis when I was with my previous club, so I know his qualities and I won't change him,' said the Moroccan coach…Full story here.
Mamelodi Sundowns are expected to clarify the futures of key players Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Khuliso Mudau.
Orlando Pirates news: Zakhele Lepasa and Neo Mokoena
The duo stars were notably absent from the squad that comfortably defeated Richards Bay 4-0 in the MTN8 quarterfinal, fuelling speculation about their status at Sundowns.
Released Orlando Pirates striker joining fourth PSL club?
Ribeiro has been the subject of intense transfer interest, while Mudau is locked in a dispute over a new contract deal with the club…Full story here.
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TimesLIVE
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- TimesLIVE
Ntseki's Bafana can benefit from having seen Algeria in Chan clash
The local-based Bafana Bafana taking part in the African Nations Championship (Chan) can benefit from being an unknown quantity and from having had a look at their opening opponents Algeria, fullback Wayde Jooste said. Molefi Ntseki's combination — which includes many past stars who were once well-known names in South Africa at big clubs, but many of whom are now without teams — meet Algeria in their opening Group C clash at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Friday (5pm in Uganda, 4pm SA time). The Chan is being co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Given they are an entirely new combination, the challenge for the South Africans is to gel as a team. Former Orlando Pirates right-back Jooste, 33, believes the squad have bonded well in their time together. The next chapter of South Africa's journey in the CAF African Nations Championship is about to begin. @SABC_Sport — Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) August 6, 2025 'I don't think it's been that tough, honestly speaking, because the majority of us have played against each other in our respective leagues and some of us have been teammates in different clubs,' he said. 'I feel us having been together in South Africa before coming to Uganda also helped us a bit to bond as teammates. We've become a little family.' Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs star Keagan Dolly and former Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa, who both have turned out for the senior Bafana, are among the few more recognisable names to international observers in Ntseki's squad. The competitiveness of the squad is beefed up by Sundowns' contingent that includes midfielder Neo Maema, who impressed in the qualifiers and is sure to have a major role to play at Chan. Others are talented young centreback Malibongwe Khoza, left-back Terrence Mashego, 21-year-old midfield prospect Ntando Nkosi and defender Keagan Johannes. Twelve players, including Jooste, are clubless and most of the squad are complete unknowns outside South Africa and have reportedly been viewed quite quizzically since arriving in Uganda. Jooste — who also turned out for Bloemfontein Celtic, Golden Arrows and Highlands Park — said how little is known about the Bafana squad could stand them in good stead. 'It's a good thing we're an unknown quantity because they won't know what to expect from us. It will be an advantage for us.' Given the groups are made up of five teams, some sides started before the rest. Algeria began with a 3-0 win against Uganda at Mandela Stadium on Monday, giving the South Africans a good look at the North Africans. 'It's like every other team here in the tournament — they deserve to be here. They're a very good team, direct,' Jooste said. 'We've done our analysis and we were able to watch the game, and did more analysis in the days after the game too. So we know more or less what to expect from them.'


The Citizen
20 minutes ago
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Nabi says Chiefs could sign more as Betway Prem kicks off
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The Citizen
20 minutes ago
- The Citizen
For the PSL to regain its edge, competitiveness must come first
There's an urgent need to bring back the competitive edge and excitement that once defined local football. The excitement ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season will mean very little if teams fail to deliver on the pitch. Judging by the strong attendance at last weekend's MTN8 quarter-finals, particularly at a packed Orlando Stadium and a lively Lucas Moripe Stadium, fans are clearly eager for the return of domestic football. The PSL needs more entertainment The sold out encounter between Pirates and Polokwane City was proof that the football-loving public could hardly wait for the new season to begin. Now, it's over to the players and coaches to honour their side of the bargain, and that means playing entertaining football. Goals, not goalless draws, should be the order of the day. ALSO READ: Barker sees benefits in early Chiefs clash 16 goals were scored across the four MTN8 quarter-finals, setting a high standard ahead of this weekend's league fixtures. Goals are the lifeblood of the beautiful game, and while modern football has often seen teams prioritising survival over style, there's an urgent need to bring back the competitive edge and excitement that once defined local football. One of the standout matches was undoubtedly Sekhukhune United's 3–2 win over TS Galaxy. It was a five-goal thriller in which Babina Noko came from two goals down in a spirited comeback. It was a pulsating contest that reminded us just how exciting the local game can be when teams play without fear. Another dramatic encounter came in the tie between Stellenbosch FC and AmaZulu. The game ended in a 2–2 draw after 90 minutes before Stellies edged it 3–2 in extra time. These are the sort of encounters that inject life into the local game. Fans want more than just tactical discipline or defensive football , they want goals, drama, and excitement. ALSO READ: 'It was a dream debut' – Basadien wants more game time at Downs Both Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns proved too strong for their respective opponents in City and Richards Bay, but overall, the MTN8 quarter-finals were a good advert for South African football. The challenge, however, lies in maintaining this momentum, especially among clubs outside the so-called 'big three'. Step up so-called smaller teams It's crucial that so-called smaller teams also become regular attractions. For that to happen, the overall standard of football must improve, and clubs need to embrace a more expansive and entertaining approach I remember the days when Golden Arrows were revered for their slick passing football. Free State Stars and Black Leopards also had distinctive styles and fans could name their starting XI with relative ease. Gone are those days because the entertainment aspect has been replaced by a survival-first mentality. Clubs are focused on clinging to their top-flight status, often at the expense of being competitive. Another one-horse race? Unless this trend changes, the ongoing debate around the declining competitiveness of the PSL will continue. With Sundowns chasing a record-extending ninth consecutive league title, the onus is on the rest to step up and make the league more than just a one-horse race. ALSO READ: Mariko reflects on memorable Orlando Pirates debut The fans have shown up and it's now it's time for teams to do the same by being brave and playing attacking football. That will hopefully bring back the magic of the local game.