Chiefs miss out on top 8, Stellenbosch qualify for Africa
JOHANNESBURG - Stellenbosch qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup and Kaizer Chiefs suffered the embarrassment of finishing in the bottom half of the Betway Premiership table on Saturday.
A 0-0 draw at Cape Town City ensured Stellenbosch of third place and a second straight appearance in the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League.
They were semi-finalists this season.
Sekhukhune United, who began the final round one point behind Stellenbosch, fell 3-2 at Golden Arrows and finished with nine men after Mokete Mogaila and Ngoanamella Rammala were red-carded.
It was just the second time this season that Arrows scored three times and the Durban outfit ended a seven-match winless run in the richest African national league.
The match took a decisive turn in the second half when Nhlanhla Zwane and Sbonelo Cele scored within 10 minutes to give Arrows a 3-1 lead.
Winners of a record 53 domestic trophies, Chiefs were held 0-0 in Johannesburg by Polokwane City and finished ninth, missing out on a top-half finish for the second successive season.
A top-eight position in South Africa is significant as it secures a place in a lucrative early-season knockout competition offering a winners-take-all R10-million prize.
Chiefs ended a trophy drought since 2015 when they lifted the FA Cup by beating their greatest rivals, Orlando Pirates in the final this month.
But the future of Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi after one season is charge is reportedly uncertain given a poor league record of just eight victories in 28 matches.
"I regret missing out on the Top 8 competition, but we did win a trophy for the first time in 10 seasons," said Nabi, who joined Chiefs from Moroccan club FAR Rabat.
"This has been a transitional season for Chiefs and we must build on our strengths and fix our weaknesses. It is obvious that we need forwards who can score regularly."
The expulsion of Royal AM for failing to honour league and cup fixtures means no Premiership club will be automatically relegated.
But the team finishing 15th must face the sides finishing second and third in the second division in a double-round mini-league for one Premiership slot.
SuperSport United prop up the table, one point below Cape Town, but league officials have not adjudicated on their match against Arrows, which was abandoned at half-time three months ago.
A blackout at the SuperSport stadium in Pretoria led to the match being halted with the clubs drawing 1-1 and the hosts lacked a generator to provide back-up power.
str-dl/ea
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs set to snatch rising star Ime Okon from rivals
Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly closing in on a major signing ahead of the 2025/2026 season, with highly-rated defender Ime Okon believed to be on the brink of joining the Soweto giants. The 21-year-old's contract with SuperSport United ends this month, allowing him to leave as a free agent, and Chiefs have wasted no time in making their move. After lifting the Nedbank Cup, Amakhosi are determined to build a squad capable of challenging on all fronts under incoming coach Nasreddine Nabi. Okon, who has drawn attention with his physical presence and calmness on the ball, is understood to be a key piece in that puzzle. 'They (Kaizer Chiefs) see him (Ime Okon) as a long-term solution at centre-back. I mean, he is only 21 and he could challenge (Inacio) Miguel, who is almost 30, for that position. On top of that, his contract expires soon,' a source told The South African . Okon previously caught the eye of scouts abroad, having attended trials with Danish top-tier side FC Midtjylland and Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kyiv over the past 18 months. Despite impressing, no deal came to fruition, and he returned to see out his contract with Matsatsantsa. This presented Chiefs with a golden opportunity, and they appear poised to capitalise. Okon recently featured for Bafana Bafana in the COSAFA Cup. Which further strengthens his reputation as one of South Africa's most promising young centre-backs. His potential, youth, and international exposure make him an attractive prospect for a club eager to rebuild and restore glory. With negotiations believed to be at an advanced stage. And it looks increasingly likely that Okon will don the black and gold of Amakhosi next season. Will Okon be good enough to wear the Kaizer Chiefs jersey? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
'I advised Chiefs to sign Mayele but Bobby ignored me'
Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Kanga Nzenza says he once advised Amakhosi to sign Congolese top striker Fiston Mayele, but his plea was left unheard. Mayele is one of the hottest strikers on the African continent, having helped Pyramids win the CAF Champions League this past weekend. The 30-year-old finished the competition as the top goalscorer, having scored in the semi-final and final. Since last year, Kaizer Chiefs have been linked to Mayele, but no formal bid has been made by the Soweto giants. Nzenza mentioned that he spoke with Amakhosi boss Bobby Motaung about the striker. 'I once advised Chiefs to acquire Mayele,' Nzenza told KickOff. 'Just look at what he is doing now. I was clear that Chiefs needed to sign him because he has the ability to do well here. He can blend well with the Chiefs players and has been performing well, even though he may not be in top form at the moment. 'I even mentioned to that I was struggling to reach Bobby Motaung about Mayele because he is always busy. My plea was that Chiefs must sign him. They received my message, but they didn't act on it,' added the retired footballer. 'At the time, he was playing for Yanga in Tanzania, but then a club from Egypt signed him. He's an exceptional player. Whenever he comes to play for the national team, they refer to him as a super sub. 'Whenever he comes on, he changes the game. Look at how Sundowns lost the [Caf] Champions League because of him.' Given how much Mayele earns at Pyramids, Kaizer Chiefs are unlikely to afford his wages. The striker is set to leave the Egyptian club at the end of the season, according to reports. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns aiming for glory at revamped FIFA Club World Cup
Themba Zwane Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane, seen here receiving the Premiership trophy. Hopefully, the fan favourite Themba Zwane makes the squad for FIFA Club World Cup, hosted in the United States this June. They secured their spot after a landmark African Champions League victory. In Japan, their journey was cut short after they were defeated by the Kashima Antlers. Reflecting on their previous venture outside Africa, Sundowns faced a harsh reality during the 2016 Club World Cup in Japan, where they did not secure a single victory. Their participation creates a platform for the club to showcase its talent against elite sides from Europe, South America, and Asia. The team is set to face formidable group opponents, including Borussia Dortmund—2024 UEFA Champions League runners-up, Brazil's Fluminense, and South Korea's Ulsan. The South African giants have secured their spot in the expanded 32-team tournament, which features a quartet of African representatives. It has been eight years since their last appearance in this international competition. This time, however, they aim to make a lasting impression against some of the world's leading football clubs. Mamelodi Sundowns are gearing up to compete in the revamped FIFA Club World Cup, hosted in the United States this June, as they eagerly anticipate a return to the global stage. Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Subsequently, the team fell to a staggering 4-1 loss to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the fifth-place playoff, with Percy Tau's solitary goal the sole highlight of an otherwise disappointing campaign. Fast forward to the present, and Sundowns have embraced the lessons learned from that experience. The team's strategy is poised for a notable shift as they prepare for matches in the US. Unlike the dominant style they are accustomed to in the Premier Soccer League's Premiership, Sundowns' coaching staff has indicated a more measured approach and recognised the level of skill and experience they will face on the global stage. As part of their preparations, Sundowns will conduct their final training at the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, a facility renowned for developing top-tier athletic talent. This world-class training environment aims to provide the team with the best possible chance of success in the tournament. The new look FIFA Club World Cup kicks off on June 15, and for Sundowns, this is more than just another tournament. It's an opportunity to put African football on the map and to demonstrate their potential against some of the best clubs in the world. After the heart-wrenching experience of the CAF Champions League final defeat, the SA giants are now poised to seize an extraordinary opportunity, one that comes with the promise of substantial financial gain at the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA. With a staggering R180 million up for grabs, the prize money dwarfs the combined earnings accrued from their recent exploits, runners-up in Africa and domestic league title holders. The Club World Cup's new format, which features eight groups of four teams, transforms each match into a lucrative affair. A single victory in the group stages is now valued at an impressive $2 million, marking a significant shift in how club football rewards success. But the financial potential does not end there. For Sundowns, the more they advance in the tournament, the more they stand to gain. The winners of the prestigious event will walk away with a staggering $40 million. A perfect run throughout the tournament could see the overall prize total soar to an astonishing $125 million. This monetary landscape presents an unparalleled chance for Sundowns to enhance their financial stability, improve their operational capabilities, and renew their aspirations on the continental stage. Capitalising on such lucrative prospects is crucial, and every player will need to bring their A-game should they wish to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime chance. Financial implications apart, it is also a pivotal moment for Sundowns to solidify their reputation and influence in global football. The journey ahead will undoubtedly be fraught with challenges, but the rewards could reshape the club's finances and also redefine its legacy in African football. As the countdown to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup begins, all eyes will be on Sundowns, a team that stands at the intersection of heartbreak and hope, ready to embark on a thrilling path towards history.
