Latest news with #AmaZuluFC
The South African
19 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates join the chase for Nigerian goal machine
Orlando Pirates have entered the race to sign Nigerian striker Etiosa Ighodaro, joining a growing list of top clubs eager to secure his signature ahead of the new season. With Kaizer Chiefs, AmaZulu FC, and Sekhukhune United all circling, the Buccaneers now look set to shake up the transfer market with their interest in the Mamelodi Sundowns forward. Ighodaro, who impressed during his loan spell at AmaZulu FC last season, has become one of the most sought-after talents in South African football. The powerful frontman featured in nearly every PSL fixture for Usuthu, turning heads with his consistent performances and goal-scoring threat. 'There are local teams apart from Kaizer Chiefs who are also interested in him. I can tell you that AmaZulu FC have already contacted Sundowns and the player's representatives as they want to keep him (after the loan). And there is Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United. It's believed that they have both been in touch concerning Ighodaro. It's a matter of who comes up with the best offer,' a source close to the situation confirmed. While the Soweto giants are keen to bolster their attacking options. They face fierce competition not just from domestic rivals but from international clubs too. Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca and Russian Premier League side FC Baltika have also expressed concrete interest in landing the striker. 'The thing is that there is interest in Russia and Morocco and it is becoming difficult to keep him locally. But it's believed that Sekhukhune United are preparing to sign him as a replacement for Andy Boyeli. Who is wanted by Pyramids FC in Egypt. So as I have said, let's wait and see as there are many other factors around his move from Sundowns. But interest in him keeps on growing,' the source added. With the transfer window heating up, Orlando Pirates must act swiftly and decisively if they want to beat Chiefs, AmaZulu, and Sekhukhune to the punch. Which team better suits Ighodaro, Orlando Pirates or Chiefs? 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
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Saleng, Mofokeng, Moremi, Martin
Orlando Pirates have an eventful few months before the 2025/26 campaign ignites. The upcoming offseason window could make the difference in achieving league and Champions League glory; it's a time when not only are they on the hunt for stars, but they're also looking for Jose Riveiro's successor. The latter will be hard to replace, someone who revolutionised the club through his youthful approach, winning five trophies in three years. However, it shouldn't insinuate that finding a suitable candidate can't be done. Former AmaZulu FC coach Pablo Franco Martin is the latest name to be linked with the Orlando Pirates. 'There have been talks between Pablo Franco Martin and Orlando Pirates,' an inside source revealed. 'An offer has been made but he is not the only coach the club is looking at and there are other candidates. He is very interested in the Pirates job, and he has since parted ways with the club he was coaching in Saudi Arabia despite being made an offer to increase his salary to renew his contract.' Tshepang Moremi is one of the most sought after players in the league. The uSuthu star has Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates vying for his services. Meanwhile, youngster Relebohile Mofokeng has several foreign suitors trying to lure him – offers are expected throughout the winter window. Egyptian giants Zamelek FC had a R25.8 million bid rejected earlier this year. Forgotten winger Monnapule Saleng appears to be nearing an exit following a near six-month hiatus, however, no clubs are yet to show interest. Orlando Pirates seem to have given up on the Bloemhof-born star 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
28-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates eye AmaZulu star Moremi ahead of Kaizer Chiefs
Orlando Pirates appear ready to make a bold move in the transfer market, setting their sights on AmaZulu FC's standout midfielder, Tshepang Moremi. The Buccaneers plan to table an offer for the 23-year-old winger, who has delivered a string of impressive performances throughout the 2024/25 Betway Premiership campaign. Moremi has firmly positioned himself as a top target thanks to his consistent form this season. Featuring in 24 matches across all competitions, the Usuthu winger has netted four goals and supplied seven assists. While there's still room to sharpen his final product, the midfielder has proven his value time and again with energetic displays and sharp attacking instincts. His development hasn't gone unnoticed. Sources close to Orlando Pirates confirm growing interest. 'Moremi has emerged as a reliable option for Pirates in that right wing position .' The statement underlines the club's intent to inject more firepower into their wide areas, an area they've struggled with for consistency and depth. With AmaZulu facing mounting interest in their star player, the coming weeks could prove decisive. Orlando Pirates look poised to make a formal approach, potentially securing a deal. Kaizer Chiefs showed interest in Moremi last year but took no concrete action to pursue him. 'While the deal isn't finalised yet, talks are progressing positively,' said a source at the end of last year. As the season wraps up, the Bucs now lead the race to convince Moremi to leave KZN. Will Tshepang Moremi swap the green for Orlando Pirates in the coming window? 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
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates consider former AmaZulu manager for top job
Orlando Pirates are reportedly in talks with Spanish coach Pablo Franco Martin as they weigh up options for their head coach position ahead of the new season. Franco Martin, who had a brief but notable spell with AmaZulu FC during the 2023/2024 Premiership campaign, left the club in September. He then moved to Saudi Arabia, where he took charge of second-tier outfit Al-Faisaly. After guiding Al-Faisaly through a competitive season, the experienced tactician declined a contract renewal, despite the club offering him a pay rise. His decision to walk away has now reignited interest from South African shores. According to the source, the 43-year-old has already entered discussions with the Buccaneers. 'There have been talks between Pablo Franco Martin and Orlando Pirates. An offer has been made but he is not the only coach the club is looking at and there are other candidates. He is very interested in the Pirates job, and he has since parted ways with the club he was coaching in Saudi Arabia.' Orlando Pirates, a club known for its ambition and pursuit of excellence both domestically and in continental competitions. They are looking to refresh their technical bench. Club officials are believed to be assessing multiple candidates. As they aim to secure the right leadership to challenge for major honours in the upcoming season. Should Franco Martin land the role, it would mark a dramatic return to South African football. And signal a bold new chapter for the Soweto giants after the departure of Jose Riveiro. Is Martin a good replacement for Riveiro at Orlando Pirates? 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
25-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Top eight finish sparks belief at AmaZulu as Mthethwa urges team to aim higher
Arthur Zwane, head coach of AmaZulu FC instructs Sandile Mthethwa of AmaZulu FC during the Betway Premiership 2024/25 match between AmaZulu and Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 24 May 2025 ©Gerhard Duraan. Photo: BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix AmaZulu defender Sandile Mthethwa has called on his teammates to keep believing in their potential after Usuthu sealed a Top 8 finish for the first time in three seasons. A 1-1 draw against Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday was enough for the KwaZulu-Natal outfit to end the campaign in sixth place — securing their return to the MTN8 competition next season. Mthethwa, who walked away with the Player of the Match award, has grown in stature since his arrival in December, becoming a crucial part of coach Arthur Zwane's defensive setup. The 27-year-old joined AmaZulu midway through the season alongside Bongani Zungu, at a time when the team was rebuilding after a poor start under former coach Pablo Franco. With Zwane now steering the ship, Mthethwa has settled quickly and believes the current group has the potential to go beyond just top-eight finishes. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ 'Well I think we played well and perhaps deserved to win but unfortunately we didn't,' said Mthethwa, after the draw with Pirates. 'But we're still happy because we were able to achieve this season's mandate after we realised we couldn't get a top three spot.' AmaZulu's season took a sharp turn following the technical changes, with Zwane bringing stability and clarity to a squad that had been underperforming in the early months. Mthethwa, who has marshalled the backline with calmness and consistency, believes the core of the team is ready to push for more in the next campaign. 'We're a team that's looking to challenge for the league at some point and also go back to CAF,' he continued. 'I think we're capable of that looking at the kind of players we have and I genuinely believe that we can do that sort of thing moving forward.' The defender also acknowledged the experienced heads in the squad and credited the technical staff for their belief in the players. 'We have a good group of experienced players that I found when I got here with the addition of Bongani (Zungu),' Mthethwa added. 'We should also give credit to the coach who keeps believing in us and is always reminding us to believe that we can achieve those levels. I'm confident next season we will return a different club.'
