Latest news with #BabinaNoko
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Three talking points from the Betway Premiership
Phakaaathi looks at three talking points from this weekend's action. The 2025/26 season started with a bang this past weekend, with all but one opening game failing to produce a goal. And that match was the Limpopo derby between Polokwane City and Magesi FC, which ended in a goalless draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for the 'PSL Big Three' – Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns – as only one of them was able to get maximum points in the opening weekend of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. Phakaaathi looks at three talking points from this weekend's action: Bright start for Chiefs Kaizer Chiefs started the season on a high note, beating the 10-man Stellenbosch FC outfit 2-0 in a dramatic encounter played at a sold-out Athlone Stadium on Sunday. A well-taken free kick by Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and a late penalty from Glody Lilepo gave Amakhosi a great start to the 2025/26 season. It was a typical game of two halves with Stellies dominating the first half despite having to play most of it with 10 men after Siviwe Nkwali was shown a red card for a professional foul on Mduduzi Shabalala. The second half belonged to Chiefs, and they deserved their win in the end. Pirates come unstuck against Sekhukhune Orlando Pirates suffered a 1-0 loss at home at the Orlando Stadium against a determined Sekhukhune United outfit on Saturday evening. Siphesihle Mkhize scored the winner for Babina Noko just after the break. The Buccaneers were unlucky not to earn a point from this encounter as they hit the upright twice. Daniel Cardoso hit his post in the 11th minute while trying to clear a cross from Deon Hotto, and later in the game, Mbekezeli Mbokazi also saw his header hit the upright. But in the end, it was Babina Noko who walked away with all the points on offer. Sundowns get title defence off to stuttering start Mamelodi Sundowns' defence started with a stutter in Gqeberha as they could only draw their league opener against Chippa United. Arthur Sales gave the defending champions the lead in the first half, but Khaya Mfecane's equaliser in the second half ensured the Chilli Boys claimed a deserved point at home at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. It was Chippa coach Sinethemba Badela's first game in charge of the Chilli Boys, and it was a good start for him against his former team, Sundowns. The Betway Premiership continues midweek, with all 16 teams in action on Tuesday and Wednesday. Fixtures (all the games start at 7.30pm: Tuesday Mamelodi Sundowns vs AmaZulu – Loftus Versfeld Stadium Marumo Gallants vs Orlando Pirates – Dr Molemela Stadium Orbit College vs Siwelele FC – Dobsonville Stadium Wednesday Kaizer Chiefs vs Polokwane City – FNB Stadium Durban City vs Chippa United – Chatsworth Stadium Golden Arrows vs Richards Bay FC – King Zwelithini Stadium Magesi FC vs Stellenbosch FC – Seshego Stadium Sekhukhune United vs TS Galaxy – Peter Mokaba Stadium
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Ouaddou says Pirates have quality to finally topple Sundowns
"'We know that every season the target is always very high," said Ouaddou. Abdeslam Ouaddou will be hoping to continue his bright start to his tenure as the new Orlando Pirates coach when the Buccaneers host Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday (kickoff is at 5.30pm). Ouaddou, who replaced Jose Riveiro as the Pirates head coach during the offseason, began his tenure with a convincing 2-0 win over Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter final clash at the same venue last weekend. ALSO READ: Pirates coach confident Mofokeng will stay despite transfer talk Ouaddou says the Buccaneers are excited ahead of the clash against Babina Noko, boosted by the win. against Babina Noko. 'The preparations for this game against Sekhukhune have gone well and the boys have trained well, so I'm happy with the preparations. My boys and I are very impatient to start the new season of the PSL (Betway Premiership),' said Ouaddou during the Pirates media day at the Rand Stadium yesterday. 'We know that every season the target is always very high. All the clubs have prepared well and like I said, the target is high. Of course, we did well in the MTN8 in a packed stadium and we're expecting our supporters to come back and pack the stadium again to push our players. 'As for our opponents, we're expecting a tough clash against them. We know that they will come to our stadium with a lot of ambition [to beat us], but we're prepared for that. Physically and tactically, we're prepared,' added Ouaddou. Will Pirates knock Sundowns off their perch? Having come second to Mamelodi Sundowns for the past three seasons, Ouaddou believes the Buccaneers have the quality to finally knock Sundowns off their perch. 'When you come to Orlando Pirates, the club has history,' said Ouaddou. 'There's expectation, and everyone has to be professional and focused.' With Riveiro having failed to win the league title in three seasons, will Ouaddou do things different from him in order to achieve these targets or will he continue where the Spanish left off? 'No need to fix what's not broken'. That seems to be Ouaddou's thinking as he embarks on this challenging journey. OPINION: For the PSL to regain its edge, competitiveness must come first The Moroccan says he won't try to overhaul what past coaches built but will build on it to make Pirates stronger and more competitive. 'I'm here to bring more competence and help the club meet the targets the board and fans expect,' he said. 'The season will be long and tough, but we believe in our quality and we're going to fight hard,' concluded Ouaddou
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Sport
- 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.
IOL News
05-08-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Tinkler's Babina Noko and Badela's Chilli Boys plot new paths in Premiership
Babina Noko fans will hope Eric Tinkler can guide Sekhukhune United to a Top 3 finish after last term's promise. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix As the new Betway Premiership season kicks off, Sekhukhune United and Chippa United find themselves on very different trajectories. Babina Noko, under the seasoned guidance of Eric Tinkler, are looking to push into the league's upper tier, while Chippa United, once again rebuilding, hope for overdue stability under new coach Sinethemba Badela. Both clubs face challenges — but with contrasting ambitions. 🔴⚫ Sekhukhune United Tinkler's troops target top-tier breakthrough Club owner: Simon Malatji Head Coach: Eric Tinkler Highest ever finish: Fourth in the Premiership Competitions participating in: Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, MTN8, Carling Knockout CupSilverware chances: Slim chances in domestic cup competitions, probably not in the running for Premiership honours Bradley Grobler of Sekhukhune United won Player of the Match after their MTN8 quaterfinal match against TS Galaxy this past weekend. Photo: BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix In the heart of Limpopo, Sekhukhune United, affectionately known as Babina Noko, host their home games at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, a venue that continues to grow in stature. Founded in 2019 as African All-Stars, Sekhukhune's rise has been swift. In September 2020, they acquired GladAfrica Championship status from Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, launching their professional journey. They wasted little time, earning promotion by winning the second-tier title in 2020/21. Now regulars in the top flight, Sekhukhune have set their sights higher. Since Eric Tinkler's appointment midway through last season, the team has embraced a more ambitious approach. The former Bafana Bafana midfielder brings a wealth of coaching experience and a track record of delivering results. This pre-season, Babina Noko made strategic additions to strengthen key areas in a bid to break into the Premiership's top three. The club's leadership believes the foundations are now in place to challenge the division's elite. Versatile defender Katlego Mohamme will be key to Sekhukhune's ambitions this season, bringing balance and composure to the back line. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Players to watch Keletso Makgalwa Relebogile Mokhuoane Katlego Mohamme Predicted league finish: Fourth Chippa United's new coaching team, including head coach Sinethemba Badela, face a familiar challenge this season — steadying the ship and aiming higher. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix 🔵⚪ Chippa United New-look Chilli Boys chase long-awaited stability Club owner: Chippa Mpengesi Head Coach: Sinethemba Badela Highest ever finish: Sixth Competitions participating in: Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout Cup. Silverware chances: None Chippa United begin the new season with familiar uncertainty, hoping a fresh technical team can finally bring some continuity to the Eastern Cape side. The club has become synonymous with mid-table finishes and managerial instability, yet continues to survive in the top flight. Head coach Sinethemba Badela has been tasked with lifting the club beyond last season's 11th-place finish. He takes over from Thabo September, whose short stint ended without renewal. Badela is joined by assistant Musa Nyatama, formerly in charge at Moroka Swallows. Together, they will try to break the cycle that has held Chippa back since their last top-eight finish in 2015/16. However, their task is complicated by off-season departures, including Sinoxolo Kwayiba and striker Bienvenu Eva Nga. Rebuilding a competitive squad remains a top priority. The Chilli Boys are known for taking swift action when results go south. That approach has helped them maintain their Premiership status, but also contributes to a climate of pressure for any incoming coach. Badela and Nyatama will need early results to buy time—and breathing room. There is still promise in the squad, with a few key players capable of lifting the team when in form. Much will depend on whether the new coaches can instil a consistent identity and get their signings to gel. Creative midfielder Azola Matrose will be central to Chippa United's attacking hopes as they look to climb the Premiership table. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix
IOL News
04-08-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Tinkler's new look Sekhukhune United pass first test
Bradley Grobler celebrates scoring on debut for Sekhukhune United, helping fire Babina Noko into the MTN8 semi-finals. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Sekhukhune United's off-season rebuild began paying immediate dividends as their refreshed squad delivered a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over TS Galaxy to book a place in the MTN8 semi-finals. Babina Noko twice had to come from behind in the five-goal contest, with 37-year-old striker Bradley Grobler announcing his arrival in emphatic style by scoring twice on debut. The result means Eric Tinkler's side will now meet Stellenbosch FC in the semi-finals — a rematch of the final-day league clash that saw Stellies pip them to third place last season. Tinkler, who oversaw one of the most active transfer windows in the league, handed debuts to several signings, including two promising youngsters in Olerato Mandi and Medupi Thokolo. 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 ✕ 'We had five new signings in our matchday squad,' said Tinkler post-match. 'We took a bit of a risk with the two youngsters. "Olerato, who played as a No 10, has only been with the group for about four weeks, but I felt it was better to start him and take him off if needed. And Medupi, who came from Casric Stars, gave a really solid showing in central defence—even if we are asking him to adapt to a new, possession-based style.' But the headline act was undoubtedly Grobler, the former SuperSport United talisman, who twice pulled Sekhukhune level with clinical finishes—his experience proving vital in a game of fine margins. Exciting start indeed 🦔 — Sekhukhune United F.C. (@SekhukhuneFc) August 3, 2025
