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The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Sundowns duo dominate PSL awards
Ribeiro was also in fine form in the period concerned with the Brazilian scoring three goals. Miguel Cardoso, Head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates with the trophy after a Betway Premiership 2024/25 match against Magesi FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on 18 May 2025 ©Alche Greeff/BackpagePix Mamelodi Sundowns are ending the season in style, with head coach Miguel Cardoso and star forward Lucas Ribeiro once again clinching the Betway Premiership Monthly Awards for May 2025. The duo emerged victorious which was the third time they've done the double this past season. Cardoso steered the Tshwane giants to a flawless run in May, winning all five league fixtures as Sundowns wrapped up their eighth consecutive league title. ALSO READ: Riveiro says he's delighted to join 'European club' Al-Ahly The Portuguese edged out strong competition from Richards Bay's Ronnie Gabriel and former Orlando Pirates boss Jose Riveiro to win the monthly award. Ribeiro was also in fine form in the period concerned with the Brazilian scoring three goals. They came in the 3–0 win over Stellenbosch FC and a brace in the final match of the season which was 2–0 victory over Magesi FC. His stellar performances earned him the accolade to edge out teammates Iqraam Rayners and Marcello Allende who also played a key role in Sundowns' title run. ALSO READ: Andre Arendse addresses SuperSport sale rumours To cap off a good month, Ribeiro also bagged the Goal of the Month for his composed finish against Magesi FC which was also his third accolade this season in this catagory.
IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso and Brazilian attacker Lucas Costa lift Betway Premiership monthly awards
Lucas Ribeiro celebrates his second goal with his Mamelodi Sundowns' teammates as he scoops another Player of the Month award for the season. Photo: BackpagePix Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso and star attacker Lucas Ribeiro Costa have been celebrated for their outstanding performances during May 2025, clinching the prestigious Betway Premiership Monthly Awards. This recognition marks the third time this season that both Cardoso and Costa have secured these accolades, underscoring their pivotal roles in Sundowns' triumphant Premiership campaign. Under the adept leadership of Cardoso, Sundowns achieved a flawless record in May, winning all five of their league fixtures. This impeccable streak showcases its dominance in South African football and its eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title. Cardoso's strategic prowess on the touchline allowed him to navigate through intense competition, outperforming coaches such as Ronnie Gabriel of Richards Bay FC and former Orlando Pirates manager Jose Riveiro to claim the Coach of the Month award.
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates star Sesane's surprising age revealed on his birthday
Thabiso Sesane is still out injured, and boy, have Orlando Pirates missed him. The 'millennium baby' will be back next season. Thabiso Sesane started the campaign in domineering form, becoming a pillar in the heart of their defence. It was, therefore, a massive blow to the club and player when he was cruelly struck down with a serious tendon injury in February. The rupture was deemed bad enough for the 25-year-old to undergo surgery. Full recovery could take anywhere between four and six months. If Sesane's rehabilitation goes well, he could be back in time for the start of the 2025-2026 season. As he was born on 30 May 2000, today marks his 25th birthday! Broos explains why he likes Selepe for Bafana Sandile Mthethwa and Thabiso Sesane of Orlando Pirates celebrate. Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have wrapped up the signing of Chippa United and Bafana midfield playmaker Sinoxolo Kwayiba. The 25-year-old is part of Hugo Broos' latest South Africa squad to contest friendlies in June. Kwayiba bagged six goals and an assist from 25 league appearances for the Chilli Boys this season. NINE Pirates players called up for Bafana Orlando Pirates snap up former Real Madrid opposition analyst? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Hugo Broos: Glory days now, but new Bafana talent must be brought in
Mohau Nkota Mohau Nkota of Orlando Pirates was one of 10 new faces in the Bafana squad announced yesterday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos admits that the glory days are on the horizon for South African football, but he's pleaded for the nurturing of youngsters and continuity. Bafana and their female counterparts Banyana Banyana ended the 2024 calendar year on a high note as they qualified for this year's Afcon and Wafcon finals. As such, the junior men's national teams followed in their footsteps early in the year as the Under-17 men's team and Bafana's B team qualified for the World Cup and Chan finals respectively. However, the Under-20 men's team achieved their own targets in style as they won their maiden Afcon title in Egypt, having already qualified for the World Cup after reaching the semi-final. 'These are glory days for South African football, I think,' said Broos after announcing his 23-member squad yesterday for Bafana's two international friendlies in June. 'Under-17 and Under-20 have qualified for the World Cup. We have qualified for Afcon. Banyana have good results. 'Yeah, from the bottom to the highest level, everything is good at the moment. But I think we are at the crossroad for the moment – now we have to react as a football federation. 'If we are just happy now, I can assure you that in two-three years, you won't find anything of what we have now. So, we have to work hard now, and follow-up.' 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 ✕ SA U17 Coach Vela Khumalo: "We are all ready for this. This is what we all wanted. Importantly for us, it is not to get carried away and to work towards getting out of the group stages of the U17 FIFA World Cup and go to the knockout stages.' — (@SAFA_net) May 27, 2025 By following up, Broos means the junior national teams' players must be slowly but gradually integrated into the senior team, so that they are not lost in the system for future. The 73-year-old is putting his money where his mouth is at as he named a youthful squad for their two friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique in Polokwane and Loftus in June. Broos handed 10 players their maiden national team call-up, including Pirates quartet Deano van Rooyen, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Simphiwe Selepe and Mohau Nkota. The bulk of the new faces in the Bafana fold are replacing Mamelodi Sundowns players who'll be competing in the Club World Cup next month. But with Sundowns' players set to be available for the next camp, the World Cup qualifiers in September emphasised that he would still go with most of them. 'We have to see the new players who are in the squad, whether they are at the level to play for Bafana Bafana. That is the first thing,' Broos said. 'But I am sure already, it might be too soon for some of them to be ready to play at that level. The only reason we called them up is because we are looking into the future. 'We have a number of players who are 30 (years old) and more in the team. So, not next week, month or in September, but we have to slowly but surely replace these players in the future.' Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has confirmed Amajita number-one goalkeeper Fletcher Smyth-Lowe is definitely on his radar and will be drafted into the senior squad after the FIFA U20 World Cup later this year. 🔗 — SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) May 29, 2025 The majority of the new players at Bafana might only be considered for major games in future, but Broos said it'll be important for them to leave a lasting impression now. 'I will observe them – out of the pitch, on the pitch, during the game and on training,' Broos explained. 'It's not only about seeing the level of achievement, or the talent. But I don't know the guy that is there, and that for me is very important. 'In the next 10 days, I will see how they'll react in some situations. How they are with their teammates, and when eating together. This is very important to me!' Bafana Squad Goalkeepers: Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine, Renaldo Leaner Defenders: Khulumani Ndamane, Nyiko Mobbie, Thabo Moloisane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Deano van Rooyen, Samukelo Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien Midfielders: Simphiwe Selepe, Thalente Mbatha, Ndamulelo Maphangule, Luke le Roux Forwards: Yanela Mbuthuma, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Mohau Nkota, Patrick Maswanganyi, Tshepang Moremi, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Ashley Cupido
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Ellis demands more despite Banyana's winning start in Tri-Nations series
Gabriela Salgado Banyana's Gabriela Salgado clears the ball away from Botswana's Senwelo Leungo in Atteridgeville on Wednesday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Desiree Ellis welcomed a winning start to Banyana Banyana's Tri-Nations Series campaign but admitted her side made things difficult for themselves in a nervy 3–2 victory over Botswana at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday. South Africa will now shift their focus to Zambia, whom they face at the same venue (kick-off 3pm) on Tuesday in their second clash of the tournament. The Tri-Series serves as preparation for the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this July. Banyana made a blistering start, storming to a 3–0 lead inside the opening 36 minutes. Jermaine Seopesenwe, who plays her club football for Monterrey in Mexico, bagged a brace to complement Adriette Mibe's early opener. 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 ✕ Given the short preparation period, Ellis and her technical staff would have been encouraged by the flying start, especially considering their recent mixed record against Botswana. Despite holding a higher ranking, South Africa have not always found it easy against their southern neighbours. In the last four encounters, the two nations have traded friendly victories. Botswana notably edged South Africa in the 2019 CAF Women's Olympic Qualifiers, winning 3–2 on penalties after a goalless two-legged tie. With a comfortable 3–0 advantage and just minutes left before half-time, Banyana eased off the throttle — allowing Botswana a route back into the game. The visitors accepted the invitation, nearly pulling off a dramatic turnaround. Reflecting on the match, Ellis pinpointed moments where her side gave away the early advantage and hopes for a better showing in their upcoming match against Zambia. 'With the first goal, we knew they were going to play the ball long, and we didn't react to that. The second goal that we gave away — we had said we needed to be patient on the ball, and yet we played it into traffic when we could have played wide. So there was a little lapse in concentration.' Ellis expressed concern over the second-half display, particularly the manner in which the goals were conceded — especially as they were situations the team had anticipated. 'The tempo went down a bit. In the first half, it was very high and we moved the ball around, but in the second half we didn't move ourselves or the ball — and that played in their favour,' Ellis continued. Seoposenwe gets her brace in the 35th minute — Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) May 28, 2025
