Latest news with #Backpagepix
IOL News
4 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
From hero to headache: Why Cardoso's league win isn't enough . . . and why it is
Miguel Cardoso won the Betway Premiership with Mamelodi Sundowns but failed to convert domestic success into continental glory after losing the CAF Champions League final 3-2 to Pyramids. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Mamelodi Sundowns' 2024/25 campaign ended on a bittersweet note. While the club clinched a record-extending eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title, another failed bid for the CAF Champions League has reignited debate around the future of head coach Miguel Cardoso. Some believe his failure to deliver continental glory warrants immediate dismissal, while others argue that his back-to-back appearances in the final show promise and justify more time. Here, MIHLALI BALEKA and OBAKENG MELETSE present their opposing views. No excuses for failure – Cardoso must go Miguel Cardoso's first season at Mamelodi Sundowns disappointingly ended with only the Betway Premiership title, as he missed out on the coveted CAF Champions League crown. Given the standards that Sundowns have set for themselves over the years, the Portuguese coach does not deserve to be retained for another season. He must go! He must be released, just like his predecessor Rulani Mokwena, whose achievement of winning the league title and African Football League (AFL) was deemed insufficient by the club last season. Sure, Mokwena had ample time to strategise for African glory, having been at the club for many years in various roles, including assistant coach and co-coach. But the 38-year-old was in his first full season as the club's head coach, so he deserved a second bite at the cherry — especially after losing just one match in the league. Sundowns did not see it that way, though. Instead, he was sacked and replaced by former assistant Manqoba Mngqithi, who had also been at the club for more than a decade. Mngqithi did not even last half a season, as he was quickly dismissed and replaced by Cardoso, who was expected to be a quick fix. Cardoso, however, has sunk more than he has swum, as winning the club's eighth title in a row was expected — despite early pressure from Orlando Pirates. Having failed to deliver when it mattered most, he cannot be forgiven — not when the same courtesy was not extended to those who had served the club with distinction before. What worsens his failure is the fact that he could not improve on last season's finish. His Esperance side had previously lost to Al Ahly after defeating Sundowns in the semi-final. Of course, the buck stops with him, but his decision to leave the talismanic Themba Zwane on the bench for both legs of the final is something that cannot be overlooked. It was egocentric ... Zwane is not only the club captain, but one of two players — alongside Denis Onyango — who were part of the team that won the crown in 2016. His impact could have been decisive. | Mihlali Baleka Patience over panic – Cardoso deserves time The sacking of Rulani and Manqoba should be seen as lessons more than anything. The chopping and changing of coaches in pursuit of one dream will eventually destabilise the good work done previously. The Portuguese mentor has taken two teams to consecutive Champions League finals. Despite not winning either, he should not be judged solely on that, but rather on the fact that he has shown the ability to reach that stage. It is surely only a matter of time before he lifts the trophy. Sundowns are a massive club and have been on a serious rise. What they have achieved domestically is historic — eight league titles in a row is unprecedented in this country. As simple as they have made it look, it will take something monumental for another team to replicate what they have done over the past eight years. Getting rid of Mokwena was a mistake, likely driven by the failure to win the Champions League. Yes, there are valid concerns about some of Cardoso's tactical decisions and team selections. But that is something every coach faces. Regardless of where they are, coaches need time. Some clubs might be less patient, but time is still a crucial factor. He was one goal away from a Champions League title. Had they beaten Kaizer Chiefs in that Nedbank Cup semi-final and gone on to lift the trophy, the narrative around him might be very different. Zwane definitely has the quality and probably could have made a difference in both legs, but I still believe Cardoso deserves the opportunity to have a full season with the squad. Give him that, and he might be the one to finally deliver what the club so desperately seeks. He has the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup later this month in the US to begin that process. | Obakeng Meletse
IOL News
11 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Hanekom stakes Springbok claim as No 8 race heats up
The Bulls' Cameron Hanekom is making a serious case to get an extended run in the No 8 Springbok jumper this season. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The weekend's United Rugby Championship quarter-finals left the impression that the consistent Bull, Cameron Hanekom, has stretched his legs towards the Springbok No 8 jersey temporarily vacated by the injured Jasper Wiese. Another strong performance by Hanekom in Saturday's United Rugby Championship semi-final against the Sharks will surely secure him the position. In April, Wiese's season in Japan came to a halt when he picked up a neck injury, prompting a return to South Africa for surgery. The 29-year-old is on the mend, but he is not on course for a comeback in time for the Springbok season that kicks off at the end of June. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ The Boks warm up with a game against the Barbarians in Cape Town before their first meaningful engagement, the two-Test series against Italy in July. And when Wiese is fit to return, he will need time off the Springboks bench to get closer to a start, as there is no other rugby available to him. As a Japan-based player, he cannot feature in the Currie Cup or anywhere else but with the Springboks. The debate over who should be the long-term Springbok No 8 has raged since the end of the 2023 World Cup, when Duane Vermeulen retired. The abrasive Wiese has been the man in possession, but Hanekom has been a star for the Bulls throughout the URC, even with a period of injury. In the absence of Wiese, Hanekom's chief rival for the Springbok No 8 jersey has been the combative Stormer, Evan Roos. Roos was not invited to the second Springbok alignment camp of the year, held two weeks ago in Cape Town. There was outrage in some quarters, especially in the Cape, but in last week's quarter-finals, Roos failed to take his opportunity to state his case to Bok coach Rassie Erasmus. The Stormers lost disappointingly to the Warriors in Glasgow, and Roos struggled to make an impact on the game. This was the perfect stage for the 25-year-old Roos to show Erasmus that he deserved to build on the six caps he has so far enjoyed for the Springboks. Since making his debut in 2022, Roos has played two games per year for the Boks. SLow start from the home side, but Cameron Hanekom delivers with a trademark powerful run.@Vodacom #URC | #BULvEDI — vodacomrugby (@VodacomRugga) May 31, 2025
IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Broos sticks to his guns as Bafana Bafana look to build on Afcon success
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is preparing his team this week for clashes against Tanzania and Mozambique. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Hugo Broos hasn't become the longest-serving Bafana Bafana coach by listening to outside noise — and that's why the buck will always stop with him when it comes to team matters. Broos recently etched his name into the national team's history, becoming their longest-serving coach and surpassing Clive Barker's record after serving for four years. Things weren't all rosy at the beginning. Broos even considered resigning during the first few months in the role, following heavy criticism from most quarters. Much of the backlash came after Bafana were hammered 5–0 by world champions France away from home and lost 2–1 to Africa's top-ranked side, Morocco. However, the tide turned after the talismanic Themba Zwane was brought into the fold and Broos received a vote of confidence from Safa president Danny Jordaan. That support paid off as Bafana secured a podium finish — third place — at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, their first in over two decades. Since then, the South Africans have continued to build momentum, finishing top of their group after an unbeaten run in qualifiers for the 2025 Afcon finals in Morocco. Bafana are also on the brink of qualifying for the 2026 Fifa World Cup — their first potential qualification since hosting the tournament in 2010. Speaking to the media in Polokwane on Monday ahead of Bafana's friendlies against Tanzania on Friday and Mozambique next Tuesday, Broos reflected on his time at the helm. 'I don't regret anything,' Broos said. 'The way I work will always be the same, so I will always do it my way. 'If I don't succeed, I will always look at myself in the mirror and say: 'It's because of me. I did it like that'. I don't want to be influenced by anybody. After all, when the results are not forthcoming, then you'll be sacked as the coach — so it's better to do it your own way.' Broos will also stay true to his methods during the two upcoming friendlies, maintaining his commitment to introducing new faces into the team. 'I think it's a great opportunity for the young players who are with us,' Broos added. 'There'll be no pressure; we are playing friendly games, and the results will not be important. 'From my side, I will give every player the same game-time. It's a little bit difficult for goalkeepers, but we'll try to ensure each one gets equal minutes, that we have a good camp, and can make a proper evaluation of everyone. 'The performance is important — so we'll try to do everything to win the two games — but more importantly, we want to assess the players, especially the new ones.' Broos' decision to integrate fresh talent is partly due to the absence of Mamelodi Sundowns players, who will be on club duty at the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup. Despite Sundowns narrowly missing out on a second African crown on Sunday night after losing to Pyramids, their players have formed the core of Bafana—a dynamic Broos is keen to change. Nkosinathi Sibisi of Orlando Pirates. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix
IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Durban City to be crown NFD champions after case against them is dismissed by Safa arbitration
Durban City can seemingly start celebrating their promotion to the Betway Premiership, if reports on Monday are to be believed. Photo: Backpagepix Durban City can start preparing for life in top-flight football next season after a case against the club was officially dismissed by arbitrator Hilton Epstein SC on Monday. City finished top of the Motsepe Foundation Championship this season, but their official coronation and promotion were halted by the PSL. This came after JDR Stars lodged a case against City for fielding Sazi Magawana, who was alleged not to have been appropriately registered by the club before the start of the season. Cape Town Spurs followed suit, playing their final match of the campaign — against City at home — under protest after Magawana was named in the starting line-up. Stars and Spurs lodged their complaints as a last-ditch attempt to either gain promotion or retain their National First Division status, respectively.
IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Cardoso remains silent on Zwane snub as Mamelodi Sundowns eye Club World Cup redemption
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso found it hard to explain Themba Zwane's CAF Champions League final snub after losing to Pyramids on Sunday night. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix It was the question on every South African football fan's lips — where was Themba Zwane? As Mamelodi Sundowns battled Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League final, the veteran midfielder and club legend remained anchored to the bench, his boots untouched, his presence silent. In a match of such magnitude, the absence of one of Sundowns' most influential figures sparked immediate speculation and a flurry of questions — none of which head coach Miguel Cardoso seemed willing to answer following their' 3–2 aggregate defeat to the Egyptian club. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Zwane, a stalwart in Sundowns' history and a pivotal figure in their 2016 Champions League title-winning campaign, remained an unused substitute throughout the decisive matches. During Sunday's post-match press conference Cardoso was pressed for clarity regarding the absence of Zwane. The Portuguese tactician, however, offered only a vague response, hinting at the need for midfield balance and a strategic approach to the game. 'I understand what you are looking for, but now is not the time to discuss individual player performances,' said Cardoso, while acknowledging Zwane's significance. 'This group is very qualified, with a lot of quality players. Themba is one of them.' The specifics of Zwane's omission were left unaddressed, fuelling speculation and adding an air of mystery to the situation. 'It's not just about accepting the loss; it's about recognising that we didn't play to the standard we should have in the initial stages of the game. We needed to approach the game differently,' Cardoso said, underscoring his focus on the team's overall performance rather than individual contributions.
