Latest news with #BetwayPrem
The South African
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates transfers: Mayele, Prince Ndlovu, Nemtajela
Today's Orlando Pirates transfer wrap looks at several targets, including Fiston Mayele, Prince Ndlovu and Masindi Nemtajela. Recently crowned Caf Champions League winners Pyramids FC are resigned to losing star striker Fiston Mayele. The 30-year-old Congolese star was pivotal in their run to the title, scoring clutch goals against Orlando Pirates in the semi-finals and bagging one in the second leg of the final against Sundowns. Click for the story The man who broke Orlando Pirates' hearts. Image: Sydney Mahlangu / Backpage Pix Orlando Pirates have moved quickly to secure a replacement for the departed Miguel Timm. 23-year-old Masindi 'Confidence' Nemtajela is the man. The all-action schemer made 17 appearances for Gallants in the league last season, scoring once, supplying two assists and picking up four bookings. Click for the story Remember the name Prince Ndlovu? Click for the full story Will Pirates challenge for next season's Betway Prem title? 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.
TimesLIVE
29-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
SuperSport survive dreaded playoffs in game of two halves, and three months
The Betway Premiership season has officially, finally, come to an end with SuperSport United surviving the dreaded promotion play-offs with a 1-1 draw with Golden Arrows at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Thursday. This second half, which ended without goals, was a continuation of the match that was abandoned at half time on February 23, three months ago, due to Lucas Moripe's lights going out amid a power failure with the score level at 1-1 at half time. At that time, SuperSport opened the scoring after four minutes through the effort of Christian Saile and that goal was cancelled out in the 24th minute by Velemseni Ndwandwe for Arrows. SuperSport, whose future remains in doubt with rumours the club is on sale, are equal on 27 points with Cape Town City but they have a better goal-difference and they have saved their status in the PSL. Emotional scenes as SuperSport Utd breathe a sigh of relief 🥹 #BetwayPrem | #SSDiski — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 29, 2025 This means City, who finished 15th, go to the play-offs where they will play against Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) sides Orbit College and Casric Stars — pending an arbitration involving MFC champions Durban City — to save their PSL status. It is not known whether this is the end of this matter because City's boss John Comitis is believed to be seeking legal advice to challenge the validity of this match, where two halves were played three months apart. According to the rules, the game should resume with all personnel who were involved that day and yellow cards in place but both scorers Saile and Ndwandwe were not in the match-day squads, presumably due to injury. Both sides' coaches had also changed, Andre Arendse replacing Gavin Hunt at Matsatsantsa and Manqoba Mngithi coming in for Kagisho Dikgacoi and Musa Bilankulu, who became his assistants, at Arrows. Ordinarily the 16th-placed Premiership side is automatically relegated and 15th team goes to the promotion-relegation playoffs. This season, due to Royal AM's expulsion, only the 15-positioned side goes to the playoffs, with no side dropping automatically. Faced with a situation where a defeat could have resulted in devastating consequences, Arendse went with a strong line-up of players like the Bafana Bafana duo of Ricardo Goss and Nyiko Mobbie, former national captain Thulani Hlatshwayo, Ime Okon, Lebohang Maboe, Sipheshihle Ndlovu, Samir Nurković and Lyle Lakay. Mngqithi picked a strong combination too, which included key players like Isimail Watenga, Gladwin Shitolo, Brandon Theron, Nduduzo Sibiya, Nhlanhla Zwane and Lungelo Dube. Arrows ended the season in 12th place and Mngqithi has a lot of work to do during the off-season to recruit players who will help the team be consistent next campaign. There was relief at the final whistle with SuperSport players and members of staff in wild celebrations but the issue remains about the continued status of the club that has three league titles.
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Maela's finale ends in a draw as Orlando Pirates fail to capture three-point PSL treasure against Magesi FC
Patrick Maswanganyi Patrick Maswanganyi (centre) celebrates with his Orlando Pirates teammates after opening the scoring against Magesi FC on Wednesday night. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Orlando Pirates' season finale and reportedly last game for captain Innocent Maela at the club ended in a 1-1 draw with Magesi FC on Wednesday night. This result meant that Pirates finished second on the Premiership log with 61 points, 12 behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns. It was not the way the Buccaneers would have wanted to finish off the season, especially at their Orlando Stadium home, as a win would have served as a consolation after yet another disappointing campaign. However, this game was a true reflection of Pirates' shortcomings this season as they failed to either consolidate their lead or add to their advantage. Expect the unexpected when the Cocomelons are around 😏🔥 📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 28, 2025 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 ✕ Ad loading When Patrick Maswanganyi broke the deadlock in the seventh minute, expectations were high for Pirates to head into the break with a healthy advantage. This was due to the fact that they took the game to Magesi, using the speed of Mohau Nkota and composure of Relebohile Mofokeng. But it wasn't to be. Instead, Magesi stunned Pirates and punished their wastefulness as Edmore Chirambadare equalised before the break, resulting in the game ending 1-1. The equaliser must have stung for everyone, especially captain Maela, who was said to be making his final appearance for the club. Orlando loves Innocent Maela 🥹 The skipper says goodbye to the fans ☠️ 📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 28, 2025 Maela's brother and homeboy Tsepo Masilela and Percy Tau were also in the stands to all but bid farewell to the defender, who had served the club well over the years. The 32-year-old left back couldn't lead his team to a win while on the pitch for 65 minutes, and he was eventually substituted and replaced by youngster Yanga Madida.
IOL News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
PSL must do much better next season after disruptive campaign
Shauwn Mkhize Royal AM owner Shauwn Mkhize saw her club expelled from the Premiership. Photo: AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Media Image: AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Media Final Whistle Column The teething problems were there even before the season officially got underway, but the masses held their breath, hoping for everything to fall into place. But it wasn't to be. The PSL was brought about disrepute throughout the season, so much so that there'll be better expectations next season. Perhaps the fact that the majority of the fans are not rating the design of the new Premiership trophy by Nelson Makamo sums up this season. Makamo was heavily criticised for his design when the new cup was unveiled last Sunday, with naysayers linking it with the infamous hookah pipes. Betway Squad 📣📣📣 The moment you have been waiting for 🔥🔥🔥 The Betway Premiership Trophy 🏆 Phakamisa izandla Bazalwane 🎉🎉🎉#BetwayPrem #BetwayPremTrophy — Betway ZA (@Betway_za) May 18, 2025 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 renowned designer tried to justify himself, saying that he got the idea for the trophy through his ancestors as he wanted to produce something iconic. But the football masses, including yours truly, are having none of that, as his instinctive design didn't align with football heritage often portrayed through silverware. Makamo, also, is just unfortunate that he has suddenly become a sacrificial lamb as some of us have been there even before the start to see the signs of a ticking bomb. The multi-billion rand Premiership was initially shaken when broadcasting giants DStv pulled out as the main sponsor of top-flight football at the 11th hour amid financial struggles. That all but forced PSL head honcho Irvin Khoza to find an immediate solution, and thanks to his impeccable leadership, it wasn't long that the product attracted interest. In the end, though, it was betting heavyweights Betway that won the bid of being the league's main sponsor, changing how some people viewed sports betting. But that wouldn't deter the overall feeling that Khoza had hit a jackpot by bringing Betway on board, given their vast financial power and growth over the years. Betway and the PSL, however, said, at the time, that they were not yet ready to reveal the championship trophy as they were still in discussion with a few top designers for expert input. In the end, it was Makamo that won the bid. The revered designer got a lot of stick from the masses after his masterpiece wasn't deemed worth it for a football competition. Betway Squad 📣📣📣 The moment you have been waiting for 🔥🔥🔥 The Betway Premiership Trophy 🏆 Phakamisa izandla Bazalwane 🎉🎉🎉#BetwayPrem #BetwayPremTrophy — Betway ZA (@Betway_za) May 18, 2025 But be that as it may, the PSL's season was already rocked, largely due to the expulsion of Royal AM, whose season had to be declared null and void. Royal AM brought the league into disrepute after the club's president, Shauwn Mkhize, owed money to SARS, resulting in the curator taking over assets, including the football club. And with Mkhize unable to pay the curator the sum of R40 million, that led to the curator putting up the club for sale, resulting in the no payments as the PSL also froze grants. And after no entity successfully bought Royal AM early this year, the PSL Board of Governors had no choice but to vote in favour of the expulsion of Thwihli Thwahla. It was a dark time for those who were under the payroll of the club, but not its owners and the management team, as they brought the league into disrepute from the outset. When Royal AM joined the elite league, they made a mockery of its professionalism, paying player bonuses on the pitch, fighting with fellow officials and turning stands into parties. And so their questionable deeds finally caught up with the club, but it's unfortunate that it was at the expense of the league and its stakeholders, Betway and Nedbank. And we've done it🏆 — Durban City FC (@DurbanCity_FC) May 18, 2025 Right now, there's a pending case regarding the improper registration of Sifiso Magawana by NFD log leaders Durban City, hence their automatic promotion has been put on pause. It is not the first time that the PSL have been embroiled in a promotion saga related due to improper registration, so that's a story for another day. But overall, it's been a disruptive season for the PSL in the top-flight, so expectations will be rife for things to improve significantly next season.
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
AmaZulu's Ofori braces for ‘cup final' against former side Orlando Pirates
Richard Ofori AmaZulu goalkeeper Richard Ofori will be keen to get one over his previous club, Orlando Pirates. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix AmaZulu goalkeeper Richard Ofori is not entertaining any nostalgia as he prepares to face his former club, Orlando Pirates, in what he's calling a 'cup final' for Usuthu. The Durban-based outfit will welcome the Soweto giants to Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off), with a place in next season's MTN8 competition up for grabs. A single point will be enough for Arthur Zwane's side to secure a top-eight finish in the final round of the 2024/25 Premiership campaign. Ofori, who spent several seasons with the Buccaneers before switching to AmaZulu, says the emotional attachment is not part of his mental preparation. 'Every game is important, and that's how we take them. Football sometimes doesn't go the way we want it to go, but we prepare our mindset and focus on each and every game,' Ofori said. 'Whether it's a former club or whoever we're playing, it's a big game and it's a cup final for us. 'I expect it to be a beautiful game. 'It will be nice to be some of my former teammates, but this is just a football game that we are playing, with nothing added on top. So, our attitude needs to match up with that.' 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 ✕ The Sea Robbers are heading for our shores, but we're ready to defend every grain of sand! 🏖️🔜 🎟️ Tickets are available at @TicketProSA outlets – secure your spot on the frontline now! ⚔️🪖#BetwayPrem #HebeUsuthu #UsuthuTogether — AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) May 21, 2025 AmaZulu currently occupy sixth place on the log standings, but that position is far from secure. A defeat to Pirates, coupled with results elsewhere, could see them miss out on the lucrative MTN8 tournament – a scenario Ofori and company are determined to avoid. Pirates come into the match having secured second spot in the league and CAF Champions League qualification. While head coach Jose Riveiro is no longer on the bench following compassionate leave, Ofori believes the Buccaneers remain a formidable force. 'I don't think their intensity has dropped (since Riveiro left). In fact, it's been the same, to be honest, (judging from) the last two games against Golden Arrows and SuperSport. I don't think they look tired,' he observed. 'But at this stage of the season, tiredness sets in and the mindset sometimes goes down a bit because of the fatigue. 'But they won against SuperSport, which means they're in good shape.' Nah dawg @orlandopirates you really robbed us of a good ending 🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾 You hurt us 💔 — Rehauhetswe M (@hauza_) May 20, 2025 AmaZulu have not played since their 1-1 draw against Polokwane City on May 2, a break that may offer physical freshness but also risks match sharpness. Ofori, however, believes the focus should remain inward. 'We need to focus on our game because at the end of the day, they're still Pirates – no matter who their coach is – because the name in itself sometimes plays a role, no matter the personnel that's playing.' While Saturday's match won't feature silverware, the stakes are just as high for Ofori and his teammates. A top-eight finish would represent a significant step forward for a club that started the season on shaky ground and has been steadily rebuilt under Zwane. Now it all comes down to 90 minutes – and AmaZulu's shot-stopper knows exactly what's on the line.
