Latest news with #BidvestWits
TimesLIVE
22-07-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Growing concern at ‘disappearance' of ex-Bafana midfielder Thando Mngomeni
There is growing concern among family, friends and former teammates with reports that former Bafana Bafana, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits midfielder Thando Mngomeni has gone missing. According various media reports, Mngomeni, who also played for Bush Bucks, SuperSport United, Helsingborgs IF in Sweden and the South African Under-23 side, has not been seen in over a month. Speaking to TimesLIVE on Tuesday afternoon, his brother and Bafana and Orlando Pirates legend Thabo Mngomeni said he could comment much on the matter at the moment.
TimesLIVE
17-07-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Letladi Madubanya picks Lucas Ribeiro as Footballer of the Season
In the 72nd episode of the Arena Sports Show, presenter Mahlatse Mphahlele is joined by former SuperSport United, Bidvest Wits, Bloemfontein Celtic, Platinum Stars and Maritzburg United midfielder Letladi Madubanya. The discussion with the former combative midfielder starts with Madubanya's upbringing in Alexandra, where he grew up around superstars like the late Isaac 'Shakes' Kungwane and Brian 'Spiderman' Baloyi.
IOL News
08-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
From Wits to Swallows: How PSL clubs have been bought, sold, and erased
99 years of history wiped out Bidvest Wits players celebrate with the Telkom Knockout trophy after winning in 2017. Three years later, the club disappeared from South African football when their status was bought by Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix Image: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix Last week, former league champions SuperSport United became the latest team to sell their PSL status. For the first time since 1994, the once-mighty Matsatsantsa – a team with a short but storied history, and who at times were the only team able to stand up to Mamelodi Sundowns – are no more. The news angered many fans and former footballers, shocked that a team which won three consecutive titles between 2008 and 2010 could be wiped out so suddenly. SuperSport United was bought by Calvyn Le'John, who was later revealed to be the son of Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie. Le'John's plans for the club include relocating it to Bloemfontein, where they will play as Siwelele United. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. He is also expected to invest up to R400 million in the project to revive football in the Free State. Soon after, it was reported that Cape Town City, who were recently relegated, were looking to buy someone's status in order to remain in the top flight. Due to the difficult financial situation TS Galaxy currently finds themselves in, they could be tempted to sell their status in order to keep the Citizens in the Betway Premiership. IOL Sport takes a look at some of the most high-profile status changes in the PSL. Moroka Swallows → Marumo Gallants (2024) Just last year, Marumo Gallants made their way back into the league when they purchased the status of Moroka Swallows, who themselves had only made it back to the professional ranks after buying another club's status. Bloemfontein Celtic → Royal AM (2021) One of the most high-profile cases where a status was sold was when Durban businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize bought the status of Bloemfontein Celtic after Royal AM failed in their promotion bid back in 2021. After two years in the league, things didn't go as planned for MaMkhize's team, as they found themselves in a financial hole that got them kicked out. Dynamos → AmaZulu (2006) AmaZulu were relegated from the top flight back in 2001/02. They returned briefly in 2003/04 as Zulu Royals, but were relegated again. In 2006, local businessman Patrick Sokhela bought the status of Dynamos, who had finished 13th in the league. Thanda Royal Zulu → AmaZulu (2016) AmaZulu were relegated again in 2014, and after failing to gain promotion back to the top flight, they bought out KwaZulu-Natal rivals Thanda Royal Zulu, who had won the National First Division. Bidvest Wits → Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) (2020) In 2020, the beloved name of Bidvest Wits disappeared from South African football just three years after winning the league. Wits, then the oldest club in the country at 99 years old, sold their status to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila. The club lasted just one season in the top flight before they sold their status to Marumo Gallants in 2021. Highlands Park → TS Galaxy (2020) TS Galaxy made history in 2019 when they beat Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final, becoming the first team from the National First Division to win the competition. The following season, the team struggled in the NFD and could only manage 10th place. However, the following season saw them make the jump to the top division after buying out Highlands Park. They've been in the top flight ever since, but speculation is rife that they might sell their status to the recently relegated Cape Town City. Mpumalanga Black Aces → Cape Town City (2016) Cape Town City were founded just nine years ago after the club purchased Mpumalanga Black Aces and relocated the club to Cape Town. Amazayoni, as they were known, had finished fourth in the league during the 2015/16 season. More status changes Vasco da Gama → FC Cape Town (2007) Benoni Premier United → Thanda Royal Zulu (2007) City Pillars → Mpumalanga Black Aces (2007) Mbekweni Cosmos → Chippa United (2010) Bay United → Polokwane City (2012) Vasco da Gama → Stellenbosch FC (2016) These repeated status sales raise deeper questions about the integrity and sustainability of South African football. While club owners may see it as a business decision, it's the supporters and communities that are left betrayed. Unless the PSL re-evaluates its policies around franchise trading and puts heritage and supporter loyalty at the heart of its decisions, South African football risks losing more than just club names – it risks losing its soul. IOL Sport
The South African
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
RUMOUR: Kaizer Chiefs target Bafana veteran in France
Kaizer Chiefs are exploring the option of bringing Lebogang Phiri back to South Africa after a long stint in Europe. 30-year-old Phiri plays for Ligue 1 side Guingamp in France. His European adventure has taken him to Denmark and Turkey, too. 'Mayele will only come to South Africa for a holiday and Amapiano' Lebogang Phiri, a versatile central midfielder, has spent his entire senior career in Europe. He left the Bidvest Wits junior setup in 2013 for Denmark's Brondby and never looked back. Phiri has six caps for Bafana Bafana. 'Word reaching iDiski Times is that Kaizer Chiefs could be looking to bring another South African midfielder back from Europe, with Lebogang Phiri the latest name linked to the Nedbank Cup champions. Phiri, a former Bidvest Wits youth player, left the country as a teenager,' the outlet reported. 'He spent the past season in France with Guingamp. The 30-year-old, who came to the fore at Brondby, is believed to be considering his options, and while there are European opportunities for Phiri, a good offer from Naturena may be able to persuade him to return to Mzansi. 'In the 14 years Phiri has been abroad, he has played in Denmark, France and Turkey,' the report concluded. Kaizer Motaung Jr has plenty to ponder as the 2025-2026 season rolls closer. Image: © Sydney Mahlangu 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
05-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Five key players who could rescue Cape Town City's Premiership status
Cape Town City and Stellenbosch FC The stakes in the derby between Cape Town City and Stellenbosch never have been higher than it will be on Saturday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Once riding high in the Premiership, Cape Town City now find themselves navigating unfamiliar waters. The rhythm that led them to an impressive fifth-place finish in the 2023/24 season has faltered, replaced by uncertainty and a battle for survival. Now, in a make-or-break scenario, they must overcome two determined NFD Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) sides—Casric Stars and Orbit College—to secure their place in the Betway Premiership. This is uncharted territory for the Citizens, a club that has consistently finished within the top eight since the 2014/15 season, when they ended the campaign in 10th place. One of their finest moments came in the 2021/22 season, when they proudly claimed second place behind Mamelodi Sundowns. However, their fortunes have since taken a troubling turn. A run of poor results, compounded by a series of coaching changes—including the exits of Eric Tinkler and Muhsin Ertugral—has left the team in a vulnerable position. With their top-flight status hanging by a thread, a decisive performance in the upcoming playoffs is essential. Here, Obakeng Meletse looks at five key players who could prove crucial in Cape Town City's fight for survival. Darren Keet Darren Keet of Bidvest Wits collects the high ball during the 2016 MTN 8 semi-final second leg football match between Cape Town City FC and Bidvest Wits at Cape Town Stadium. Photo: Chris Ricco Darren Keet of Bidvest Wits collects the high ball during the 2016 MTN 8 semi-final second leg football match between Cape Town City FC and Bidvest Wits at Cape Town Stadium. Photo: Chris Ricco Image: Chris Ricco The 35-year-old is experienced both locally and internationally, and with his side now facing a situation this current crop of players hasn't truly encountered before, his leadership in marshalling the defense and guiding the team to make as few mistakes as possible will be crucial in overcoming the challenge posed by both Motsepe Foundation Championship sides. The Citizens conceded 31 goals this past season, and many of their difficulties stemmed from an inability to keep clean sheets. The experienced campaigner will need to ensure that, in the upcoming matches, the team concedes as few goals as possible — a factor that could ultimately make the difference. Thulani Serero Former Bafana Bafana and Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Thulani Serero has returned to the Mother City after a decade playing abroad. Image: Cape Town City Formerly with Ajax Cape Town before moving to the parent club Ajax Amsterdam, the now 35-year-old is a seasoned campaigner who is well-traveled and well-poised to handle the pressure that comes with being in a do-or-die situation. Serero has yet to make the kind of impact he would have hoped for since returning to South African football, but the upcoming play-offs present a perfect opportunity for him to remind everyone why he is regarded as one of the finest midfielders this country has ever produced. Jaedin Rhodes Vuyo Letlapa of Sekhukhune United is challenged by Jaedin Rhodes of Cape Town City during their Betway Premiership enncounter at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: Backjpagepix The talented 22-year-old midfielder played a key role in helping the Cape Town side find much-needed momentum in the closing stages of the season. His creativity could be exactly what the club needs to overcome the unfamiliar hurdle they currently face. Darwin Gonzalez Darwin Gonzalez Cape Town City striker Darwin Gonzalez will pose a danger against Richards Bay. Photo: PHANDO JIKELO Independent Media Image: PHANDO JIKELO Independent Media González was one of the standout performers this season, with his eye for goal proving pivotal despite the team struggling for consistent results throughout the campaign. With four goals scored this season, including two strikes against Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, González could hold the key to unlocking another season for his side in the top flight. Haashim Domingo Haashim Domingo Cape Town City's Haashim Domingo battles away against Stellenbosch FC in the local derby at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix
