Latest news with #Brazilians
The South African
3 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
'Mayele will score against Sundowns' – Khanye makes CAF CL final prediction
Former Kaizer Chiefs attacker Junior Khanye has predicted Mamelodi Sundowns to lose the CAF Champions League final to Pyramids on Sunday. The two teams play in the second leg of the final on Sunday evening after the first leg ended 0-0 in Pretoria last weekend. Masandawana need to win or force a scoring draw to win their first CAF CL title in nine years. This is the third time the Brazilians have managed to reach the final of the competition. Speaking on iDiski TV, Khanye felt Sundowns were less confident going into the final 'Sundowns were supposed to win here (at home), so going away is not going to be easy. As I said when the Champions League started, Sundowns will never win it. They have quality players and they are a quality team but going to the game, they don't have the confidence to win away,' he said. 'Personally, I don't think they will trouble Pyramids. They will have their moment, but their coach…' The former winger said the match will likely finish 0-0 after extra time or end with Pyramids winning. 'I see the game finishing 0-0 or it will end 2-1. Sundowns will probably score but won't win the game. Mayele is going to score tomorrow, he will score the winning goal.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
5 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Five key players that can guide Mamelodi Sundowns to their Champions League dream
LUCAS Ribeiro leads the list of match winners for the Mamelodi Sundowns side that need to make sure to score in the Caf Champions League semi-final. | BackpagePix Image: BACKPAGEPIX Mamelodi Sundowns are preparing for what could be the most defining match in the club's illustrious history as they travel to Cairo to face Pyramids FC in the decisive second leg of the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League final at the 30 June Stadium (kick-off 7pm). With the tie finely balanced following a 1-1 stalemate in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium last week, the Brazilians know the stakes couldn't be higher. Now needing to take the initiative away from home, head coach Miguel Cardoso will be leaning on several of his top performers to deliver when it matters most. Below, we highlight five pivotal players who has the mettle to lead Sundowns to their second CAF Champions League triumph. Grant Kekana ISITOBHA seMamelodi Sundowns, uGrant Kekana, sibalwa nabadlali leli qembu elizothembela kubona ukuqhubeka nokwenza kahle emqhudelwaneni iCaf Champions League Image: BACKPAGEPIX 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 ✕ A key figure in Sundowns' defensive unit, Kekana has been instrumental in both their domestic success and their progression to the Champions League final. The experienced center-back has displayed consistency and leadership throughout the campaign, but he will now face one of the sternest examinations of his career. Although Sundowns managed to win the majority of aerial duels in the first leg, they were undone by a single cross that found its way past the defense, resulting in a crucial away goal for Pyramids. With the Egyptian side known for their reliance on wide play and dangerous deliveries into the box, Kekana's positional awareness and command in the air will be vital in neutralising that threat. Iqraam Rayners MAMELODI Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners looking to add his name in Caf Champions League history. | BackpagePix Image: backpagePix Iqraam Rayners has been in impressive form in recent games, and his relentless desire to find the back of the net could exactly be the spark the visitors need to regain control in this high-stakes encounter. The Bafana Bafana forward has netted three goals in his last 10 outings, and with his team in a must-score situation to keep their Champions League dream alive, it will be essential for him to deliver one of his sharpest performances yet. Musa Lebusa UMusa Lebusa uthi iMamelodi Sundowns ikulungele ukuqubisana nePyramids emdlalweni weCAF Champions League emalanga ngoMgqibelo, eLoftus Stadium. Image: Facebook Musa Lebusa may not always get the headlines, but his contribution at the back has been invaluable for the Brazilians. A dependable and composed defender, his center-back partnership with Kekana has formed a solid foundation that nearly earned them a first-leg win— with only four minutes of added time separating them from carrying an advantage to Egypt. Now, with Pyramids' dangermen Fiston Mayele and first-leg goalscorer Walid El Karti set to be on full-on attack, Lebusa's task will be to maintain composure and execute with precision and help guide his side to as little goals as possible. Lucas Ribeiro Costa Lucas Ribeiro Costa of Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Golden Boot winner in the Betway Premiership and by a mile Sundowns' standout player this season, Lucas Ribeiro Costa has consistently delivered in key moments. His ability to rise to the occasion has been a driving force behind the team's league success, and Cardoso will be counting on him to produce a similar spark on Sunday. Costa's goal in the first leg has kept the tie alive, and with just 90 minutes separating Sundowns from making South African football history by becoming the first club to win the CAF Champions League twice, the spotlight will be firmly on him, and his creativity and finishing could very well be the difference. Jayden Adams UJayden Adams ngomnye wabadlali eza kuthembela kubo iMamelodi Sundowns xa idibana neAl Ahly emdlalweni weCAF Champions League emalanga namhlanje ePitoli. Image: Backpagepix
IOL News
16 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns now eye the Champions League's glory after tough start
MAMELODI Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners looking to add his name in Caf Champions League history. | BackpagePix Image: backpagePix The CAF Champions League is a different kettle of fish which usually separates ordinary players from the creme de la creme of the continent. As such when Mamelodi Sundowns' striker Iqraam Rayners played in his first-ever African campaign this season he duly endured its wrath. Rayners made 10 appearances for the Brazilians in Africa's premier club competition, and scored only three goals in the process. However, his novelty and mild contribution didn't show as the team still made strides to ensure that they reached the final for the first time since 2016. 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 ✕ Their return to the grandest stage on the continent didn't get off to a positive start, though, as they drew 1-1 with fellow finalist Pyramids in the first leg in Pretoria. That result meant that Pyramids will take an away goal advantage to the second leg at 30 June Stadium on Sunday (7pm kick-off). But not all is lost for the Brazilians as a goal in Cairo will bring them back in contention, and hopefully swing the results back in their favour in the end. Rayners, speaking to Mamelodi Sundowns TV on 'Road to the Final of Finals: Episode 8', recalled his tough start on the continent this season. 'I think it has been a tough journey for us as a team, and myself as a player because it's my first season playing in the Champions League,' Rayners explained. 'For me as a player, it was difficult because the level is not the same as the PSL - you need to bring your A-game week in and week out when you play in the Champions League. 'For us as a team, it was also difficult because we had ups and downs. I think in some games, we were supposed to win and we lost.' Life wasn't made easy by a lot of things at Sundowns this season. They also had to change coaches before the January break as Manqoba Mngqithi was replaced by Miguel Cardoso. The latter did well to find balance between building on Mngqithi's foundation and implementing his philosophy on the players in the process. And that duly paid dividends as Sundowns reached the final, beating Esperance and Al Ahly in the quarter-final and semi-final, and winning their eighth title in succession. 'W kept believing in ourselves (even during the tough times),' Rayners said. 'Even the change of coaches made it difficult for us. But we stuck together. 'When the new coach came in, we stuck with him - we knew what he wanted. He gave us all the small details about the teams. I think it's been good for us - hence we are here! 'So I think as a team, we must just remain humble and work together. I think there's an opportunity as a team when it comes to the second leg - the game on Sunday.'
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
‘Affected everyone': ICE raids postpone community festival on Martha's Vineyard
Organizers of the Brazil Fest on Martha's Vineyard are responding to ICE raids this week that led to the arrests of an estimated 40 migrants on the island and Nantucket. 'It has affected everyone,' said Paula Reidbord, Brazil Fest coordinator. Brazilians are the largest immigrant group on Martha's Vineyard, Reidbord says. Last year's inaugural Brazil Fest drew an estimated 500 people and was a welcomed community event, she said. But this week's ICE raids have sparked fear among immigrants in the community, even those who are in the country legally. 'People that have papers are also afraid of being tackled because it's so uncertain,' Reibord said. 'It really touches home,' adds Kiki Homer, who manages communications for the festival. 'You know individuals… who are good people who provide services.' The Brazil Fest surveyed participants after this week's raids. An overwhelming 94% said they believed this weekend's festival should be postponed considering the arrests. Organizers are tentatively planning to hold the festival on October 12, which would coincide with Children's Day in Brazil. 'Postponing the event is not a sign of fear, but rather an act of compassion and solidarity,' MV Mediation board president Rachel BenDavid said in a press release. 'It acknowledges the real and present concerns of our Brazilian neighbors.' An ICE spokesperson said this week's raids netted an MS-13 gang member and a child sex offender. Border Czar Tom Homan has said that although ICE is focused on arresting and deporting violent criminal illegal aliens, collateral arrests are likely in places with so-called 'sanctuary' policies that limit state and local cooperation with federal immigration authorities. 'More non-criminal targets are being arrested because ICE agents are not going to walk away from an illegal alien,' Homan said in comments outside the White House on Thursday. 'You force us to go find the bad guy, many times they're with others. At a work site, you go look for the bad guy, there are ten other illegal aliens there, they're coming, too.' Nantucket police said ICE notified them of their presence on the island, but did not request assistance. On Thursday, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell released a new 'Know Your Rights' guide for immigrants and bystanders, outlining what ICE agents can and cannot do, and explaining the limits on state and local law enforcement agencies. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
France 24
a day ago
- Sport
- France 24
Fonseca frenzy as Brazilian stirs memories of Kuerten at Roland Garros
Fonseca's presence on the outside courts at Roland Garros has generated an electric atmosphere reminiscent of the Maracana, the iconic stadium in his hometown of Rio de Janeiro. Court 7, the site of his first-round win, was too small to welcome his growing legion of fans and onlookers, with long queues forming even before the match started. Even against Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert in round two, Fonseca had more than his fair share of supporters on Court 14. "I knew there is going to be a lot of Brazilians here in Paris, a lot of Brazilians living here and they come a lot. I think because of 'Guga'," Fonseca said of Kuerten, who won the title in Paris in 1997, 2000 and 2001. The Fonseca frenzy isn't confined to Paris: from Melbourne to Rio de Janeiro, via Buenos Aires and Miami, crowds flock to the stands in the hope of catching a glimpse of the 18-year-old tipped for the very top. Fonseca first grabbed the public's attention a year ago in his native Rio. Then ranked 655th in the world, he reached the quarter-finals of the clay tournament -- the most prestigious in South America -- situated 10 minutes from where he grew up. Champion in Buenos Aires Fonseca made a splash on his Grand Slam debut earlier this year in Australia, knocking out Andrey Rublev in straight sets. Back home, fans believe they are witnessing the emergence of a new Kuerten, also a former world number one. On tour, the game's elite are also full of praise. "It is just the beginning of the year, just one win in a Grand Slam, but he's going to be there," Alcaraz said of Fonseca in Melbourne. "We're going to put Joao Fonseca's name on the list of the best players in the world really soon." He has caught the eye too of Novak Djokovic, with the 24-time Grand Slam winner impressed by "everything he (Fonseca) has done in the last year". In February, Fonseca captured his first ATP title in Buenos Aires, beating Francisco Cerundolo in the final to become one of the youngest ever champions on the circuit. His opening victory at Roland Garros over 30th seed Hubert Hurkacz earned him the honour of the youngest to win a match in the men's draw here since Alcaraz in 2021. 'Born on clay' "He's showing maturity and desire. I think he's very balanced, and his game is quite impressive. And above all, you can tell he's hungry for more," said Herbert. Those who have seen Fonseca in action have been treated to his exceptional shot-making, in particular his blistering forehand which is even more lethal on clay. "I was born on clay," said Fonseca. "I only started playing on hard when I was like 11, 12, something like that, playing tournaments. So clay for me is really good." But he also hopes to one day master Wimbledon. "I love playing on grass," he said. A star in the making but wary of expecting too much too soon, Fonseca admits he still has plenty of room for improvement, citing his backhand, service game, net play and clay-court defence. "Those are things that is going to come with time," he said. "I'm young, and I'm getting the experience of everything now. So I'm learning a lot from this circuit and this environment. (There's) going to come a lot of expectations. "Sometimes the pressure is going to come. It's normal. You need to deal with it." After Rublev in January, Fonseca will have another chance to take down a top-10 player in the next round in Paris when he takes on British fifth seed Jack Draper.
