Latest news with #Buccaneers'
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
WATCH: Tau, Masilela amongst the fans to pay tribute to Orlando Pirates captain
Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela bid farewell to the fans after playing his final match for the club. The 32-year-old left-back played 67 minutes during the Buccaneers' disappointing 1-1 draw with Magesi at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night. After the match, Pirates fans paid tribute to Maela, who dedicated eight years of service to the club. Among the spectators were Kaizer Chiefs legend Tsepo Masilela and Bafana Bafana winger Percy Tau, who came to support the defender in his last game for the Sea Robbers. Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi also honoured his captain during the post-match press conference. 'He's a product of this institution. I remember the first time I met him, he was playing for Thanda Royal Zulu and I was still in KZN, I saw this fast winger that I wanted to poach, but was told, 'He belongs to the big institution so you know what should happen,' said Ncikazi. 'A great human being; sometimes we look at players and we forget they are members of society, it becomes very good when you have a good human being and a good player, and it's such people who continue being a leader even if you are not on the field of play.' Ncikazi confirmed that Maela would be taking another direction in his career. 'He's highly intelligent and I'm sure he's highly educated at home and in the institutions of learning – it's a blessing, and I'm sure his career is going to proceed. 'He's that type where it's not the end now, he's just taking another step and direction in his career, based on his humanity and his academic learning.' With Maela gone, Tapelo Xoki will take over as Orlando Pirates. The tall centre-back has captained the Buccaneers for two seasons in the absence of Maela. 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.
The Star
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Orlando Pirates failures no fault of young Bucs, charges interim coach Ncikazi
Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi has come to the defence of the club's emerging talent, insisting their lack of experience is not to blame for the Buccaneers' recent failures. Ncikazi, who has taken over the reins following the departure of head coach José Riveiro, was speaking after Pirates played out to a 1-1 draw with AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday — their penultimate match of the Betway Premiership campaign. The Buccaneers had high hopes of finishing the season with multiple trophies. Having already lifted the MTN8 earlier in the campaign, Pirates remained in contention for the league title, the CAF Champions League and the Nedbank Cup well into the final stretch of the season. But in a turbulent fortnight, those ambitions were dismantled. Pirates lost to Sekhukhune United in the league, were knocked out of the Champions League by Egypt's Pyramids FC, and fell at the final hurdle in the Nedbank Cup — edged out by bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs. That collapse invited scrutiny, particularly over the club's increasing reliance on youthful talent. Over the last two to three seasons, Pirates have been among the frontrunners in promoting academy graduates to the senior team. Players such as Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Siyabonga Ndlozi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Simphiwe Selepe have all made their mark during this period. However, their involvement in some of the season's most high-stakes fixtures raised concerns from some quarters about whether Pirates had leaned too heavily on untested players at crucial moments. Ncikazi, though, was adamant that the club's direction remains the right one. 'Number of games, maybe (we may look to ease the load) but in terms of the experience, I don't think so,' he said.
The South African
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Mbekezeli Mbokazi nears Orlando Pirates exit at 19-years-old!
There are warning signs that the Mbekezeli Mbokazi-Orlando Pirates relationship might be over before it really ever began. The teenage sensation has been a revelation since debuting earlier this year, turning heads across the continent and already tipped to be a future Bafana captain. Buccaneers' former coach Jose Riveiro, who joined Al Ahly a week ago, is reportedly eyeing the defender ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup – that may prove too tempting to turn down. 'Al-Ahly club officials have already begun exploring the possibility of signing South African defender Mbekezile Mbokazi during the upcoming summer transfer window, ahead of the Club World Cup, with the player being registered under the exceptional registration period that FIFA announced would open starting next June,' Sport El Watan reported. Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates are eyeing Congolese international Fiston Mayele. 'There has been contact [between Pirates and Mayele], and although nothing is concrete at this stage, there is a possibility,' an inside source said. 'Mayele's camp is testing the waters and trying to see if Pirates are willing to make a concrete move to the PSL.' 'Given the current situation, both in terms of Pirates' need for a proven striker and Mayele's availability, this could be a very real transfer possibility.' 'It's no secret that Pirates are in the market for a reliable goal-scorer, and after what Mayele did to them on the continental stage, it's clear he could be that guy.' 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.
Boston Globe
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez, suddenly a veteran for the young Patriots, shines in OTA session in Foxborough
If Tuesday was any indication, maybe Pilates should be part of thePatriots' offseason workout program. The 22-year-old Gonzalez, preparing for his third season, had a sparkling performance during the OTA session on the fields behind Gillette Stadium, including a pair of interceptions against quarterback Drake Maye. 'Got two off him,' Gonzalez said with a smile, joining a group of defensive backs that got four INTs off Maye. Early in the workout, Maye attempted to connect with DeMario Douglas, but Gonzalez jumped in front of that offering. Gonzalez followed that up with a pick of Maye on a deep ball intended for rookie receiver Kyle Williams. Advertisement Gonzalez was beaten by Maye later in practice, a beautiful back-shoulder throw to receiver Javon Baker. (Maye rebounded nicely, finishing 7 for 8 after the interceptions.) But that completion was the only negative for the corner, who continues to stake his claim as one of the best young defensive backs in the league. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'It's fun to get back out here, fun to be back on the grass,' Gonzalez said after the roughly two-hour workout. 'This is what we all love to do. Get back out here playing football again.' There's been a lot of turnover on the defensive side for the Patriots this offseason, including the departure of veteran Advertisement 'The more I've been in the building, the more I've been around football, the more I'm starting to learn [and] the more I can help the rookies when they have a question,' said Gonzalez, the final first-round pick of the Bill Belichick era. 'Not even the rookies; anybody else who has a question. 'I've still got a lot to prove. But if I feel like somebody wants to come ask me something, they can definitely come ask me something.' After a rookie year that was cut short by a shoulder injury, Gonzalez figures to be paired with veteran free agent pickup Carlton Davis. Gonzalez is excited about the opportunity to work with and learn from Davis, who was part of the Buccaneers' 2020 Super Bowl team. 'It's going to be awesome, just learning and playing with [Davis],' Gonzalez said. 'I mean, he's played in the Super Bowl, so he's seen at the highest level. He's done it. So that's only not great for me but for the whole room to just have his voice, and just pick up tips from him [any way you] can. He can learn from us, so we can learn from him.' Gonzalez also expressed enthusiasm about playing for new 'We love playing for Vrabel so far. Great energy. Everything you see on TV, that's exactly what he is,' Gonzalez said, taking note of the No. 51 jersey Vrabel has worn when he's jumped into drills from time to time. 'His energy … he always has great energy. Always smiling. I've enjoyed it.' Advertisement Given his background and the relative youth of the team, it wouldn't be out of the question to consider Gonzalez a candidate to be a team captain. But the Oregon product — who is one of a few players on the roster who will be playing for his third head coach in three seasons — says that regardless of how long he's been in Foxborough compared to some of his teammates, he doesn't anticipate changing his approach. 'I'm more of a low-key [guy]. An I-don't-really-talk-a-lot type of guy,' he said. 'But everybody leads differently. Everybody can lead. Everybody can lead through playing, so, I mean, I'm just going to continue to be myself, not change up or anything.' Christopher Price can be reached at
USA Today
20-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Is Luke Geodeke The Future At RT For The Buccaneers?
Is Luke Geodeke The Future At RT For The Buccaneers? Luke Goedeke: The Buccaneers' Future at Right Tackle Luke Goedeke's evolution from rookie struggles to a cornerstone on Tampa Bay's offensive line is one of the team's most important success stories. After being drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft and struggling at left guard, Goedeke found his true home in 2023 when the Buccaneers moved him to right tackle, which is his natural position, and he hasn't looked back. Starting all 17 games in 2023, Goedeke posted a 76.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, including a 78.2 in run blocking and 76.7 in pass protection. His improved performance continued in 2024. Despite missing four games due to a concussion, he ranked eighth among all tackles with only 38 pressures allowed and finished 11th in one-on-one pass-blocking pressure rate (8.1%). That growth was evident when he helped shut down elite pass rushers like Aidan Hutchinson during key matchups. He's also a big reason why Tampa Bay's rushing attack ranked fourth in the league in 2024, averaging 149.2 yards per game. Standing 6'5" and weighing 312 pounds, Goedeke brings the physical tools and growing technical skills needed to anchor the right side of the line for years. At just 25, he and fellow tackle Tristan Wirfs form one of the league's most promising young duos. Goedeke was even ranked eighth among right tackles in pass-blocking grade by PFF last season. There's still room to clean up as he sometimes gets beat early in reps and has quite a few penalties, but his rapid development makes it clear: Luke Goedeke is no longer a question mark. He's the answer at right tackle and a vital piece of the Buccaneers' future and is more than deserving of the payday he should see next offseason as Tampa aims for continuity on the offensive line for years to come.
