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IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
Chaos, crisis and close calls: The bottom four had it all
Magesi FC won the Carling Knockout by beating Mamelodi Sundowns in Bloemfontein in November. Meanwhile, they finished the Betway Premiership in 13th Photo: BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix As the curtain falls on the 2024/25 DStv Premiership season, the spotlight shifts from the title chase to the turmoil at the bottom of the table. In the first part of our season review we look at four clubs faced humiliation, heartbreak and hard lessons in survival — or in Royal AM's case, expulsion. From chaotic boardrooms to sacked managers and historic cup wins, here's how it all fell apart at the bottom of the Betway Premiership 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 ✕ 16th | ROYAL AM Royally messed up the standing of the league Royal AM were a disgrace to top-flight football. Their season was marred by administrative ineptitude, culminating in their expulsion — and leaving the PSL with egg on their face. What should have been a sporting story turned into a legal circus, largely due to club president Shauwn Mkhize's failure to meet her duties as a law-abiding citizen. This opened the door for SARS to pursue liquidation proceedings. The PSL's delayed response only worsened matters. Royal AM had consistently shown disregard for the league's statutes, governance, and ethics. Their mere participation this season disrupted fixtures and undermined the league's integrity. The good and the bad: Nothing good came from their campaign. Their chaotic involvement brought disrepute to the league and compromised the PSL's obligation to complete the season with 16 teams. Star player: None | Young Turk (U23 player): None | Player on the transfer radar: Siphiwe Cele What's to come: Thankfully, nothing. Admin scrolled a little bit too far 🥹🏆 Guess we've always been a team that never says die#iamCityFC — Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) May 31, 2025 15th | CAPE TOWN CITY Up and down, and not a lot to show for it The Citizens were inconsistent throughout the campaign and must now battle Orbit College and Casric Stars in the PSL promotion/relegation play-offs. Two coaching changes didn't help. Eric Tinkler was dismissed after a string of poor results, and his replacement, Muhsin Ertugral, initially sparked hope by defeating both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs 1-0. However, the revival was short-lived, and results plummeted again, leading to Ertugral's departure as well. The good and the bad: Ertugral's brief spell included those memorable wins over the Soweto giants. But a 13-match winless run severely damaged their season. Though they picked up four points in their last two matches, a 15th-place finish is a fair reflection of their campaign. Star player: Thulani Serero | Young Turk: Jaedin Rhodes | Player on the transfer radar: Darwin Gonzalez What's to come: Their recent points haul provides hope. They possess enough quality to see off Casric Stars and Orbit College and secure their PSL status. To every supporter who stood by us, thank you! Your loyalty, patience, and belief meant everything this season. We see you. We appreciate you, Matsatsantsa. 💙#MatsatsantsaUnified #ForTheBadge — SuperSport United FC (@SuperSportFC) May 29, 2025 14th | SUPERSPORT UNITED That's the way the cookie crumbles SuperSport United clung to their top-flight status by a thread, finishing just one place above the play-off zone. This was unfamiliar territory for a side known for regular Top 8 finishes. But years of financial difficulties finally caught up with them, as even former head coach Gavin Hunt admitted it was hard to run a tight ship without resources. Amidst speculation of a sale and name change, the team suffered on the pitch. The sacking of Hunt — a man who had just marked his 1 000th league game as coach — was a brutal end to a season already laden with distress. The good and the bad: There was a glimmer of pride as players Neo Rapoo, Thato Sibiya, Thabang Mahlangu and Lazola Maku helped Amajita win the Under-20 Afcon. But domestically, it was all downhill. Star player: Siphesihle Ndlovu | Young Turk: Neo Rapoo | Player on the transfer radar: Ime Okon What's to come: Uncertain. A potential sale and rebranding as Bloemfontein Celtic looms.
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Ncikazi aims for strong send-off as Orlando Pirates host resurgent Magesi in season finale
Rising star Simphiwe Selepe celebrated his first goal for Orlando Pirates this past weekend after earning a fourth consecutive start, showcasing his growing influence in the midfield. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The curtain is set to fall on Mandla Ncikazi's brief but impactful tenure as interim coach of Orlando Pirates, as the team prepare to face Magesi in a Betway Premiership clash on Wednesday evening (kick-off 7.30pm). Since taking charge following the departure of José Riveiro, Ncikazi has maintained an impressive unbeaten record in three matches. The team's form suggests they could end their league campaign on a high with another win. Ncikazi will be fully aware of the threat posed by Magesi, who, under seasoned mentor Owen da Gama, have shown significant improvement during the second half of the Premiership season. For much of the campaign, Magesi were embroiled in a relegation battle, but a strong run — suffering just one defeat in their last five outings — has ensured their safety. The Limpopo-based outfit managed only one win in their first nine matches and found themselves rooted to the foot of the table at the start of January, when Da Gama was appointed as Clinton Larsen's successor. At that stage, relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship seemed inevitable. However, Da Gama orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, winning seven of his first 19 games in charge to secure the club's top-flight status. Magesi could still finish as high as ninth, provided they pull off another upset in Soweto — the same ground where they defeated Pirates 3-2 in the Carling Knockout. To reach the Top 8, however, they would need to win by at least five goals. Pirates are currently in the process of appointing a new head coach, and Ncikazi's future at the club remains uncertain. He has acknowledged that the incoming coach may choose to bring in a new technical team. Nevertheless, Ncikazi has affirmed his commitment to the Soweto giants for as long as he is wanted. 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 ✕ Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi, Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media "I'm just proud of the contribution that I'm making at the club and being appreciated by the club. And as long as it's still like that, I'll always be the servant of this club until I'm told otherwise," said Ncikazi. "I'm a smaller puzzle in a bigger picture, and how I'm wired, this has nothing to do with me — it's a mission. When you are at Pirates, you are sent. You must fulfil the mission." With second place already secured, Ncikazi may be tempted to give more game time to the club's younger players against Magesi. He handed Simphiwe Selepe his fourth consecutive start against AmaZulu at the weekend, and the midfielder repaid the coach's faith by scoring the equaliser — his first goal for the club. Selepe is the latest exciting prospect at Mayfair, seemingly set to follow in the footsteps of Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota. For Magesi, Mcedi Vandala has proved to be an astute January signing from Sekhukhune United. The 30-year-old winger has contributed four goals and two assists since joining the club and showcased his composure by converting a penalty against Gallants — his third successful spot-kick.
IOL News
25-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Limpopo clubs defy expectations in a season of highs and headaches
Sekhukhune United finished a solid fourth in the Betway Premiership this season. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix A province that is generally renowned for its professional clubs being poorly administered and often everyone's popular choice for producing the relegated club, Limpopo has had a remarkably good 2024/25 Premiership season. Two of the province's three teams – Sekhukhune United and Polokwane City – made the Top 8, while Premiership rookies Magesi defied the odds with a 13th-place finish. Tipped by most punters to bite the dust by the end of the season, Dikwena more than survived the immediate drop back to the Motsepe Foundation Championship – the club from Moletjie announced their arrival in the elite league in spectacular fashion by winning the Carling Knockout. You know it was a fantastic season for the province when Sekhukhune's fourth-place finish left the club disappointed, Ba Bina Noko having missed out on the coveted third place that would have earned them continental football participation. City, on the other hand, finished in the Top 8 yet again by securing seventh place. Even they will be looking back at the season with some regret, Rise and Shine having had a spectacular start to the campaign and occupying fourth spot for a significant time – only for the wheels to come off after the first round. Brilliant as the final outcomes have been for the province's clubs, the administrative failings remained – the trio's management typically making decisions that beggared belief. Sekhukhune kick-started the season with the appointment of German Peter Hyballa, only to sack him before he could even take charge of a match – due to being spotted at a brothel. Incredibly, they brought back Lehlohonolo Seema, whom they had dismissed shortly before the end of the previous campaign. Seema did fairly well as he led Sekhukhune to the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals, but he was soon sent out to pasture. The club brought in Eric Tinkler – himself declared surplus to requirements at Cape Town City – with the aim of qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup. They missed out by two points, as Stellenbosch FC earned the right to return to a competition where they had impressed on debut by reaching the semi-final. Still, fourth place was a good finish for Sekhukhune. Polokwane City qualifying for the Top 8 is always an achievement for a club that is never without drama. The decision to stick with Phuti Mohafe as coach is bearing fruit, as there was continuity this campaign, with City beginning the season well and collecting plenty of points early on. Typically, though, club boss Johnny Mogaladi courted controversy. His decision to withdraw players Rodney Maphangule and Mokibelo Ramabu from the Bafana Bafana squad headed to Malawi for the CHAN qualifier – just before they were due to fly out – spoke volumes about the man's lack of professionalism.
The Star
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Arthur Zwane grateful for AmaZulu opportunity after challenging Kaizer Chiefs tenure
Smiso Msomi | Published 1 hour ago Arthur Zwane has been handed a fresh opportunity to solidify his place in South African football's coaching elite – and he's not taking it for granted. AmaZulu confirmed this month that the 51-year-old mentor will continue at the helm next season after arriving in October 2024 under challenging circumstances. Zwane, who previously coached Kaizer Chiefs, is now steering Usuthu towards a top-eight finish in the Premiership. His coaching career seemed in limbo following a dramatic exit at Chiefs. After being promoted to head coach two seasons ago, things spiralled out of control, with fan unrest culminating in missiles being hurled at him during matches. Zwane was removed at the end of that campaign despite a fifth-place finish and redeployed to the club's development structures. But Usuthu saw something others may have overlooked. Zwane arrived in Durban alongside Vusumuzi Vilakazi after Pablo Franco Martin was sacked early in the season. The two initially served as co-coaches, enduring a rocky start that included losses to Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout and Orlando Pirates in the league. Momentum picked up with a 2-0 win over Chippa United – their first under the new duo. Then came another twist. Vilakazi resigned in February, leaving Zwane solely in charge. Since taking over full responsibility, he has led AmaZulu in nine matches, winning three, drawing two and losing four. Now, with his future confirmed, Zwane has broken his silence on what the opportunity means to him. 'I'd like to thank the management of AmaZulu and the president in particular for giving me a lifeline for me to revive my career,' he said. 'It's all up to me now to ensure that I take it to another level not because I want to prove a point to other people... I'm not here to prove points but rather to do my job. 'I chose to be a coach, and now I have to behave like a coach and give my best wherever I go.' The club, known for backing emerging coaches, has embraced Zwane's philosophy and allowed him to gradually implement his style. 'Ever since we took over with Coach Kanu, we had a long-term plan, even though we knew it would be dependent on results,' he added. 'We want to thank the president for the chance to stay longer and showcase our talents as coaches. 'AmaZulu is a club that gives so-called inexperienced coaches a chance, and this time, it has worked wonders – but it's also had its challenges. 'We embrace the opportunity, and the fact that it's a project means we have time to implement our way of doing things.' Zwane's first full season in charge will begin after Saturday's clash against Orlando Pirates – one of his former clubs – at the Moses Mabhida Stadium (3pm kick-off). A top-eight finish would be the perfect way to cap a season that began in turmoil, but could end in redemption.
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Arthur Zwane grateful for AmaZulu opportunity after challenging Kaizer Chiefs tenure
Arthur Zwane AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane in the thick of things in training with his squad in Polokwane. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Arthur Zwane has been handed a fresh opportunity to solidify his place in South African football's coaching elite – and he's not taking it for granted. AmaZulu confirmed this month that the 51-year-old mentor will continue at the helm next season after arriving in October 2024 under challenging circumstances. Zwane, who previously coached Kaizer Chiefs, is now steering Usuthu towards a top-eight finish in the Premiership. His coaching career seemed in limbo following a dramatic exit at Chiefs. After being promoted to head coach two seasons ago, things spiralled out of control, with fan unrest culminating in missiles being hurled at him during matches. Zwane was removed at the end of that campaign despite a fifth-place finish and redeployed to the club's development structures. But Usuthu saw something others may have overlooked. Zwane arrived in Durban alongside Vusumuzi Vilakazi after Pablo Franco Martin was sacked early in the season. The two initially served as co-coaches, enduring a rocky start that included losses to Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout and Orlando Pirates in the league. 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 ✕ Momentum picked up with a 2-0 win over Chippa United – their first under the new duo. Then came another twist. Vilakazi resigned in February, leaving Zwane solely in charge. Since taking over full responsibility, he has led AmaZulu in nine matches, winning three, drawing two and losing four. Now, with his future confirmed, Zwane has broken his silence on what the opportunity means to him. 'I'd like to thank the management of AmaZulu and the president in particular for giving me a lifeline for me to revive my career,' he said. 'It's all up to me now to ensure that I take it to another level not because I want to prove a point to other people... I'm not here to prove points but rather to do my job. 'I chose to be a coach, and now I have to behave like a coach and give my best wherever I go.' The club, known for backing emerging coaches, has embraced Zwane's philosophy and allowed him to gradually implement his style. 'Ever since we took over with Coach Kanu, we had a long-term plan, even though we knew it would be dependent on results,' he added. 'We want to thank the president for the chance to stay longer and showcase our talents as coaches. 'AmaZulu is a club that gives so-called inexperienced coaches a chance, and this time, it has worked wonders – but it's also had its challenges. 'We embrace the opportunity, and the fact that it's a project means we have time to implement our way of doing things.' Zwane's first full season in charge will begin after Saturday's clash against Orlando Pirates – one of his former clubs – at the Moses Mabhida Stadium (3pm kick-off). A top-eight finish would be the perfect way to cap a season that began in turmoil, but could end in redemption.
