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Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chelsea Are Close To Recruiting This Defender: Good Signing For Maresca?
In a recent report, The Athletic's David Ornstein claimed that Chelsea are close to recruiting Ajax defender Jorrel Hato this summer. It has been revealed that the Blues have still not come to an agreement with the Dutch club but are willing to pay more than €40m for the gifted full-back this off-season. Hato's Impressive Rise In Dutch Football Hato enjoyed a decent run of form at Ajax in the previous campaign when he produced a series of solid performances on the left side of their backline. The Dutch prospect made 50 appearances for his current employers last season, scoring three times and earning six assists in all competitions. The 19-year-old performed his defensive duties well as he made 58 tackles, 35 blocks and 22 interceptions in the Dutch Eredivisie. He was even careful when distributing possession from the back after completing 89.4% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via Hato is under contract at the Dutch club until the summer of 2028 which could make it tough for the Blues to sign him on a cut-price deal in this transfer period. BACKA TOPOLA, SERBIA – AUGUST 01: Jorrel Hato celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Europa League Second Qualifying Round 2nd leg match between FK Vojvodina and FC Ajax at TSC Arena on August 01, 2024 in Backa Topola, Serbia. (Photo by) Is Hato A Good Signing For Chelsea Boss Enzo Maresca? Hato loves a tackle and can sense the danger well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He usually clears his lines when needed and can even create a few decent chances for his teammates to score from the left flank. The Dutch talent is an energetic runner with the ball as well. He mainly operates as a left-back but can also fill in as a central defender if asked to do so. Hato would enhance the quality of Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca's backline in the long run. He is already good enough to challenge for a regular first-team place at Stamford Bridge next season. At 19, the future looks quite bright for Hato as long as he continues to improve with each year. However, he might need some time to adjust to the physical nature and high intensity of Premier League football. Still, the pros outweigh the cons of signing a defender of Hato's potential. All in all, he would be a great signing for the Blues to pull off this summer.
Daily Record
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
St Mirren announce Malik Dijksteel signing as club closes in on two more targets
Boss Stephen Robinson has been busy during the summer transfer window as he reshapes his Buddies squad. St Mirren have today announced the signing of winger Malik Dijksteel with more new faces on the way. Dijksteel has penned a two-and-a-half-year pre-contract agreement with the Buddies and he will make the move to Paisley in January 2026 when his contract with League of Ireland side Cork City expires. The 24-year-old, who was born in the Netherlands, becomes the Premiership club's eighth summer signing. He came through the academy at Dutch Eredivisie giants Feyenoord where he played alongside the likes of Arsenal's Jurrien Timber and Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee. He moved to the UK in 2021 where he joined Middlesbrough before signing with Irish Cork in 2023 via spells at non-league Whitby Town and Wrexham. Dijksteel has so far made 41 appearances for the Rebel Army, scoring five goals, and will provide more competition for places in the final third. On the signing, Saints manager Stephen Robinson said: 'Malik is a player that we have kept tabs on over the last six months. 'He's a real bright spark in the final third. He's quick, direct, takes players on and I think the fans will really take to him given how exciting he is.' Dijksteel will join Liam Donnelly, Ryan Mullen, Richard King, Jayden Richardson and Tunmise Sobowale as new faces at the club with Killian Phillips and Roland Idowu turning last season's loans into permanent moves. However, business isn't finished here with the club close to securing another winger, as well as making moves for a goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Jalmaro Calvin, who was spotted in the stands at Station Park when Saints beat Fofar Athletic 2-1 in the Premier Sports Cup last Tuesday night, looks set to be the latest capture. The Jamaican international, who was team-mates with King at Cavalier in the island's Premier League, has been confirmed by the league's X (formerly Twitter) page to have signed on at the SMiSA Stadium. The post read: 'Jalmaro Calvin completes a permanent transfer from Cavalier FC to Scottish Premiership side St Mirren FC. 'Another young star takes his talent to Europe — go shine, Jalmaro!' It is a deal that Robbo is eager to get over the line with securing a work permit thought to be the hold-up. The Northern Irishman previously said: 'If we get the Jalmaro through, which looks positive, it gives us another bit of pace, energy and excitement. 'I love pace and my teams love energy. And, if you look at the boys we brought in, they've got electric pace. We're just waiting for paperwork now [to be done for Calvin]. It's the usual paperwork. 'But you take nothing for granted in this world until it's done and dusted. But we believe he's a really quick electric player who, again, needs to get up to the speed of the UK game and the physicality of the UK game, especially in Scotland.' Another player looking like he might soon end up in Paisley is former Livingston and current Wycombe Wanderers goalkeeper Shamal George. The 27-year-old keeper has only made five appearances for the Chairboys since joining in August 2024 and may be brought in to challenge Peter Urminsky and Mullen for the No 1 jersey.
IOL News
18-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Hans Vonk sings Kaizer Chiefs' praises on Netherlands tour
PLAYERS like Nkosingiphile Ngcobo (above), Nkanyiso Shinga, and Sibongiseni Mthethwe showed promise during Kaizer Chiefs' tour matches in the Netherlands. | BackpagePix Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Hans Vonk was impressed by several Kaizer Chiefs players after observing their performance during a midweek match on their Netherlands tour. Since arriving in the Netherlands, Chiefs have captivated the hearts of local fans, signalling the growing interest in South African football outside its borders. The tour proved to be an essential platform for Chiefs, who embraced the warm reception by Dutch supporters. Vonk, who bagged 43 international caps while playing for Ajax Cape Town, was on hand to watch the match against Dutch Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle, who lost 1-0 in Meppel. Before kick-off, he was greeted by several former Ajax players, including current squad members Brandon Petersen, Dillan Solomons, Tashreeq Morris, and Rushwin Dortley, highlighting the strong sense of community and camaraderie that exists in South African football. Reflecting on the Chiefs' performance, Vonk said that the South Africans faced challenges adapting to the playing conditions after their initial 15 minutes. 'I can imagine that the players would need to adjust to the pitches in their first few friendly matches in Holland,' he said to 'The fields here are softer compared to what they are used to in South Africa. The ball circulation is also quicker, especially when facing quality Eredivisie sides. It's something the players needed to adapt to.' Despite a shaky start, Chiefs composed themselves, with Vonk praising their organisational strength. He particularly noted the skills of players such as Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Nkanyiso Shinga, and Sibongiseni Mthethwa, suggesting that each showed promise during the match. Vonk remained unconcerned about the team's three losses before this game. "I am not interested in those losses," he remarked, reflecting on the purpose of pre-season games. 'It's all about getting ready for the season. Besides that, the players had to adapt to the different circumstances in Holland and the strong Dutch opponents they played against.' Looking back on his career, Vonk noted: 'For sure, as a goalkeeper I hated conceding a goal and losing, even in pre-season. However, it's all about the new experiences in Holland, about playing matches against competitive sides, getting the rhythm right, and building a team… that's what a coach is looking at during pre-season.' He expressed confidence that the pre-season camp would be beneficial for the entire squad. "I am sure they will all have learnt a lot," he added. Vonk also took a moment to reminisce about the support he received from Kaizer Chiefs fans during his time in Cape Town: 'I always had the greatest admiration for the Chiefs supporters. "They were always very sympathetic, and I never saw them in a fight or something like that. It was really about Love & Peace!' The highlight of the evening for Vonk came when Naledi Hlongwane netted the winner, prompting him to engage excitedly with Amakhosi fans as they celebrated together. As the new season looms on the horizon, Vonk remains optimistic about the future of the Kaizer Chiefs. 'I hope that Chiefs will be able to return to the level where they belong, being competitive and challenging for trophies,' he concluded, encapsulating the aspirations shared by countless fans of the club.
IOL News
17-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Monyane embraces Kaizer Chiefs identity after Soweto switch
New Kaizer Chiefs fullback Thabiso Monyane, left, impressed in the second half against FC Twente and says he is embracing life at Amakhosi after his move from Orlando Pirates. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Thabiso Monyane, who recently made the audacious switch from bitter Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates to Kaizer Chiefs, has expressed his immense pride in joining the glamour club known as Amakhosi. While on tour with Chiefs in The Netherlands for their pre-season training camp, Monyane was overwhelmed by the level of support shown during the side's five matches. In their final game, Kaizer Chiefs lost 2-1 to Dutch Eredivisie outfit FC Twente on Wednesday evening. After the match, Monyane shared a statement on the club's website that underscored the deep connection between Kaizer Chiefs and the South African public: 'If Kaizer Chiefs do well, the country does well.' Thabiso Monyane Thabiso Monyane, who recently switched from bitter Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates, has realised just how big a club Chiefs are. Image: Kaizer Chiefs 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 ✕ For years, it has often been said that Chiefs are so influential they help shape the nation's mood. Reflecting on the defeat, Monyane said: 'We conceded twice in critical phases of the game.' Though disappointed, he remained optimistic about the team's growth. 'That was tough. We worked so hard to get back into the game, and then we conceded a goal so late.' With a philosophical tone, he added: 'You never lose, you always learn.' Chiefs initially struggled against the aggressive, high-pressing approach adopted by FC Twente, who put early pressure on the South African side's defence. However, Amakhosi gradually found their rhythm, with Thabo Cele delivering a strong performance in midfield and Mfundo Vilakazi posing a constant threat on the flank. Vilakazi's lively showing included powerful shots on goal and clear intent to make an impact. Coach Nasreddine Nabi made a series of strategic substitutions at half-time, keeping only a handful of first-half players on the pitch. The new formation continued to show promise, with Zitha Kwinika solid in defence and George Matlou impressing in midfield. Despite the result, Monyane's second-half performance stood out, offering a glimpse of a bright future at his new club. 'I have been received well by the technical team, the players and the staff, arriving from the other side of Soweto,' he said. Monyane described the transition as a 'breath of fresh air' as he begins to embrace a new cultural identity within the Chiefs setup. Through their five friendlies, Chiefs have steadily built on their strengths. Monyane noted significant progress since their opening fixture against Vitesse last week and described the camp as a 'top-top experience' for the squad. With the Toyota Cup on the horizon — where Chiefs will host Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko next weekend at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium — excitement continues to build. 'I feel optimistic,' Monyane concluded, emphasising the club's rich history and passionate fanbase. 'We want to put a smile on our supporters' faces.'
The South African
04-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Full list: Kaizer Chiefs' strikers right now
Flavio Silva has started to call Kaizer Chiefs his new football club. The 29-year-old arrives in the Betway Premiership from Indonesia's Persebaya Surabaya. Though coach Nasreddine Nabi had his eyes on Pyramids FC's Fiston Mayele or Michael Olunga at Al-Duhail, Silva's profile is not too far off. The Guinea-Bissau international impressed Amakhosi with 23 goals in 29 matches for Persik Kediri in Liga 1 Indonesia during the 2023/224 season. Orlando Pirates news: Adama Coulibaly and Oswin Appollis Kaizer Chiefs unveil Flavio Silva. Image: kcofficial/Instagram After only 43 goals in 28 Betway Premiership matches for the club last season, which resulted in Amakhosi finishing in ninth position, coach Nabi duly made the signing of a new striker top priority. Kaizer Chiefs news: Second new striker and Appollis truth 'Amakhosi have secured Portuguese striker Flavio Silva from Persebaya Surabaya in Indonesia,' the club reported on their website. 'Silva, a prolific goal-scorer, netted nine goals in 33 matches last season and had an impressive 30 goals in 45 appearances for Persik Kediri the season prior. The Guinea Bissau-born player will wear jersey #77,' the note concluded. Silva's arrival means coach Nabi has four strikers to work with next season. Flavio Silva, 29 Tashreeq Morris, 31 Wandile Duba, 21 Ashley Du Preez, 27. In the meantime, Amakhosi have departed the OR Tambo International to begin their preseason training camp in the Netherlands. Kaizer Chiefs will test themselves in five matches against Dutch Eredivisie sides, four of which will be open to the public. Netherlands tour fixtures: 08 July, 19:00 – SBV Vitesse Arnhem | Sportpark Driel, Driel (Open to Public) – SBV Vitesse Arnhem | Sportpark Driel, Driel (Open to Public) 11 July, 16:00 – FC Utrecht | TBC – FC Utrecht | TBC 12 July, 14:00 – NEC Nijmegen | Overasselt (Open to Public) – NEC Nijmegen | Overasselt (Open to Public) 15 July, 19:00 – PEC Zwolle | Meppel (Open to Public) – PEC Zwolle | Meppel (Open to Public) 16 July, 19:00 – FC Twente | Enschede | Delden (Open to Public). 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.
