Latest news with #HlomphoKekana
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs news: Mbule, Monyane and Mako
Mamelodi Sundowns legend Hlompho Kekana has just created further division among Kaizer Chiefs fans, the subject is Sipho Mbule. Despite his widely publicised battle with self-discipline at Sundowns and while on loan at Sekhukhune United last season, should Kaizer Chiefs sign Mbule for his sheer talent and hope for the best? According to Sundowns legend Kekana, the 27-year-old will be a risk for any club, but his talent is undeniable. It is no secret that Amakhosi are in the market for a talented number eight, and who better than their former target Mbule, who has proven PSL and CAF Champions League?… Full Story here. Full list: 10 signings linked with Kaizer Chiefs Kaizer Chiefs have a decision to make. Should they sign Thabiso Monyane from Orlando Pirates as a free agent? The 25-year-old South African junior international's contract with Orlando Pirates expires this month, and the Sea Robbers have made no effort to offer a new deal. According to SABC Sports' Mazola Molefe, Monyane's representatives have offered the Orlando Pirates defender to Kaizer Chiefs… Full story here. Rulani sends honest message to Orlando Pirates boss News coming out of Johannesburg says Kaizer Chiefs are in advanced talks to sign Paseko Mako. The 31-year-old left-back left Orlando Pirates just 24 hours ago. Reports from previous months confirmed that coach Nasreddine Nabi and Amakhosi were set to prioritise the left-back position this winter, with Stellenbosch FC's Fawaaz Basadien the dream target. According to news, Kaizer Chiefs are moments away from signing Mako on a free deal… Full story here. 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
29-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Hlompho Kekana positive Mamelodi Sundowns can claim CAF Champions League glory
Hlompho Kekana is confident that Mamelodi Sundowns can clinch the CAF Champions League title. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Hlompho Kekana says that Mamelodi Sundowns have what it takes to win the club's second CAF Champions League title when they come up against Pyramids FC in the second leg of the final at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday (7pm kick-off). The Brazilians will head to Egypt's capital slightly on the back foot due to the away-goals rule, after playing out to a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld last Saturday. Sundowns clinched the tournament in 2016, and they are looking to be the first South African side to win the competition twice, after Orlando Pirates became the first club to emerge victorious in 1995. The Buccaneers were also tasked with the difficult situation of having to go to ASEC Mimosas, having played out to a 2-2 draw against the Ivorians at the FNB Stadium, and a Jerry Sikhosana winner at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium was enough to hand them a 3-2 victory. Sundowns, on the other hand, went through a different route in their first leg in 2016, as they stamped their authority early against Egyptian giants Zamalek, securing a 3-0 lead, and only conceded a 1-0 defeat in the second leg. Ex-captain Kekana believes his former side have all the tools to bring back a positive result. 'I have a strong belief that the boys have what it takes to go to Cairo and win this football match,' Kekana said ahead of the second leg of the final. 'It was a very tricky first leg. They took the lead, but conceded at the very end, which, for me, when I looked at the match, I was not worried, because I felt they had control. 'But this is the Champions League; you cannot take it for granted, not even for one second, because we saw what happened right at the end. 'But I am sure they are aware of what is to come, because they have played difficult matches before. 'They need to go for a kill and win this one, because it will be very important to put another star on top of that jersey.' Kekana was part of the team that won the tournament in 2016, and he added that tapping into history a bit more might motivate them to have greater belief. 'It's important that we tap into those memories because they will help us, because we always know that football is a game of reference,' he said. 'You always have to look back at what worked for you and what you did in the past to get to certain stages. 'It still excites me to see the pictures from the 2016 team lifting the trophy, and it will give the players the motivation to say that it's doable, because that team managed to do it.' The 37-year-old believes that getting off to a fast start will also be crucial to settling some nerves. 'If you score early, then you break the ice, and you play with less stress,' Kekana said. 'Cairo is always a difficult space to go in. An early goal could turn the whole complexion of the match, and it would be nice if we scored early.'
TimesLIVE
27-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Former Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana urges players to go for the kill against Pyramids
Former Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana says they must go for the kill in the second leg of the Champions League final against Pyramids FC in Cairo on Sunday. The Brazilians and Pyramids are tied 1-1 after the forst leg at Loftus and they will do it again at the 30 June Stadium where a winner must be produced and Kekana, who lifted the trophy in 2016, said they must go for an early goal to put their hosts under pressure. 'They must go for the kill, they need to win this match because it is going to be important to put the second star on the jersey,' he said during an event where Carling Black Label was officially been named the South African beer sponsor of the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup. 'In a game of football there are moments where, as a team like Sundowns that has been in the space for too long, you understand the demands. The Champions League is like a chess game. 'How you normally play at home is not how you play at home. You are playing teams that are the same level as you are and that is always difficult.'
CAF
23-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
New TotalEnergies CAF Champions League trophy on tour ahead of Saturday's first leg of the final
The new TotalEnergies CAF Champions League trophy has been on tour in Johannesburg ahead of Saturday's first leg of the final between Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa and Pyramids FC of Egypt. The new trophy for Africa's elite club competition was unveiled in a glittering ceremony on Thursday, ushering a new era for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League. Accompanied by legends Teko Modise and Hlompho Kekana, who both lifted the old trophy in their playing days, the magnificent piece of silverware has made visits to SABC, SuperSport, ENCA and Newzroom Afrika ahead of Saturday's eagerly-awaited first leg decider at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria (kick-off 15:00 local time / 13:00 GMT). The new Trophy draws inspiration from the fierce competition and rich cultural heritage of the continent, the trophy features sleek silver and gold lines, symbolising unity, rivalry, and the competitive balance that defines the tournament. At its peak, the golden sphere – embellished with African symbolism – represents the ultimate prize: victory. The interplay of contrasting silver and gold elements celebrates both the triumph of champions and the honour of worthy opponents, reinforcing the spirit of respect, ambition, and excellence that underscores African football. The redesign mirrors the successful evolution of African football, positioning the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League trophy as a visual icon that reflects the prestige and passion of African club football.
The South African
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Orlando Pirates whispers: Kekana, Makhaula, Mofokeng, Benni McCarthy
Today's Orlando Pirates rumour wrap involves the likes of Hlompho Kekana, Benni McCarthy and some big opinions on Makhehlene Makhaula and Rele Mofokeng. Hlompho Kekana is a huge fan of Makhehlene Makhaula's industry in midfield for the Sea Robbers. 'This is my Player for the Season [Makhehleni Makhaula],' said Kekana on SABC Sport's Soccer Zone. Click for the story Former Orlando Pirates, Bafana Bafana and FC Porto striker Benni McCarthy did a whole lot more than win the Champions League. Click for the story Benni's 2011 Rabbit Food diet Meanwhile, here's Benni in a Buccaneers jersey. Image: SoccerLaduma Hlompho Kekana was a combative and explosive character on the pitch, but off it, he's as humble as they come. Regarded by his teammates as a model professional and example, he took care of his body and was fit as a fiddle even at the ripe age of 36. His devotion to a healthy diet didn't do him any harm either. The retired midfield general remains popular with journalists, too, having always made himself available for calls and interviews. In the aftermath of Sundowns' tenth ABSA Premiership title win, a triumph that completed a fabled 'La Decima', Kekana was effusive when praising his teammates. Those men fought alongside him to snatch the title on the very final day. Kekana was truly a team-oriented man. Check out Kekana's amazing story and CV Hlompho Kekana admits he knew he had 'overstayed his welcome' at Mamelodi Sundowns when his game time became limited. Image: @iDiskiTimes / X 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.
