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IOL News
28-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Maela's finale ends in a draw as Orlando Pirates fail to capture three-point PSL treasure against Magesi FC
Patrick Maswanganyi Patrick Maswanganyi (centre) celebrates with his Orlando Pirates teammates after opening the scoring against Magesi FC on Wednesday night. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Orlando Pirates' season finale and reportedly last game for captain Innocent Maela at the club ended in a 1-1 draw with Magesi FC on Wednesday night. This result meant that Pirates finished second on the Premiership log with 61 points, 12 behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns. It was not the way the Buccaneers would have wanted to finish off the season, especially at their Orlando Stadium home, as a win would have served as a consolation after yet another disappointing campaign. However, this game was a true reflection of Pirates' shortcomings this season as they failed to either consolidate their lead or add to their advantage. Expect the unexpected when the Cocomelons are around 😏🔥 📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 28, 2025 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 ✕ Ad loading When Patrick Maswanganyi broke the deadlock in the seventh minute, expectations were high for Pirates to head into the break with a healthy advantage. This was due to the fact that they took the game to Magesi, using the speed of Mohau Nkota and composure of Relebohile Mofokeng. But it wasn't to be. Instead, Magesi stunned Pirates and punished their wastefulness as Edmore Chirambadare equalised before the break, resulting in the game ending 1-1. The equaliser must have stung for everyone, especially captain Maela, who was said to be making his final appearance for the club. Orlando loves Innocent Maela 🥹 The skipper says goodbye to the fans ☠️ 📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 28, 2025 Maela's brother and homeboy Tsepo Masilela and Percy Tau were also in the stands to all but bid farewell to the defender, who had served the club well over the years. The 32-year-old left back couldn't lead his team to a win while on the pitch for 65 minutes, and he was eventually substituted and replaced by youngster Yanga Madida.
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Three talking points as Mamelodi Sundowns target CAF Champions League crown
Walid El Karti Walid El Karti, seen here taking on Mamelodi Sundowns star Marcelo Allende, grabbed the stoppage-time equaliser for Pyramids FC. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Ninety minutes, perhaps more, stand between Mamelodi Sundowns and the chance to etch their name into African football history as they prepare to face Pyramids FC in the decisive second leg of the CAF Champions League final at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday (7pm kick-off). Eight years have passed since their first moment of continental glory, and only now do the South African giants return to the grandest stage once again. In the first leg at Loftus Versfeld, Lucas Ribeiro Costa sent the crowd into a frenzy with a second-half opener, only for Walid El Karti to silence the celebrations with a cruel, last-gasp equaliser, leaving the tie balanced at 1-1 heading into a fierce Cairo night. The disappointment hung heavy – etched on the faces of players, echoed in the silence of thousands at Loftus Versfeld. Yet, within that moment of heartbreak may lie a hidden gift. Had they clung to a slender 1-0 lead, the instinct might have been to retreat, to protect, to defend what they had. But now, with the away-goals rule tilting the tie in Pyramids' favour, there is no room for hesitation, no space for safety. The Brazilians have little choice but to rise with purpose, play on the front foot, and with the talent they carry, perhaps being forced to chase is exactly what will awaken their finest football. 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 ✕ Pyramids have been unshaken and unapologetically ambitious. With the fearlessness they have shown throughout their campaign, they will fancy their chances on home soil. Here, Obakeng Meletse unpacks the three key talking points ahead of the second leg showdown... No room for errors in defence Before Walid El Karti's late equaliser, Sundowns had maintained control and remained well-structured at the back. But as Saturday showed, the margin for error at this level is razor-thin – one brief lapse in concentration, and the punishment is swift. In the return leg, Sundowns must be especially alert when defending crosses. Pyramids have already demonstrated their aerial threat – both in their 3-2 aggregate victory over Orlando Pirates, and again with their equalising goal in the first leg, and It's in these moments, in the chaos of the box, where history could be made. Pyramids might still have ace up sleeve Heading into the return leg on home soil, the Egyptian side could look different, with a few players possibly returning from injury. One of those is the dynamic and versatile Mostafa Fathi, who missed the first leg, but could be a real danger if fit in time. After largely keeping Fiston Mayele at bay in Pretoria, Miguel Cardoso will be counting on another disciplined defensive display from his side. Pyramids are known for their tactical fluidity – rarely sticking to one fixed formation. Their players are comfortable adapting to different systems, and one thing that remains constant is their willingness to attack. Will Cardoso turn to Zwane? In the first leg, coach Miguel Cardoso acted quickly to bring in Jayden Adams for Tashreeq Matthews in the first half to regain control in midfield when they were being overrun. However, he may regret not turning to club captain Themba Zwane in the closing stages. Zwane, who recently recovered from a long-term injury, was on the bench, but went unused. With his experience and calm presence, the veteran midfielder might have helped Sundowns manage the final moments better. His ability to unlock tight defences could have made the difference against a compact Pyramids backline – and perhaps even preserved a 1-0 advantage to take into Cairo. His leadership and composure when in possession may be exactly what Sundowns need in the high-pressure return leg.
IOL News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Champions show up in difficult situations, Miguel Cardoso tells Mamelodi Sundowns after Pyramids FC final draw
Arthur Sales Sundowns Arthur Sales' clashes with Pyramids' Ahmed El Sawy at Loftus Versfeld. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media A dejected Miguel Cardoso dragged his almost lifeless body to the Loftus Versfeld auditorium on Saturday, needing to sip on water before taking his seat. The Mamelodi Sundowns coach was down in spirits after his team was held to a 1-1 draw by Pyramids in the CAF Champions League final first leg in Pretoria. Sundowns had led through Lucas Ribeiro Costa in the 54th minute, but Walid El Karti cancelled out that strike in stoppage time. The draw means that the Brazilians have to score in the return leg at 30 June Stadium in Cairo next Sunday to keep their chances of winning their second crown alive. It has been nine years since Sundowns ruled Africa as they won their maiden title under then-coach Pitso Mosimane in their second final attempt. That dream of getting back to the pinnacle of African football took a huge knock at home, reflecting why the Portugal-born coach Cardoso showed raw emotion of dejection afterwards. But the 52-year-old mentor didn't allow the setback to weigh him down in optimism as he said that adversity is the breakfast of champions. 'The attitude of champions is seen when things are not going well – when things are beautiful, it's very easy to be champions,' Cardoso explained in his post-match address. 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 ✕ 'Champions show up in difficult situations. We have a match of 90 minutes to play, and have the responsibility to score (at least) one goal as well.' The last time Sundowns won the continental crown was also in Egypt, as they beat Zamalek 3-1 on aggregate over the two-legged contest. The Brazilians had made the job easier for themselves as they won 3-0 in the first leg at home, resulting in the 1-0 loss to the White Knights in Cairo irrelevant. But with Sundowns having beaten Al Ahly 1-0 on aggregate in the semi-final this season, with the goal coming in the second leg in Cairo, they'll be confident of winning the second leg of the final against Pyramids next Sunday. Miguel Cardoso Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso gestures during the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Cardoso knows that it won't be easy, though, and that's why they'll have to give as good as they get on the day. 'We need to have a strong mentality. Even if they score over there, we need to continue looking for the goal that will equalise the match,' Cardoso said. 'It's open. They know it's open. The strongest team in the second match will be the one that will win the match, for sure. 'The approach for the game will be the same as we approach all the other games. The team that will show more interest, and motivation, will win the second leg.' A hard fought battle in the first leg - let's go to Cairo and give it everything Masandawana!👆🌍 Mamelodi Sundowns (54' Ribeiro) 1️⃣➖1️⃣ Pyramids FC (90 + 4 Elkarti)#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #RabatsenaGape — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 24, 2025 There'll be high expectations for club captain and fan-favourite Themba Zwane to make an appearance in Cairo after being overlooked and benched in the first leg. Zwane knows a thing or two about winning the continental showpiece, as he is one of the two surviving members of the class of 2016, alongside Denis Onyango. 'I have to manage Themba like all the other players. Everybody wanted to be part of the match,' Cardoso said. 'The decisions were made to keep the balance of the team, and we thought they were the best ones.
IOL News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Late Pyramids FC sucker punch, but not over yet for Mamelodi Sundowns in CAF Champions League final
Walid El Karti Walid El Karti, seen here taking on Mamelodi Sundowns star Marcelo Allende, grabbed the stoppage-time equaliser for Pyramids FC. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Comment by MATSHELANE MAMABOLO at Loftus Versfeld THEY walked around the pitch as though in a funeral procession. Their heads bowed, and their hands hanging by their sides, Mamelodi Sundowns players were an epitome of a group in mourning. Shell-shocked at having conceded the late equaliser by Walid El Karti, the South African champions clearly understood the meaning of their having conceded a goal to Pyramids FC on home soil in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. The trophy that they seemed to have a hand on deep into injury time was snatched away from that within the wink of an eye. Their traditional post-match salute of their fans was equally a sombre affair that they clearly would have rather not participated in. But it is obligatory and they did it, and it too told the story of a team and a crowd that had seemingly seen a ghost. Sundowns were looking good for a 1-0 win after Lucas Ribeiro Costa had given them the lead with a typical classy left footer from inside the box. And as they managed to keep Pyramids at bay while often venturing into the final third and threatening to score a second, it appeared as though the Brazilians would make the trip up to Cairo in an advantageous position. 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 ✕ But football is fickle at the top, and against North African teams in particular – it is never over until the final whistle has been blasted. A huge failing of South African football is the way the fans only get involved in the match when their team is doing well. Let the opposition gain control and the home fans literally suffer with their team, sitting in silence and perhaps praying for a turnaround. Ribeiro, having been earlier substituted to rapturous applause, stood up from the bench and turned towards the fans – cajoling them into cheering the team on. Coach Miguel Cardoso and some players on the bench joined him, and Loftus broke into song. Just before that, the stadium announcer – having already announced that there would be four minutes of time added on for stoppages – pleaded with the crowd not to run on to the pitch at the final whistle. Victory seemed certain for Sundowns, and he clearly was anticipating an overflowing of emotions to have the delighted Masandawana to go on to the pitch and celebrate with their heroes – prematurely though that would have been, with the second leg still to come next Sunday night in Cairo. He'd spoken too early because a Pyramids attack from the left side with about a minute to go ended with El Karti tapping in the goal that sent Loftus Versfeld into such silence, you'd have sworn you were at a funeral. It was a sucker punch to the gut that would send even the strongest of boxers at least taking the standing-eight count, and Sundowns just did not want that. And you saw it in the way they met the final whistle that the players and the entire stadium understood just how much of a blow this was. They will probably recover from this in the next few days, and Cardoso is going to remind them of just how well they've done to get to this final – the Brazilians having won at Esperance and Al Ahly. A hard fought battle in the first leg - let's go to Cairo and give it everything Masandawana!👆🌍 Mamelodi Sundowns (54' Ribeiro) 1️⃣➖1️⃣ Pyramids FC (90 + 4 Elkarti)#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #RabatsenaGape — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 24, 2025 Surely they can do the same at Pyramids? Contrast Sundowns' reaction to that of Pyramids, though, and you further got the understanding of what the 1-1 score-line means. The Egyptians celebrated with gusto, and even went down in thankful prayer at the end of the match, the Champions League rookies clearly confident that they will finish off the job in their own backyard – like they did in knocking Orlando Pirates out in the semi-final. On the strength of this match, you have to agree that Pyramids are favourites to lift the new Champions League trophy. But Sundowns are not completely out of it, and can still add that second star above their club crest. Not that you'd have believed this from seeing them walking around the pitch at the final whistle, resembling a group doing a send off to a dearly departed one.
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Huge knock to Orlando Pirates' PSL title challenge as Yamba wins it for Sekhukhune United
Tresor Yamba Tresor Yamba (right centre) is congratulated by his Sekhukhune United teammates after scoring against Orlando Pirates. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Orlando Pirates' chances of challenging for the Premiership title took a huge knock as they lost 1-0 to Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night. The defeat meant that they now trail log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who beat Richards Bay 3-0 in a simultaneous Wednesday kick-off, by 12 points. It was a huge blow for Pirates, as they also wanted to have a perfect dress rehearsal ahead of the back-to-back Soweto derbies against arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs. Pirates will face Chiefs in the league at FNB Stadium on Saturday, before the two teams face off in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in seven days' time. Pirates have to make sure that they win both those games, as this loss was also on the back of their elimination from the CAF Champions League in the semi-finals. The Bucs lost 3-2 on aggregate to Pyramids in Cairo last Friday, so they couldn't afford to slip up in domestic football if they were to challenge for a treble. But it wasn't to be. 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 ✕ Pirates didn't only lose this match, but they also lost captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, who'll miss out on both derbies after he was sent off by referee Olani Kwinda after two yellow cards. Pirates had started on a high on Wednesday evening, taking the game to Sekhukhune in search of a breakthrough, which would give them comfort. But it didn't come as Sekhukhune stood their ground, repelling all the danger that came their way as they looked to catch the visitors on the break against the run of play. Pirates, for all their efforts, were not clinical in the final third either as balls hardly got to striker Evidence Makgopa who continued to start ahead of Tshegofatso Mabasa. The Sea Robbers failed to make inroads into Babina Noko's box due to playing down the flanks instead of getting the ball into the danger zone. Relebohile Mofokeng did his best to try and make Pirates tick as he was all over Sekhukhune's defence. But that didn't pay any dividends for his side, while Bandile Shandu also wasted his square ball as he ballooned it into the stands with only Ronaldo Leaner to beat. Mofokeng was indeed Pirates' livewire in this game as he was also defending against the run of play, helping Shandu and Co. With the lead not coming through open play, Pirates opted to use the set-piece routine, but that also didn't pay off as Leaner tipped Kabelo Dlamini's free-kick over the crossbar. The Bucs lose their skipper ❌ Sibisi is sent off after two yellow cards 🟨🟨 📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 30, 2025 The Sea Robbers went into the break dominating possession, and they tried to turn that into a goal earlier in the second half. But it wasn't to be. Mbekezeli Mbokazi had a chance to score, but he put his effort into the stands right in front of goal when it actually looked easier to score. Pirates were eventually punished for their wastefulness as Tresor Yamba headed home Keletso Makgalwa's corner-kick after Sipho Chaine misjudged the ball in the air. Pirates coach Jose Riveiro made a host of changes in the last 25 minutes of the game, including introducing Mabasa for Makgopa. The attacking approach of Riveiro didn't work for Pirates as Sekhukhune got behind the ball as they successfully defend their lead to trim the Bucs' chances of winning the title.
