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IOL News
14 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Kaizer Chiefs, Golden Arrows and others reflect on mixed fortunes
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi had a rollercoaster of a first season with the club. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media As the dust settles on a dramatic Betway Premiership season, it's time to take stock of how each club fared — from those who soared against the odds to others who stumbled despite high hopes. Mihlali Baleka and Obakeng Meletshe reflect on the campaigns of clubs that finished from 12th to ninth, unpacking their highs, lows, key figures and what the future may hold. 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 ✕ 12th | Golden Arrows A campaign of low expectations, late panic, and brief resurgence. Golden Arrows faced several early-season challenges, starting with Mabhuti Khenyeza stepping down, only to later resurface at Chippa United. Interim duo Kagisho Dikgacoi and Musa Bilankulu held things together reasonably, but hopes of a Top 8 finish faded quickly. The return of coach Manqoba Mngqithi offered encouragement, yet the team still found themselves embroiled in a relegation scrap — one they narrowly escaped by a four-point margin after a nervy season finale. The good and the bad: Their league double over Kaizer Chiefs was a rare highlight in a largely inconsistent season. Arrows' inability to string together strong performances has plagued them since their last top-eight finish in 2020/21. The departure of Khenyeza was a disruptive blow the club could ill afford. Star player: Shadrack Kobedi | Young Turk (U23 player): Sbonelo Cele | Player on the transfer radar: Nduduzo Sibiya What's to come: The appointment of Mngqithi could still bring much-needed stability. He may just help unlock the consistency required for a return to the league's upper half. 11th | Chippa United A campaign that began with promise but faded into the familiar mediocrity The Chilli Boys improved marginally from last season's 12th-place but were ultimately left frustrated after narrowly missing out on a Top 8 spot by just two points. Their late-season collapse — earning only one point from their final five matches — proved costly. Coach Thabo September, who remained after co-coach Kwanele Kopo stepped down, has now parted ways with the club as his contract expires in June. The good and the bad: The emergence of promising youngsters and securing top-flight status were bright spots. However, the club's persistent instability remains an issue, with another managerial change expected. Star player: Andile Jali | Young Turk: Azola Matrose | Player on the transfer radar: Sinoxolo Kwayiba What's to come: As ever, expect a new coach, last-minute signings, and another scrap to stay in the league. Expectations will exceed resources and another mid-season sacking seems inevitable. Gallants statement on coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Image: Supplied 10th | Marumo Gallants Same chaos behind the scenes, slightly better on the pitch Gallants returned to the top flight after acquiring Moroka Swallows' status — a move that raised eyebrows, especially after their recent relegation due to poor administration. That instability reared its head again, with Dylan Kerr gone before a ball was kicked, Dan Malesela axed mid-season, and Abdeslam Ouaddou stepping in to bring some semblance of order. Gallants earned big wins over the likes of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, but their season ended in typical drama: Ouaddou has reportedly resigned after being told there's no budget for him next season — a claim the club denies. The good and the bad: Ouaddou's arrival steadied the ship, and his players showed great spirit against the big guns. But the recurring theme of poor leadership threatens to undo any progress. Star player: Monde Mphambaniso | Young Turk: Daniel Msendami | Player on the transfer radar: Masindi Nemtajela What's to come: Without a credible coach and leadership reset, Gallants risk slipping into another cycle of dysfunction and relegation.
IOL News
2 days ago
- General
- IOL News
We've all played enough cricket to switch from T20 to Tests, says Ryan Rickelton
Ryan Rickelton will hope to raise his bat once more for the Proteas against Australia. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media Going into the World Test Championship final at Lord's next week, Proteas opening batter Ryan Rickelton believes they have enough experience to adapt to red-ball cricket, despite last playing a Test in the New Year's fixture at Newlands six months ago. There were concerns around the Proteas' Test team preparations ahead of the showpiece event, as key players had been focused on T20 cricket in the IPL, while others were in their off-season at home over the past few weeks. However, Rickelton told the media, before the team's departure to England last week, that every player in the squad possesses the necessary experience to make the required mental and technical shift back to Test cricket. 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 ✕ The 28-year-old highlighted that leaving the IPL early was crucial, as it allowed time to prepare in South Africa before heading to England for the final phase of preparations. 'It was important to come home and not finish the IPL. I think if we'd managed to finish the IPL, it would have been very tight to try and prepare accordingly,' said Rickelton. 'We have enough time. We've all played enough cricket; we know when we're hitting the ball well or when we're ahead of ourselves, and so on and so forth. 'There's a lot of work that the guys put in behind the scenes. So, we'll be hitting hundreds and thousands of balls over the next few weeks to ensure we get back to our basics and adjust as best we can to the conditions.'
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns face questions after another continental setback in CAF Champions League
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has the opportunity to win a treble with the club – the CAF Champions League, the Betway Premiership and the Nedbank Cup. Sundowns will also be playing in the Fifa Club World Cup later this year. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media Mamelodi Sundowns' dream crumbled beneath the ancient skies of Cairo, as they fell just short of reaching the CAF Champions League final — edged out 3-2 by first-time finalists, Pyramids FC, in a battle worthy of the pharaohs on Sunday. Once again, Sundowns' league brilliance faded beneath the continental lights, as their dream of conquering Africa's premier crown slipped away. The wait stretches on — and when they return to the grand stage, it will mark close to a decade since that elusive triumph last felt within reach. What began with the promise of Lucas Ribeiro Costa's early strike slowly descended into shadows — and now, we reflect on the three defining moments that shaped the two-legged finale heartbreak for the Brazilians. Moving on from Themba Zwane? Mamelodi Sundowns' captain did not feature in either leg of the tie, and with his experience and creativity — especially against a very stubborn Pyramids defence — his presence was clearly needed, but never materialised. The 35-year-old had missed much of the season due to an Achilles injury, but after making his return more than a month before this semi-final, many expected his quality would see him earn minutes in both legs. His absence in what were arguably the club's two most important matches of the season might have gone unspoken, but it strongly suggests he may have slipped down the pecking order. Where to for Miguel Cardoso? The Portuguese coach has now lost back-to-back CAF Champions League semi-finals, the latest being a 1-0 aggregate defeat to Al Ahly last season while in charge of Espérance de Tunis. Hired by his current club with the primary aim of ending a nine-year continental title drought, Cardoso once again fell short with the trophy within reach. It would be illogical to part ways with him immediately, especially with the FIFA Club World Cup just days away. However, with only the league title to show for the season — and a disappointing 2-1 loss to Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final — his future could hinge on what unfolds in the United States in the coming fortnight. Expectations may be modest at the Club World Cup given the level of competition, but with the talent available in the squad, advancing from the group stage would be seen as a positive result — and perhaps crucial for Cardoso's job security. A heavy price to pay The Brazilians ultimately paid the price for not taking full control of the first leg at home. Their 1-1 draw, with the equaliser coming in added time, proved costly as Pyramids made the most of their home advantage and secured a place in continental history. Heading into the second leg, the expectation was for the South African side to come out strong and take control of the game, especially since they needed at least one goal to stay in contention. However, for most of the match, that urgency was missing. It wasn't until Pyramids scored their second goal that Cardoso's team began to show the intensity and intent that was needed from the start. By then, it was too late — and it became clear that their tactical approach across both legs had fallen short.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Bafana's Broos urges caution as youngsters attract European interest
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has warned of rushing Relebohile Mofokeng to find a club in Europe. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media As Bafana Bafana gear up for their upcoming international friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique, national team coach Hugo Broos has voiced his support for three rising stars from Orlando Pirates looking to make their mark abroad. Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota (both 20), and Mbekezeli Mbokazi (19) have all impressed this season, earning spots in Broos' final 23-man squad. However, the seasoned Belgian tactician is urging caution when it comes to their potential moves to Europe. Mofokeng, a 20-year-old sensation, has become a pivotal player for Pirates, contributing significantly to the team's success across various competitions. Spanish giants Barcelona have reportedly expressed interest in both Mofokeng and Nkota, while Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly are believed to be monitoring Mbokazi. Bafana Bafana squad for the International friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique.#BafanaPride@SABC_Sport — Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) May 29, 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 Underpinning his impact, Mofokeng has netted 18 goals and provided 22 assists in 89 appearances, also securing several domestic trophies since bursting onto the scene. Broos has emphasised the importance of choosing the right club – one that offers regular game time and space for development. 'The only advice I can give to Mofokeng is that he must make the right choice. That's the only advice,' said Broos. 'Going to Europe is good, but try to make the right choice because if you go to a club where you don't have a chance to play, I think it's better to stay for one more year with Pirates. So, that's up to the player, his family, and his agent. I hope that his agent is looking at the future of the player and not his wallet.' Broos highlighted the crucial role agents play in guiding young players through these pivotal career decisions – particularly amid heightened international interest and the sensitive transition to senior-level football abroad. Reflecting on the case of Shandre Campbell (formerly of SuperSport United), who recently moved to Club Brugge in Belgium, Broos pointed out the risks of relocating prematurely. Though Campbell is not in Brugge's first team, he is gaining valuable experience in the Belgian second division. 'I see what's happening with Shandre at Brugge. He is not playing with the first team, but he is playing in the second division in Belgium,' said Broos. 'Brugge's second team is playing in the second division. That's the toughest division, I can assure you, and I'm sure that he is making progress too. That is the most important thing. "So, when I say 'choose the good club', it doesn't mean he has to play directly in the first team, but he must play at a good level. I hope that if all those players go to Europe, they go to the right club.' Shandre Campbell. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Bafana bank on fresh blood with Hugo Broos set to expand squad pool
Mbekezeli Mbokazi could earn a call-up to Bafana Bafana on Thursday. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media Bafana Bafana have been on an upward trajectory recently, which is why expectations will be high for the team to win both of their international friendlies in June. Bafana will face Lesotho and Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September, knowing that victories in both matches will secure their place at the finals in North America. To ensure they leave no stone unturned in their preparations and expand their squad, Bafana have scheduled two friendlies on home soil. Hugo Broos' side will host Tanzania at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium next week Friday (kick-off 7.30pm), before facing Mozambique four days later at Loftus Versfeld. Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announces his preliminary squad for the International Friendly matches to be played at home in June 2025.#BafanaPride @SABC_Sport — Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) May 22, 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 ✕ Broos is set to announce his 23-man final squad on Thursday afternoon, despite omitting Mamelodi Sundowns players due to their congested schedule. Sundowns will face Pyramids in their must-win CAF Champions League final second leg at the 30 June Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 7pm) — the same day Bafana players are due to report for camp. Thirteen days later, the Brazilians will represent South Africa and the continent at the Fifa Club World Cup, which runs until July 13 in the US. The absence of Sundowns players has opened the door for new talent to be integrated into the squad and impress Broos ahead of the qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Moracco in December. While new faces are expected, Broos has retained the core of his regulars in the 41-man preliminary squad he announced last week. 🎙 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐭 : Rayaan Jacobs 'We want to finish the right way, with the right attitude - with the right mentality, and we urge all the supporters to come through and support us for this final home game.' 🆚 @Magesi_FC 🗓️ 28 May 2025 ⌛… — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) May 27, 2025 Orlando Pirates, having once again finished second in the Betway Premiership, are likely to have strong representation. Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng are all expected to retain their places in the national team. Youngster Mbekezeli Mbokazi could also earn his first senior call-up after a stellar breakthrough season at Pirates. The tough-tackling midfielder was so integral to his club that they opted not to release him for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt — a tournament Amajita went on to win against Morocco. His composure on and off the ball has drawn widespread praise, and many believe he deserves at least a nomination for Young Player of the Season. Mbokazi's teammate, Mohau Nkota, could also make his international debut after impressing during Pirates' CAF Champions League campaign. Catch a Glimpse of the Nedbank Cup Trophy at FNB Stadium The excitement continues for Kaizer Chiefs supporters as the team prepares to take on Polokwane City in the final match of the Betway Premiership season on Saturday, 24 May (kick-off at 15:00). In the absence of a trophy… — Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) May 23, 2025
