Latest news with #ItumelengEnglishIndependentMedia
IOL News
7 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Orlando Pirates' spirited draw with Mamelodi Sundowns offers hope of revival, says Motale
Evidence Makgopa led the line with authority, his performance against Sundowns offering fresh optimism for Pirates' attacking fortunes. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media Orlando Pirates' draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 might have been a stalemate on paper, but it could well prove to be the spark that launches their season. A lot could have gone wrong over the weekend. Pirates entered the clash on the back of two consecutive league defeats that sent shockwaves through the Premiership, and facing a Sundowns side heavily tipped to be their strongest challengers this campaign. Another loss could easily have sparked a full-blown crisis. Against a well-oiled opponent whose squad continuity has been the foundation of their dominance for over a decade, the writing appeared to be on the wall. Yet, the Buccaneers rose to the occasion, delivering what was arguably their most convincing performance of the season so far. 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 Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is still finding his feet in the hot seat, and while he does not have the luxury of time, his decision to reintroduce several regular starters from last season, including Deano van Rooyen and Thalente Mbatha, paid dividends, with the team producing a much-improved display compared to their opening two matches. That performance now sets the stage for a packed schedule. Pirates host Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday night (7.30pm kick-off) before turning their attention back to Sundowns for the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final on Saturday, already confirmed as a sold-out affair. Reflecting on the team's progress, former Pirates defender and CAF Champions League winner Edward Motale believes the side is beginning to show encouraging signs after their slow start. 'We have started the season badly, but it is not as bad as it seems because the coach is still trying to find his combinations,' Motale told Independent Newspapers. 'There are a lot of new players and he is trying to accommodate everyone into the side and get them going this season.' Motale also pointed out that despite the disappointing results, there have been positives, particularly in chance creation. 'There were a lot of positives,' he continued. 'They have been managing to create chances. In the first match they had about 13 shots at goal but they lost. In their second league match they had about 12 shots, and that shows that they are able to create chances and they are playing good football. They just need to convert their chances.' Ouaddou has faced pressure after the team's poor start, but Saturday's result against Sundowns provided some breathing room. Motale feels the performance showed the players are beginning to understand each other better. 'In the second leg fixture Pirates will be in the final at the end of it. The players are starting to understand each other well now even though they are not fully there yet. They are about 80–85% there and you can see that.' While the Sundowns showdown looms large, Ouaddou is unlikely to underestimate Stellenbosch. The Maroons frustrated Pirates last season, claiming an impressive four points in their two meetings. And while they remain a huge threat, for Pirates, two back-to-back good results may just be the reset they need to get back on the horse and fight for top honours.
IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
MTN8 semi-finals deliver drama, draw leaves Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns on knife-edge
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was solid between the posts as Mamelodi Sundowns battled to a 1-1 draw with Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final first leg. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media After the weekend's explosive MTN8 semi-final first-leg action between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, there is still no clear pointer as to which team will reach the final, following a 1-all draw. In the other semi-final first leg, Stellenbosch FC have one foot in the final after a 2-0 win over Sekhukhune United on a Winelands cabbage patch that is the Danie Craven Stadium. On the field of action, the major talking points emerged as the two semi-finals wound their course ahead of the second legs next weekend. Here are five talking points: 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 Themba Zwane is destined for the sidelines again It was meant to be a triumphant comeback season for 36-year-old Themba Zwane, who has battled injuries for the past 18 months, but he has been laid low once more. The Sundowns talisman left the pitch early in the first leg against bitter rivals Orlando Pirates, raising concerns about the extent of his latest setback. Despite his attempts to continue, the seasoned player quickly realised he could go no further and exited the field accompanied by medical staff. Let's hope the injury won't keep him out for long. Brain fade and emotions hamstring Sundowns' campaign In the aftermath of Saturday's 1-all draw, Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso criticised the team's inability to maintain composure, noting a decline in 'brainwork' and decision-making. With the second leg on the horizon, Sundowns will be aiming to eradicate the 'brain fade' and ensure emotions don't dictate the outcome. Pirates' Sebelelele looks like the best buy of the transfer window Kamogelo Sebelelele, who joined Pirates from TS Galaxy this window, is already standing out. Technically gifted, aggressive and rapid, he is a nightmare for opponents on the right wing. On Saturday, he showed his versatility when coach Abdeslam Ouaddou moved him to defence — yet he still managed to surge forward to score the equaliser in the dying minutes. Coach Ouaddou predicts Pirates sensation Mbokazi is Euro-bound After the match, all eyes were on 19-year-old centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Ouaddou praised the young captain's composure and defensive prowess, which kept Sundowns' threats, particularly Iqraam Rayners and Arthur Sales, at bay. Ouaddou went so far as to suggest that if Mbokazi continues this form, a future at a top European club awaits.
IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
COMMENT: The Ghost of Riveiro,Ouaddou's toughest opponent at Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has had a tough start to his tenure as Bucs coach. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Orlando Pirates have stumbled out of the gates under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, losing their first two Betway Premiership fixtures before holding champions Mamelodi Sundowns to a draw in Saturday's MTN8 semi-final first leg. It is hardly the dream start many Buccaneers fans had hoped for. But the real opponent confronting the Moroccan tactician isn't Sundowns' dominance, nor the unpredictable rhythms of a Soweto rivalry. It is the shadow of José Riveiro, the Spaniard whose success still looms large at Orlando Stadium. In two and a half years, Riveiro brought a sense of stability, two MTN8 titles, back-to-back Nedbank Cups and, crucially, restored belief that Pirates could win again. More than trophies, he gave them an identity, with a possession-based style and sharp attacking transitions that reignited the 'Happy People.' That is the standard Ouaddou must now match — and quickly. Every result so far has already been filtered through the prism of Riveiro. Back-to-back league defeats triggered the familiar murmur: 'This wouldn't have happened under José.'
IOL News
12-08-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Are Wallabies punch drunk or battle-ready? Boks about to find out, says Rassie
Rassie Erasmus reflects on his time under Joe Schmidt as the Springboks prepare to face the Wallabies in a high-stakes Rugby Championship opener at Ellis Park. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media There was a time when Rassie Erasmus took orders from Joe Schmidt, and the Springbok coach admits he is nervous going up against his old master when the Springboks host the Wallabies on Saturday at Ellis Park. Schmidt is the man respected for building the Ireland rugby dynasty, and Erasmus says he learned from him when he and Jacques Nienaber were coaching Munster in 2016 and 2017. 'I'm not one to suck up other coaches because it doesn't help your team perform better on match day, but Joe is a great coach,' Erasmus said, after naming his team for the opening Test of the Rugby Championship. 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 ✕ Schmidt has picked the Wallabies up off the scrapheap — they could not get out of their pool at the last World Cup — and shaped them into a side that almost beat the British and Irish Lions. 'I worked with Joe in Ireland, as did (assistant Bok coaches) Felix Jones and Jerry Flannery,' Erasmus said. 'When you sign with an Irish club, you don't sign with Ulster, Munster or Leinster, you sign with the Irish Rugby Union, so we reported to Joe Schmidt,' Erasmus explained. 'That is what I did for two years. We sat in many meetings together. He is a very particular guy, very detail-driven. He certainly knows what he wants. 'Players are on edge to satisfy his demands. That is what we will get from the Wallabies this weekend,' Erasmus added. What a way to start the week! Check out the #Springboks team to face Australia at Ellis Park on Saturday 🔥#ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) August 11, 2025 'I know he is stepping down and Les Kiss is with him here. But he is a very competitive guy and I can't see them not being on a high after the way they finished that Lions series. 'He will want to finish on a high and the players have a lot of respect for what he has brought to the Aussie jersey. Everybody is talking about the fight for the jersey is back. That is what Joe does. 'You can't forget what that guy did for Ireland with only 160 professional players. I had first-hand experience of that. So we have respect for him, and also for the squad he is building.' While the Aussies were scrapping for their lives in a hugely hyped series with the Lions, the Boks took a road less travelled and had relatively unexacting encounters with the Barbarians, Italy (twice), and Georgia. 'There are two ways to look at the debate over battle-readiness,' Erasmus said. 'They have six or seven injuries after having to field the same team over and over. 'But we lost only one player in Jasper Wiese, when he lost his temper a bit. Otherwise, we have lost nobody here, which bodes well for the Rugby Championship. 'Yes, games are games because you get the pressure and the nerves, and we might be lacking a bit there because none of our games were close. Tactically, we were not challenged by Italy and Georgia, but those were very physical matches. 'Are the Wallabies punch drunk or battle ready? You can never be sure. You can only hope you did the right thing. 'There are two realities,' Erasmus concluded. 'What they believe in their team, what we believe in our team, and then there is the truth. We will find out the truth on Saturday.'
IOL News
04-08-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
No time to breathe as Betway Premiership launches into high gear
Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs fans will pack stadiums this weekend as South Africa's top flight kicks off with blockbuster clashes and high expectations. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media As teams gear up for the new Betway Premiership season, they do so knowing the opening stretch offers no breathing room. After this weekend's curtain-raisers, clubs will dive straight into midweek fixtures, signalling a demanding start to a campaign that promises drama, intensity, and little respite. The battle for supremacy begins immediately, with players needing to adapt quickly to the pace and physical demands of the schedule. For title hopefuls, every point will count — and early momentum could be decisive. Among those looking to hit the ground running are Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Both face testing openers as they begin their respective campaigns under the watchful eye of expectant fans. 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 ✕ Pirates host Sekhukhune United on Saturday at the iconic Orlando Stadium — a venue that has already been buzzing with energy this season. Last weekend, the ground was packed to capacity for the visit of Polokwane City, showcasing the unwavering support of 'The Ghost'. A similar turnout is expected this time, especially with both sides riding high after booking their places in the MTN8 semi-finals. On Sunday, August 10, Chiefs travel to the picturesque Cape Town Stadium to face Stellenbosch FC. While the hosts will be buoyed by home support, the Glamour Boys will look to exploit the pressure on the home side as they seek a crucial opening-day victory. The fixture has grown in intensity over recent seasons, and another fiercely contested encounter is expected. A congested calendar until December 21 The Premiership will run at full tilt until 21 December, with clubs navigating a packed schedule including MTN8 ties, the return of the Carling Knockout Cup, CAF inter-club competitions, and breaks for international duty. Fifa international windows will temporarily halt domestic play as national teams — including Bafana Bafana — focus on World Cup qualifiers and friendlies. Further disruption looms in December, when the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco (December 21 to January 18), posing selection headaches for clubs likely to lose key players during a critical phase of the season. The coaching carousel spins — slightly Unusually for South African football, the coaching merry-go-round has taken a relatively subdued turn this off-season, with a mix of fresh and familiar faces settling into new roles. All eyes will be on Lehlohonolo Seema as he leads newly promoted Siwelele FC. Renowned for his tactical clarity and man-management skills, Seema will be keen to establish top-flight credibility early. Veteran tactician Gavin Hunt takes over at Durban City, bringing with him the experience of transforming struggling sides into serious contenders. Elsewhere, John Maduka has been tasked with steadying the ship at Magesi FC, a club eager to establish itself among the elite. His calm authority and emphasis on structure will be key. Marumo Gallants have placed their trust in Frenchman Alexandre Lafitte, who arrives with a reputation for progressive football shaped by his experiences abroad. At Chippa United, Sinethemba Badela takes the reins with a clear brief — to build team cohesion and push the Eastern Cape club towards greater stability and competitiveness. One of the most intriguing appointments is that of Moroccan former international Abdeslam Ouaddou, who steps into the hot seat at Orlando Pirates. While the pressure will be immense, Ouaddou has the pedigree and temperament to marshal a squad brimming with quality. As these tacticians begin to stamp their authority, and as the Premiership takes off at breakneck speed, fans can expect a season packed with unpredictability, emerging stars, and battles both on and off the pitch.
