Latest news with #Khumalo
TimesLIVE
3 hours ago
- General
- TimesLIVE
Khumalo pleasantly surprised as hastily arranged Cosafa squad takes shape
Vela Khumalo, the coach of the Bafana 'B' side that will take part in the 2025 Cosafa Cup in Bloemfontein, was pleasantly surprised at the sharp condition his players arrived in on Monday ahead of their opening game against Mozambique on Wednesday. The Kaizer Chiefs youth coach, who also steered the South African under-17s to their age group Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal last month and qualification for the U-17 World Cup, will take charge of the Bafana emerging combination at the Cosafa Cup. Khumalo's side that takes the field in their in their Group A opener at Free State Stadium (3pm) could more accurately be called an 'Emerging B'. Bafana coach Hugo Broos is taking charge of the senior team in friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique's senior side in Polokwane on Friday and next Tuesday with a squad missing his Mamelodi Sundowns contingent and including a host of new faces as he casts his net wide for talent.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Khumalo to lead Bafana Bafana in Cosafa Cup
"This is another Bafana Bafana team and I'm happy, I'm excited," said Khumalo. The South African Football Association (SAFA) have confirmed Vela Khumalo will lead Bafana Bafana in the 2025 Cosafa Cup. The regional tournament will be held in Bloemfontein from 4-15 June 2025. ALSO READ: AmaZulu release Bafana Bafana goalkeeper – report Khumalo, who is also the South African U17 men's national team coach, will be assisted by Reneilwe Letsholonyane while Molefi Ntseki will serve as technical advisor. Khumalo said he was excited with the challenge of leading Bafana in Bloemfontein. 'We are looking forward to this tournament and we're playing at home, we're playing in Bloemfontein, and we cannot compromise the team. This is another Bafana Bafana team and I'm happy, I'm excited. We want to go through, and we want to win COSAFA (Cup),' Khumalo told SAFA media. 'I remember the last time we won it with coach Morena Ramoreboli when we were co-coaches, now it's me alone. I think this is the right time for us to express ourselves and show how we as South Africans are on the winning streak, and we are happy and in a good space,' added the Kaizer Chiefs Diski Challenge side coach. SAFA technical committee chairman Jack Maluleke said Khumalo and U20 Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach Raymond Mdaka were to lead the COSAFA team, but the draw and workshop for the U20 FIFA World Cup this week put paid to that plan. ALSO READ: Blom leaves Kaizer Chiefs as squad overhaul begins 'Unfortunately, coach Raymond is not around because he is attending the FIFA draw and workshop for the Under-20 national teams in Chile. So, we felt that we must give him a break because he was in Egypt at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (SA won the tournament and are the African champions) only a few days ago and after that he went to Chile to the workshop,' explained Maluleke. Meanwhile, Khumalo has announced his squad for the COSAFA Cup. Khumalo included Chiefs players in the squad. The five players are goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma, defender Aden McCarthy, midfielders Thabo Cele and Mduduzi Shabalala and striker Wandile Duba. The full Bafana Cosafa squad:
CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Khumalo eyes U-17 World Cup knockout stage for South Africa
Published: Thursday, 29 May 2025 South Africa's U-17 national team coach Vela Khumalo has welcomed the challenge posed by Group A opponents at the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, saying his team's goal is clear: progress from the group stage and make a deeper run in the tournament. The draw, which was held in Doha on 25 May, placed Amajimbos alongside hosts Qatar, European heavyweights Italy, and Bolivia in what promises to be a compelling group. Reacting to the draw, Khumalo reflected on the opportunities that the group presents for his team and the development of South African youth football. 'It's a very interesting group. It's very intriguing,' said Khumalo. 'It's good for our development of the youngsters. It's important for South Africa to get out of the group stage and go for the later stages. If we can do that, we will have played our part.' South Africa will open their campaign against the hosts Qatar in front of what is expected to be a packed home crowd before taking on Italy, one of Europe's traditional youth football powers. Their final group fixture will be against Bolivia, a side known for producing technically skilled players. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 marks a new chapter in the tournament's history, with 48 teams participating for the first time. Set to kick off on 3 November, the expanded format adds new complexity and excitement to the global showcase of youth talent. South Africa will be relying on key performers from their recent U-17 AFCON campaign, where they impressed with their high-intensity play and tactical discipline under Khumalo's guidance. While navigating Group A won't be easy, Khumalo's focus on mental readiness and competitive growth is evident. 'This group gives our players the chance to test themselves against top talent on the world stage,' he said. 'We're preparing not just to participate, but to compete and progress.' As anticipation builds across the continent, South Africa's young stars now know their path. With the backing of a passionate nation and the leadership of a determined coach, Amajimbos will hope to make their mark in Qatar.
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Life Roseacres Hospital celebrates nurses as pillars of compassion and care
In celebration of International Nurses Day on May 12, Life Roseacres Hospital was filled with warmth and appreciation as it hosted an event to honour its nursing staff, the true backbone of healthcare. 'As a hospital, we recognise the invaluable contributions of our nursing professionals. This year's theme resonates with Life Healthcare's commitment to investing in, respecting, supporting, recognising, and protecting our nurses,' said Janene de Beer, marketing and communications manager. This year's global theme 'Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies', is a reminder of the critical role nurses play in healthcare systems and the economic well-being of societies. ALSO READ: Life Roseacres Hospital rated highly in Discovery Care Ratings for 2024 One of the most moving moments of the celebration was when nurses gathered to renew the Nightingale Pledge – a solemn oath reaffirming their dedication to ethical, compassionate, and skilled care. With candles lit and hearts full, the nurses stood side by side, echoing a pledge that defines their noble calling. In her keynote address, Life Roseacres Hospital Manager Sentle Moroeroe praised the nursing team for their unwavering commitment. 'Nurses Day is an important date on our calendar, as it allows us to honour and celebrate our nurses for their commitment to excellence in patient care. 'Our nurses work hard to deliver clinical expertise and go above and beyond – lending a listening ear and offering a compassionate touch, which often plays a vital role in a patient's recovery,' said Moroeroe. She added, 'Today, we celebrate more than just a profession – we honour a calling. Our nurses are healers, comforters, and often the first and last people patients encounter. Their work cannot be measured by hours, but by the lives they touch.'Moroeroe encouraged nurses to take pride in their profession. 'Nurses are sometimes undervalued, but their work is profoundly important. They play a central role in the care and well-being of every patient.' ALSO READ: Christmas baby boy welcomed at Life Roseacres Hospital A special highlight of the day was the recognition of Dineo Khumalo, recently selected as one of the Great 100 Nurses. Through this initiative, the group honours top nurses chosen by their peers for their efficiency, quality of care, compassion, and contribution to enhancing the patient experience. Khumalo, who joined Life Roseacres a year ago, expressed her gratitude and excitement. 'I started in May last year, and being selected for the Great 100 Nurses is a humbling experience. It is an assurance that I am doing my job well.' Coming from a financial background, Khumalo shared how she made a bold decision to switch careers.' 'I spent ten years in the corporate world, but had a strong passion for nursing. I left finance and pursued my dream – and never looked back.' She encouraged others to follow their passion regardless of age or career stage. 'It is never too late. Since starting my nursing journey, I have learnt so much. There is a wide range of opportunities in this profession. We need to be open to learning and empowering ourselves.' Khumalo also urged fellow nurses to take pride in their roles. 'Whether a patient is kind or not, we must always aim to deliver the best care – it is our duty. It is also important to educate patients about their rights and nurses' rights, to establish a mutual understanding and respect.' The day concluded with speeches of gratitude, light refreshments, and tokens of appreciation shared among colleagues. Nurse manager Natasha Packree, who led the ceremony, emphasised the need for continuous professional development and emotional support. 'Renewing our oath is a reminder of the sacred trust we hold. Every patient we care for deserves our best, and to give that, we must take care of ourselves,' she said. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
08-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs invite three youngsters from DDC to join the first team
Kaizer Chiefs could promote three youngsters to the first team next season, should they impress Nasreddine Nabi during pre-season. The club's DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) coach, Vela Khumalo, has revealed that Matlaba Kabelo Nkgwesa, Thulani Mabaso, and Takalani Mazhamba would be part of the pre-season with their senior counterparts. 'Players like Matlaba [Kabelo Nkgwesa], [Thulani] Mabaso, and Takalani [Mazhamba] will go to the preseason with the first team,' Khumalo said, as quoted by Sowetan Live . Khumalo has led the Kaizer Chiefs reserve side to the title this season, but emphasised that the three youngsters were not promoted but were assessed. 'We're not necessarily saying we're promoting them, but we're saying if the first team can just take them for the preseason and do their own assessment. You'll see others in different PSL teams, whether on loan or permanently. 'This is by far the best year of my coaching career after qualifying the U-17 for the World Cup and now winning the DDC title. This tops winning the Cosafa Cup with the U17 national team,' Khumalo said this week. Kaizer Chiefs have promoted several DDC players over the years with the likes of Wandile Duba and Mfundo Vilakazi shining. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
