Latest news with #MTN8
The South African
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
How Kaizer Chiefs exposed Orlando Pirates' major weakness
Kaizer Chiefs ended their 10-year trophy drought by defeating Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final. But how did they achieve this victory? The Buccaneers seemed poised to win multiple trophies, yet a series of poor results cost them both the Betway Premiership and the CAF Champions League. The Nedbank Cup appeared to be their only hope of achieving a double, having already won the MTN8 in October of the previous year. Despite a strong finish to the first half against Chiefs, Orlando Pirates conceded a late goal, marking their first final loss under coach José Riveiro. The two teams clashed three times during the previous season, with the Buccaneers winning both league matches. They secured a 1-0 victory in the first round and controlled the reverse fixture, although a lack of finishing allowed the score to end at 2-1 in favour of Amakhosi. Leading up to the Nedbank Cup final, the Sea Robbers were favourites, given their strong performance in prior matches. However, Kaizer Chiefs' impressive cup run meant they could not be underestimated. An early goal for Amakhosi ignited the final, but Pirates quickly equalised. As the match progressed, Orlando Pirates appeared to be in control, pushing for a lead in the late stages of the first half. However, Chiefs managed to hold on until halftime. Despite dominating possession early in the second half, the Buccaneers struggled to penetrate Kaizer Chiefs' defence, and their energy seemed to wane. The turning point came around the 70th minute when coach Nasreddine Nabi substituted Gaston Sirino and Wandile Duba, both of whom had been ineffective throughout the match. By that point, both teams appeared fatigued, and the match seemed destined for extra time. Amakhosi brought in Ashley Du Preez and Mduduzi Shabalala, who injected new energy into the team. For the first time in the match, Pirates seemed off balance. Their midfield and defence were stretched, and momentum began to shift in favour of the Glamour Boys Despite maintaining pressure on Bucs, poor finishing and decision-making plagued Kaizer Chiefs. Rather than absorbing the pressure, the Buccaneers attempted to build from the back, but tired players kept losing possession. In the 78th minute, Chiefs launched another attack. Just when it seemed that Shabalala had wasted the opportunity by passing to Du Preez, the former Stellenbosch striker played the ball back to Yusuf Maart. The former captain unleashed a first-time volley, regaining the lead for Amakhosi. In the final ten minutes, the Sea Robbers were unable to recover from the shock of the goal, watching in horror as the situation unfolded. First, it highlighted that without Makhehlene Makhaula (who was substituted in the 70th minute), Pirates lack a protective shield for their defence. It also revealed how their defence can be stretched under pressure. When the Buccaneers defend as a cohesive unit, they cover each other's weaknesses well; however, when faced with speedy wingers and strikers, they often find themselves at a disadvantage and struggle in one-on-one defensive situations. 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.
The South African
15 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates promote wonderkid amid transfer storm
Orlando Pirates have taken decisive steps to reinforce their squad ahead of a jam-packed season, promoting exciting young forward Neo Mokoena to the senior team. This move comes hot on the heels of Mohau Nkota's transfer to Saudi Arabia's Al-Ettifaq FC and amid intensifying rumours surrounding Relebohile Mofokeng's potential move abroad. P Management Sports confirmed Mokoena's promotion on X, stating the talented youngster has officially signed a first team contract with the Soweto giants. He becomes the latest product of the DStv Diski Challenge to make the leap into the senior side. A testament to the club's ongoing commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. With a relentless season ahead that includes challenges in the CAF Champions League, Betway Premiership, MTN8, Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout, Pirates appear to be planning well in advance. Mokoena's promotion bolsters their attacking depth and maintains the vital flow of youth players into the senior setup. A source close to the club believes Mokoena's elevation directly addresses Nkota's departure and could also serve as a contingency plan in the event of Mofokeng's exit. Relebohile Mofokeng has drawn massive attention following a stellar 2024/2025 campaign that earned him five PSL award nominations. His electrifying pre-season tour in Spain only added fuel to the fire. With several European clubs reportedly keeping tabs on the dynamic attacker. Though Pirates have not issued any formal statement regarding Mofokeng's future or potential player departures. The club's actions suggest they are already laying the groundwork to ensure stability and squad depth regardless of any looming exits. Development remains at the core Neo Mokoena joins a growing list of academy graduates stepping up to the first team, including Mofokeng, Nkota, Thabiso Sesane, Siyabonga Ndlozi, and Boitumelo Radiopane. Pirates have clearly doubled down on their youth policy. Which ensures that the next generation of talent continues to feed into their senior ranks. This strategy not only preserves the club's identity but also positions them strongly for long-term success. As they juggle domestic and continental commitments in the upcoming campaign. Will Orlando Pirates let Mofokeng go? 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.
The South African
17 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates transfer news: Moloisane, Ndah, Mofokeng, Rhodes
Orlando Pirates are not done signing players this transfer window, it seems. The Buccaneers have already brought in 11 new players ahead of the 2025/26 season. Under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, Pirates will look to build from last season and take the fight to Mamelodi Sundowns. With the MTN8 kicking off in two weeks, Pirates will hope that their pre-season has prepared them for the new season. According to Soccer Laduma , the Soweto giants are in pursuit of Stellenbosch star Thabo Moloisane. Despite having more than five centre backs, the Buccaneers are looking to add more in defence in case of injuries. 'It's believed to be an ongoing process. It's one player at a time and if you look at the players signed so far, there are no central defenders, and apparently that's why it's believed that the club are still pursuing Thabo Moloisane. The club scouts and recruiters are believed to have been following his progress for some time now,' the insider told Soccer Laduma. If Orlando Pirates sign Moloisane this transfer season, what does that mean for Olisah Ndah? He hasn't kicked a ball since May last year. Jaedin Rhodes has been a player who has been linked not only to Pirates but Kaizer Chiefs as well. The talented midfielder is on his way out of Cape Town City and is set to move to Gauteng in the coming days, It remains to be seen if the Buccaneers can make another surprise signing. With seven players having left Orlando Pirates, there's one player who has always been destined to leave this transfer window. That player is Relebohile Mofokeng. The talented winger has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia but it remains to be seen if he'll move to the Middle East or Europe. 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.
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
'Release the captain': Orlando Pirates fans unhappy with Xoki's contract extension
Some Orlando Pirates supporters are unhappy about the club's decision to trigger a one-year extension in Tapelo Xoki's contract. The 30-year-old defender has served as a regular captain for the team since joining the Buccaneers in 2022 from AmaZulu. While he had two strong seasons initially, some fans believe that injuries and limited playing time impacted Xoki's performance last season. With Xoki and Olisah Ndah sidelined for much of the past season, Orlando Pirates had to rely on Nkosinathi Sibisi and two inexperienced defenders, Mbekezile Mbokazi and Thabiso Sesane. Although Sesane was injured in February, his replacement, Mbokazi, performed impressively and even earned a cap for Bafana Bafana at just 19 years old. Towards the end of the season, Xoki was called back into action but struggled in crucial matches. In the CAF Champions League semi-final, the 30-year-old was held responsible for Pirates' loss to Pyramids in the second leg. In June, it was reported that the former AmaZulu captain would extend his stay with Orlando Pirates, a decision that did not sit well with some fans. @Moshukudumash wrote: 'No , this guy is the biggest threat at our center back , he is easily bullied by psl strikers.' @MduPG wrote: 'Release the Captain & get a faster Defensive player. He can't run with Du Preez on attacks, or chase after Riberio. @Oppenheimer702 wrote: 'It a bad call when you have Sibisi, Mbokazi, Ndah and Sesane. He is currently the worst center back we have!' Orlando Pirates kick off their season in two weeks against Polokwane City in the MTN8. 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.
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs rumours: Ozoemena, Pirates 'betrayal'
Today's Kaizer Chiefs transfer wrap has tidbits on Manqoba Ozoemena and a big decision by a former Orlando Pirates player. 20-year-old attacking midfielder Manqoba Ozoemena is a target for Usuthu before the 2025-2026 season. Former Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane, now at the helm of AmaZulu, is an admirer of the player. Thabiso Monyane swapped 13 years with Pirates for a fresh start at Chiefs. Best Kaizer Chiefs XI next season revealed? Chiefs buy a package from TEMU According to local reports, Usuthu want to test Chiefs' resolve to keep talented playmaker Manqoba Ozoemena. 'It's believed that the AmaZulu FC technical team has proposed to management about Manqoba (Ozoemena). Coach Arthur (Zwane) knows him very well, and he believes that the player can help the team this season as they compete in the MTN8 and the other tournaments as well,' said a source familiar with the negotiations. Click for the story Thabiso Monyane sounds positive about his new Soweto chapter with Kaizer Chiefs. Only time will tell whether he's made the right move in terms of trophy success, but he'll certainly get more game time after becoming a fringe player behind Deano van Rooyen and Thabiso Lebitso at Pirates. Will he get a frosty reception when the clubs meet on 28 February, 2026? Left-back Paseka Mako has also made the move after seven years with the Buccaneers. 'I've been received well by the technical team, the players and the staff, arriving from the other side of Soweto. 'It has been a breath of fresh air, and I am embracing a new culture.' Click for the story Kaizer Chiefs sign Thabiso Monyane. Image: Kaizer Chiefs website 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.
