Latest news with #MTN8
IOL News
3 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Key strategies for Orlando Pirates' new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou to succeed in the MTN8
Jose Riveiro's ability to win a record-extending three successive MTN8 crowns was no fluke, and that's why his successor must not fix what is not broken. Abdeslam Ouaddou recently took over the reins at Orlando Pirates, and his job is cut out for him as he needs to emulate Riveiro's successful tenure. Ouaddou will guide the Sea Robbers' ship into a territory where Riveiro thrived - the MTN8 - when they host Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3pm). So, given the mammoth task ahead of him, we look at what the Moroccan must copy from his predecessor to ensure he comes out triumphant in the competition. Always have a trump card During his three-year reign at the club, Riveiro mastered the art of winning cup matches, losing only one cup final - last season's Nedbank Cup final against bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs. Riveiro's strategy for cup matches included studying the opponent intensely, but most importantly having a trump card either in the starting line-up, on the bench or both. Monnapule Saleng was Riveiro's trump card in cup matches, as he chipped in with crucial goals and assists before he disappeared into thin air during the second half of the season. Such was Saleng's influence in these cup matches, that many believed Pirates would have beaten Chiefs had he played. 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 ✕ Unleash the new guns early Pirates' back-to-back pre-season tours of Spain allowed Riveiro to have a closer look at his players, and quickly integrate them into the team. That's why he wasn't scared to throw them into the deep end as early as the first game of the season, as that showed their level and readiness to be part of the structure. And so, with Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis having impressed during the tour of Marbella in the last few days, Ouaddou must unleash them against City at home. Not only will this usher them quickly into the team, but it will also enable their teammates to get used to playing with them. Don't tamper with the defence Pirates' success story in the last three seasons has been inspired by a solid defensive structure, as Riveiro tried his best to ensure stability and cohesion from start to finish. When Nkosinathi Sibisi got injured in the final against Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023, and Olisa Ndah had to miss out on the game against Stellenbosch last year, people thought Pirates were in all sorts of trouble.. But their replacements took the responsibility and aced their roles to a tee, as they know how hard it is to break into the starting side in defence. Sesane took his opportunity with both hands and retained his spot before he was also injured and replaced by Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who has also been a revelation.
The South African
3 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Ouaddou, Riveiro and Vilakazi
Orlando Pirates star Tshegofatso Mabasa has shared his thoughts on the club's new head coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou. The Moroccan tactician was appointed last month to lead the Buccaneers in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. Ouaddou joins Orlando Pirates after a notable spell with Marumo Gallants, where he helped the team avoid relegation and earned praise for implementing an exciting style of play. Orlando Pirates fans book 11 Toyota Quantums Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou trains his team in Spain before the MTN8 opener against Polokwane City. Image: @orlandopirates/X 'I think the biggest thing about coach [Ouaddou] is that he's a very demanding coach, but he loves his players at the same time,' Mabasa said… Full story here. Kaizer Chiefs fixtures in August: Five matches in 20 days Orlando Pirates' Tshegofatso Mabasa is facing a defining season for his legacy at the Betway Premiership giants. The 28-year-old striker from Botshabelo, Free State, is just six goals away from equalling Benedict Vilakazi's record as the club's all-time leading goal-scorer. In the meantime, Vilakazi has sent an encouraging message to the Bucs striker ahead of this weekend's season opener against Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium. 'Boy, don't give up, continue to work hard,' Vilakazi said in a message to Mabasa…Full story here. 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
4 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates fans book 11 Toyota Quantums
As Orlando Pirates prepare to face Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-final this Saturday, 2 August, at Orlando Stadium, a group of dedicated supporters from Mamelodi is making waves—not just for their passion, but for their inspired effort to get to the game. City's solid showing last season and their return to the MTN8 prove they are more than capable of producing a surprise against Orlando Pirates. Rise and Shine will arrive in Soweto with nothing to lose and everything to gain, which could make them a dangerous opponent. Kaizer Chiefs fixtures in August: Five matches in 20 days In a spirited show of support, Buccaneers fans from Mamelodi have fully booked 11 Toyota Quantum minibuses to transport them to the stadium in Soweto. Kaizer Chiefs to have a new number 11 and 6 Each supporter paid R140 for the return trip, with the initiative ensuring that approximately 140 fans will travel together in a convoy, arriving in full force to back Orlando Pirates. 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.
IOL News
18 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Ntseki buoyed by Bafana's progress ahead of CHAN 2025 kick-off
Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki is backing his mix of free agents and local-based players to make an impact at CHAN 2025. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Bafana Bafana head coach Molefi Ntseki has expressed satisfaction with the strides made by his team as preparations continue for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to take place from 2 to 30 August 2025 across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. South Africa will kick off their campaign against Algeria next Friday at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda. With just days remaining before the tournament begins, Ntseki is optimistic about the team's readiness following a productive week in camp. The CHAN tournament is unique in that it only features players actively competing in their respective domestic leagues. For Ntseki, that has meant calling on a mix of seasoned professionals and fringe players — including a number of free agents still seeking club contracts ahead of the new season. 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 Despite this, the former Kaizer Chiefs mentor has been encouraged by the level of commitment shown by the group and believes the blend of youth, hunger, and experience could prove crucial. Among the notable names in the squad are former Kaizer Chiefs playmaker Keagan Dolly and recently released Sea Robbers striker Zakhele Lepasa — both experienced campaigners who have represented some of South Africa's biggest clubs and bring invaluable top-flight pedigree to the side. Bafana have been in camp for a week now, and although most domestic sides are only just wrapping up their pre-season programmes ahead of this weekend's MTN8 kick-off, Ntseki's men won't be far off the pace as their competitive opener edges closer. On Tuesday, the national side played Angola in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Lucas Moripe Stadium, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The match formed part of their final preparations before departing for East Africa. Reflecting on the squad's formation and the challenges faced, Ntseki highlighted the complexities associated with CHAN squad selection. 'It has always been a challenge to select CHAN squads, and this has been the case from our first qualifier against Egypt in March and then the game against Malawi in May,' Ntseki said after the match against Angola. 'But I think the players that were made available for selection are of quality, and they are players who are very proud to be selected and to be part of this team. You can tell from the attitude and the work rate of the players since we started with the qualifiers and again in the game we played today.' Ntseki also pointed out that having 15 unattached players in the squad is not necessarily a disadvantage. Instead, it may provide an opportunity for those players to put themselves in the shop window. 'We have got 15 players in the team that are unattached, but it is not because of a lack of quality from their side,' he continued. 'There are many other reasons why these players are not attached, and they are good-quality players. They've been in the league for more than five and even ten seasons, so you can't go wrong if you have these types of players as part of the team going into CHAN. 'So, I am very, very impressed and very happy to have this group.'
IOL News
19 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Kaizer Chiefs must fine-tune season preparations after missing out on the MTN8
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi will hope to use the MTN8 break to build a cohesive, competitive squad before the league campaign kicks off. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Kaizer Chiefs will once again have a 'grandstand view' this weekend when the Top 8 teams from the Betway Premiership compete in the MTN8. This is the second successive season Chiefs have missed out on the Wafa Wafa Cup after finishing ninth and tenth on the log in the last two campaigns. But rather than getting comfortable watching other teams start their season early, Amakhosi should use this period to fine-tune their preparations. Chiefs were praised for an improved showing at the Toyota Cup last weekend, despite losing on penalties to Asante Kotoko. However, they are still far from being a well-oiled machine. 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 Basic elements like on-field cohesion remain lacking — especially after the technical team opted to rotate the squad heavily during pre-season friendlies. Key players such as Siphesihle Ndlovu missed the tour of the Netherlands due to a late signing and visa issues. With the departure of figures like Yusuf Maart — who was not only the club captain but a vital part of the team's spine — new head coach Nasreddine Nabi must build a formidable core. A solid unit is made up of players who form the team's foundation, capable of weathering the challenges that arise during a long season. Arranging further friendly matches may be difficult, as most PSL teams are finalising their own preparations. As such, the technical team must be shrewd in planning the final phase of pre-season. In-house training matches seem the most likely option for coach Nabi to assess and solidify his starting line-up. But more will be needed. It will take more than closed-door sessions to reignite the hunger and spark needed for Chiefs to return to their former glory. Every player needs to be honest with themselves and determined to play a key role in restoring the club to the pinnacle of South African football. Congratulatulations to the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament: Pule Mmodi He walks away with R150 000.#PSLAwards25 #NedbankCup #Amakhosi4Life — Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) July 29, 2025 Nkosingiphile Ngcobo received high praise from fans after his Toyota Cup display, following a tough period of poor form and injury. However, he cannot afford to become complacent. He must aim to improve with every training session before the season begins. Stepping out of the spotlight to work on weaknesses has often benefitted players and professionals across fields. Chiefs now have the ideal opportunity to do just that. The world-class facilities at Taung Village offer a quiet, focused environment in which to complete preparations before they face Stellenbosch on Saturday in their league opener. So, although Chiefs have no competitive matches lined up before kick-off, the MTN8 absence might turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Yes, missing the competition could prove costly in terms of silverware — along with the R10 million prize money — but the tournament hasn't always lived up to its billing. Regarded as the season's curtain-raiser, the MTN8 is expected to set the tone. However, even recent winners like arch-rivals Orlando Pirates have failed to build on that momentum, finishing behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the league in the last three seasons. Pirates' runners-up finish might be commendable to some, but the ultimate achievement in domestic football remains topping the league standings. The Sea Robbers' form tends to falter in the latter stages of the campaign—possibly due to the early intensity of chasing the MTN8 title. Finding the balance between multiple competitions and consistent league form remains a challenge. Sundowns' dominance, winning the league in the past two seasons, is evidence of their superior management of that balance. Chiefs' recent league performances remain a concern—particularly when compared to their fiercest rivals. But instead of lamenting their MTN8 absence or enjoying the time off, Amakhosi must sharpen their focus and make these final days of pre-season count.
