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The South African
2 days ago
- Business
- The South African
Orlando Pirates set sights on Atlantis-born talent
Orlando Pirates may reignite their pursuit of long-time target Jaedin Rhodes, as preparations for the upcoming season intensify. The Soweto giants, reflecting on a campaign that delivered both triumph and heartbreak, are already making moves in the transfer market. Last season brought the MTN8 Cup back to the Bucs' cabinet, but they fell just short of glory in both the CAF Champions League semifinals and the Nedbank Cup. Despite parting ways with head coach Jose Riveiro, the club remains focused on rebuilding a title-challenging squad. One name firmly back in the mix is 22-year-old Jaedin Rhodes. The Cape Town City midfielder, born in Atlantis, remains a top priority despite an underwhelming season on paper. Rhodes featured in 28 matches across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing a single assist. Still, Pirates remain undeterred. According to a source, they plan to renew efforts to bring Rhodes to Johannesburg during the upcoming transfer window, despite City's past resistance. 'Pirates have always shown an interest in Rhodes, and he fits the physical and technical profile in terms of age as well,' a source told The South African . Cape Town City's current predicament may tip the scales. The Citizens are staring down the barrel of a Promotion/Relegation Play-Off clash, currently set to involve Casric Stars and Orbit College. This uncertainty could make it increasingly difficult for the club to hold onto key players like Rhodes. Making things trickier for the Pirates, however, is Rhodes' contract situation. Just last year, he extended his stay with City by signing a five-year deal, making a potential move more complex and possibly more expensive. 'His numbers are not great but they believe he could do well at Orlando Stadium. The new coach that comes in will also play a role in how he progresses, should he come,' the source added. Despite modest statistics, Pirates see long-term potential in Rhodes. His age, athleticism, and technical style align with the club's long-term strategic goals. Can Rhodes add value to 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.
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
PSL veteran midfielder set to hang up his boots
Mbatha has previously been on the books of Mpumalanga Black Aces, Mamelodi Sundowns, Platinum Stars, and Highlands Park. Lindokuhle Mbatha of TS Galaxy FC during the Betway Premiership game against Stellenbosch FC at Mbombela Stadium on 18 February 2025 © Jana Kotze/BackpagePix TS Galaxy veteran winger Lindokuhle Mbatha might have laced up his boots for the last time this season. The 39-year-old is preparing to call time on his playing career. New role for PSL veteran The seasoned campaigner, who turns 40 next month, is expected to transition into a new role within the club, marking the end of his time on the pitch. ALSO READ: Pirates beat Chiefs to midfield signing According to sources close to Phakaaathi, Mbatha informed the club ahead of the 2024/25 season that this would be his final campaign in a playing capacity. He made 12 Betway Premiership appearances for Galaxy with his last league game coming up against Stellenbosch FC in February. The Rockets have reportedly responded by preparing a post-retirement position for him to honour his contribution both on and off the field. Mbatha has previously been on the books of Mpumalanga Black Aces, Mamelodi Sundowns, Platinum Stars, and Highlands Park. Key figure In recent years, he became a key figure at TS Galaxy where spent the last five seasons. His most notable successes came with Platinum Stars, where he lifted both the MTN8 Cup competition and Telkom Knockout. ALSO READ: Pirates midfield signing is a 'done deal' Galaxy have not yet announced his retirement, but Mgosi squad has it on good authority that Mbatha has called time on his illustrious career.
The South African
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs latest: Nabi talks offseason player upgrades; Matlou latest
Kaizer Chiefs narrowly missed MTN8 Cup qualification on the season's final day after Richards Bay leapfrogged to eighth. The Kwa-Zulu Natal outfit made lightwork of SuperSport United, while AmaKhosi's fixture against Polokwane City ended goalless. With the offseason transfer window weeks away, Nasreddine Nabi has vowed to strengthen the side through new arrivals before the 2025/26 campaign starts. 'Yesterday we had an exchange with the management and the Chairman, and we know exactly what needs to be done in terms of players,' the Kaizer Chiefs coach confirmed. 'I will not say how many or which kind of players we need, but the recruitment department is working very hard, everyone knows the needs of the team, and contact has started already. 'When we get what we need, we are sure that the team is going to improve a lot.' With free agency around the corner (June 30) and no contract extension to speak off, George Matlou's Kaizer Chiefs career remains a huge question mark, however a faint slither of hope remains. After all, unlike other players, Nasreddine Nabi hasn't told him outright that he needs to find a new club, suggesting their to careful consideration on whether to keep the former Swallows maestro. But for now, Matlou is leaving it in gods hands. 'My contract is coming to an end, it's coming to an end but i'm going to leave that of course to God as I said, because I am one person who grew up in church,' Matlou told reporters. I'll give everything to God and of course most definitely to the technical team, to everyone, the board and staff, to give me the opportunity. But it's football, so I'm not going to plan for the future now.' 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
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs transfer news: Simba SC winger; Mayele and Velebayi latest
A win on Saturday will elevate ninth-positioned Kaizer Chiefs to MTN8 Cup qualification, who lie one point behind Chippa United. AmaKhosi's Nedbank Cup victory has put them in good stead for the upcoming winter window, pocketing R7 million in prize money and ending their ten-year trophy drought. Numbers-wise, new signing Makabi Lilepo was their best summer signing. The Congolese international has been a standout since his arrival, scoring on debut. The 27-year-old bagged six goals in fourteen league appearances. Nabi hopes to bring in some additional firepower capable of making an instant impact like Lilepo. According to reports, they believe Simba SC attacker Denis Kibu could be that person. 'Kaizer Chiefs are monitoring Denis Kibu. They are not the only club interested – Stellenbosch is also keeping an eye on him,' a source revealed. Meanwhile, long-term target Fiston Mayele has opened up talks with rivals Orlando Pirates, slimming their chances of signing the Champions League finalists. Regarding Asanele Velebayi, Cape Town Spurs' demotion from the Mostepe Foundation League means the Bafana youngster will become a free agent, opening the door for Kaizer Chiefs. Nasreddine Nabi hopes to emulate last off-season's ten-player haul after he told reports of his demands, saying, 'I wouldn't be honest if say that I'm gonna stay if the club doesn't allow me to get all the tools to succeed next season because they have promised, and myself, I have promised the fans that I want to build a successful team that will compete in every competition to win trophies.' 'That's the condition for me to stay [at Chiefs] because I don't feel that I want to go through what I went through this season.' 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 Citizen
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Midfielder headed for Pirates exit
With the club looking ahead to the new season, Timm is said to be deemed surplus to requirements. (back row) Olisa Ndah, Zakhele Lepasa, (front row) Miguel Timm and Thabiso Monyane of Orlando Pirates during the Betway Premiership 2024/25 match between against Cape Town City at Orlando Stadium, in Soweto on 22 February 2025 ©Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix Orlando Pirates midfielder Miguel Timm is expected to leave the club at the end of the current season. The 33-year-old has seen his role significantly reduced, spending most of the campaign on the sidelines. Unlike last season, where Timm was a regular feature with 22 appearances in the Betway Premiership, this term has seen a dramatic drop in his involvement. ALSO READ: Mass player exodus expected at Kaizer Chiefs He has not made a single league appearance and was only an unused substitute in the 1-0 defeat to Stellenbosch FC back in December. Timm's limited game time this season has been confined to cup competitions. His only domestic appearance came in the MTN8 Cup clash against Cape Town City, while he featured twice in the CAF Champions League. With the club looking ahead to the new season, Timm is reportedly deemed surplus to requirements. His contract is set to expire at the conclusion of the campaign, and Pirates are not expected to offer a renewal. ALSO READ: Kaizer Chiefs 'keeper wanted in France Once considered a key figure in the midfield, he will be a free agent when the season concludes. The Buccaneers have reportedly signed Sinoxolo Kwayiba from Chippa United to further strengthen their squad ahead of next season.
