Latest news with #Magesi
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates' best player is returning
Orlando Pirates had to deal with key injuries at various junctures this season. However, things are looking up for the next campaign. Thabiso Sesane started the campaign in domineering form, becoming a pillar in the heart of their defence. It was, therefore, a massive blow to the club and player when he was cruelly struck down with a serious tendon injury in February. The rupture was deemed bad enough for the 24-year-old to undergo surgery. Full recovery could take anywhere between four and six months. If Sesane's rehabilitation goes well, he could be back in time for the start of the 2025-2026 season. Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix Meanwhile, Innocent Maela enjoyed a rare start as Pirates were held 1-1 by Magesi in their final Betway Premiership clash of the campaign. It was Maela's swansong appearance after which he got a standing ovation and sendoff by the home fans. Patrick Maswanganyi opened the scoring for the Buccaneers in the 7th minute, and Zimbabwean veteran Edmore Chirambare equalised for the visitors on 32 minutes. The 32-year-old was a bit-part player in his swansong season after falling down the pecking order in defence. Always praised for his versatility, Maela could seamlessly operate at left-back or in the heart of defence. Click for Maela's final stats and legacy Are you excited to see Sesane back in action? 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.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Ncikazi raises hand for Pirates job as Timm leaves
Ncikazi was unbeaten in his four games in charge of Pirates. Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi says he is ready to lead the club next season should the club ask him to do it. Ncikazi served as an assistant coach under Jose Riveiro for three seasons. The Buccaneers appointed him as the interim coach when the Spaniard left before the end of the season. ALSO READ: Orlando Pirates held by Magesi in Maela's last game Ncikazi was unbeaten in his four games in charge, registering one win and three draws in the process. His last game in charge was against Magesi at home where they had to come back from behind to draw 1-1 at the Orlando Stadium. 'I've learnt too much in this club. You don't only learn as a coach, you also learn as a human being, they teach you to be a better man and a better human being. And it augurs well for me because I'm not the type who is looking for opportunities,' said Ncikazi during a post-match press conference in Soweto. 'When I got into this club, I became a servant. I want to serve this club. Remember, when you are appointed here, you must put your aspiration in the right place. You are here to serve and if you are serving, you are not the one who determines which direction you go with the mission. 'I'm here and I will go where they send me to go and preach the gospel and it's not me, it is the appointer who will take a decision.' Ncikazi hails 'great human being' Maela The game against Magesi was also captain Innocent Maela's final game as a player as he will hang his boots and join the club in a different non-playing capacity. Ncikazi was full of praise for the former Pirates skipper. describing him as a 'great human being' He was playing for Thanda Royal Zulu and I was still in KZN, I saw this fast winger that I wanted to poach, but they said, 'He belongs to the big institution so you know what should happen',' said Ncikazi. Pirates release Timm Meanwhile, Pirates confirmed on Thursday that they have parted ways with Miguel Timm. The club decided against renewing the midfielder's contract, which was set to expire at the end of June. ALSO READ: Chiefs' Nabi to stay – 'for now' After being an intergral part of the Pirates squad, Timm found game to come by last season. The 33-year-old made just three appearances in all competitions for Pirates last season. 'Thank you, Miguel Timm for every tackle, every pass, and every battle fought,' read a post on the Pirates official account.
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
WATCH: Tau, Masilela amongst the fans to pay tribute to Orlando Pirates captain
Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela bid farewell to the fans after playing his final match for the club. The 32-year-old left-back played 67 minutes during the Buccaneers' disappointing 1-1 draw with Magesi at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night. After the match, Pirates fans paid tribute to Maela, who dedicated eight years of service to the club. Among the spectators were Kaizer Chiefs legend Tsepo Masilela and Bafana Bafana winger Percy Tau, who came to support the defender in his last game for the Sea Robbers. Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi also honoured his captain during the post-match press conference. 'He's a product of this institution. I remember the first time I met him, he was playing for Thanda Royal Zulu and I was still in KZN, I saw this fast winger that I wanted to poach, but was told, 'He belongs to the big institution so you know what should happen,' said Ncikazi. 'A great human being; sometimes we look at players and we forget they are members of society, it becomes very good when you have a good human being and a good player, and it's such people who continue being a leader even if you are not on the field of play.' Ncikazi confirmed that Maela would be taking another direction in his career. 'He's highly intelligent and I'm sure he's highly educated at home and in the institutions of learning – it's a blessing, and I'm sure his career is going to proceed. 'He's that type where it's not the end now, he's just taking another step and direction in his career, based on his humanity and his academic learning.' With Maela gone, Tapelo Xoki will take over as Orlando Pirates. The tall centre-back has captained the Buccaneers for two seasons in the absence of Maela. 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.
eNCA
3 days ago
- Sport
- eNCA
Magesi hold Pirates to a draw
JOHANNESBURG - Veteran Zimbabweans Elvis Chipezeze and Edmore Chirambadare had roles in the goals as Orlando Pirates and Magesi ended their South African Premiership seasons with a 1-1 draw on Wednesday. Stand-out performances from goalkeeper Chipezeze in the richest African national league have earned him a recall to the national squad at the age of 35 for June friendlies in Morocco. But he conceded a soft goal after only seven minutes at a chilly Orlando Stadium in Soweto, allowing a Patrick Maswanganyi shot from the D to bounce over him into the net. It gave second-placed Pirates a lead they retained until the 32th minute when 33-year-old Chirambadare raced into the area and fired across goalkeeper Sipho Chaine into the far corner. Chipezeze redeemed himself midway through the second half when he parried a close-range shot from Mohau Nkota to safety. Pirates, who had to settle for a third consecutive runners-up place behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premiership, dominated possession in both halves. But bottom-half Magesi became increasingly competitive as the match progressed and deserved the unexpected point. A season that promised so much for Pirates ended with them lifting only one trophy of the five they sought -- a knockout competition among the top eight finishers in the previous league. The biggest disappointment came in the CAF Champions League semi-finals where they twice squandered an aggregate lead in the second leg before losing to Egyptian club Pyramids. A change of coaches with former Derry City forward Owen da Gama, 63, taking over revitalised Magesi, who were odds-on favourites to be relegated halfway through the season. The club from northern city Polokwane finished with 31 points, five more than bottom club SuperSport United, who host Golden Arrows on Thursday in the final match of the season.
The Herald
3 days ago
- General
- The Herald
Maela bids emotional farewell to Orlando as Pirates draw against Magesi
The entire first half was controlled by the Buccaneers, who had many chances to stretch their lead but failed to do so until they were punished by Magesi when they used their only chance effectively. Former Kaizer Chiefs player Edmore Chirambadare managed to beat Pirates keeper Sipho Chaine with a low strike, crisply taken just outside the area after a good build-up that Pirates failed to stop. The second half was really a ding-dong battle with no side really able to create good chances to add to the scoreline, though Bucs still had the upper hand. With the draw Premiership rookies Magesi moved to 12th spot with 31 points. There was an emotional farewell for Pirates captain Innocent Maela, who got a standing ovation from the Buccaneers fans as he was being substituted in the 66th minute. Maela's contract will not be renewed by the club and it is not yet clear if he will continue playing elsewhere or will be given a role within the club. The final match of the season will be played at noon on Thursday where SuperSport United and Lamontville Golden Arrows will complete a fixture that was halted at 1-1 at half time because a floodlights failure at Lucas Moripe Stadium on February 23.
