Latest news with #MihlaliBaleka
The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Mamelodi Sundowns can inspire the nation with CAF Champions League triumph, says Ronwen Williams
Mihlali Baleka | Published 1 hour ago Mamelodi Sundowns' players have been the epitome of success in domestic football in the last nine years, inspiring every emerging youngster to dare to dream And that's why they want to add another feather in their cap by conquering the continent yet again to instil even more belief in future prospects. Sundowns recently won their eighth successive Premiership crown, ensuring they are the best club in the PSL era with 15 titles. As such, that made the dreams a reality of players, coaches and staff who wanted to join football so that they can win league titles over the years. Before the success came, Sundowns were infamously known for ending careers, with players said to be joining the club for big pay-cheques, only to sit in the stands. But thanks to the arrival of coach Pitso Mosimane more than a decade ago, players have since wanted to join the club to win trophies and play among the best teams in Africa. Under the reign of Mosimane, Sundowns' players achieved all forms of success, winning the Premiership and CAF Champions League, and playing in the Club World Cup. However, while the local success continued under Mosimane's successors, Rulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi, it didn't come full circle on the continent. Enter Miguel Cardoso, and the script may change this season. The Portuguese mentor has led his team to the Champions League final for the first time since Mosimane triumphed in 2016. Sundowns had a mild start in the first leg of the continental showdown at home, drawing 1-1 with Pyramids FC, who took an away goal to the second leg in Cairo on Sunday night (7pm). That was a setback for the Brazilians as they conceded late in Pretoria through Walid El Karti, after Lucas Ribeiro Costa had put them in the driving seat in the second half. But such is the team's never-say-die attitude that Ronwen Williams, speaking to SuperSport TV yesterday, painted a picture of what it would mean to rule the continent yet again. 'It will mean so much – the world. I honestly can't express how it'll feel at that moment. I just know what it'd do for the country and youth of South Africa,' the Bafana Bafana captain said. 'When people have success, you resonate with them. 'Interestingly, a few years ago, there was no success in South African sport, but back-to-back Rugby (World Cup) championships inspired us. 'We had a wonderful Afcon (with Bafana), and now you see the cricket, athletics, Under-17 and Under-20 (men's national teams) are also doing well. 'I think it just needs one team to trigger, do it, and show us all that it is possible. 'I think with us doing that, (it) will even give the youth in our country extra motivation. 'They'll start believing that they can do greater things. So for me, the inspiring side is one of the reasons I want us to lift the Champions League!' One of the youngsters who could live a first-hand experience of winning the continental crown is defender Malibongwe Khoza, 21, who remembers the 2016 triumph. 'It's my first season here, and the last time they won the Champions League was in 2016 when I joined Sundowns (as a teenager),' Khoza told Masandawana TV this week. 'So it (winning the Champions League) would mean a lot to me, my family and ikasi lam (my township), Mamelodi. I am representing everyone from eKasi.' The majority of the Ka Bo Yellow (Sundowns fans) will not be able to follow the team to Cairo, and cheer them on like they did when they sold-out Loftus Versfeld last Saturday. But Khoza, who'll be eager to make his mark and help the team in Cairo, says they'll be banking on their supporters' backing from a distance. 'It's unfortunate that we didn't do it here at home, but we still need them (the Yellow Nation). We need them to support us,' Khoza continued. 'We are going to play for them, the club and the badge. 'So, we still need them, even when we are as far as Cairo.'
The Star
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Ribeiro opener, but tough CAF Champions League final task awaits Mamelodi Sundowns as Pyramids FC grab late equaliser
Mihlali Baleka | Published 6 hours ago Mamelodi Sundowns will head into the CAF Champions League final second leg on the back foot after drawing 1-1 with Pyramids FC in Saturday's first leg at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. Lucas Ribeiro Costa scored the opener for Sundowns in the 54th minute with a well-executed shot after Aubrey Modiba's effort was blocked, and the rebound fell into his path. The Brazilian had started the move, with his initial shot also cleared off the line as Sundowns went for the jugular after a lacklustre first half. But his goal was cancelled out by Walid El Karti deep into stoppage time, as the Pharaohs took a huge advantage into the second leg in Cairo next Sunday night. The Brazilians have to score away to keep their chances alive of winning the crown for the first time since 2016 under coach Pitso Mosimane. Failure to do that would see them relinquish the title to Pyramids, who've reached their first continental final since their inception. The Champions League final had become a far-fetched dream for Sundowns over the years after eight unsuccessful attempts. As such, that was evident here earlier on as they were not at their best from the start, resulting in a stalemate after the first half of the game. The Brazilians must have wanted to come out of the blocks blazing, taking the game to the visitors, who were also navigating uncharted territory in their first final. However, it wasn't to be. Sundowns found themselves on the back foot, to the extent that Khuliso Mudau had to make numerous clearances at the back. The Bafana Bafana international didn't only pull the rug out under Pyramids' feet, but he was involved in a number of inroads – almost setting up the lead for Iqraam Rayners. Rayners had done his best to turn and twist his marker upon Mudau's assist, but his final shot was parried away, exceptionally, for a corner-kick by Ahmed El Shenawi. That scare proved to be a wake-up call for the Pharaohs as they took the game to the visitors, using Ibrahim Mohamed as the focal point. Mohamed tried to make Pyramids tick, including putting Fiston Mayele through on goal at some point, but the DRC international unceremoniously placed his close-range shot wide. Mohamed also tried to make things happen on his own when Mayele and Co were not putting his efforts to good use as he forced a save from Ronwen Williams. It was a torrid outing for the hosts, and coach Miguel Cardoso made a tactical change, replacing Tashreeq Matthews with Jayden Adams. After the two teams went into the break holding ducks after a yawn of a first half, it took DJ Maphorisa's halftime performance to wake up the sleeping Yellow Nation. Cardoso's halftime team talk seemed to have worked a charm as his side returned with enough vigour – led by none other than Ribeiro Costa. The Brazilian waved his magic wand early in the second half, taking the game to the visitors with his trickery and pace. As such, he was duly rewarded, grabbing the lead, which was later cancelled out by El Karti as the two teams will now have everything to play for at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo next Sunday.
The Star
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
PSL must do much better next season after disruptive campaign
Mihlali Baleka | Published 8 hours ago Final Whistle Column The teething problems were there even before the season officially got underway, but the masses held their breath, hoping for everything to fall into place. But it wasn't to be. The PSL was brought about disrepute throughout the season, so much so that there'll be better expectations next season. Perhaps the fact that the majority of the fans are not rating the design of the new Premiership trophy by Nelson Makamo sums up this season. Makamo was heavily criticised for his design when the new cup was unveiled last Sunday, with naysayers linking it with the infamous hookah pipes. The renowned designer tried to justify himself, saying that he got the idea for the trophy through his ancestors as he wanted to produce something iconic. But the football masses, including yours truly, are having none of that, as his instinctive design didn't align with football heritage often portrayed through silverware. Makamo, also, is just unfortunate that he has suddenly become a sacrificial lamb as some of us have been there even before the start to see the signs of a ticking bomb. The multi-billion rand Premiership was initially shaken when broadcasting giants DStv pulled out as the main sponsor of top-flight football at the 11th hour amid financial struggles. That all but forced PSL head honcho Irvin Khoza to find an immediate solution, and thanks to his impeccable leadership, it wasn't long that the product attracted interest. In the end, though, it was betting heavyweights Betway that won the bid of being the league's main sponsor, changing how some people viewed sports betting. But that wouldn't deter the overall feeling that Khoza had hit a jackpot by bringing Betway on board, given their vast financial power and growth over the years. Betway and the PSL, however, said, at the time, that they were not yet ready to reveal the championship trophy as they were still in discussion with a few top designers for expert input. In the end, it was Makamo that won the bid. The revered designer got a lot of stick from the masses after his masterpiece wasn't deemed worth it for a football competition. But be that as it may, the PSL's season was already rocked, largely due to the expulsion of Royal AM, whose season had to be declared null and void. Royal AM brought the league into disrepute after the club's president, Shauwn Mkhize, owed money to SARS, resulting in the curator taking over assets, including the football club. And with Mkhize unable to pay the curator the sum of R40 million, that led to the curator putting up the club for sale, resulting in the no payments as the PSL also froze grants. And after no entity successfully bought Royal AM early this year, the PSL Board of Governors had no choice but to vote in favour of the expulsion of Thwihli Thwahla. It was a dark time for those who were under the payroll of the club, but not its owners and the management team, as they brought the league into disrepute from the outset. When Royal AM joined the elite league, they made a mockery of its professionalism, paying player bonuses on the pitch, fighting with fellow officials and turning stands into parties. And so their questionable deeds finally caught up with the club, but it's unfortunate that it was at the expense of the league and its stakeholders, Betway and Nedbank. Right now, there's a pending case regarding the improper registration of Sifiso Magawana by NFD log leaders Durban City, hence their automatic promotion has been put on pause. It is not the first time that the PSL have been embroiled in a promotion saga related due to improper registration, so that's a story for another day. But overall, it's been a disruptive season for the PSL in the top-flight, so expectations will be rife for things to improve significantly next season.
The Star
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Mandla Ncikazi: Orlando Pirates still have so much to fight for
Mihlali Baleka | Published 2 hours ago The expectations that come with playing for Orlando Pirates are so high that players do not have room for complacency when they play for the team. This was the revelation of Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi after his troops bounced back to winning ways on Tuesday night with a 1-0 victory over SuperSport United. Pirates secured their No 2 spot on the log with five games to spare, as Mamelodi Sundowns had wrapped up the Premiership title this season. But after Ncikazi dropped the ball in the second game of those five, having former coach Jose Riveiro win the first one in his last outing, that incensed The Ghost. They saw their chances of avoiding the gap at the top of the log to not end on double digits take a huge knock ahead of their last three games. Ncikazi and his troops heeded positively to the critics on Tuesday night in Polokwane, though, as they beat SuperSport United 1-0 to trim the gap to 14 points with two games to spare. That win didn't only mean the gap could be eight points by the end of the season, but it also saw Pirates break an 18-game winning record in the league for the first time in the PSL era. Ncikazi, speaking during the post-match duties deep in the bowels of New Peter Mokaba Stadium, was relatively pleased by that achievement. However, the 56-year-old added why it's important for the team to win with every passing game, even if there is no silverware to compete for. 'Contrary to people believing that we have nothing to play for, I feel there's still so much to play for in our team,' he said. 'The records are important for the club, and the players must be proud of the history – having done what happened. It is game number 19. 'Secondly, there's still individual awards for all these players to compete for – the Goalkeeper of the Season might come from our club (during the award ceremony). 'A defender of the season might come from us – (Nkosinathi) Sibisi and (Deon) Hotto have an opportunity. There's nothing that has been confirmed yet.' Ncikazi has continued with where Riveiro left off, integrating more youngsters into the team as goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla made a full debut against SuperSport. It was a good day in the office for Dladla, so much so that he also kept a clean sheet as No 1 Sipho Chaine, who was rested after being injured against TS Galaxy last Saturday, watched from the bench. 'I am happy for the young players that we gave an opportunity to today – Siya, the goalkeeper, produced a good performance,' Ncikazi said. 'We are playing game number 50, so we know that physically it was going to tell towards the end. Subconsciously, I am just proud that the other players pulled through.' Another youngster, Simphiwe Selepe, who produced a Player of the Match-winning first start for Pirates against Galaxy, shone yet again on Tuesday, impressing Ncikazi. 'It's amazing how these youngsters are adapting, but again, credit must be given to the process of the club, youth coach and former coach,' Ncikazi said. 'It's just a lot of process from different people. 'It's not only Selepe, but a group of them that are waiting for the opportunity. I hope we give them an opportunity and grab it!' It is not only the youngsters who are coming to the fore for Pirates and easing the workload on the regulars who've been playing week in and week out, but seniors as well. Karim Kimvuidi crowned off another cameo with a goal contribution, assisting Mohau Nkota's lone goal. 'We have got quality, and that tells you that we have options. I am very proud that Kimvuidi has not played for a long time, but when he plays, he gives a crucial assist,' he said. 'That's why we have subs. 'I said in the change-room at the stage that we are in and having played so many games, substitutes become important. 'So, the game might be at a stalemate where we will get extra energy from the bench. And Karim did that for the team.'
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Kaizer Chiefs must bring their scoring boots along to take down Orlando Pirates in Soweto derby
Wandile Duba Wandile Duba will be eager to find the back of the net for Kaizer Chiefs against Orlando Pirates. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Comment by Mihlali Baleka Kaizer Chiefs are in a race against time to ensure they finish the Premiership in the top eight – a feat they could make strides in achieving that feat this week. Chiefs will face arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the Soweto derby at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off). You see, the odds are against Chiefs winning this match as their ninth-place on the standings, and inconsistency have been their downfall this season. Yes, Chiefs have blown hot and cold this season as they only have 30 points to their league campaign, despite playing 26 games out of 28. Their rollercoaster ride has seen them miss out on the league title, and two domestic competitions - the MTN8 and Carling Knockout. They could, however, change things in the next two games as they'll face Pirates in back-to-back derbies, including the Nedbank Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium on May 10. Sure, the clash in Durban could ensure that they end their 10-year drought, but they can't think that far – they need to ensure they win in the league on Saturday. Chiefs have to win the derby as that would see them make strides in their pursuit for the top eight as something that eluded them in the previous campaign. The Amakhosi haven't been convincing in the last two league games as they drew with Chippa United before they lost to Marumo Gallants at home, the Calabash, last Saturday. 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 ✕ Coach Nasreddine Nabi has been vividly upset about the team's run of form, so much so that he needed to give a lengthy post-match talk after the loss to Gallants. He said they needed to pick themselves up and not give up on their campaign as the two Soweto derbies could still save their season. Chiefs lost the reverse leg in the league in February as they went down courtesy of Patrick Maswanganyi's Panenka in stoppage time of the game. However, they showed that they have what it takes to step up in big games as they played well in that game, directing traffic from start to play. Chiefs played better in that game, and were kept in the match due to the heroics of goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma, who has since transgressed since that game. Bvuma has conceded a lot of goals, and was responsible for the two against Gallants. It was the wrong match for Bvuma to make those mistakes, because it didn't only deprive them of the win, but played into the criticism of Itumeleng Khune. The legendary goalkeeper said his protégé didn't adhere to his advice 'to fight for the No 1', as he was just happy to play with him at Chiefs. Bvuma has a chance to make up for shortcoming this season, though, as two clean sheets in the next two games could revive his confidence ahead of the new season. Sure, clean sheets are important, but Chiefs need to score as well. They've struggled in that regard, and that's why they need to ensure that they bring their scoring boots in the derby. The likes of Wandile Duba, Ashley du Preez, Makabi Lilelo and Tashreeq Morris have produced some important contributions on attack, and can become Chiefs legends if they find the back of the net against Pirates.
