Latest news with #Mpumalanga-based
IOL News
11-08-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
TS Galaxy early season woes deepen after loss against Durban City
TS Galaxy head coach Adnan Beganovic will be aiming for an improved showing from his side when they take on Sekhukhune United on Wednesday. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix TS Galaxy's slow start to the season continued as they suffered a confidence-knocking 2-0 loss against newcomers Durban City in their Betway Premiership opener on Sunday at the Mbombela Stadium. The Rockets endured their second straight defeat, having been beaten 3-2 by Sekhukhune United in their season-opening MTN8 match. That result was particularly painful, as they had led the Limpopo-based outfit 2-0 before conceding three goals. The Mpumalanga-based side entered their second consecutive match with only five players on the bench, after a number of last season's squad members departed and the club was reportedly unable to register new players due to a Fifa transfer ban. With such limited options at his disposal, coach Adnan Beganovic believes some of the mistakes made due to not being fully prepared for the season proved costly and ultimately played them out of the match. 'Two mistakes and two goals today, and with how we conceded, it was tough to come back and do something,' Beganovic said after his side's loss. 'It's again young players, and they need time to understand and also get more fitness and the tactical aspect.' Galaxy are now set to face a rematch with this season's high-flyers Sekhukhune United — the very team that knocked them out of the MTN8 — in a crucial midweek clash. Babina Noko not only beat Galaxy but also went on to claim a statement 1-0 win over league title favourites Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium this past Saturday. The Rockets, on the other hand, face the danger of repeating the same poor start they endured last season, which saw them stuck at the bottom of the table before the Bosnian mentor took charge from country man Sead Ramovic. In the 2024/25 campaign, Galaxy managed to take four points off Sekhukhune in their two league meetings, but this time around, Eric Tinkler's men will head into the encounter full of confidence after their strong early-season form. Beganovic admitted that his side cannot afford to dwell on their recent setbacks and stressed the need to apply themselves better in their game plans.
IOL News
10-08-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Makhoye praises Saleng's impact on Orbit College's Betway Premiership debut
Monnapule Saleng's homecoming could be the catalyst for Orbit College's fight to establish themselves in the Betway Premiership. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Orbit College head coach Pogiso Makhoye believes Monnapule Saleng's return has injected a new level of maturity and influence into the Mswenko Boys, after they begun life in the Betway Premiership. The Mpumalanga-based side made their top-flight debut on Saturday, falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat against AmaZulu at the Princess Magogo Stadium. While the result was not what Makhoye's men had hoped for, the performance offered glimpses of their potential — particularly the impact of their returning star. Saleng, on loan from Orlando Pirates, played the full 90 minutes in KwaMashu and impressed despite Orbit struggling to break down a well-drilled Usuthu defence. The 27-year-old's pace, direct running, and ability to draw multiple defenders created the visitors' best attacking moments. For Makhoye, seeing Saleng back in Orbit colours brought more than just nostalgia. Orbit College played decent they were unlucky with the own goal. im happy to see Saleng looking Sharp — ❤️🇿🇦🏡 🎶 (@G63_29over) August 9, 2025 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ 'I think with today's performance, you can see that he has matured — he's no longer the young boy who left us,' Makhoye said after the match. 'Now everyone looks up to him and his impact on everyone is huge, especially on the field. He draws two or three players to himself every time, and that creates space for others.' Saleng's journey has come full circle. Before making his professional breakthrough with Free State Stars and later becoming a regular for Orlando Pirates, he was part of Orbit's early development years, helping shape the distinctive style of play that has become their hallmark. Seven years on, his return to his home province comes at a critical time for the newly-promoted side. Makhoye sees his experience as vital in helping Orbit adapt quickly to the demands of the top tier. Management failed to handle Saleng' situation in a professional and humane manner, and this resulted in us losing the league. A player who possesses quality like Saleng, should not be playing for Orbit College. — uMthandazo Wabolova 🪔 (@Abantu_sa) August 6, 2025
IOL News
08-08-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Adnan Beganovic sets sights on top-eight finish for TS Galaxy
TS Galaxy head coach Adnan Beganovic will be aiming for a third consecutive Top 8 finish after a strong debut season in charge. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix TS Galaxy head coach Adnan Beganovic has made it clear that his side should no longer be spoken about in relegation terms, as they prepare to open their Betway Premiership campaign against newly promoted Durban City on Sunday. The Rockets finished last season inside the top eight, and the Serbian tactician wants to build on that momentum rather than dwell on survival battles of the past. The Mpumalanga-based club were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the MTN8 by Sekhukhune United last week. 'I think this season I don't want to talk about surviving. I don't want to talk about the same issues,' Beganovic said. 'I saw exactly what we have, and we analysed everything, and we just use what we have in that moment." TS Galaxy really had a terrible second half on Saturday, everything was going well till half time. I hope they get few exciting signings and they can compete for top 5. — 039🚭 (@_Richard92) August 7, 2025 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 ✕ He further added: 'I can promise you we'll be a tough opponent for every team. We want to put our goals high, we want to fight for a top-eight spot because of everything we did in the last six, seven months. 'We started this pre-season, and we want to just add on everything we did last season. I know it can't be easy, and we will need time to teach our new players our vision, our philosophy and our model — how we want to look, how we want to play this season. Until now, I'm happy with what I saw in pre-season.' Galaxy's home opener against Gavin Hunt's Durban City will be an early test of their readiness, particularly with the visitors eager to make a mark in their first-ever top-flight campaign. The Rockets will also head into the match with one of their standout performers from last season still in the squad — despite transfer speculation. If Kaizer Chiefs didn't include a sell-on clause in Ndamane's transfer to TS Galaxy, it speaks volumes about the club's current state of management. — Ndabezitha👑 (@LehlohonoloSho8) August 5, 2025
The South African
05-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates set to land 11th signing continuing transfer spree
Orlando Pirates look set to finalise their eleventh signing ahead of the new season, with 22-year-old TS Galaxy defender Lebone Seama training with the Soweto giants. A source has confirmed that the player is currently under close assessment by the technical team. Seama, who joined TS Galaxy in 2022, played a pivotal role for the Mpumalanga-based side last season. He featured in 30 matches across all competitions, 22 of those in the Betway Premiership, as Tim Sukazi's men finished a respectable fifth. 'Seama has been seen training with the Buccaneers, who are taking their time to fully assess the defender.' If Pirates secure Seama's signature, he will add to an already impressive list of new recruits at Mayfair. The club has brought in a flurry of players as they strengthen under new coach Abdelsam Ouaddou, who took over from Jose Riveiro last month. The confirmed new arrivals so far include: Yanela Mbuthuma and Nkosikhona Mbatha (Richards Bay) Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City) Masindi Nemtajela (Marumo Gallants) Tshepang Moremi (AmaZulu) Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United) Tshepo Mashiloane (Baroka) Sihle Nduli (Stellenbosch) With Seama potentially completing the set, Pirates continue to back their ambition with bold transfer decisions. Pirates are preparing for an intensive pre-season tour in Spain, where they plan to play four friendly matches. The trip will provide an early glimpse of Ouaddou's tactics and how the new signings fit into his system. The Bucs, who finished second in the league for the third consecutive season. And claimed their third straight MTN8 title, appearing determined to go one better in 2025. Will Orlando Pirates complete signing number eleven? 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
02-07-2025
- IOL News
Counterfeit alcohol trade surges
Gauteng police recently acted on a tip-off, leading to the closure of an illegal alcohol manufacturing facility in Jeppestown. Image: Gauteng SAPS/X The escalating crisis of counterfeit goods in South Africa has intensified calls for urgent measures to combat organised crime, following a series of high-profile arrests linked to illicit alcohol trade syndicates. Recent statistics reveal a staggering 55% increase in illegal alcohol volumes since 2017, prompting officials and activists alike to classify the situation as a national crisis. Last month IOL reported that the Drinks Federation of South Africa (DF-SA) found that the volume of counterfeit alcohol in the country reached 773 000 hectolitres in 2024. This surge has coincided with several police operations aimed at dismantling the networks behind these illegal products after Gauteng police, on Monday, acting on a tip-off conducted a raid in the city centre which led to the closure of an illegal alcohol manufacturing facility in Jeppestown. During this operation, authorities uncovered millions of rands worth of counterfeit alcohol, including fake whiskey, vodka, and gin, as well as counterfeit labels and packaging worth R3.5 million. Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi of the Gauteng police confirmed that six suspects were arrested, including a man who presented a dubious liquor license from Mpumalanga. "Upon arrival at the said premises, the team was met by a man who claimed to be the owner of the business and further produced a liquor license which was for a Mpumalanga-based establishment. Following a search of the property, the team discovered the manufacturing and production of whiskey, vodka, and gin, including the reprint of counterfeit labels and packaging," stated Nevhuhulwi. At the weekend, police in Bloemfontein in the Free State confirmed the arrest of six foreign nationals after confiscating counterfeit goods valued at more than R19 million during raids in the CBD. Reacting to the raids in the Free State, National police spokesperson, Amanda Van Wyk, revealed that the search and seizure warrants were executed in accordance with the Customs and Excise Act at targeted shops. The arrests in Bloemfontein and Johannesburg were preceded by the arrest of a 31-year-old man who was arrested last week for allegedly manufacturing and illegally distributing counterfeit alcohol at his home in Klaarwater, Mariannhill, west of Durban. During the raid, KZN police confiscated counterfeit vodka with a street value of R250 000, which was found being manufactured at the site. At the time, police spokesperson Captain Carmen Rhynes indicated that members of the provincial organised crime, the provincial drugs and firearm unit, and the provincial counterfeit goods unit were instrumental in the arrest. "Members of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit (Narcotics), assisted by the Provincial Drug and Firearm Unit and the Provincial Counterfeit Goods Unit, acted on intelligence-driven information regarding the manufacturing and illegal distribution of counterfeit alcohol, specifically vodka, in the Klaarwater area in Mariannhill, Durban. They executed a search warrant at the identified premises and a suspect of 31 years of age was found on site and placed immediately under arrest for the contravention of the Liquor Act and the Counterfeit Goods Act," Rhymes said. Reacting to the latest incidents of illicit proliferation of counterfeit booze, anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee said that SARS estimates the proliferation of illegal alcohol costs the country's economy over R11 billion in lost annual excise tax revenue. "The illicit alcohol trade is completely unregulated, and apart from the massive revenue losses, this leads to numerous social issues. People are being sold dodgy alcohol that potentially contains fatal ingredients. It isn't regulated, and criminals don't care what they're selling as long as they make a profit. Meanwhile, criminals are stealing the taxes that are meant to pay for vital services such as schools, hospitals, and housing," Abramjee stated. Abramjee has attributed the increase to a lack of stringent law enforcement efforts within and across SA borders, which he said contributes directly to the flows of illicit goods on the back of the recent COVID-19 pandemic which destroyed various industries. "The main problem is the lack of adequate enforcement by authorities and a growing lack of faith in the rule of law. Between 2016 and 2019, just R26 million worth of alcohol was seized by SARS. Since then, the sales bans imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic have entrenched illicit networks. The SA Liquor Board Association (SALBA) estimates that more than one in five bottles sold in SA is illicit. The problem is even worse in the tobacco industry, as illicit cigarettes are even easier to distribute and trade illegally," he added. Cape Times
