Latest news with #Naturena-based
The South African
25-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs drop Toyota Cup reveal as a contract shake Naturena
Kaizer Chiefs have officially revealed the striking new-look Toyota Cup ahead of their high-profile pre-season friendly against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko. The much-anticipated clash takes place this Saturday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, setting the tone for what fans hope will be a rejuvenated 2025/2026 campaign. Fresh from an intense pre-season tour in the Netherlands. The Glamour Boys aim to bounce back from last year's nightmare 4-0 defeat to Tanzanian powerhouse Young Africans SC. While preparing to impress on the pitch, Chiefs have also moved swiftly behind the scenes to secure their long-term future. The Naturena-based side has already begun contract talks with several core players whose current deals expire in June 2026. One of the top priorities is first-choice goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma. A source close to the club confirmed. 'Kaizer Chiefs have set the wheels in motion to retain Bvuma as part of a broader mission to lock down their core players at Naturena.' The 30-year-old shot-stopper has received a proposed two-year contract extension, which would keep him at the club until June 2028. Chiefs believe Bvuma still has plenty to offer as they aim to re-establish themselves as title contenders. Since breaking into the senior team in 2016, Bvuma has developed into a reliable figure within the Amakhosi setup. Club insiders now view him as a key member of the leadership group. 'He's become an important part of our plans moving forward,' a source revealed. With only 12 months remaining on his current contract. Chiefs know the timing of this extension is critical. The club wants to ensure stability and continuity, especially as they gear up for a season where silverware remains a non-negotiable objective. Do you like the new Kaizer Chiefs Toyota Cup trophy? 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
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs add THIRD left-back to their ranks!
Kaizer Chiefs have added a third left-back to their ranks in the form of former Orlando Pirates man Paseka Mako. Mako parted ways with the Buccaneers immediately after the conclusion of last season after the two parties couldn't agree terms on a new deal. He left Pirates alongside Thabiso Monyane who was also unveiled by Chiefs on Thursday evening as reported by The South African. Mako is a veteran left-footed wing-back, and Chiefs are hoping to benefit greatly from his experience. According to the Naturena-based side, the 31-year-old left-footer will don the No.29 which he previously used at Pirates. Mako becomes Amakhosi's third left-back alongside Bradley Cross and new signing Nkanyiso Shinga. Paseka Mako in action for Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership against Cape Town Spurs at the Orlando Stadium. Image: IOL Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
25-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Where is former Kaizer Chiefs captain Patrick Mabedi now?
Former Kaizer Chiefs captain Patrick Mabedi is widely regarded as one of the best and toughest defenders in the history of the Premier Soccer League. The former Malawian international played a crucial role during the early 2000s when Amakhosi enjoyed significant domestic success. Under the guidance of coach Ted Dumitru, Mabedi and Fabian McCarthy formed a formidable defensive partnership that helped the Glamour Boys claim their first title in 12 years. Kaizer Chiefs secured back-to-back league titles in 2004 and 2005, largely due to having the best defense in the league. Mabedi spent eight years with Kaizer Chiefs and captained the team during its most successful period. He left the club in 2006, having made over 200 appearances for the Naturena-based side, and joined Moroka Swallows. For his country, Malawi, he earned 21 caps and scored five goals while representing the national team. After leaving Kaizer Chiefs, Mabedi transitioned to coaching. He became the head of youth development at Moroka Swallows and briefly served as an assistant coach to Muhsin Ertugral at Mpumalanga Black Aces. In June 2017, Mabedi was appointed as the assistant manager of Kaizer Chiefs. On April 23, 2018, he was named caretaker manager for the remainder of the season. However, in early December, he was relieved of his duties as the team's assistant coach following the termination of the head coach's contract. In the summer of 2019, he took on the role of assistant manager at Black Leopards under Lionel Soccoia, but the duo was dismissed from their positions on 17September, 2019. In 2023, Mabedi was appointed the head coach of the Malawi national team however he was fired a year later over the team's poor results. 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
24-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Plotting redemption: What is required from Kaizer Chiefs' Nabi and Co in second season
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi should be hard at work plotting how they will fight for top honours in his season season at the club. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Pride and reputation will be at stake when Kaizer Chiefs step onto the pitch to begin their 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign in the coming months, following two disappointing seasons that saw them finish outside the Top 8 — ultimately costing them a place in the MTN8 competition. The Glamour Boys have been among the more proactive clubs in the early stages of the transfer window, making bold moves to reshape their squad. Several players were expected to play a significant role during the previous campaign — including striker Ranga Chivaviro and defender Edmilson Dove — but they came up short and have been shown the door. In a statement of intent, the Naturena-based side have welcomed former Orlando Pirates defenders Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane, reinforcing a squad that will be under heavy scrutiny this season as Tunisian head coach Nasreddine Nabi begins his second season in charge. Last season, Chiefs struggled to establish momentum and lacked the consistency required to string together results. Looking ahead to the new season, there are three major areas they must address if they are to reverse their fortunes. 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 ✕ Secure the backline Much of Amakhosi's downfall last season stemmed from defensive instability. The side consistently conceded goals at crucial moments, often undoing any attacking progress they had made. Each time they moved forward, their vulnerable backline would cost them ground — derailing their rhythm and results. Nabi will be counting on the experience and mentality of the incoming Pirates duo to bring stability and composure to the defence. Chiefs were among the worst-performing sides in terms of goals conceded last season, and that must change if they are to harbour any realistic ambitions of challenging the top sides. With injuries and inconsistent performances forcing constant reshuffles at the back, the need for a reliable and settled defensive partnership is paramount. Find a reliable goalkeeper It is often said that a top-quality goalkeeper can transform a side's season — and in Chiefs' case, this could not be more true. Among the options currently available to the Nedbank Cup winners, none have truly cemented themselves as top-tier calibre keepers capable of consistently matching the standards set by the league's top three sides. Those top teams — Sundowns, Pirates and Stellenbosch — all boast shot-stoppers who are not only excellent at making saves, but are also outstanding organisers of their defences. Chiefs have lacked that level of leadership and reliability in goal. If they are to plug one of the biggest gaps in their structure, upgrading this position must be a matter of urgency.
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Kaizer Chiefs may yet reap more rewards from Thabo Cele signing
Kaizer Chiefs star midfielder Thabo Cele is using his popularity gained with joining the Soweto giants to uplift his community. | BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix OUT of all the Premier Soccer League (PSL) 2024/2025 mid-season signings, Kaizer Chiefs arguably caught the biggest fish with the arrivals of Durban-born midfielder Thabo Cele and Congolese forward Makabi Lilepo. Both players were announced by the Naturena-based club at the end of January, along with Tashreeq Morris. Cele went on to play 11 league matches and Lilepo 14, but their biggest achievement of the season was helping their side win the Nedbank Cup – ending the 10-year trophy drought for the Soweto giants. 'My coming to Kaizer Chiefs was under one mission; that is to win trophies. We know that Kaizer Chiefs is the biggest club in the country. Even though we haven't been winning trophies, everyone knows that Chiefs is a team of trophies,' Cele remarked to the Durban media that attended the launch of his off-season youth games in his township of KwaMashu on Thursday. KWAMASHU'S FINEST: Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele and Thalente Mbatha in action in the Soweto Derby at the FNB Stadium. Image: Archived 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 The Thabo Thalente Games, which the Chiefs midfielder started with his Orlando Pirates counterpart and neighbour (they both come from G-Section in KwaMashu) Thalente Mbatha, consist of four sporting codes; football as the flagship, followed by netball, chess and umlabalaba (Zulu board game). 'This programme is more about trying to assist in finding solutions for our society against the ills. As we start, not everything is clear, and we were not even sure of the right time, but as you can see, people are appreciating the initiative. The vision is to help the community, and especially the young ones, and goes beyond many generations,' said Cele. Explaining the reason to go beyond football with their initiative, he added: 'In KwaMashu, football is the number-one sport. 'As a matter of fact, football is number one in the whole world. So, we thought it would be beautiful to open it wider and accommodate other sporting codes. 'I find myself growing interested in more sporting codes; I find myself watching tennis and your Tour de France and so on. 'The aim is to bring people together, so we tried to include everyone. 'We want people to take the initiative and embrace this project as theirs. It belongs to them and their community. The growth of it is upon them.' Indeed, there may have been no better time for Cele and Mbatha to start something of this nature since the 2024/2025 season saw them grow their popularity and meet up in three Soweto derbies. Cele in particular has in the past four months of his life at Chiefs become probably the most popular figure in the dressing room with his coaches and teammates and fans alike. 'It's been a blessing (his Chiefs' life). I am someone who is spiritual, so I do understand that what has happened (for me) in the past six months is not only up to my strengths. It's been a blessing, and I'm grateful also for the people I work with,' said the midfielder. 'At Kaizer Chiefs, everyone (who works there) is involved: from the workers who cut the grass for us, the ladies who cook for us, all the way to office administrators. 'All of us contribute to the progress of the team. So yes, the past five to six months have been a blessing.' With Chiefs, though, there's an elephant in the room: the future of Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi. Immediately after winning the Nedbank Cup, there were reports that Nabi was going to be let go, and undertake the last season in his two-year contract. 'Things that are spoken outside are simply that, external matters. We focus on what we have to deal with, which is taking the club forward,' Cele responded when probed about the matter.
