logo
#

Latest news with #NeoRapoo

Pirates news: Defensive concerns linger, Transfer talks intensify
Pirates news: Defensive concerns linger, Transfer talks intensify

The South African

time09-07-2025

  • Sport
  • The South African

Pirates news: Defensive concerns linger, Transfer talks intensify

Orlando Pirates are facing tough questions about their defensive line as the new season approaches. The recent departures and retirements have left gaps, prompting urgent transfer discussions. Fans hope the Buccaneers can shore up their backline before the campaign kicks off. Neo Rapoo, the promising SuperSport United left-back, is reportedly on the Buccaneers' radar. With Paseka Mako released and Innocent Maela retired, Pirates need defensive reinforcements urgently. Rapoo's leadership in South Africa's U20 Africa Cup of Nations win has made him a hot target. Orlando Pirates' backline stability will be key to their title ambitions. The club understands that solid defence is the foundation for success. Rapoo's potential signing could offer both youth and experience, while other targets remain under evaluation. As Pirates work behind the scenes, supporters remain anxious. The defensive crisis puts pressure on the club to act swiftly. Fans expect clear communication on transfer progress, hoping Pirates don't repeat past mistakes. Orlando Pirates' management faces a balancing act between nurturing young talent and signing experienced players. Defensive solidity could define their season's success. Let us know 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.

Kaizer Chiefs opinion: Identity crisis deepens, urgency must follow
Kaizer Chiefs opinion: Identity crisis deepens, urgency must follow

The South African

time07-07-2025

  • Business
  • The South African

Kaizer Chiefs opinion: Identity crisis deepens, urgency must follow

Kaizer Chiefs may boast one of the richest legacies in South African football, but the present-day version of the club feels increasingly unrecognizable. For the Amakhosi faithful, the past few seasons have been filled with misfires, mismanagement, and mediocrity. And unless Kaizer Chiefs act fast — not just in the transfer market, but culturally — they risk becoming a shadow of their former selves. While Kaizer Chiefs have shown flickers of ambition, including pursuing youth talent like Neo Rapoo, nothing yet suggests a cohesive long-term vision. The club still lacks a modern football identity that fans can believe in. There was a time when simply wearing the Chiefs badge commanded respect. But now, the club feels more reactive than proactive. Rivals like Mamelodi Sundowns have carved out structured systems, philosophies, and pipelines of talent. Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs continue to operate on nostalgia and urgency rather than vision. If Kaizer Chiefs want to compete, they must do more than just sign players — they need to become a club with direction again. That starts at the top. This is not just a transfer issue. It's a cultural one. Chiefs must decide who they are and what they want to be — before the brand power fades and the faithful walk away. Because the longer the identity crisis lasts, the more distant the glory days become. Let us know 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.

Orlando Pirates news: Chase intensifies, Mofokeng's time ticking
Orlando Pirates news: Chase intensifies, Mofokeng's time ticking

The South African

time07-07-2025

  • Sport
  • The South African

Orlando Pirates news: Chase intensifies, Mofokeng's time ticking

Orlando Pirates are moving swiftly in the market, with SuperSport United's Neo Rapoo emerging as a serious target. The left-back, who shone for South Africa's U20 side during their AFCON triumph, has reportedly attracted interest from both Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. With Paseka Mako released and Innocent Maela retired, the Buccaneers need cover in the left-back position — and Rapoo, just 20, fits the long-term vision. 'Pirates see him as the next big thing,' said a source close to Matsatsantsa. 'But they're not alone. Chiefs also want him — and the player's agents know it.' While new talent might be incoming, it looks like one big name is preparing to exit. Relebohile Mofokeng, one of Orlando Pirates' standout youngsters, is reportedly close to sealing a move abroad. FC Cincinnati, Al Ahly, and Zamalek FC have all shown interest. His father, Sechaba, hasn't been shy about what he wants: 'My biggest wish is to see Rele overseas in 2025/2026. Not Saudi Arabia — he's still young. He needs to compete in Europe.' Even Bafana coach Hugo Broos has weighed in, warning that the wrong decision now could stall Mofokeng's progress. 'I hope he makes the right decision — one that benefits his development, not just his bank account,' he said. With Oswin Appollis already arriving, Pirates seem to be planning for life without their star. Let us know 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.

Orlando Pirates battle Tunisia's Esperance for prized forward
Orlando Pirates battle Tunisia's Esperance for prized forward

The South African

time04-07-2025

  • Sport
  • The South African

Orlando Pirates battle Tunisia's Esperance for prized forward

According to reports, Orlando Pirates and Esperance de Tunis are in the race for Malian youngster Adam Coulibaly. The West African star is said to be worth around R13 million. Another player on the Buccaneers radar is SuperSport United youngster Neo Rapoo. 'Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are both keen to sign SuperSport United left-back Neo Rapoo ahead of the new season,' an inside source revealed. 'His performances as he led South Africa U20 to the Africa Cup of Nations title earned him interest in Scandinavia and the Gulf but sources as Matsatsansa have confirmed Chiefs and Pirates are both seriously after the player who is seen as future senior national team left-back.' 'With Orlando Pirates having released Paseka Mako and the retirement of Innocent Maela, their interest on the promising full-back comes as no surprise, while Kaizer Chiefs are looking to remedy a position that has plagued them in the last couple of seasons.' Meanwhile, long-term target Thabo Moloisane continues to weigh up his options. 'I think when you have interest in your name, it shows you're doing well and you're playing well, and I'm just happy that my work is finally showing,' he told SABC Sport. 'I've prayed for days when I'm a Bafana Bafana player, and I try by all means to remain as consistent as I can, and at the moment it's just to continue doing what I can, and God is in control, so we'll see.' 'For me, I know the right time, everything that has happened in my career has always come at the right time,' the Orlando Pirates target said. 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.

Chiefs news: New midfielder confirmed, left-back decision pending
Chiefs news: New midfielder confirmed, left-back decision pending

The South African

time26-06-2025

  • Sport
  • The South African

Chiefs news: New midfielder confirmed, left-back decision pending

Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly put pen to paper with Durban-born Ethan Chislett, who amassed 56 goal contributions in 242 league games during his time in England's topflight leagues, playing for AFC Wimbeldon and Port Vale FC. The latter released the 26-year-old after securing League Two promotion, allowing AmaKhosi to sign the dynamic midfielder on a 2-year deal for free. Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs are clinging on to the hope that they will secure the services of 19-year-old Neo Rapoo. The highly-rated SuperSport United defender also has Orlando Pirates knocking at the door. Rapoo is expected to decide in the coming weeks. 'Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are both keen to sign SuperSport United left-back Neo Rapoo ahead of the new season,' an inside source revealed. 'His performances as he led South Africa U20 to the Africa Cup of Nations title earned him interest in Scandinavia and the Gulf but sources as Matsatsansa have confirmed Chiefs and Pirates are both seriously after the player who is seen as future senior national team left-back.' 'With Orlando Pirates having released Paseka Mako and the retirement of Innocent Maela, their interest on the promising full-back comes as no surprise, while Kaizer Chiefs are looking to remedy a position that has plagued them in the last couple of seasons.' 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.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store