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IOL News
10-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Sishi steps up as Stellenbosch chart bold path with uual promotions
Stellenbosch FC has announced that veteran goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt has signed a contract extension that will see him enter his 21st season as a professional. He will also serve as a goalkeeper coach for the club's reserve, youth, and ladies teams. Image: BackpagePix Stellenbosch FC have announced the exciting promotion of 20-year-old defender Simthandile Sishi to their first-team squad ahead of the 2025/26 season, signalling a continued commitment to nurturing young talent at the club. Sishi, who joined Stellenbosch in 2022, has quickly emerged as one of the club's leading prospects, having captained the reserve team last season. His leadership was pivotal in securing two major titles — the DStv Diski Challenge and the Premier League Next Generation Cup — showcasing his potential on the international youth stage. Sishi's accolades do not end there; his recent recognition as the Sportsman of the Year for the reserve team highlights his dedication and prowess as a rising star at the Winelands club. New era, same ambition — Stellenbosch FC promote Simthandile Sishi to the first team while preparing club legend Lee Langeveldt for life beyond the posts. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix 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 ✕ Wearing the No 22 jersey, he is poised to step onto the field alongside seasoned players as he embarks on this new chapter in his career. 'I'm very excited to sign a professional contract,' Sishi said. 'Playing in the DDC, winning the DDC, and taking part in the Next Gen Cup helped me grow as both a player and an individual, and I feel ready to make the step up.' The young defender's enthusiasm and ambition reflect the club's desire to develop homegrown talent, with expectations high for him to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. In tandem with Sishi's promotion, Stellenbosch FC are facilitating the transition of veteran goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt into coaching. This dual model sets the club apart in South African football. The club is proud to announce that Lee Langeveldt has signed a contract extension that will see him enter his 21st season as a professional ✍️ — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) July 10, 2025 Rather than allowing legends to drift into obscurity post-retirement, Stellenbosch are crafting structured pathways for their players' futures. The 2025 CAF Confederation Cup semi-finalists recently extended Langeveldt's contract for one more season, allowing him to lend his invaluable experience to the team. Stellenbosch's statement reads: 'Langeveldt will remain part of the first-team squad for the 2025/26 season before being provided the opportunity to transition into a backroom role, where he will serve as a goalkeeper coach for the club's reserve, youth, and ladies teams.' Langeveldt has now clocked 21 years in professional football and stands as the last player from the squad that achieved promotion to the top flight during the 2018/19 season. His contributions to the club and connection to the community establish him as a living legend, one uniquely positioned to impact both on and off the pitch for Stellenbosch FC. This dual announcement not only exemplifies the club's commitment to developing youth talent but also its dedication to honouring and integrating its veteran players into meaningful roles. In a progressive move, Stellenbosch are demonstrating how to build a sustainable football culture — nurturing future stars while ensuring football legends remain actively involved in the sport.
India Gazette
11-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
A dream come true to score in front of family: Local boy Omang Dodum
Yupia (Arunachal Pradesh)[India], May 11 (ANI): Thirty minutes before India versus Sri Lanka kicked off in the SAFF U19 Championship in Yupia, the stadium announcer began reading out the team line-ups. The loudest cheers were reserved for the Indian number 9, the homeboy, Omang Dodum. This was a momentous occasion in the history of Arunachal sports. A first-ever international football tournament in the state, an Indian national team in action, and above all, a local lad leading the forward line. Dodum scored India's fifth of the night and his first ever official goal for the country. Although the 17-year-old had scored for India in Europe in a friendly against German club Reutlingen in 2023, this was undoubtedly the most sensational moment of his young career. As per AIFF media release, 'It was a dream to score in my home ground in front of my family. Many of my relatives and friends came from all over Arunachal just for this game,' said Dodum, who hails from Jollang village. The main stand was a sea of blue. Most of them were Dodum's near and dear ones who had thronged the stadium hours before kick-off. 'When I learned that the SAFF U19 Championship would be held in Arunachal Pradesh, my first thought was that my family would watch me play for the national team. I'll play in front of the home crowd. I never expected this. This is everyone's dream.' Dodum's moment arrived in the 49th minute. He intercepted a pass just outside the box and squeezed the ball through the keeper's legs before swaying towards the main stand and pointing towards his family. 'The ball just came to me, and I set myself up and placed it in. I just had to get that goal. Scoring in such a superb atmosphere felt amazing. There were goosebumps. I felt like 'finally', this is the moment I had been waiting for as a number nine. I just wanted to hug my family. 'Although it came a bit late, as I was unable to score in the first half, I was still confident. Playing in front of all my loved ones, I always feel that I have to do something. I have to score. I don't think you can call this pressure. I relish this,' he said. Dodum, Arunachal, and all of India have to thank his father, Kage Dodum, for introducing his son to football. Sport runs in the blood. Dodum's father, a former football player and the Secretary of the Arunachal Athletics Association, sent him to the Kolkata Football Academy when he was 11 years old, and he hasn't looked back since. 'My father asked me if I was interested in playing football professionally, and I said yes, of course. I went to the Kolkata Football Academy. I haven't lived at home since I was 11.' 'After a couple of years, I participated in trials at the Chandigarh Football Academy and got selected. I also spent a few months at Sudeva Delhi FC. After that, I was picked by Punjab FC for their U15 team after successful trials. It's been a fantastic few years at Punjab FC, winning the RFDL, playing the Next Gen Cup and getting promoted to the first team,' he shared. Dodum scored in the final of the 2024 Reliance Foundation Development League to help Punjab FC win the title. Representing not just his club but also India in the Next Gen Cup in Birmingham, England, he made a mark with a goal against Aston Villa. As far as the blue of India is concerned, Dodum first joined the national camp in 2023 for the tour of Germany and Spain before the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Thailand, where he made two appearances against Vietnam and Uzbekistan. Graduating into the U19 squad now, he awaits his first silverware for the country. What better place for that than the Land of the Dawn-lit Mountains? 'I would like to thank the entire Arunachal for the support. It was amazing to see so much crowd. Not just for me, but for my teammates as well. They feel so much at home here. I'm happier about that. Keep supporting us like this throughout the tournament. All of you are happy, so we're also happy. We'll try to score every chance we get,' Dodum concluded. (ANI)
Hans India
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
SAFF U-19 C'ship: It was my dream to score in front of my family on my home ground, says local hero Omang Dodum
Homeboy Omang Dodum was the center of a momentous occasion in the history of Arunachal sports. A first-ever international football tournament in the state, an Indian national team in action, and above all, a local lad leading the forward line. Dodum scored India's fifth of the night and his first ever official goal for the country. Although the 17-year-old had scored for India in Europe in a friendly against German club Reutlingen in 2023, this was undoubtedly the most sensational moment of his young career. "It was a dream to score in my home ground in front of my family. Many of my relatives and friends came from all over Arunachal just for this game," Dodum told AIFF Media team. Dodum's near and dear ones had thronged the stadium hours before kick-off and came in huge numbers to see their local lad represent the nation. "When I learned that the SAFF U19 Championship would be held in Arunachal Pradesh, my first thought was that my family would watch me play for the national team. I'll play in front of the home crowd. I never expected this. This is everyone's dream," said Dodum, who hails from Jollang village. Dodum's moment arrived in the 49th minute. He intercepted a pass just outside the box and squeezed the ball through the keeper's legs before swaying towards the main stand and pointing towards his family. "The ball just came to me, and I set myself up and placed it in. I just had to get that goal. Scoring in such a superb atmosphere felt amazing. There were goosebumps. I felt like 'finally', this is the moment I had been waiting for as a number nine. I just wanted to hug my family. "Although it came a bit late, as I was unable to score in the first half, I was still confident. Playing in front of all my loved ones, I always feel that I have to do something. I have to score. I don't think you can call this pressure. I relish this," he said. Dodum's father, a former football player and the Secretary of the Arunachal Athletics Association, sent him to the Kolkata Football Academy when he was 11 years old, and he hasn't looked back since. "My father asked me if I was interested in playing football professionally, and I said yes, of course. I went to the Kolkata Football Academy. I haven't lived at home since I was 11. "After a couple of years, I participated in trials at the Chandigarh Football Academy and got selected. I also spent a few months at Sudeva Delhi FC. After that, I was picked by Punjab FC for their U15 team after successful trials. It's been a fantastic few years at Punjab FC, winning the RFDL, playing the Next Gen Cup and getting promoted to the first team," he shared. Dodum scored in the final of the 2024 Reliance Foundation Development League to help Punjab FC win the title. Representing not just his club but also India in the Next Gen Cup in Birmingham in England, he made a mark with a goal against Aston Villa. As far as the blue of India is concerned, Dodum first joined the national camp in 2023 for the tour of Germany and Spain before the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Thailand, where he made two appearances against Vietnam and Uzbekistan. Graduating into the U19 squad now, he awaits his first silverware for the country and what better place for that than the Land of the Dawn-lit Mountains. "I would like to say thank you to the entire Arunachal for the support. It was amazing to see so much crowd. Not just for me, but for my teammates as well. They feel so much at home here. I'm happier about that. Keep supporting us like this throughout the tournament. All of you are happy, so we're also happy. We'll try to score every chance we get," Dodum concluded.
Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Premier League bosses forced to postpone tournament one week before first match
Premier League bosses have been forced to postpone a major youth tournament in Mumbai. The Next Gen Cup has been scrapped because of rising military tensions between India and Pakistan with growing security and safety fears. Prem officials have followed the example of other sports with the Pakistan Cricket Board already announcing they are moving the remaining eight matches of the Pakistan Super League to the United Arab Emirates. Several top flight teams were due to take part in the youth football tournament to be held in Mumbai next weekend. They have held extensive talks and discussions about the event after closely monitoring the situation and have taken the decision with the safety of the players at the forefront of their minds. It was due to be the sixth edition of the under-19s tournament with teams from the Premier League, Indian Super League and South Africa taking part. The Next Gen Cup has been in conjunction with the Indian Super League and Reliance Foundation charity with different English teams invited each year. This year would have been held just weeks after the Premier League announced it was opening an office in India. The Premier League announced: 'Based in Mumbai, the new office will build on the Premier League's long standing work to engage local fans and partners and promote football in India, while supporting the continued growth of the League and its clubs.' But the Next Gen has now been put on hold for this year amid the escalating tensions. Meanwhile, the Premier League is running a mental health campaign entitled Inside Matters around this weekend's fixtures. It will be a visible campaign with logos, videos and messaging to encourage fans to make a call or to check in on friends and family. It includes West Ham boss Graham Potter, who speaks with his brother, and Brentford's Thomas Frank, who checks in with his mother-in-law. Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: ' Football has a unique ability to bring people together and spark conversations. We want to harness this power to encourage fans to check in on those they care about.' Newcastle United defender Dan Burn is another player supporting 'Inside Matters'. He recently met Toon legend Alan Shearer to discuss the importance of talking about mental wellbeing in a BBC showthat will air this weekend. Burn said: 'Mental health does not discriminate, it affects everybody. You might think you're the only person going through difficulties, but when you speak about it and open up to people you realise that everyone has something going on. 'When I have struggled, I was very lucky that I had a good network around me to help me through difficult times. I would always encourage people to take the time to check in on others.' Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Premier League opens Mumbai office, reinforces long-term commitment to Indian football
Premier League office in Mumbai (Pic credit: EPL India) In a major step to deepen its engagement with Indian fans and support the growth of football across the country, the English Premier League announced the opening of its new office in Mumbai on Wednesday. This marks the latest expansion of the League's global footprint and its enduring association with India's burgeoning football community. The Mumbai office aims to bolster the Premier League's efforts to grow the sport at both grassroots and elite levels, while also enhancing connections with fans and stakeholders in the region. The office will serve as a hub for collaboration with local authorities, the Indian Super League (ISL), and governing bodies, helping to further integrate the Premier League's programs and initiatives within India's footballing ecosystem. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters underscored the importance of this move. 'We and our clubs have a fantastic and knowledgeable fanbase in India, and we know football continues to grow in popularity. We are proud of our longstanding commitment to India, having worked to deliver community football programmes for 18 years and, more recently, our partnership with the Indian Super League,' he said. 'Opening this office marks a significant milestone for the Premier League. It will allow us to operate more effectively locally as we build on our existing work to establish more ways to strengthen our relationship with fans, JioStar and other partners.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Who's that IPL player? The Premier League's connection with India began in 2007 through the Premier Skills initiative, in partnership with the British Council. Over the past 18 years, the program has trained more than 7,300 coaches and referees across 18 Indian states, positively impacting over 124,000 young people. At the elite level, the League's alliance with the ISL since 2014 has resulted in meaningful collaboration in areas such as youth development, coaching standards, and referee training. Additionally, the Next Gen Cup — an elite youth tournament co-hosted with the ISL and Reliance Foundation — continues to foster top-level talent. The sixth edition of the event is set to take place in Mumbai in May 2025, featuring U19 teams from both Premier League clubs and ISL academies. This marks the fourth international office for the Premier League, after successful launches in Singapore (2019), New York (2023), and Beijing (2024), as the League continues to globalise its fan engagement and development initiatives.
