Latest news with #Phakaaathi
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Three talking points from the Betway Premiership
Phakaaathi looks at three talking points from this weekend's action. The 2025/26 season started with a bang this past weekend, with all but one opening game failing to produce a goal. And that match was the Limpopo derby between Polokwane City and Magesi FC, which ended in a goalless draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for the 'PSL Big Three' – Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns – as only one of them was able to get maximum points in the opening weekend of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. Phakaaathi looks at three talking points from this weekend's action: Bright start for Chiefs Kaizer Chiefs started the season on a high note, beating the 10-man Stellenbosch FC outfit 2-0 in a dramatic encounter played at a sold-out Athlone Stadium on Sunday. A well-taken free kick by Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and a late penalty from Glody Lilepo gave Amakhosi a great start to the 2025/26 season. It was a typical game of two halves with Stellies dominating the first half despite having to play most of it with 10 men after Siviwe Nkwali was shown a red card for a professional foul on Mduduzi Shabalala. The second half belonged to Chiefs, and they deserved their win in the end. Pirates come unstuck against Sekhukhune Orlando Pirates suffered a 1-0 loss at home at the Orlando Stadium against a determined Sekhukhune United outfit on Saturday evening. Siphesihle Mkhize scored the winner for Babina Noko just after the break. The Buccaneers were unlucky not to earn a point from this encounter as they hit the upright twice. Daniel Cardoso hit his post in the 11th minute while trying to clear a cross from Deon Hotto, and later in the game, Mbekezeli Mbokazi also saw his header hit the upright. But in the end, it was Babina Noko who walked away with all the points on offer. Sundowns get title defence off to stuttering start Mamelodi Sundowns' defence started with a stutter in Gqeberha as they could only draw their league opener against Chippa United. Arthur Sales gave the defending champions the lead in the first half, but Khaya Mfecane's equaliser in the second half ensured the Chilli Boys claimed a deserved point at home at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. It was Chippa coach Sinethemba Badela's first game in charge of the Chilli Boys, and it was a good start for him against his former team, Sundowns. The Betway Premiership continues midweek, with all 16 teams in action on Tuesday and Wednesday. Fixtures (all the games start at 7.30pm: Tuesday Mamelodi Sundowns vs AmaZulu – Loftus Versfeld Stadium Marumo Gallants vs Orlando Pirates – Dr Molemela Stadium Orbit College vs Siwelele FC – Dobsonville Stadium Wednesday Kaizer Chiefs vs Polokwane City – FNB Stadium Durban City vs Chippa United – Chatsworth Stadium Golden Arrows vs Richards Bay FC – King Zwelithini Stadium Magesi FC vs Stellenbosch FC – Seshego Stadium Sekhukhune United vs TS Galaxy – Peter Mokaba Stadium
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Zamalek not interested in free agent Tau
'Zamalek have already signed two wingers in Tau's position so I don't think they will sign him,' a source close to the club added. Rumours linking Percy Tau with a move to Egyptian giants Zamalek are wide of the mark, according to sources who spoke to Phakaaathi. Tau is currently a free agent after parting ways with Qatar SC at the end of last season. The Bafana Bafana forward previously spent four years with Zamalek's fierce rivals Al-Ahly, where he enjoyed a trophy-laden spell after joining from Brighton & Hove Albion. Any move to Zamalek would undoubtedly split opinion between the two sets of supporters, given Tau's connection to the Red Devils. ALSO READ: Chiefs target Velebayi declared free agent Instead, his name has been linked with MC Alger, where head coach Rulani Mokwena is said to be an admirer. Mokwena had also hoped to lure Tau back to Mamelodi Sundowns during his final season in charge of the Brazilians. With the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco kicking off in December, the 31-year-old is racing against time to secure a new club, regain top form and force his way into Hugo Broos's Bafana Bafana squad. Multiple sources in Egypt have dismissed the Zamalek speculation, with one insisting the White Knights 'were never interested'. 'It's very unlikely that the move will happen and Zamalek have already signed two wingers in Tau's position. I don't think they will sign him from what people at the club told me,' a source close to the club said. ALSO READ: Absence of Kaizer Chiefs trio explained After leaving Sundowns, Tau signed for Brighton but, due to work permit issues, spent loan spells with Union SG, Club Brugge and Anderlecht in Belgium. He eventually secured a UK permit but made only a handful of appearances before joining Ahly, where he lifted three league titles and two CAF Champions League crowns.
The Citizen
25-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Lorch edging closer to Sundowns exit amid North African links
Phakaaathi understands that a possible reunion between Lorch and Mokwena is on the cards as he continues to keep fit on his own. Thembinkosi Lorch's future at Mamelodi Sundowns is hanging in the balance, with growing signs suggesting the winger is pushing for a move away from the club ahead of the new 2025/26 PSL season. While the Brazilians are currently in Rustenburg for pre-season preparations at the Royal Marang Hotel, Lorch has noticeably been training alone. Sources close to the situation have revealed to Phakaaathi that the 32-year-old is eager for a new challenge and is open to a permanent transfer. ALSO READ: Kotoko target Chiefs scalp in Toyota Cup His preference appears to be North Africa, where he enjoyed a fruitful loan stint at Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca during the second half of last season. Lorch rediscovered some of his best form in Morocco, culminating in a strong showing at the FIFA Club World Cup last month. Alger's Lorch interest? He scored against Italian giants Juventus in a spirited display despite Wydad suffering a 4-1 performances haven't gone unnoticed, with Algerian champions MC Alger who are now led by former Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena, keeping a close eye on the situation. Phakaaathi understands that a possible reunion between Lorch and Mokwena is on the cards as he continues to keep fit on his own. At this stage, it's not yet clear whether Wydad have made contact with Sundowns about a permanent transfer. For now, the experienced winger remains out of the Sundowns squad and is not expected to feature when the club kicks off their campaign against Richards Bay in the MTN8 quarter-finals on August 3. Exit more likely With Lorch training on his own and interest from North Africa heating up, it appears a Chloorkop exit is more likely at this stage. ALSO READ: Pirates confirm Lepasa exit Phakaaathi will continue to track developments around the former Orlando Pirates star's immediate future but indications are he's looking for a move away from the Betway Premiership champions.
The Citizen
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
'If Pitso bought It, I'd be happy' – Masina saddened by United sale
'Yes, it's very sad that SuperSport has been sold. There are many legends and youngsters that come from the team,' Masina told Phakaaathi. Denis Masina has become the latest SuperSport United legend to express disappointment at the shock sale of the club's PSL status to Siwelele FC. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images) Dennis Masina has become the latest SuperSport United legend to express disappointment at the shock sale of the club's PSL status to Siwelele FC. Masina, a fan favourite during his playing days, enjoyed two spells at Matsatsantsa a Pitori. Masina's SuperSport success The former Eswatini international first joined the club from Bush Bucks in 2002 before making a move to Belgium in 2004. He later returned in 2006 and was instrumental in helping United lift two league titles. ALSO READ: Official: SuperSport United coach joins Orlando Pirates The decision to sell has sparked outrage among fans who feel that the club's identity and proud history have been stripped away overnight. Like many, Masina is saddened that the former three-time premiership champions are no more. 'Yes, it's very sad that SuperSport has been sold. There are many legends and youngsters that come from the team,' Masina told Phakaaathi. 'It's very sad for us to see the team go like that. SuperSport looked after us and when we were there and as I've mentioned before that the team is the one that helped me build a home for me back home. 'It was a family team for us so for me it was sad to see a team that has done so good for us at home being sold. We were talking in the group of legends about the team because we still believe that we would not be here today if it wasn't for them.' 'I'd go back any time if it returns' Phakaaathi understands that the club's academy will remain operational despite the sale marking the end of United's status as a top-flight outfit. Masina remains hopeful that the Pretoria-based outfit can be revived in the future. 'If coach Pitso (Mosimane) bought it, I was going to be very happy because it's where he started. I also think I really enjoyed my football when I started playing for SuperSport so for me, I'd go back any time if it returns,' he added. 'They are a team that I spent a lot of time with because I was still a young boy when I came from Bush Bucks. I still have a lot of friends that I played with and the legends as well. We had the likes of the late John Moeti and Thomas Madigage. ALSO READ: Matthews adamant SuperSport academy is here to stay 'It was a team that made me enjoy football. They used to tell me that I must not lose the ball and if I do, I must go and defend. They really looked after me and coach Pitso looked after me and the management was there for me.'
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Sekhukhune United lead race to sign former Chiefs defender
'I'm told Sekhukhune are in for him as well as another club in KZN but it's not clear who the club is from the information I have,' a source told Phakaaathi. Wayde Jooste and Ramahlwe Mphahlele, formerly of AmaZulu FC during the 2025 Nedbank Cup Media Day at Kings Park Stadium in Durban on 12 February 2025 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix Ramahlwe Mphahlele is reportedly on the radar of Sekhukhune United, who are believed to be the front-runners for his signature following his departure from AmaZulu FC at the end of last season. While Babina Noko appear not to be the only club currently showing concrete interest in the veteran PSL defender, they are seen as the favourites to secure his services ahead of the upcoming campaign. ALSO READ: Pirates announce surprise new head coach! The 35-year-old made 16 Betway Premiership appearances for Usuthu during the 2024/25 season, but was deemed surplus to requirements by the KwaZulu-Natal outfit. According to a source close to the player, three clubs have expressed interest in bringing him on board. 'He's a good professional and would add leadership to any team in the PSL. I'm told Sekhukhune are in for him as well as another club in KZN but it's not clear who the club is from the information I have,' the source told Phakaaathi. 'It was actually surprising to see AmaZulu let him go, because he performed well last season. Just look at the stats and see how many games he played.' ALSO READ: Chiefs agree 'amicable' midfielder exit The well-travelled Mphahlele has previously turned out for Moroka Swallows, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Kaizer Chiefs before spending the past few seasons at AmaZulu.
