Latest news with #PitsoMosimane
The South African
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
PSL transfer news: The ‘Big 3' compete for DREAM SIGNING
PSL giants Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs all want uSuthu star Tshepang Moremi – but only one can have him. According to Soccer Laduma, the Buccaneers are in pole position to sign the dynamic winger, a player who has already proven himself in top-flight football, and his age (24) suggests he's nowhere near his ceiling. 'As I've said, it will all depends on all the talks and negotiations, but it could involve money and player exchange as well,' an inside source revelaed. 'The value of the player and what AmaZulu want from Pirates could also determine the whole deal at the day.' There are a few candidates linked with the Orlando Pirates job, namely Pitso Mosimane, Pablo Franco Martin, and Rulani Mokwena. The latter has piqued club legend Lucky Lekgwathi's attention, but he has concerns. 'Look I don't have a problem with the coach as long as the coach can come and take this team to another level.' 'Look at [Mamelodi] Sundowns. Rulani left, and they got a new coach. That coach has now won the league, and the coach is in the final of the Champions League,' he added. 'We played the semi-finals of the Champions League this season, so next season we need someone who is going to take us to the final and challenge for the league as you know now our problem is in the league where we are not consistent.' 'No matter who is coming, we as supporters, we just need to make sure we support him. When Jose came people called him a plumber and h'e surprised everyone. We supported the plumber and look where the plumber is today. 'He's one of the best coaches to have coached Pirates. That's why I'm saying whoever is coming to coach Orlando Pirates, even if he's a plumber, let's support that plumber or carpenter.' 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
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
When is Sundowns vs Pyramids in the Caf Champions League final?
Orlando Pirates fans will be hate-watching as Sundowns hope to claim a lead in the first leg of the Champions League final. Mamelodi Sundowns will be desperate to add a second Champions League crown to their cabinet in 2025. The Brazilians meet the Egyptian side, Pyramids FC, over two legs to decide which is the best club side on the continent. Sundowns overcame defending champions Al Ahly in the semis. Pyramids got the better of Orlando Pirates 3-2 on aggregate in their final-four clash. Rumoured Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates target Fiston Mayele is the danger-man for the Egyptian side after his brace against the Buccaneers. Meanwhile, Sundowns' sole success in this competition came in 2016 under Pitso Mosimane. The first leg takes place on Saturday, 24 May at 15:00 in Pretoria. The second leg in Cairo is set for Sunday, 01 June, kicking off at 19:00 SA time. Sundowns fans basking in glory. Photo @Masandawana / X Meanwhile, according to PanAfrica Football, Stephane Aziz Ki will be a Wydad player imminently. The 29-year-old Burkinabe star has been a standout performer for Tanzanian giants Young Africans. It's understood that Rulani Mokwena played a big role in convincing the talented goal-scoring midfielder to move to Morocco. As it happens, Mokwena will leave his post at the end of the season. Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns set sights on second star in CAF final showdown against Pyramids FC
VICTORY Abadlali beMamelodi Sundowns bebhiyozela indebe yeBetway Premiership emva kokubetha iMagesi FC kubusuku becawe egqithileyo. Image: Alche Greef/BackpagePix Mamelodi Sundowns' quest to become the most successful South African side in continental football resumes this Saturday when they welcome Egyptian outfit Pyramids FC to Loftus Versfeld Stadium for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final (kick-off at 3pm). The Brazilians are chasing their second Champions League crown — their last triumph came in 2016 under Pitso Mosimane. This marks their first appearance in the final since that historic victory nearly a decade ago. In what promises to be a blockbuster clash against one of the tournament's surprise packages, Obakeng Meletse highlights five key players who could take Sundowns a step closer to a dream result in Saturday's opening leg. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ Teboho Mokoena The dead-ball specialist has not only been instrumental on set-pieces but has also brought invaluable experience to the squad during this continental campaign. Mokoena has been one of Sundowns' standout performers, orchestrating play from deep and linking effectively with the attack. Having featured in all ten matches of this year's tournament and providing a key assist, Mokoena was also a driving force in their recent domestic title triumph. His leadership and composure will be crucial across both legs as the Brazilians aim to etch their name in African football history once more. Marcelo Allende of Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Marcelo Allende The ever-consistent Chilean attacking midfielder quietly anchors the midfield, providing structure and stability in key moments. Allende's intelligence in possession, ability to dictate tempo, and knack for finding space could prove decisive — especially against a Pyramids FC side known for committing numbers forward. His role in breaking up play and launching attacks from deep positions will be vital in both managing the pace of the game and exploiting defensive gaps left by the visitors. Grant Kekana for Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Backpagpix Image: Backpagepix Grant Kekana With the first leg at home, keeping a clean sheet is paramount — and Grant Kekana will play a central role in that objective. A seasoned defender, Kekana has featured in various centre-back pairings this season, most recently alongside Mosa Lebusa, who is expected to partner him again on Saturday. Sundowns have conceded just one goal in ten matches since the group stage, and much of that defensive solidity stems from Kekana's leadership and organisation. His experience will be key in neutralising Pyramids' threat and maintaining the club's excellent defensive record. Iqraam Rayners of Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Iqraam Rayners Since his arrival from Stellenbosch FC, Rayners has made an immediate impact, notching 21 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions. Three of those goals have come in the Champions League, and with 14 goals in the latter part of the domestic campaign, the striker enters the final in red-hot form. His movement, clinical finishing, and ability to find space in the box could provide Sundowns with the edge they need in the final third. Lucas Ribeiro Costa of Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Lucas Ribeiro Costa The Brazilian playmaker has grown immensely this season, establishing himself as a central figure in the Sundowns attack. Equally adept at creating and finishing chances, Ribeiro Costa offers flair, unpredictability, and a proven goal threat. With two goals and one assist in the tournament, and the Betway Premiership Golden Boot already in hand, he is likely to be one of the most watched players on the pitch. His influence could be decisive if the Brazilians are to take a meaningful advantage to Cairo for the return leg.
The South African
16-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates new coach: Ex-Bucs coaches linked
Orlando Pirates are actively searching for their next coach. Orlando Pirates are linked with FIVE massive coaches – including Pitso Mosimane, Rulani Mokwena and Benni McCarthy. Moreover, the Bucs are reportedly linked with not one – but two – former coaches. BIG READ: EX-SUNDOWNS COACH LINKED WITH ORLANDO PIRATES HOT SEAT Former head coach Fadlu Davids was reportedly approached by Pirates. However, the ex-Bucs coach turned down the Soweto giants. 'Yes, it's true that Pirates wanted Davids back. It was not only Pirates, Raja (Casablanca) also wanted him, but he wanted to remain with Simba. He says he still has some unfinished business with Simba. He has done well at Simba and the fans love him so he wants to stay at the club,' a source told the Mgosi Squad on Phakaaati. So, it will be interesting to see if Pirates re-visit interest in their former coach following the departure of Jose Riveiro. Ex-Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Casablanca coach, Mokwena is one of the favourites to take over from Jose Riveiro as the next Pirates head coach. However, what not many people know is that he was once a part of the Bucs setup. In fact, he was interim coach of Pirates in 2019. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that he is one of the front-runners following his early release from Wydad. Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Sundowns have turned the Premiership into a farmer's league
Since Bidvest Wits lifted the title in 2017, the Brazilians have danced their way to every championship crown. Mamelodi Sundowns have just secured their eighth consecutive league title. That's not just dominance, its total control. While the club deserves immense credit, it's impossible to ignore this uncomfortable question: has the South African Premier League become a farmer's league? Sundowns have become like PSG The term 'farmer's league' is often thrown around to mock competitions where one team runs away with the title season after season. It's been used to describe the French Ligue 1, where Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have often strolled to victory, and the Bundesliga, where Bayern Munich have made the trophy their personal property. ALSO READ: Mamelodi Sundowns seal eighth straight Premiership title So if we can call those leagues farmer's leagues, why should the Betway Premiership be any different? Since Bidvest Wits lifted the title in 2017, the Brazilians have danced their way to every championship crown. Year after year, they've set the standard, and no one's really come close. At this point, you'd be very brave to bet against them making it nine in a row next season. That's not to take anything away from what they've built. The winning foundation that was laid by Pitso Mosimane still underpins everything they do. They've maintained a clear footballing identity, invested smartly, and developed depth that most other clubs can only dream of. This is not luck, but long-term planning and the facts are undeniable. I don't think we will ever see anything like this we can admire Sundowns' brilliance, we must also question the competitiveness of the league. Where are the challengers? Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have struggled to mount any serious title push in recent years, but it's not just about the traditional big two stepping up, the whole league needs to improve. Clubs must invest smarter A strong domestic league depends on balance, unpredictability, and competition. Right now, fans can almost predict the title winner before the season even kicks off and that's not healthy for the game. It weakens rivalries, lowers excitement, and risks disengaging supporters altogether. The challenge now lies with the rest of the league. Clubs must invest smarter, develop better, and think bigger. The goal can't be just finishing in the top eight. It has to be about raising the bar and challenge the juggernaut that is Sundowns. Credit to the Tshwane giants for their relentless obsession with success, but the local game needs a stronger league. Dominance is fine, but without competition, it becomes a problem. It's time for the chasing pack to raise their standards. ALSO READ: Chiefs' Maart thanks 'father' Kaizer Motaung For me, the argument about Downs' financial huge muscle being the only reason for their success is both lazy and boring. The conversation has to be bigger than that. If we keep moving in this direction with one club miles ahead of the pack, we may have to accept the farmer's league tag, no matter how uncomfortable it sounds.
