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The South African
7 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Legend names his Orlando Pirates Player of the Season
Lucky Lekgwathi played 226 games for Orlando Pirates in the Premier Soccer League. He should know what a Player of the Season looks like. With Orlando Pirates finishing second behind Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns in 2024/25, including an MTN8 title, Lekgwathi believes Sipho Chaine was the best player at the Orlando Stadium. Chaine, born in Bloemfontein, Free State, 28 years ago, finished the season with 11 clean sheets for the Sea Robbers, while also earning consistent Bafana Bafana call-ups. Orlando Pirates team against Stellenbosch FC at the Orlando Stadium. Image: Goal 'For me, Sipho Chaine,' Lekgwathi answered after he was asked by iDiski Times to name his Player of the Season at Orlando Pirates. 'He had his best season and even got called up to Bafana Bafana. It shows you that you are doing great when you get a call-up. In defence – Mbokazi. 'I know he came in late; he is a gem, he is something else, we have really invested in him. And [Deon] Hotto as well, most of the time he played at left-back and he excelled there,' the former Orlando Pirates skipper added. 'So for me, Hotto has to win that one. In midfield, it's very tough, but obviously Rele [Relebohile Mofokeng] is topping it. Yes, [Thalente] Mbatha and [Evidence] Makgopa had a good season, but Rele was outstanding and Nkota was coming. 'And in the striking department, it's [Tshegofatso] Mabasa because he scored the most goals,' Lekgwathi added. 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
8 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Confirmed: Orlando Pirates replace Miguel Timm
Soweto giants Orlando Pirates have a new player to introduce before the start of the Betway Premiership season in August. Masindi Nemtajela, a 23-year-old from Johannesburg's Soweto, will be unveiled by Orlando Pirates from Marumo Gallants. Nemtejela, with 20 matches in the Premier Soccer League this season, is a holding midfielder coming in to replace the departed Miguel Timm at the Buccaneers. Speaking to the media this week, Nemtajela's coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, is confident the midfielder will be a success at the Orlando Stadium next season. 'You know, Masindi [Nemtajela] is a very great professional. We are happy for him and wish him good luck in his new endeavour,' Ouaddou told FARPost . 'He and his family should be proud, and we, as coaches, are proud as well. Now, he is going to leave Bloemfontein for Orlando Pirates. It's a big club, and there will be a lot of competition. 'So, he has to be professional and keep working in order to continue improving himself,' the Moroccan coach added. 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.
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
City boss Comitis weighs legal action over delayed SuperSport-Arrows game
Cape Town City boss John Comitis is seeking legal advice on whether to challenge the Premier Soccer League's (PSL) decision to resume the SuperSport United v Golden Arrows Betway Premiership match in the second half on Thursday. The second 45 minutes will be played at Lucas Moripe Stadium (12pm), three months after the fixture was called off due to a power failure at half time with the score at 1-1. The game on February 23 was halted due to a lights failure related to load-shedding at the Tshwane venue, but PSL rules indicate is should have resumed within 48 hours, according to Article 14.16. 'Should a match be abandoned by the referee due to insufficient illumination from the floodlights, then the remaining minutes of the game will be resumed on a date and at a time and venue agreed upon between the participating member clubs immediately upon the abandonment of the match,' the rule states.
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Pirates draw against Magesi in their final match of the season
Orlando Pirates finished 12 points behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership after drawing 1-1 with Magesi FC in their final match at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday. The 61 points collected by Pirates is their best tally ever in the Premier Soccer League era. They managed to win 19 games and reduce the gaps (16 and 23 points) they had finished adrift of the Brazilians in their previous two seasons under Jose Riveiro, who departed before the last four league games of this campaign. Pirates opened the scoring through Patrick Maswanganyi, who directed Relebohile Mofokeng's well-worked free kick towards goals in the seventh minute. Maswanganyi could have finished the first half with a brace if referee Msimeleli Mabuto had spotted Magesi defender Mzwandile Buthelezi cluttering into him inside the area just before half time. The entire first half was controlled by the Buccaneers, who had many chances to stretch their lead but failed to do so until they were punished by Magesi when they used their only chance effectively. Former Kaizer Chiefs player Edmore Chirambadare managed to beat Pirates keeper Sipho Chaine with a low strike, crisply-taken just outside the area after a good build-up that Pirates failed to stop. The second half was really a ding-dong battle with no side really able to create good chances to add to the scoreline, though Bucs still had the upper hand. With the draw Premiership rookies Magesi moved to 12th spot with 31 points. There was an emotional farewell for Pirates captain Innocent Maela, who got a standing ovation from the Buccaneers fans as he was being substituted in the 66th minute. Maela's contract will not be renewed by the club and it is not yet clear if he will continue playing elsewhere or will be given a role within the club. The final match of the season will be played at noon on Thursday where SuperSport United and Lamontville Golden Arrows will complete a fixture that was halted at 1-1 at half time because a floodlights failure at Lucas Moripe Stadium on February 23.
The South African
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Sundowns star picked for Player of the Season
Mamelodi Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro has earned another strong nomination for the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Player of the Season award. Former players such as Teko Modise and Doctor Khumalo have given the award Sundowns' Ribeiro, thanks to 16 goals and nine assists in 28 games. Lucas Thwala, formerly with Pirates, is speaking the same language as Modise and Khumalo. 'That guy is very dangerous,' Thwala said. Former Orlando Pirates defender Lucas Thwala. Image: @safootclassics/X 'He pretends he is slow and as a defender you will relax thinking you'll close him down simply. But that guy is very smart, his lift is dangerous, and he is both skilful and speedy,' Thwala added on iDiski Times . 'He's a guy who is always quiet but searching for pockets to run into – especially when he has a ball. 'He does not release the ball quickly so he can use his pace to leave you behind and go into the box. And he's got a very good technique, especially around the 18-area, he can shoot or place the ball at the far post. 'He's very good and yes, he was the best player in the PSL this season,' Thwala concluded. 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.
