Latest news with #SamuelShivambu
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Pyramids coach criticises Egyptian FA's lack of support before CAF Champions League final second leg
TOUGH SCHEDULE Pyramids FC coach Krunoslav Jurcic criticised the Egyptian Football Association for poor fixture scheduling, citing lack of support ahead of the CAF Champions League final second leg. Picture: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix They may have the advantage after the first leg of the CAF Champions League final with their away goal in the 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns over the weekend, but Pyramids FC coach Krunoslav Jurcic has slammed the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) for its fixture scheduling. Pyramids struck in added time to rescue the draw that will have come as a heavy blow for hosts Sundowns, at Loftus Versfeld, in Pretoria, on Saturday. For Sundowns, their entire focus will have been on the Champions League since they played their final Betway Premiership match on 18 May. In fact, Sundowns had already secured the league title - their eighth in a row - on 14 May when they beat Chippa United.
The Citizen
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Pyramids coach hails big character for Sundowns draw
'It's only the first half and you have one more match because we know that Sundowns play very well away,' said Jurčić Pyramids FC players celebrate a goal during the CAF Champions League final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on the 24 May 2025 © Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix Pyramids FC coach Krunoslav Jurčić is understandably pleased with his side's performance following the 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon. The Egyptian team fought back to equalise deep into injury time after Lucas Ribeiro had given Sundowns the lead early in the second half. Walid El Karti's headed equaliser could prove to be a crucial away goal for the Cairo-based side. ALSO READ: Pyramids stun Sundowns with late equaliser Heading into next Sunday's return leg, Pyramids will have the advantage due to the away goals rule. A goalless draw would be enough for them to claim their first continental championship. 'It's only the first half and you have one more match because we know that Sundowns play very well away,' Jurčić said. 'I'm very happy and congratulations to my team and the team of Sundowns. We played nice football tonight and all the people that are watching this match can be satisfied. 'I'm very proud of how my players played the whole match, especially in the first half we could have finished the match because we had very good situations to score from. But we didn't score and after that the very first good chance for Sundowns had, they scored from it. At that point, it normally becomes negative. 'We've shown in the past and in this competition of the champions league that we have a big character and that we can come back after going down so I want to congratulate my players because I'm really proud.' ALSO READ: Nabi – Some people are not happy Chiefs are back Pyramids next play Ceramica Cleopatra in the Egyptian Premier League on Wednesday before thinking of the second leg against the Tshwane giants.
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Anrich Nortje highlights income's key role in the club vs country, IPL debate
BIG DEBATE Anrich Nortje discusses the crucial role of income in the ongoing club vs country debate as the IPL's new scheduling conflicts with South Africa's World Test Championship preparations. Picture: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix With South Africa set to face Australia in the WTC final at Lord's in London starting on 11 June, the more time available with the entire squad will benefit their quest for ICC title glory. The IPL was originally scheduled to end on May 25, but now, due to the delay, the final will now be held on June 3. With the Indian Premier League ( IPL ) set to resume on Saturday after a brief hiatus due to the conflict with Pakistan, it's presented something of a scheduling headache for international players. Anrich Nortje's on Club vs Country Debate and the IPL One player who won't be taking part in the WTC final is Anrich Nortje. Though currently fit, the fiery fast bowler's availability for the Proteas has been thwarted by injury recently. Since the IPL will now conflict with international fixtures, much like the SA20 did in 2024 for the Proteas, it's reignited the club versus country debate. 'Hard to say what others are doing or what their reasons are. Most of the time, it would probably be income. Income is a major factor; one league can cover your entire income for what you'd earn with the international team,' Nortje told in an exclusive interview. 'But it depends. It's different for everyone. I've been available for the last year, from before the World Cup to December, and only got selected again in December to play. 'There were a few series I wasn't picked for, mostly to give opportunities to others. So, from my side, I've been available to play for the country, but they haven't pressed my button. Unfortunately, I got the opportunity in December and broke my toe, so I haven't played since the World Cup. @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport
The South African
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs & Orlando Pirates collide in the Nedbank Cup final, but when?
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates lock horns in this season's Nedbank Cup final. Here's all you need to know before a bruising battle. Chiefs and Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates will play in their ninth meeting in a Nedbank Cup final. The match will kick off at 15:30 on Saturday, 10 May, at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Of the teams' eight previous meetings in the Nedbank Cup final, Kaizer Chiefs have won six finals – in 1971, 1976, 1977, 1981, 1984 and 2006. Orlando Pirates have managed two wins in 1975 and 1988. A 75% win ratio is a huge reason for Amakhosi fans to be cautiously optimistic. Chiefs fans haven't enjoyed the ride this season. Photo: Samuel Shivambu – BackpagePix DR Congo marksman Fiston Mayele has an exemplary record in the Caf Champions League. He's got eight goals in 11 appearances this term. Overall, he's scored 21 goals and supplied four assists in 35 matches in Africa's elite club competition. No wonder Chiefs and Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates want to claim the signature of the man who broke Bucs hearts in an epic Champions League semi-final second leg; Mayele's brace helped Pyramids to a 3-2 win and sealed their place in the final against Sundowns. Belgian striker Josh Eppiah is also a rumoured target. Click for the story What's your best XI for this Nedbank Cup final clash? 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.
