Latest news with #SmisoMsomi
The Star
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
AmaZulu chase PSL top-eight spot as Orlando Pirates return to Durban
Smiso Msomi | Published 7 hours ago AmaZulu will be hoping to seal their place in next season's MTN8 when they welcome Orlando Pirates to Moses Mabhida Stadium this afternoon. Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm in what promises to be one of the most pivotal Premiership matches of the final weekend. Usuthu currently sit in sixth position with 34 points from 27 matches. With the battle for top-eight spots going down to the wire, Arthur Zwane's side know a point could be enough to secure their place – but a victory would remove any doubt. They come into the game off a three-week break, having last played in a 1-1 draw against Polokwane City earlier this month. That extended rest means AmaZulu will be the fresher side, but Zwane is cautious about reading too much into that. 'It's actually an advantage for them and a disadvantage to us because with the number of games they've played, there's chemistry there – and that makes them a very difficult team to beat,' said Zwane. 'As much as they have played a lot of games, it's going to be important to plan the right way to be able to capitalise on that fatigue, but that doesn't guarantee anything. 'They're a professional side that know how to refresh and recharge their players to be ready for this game.' AmaZulu will have to be wary of a Pirates outfit still adjusting to life after Jose Riveiro, who recently left the club permanently. Under interim coach Mandla Ncikazi, the Buccaneers have taken four points from two league games – a 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy followed by a 1-0 win over SuperSport United on Tuesday. Pirates are second on the table with 59 points from 26 matches, and have two more league fixtures remaining, including this one. With Mamelodi Sundowns having already secured the title, the Soweto giants have also moved to consolidate their CAF Champions League qualification spot in recent matches and finish the season on a high. They'll also be returning to Moses Mabhida Stadium for the first time since their Nedbank Cup semi-final defeat to Kaizer Chiefs, a loss that denied them a chance to defend the trophy. The trip back to Durban will no doubt stir memories for some in the squad, who are now under pressure to impress with a new permanent coach expected in the off-season. It's been a long campaign for Pirates, who have played 50 games in all competitions. At times, fatigue has been visible, but the depth in their squad has allowed them to remain competitive. AmaZulu, in contrast, have played fewer than half that number, and will need to make that freshness count if they're to claim all three points. With Usuthu pushing for a top-eight finish and Pirates looking to tighten their grip on second place, today's clash is about more than just pride – it's a game with major implications on both ends of the table.
The Star
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Personal legacy takes a back seat, says Jose Riveiro ahead of Nedbank Cup against Kaizer Chiefs
Smiso Msomi | Published 3 hours ago Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is not entertaining any talk of personal glory as his side prepares to face Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. The Spaniard, who joined Pirates in 2022, has led the Soweto giants to five trophies in less than three years – three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups – and could add a sixth this weekend. A win would also make it three Nedbank Cup titles in a row under his leadership, an unprecedented feat in South African football. However, Riveiro has made it clear that the focus is not on individual achievements. 'Yes, we want to win it once again, but not because of Riveiro,' he said. 'There is nothing more special with this one than there was with the other ones before.' For the 49-year-old mentor, it's not about statistics or personal milestones, but rather about delivering for the badge and the club's supporters. 'It's never about Riveiro or winning records,' he added. 'It's an important game for Orlando Pirates and it's an important game for the fans, and our responsibility is to try our best at all times.' Pirates are coming into the final with momentum, having beaten Chiefs 2-1 in their recent league encounter. Riveiro believes that while it helps to have won that clash, cup finals come with different pressure and require a focused mindset. 'It is an honour to be representing Pirates in a final once again,' he said. 'Since the first time we did it, we were lucky enough to find ourselves regularly in almost each and every final since we've started, so it's something to celebrate one more time.' But as much as Pirates have built a reputation as a dominant cup side under his guidance, Riveiro remains grounded. 'I'm not an emotional person that's thinking about what's going to happen after the match,' he said. 'I'm fully focusing on making my team play better than Chiefs on Saturday, and that's it.' The coach emphasised the importance of preparation and tactical discipline, especially in a game of this magnitude. 'Once you're there, it's about ticking all the boxes,' he said. 'Not playing the occasion, but focusing on the game-plan that can help beat Chiefs.' He also warned against underestimating Chiefs, who are hungry to end a long trophy drought. 'We also have to focus on the things they can use to beat us,' Riveiro said. 'So, we have to play good and try to make Chiefs play bad. We've done it several times already, and we want to make sure we do it again.' While all eyes may be on the potential crowning of Riveiro's legacy, the man himself is focused only on getting the job done – for the club, the team, and the fans.
The Star
02-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Why the Soweto Derby remains SA's premier football event
Smiso Msomi | Published 2 hours ago Outside The Box column Despite mixed form from both clubs and Mamelodi Sundowns' dominance, the Soweto Derby continues to hold its place as South Africa's most anticipated and culturally significant football event. Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will meet this Saturday at FNB Stadium in a Premiership match, before facing off again a week later in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Back-to-back derbies are rare, and while both teams find themselves in different positions on the table, the significance of the fixture hasn't changed. Chiefs come into the weekend sitting in ninth place, out of the running for any league silverware. Pirates, meanwhile, are still mathematically in the title race, nine points behind Sundowns with two games in hand. While a league title push is a long shot, they have plenty to play for – especially with the Nedbank Cup final on the horizon. The Sea Robbers are the two-time defending champions of the Ke Yona trophy, and are looking to clinch a historical third in Durban. Form aside, the derby continues to attract national attention. Its appeal is not only based on the potential outcome, but the longstanding rivalry between the two sides and the supporters they represent. For decades, this match has been a key date in the calendar, regardless of league position or recent performances. What keeps the derby relevant is more than just football. The history of the fixture, dating back to Chiefs' formation out of Pirates in the 1970s, is deeply rooted in South African football culture. Over the years, this match has become a shared tradition among fans, and a reminder of the country's rich sporting narrative. There's also the commercial and economic sides to consider. From match-day ticket sales to merchandise, local transport, food vendors, and accommodation – many industries benefit when these two sides meet. It's an important fixture not only for the clubs, but for the broader local economy around major stadiums. In terms of football quality, both sides have shown flashes of promise, without the consistency that defines champions. Pirates have been more stable under Jose Riveiro, while Chiefs continue their search for reliable combinations and long-term structure under Nasreddine Nabi. Still, when the derby comes around, players often raise their level. It's a match that brings added attention from fans, media and even neutrals. For many, it remains a valuable opportunity to make an impression on a big stage alongside the players who make or break their careers in this match. While the fixture may no longer be decisive in the title race, it continues to matter in different ways. For the clubs, it's a chance to measure themselves against their biggest rivals. For the players, it's a platform. And for South African football, it remains one of the game's cornerstone events – well worth the attention it continues to attract. Let's see who will become the new heroes of Chiefs and Pirates respectively.
The Star
27-04-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Morgan Gould urges SuperSport United to fight for PSL survival
Smiso Msomi | Published 5 hours ago Former SuperSport United defender Morgan Gould has weighed in on the club's relegation struggles, urging them to return to their roots and fight for survival with the end of the Premiership season fast approaching. Once a side known for producing South African legends and competing at the top of the table, Matsatsantsa now find themselves in unfamiliar territory – battling relegation. After a dismal run of form, including a seven-game winless streak across all competitions, they currently occupy the relegation playoff spot. The latest result was the 1-1 draw with Polokwane City on Saturday, which left them in 14th position with 23 points, only just ahead of 15th-placed Cape Town City on goal difference. Following the departure of seasoned coach Gavin Hunt earlier in the season, the Pretoria-based outfit turned to former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Andre Arendse to try and steer them to safety. However, the road remains tough, with every remaining match crucial to securing their top-flight status. Gould, who attended an MTN8 Last Legend Standing event by Njabulo Manqana on Saturday, dissected events at his former club. The 42-year-old made a name for himself at SuperSport during some of the club's most successful periods, reflecting on the situation with a mixture of concern and realism. 'No one is invincible, no one is bigger than the next. There's 15/16 teams that are vying for the trophy, and within that, there must be winners and losers,' he said. 'Unfortunately, SuperSport are at the bottom right now. They are a club that we know for making South African legends and powerhouses. 'So, I think they must just go to the drawing board and look at themselves.' Gould also pointed to the club's well-known strategy of selling players as a contributing factor to their current plight. 'Their mantra is selling players, unfortunately their selling got to a point where they sold too many players and they hadn't done much integration of the senior players that are left in order to be able to hold the club's mantra,' he explained. SuperSport have long been nicknamed 'the club of cool dudes' for their confident style on and off the pitch, but Gould noted that the nickname feels out of place at the moment. 'They are nicknamed the club of cool dudes, but at the moment, the cool dudes find themselves wanting,' he said. Despite the gloom surrounding the club, Gould believes survival is still within reach, given that other clubs are also locked in the battle to avoid the drop. 'They have an opportunity to redeem themselves because they're not the only ones at the bottom. There's Cape Town City, Marumo Gallants, who are also battling for their lives, so it's going to be a tricky last stretch of the season,' he added. With a few crucial games remaining, SuperSport United will need to dig deep, rediscover their fighting spirit and hope they can preserve their proud top-flight legacy.
The Star
26-04-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Heartbreak for Orlando Pirates as Pyramids FC end CAF Champions League dream to set up Mamelodi Sundowns final
Smiso Msomi | Published 5 hours ago Orlando Pirates' hopes of an all-South African CAF Champions League final were dashed on Friday night as Egyptian side Pyramids FC edged them 3-2 at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo. The Buccaneers led twice during the second leg semi-final, but were unable to protect their advantage on both occasions. They allowed the hosts to come from behind and book their place in the final, where they will meet Mamelodi Sundowns. The Brazilians had advanced to the title decider earlier on Friday night on the away-goals rule after a 1-1 draw with Egyptians giants Al Ahly. The Pirates second leg started at a frantic pace, with both teams creating good chances in the opening 15 minutes. Pirates, knowing an away goal would be crucial, looked sharp on the counter, while Pyramids tested Sipho Chaine early. The breakthrough came in the 41st minute when 20-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng found space at the back post and finished calmly after Tapelo Xoki flicked-on a long throw. It was a smart move that put Pirates in a strong position, but the lead didn't last long. Just four minutes later, Pyramids responded. In a congested penalty box, Fiston Mayele managed to poke home a low cross from Mostafa Fathi, levelling the score on the night and putting the tie back in the balance at halftime. After the break, Pirates regained their lead through another Academy product, Mohau Nkota. The 20-year-old forward struck a superb long-range goal in the 53rd minute – his fourth in the competition – to give Pirates hope of a place in the final. However, defensive lapses cost them again. In the 58th minute, substitute Ramadan Sobhi climbed above Xoki to head home a long ball into the area, bringing Pyramids level once more. Pirates failed to reset, and Pyramids capitalised again shortly after. Mayele, a constant threat, completed his brace by reacting quickest to a loose ball during a corner, smashing in the decisive third goal to seal victory for the home side and end Pirates' continental run. Pirates coach Jose Riveiro had opted for a more defensive approach, starting with a 5-4-1 formation and bringing in Xoki for attacker Patrick Maswanganyi. While the structure provided some stability, Pirates ultimately couldn't cope with Pyramids' pressure. The result means it will be Pyramids facing Sundowns in the final – denying fans the prospect of a historic all-South African showdown. Pirates, meanwhile, are left to rue missed chances and key moments where control slipped away.
