Latest news with #SoccerLaduma
The South African
15 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Former Mamelodi Sundowns star missing for over a month
Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana star midfielder Thando Mngomeni's family has sounded the alarm, confirming he has been missing for over a month. The much-loved football figure vanished in mid-June, and no one close to him has seen or heard from him since. Mngomeni's sister, Pat Maki, expressed the family's rising distress, revealing that not even those who typically know his whereabouts have a clue about his current location. 'I'm Thando's older sister, and as a family, we are deeply concerned because no one knows where he is, we're all looking for him. Even those close to him, who would usually know his whereabouts, have no idea where he is,' she said, as quoted by Soccer Laduma . According to Maki, her last interaction with Thando took place on 16 June, a public holiday when they spent time together. She last saw him at their home in Gugulethu around 17 or 18 June, waiting for a friend named Musa to pick him up. 'I last spoke to him on June 16, which was a public holiday, and we were together. I last saw him a day or two later. He was waiting for his friend Musa to come and pick him up.' But Musa has reportedly told the family he also hasn't seen Thando since that day. He said the two of them left together with Thando's girlfriend, who might be the last person to see him. The family has struggled to trace any reliable leads, and conflicting accounts surrounding Thando's girlfriend have only intensified their worry. Maki said the girlfriend becomes defensive when asked about Thando's location, refusing to answer their questions. 'A guy we spoke to said he saw Thando and his girlfriend coming out of a B&B, and that Thando told him they were heading to Johannesburg. But when we spoke to the girlfriend, she claims she doesn't know where he is. She gets upset and doesn't want to be questioned about him.' Efforts by Thando's older brother Thabo to contact her have proven fruitless, as she reportedly denied making any statements about his whereabouts. The family also received a mysterious voice note claiming Thando is alive and well but does not want to reveal his location. However, they remain sceptical, as they have no idea who recorded it or whether it's trustworthy. 'There's also a voice note going around saying Thando is fine and that we shouldn't worry, but he doesn't want anyone to know where he is. All we're asking is that he at least says something to confirm that he's safe.' With rumours placing Thando in areas such as Khayelitsha and other unnamed locations, the Mngomeni family continues their desperate search. Clinging to hope and urging anyone with information to come forward. If you have any leads regarding the former Mamelodi Sundowns star Mngomeni's whereabouts, please contact the family or local authorities immediately. Every detail could bring them one step closer to finding him. 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
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs lose R40 million man for free, replacement found
Kaizer Chiefs appear to have parted ways with Edson Castillo, who was once reportedly valued at around R40 million. The 31-year-old Venezuelan international joined Amakhosi in 2023 and has since played 40 games, scoring five goals. Notably, he was not included in the squad that recently completed pre-season training in the Netherlands. According to Soccer Laduma , Kaizer Chiefs may have identified a young player to fill Castillo's role. Insiders have reported that Amakhosi has offered 20-year-old Thulani Mabaso a three-year contract, running from July 2025 to June 2028, with an additional one-year option that could extend his stay until 2029. 'He is the one who could feature more this season amongst those recently promoted and they are believed to have offered him a three-year contract with a one-year option. He has done very well in the pre-season and all the involved parties are happy with what's going on regarding his contract,' the insider told Soccer Laduma. A second source told the publication that Mabaso was viewed as a direct replacement for a Venezuelan international. 'They believe he can replace Castillo. The way he plays and the way he handles himself, he is ready for the senior team and can do a great job. That's why the club, together with the technical team, has agreed to offer him a long-term contract,' the second insider told the Siya crew. Last year, Soccer Laduma reported that North African teams were interested in Castillo however, Kaizer Chiefs put a R40 million price tag on the South American midfielder. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Relebohile Mofokeng statement
Orlando Pirates superstar Relebohile Mofokeng is hotly tipped with a move to Europe after the 20-year-old winger's 12 goals and 15 assists in 49 games last season. Meanwhile, Soccer Laduma reported that Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven have offered Orlando Pirates R120 million for Mofokeng. The Soweto giants have since responded by categorising the report as fake news. R20 million paid into Kaizer Chiefs bank account? Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng against Cape Town City FC in the Betway Premiership. Image: Sowetan 'Orlando Pirates Football Club has taken note of the article published by on Tuesday, 16 July 2025, titled: R120m For Mofokeng? How PSV's Linked To Pirates Sensation,' the club said. Orlando Pirates news: Monnapule Saleng and 11 players 'We wish to place it on record that no such offer has been received by the Club. The claims made in the article are not only false but also irresponsible and damaging,' the note continued. 'As a publication with a long-standing history in South African football, Soccer Laduma is expected to uphold the highest standards of journalism rooted in fact, accuracy, and responsibility. Unfortunately, in this instance, they have chosen sensationalism over truth,' concluded Orlando Pirates. 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
3 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
'Jose Riveiro wanted me back' – U/20 international
Egypt U/20 international Ahmed Khaled Kabaka says Jose Riveiro wanted him to return to Al Ahly following his loan spell at Modern Sport. The midfielder also credited former Modern Sport coach Talaat Yousef and the club's CEO Haitham Orabi, giving him the motivation to perform well during the brief loan spell 'My loan period was a success, and being promoted from the youth team to the first team with the coach's trust is a wonderful feeling,' Kabaka said as per Soccer Laduma . 'Haitham Orabi played a big role in giving me confidence and motivating me to do my best.' 'Despite the difficulty of that stage, with changes in coaches and the jump from one level to another, I consider it a successful experience. I thank Talaat Youssef, who made a big difference in my character both on and off the pitch. He taught me discipline and what it means to be a true professional,' Kabaka added. The 20-year-old said the former Orlando Pirates coach pushed for him to return to Al Ahly before his loan deal concluded. 'Returning to Al Ahly was an important step in my career,' said the youngster. 'The decision to cut my loan short came from coach Jose Riveiro, who watched me before the Club World Cup. Wearing the Al Ahly shirt is an honour for any player.' 'Playing among big-name stars at Al Ahly makes getting a chance difficult, but I believe in my potential and will fight for an opportunity,' Kabaka said. 'I received offers after the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, but I've always respected the club's decisions. I'm at the club's service—whether I stay or move abroad, I'll be proud of whatever decision is made about my future,' he concluded. Jose Riveiro has not had a good start to his Al Ahly tenure. The team performed poorly at the FIFA Club World Cup, failing to reach the next round of the competition. The 49-year-old Spaniard has introduced an intense fitness programme for pre-season as he looks to improve his side following a poor 2024/25 season. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates to sign highly talented Bafana defender?
Orlando Pirates are believed to be monitoring rising TS Galaxy star Khulumani Ndamane as they prepare for potential reinforcements ahead of the new season. The 21-year-old centre-back enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, becoming one of the standout performers in the Betway Premiership, and Orlando Pirates did not miss that. Despite having another exceptional youngster in Mbekezeli Mbokazi (19) in the same left-central defence position, Orlando Pirates, have reportedly identified Ndamane as a promising prospect with long-term potential, especially if Mbokazi earns a move abroad. Spotted: Firas Zghal with Kaizer Chiefs According to this report, the Buccaneers could compete with Babina Noko for Ndamane's signature. 'There are two clubs that have shown interest in the defender,' a source told Soccer Laduma . 'Yes, there was interest from Europe, but I can't say what really happened, but the enquiries from Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United are what stands out at the moment. Another Orlando Pirates player joins PSL newcomers 'So let's wait and see what happens next on Ndamane,' the insider told Soccer Laduma . A second insider said: 'As much as there has been interest and enquiries, it's believed that Galaxy are making sure they hold onto him but since this is football, anything could happen. 'But if there is an overseas club that comes through, then that would be the first priority,' he 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.
