Vuvuzela Nation

“Since I started playing football, I’ve always been grateful for everything that has happened along the way.

“My journey hasn’t been easy, especially coming from playing on gravel pitches. Things have moved quickly — from the NFL to the PSL — and in just my second season, I was signed by Orlando Pirates.

“After only a few months at the club and about six matches played, I received a national team call-up. I’m truly thankful because it shows that the hard work I’ve been putting in during training is paying off.” - Masindi Nemtajela.

𝗢𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝗣𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗯𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗺 𝗢𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗱𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀:

Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that Head Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and five members of the club’s staff were involved in a road traffic incident on Sunday night.

The incident occurred on the R21 highway as the team returned from Gqeberha, after their 3–0 victory against Chippa United. Upon encountering a collision between two vehicles, Coach Ouaddou and several staff members exited the team bus to assist. Tragically, while attending to the scene, a Nissan NP200 vehicle collided with the stationary vehicles, striking the group and causing serious injuries.

Coach Ouaddou and the five affected staff members were immediately rushed to hospital, where they are currently receiving medical care. The Club is in close contact with the medical team and will provide updates on their recovery in due course.

The statement emphasized that the Club’s priority is the health and wellbeing of those involved, and they have arranged support for the individuals and their families during this difficult time. The Club also requested privacy and respect as those affected focus on recovery. Further updates will be communicated when appropriate.

𝗟𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗘𝗜𝗥𝗢 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧;

"I believe that I have just cause to terminate my contract with Mamelodi Sundowns FC, which I will explain before the FIFA Football Tribunal. However, in any event, following the Diarra ruling by the CJEU, there is no doubt that the dispute between me and my former club will not prevent me from continuing my career with peace of mind: indeed, following its own regulations (as amended in light of the Diarra judgement), FIFA will see to it that the international transfer certificate be immediately delivered upon request by my future employer," states Ribeiro.

"I have received expressions of interest from various clubs, including some within the European Union, and I will now consider what is best for the future of my career in order to make the right choice, i.e. the one that will allow me to flourish as a sportsman and try to provide for the future of my family, knowing that a player's career is short and unpredictable.

"As a reminder, following the DIARRA ruling, my next employer will not be involved in the dispute between me and Mamelodi Sundowns FC, neither from a disciplinary perspective nor financially."

𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗟𝗜𝗟𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡𝗦;

🏟 208 | ⚽️ 102 | 🅰️ 26 | 🏆 8 |

This is the level of depth Mamelodi Sundowns FC has. On the left is last night’s starting lineup vs Magesi FC in a 4-2-3-1 formation where they managed to win 2-0.

On the right is the starting lineup in their semifinal first leg clash vs Orlando Pirates Football Club.

The only player to start both games was Ronwen Williams.

You can see yesterday’s selection was made with the Saturday game (second leg vs Pirates) in mind.

Pirates on the other hand, while they have a lot of depth too, had to put out a stronger side because they were facing a top side in Stellenbosch FC.

Do you see this affecting their energy on the weekend?

Abdeslam Ouaddou reacts to Minnesota United's interest in Relebohile Mofokeng

"Today, I was only focused on the game of Stellenbosch, I didn’t have time to look or read in the media,” the Orlando Pirates head coach said after masterminding a 1-0 win over Stellenbosch FC.

“What I know is, Rele is with us, he did well, it means he is with us and I hope he [stays] with us.”

Kaizer Chiefs has finally completed the signing of Etiosa Ighadoro who spent last season on loan at AmaZulu FC from Mamelodi Sundowns.

Marumo Gallants have announced the return of Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo after his Orlando Pirates exit.

Durban City FC coach Gavin Hunt has given another chance to former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly player, Phakamani Mhlambi.

Mahlambi has been out of professional football for over four years, with his last appearance coming during a loan spell with Chippa United in the 2021/22 season.

Umjita u-3, uThembinkosi Lorch, is reportedly on his way to Morocco after agreeing a 2-year contract with Wydad Athletic Club.

Kaizer Chiefs have already picked up 18% of their total points tally from last season in just two games.

With three goals in two matches, they are slightly above last season’s average for goals per game, and have also kept two consecutive clean sheets — a confidence boost for a side that conceded 32 goals in 28 games last season.

Up next, it’s Richards Bay FC, who are yet to pick up a point in this campaign.

---

Follow us for more insights into the local game!

\