In Touch with Football

🎙️Du Preez Feels At Home

“I always knew that I would come back to Stellenbosch,” Du Preez

“The community knows me well and has supported me since the start of my professional career, so being a local player and representing the Club again is a huge honour and privilege for me. It’s an amazing feeling to be back.”

"Democratic Republic of Congo-born forward Glody Makabi Lilepo has completed a move from Kaizer Chiefs to Libyan side Al Ahly Benghazi, following an agreement on the transfer fee between the two Clubs," a club statement read.

"The 29-year-old versatile attacker joined the Soweto giants in January 2025 from French outfit Valenciennes. During his time at Amakhosi, Lilepo featured in 56 matches in all competitions, scoring 15 goals and providing 5 assists for the team. His versatility as both a winger and forward made him a valuable option in Chiefs’ attacking setup.

"Lilepo’s departure marks the end of an impactful one-and-a-half-year spell at Naturena where he contributed several memorable performances whenever he donned the Chiefs jersey.

"Some of the highlights include winning the Nedbank Cup barely four months after his arrival at Chiefs, and being nominated for goal-of-the-season in the PSL awards in 2025/26 season.

"The Club wishes Lilepo success in Libya and throughout the remainder of his football career."

🇿🇦 Kaizer Chiefs are building around South Africa’s next generation of stars. ✨

Amakhosi continue to invest in the country’s brightest young talent, with four players in their squad who represented South Africa at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup and were part of the generation that lifted the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title.

✅Takalani Mazhamba
✅Luke Baartman
✅Langelihle Phili
✅Mfundo Vilakazi

🚨 EXCLUSIVE | Why Tshegofatso Mabasa turned down Kaizer Chiefs and Durban City

Contrary to suggestions that staying in South Africa was his priority, Mabasa’s preference was always to secure a move elsewhere on the African continent.

The striker believes he is entering his prime and wanted the opportunity to compete in the CAF Champions League. Financial terms also played a major role, with the Moroccan champions presenting the most attractive package.

Another factor was playing time. Chiefs had prioritised signing Mayo permanently, while also having Silva, Ighodaro and Duba in the squad, with Du Preez still part of the picture at the time. Mabasa was not convinced he would get consistent minutes with so many striking options.

🚨✌️What we’ve learned about Da Cruz’s philosophy so far

It’s still early, but the first few games and his post-match comments already reveal some clear tactical principles.

✅Defensive control over possession

“The main problem was their No.10… we wanted to block the passing lanes into those dangerous pockets.”

Da Cruz prioritises limiting the quality of chances rather than simply defending deep. His team protects central spaces, denies access between the lines and keeps the full-backs more conservative to maintain defensive balance. It also shows a coach who can identify problems and adjust during the game.

✅Possession with purpose

Chiefs’ average of around 60% possession suggests he wants his side to control matches through the ball. The aim isn’t sterile possession—it’s to move opponents, wait for spaces to open, then attack them.

When transition opportunities appear, the tempo increases immediately, with quick switches into wide areas where his wingers can isolate defenders.

His team also looks committed to building from the back, progressing through the thirds instead of relying on long balls.

✅Substitutes are tactical weapons

“The players who came off the bench helped us maintain our high standard.”

Da Cruz views substitutes as game-changers, not backups. Against Kruger United, the early introductions of Duba and Mthethwa shifted the momentum and reinforced that every player has a tactical role.

✅Control for 90 minutes

“We controlled 75 minutes of the match.”

The wording is important. He’s not satisfied with controlling most of the game—he wants control for the full 90. That means knowing when to speed up play, slow it down and manage momentum.

✅Modern attacking principles

He clearly values quick, fearless wingers who can beat defenders one-v-one.

Another interesting detail is Chiefs’ kick-off routine, sending the ball into the opposition half immediately to establish territory and launch an aggressive press—an approach used by several top European sides. It reflects a coach who embraces modern football principles and wants to impose his team from the first whistle.

🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨

Marumo Gallants have confirmed the iconic Royal Bafokeng Stadium as their home venue for the 2026/27 season.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup venue in Rustenburg will once again host top-flight football, with Gallants set to play their home matches at the world-class stadium.

🚨Nasreddine Nabi wants Sandilands

After lengthy negotiations, an agreement is now in its final stages, with the deal understood to be close to completion.

Wayne Sandilands is expected to reunite with Raja Club Athletic with Nabi as part of the coach’s backroom staff, pending the completion of the remaining formalities. An official announcement is expected once the final details are concluded.

🚨As revealed last week, Kaizer Chiefs announce Phili