Size Nazo

7 New Faces In Bafana Squad

BY David Kappel

Tue Aug 20 2024 12:11:10

There were several new and uncapped faces in Hugo Broos’ 38-man Bafana Bafana squad.

Broos’ men will take on Uganda on 6 September before facing South Sudan away from home four days later to kick off their qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Belgian tactician announced an initial 38-man squad and will still trim it down to 23 players, who will assemble in camp.

Among the new faces in Broos’ selection were Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalante Mbatha and Dutch-born striker Simon van Duivenbooden, who received his SA passport in June.

New Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley, who captained Bafana’s B-side at the COSAFA Cup and scored on his debut, is also in the preliminary squad.

Devin Titus and Athenkosi Mcaba, who are both uncapped at full Bafana level, also received call-ups after featuring in the COSAFA Cup, while their Stellenbosch teammate Fawaaz Basadien has also been called up.

Finally, Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who is also uncapped at SA senior level, also received a call-up, but was named as one of five goalkeepers.

Meanwhile, Luke le Roux and Mihlali Mayambela also returned to the squad after missing out on previous selections.

Official: Ex-Pirates Striker Lands New Club

SORRY GUYS FOR NOT KEEPING YOU UPDATED.I WAS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY PAGE.🥺♥️

Stellies Identify Rayners Replacement

BY Rob Delport

Tue Aug 13 2024 07:31:05

There looks set to be an interesting ‘knock-on effect’ transfer scenario involving Stellenbosch FC and Cape Town Spurs following the exit of Iqraam Rayners to Mamelodi Sundowns.

It is an open secret that the Cape Winelands team had already earmarked Spurs’ winger Ashley Cupido as a potential replacement for Rayners, and this was reported earlier in 2024 when the Sundowns-bound striker was linked to a move to Saudi Arabia.

Similarly, Stellies had identified Spurs’ captain Chumani Butsaka as a potential replacement for Jayden Adams, when the Bafana Bafana midfielder was strongly linked to Sundowns.

Now iDiski Times sources have said that Stellies are back in the market for Cupido, and have made contact with Spurs.

However, Stellies will likely have to act fast, as Cupido has other suitors, and the 23-year-old is also said to being monitored by both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

Stellies had also previously spoken to Spurs about the potential signing of Butsaka, but those talks now look to have cooled down, with Adams likely staying with Steve Barker’s team.

In another deal involving Barker’s club, Pirates announced the signing of Deano Van Rooyen on Monday.

Official: Next Sundowns Exit Confirmed

BY David Kappel

Tue Aug 13 2024 08:54:10

Argentinian side Club Atlético Talleres have confirmed the signing of Matias Esquivel from Mamelodi Sundowns.

The midfielder only joined Sundowns from Club Atlético Lanús in January in a reported $2.5-million transfer but had only played 13 games.

He has now returned to his home country, joining his former club in a season-long loan with an option to buy, as reported by iDiski Times.

“Club Atlético Talleres reports that Matías Eduardo Esquivel is a new player for the institution and is already training with the senior team,” the club stated.

“Matis Esquivel, an acquaintance of the Club who returns in a triple competition Season, is new reinforcement and joins the institution for a period of one year.”

Esquivel has made 139 appearances as pro footballer, with 31 of those coming for Talleres.

He was seen as a major addition by Sundowns but failed to live up to expectations and is understood to have asked the club to allow him to return to his homeland.

Khanye Questions Mngqithi Tactics In MTN8 Opener

BY Lethabo Kganyago

Tue Aug 13 2024 10:07:50

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye reckons that Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi needs to have a Plan B moving forward in the season, because they were too predictable.

This is at the back of ten-man Sundowns’ narrow 1-0 win over Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-final in Tshwane on Sunday. The game was eventually won through a Thabang Matuludi own goal to set-up a semi-final meeting with Stellenbosch FC.

Khanye says the reason Mngqithi needs an alternative plan is that the Brazilians were too predictable on the day while some of their key players were off form.

“Mamelodi Sundowns were too predictable because they did the same thing every time until the first half ended,” said Khanye on iDiski TV.

“And if you check the chances they created, they created them in 20 minutes after that there was nothing because they were doing the same thing.

“The reason Sundowns were not themselves is that a couple of players who play in vital positions, I’m referring to [Teboho] Mokoena, [Aubrey] Modiba and [Peter] Shalulile were off.

“So, it was very difficult for Sundowns to function as a team. Yes, there are start players in the team but for them to function they have to play as a team.

“I think Manqoba needs to have a plan B going forward to other games. You need wingers right and left upfront. You can’t rely on full-backs because this is a game where you become predictable and today I think he was predictable at times.

“In this game he needed players that can draw others in the box, players that can go behind the defense and change the gear and he only had Ribiero do that in this game.”

You can view Khanye’s full analysis of the MTN8 QF between Mamelodi Sundowns and Polokwane City on iDiski TV official YouTube channel.

Amajita Playmaker Makes Pro Debut In Europe

BY Lorenz Kohler

Mon Aug 12 2024 16:20:19

South Africa U20 midfielder Michael Dokunmu could not hide his delight after making his professional debut in the Netherlands with Vitesse Arnhem.

The club, who suffered relegation from the Eredivisie last season after being deducted 18 points due to issues with the KNVB licensing regulations due to financial issues, started off the season with a 1-0 defeat to Telstar.

- ALSO READ: ‘Obrigado’ & Mabena Lead Strong Amajita Squad

- Exclusive: Dutch-Born Striker Receives SA Passport

However, the youthful squad featured two players now eligible for the South Africa national team with Kimberly-born Dokunmu, who was part of the Amajimbos squad from the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria last year.

The former Randburg and SuperSport United talent started in the 10 role behind towering striker Simon van Duivenbooden who recently confirmed to iDiski Times that he secured his South African citizenship.

It marked a special day for the 18-year-old who has been progressing steadily in the club’s youth system since 2020.

“Such a special day making my senior debut! Thank you for all the support and hopefully many more to come,” he wrote on social media about his debut.

Over the last couple of seasons with the U18s and U21, Dokunmu scored nine goals with four assists in 35 official games in the club’s academy system.

His debut arrived a day before Cape Town City teenager Gabriel Amato, one of his midfield partners at the U17 AFCON, was named in the first team squad that beat Sekhukhune United 1-0 in the MTN8 on Saturday afternoon.

They join the likes of Siyabonga Mabena and Luke Baartman to make their inroads into senior football since the continental showpiece in North Africa.

Lebusa On Switching To Goalkeeper In MTN8 Clash

BY Sinethemba Makonco

Mon Aug 12 2024 13:53:52

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mosa Lebusa is thankful to his teammates for their defensive abilities during his small period between the poles.

Despite creating numerous chances, Sundowns were forced to play the last 10 minutes or so with a man down, and eventually went on to seal a narrow 1-0-win courtesy of Thabang Matuludi’s own goal.

Rise and Shine had a glorious opportunity in the 83rd minute to steal the win when Hlayisi Chauke went one-on-one with Denis Onyango, forcing the Sundowns goalkeeper to handle the ball outside the 18-yard area which led to a red card.

After a long debate amongst the Sundowns players and technical team, Lebusa was forced to stand in between the sticks as they couldn’t introduce Jody February, having already made all three substitutions.

“We made it difficult for ourselves,” Lebusa told Sundowns media.

“We missed a lot of chances first-half. We attached them. There’s a working process we have to work hard, work on our finishing, and make sure that in our next game, we are more clinical.

“The guys did well not to allow them to our goals and make sure that we went to the end of the game, and we came up with a plan.

On facing Stellenbosch in the last four the MTN8.

“Stellenbosch they won. It gets tougher now we just have to make sure that there are fewer mistakes and make sure we are clinical in front of goals.”

Stellies CEO Sends Message To Van Rooyen After Pirates Move

BY David Kappel

Mon Aug 12 2024 14:28:06

Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie had admitted the club are “sad” at losing Deano Van Rooyen to Orlando Pirates but wishes him all the best after eight years with the club.

Earlier on Monday, Pirates confirmed the signing of Van Rooyen on a three-year deal with a two-year option.

Van Rooyen, 27, was one of the mainstay’s in Steve Barker’s squad and helped the club to lift their first ever trophy last season but his fine performances now saw him being snatched up by the Buccaneers, as Stellies lose another key player.

“It has been a privilege to watch Deano grow over the last eight years from a young and hopeful talent into a household name in Stellenbosch,” Benadie said in a statement.

“To see a local player break through the ranks and become a respected leader on the pitch and in our community has been a source of great pride for all associated with the Club.

“While we are sad to see him leave, we are immensely grateful for his contributions and proud of all he has achieved and wish him nothing but success in his future endeavours.”

Van Rooyen follows the likes of Ashley Du Preez, Zitha Kwinika, Junior Mendieta and Sibongiseni Mthethwa, who have all left the Cape Winlands-based club over the last two seasons, while Iqraam Rayners is the next star player out as he will join Mamelodi Sundowns.

Agent – Why Chiefs Failed To Sign Mayo

BY iDiski Times

Mon Aug 12 2024 17:05:12

Basia Michaels, the agent of Khanyisa Mayo, has revealed that Kaizer Chiefs submitted their offer for the former Cape Town City forward too late.

Mayo, 25, joined Algerian giants CR Belouizdad in a blockbuster deal and was unveiled by the club last week.

But there was also talk of local interest, with Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs being linked with the 2022/23 golden boot winner.

However, Michaels revealed that Sundowns interest came before Mayo signed a new five-year deal with Cape Town City last season, while Chiefs were hot on his tails this window.

Michaels also confirmed that Mayo himself was keen on joining Amakhosi but it seems the club’s management took too long to make up their minds, while Belouizdad also offers the forward Mayo a route to Europe.

“Chiefs had also put down a significant offer for Khanyisa, a few moments before we had actually penned our deal o CRB,” Mayo’s agent said on Sports Night Amplified.

“I do think had the deal fallen out with CRB, Khanyisa would’ve gone to Chiefs.”

Michaels admitted that Mayo would’ve been keen to move to Naturena based on his personal connection to the club his father Patrick Mayo played for, but ultimately he was also keen on plying his trade outside of Mzansi.

“He wanted what we would call the best outcome for himself,” she continued.

“It wasn’t a money-thing, Khanyisa wanted to go to Chiefs, there is no question about it. His father played for Chiefs, it has a bit of heritage for him.

“But he always wanted to leave South Africa. It’s something that he’d always expressed to me, I’ve been representing him since 2018.”

When quizzed whether Chiefs fell short in their valuation of the player, Michaels confirmed that Amakhosi’s offer came too late, and the player and his representatives feel a move to Europe will be more realistic after a good season in Algeria.

“I think Chiefs fell short because they were seconds too late from the offer that was made from CRB,” she added.

“From CRB, Khanyisa does have an opportunity to move into Europe. It would be a lot harder for him to move from Chiefs to Europe.

“If he does something amazing at CRB within in his first season, I can tell you there will be suitors from the European market that will come knocking for him.”

Van Rooyen Breaks Silence After Pirates Move

BY David Kappel

Mon Aug 12 2024 20:36:04

New Orlando Pirates defender Deano Van Rooyen has sent a farewell message to his former club Stellenbosch FC after his move to the Buccaneers was confirmed.

Earlier on Monday, Pirates confirmed the signing of Van Rooyen on a three-year deal with a two-year option.

- ALSO READ: Is Saleng Back? Riveiro Responds

- Makhaula – We’re Going To See Fireworks From This Bucs Youngster

Van Rooyen, 27, was one of the mainstay’s in Steve Barker’s squad and helped the club to lift their first ever trophy last season but his fine performances now saw him being snatched up by the Buccaneers, as Stellies lose another key player.

The former Stellies co-captain has now penned some emotional words to his old club.

“It has been a dream come true for me to play for Stellenbosch FC over the last eight years,” Van Rooyen told Stellies media team.

“Growing up in Stellenbosch, there was never a professional football club, so the moment the club was formed, it became my dream to become a Stellenbosch player.

“It was a huge privilege and honour for me to wear the maroon jersey and there are so many memories that stand out from my time at the club – making my debut, winning the NFD, and lifting the Carling Knockout.

“As a local, I am incredibly proud to have helped bring silverware to the club and it is a great feeling to know that young players from Stellenbosch can look at my journey and know that it is possible to chase those dreams.

“It’s not easy, there are a lot of obstacles, and it requires a lot of hard work to be successful, but it is possible if you have the belief.

“And then of course, being there to win the Carling Knockout is a memory that will live with me forever. It was incredibly special to lift the trophy as a local player and it’s something I will carry with me until the day I retire.”

Manqoba Responds To Criticism Over Mshishi Deal

BY Lorenz Kohler

Mon Aug 12 2024 11:33:37

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has hit back at criticism that club legend Themba Zwane has received a one-year extension.

Zwane, 35, was confirmed the have received a one-year deal that will expire at the end of June 2025, with the FIFA Club World Cup set to take place between June 15 and July 13.

There’s been suggestions that it could well be the last contract of ‘Mshishi’ at Masandawana where he’s won 18 trophies, including 10 league titles.

But the Sundowns coach said it’s in the best interest of the club, as they look to keep the Bafana Bafana playmaker on his toes and maintain his incredible standards set for over a decade in the South African top-flight and beyond.

“I think it’s the right thing to do… and everybody is free to make his opinion heard, but I think it’s the right thing to do,” he said.

“For players at that age, it’s important to keep them on their toes, I don’t think it necessarily means he will be out of the club after one year, but for him to stay sharp, it’s important that he knows he has to fight for the next contract.

“And I think if all PSL teams can adopt that, it will be the best thing we can do for our football. Because most of these senior players want to get a four-year contract because they know they are looking at retirement and you want them to perform every week.

“I think it’s a good thing and I think Mshishi is the right player for that. He’s a very professional boy, he will work very hard, he knows he can’t sit on his laurels, he has to give it his best shot and I’m very confident he will do very well.”

Zwane featured as a substitute in their 2024/25 season opener as they beat Polokwane City 1-0 after extra-time in the MTN8 on Sunday afternoon.