In anticipation of this week's 1402nd edition of Soccer Laduma, we preview some of the features included. The latest edition will be available at your nearest outlet on Thursday, 28th November 2024.
KAIZER CHIEFS
Kaizer Chiefs have played only five league matches whilst their rivals, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, have each played seven Betway Premiership fixtures. In this feature, we take a look at some of the underlying stats in the league performances of the country's three biggest teams. Which side is taking the most shots and allowing the least? How do they compare in the 'Expected Goals' metric? How reliant are the teams on set pieces against open play situations to create opportunities? We look at these key metrics, amongst others, to gauge where Amakhosi stand so far.
SIYA SPECIAL
The image of South African football has been tainted recently with reports alleging that Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana players have not been paid by the South African Football Association for the recent camps. With so much success on the pitch for the national teams, there is growing concern about what it could do to the players if uncertainty over payments continues. Soccer Laduma investigates.
CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates began their CAF Champions League group stages earlier this week, and it's definitely going to be a testing period for both sides, as they juggle continental football whilst chasing the Betway Premiership title on the domestic front. Soccer Laduma takes a deeper look at who the giants of South African football will be facing in the group stages. Sundowns are in Group B with Maniema Union from DRC, and Moroccan clubs AS FAR and Raja Casablanca, while the Buccaneers will face off against Egyptian giants Al Ahly, CR Belouizdad of Algeria and Stade d'Abidjan from the Ivory Coast.
Also In Issue 1402…
Elrio van Heerden
Former Bafana Bafana winger Elrio van Heerden left South African shores as a teenager, signing with Danish giants FC Copenhagen at 18, where he played alongside his idol and compatriot, Sibusiso Zuma. After spells with Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League, Sivasspor in Turkey, he eventually returned to South Africa to play for Golden Arrows in the PSL. 12 years since his last season, the 41-year-old is learning the ropes as a coach, working at Nelson Mandela University. In this interview with Soccer Laduma, he opens up about his coaching ambitions, his wish to have donned the Gold and Black colours of Kaizer Chiefs, and his admiration for Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane.
International Feature
As the 2024/25 season nears the halfway mark, several big stars have already impressed, with some emerging as early contenders for various awards at the end of the campaign! Unsurprisingly, FC Barcelona, who currently sit top of the LA LIGA standings, are enjoying a great start to life under new boss Hansi Flick. As such, there has been a significant upturn in performances from their leading stars, such as 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who is currently making a strong case to improve on his seventh-place finish at the 2024 Ballon d'Or awards. Soccer Laduma profiles the best performers in Europe so far this season, including Lamine Yamal, who continues to break records.
Revolving Column
This week we hear from former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Brent Carelse On Lucas "Masterpieces" Moripe's passing.
Siyagobhoza
In this week's edition of the popular Siyagobhoza section, Chiefs are yet to decide on Dove's future, Mkhulise reportedly turns down initial Sundowns offer and Pirates enter the race for Adams.
Grab a copy of the latest edition of Soccer Laduma at your nearest outlet tomorrow. Don't miss out!
