It was billed as the game of the MTN8 quarterfinals round, and it certainly lived up to the expectations, with four goals scored after extra time, which led to a tense penalty shootout, where Mamelodi Sundowns held their nerve better to ensure progression to the next round. There was a genuine sense of optimism among the Kaizer Chiefs faithful that the Soweto giants would overcome the Brazilians, who have not won this trophy since 2007, but Downs were quickest off the starting blocks, registering two quick goals, before Amakhosi staged a remarkable comeback to take it down to the wire, so to speak. It was also an opportunity for the fans to see some of the new signings in action for both teams. So, how did Stuart Baxter set up his XI for his first official match back in charge of the Glamour Boys? Which new signings impressed? And how did Keagan Dolly do against his former club? In a review of this titanic clash that had its fair share of drama, Soccer Laduma looks at the details that decided the tussle.
Before he became Orlando Pirates' "Mr. Consistent", Motshwari was just a lad who hailed from Randfontein, trying to make it big in the Beautiful Game. So big was his ambition to make a career out of football, that he did all he could to see to its realization. And today he is a top midfielder for one of the biggest clubs on the continent! His is a story of hard work and perseverance. No surprises then, that when he got his big break at Bidvest Wits, he ensured to grab it with both hands, earning himself a move to the mighty Buccaneers. In his interview with Soccer Laduma, the 30-year-old opens up on a few of the struggles he faced on the way to seeking greener pastures, why he is not bothered about proving that he deserves a new contract at the Soweto giants and preparations for the new league season starting this weekend.
Mayambela is keen on a move back to Mzansi's topflight as was evident when he recently surfaced at Swallows FC for training. However, the skilful winger will have to look elsewhere in his club search after he was not offered a deal at the Dube Birds, although he was said to have impressed coach Brandon Truter and his technical team. In an interview with Soccer Laduma, Mayambela talks about what went on at Swallows, his bold decision to sign in the second-tier last season and his relationship with Roger de Sa, which dates back to their time at Orlando Pirates. The Khayelitsha-born player also reveals his disappointment at the sale of Cape United, while also discussing their unsuccessful attempt of winning promotion to the DStv Premiership in what has been seen by many as a failed project.
In what was a challenging season, coach Kaitano Tembo managed to guide SuperSport United to a comfortable fifth-place finish on the DStv Premiership log standings, despite using a team made up mostly of youngsters. Ahead of the new season, the coach has to once again juggle his playing personnel having lost three key players without necessarily replacing them, something that has been happening for the last two seasons. Tembo, armed with a new two-year contract at the Tshwane outfit, is looking forward to go one better and challenge for honours this time around, although will have been disappointed with their early exit from the MTN8 after last Saturday's defeat to Golden Arrows. In his interview with Soccer Laduma, the Zimbabwean mentor discusses his Matsatsantsa mandate, holding onto his most important players and why he is backing his youngsters to come of age this campaign.
Big things were expected when Makudubela burst onto the scene in 2012, playing for an ALS Puk Tawana side that was sweeping aside almost everything in its path in the Nedbank Cup of that year. A move to the now-defunct Platinum Stars ensued, which proved to be quite successful and fulfilling for him, but it was at Orlando Pirates where many wanted to see what he was going to offer, considering the Vosloorus-born star's talent. Despite a bright start to life with the Buccaneers, things never really took off for the pacey attacker, which led to him packing up. This was in 2018. A move to Georgian Second Division outfit FC Graga then followed, but it was short-lived, owing to the current situation the world over. Now back in South Africa as a free agent, the 31-year-old details to Soccer Laduma how he is looking to bounce back and live up to his early promise.
