Shakes Mashaba – The Bafana Bafana head coach opens up about South Africa’s recent disappointment in the AFCON. This is the first time the Bafana mentor really speaks about his team’s failure to progress in the tournament and also details what he believes is the way forward. 

 

He goes on to explain some of the controversial decisions taken during the AFCON, such as the technical team’s decision to use three different goalkeepers in the tournament and the exclusion of some of South Africa’s top European talent.

 

The passionate coach speaks honestly and emotionally in this no-holds-barred interview.

 

Soweto Derby Feature – This Saturday, March 7, sees another mouth-watering Soweto Derby clash taking place at the Calabash in Johannesburg, and this one promises to be a humdinger! 

 

Kaizer Chiefs, who have a healthy but diminishing lead in the league, have seen the onset of some mediocre form. On the other hand, Orlando Pirates are enjoying a real resurgence under caretaker coach Eric Tickler. The Amakhosi have it all to lose while the resurgent Bucs could singlehandedly turn the entire season on its head. 

 

There is everything to play for in the derby clash where stars are sure to emerge!

 

Owen da Gama – National U23 mentor and Bafana Bafana assistant coach, Owen da Gama, couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the future of South African soccer. 

 

In this week’s edition, he lauds the accomplishments of the national U17 side, who recently finished as runners-up at the African Youth Championships in Niger and have now qualified for the U17 FIFA World Cup in Chile. 

 

Da Gama believes that a solid and stable foundation is the key to producing a strong national setup. He also pleads with the people of South Africa to continue supporting South African national football teams at all levels, as he sees a very bright future ahead for the country.

 

Bradley Carnell – Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana star joins forces with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to spread the word about global climate change. Carnell explains how the Global United Climate Kick tournament is raising awareness about climate change and the perils that lie ahead should we continue to ignore the impending environmental catastrophe. 

 

It’s something a little different for Soccer Laduma, but something that we should all be taking more cognisance of on a daily basis.

 

Keaghan Jacobs – “Who is Keaghan Jacobs?” you might be asking yourself. This Johannesburg-born lad is a young footballer plying his trade in the Scottish League for Livingstone FC. He comes from a sporty family, his father having played football at the highest levels and two of his brothers also earning a living in Scotland playing the game they love. 

 

Keagan, who is eligible to play for both Scotland and South Africa, says he would love to play for the country of his birth and that it would truly be an honour for him. His only wish is that the Bafana selectors would come and watch him and his brothers in Scotland because he believes there is a lot of talent on the overcast island.

 

Luyolo Nomandela – The Mthatha-born dribbling wizard recently made a loan move from Mamelodi Sundowns to Moroka Swallows in search of game-time. The midfield man explains that he holds no grudges against Sundowns, who he acknowledges have a superb squad. 

 

He does, however, go on to explain that he believes this move to Swallows will finally give him the freedom he needs to show the people of South Africa the real Nomandela!

 

There are also a whole lot of great Siyagobhoza stories to look forward to.