In anticipation of this week’s 1217th edition of Soccer Laduma, we preview some of the features included. The latest edition will be available at your nearest outlet tomorrow, Wednesday, March 31.
Willard Katsande Feature
It seemed strange when Kaizer Chiefs signed Katsande from Ajax Cape Town back in 2011. Katsande, for one, was not a regular player at the Urban Warriors. Two, questions were raised as to where he would fit in at the Soweto giants, looking at the type of midfielders the club has had over the years. He was not your typical Amakhosi player. He was rough in the challenge and spent a lot of time in the referee’s book. But fast-forward to 2021, Katsande is still an Amakhosi player and is celebrating a decade with one of the biggest clubs in South Africa. He’s had his ups and downs with the club, winning titles and at times getting criticism from supporters, but no matter what happens, the Zimbabwean keeps working hard and giving his all for the badge. As the midfielder celebrates 10 years at Chiefs, Soccer Laduma spoke to individuals who have worked with him, and they all say the same thing about the player.
Teboho Moloi Interview
Having been announce as Lesotho side Linare FC head coach in November of last year, Moloi, like many others, was dealt a blow when the league season there had to be suspended owing to the Coronavirus outbreak. However, there now seems to be light at the end of the tunnel, as he gears up to return to the Mountain Kingdom, what with the relaxation of some restrictions meaning the season may resume. After all, the former Orlando Pirates assistant coach had been out of a job for a lengthy period, since parting ways with Chippa United, of whom he was head coach. In an interview with Soccer Laduma, Tebza, as he is affectionately known, reveals why he chose to go to Mzansi’s neighbouring country and talks about seemingly having to prove himself in the PSL, much to his dismay, and more…
Dr Abram Sello Interview
The arrival of Dr Sello at Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC has been the proverbial breath of fresh air at the Limpopo side, whose shenanigans before he came into the picture are quite well-documented. Controversy seems to have followed the club from the moment they bought the top-flight status of 99-year-old Bidvest Wits. It was only a matter of time that Lawrence Mulaudzi would sell the team, and in came Dr Sello. It is, therefore, no coincidence that the results on the field have since improved, with players said to now be in a happier mood than had been the case before then. After several attempts, Soccer Laduma got hold of Vhadau Vha Damani’s new owner, as he touches on the changes he has implemented, why Joel Masutha was let go and his meeting with Oupa Manyisa, among other topics.
Also in issue 1217…
Thapelo Xoki Interview
The towering AmaZulu FC central defender has a good head on his shoulders. At only 21, he’s already captained the side, leading experienced campaigners such as Siyabonga Nomvethe and Mabhudi Khenyeza. It must have been a daunting task for the shy defender to stand in front of such legends of Mzansi’s football in the dressing room to address them on issues pertaining to the team. Under Benni McCarthy this season, the 26-year-old has been impressive in stopping and scoring goals and was recently awarded the DStv Premiership Goal of the Month award for his superb freekick against Bloemfontein Celtic. In his interview with Soccer Laduma, Xoki discusses his and the team’s improved form, being stripped of the captain’s armband and why he believes that his mother is looking at him with pride from heaven.
Cristiano Ronaldo Feature
For now, it may only be whispers, but it seems a storm is brewing in Madrid. Zinedine Zidane confirmed it could happen in what was the biggest hint of a potential reunion between Real Madrid and club-record goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo. According to reports in Italy and Spain, Ronaldo is desperate to return to the Santiago Bernabeu – three years after he left the club. It seems he has had enough of Juventus, a team he had hoped was strong enough to win the UEFA Champions League but has bitterly disappointed in the tournament over the past three campaigns. As a result, Ronaldo wants to return to the club where he won 16 titles, including four UCL trophies, between 2009 and 2018. Could it really happen? Soccer Laduma caught up with REAL TOTAL editor Nils Kern, who lives and breathes Los Blancos, to discuss the issue.
Revolving Column
This week, we hear from former Bafana Bafana midfielder Macbeth Sibaya, in the aftermath of the national team’s failure to qualify for the 2022 Afcon, following a disastrous 2-0 loss to Sudan.
Siyagobhoza
In this week’s edition of the popular Siyagobhoza section, there is clarity on Thembinkosi Lorch’s Orlando Pirates exit rumours, latest on Ruzaigh Gamildien’s possible move to Kaizer Chiefs, Rhulani Mokwena attracting interest from one of the biggest clubs on the continent, and more…
Grab a copy of the latest edition of Soccer Laduma at your nearest outlet tomorrow. Don’t miss out!