In anticipation of this week’s 1428th edition of Soccer Laduma, we preview some of the features and interviews included. The latest edition will be available at your nearest outlet on Thursday, 12th June 2025.
PERCY TAU
Percy Tau’s brief spell in Qatar came to an underwhelming end after just six months. Joining Mehdi Nafti’s struggling Qatar SC side in January 2025, the Bafana Bafana star was expected to reignite his form in a league known for its attacking flair and high-profile signings. Yet despite flashes of his playmaking ability, Tau failed to find the back of the net and registered only four assists in nine matches as his team barely survived relegation. The Doha-based outfit, perhaps unsurprisingly, opted not to renew his deal, making him one of the most high-profile free agents on the market. So, what now for the Witbank-born attacker?
KAIZER CHIEFS
After lifting the Nedbank Cup, it is looking almost certain that Nasreddine Nabi will stay in charge of Kaizer Chiefs for next season. The Tunisian-Belgian coach may have overseen a ninth-placed finish, but the hope is that a strong transfer window, the return of some key defenders from injury, and some extra time to work on the game model will bear fruit in the 2025/26 campaign. As it stands, how do Chiefs compare to Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates in their chance creation and defensive metrics? What are the pros and potential cons of holding on to the outspoken coach? Soccer Laduma delves into three potential positives and three potential negatives of the decision to continue Nabi’s reign at Amakhosi.
SIYA SPECIAL
What will become of SuperSport United? That’s probably one of the biggest questions on the minds of local football supporters, with talks yet again of Matsatsantsa being up for sale. The club has been struggling behind the scenes, and it could be that it is holding on for dear life, unless there is a big turnaround in its situation. Soccer Laduma looks into what’s causing the strain at the club and why SuperSport would consider selling in future. For now, it seems, the club’s management is trying to keep SuperSport alive.
Also In Issue 1428…
Sikhosonke Langa
From pushing wheelbarrows to pushing for a starting spot in the PSL, Sekhukhune United defender Sikhosonke Langa’s rise to the top is a story of persistence, faith and unexpected detours. Langa’s journey saw him drop out of football temporarily, take up construction work, and bounce around lower league clubs before finally making his Betway Premiership debut at 29. Despite the late start, the soft-spoken defender has already made his mark at Sekhukhune, playing a key role in their impressive fourth-place finish. In this interview with Soccer Laduma, Langa opens up about his journey, the decisions that shaped his career, overcoming setbacks, and the hunger that still burns as he eyes the next chapter.
International Feature
With the 2022 takeover of Chelsea came a change in their recruitment policy. Following Roman Abramovich’s departure, so too went the club’s insistence on signing the biggest names on the market every transfer window. The introduction of Clearlake Capital to Stamford Bridge brought with it a drastic alteration in recruitment philosophy, as the club shifted towards signing prospective world-class talents rather than proven superstars. The club’s UEFA Europa Conference League title this past season is the first piece of silverware under their new ownership. Soccer Laduma takes a deep dive into how this cultural shift has affected the west Londoners.
Revolving Column
This week we hear from former Cape Town City winger Aubrey Ngoma on the PSL promotion/relegation Play-Offs.
