In anticipation of this week’s 1435th 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, 31st July 2025.
KAIZER CHIEFS
With the new Betway Premiership season on the horizon, Kaizer Chiefs have played six televised pre-season friendlies. Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup was the latest fixture in coach Nasreddine Nabi’s quest to prepare his side for a grueling season ahead. What did we learn from the match? Is the Tunisian-Belgian coach on the verge of settling on his best starting line-up? With question marks over every position, he must make big calls ahead of a trip on Sunday, 10 August to face Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium. With some key players on the treatment table, could we see a pathway opening up for youth players to get their big chance? And will a fitness-focused pre-season bear fruit in the early weeks of the campaign? Soccer Laduma investigates.
SIYA SPECIAL
This is a worrying time for Mamelodi Sundowns supporters, who are concerned about the possible departure of the club’s most influential figure, Lucas Ribeiro Costa. The Brazilian attacker was a star performer for Sundowns at the FIFA Club World Cup and has attracted interest from various parts of the world. According to information received by Soccer Laduma, Ribeiro is on the verge of leaving the Betway Premiership champions, but where is he heading? Soccer Laduma looks at what options the 26-year-old has.
SIVIWE NKWALI
Former Cape Town Spurs rising star Siviwe Nkwali recently joined Stellenbosch FC following the Urban Warriors’ relegation from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the amateur ranks. But, despite not having the best of times at club level, the left-footed central defender known as “Lion” had different experiences on the international front. He was one of the key members of the Amajita side that won this year’s CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations title, after beating Morocco 1-0 in the final in Egypt. They will now compete in this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup, taking place in Chile in September and October. In this interview with Soccer Laduma, Nkwali talks about his move to Stellies, the heartbreak that resulted from Spurs’ relegation as well as his hopes for the new season.
Also In Issue 1435…
Roger de Sa
From South Africa’s touchlines to the grand stages of international football, Roger de Sa continues to leave his mark across the globe. Now based in the Middle East, the former Orlando Pirates mentor has reunited with Carlos Queiroz as assistant coach of the Oman national team. The two football brains have enjoyed a successful partnership for years, having worked together in countries like Egypt, Iran, and Qatar. In this interview with Soccer Laduma, De Sa, talks about his new role, the challenges of working in different national team environments, and his brief, but eventful stints with Cape Town City and Cape Town Spurs.
International Feature
Rhulani Mokwena has officially been confirmed as the head coach of MC Alger. The 38-year-old will be taking over what is considered Algeria’s biggest club, in perhaps the most defining moment of his career yet. The tribulations of his story in Morocco last season have not deterred him from continuing in North Africa, and now the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 will be the canvas on which he etches the latest chapter in his career. Still regarded as one of the most progressive young technocrats in world football, Mokwena will likely be looking to live up to — and even exceed — expectations. Soccer Laduma delves into the kind of environment the South African will be walking into in terms of the history, culture, and expectations of the club.
Revolving Column
This week we hear from former Banyana Banyana captain Khabo Zitha on the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Siyagobhoza
In this week’s edition of the popular Siyagobhoza section, Fawaaz Basadien's contract details revealed, Fluminense join list of Relebohile Mofokeng admirers and an update on Given Msimango’s future at Chiefs.
Grab a copy of the latest edition of Soccer Laduma at your nearest outlet tomorrow. Don’t miss out!
