In anticipation of this week’s 1423rd 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, 8th May 2025.
NEDBANK CUP FINAL PREVIEW
On Saturday, we see Kaizer Chiefs in their first cup final since 2021. After a league season which has already seen 12 losses in 26 rounds of action, this has not been a campaign to remember for coach Nasreddine Nabi. A victory in the final would alter how this season is viewed and end the much-discussed decade-long trophy drought. However, Jose Riveiro has won five straight matches against Chiefs and clearly has Nabi’s number, as things stand today. In this preview, we look at the key battles which could decide the match, Amakhosi’s problems in the defensive areas, Bucs’ big calls and whether Nabi should change his midfield formation to help cause an upset.
BAMBANANI MBANE
Banyana Banyana defender Bambanani Mbane recently returned to the field following a long lay-off due to a career-threatening injury she suffered during Banyana Banyana’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Last 16 match against Netherlands. One of the best central defenders In Africa, having been named in the 2022 CAF WAFCON’s Best XI, the Sterkspruit-born defender slowly worked her way back to full fitness and is now playing again. In this interview with Soccer Laduma, Mbane talks about the frustrations of watching from the sidelines, what kept her motivated, getting back to full fitness as well as her plans for the future.
SIYA SPECIAL
In what is fast becoming a hallmark of Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s meteoric rise, the teenage defender is already facing decisions most young players only confront much later in their careers. While South Africa’s U20 national team is currently competing at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, one of its most promising prospects is absent – not through injury or selection snub, but because Orlando Pirates refused to release him. At just 19 years old, Mbokazi has become an increasingly trusted figure in the heart of the Buccaneers’ defence, and his absence from the Amajita squad has sparked debate. The Siya crew has now established that the real reason for his non-involvement at the AFCON is Pirates’ refusal to release him – a club decision stemming from their belief that the player is now too important to be let go during a critical period in their domestic campaign.
Also In Issue 1423…
Siphelele Luthuli
Once a regular feature in the PSL, Siphelele Luthuli is now navigating one of the toughest phases in a professional footballer’s career – free agency.
Since parting ways with Chippa United at the end of last season, Luthuli has been patiently awaiting his next opportunity, staying fit and mentally prepared for a return to top-flight football. Earlier this year, he trained with Orlando Pirates in a stint that reignited both hope and belief in his abilities. In this interview with Soccer Laduma, Luthuli reflects on his journey so far, the emotional toll of being overlooked, and the lessons he has learned through each twist and turn.
International Feature
Bafana Bafana striker Lars Veldwijk has been impressive for Gulf United in the United Arab Emirates since joining the club in January this year. Despite his remarkable numbers with the UAE First Division team, the 33-year-old has not been called up to the Bafana Bafana squad recently. In this interview with Soccer Laduma, Veldwijk discusses his recent performances and how he has been faring in the Gulf region. The Dutch-born striker also shares his feelings about being seemingly overlooked by coach Hugo Broos, as well as disclosing that he came close to joining Mamelodi Sundowns during Rhulani Mokwena’s tenure.
Revolving Column
This week we hear from Aaron Mokoena, former Cape Town City assistant coach, on the club’s performance.
Siyagobhoza
In this week’s edition of the popular Siyagobhoza section, there is no Club World Cup for Sundowns midfielder Sipho Mbule, Kaizer Chiefs are exploring options for women’s team, and Orlando Pirates set for squad revamp.
Grab a copy of the latest edition of Soccer Laduma at your nearest outlet tomorrow. Don’t miss out!
