In anticipation of this week’s 1424th 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, 15th May 2025.
JOSE RIVEIRO
Jose Riveiro sat on the Orlando Pirates bench for the last time on Tuesday night, and watched his team defeat Golden Arrows 3-0 in a Betway Premiership clash. The search is now on for the next Bucs coach. Coaching Pirates, as many would know, is no walk in the park. There is a lot that a coach has to deal with behind the scenes to ensure the team is functioning and that he does not lose the dressing room, which tends to have some big egos. So, as the Buccaneers search for their next man to sit in the hot-seat, Soccer Laduma looks at the type of characteristics someone needs to get right at Pirates, by speaking to former players of the Soweto giants.
NASREDDINE NABI
Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly on the verge of severing ties with head coach Nasreddine Nabi and his technical team. This comes just days after he ended a 10-year trophy drought that had loomed over the club like a dark cloud. Amakhosi needed to overcome Stellenbosch FC, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates to secure the coveted cup. However, the form on display in the Nedbank Cup is certainly not what they’ve shown in the Betway Premiership. And based on the statements made by the club Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr., in the media, it appears that they plan to “review” Nabi’s first 10 months at the conclusion of the season. Soccer Laduma provides a deep dive into some of the indicators that suggest Nabi and Chiefs have been at odds.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Mamelodi Sundowns knocked and kept on knocking. Finally, the door opened, and they broke the curse of the CAF Champions League semi-finals. After years of not being able to get past the last four of the competition, the Tshwane giants are now just 180 minutes away from securing another Champions League title. It has not been an easy journey for Masandawana, who have at times been criticised for spending millions in the transfer market with no success on the continent. The title is not in the bag yet, but their persistence and patience in the Champions League have finally paid off, as they overcame a curse that was seemingly haunting them. Soccer Laduma looks at how they finally got it right and what this means for them going into the final.
Also In Issue 1424…
Thabo Matlaba
Former Royal AM left-back Thabo Matlaba has experienced more ups than downs in the last few months – from seeing his side go under SARS curatorship, to the team being expelled by the PSL before he joined Golden Arrows. Behind the fearless footballer is a man shaped by humble beginnings, family values, and a deep sense of responsibility. In this wide-ranging interview with Soccer Laduma, Matlaba opens up about his shock exit from Royal AM, the impact on his teammates, career highlights, his love for Orlando Pirates, and the honest conversations that shaped the course of his career – including a revealing moment involving club boss Dr Irvin Khoza.
International Feature
Throughout the history of Egyptian football, Al Ahly have established a hegemony within the domestic game. Zamalek have consistently challenged the Red Devils; however, a third side now seems poised to disrupt the duopoly in the country — Pyramids FC. Their gradual ascent within domestic football has laid the foundation for the club to become a force in continental football, as they are now set to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the final of the CAF Champions League. Soccer Laduma analyses how a team that didn’t exist at the start of the century is now on the cusp of becoming continental kings, just a season after making its debut in the competition.
Revolving Column
This week we hear from Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador Carol Tshabalala on the Nedbank Cup final.
Siyagobhoza
In this week’s edition of the popular Siyagobhoza section, Thapelo Morena and Mamelodi Sundowns in early talks, Njabulo Blom is set for MLS return, and Pirates to reward Deon Hotto with a new contract.
Grab a copy of the latest edition of Soccer Laduma at your nearest outlet tomorrow. Don’t miss out!
