In anticipation of this week’s 1426th 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, 29th May 2025.
THABO CELE
Last Wednesday in Bryanston, Johannesburg, Rudy Project – a leading Italian brand in high performance eyewear and sporting gear – officially welcomed Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele and Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa as its newest Ambassadors. In this interview with Soccer Laduma, Cele opens up about his return to South African football, lifting silverware with Amakhosi, the emotional weight of ending a decade-long trophy drought, and what it means to align with a brand that reflects his values as both an athlete and a person.
CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW
Nine years on from conquering Africa for the first time, Mamelodi Sundowns now stand within touching distance of repeating the feat. But history has taught them that the final hurdle is often the most dangerous. After squandering a one-goal lead in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final against Egyptian giants Pyramids FC, the Brazilians now face the unenviable task of going to Cairo and getting a result. They’ve done it once, but finals are a different beast altogether. Here’s a deep look at what Sundowns will need to get right if they are to complete the job in hostile territory and lift the most coveted club trophy on the continent.
SIYA SPECIAL
Dr Danny Jordaan’s tenure as president of the South African Football Association (SAFA) has been a story of highs and lows – marked by significant achievements but also beset by controversy. From leading South Africa’s successful bid for the 2010 FIFA World Cup to overseeing notable footballing feats with both men’s and women’s national teams, Dr Jordaan’s legacy seemed secure. However, his leadership has been tainted by legal troubles, including accusations of fraud. As legal cases unfold, the question of whether his time at the helm will be defined by his successes or his alleged scandals continues to hang in the balance. The Siya crew takes a deep dive into the complex story of a footballing icon who is both celebrated and challenged.
Also In Issue 1426…
David Notoane
These are exciting times for South African football, and coaches at youth level have a big role to play to ensure that the talent being produced is of high quality, so that the national teams can keep doing well. With the success of the national U20 team at the Africa Cup of Nations, there’s good reason to believe that there’s more to come and coaches such as David Notoane can help inspire growth because of the experience he has at international and DStv Diski Challenge level. The Mamelodi Sundowns Diski Challenge coach spoke to Soccer Laduma about the recent success of Amajita, as the U20s are affectionately known, and what it will take to sustain the success of South African football right now.
International Feature
For nearly half a decade, Barcelona have experienced a drastic regression by their own high standards. Financial woes have taken a toll on the Catalan giants on the pitch during that period, as they were forced to watch their great rivals Real Madrid succeed both domestically and in Europe. However, the 2024/25 season was different. This campaign marked the first time since 2015/16 that Barcelona won at least three titles in a single season, having beaten their aforementioned adversaries emphatically on all four occasions they met. Soccer Laduma takes an in-depth look at the catalysts behind the Blaugrana’s return to prominence.
Revolving Column
This week we hear from former Bafana Bafana midfielder Benedict Vilakazi on the FIFA U17 World Cup draw.
Siyagobhoza
In this week’s edition of the popular Siyagobhoza section, Kaizer Chiefs up the ante on Fawaaz Basadien, retirement announcement expected from Andile Jali and Sihle Nduli is set to sign a three-year deal with Pirates.
Grab a copy of the latest edition of Soccer Laduma at your nearest outlet tomorrow. Don’t miss out!
