KAIZER CHIEFS
It feels like several years since Pule Mmodi signed for Kaizer Chiefs. Yet, we only recently passed the one-year anniversary of the winger's arrival in Naturena. Perhaps it's because news of his move broke whilst Arthur Zwane was still coach of Amakhosi in late June 2023. A few days later, Molefi Ntseki took the reins and the 31-year-old winger has since also played under Cavin Johnson and is now under the guidance of Nasreddine Nabi. A lot has happened in the last 14 months at the country's most supported club. So, how has Mmodi performed? What should we expect from him this season? And is there reason for the Bafana Bafana international to be worried about his future just one season into a three-year contract? Soccer Laduma investigates.
AZOLA MATROSE
When Azola Matrose made the switch to Orlando Pirates last year following a loan spell at Chippa United, he had big dreams about proving his worth in the star-studded team. To his surprise, he didn't get a chance to play first-team football at Pirates as he was limited to featuring here and there for the reserve team. A decision was made at the end of the 2023/24 season to move him back to Chippa on a permanent deal. Soccer Laduma had a chat with the talented player to discuss how things went for him at Bucs. While he can't hide his disappointment, the attack-minded player is confident about bouncing back to being the influential player he was before he left the Eastern Cape outfit.
SIYA SPECIAL
Bongani Zungu finds himself without a club in the new season and his options have become less following a breakdown in talks with Moroccan Botola Pro League side Wydad Casablanca. The former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder is a free agent and can join any club even when the transfer window is closed, but that does not mean he does not want to secure employment as soon as possible. There are options for the player, and Soccer Laduma has been given some insight into what's happening with him.
Also In Issue 1389…
Nomvula Kgoale interview
As TS Galaxy head into the new season, there will be a lot of attention on them to improve on last term's sixth-place finish. Soccer Laduma spoke to club chairman Tim Sukazi about having Sead Ramovic on board and why he sold Fiacre Ntwari to Amakhosi after the goalkeeper was arguably their best performer last season.
International Feature
Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana preliminary squad announcement for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan caught many by surprise. Perhaps an even bigger shock was the inclusion of Dutch-born striker Simon van Duivenbooden of Vitesse. An unknown entity to South African football fans, Soccer Laduma recently sat down with one of the most high-profile youth players to emerge from the Netherlands for an exclusive interview to discuss his links to South Africa, his ambitions with the national team and looking up to Thulani Serero.
Revolving Column
This week we hear from former Orlando Pirates winger Lebohang Mokoena on Bucs' win against Disciples FC.
Siyagobhoza
In this week's edition of the popular Siyagobhoza section, there is news on how Chiefs lost out on Stellies winger Antonio van Wyk, Miguel Timm in Pirates' long-term plans and Sundowns to possibly reward Themba Zwane?
Grab a copy of the latest edition of Soccer Laduma at your nearest outlet tomorrow. Don't miss out!
