It certainly was one of the most challenging seasons in the Tshwane giants’ history, as they had to contend with the untimely death of two of their players in Anele Ngcongca (albeit destined for AmaZulu FC at the time) and Motjeka Madisha. But the Masandawana charges gathered the strength to trudge on and focus on their ambitions for the campaign, which in the end saw them falling at the quarterfinal stage of the CAF Champions League and Nedbank Cup competitions respectively, but they secured the big one in domestic football – the league title, which is their fourth in a row. Not many gave the Brazilians a chance following the departure of Pitso Mosimane, who was lured to Egypt by Al Ahly ahead of this past season, but co-coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena, ably assisted by senior coach Steve Komphela, have delivered, and there is a genuine belief in the soccer fraternity that the Chloorkop-based outfit will continue to dominate South African football for some time to come. In celebration of this magnificent achievement, this week’s edition of Soccer Laduma has a double-page celebration poster of Sundowns, a true collector’s item if you are a fan of the club.
It’s been an eventful few weeks for Kaizer Chiefs, who ended all speculation about coach Gavin Hunt’s future at the club by terminating his contract towards the end of last month. In came his assistants, in Arthur Zwane and Dillon Sheppard, to lead the team for the last two games of the season, against Golden Arrows and TS Galaxy respectively, which culminated in six massive points as the Soweto giants sneaked into the Top Eight bracket, much to the relief of their fan base. There’s also the small matter of the upcoming CAF Champions League semifinal against Wydad Casablanca. Suddenly there’s a sense of optimism in the Amakhosi camp for next season, with Stuart Baxter rumoured to be on his way back to the club that he led to two league titles over a three-season period. Former Chiefs striker Niemach gives his thoughts on all these latest developments in Naturena.
There’s very little time before the Olympic Games get underway, and yet preparations have not been as smooth-sailing for national U23 coach David Notoane, who has had to deal with COVID-19 concerns and the unavailability of players, particularly those based abroad. Recently, he had to deal with a tournament in the United Arab Emirates being cancelled, spoiling the plans. To make up for that, two friendly internationals against Egypt have been organised, but still, some overseas-based players will not be available for the ties. Drawn in Group A alongside hosts Japan, Mexico and France, Amaglug-glug need as much preparation as possible, with the immediate aim being to progress to the knockout stages. In his interview with Soccer Laduma, the former Santos player speaks about squad selection, the availability of Percy Tau and working closely with Hugo Broos.
Parusnath has enjoyed the journey from being a boy to being one of the leading men in a Golden Arrows side that has punched well above its weight this past season. Under the guidance of coach Mandla Ncikazi, the modest club has secured fourth spot on the DStv Premiership standings. One man that has enjoyed a breakout season in the campaign is 26-year-old Parusnath, who has flourished in his new role. In an interview with Soccer Laduma, the midfielder breaks down his season, reveals why he has grown into his own and speaks about his relationship with his twin brother.
With the 2020 UEFA European Championship finally upon us after its forced delayal due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have selected some players you do not want to take your eyes off once the first whistle sounds! Many immensely accomplished, high-profile footballers will be on display over the coming month, desperate to do everything they can to make their countries proud, but who in particular should supporters pay extra-close attention to? Soccer Laduma’s international team has picked five players to look out for over the next 30 days, from 11 June to 11 July…
This week, we hear from Greg Mashilo, South African Coaches Association Chairman, as he reacts to the end-of-season awards held last Sunday, particularly taking issue with the choice for the winner of the Coach of the Season accolade!
In this week’s edition of the popular Siyagobhoza section, there is news on a player set to be signed on a lengthy deal by Mamelodi Sundowns, the man linked with a move to the Kaizer Chiefs youth set-up, an Orlando Pirates striker who could be forced to relook his future, and more…
