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Nabi’s axing at Kaizer Chiefs may have sparked a potential coaching exodus that will see more premiership coaches being sacked by their clubs
By: Mpho Sekharume
The recent sacking of Nasreddine Nabi by Kaizer Chiefs may have cast the spotlight on the performances of other coaches at other Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs.
Although Amakhosi are yet to make an announcement, various reports have confirmed the Soweto giants have indeed severed ties with the Tunisian tactician following their 3-1 loss to log leaders Sekhukhune United on Wednesday - a move that may spark a ripple effect that might see other coaches face similar fates in the foreseeable future.
Despite having pulled the Soweto giants out of the trophy drought by winning the Nedbank Cup and only suffering a single loss in the league so far, Chiefs boldly released Nabi with prospects of current assistant coach rising to the helm.
Chiefs had in recent times maintained a healthy unbeaten streak in the league in Nabi’s absence, but their performance noticeably dwindled as soon as he returned to camp. This short yet vivid drop in form - compounded by incessant calls from Amakhosi fans for him to be fired - mapped Nabi’s exit from Naturena.
“My separation from Kaizer Chiefs was a mutual agreement with the club’s management, following a successful and challenging experience,” Nabi told North African news outlet, WinWin, despite Chiefs having not yet released a statement as confirmation.
He added: “Currently, I need some time to rest, focus more on my family, and monitor my wife’s health, which has required me to be by her side over the past period.”
Nabi is the second coach this season to be removed after Chippa United gave Sinethemba Badela his marching orders last month due to internal club politics.
Other PSL coaches such as Mamelodi Sundown’s Miguel Cardoso, Magesi FC’s John Maduka, Orbit FC’s Pogiso Makhoye and the revered Steve Barker of Stellenbosch FC, may all also be shown the exit door soon at their respective clubs.
While Sundowns sit second on the log behind the high-flying Sekhukhune, Cardoso has come under increasing pressure regarding the Pretoria side’s unconventional style of play and cumbersome tactical approaches to matches. This has placed him under similar scrutiny as his predecessor Manqoba Mngqithi, who is now at the helm of Durban outfit, Golden Arrows.
Bafana Ba Style loyalists have also questioned his player selections and his seeming deviation from the club’s traditional ‘piano and shoeshine’ style of play.
Elsewhere the writing might as well already be on the wall for Magesi’s Maduka who remains the only coach without a victory at this stage of the season. The 3-0 loss to Sundowns last Sunday saw Magesi slump to their third defeat in six outings, while having played to a stalemate in the other three fixtures.
The former Royal AM mentor is under pressure to start turning things around if he is to remain at the helm of the Limpopo outfit. Maduka will, therefore, be looking to claim all three points at home against a struggling Siwelele FC tomorrow at the Seshego Stadium.
Speaking of Siwelele, Lehlohonolo Seema may also come under intense scrutiny after the Bloemfontein side lost their midweek fixture away to fellow premiership entrants Durban City on Wednesday. The Bloemfontein side succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Durban City on Wednesday - leaving them languishing in the relegation zone, having collected a mere four points from six outings
Another coach who might be in potential trouble is Orbit’s Makhoye, whose side sits right at the bottom of the log table with only one victory to show.
Despite what looked like a promising debut start to their premiership campaign at the beginning of the season, the North West outfit has struggled to sustain the winning momentum. This despite roping in key talent in Monnapule Saleng - who is currently on loan from MTN 8 Champions, Orlando Pirates.
Still in the relegation zone, back-to-back MTN 8 finalists, Stellenbosch FC, is another club that might show their coach the exit door should they not turn the corner soon.
Barker, who has transformed the Western Cape outfit into a formidable competitive side over the years is now guiding them through a slow start to the season that has seen them uncharacteristically register only one win in their opening six fixtures.
Only a single point separates Stellies - who suffered a 2-1 defeat to Amazulu on Wednesday - from bottom-of-the-pile Orbit.
While many may argue that fledgling entities such as Siwelele and Orbit are still trying to adjust to the competitive nature of top flight football, collecting points remains a key prerogative that is sacrosanct to sustaining a club’s premiership status at the end of the season.
As we enter the second quarter of the season, some may also rebuttal with assertions that teams should have adequately acclimatised at this stage of the season and follow through with their season’s plans.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has made a bold call on teenage defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, insisting the Orlando Pirates youngster must take his career to Europe sooner rather than later.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise since stepping up from the club’s DStv Diski Challenge squad last season. Within months, he established himself as a first-team regular and earned three senior international caps for Bafana.
Mbokazi was part of the Amajita side that won the Cosafa U20 Championship, securing qualification for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, his growing role at Pirates, which includes him being vice captain kept him out of the continental tournament, and now he finds himself a fixture at senior level.
His commanding display in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria, where he partnered Siyabonga Ngezana at the heart of defence, underlined his credentials.
He walked away with the Man of the Match award, sparking fresh debate on whether he should still be considered for the U20 World Cup squad under Raymond Mdaka.
Broos, however, sees a bigger stage for the teenager.
“Mbokazi… this guy has to go to Europe, he’s 19-years-old, you see the way he is playing, it’s like he has 10 years experience at this level, it’s his second, third game with the national team – third game! You see how he’s playing,” Broos said.
“So let’s hope that some players can do the step next here [move to Europe] it will be very good for South African football really.”
Mbokazi has already clocked up eight appearances for Pirates this season and started both recent qualifiers against Nigeria and Lesotho.
If Broos gets his wish, Europe could soon come calling for one of South Africa’s brightest defensive prospects.
…Our destiny is in our own hands, says the Bafana Bafana Captain
By: Mpho Sekharume
With just a few hours away before Bafana Bafana host Nigeria tonight at 18:00 at the Free Stadium in Bloemfontein, shot stopper Ronwen Williams has boldly deflated any suggestion that the national side will go into the looming battle with any form anxiety, given the stature of the continental clash.
Bafana Bafana are on the cusp of securing qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, should they beat Nigeria in the City of Roses in front of vibrant crowd.
Speaking at press briefing ahead of this titanic clash yesterday, the Bafana skipper said the team is more focused on the objective of securing their ticket to the World Cup, given the fact that they have become quite familiar with tonight’s opponents from their previous encounters.
“It is good for us that we have not lost to them in open play…we went away to them and got a result (in Nigeria), so there is nothing to fear. There is not so much extra motivation, besides the fact that we can obviously qualify tomorrow.
“We need to play the same way we have been playing and have the same mentality and the same team spirit. And I mean we have played Nigeria twice in the last two years, so we are familiar with them, we know them, and we have got the experience as well,” said Williams.
He stressed that the team’s fate is in their own hands and will opt not to rely on other teams and pertinent permutations to qualify for next year’s showpiece.
“We will just go out there and do what we have been doing and obviously get the job done.
“The most important thing is to get the job done. We don’t want any favours from anyone; we want to do things for our way. We learned a hard lesson a few years ago where our destiny was in other teams’ hands and things didn’t go our way.
“We learned and we grew as a team. Now we want to do it our way and get the job done,” he said.
While beating Nigeria will grant Bafana Bafana World Cup qualification, a loss would push them to chase victory away against Zimbabwe next month on 6 October 2025 and possibly against Rwanda a week later 13 October.
True to Williams’ supposition, sweating over Nigeria is not that necessary. Nevertheless, victory over the Super Eagles would be an essential morale booster, that will save them the dreaded effort of pulling out all stops against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
Said Williams: “There are still nine points to play for…we shouldn’t put too much pressure on ourselves to get it done, but it would mean so much to get it done as early as possible. But we should just treat it like any other game.”
…says the team’s focus is on qualifying for the World Cup and not the rivalry sideshow
By: Mpho Sekharume
Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, has declared that his charges are ready to face Nigeria this evening in Bloemfontein and will be going out to get a positive result to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America next year.
The national team coach told the media at a press briefing in the Free State capital that his side is confident ahead of the Super Eagles clash, despite the latter pushing for Bafana Bafana to be docked points for having fielded a suspended player in Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Teboho Mokoena, in the 2-0 first leg victory against Lesotho back in March this year.
The national side secured a very important 3-0 victory against their landlocked neighbours Lesotho last Friday at the Free State Stadium and will now be hoping to get another win again against Nigeria – whom they have developed a fierce continental rivalry with over the past few years.
“We believe in ourselves, and we are confident,” Broos said in Bloemfontein yesterday ahead of tonight's clash.
“We did a very good mental job on Friday – it wasn’t easy to play that game. You know the nonsense that has been told before. So that means that the team is mentally strong.” He added.
While lauding the intense football rivalry that continues to develop between the two countries – hailing it as ‘good for football’ - Broos emphasised that the Bafana Bafana’s greatest motivation is to win and qualify for the World Cup competition next year and not necessarily to defeat Nigeria in particular.
“Okay it is nice, and it is good for football that there is a rivalry between two countries, but for us this is not the most important thing.
“We may beat Nigeria and practically we would have qualified for the world cup. That is important…not the fact that we beat Nigeria (in particular).
“It’s up to us to manage the game and not to lose our heads, because the rivalry is so high,” said Broos.
The Free State Stadium is expected to be packed to the rafters when these two African football giants collide tonight. The match will kick off at 18:00.
The South African national team will be looking to draw great motivation from the vibrant football loving crowd in Bloemfontein when they face Lesotho tomorrow and Nigeria this coming Tuesday at the Free State Stadium. Known to have to have some of the liveliest football supporters in the country, Bloemfontein football fans have for decades embodied the undy ing spirit of cheering their team on in synchronised fashion that is yet to be emulated elsewhere in the country. This distinctive factor has also served as a key moral boost for their local teams namely Bloem fontein Celtic – which the supporters have since ‘abandoned’ in favour of premiership entrants Siwelele FC. At a press briefing at the stadium yesterday, Broos said he believes the massive support the team will enjoy in the upcoming two fixtures will serve as a much-needed boost to get the job done against their African counterparts. “The last time we played in Bloemfontein there was a big crowd…and I think it was the first time we played in front of a big crowd. “The atmosphere in the stadium was fantas tic. After that it was the beginning because after that in every stadium we played it was a full crowd,” he noted. Broos recalled times when his chargers used to play in front of almost empty venues elsewhere. “Before we played in front of around 2000 people at a big stadium like FNB,” noted Broos “It is not nice and it doesn’t make a player or a coach happy when you come out of a dressing room and you see an empty stadium. “When there is a crowd behind you as a team you can always do more,” he added. Skipper Ronwen Williams recollection of the last time Bafana Bafana was in the Free State was also very positive. He said he hopes supporters will come out and show similar support when they face Lesotho tomorrow and Nigeria four days later at the same venue. “We know the crowd can be an extra motivation and we have got good memories of playing last year here against Zimbabwe. “So hopefully the fans will come out again and be that extra motivation that we need for these important games. It is two massive games in this group and we hope to get positive results in both games. While aware of the mammoth task of qualify ing for the FIFA World Cup to be hosted in North America in June and July next year, both Broos and Williams indicated that the team is ready to deliver against their African coun terparts. Broos said the match against Lesotho is a must-win fixture, as it will also put pressure on their other opponents in Group C. “For us we have to win the game tomorrow. The way we will try to do it I will tell you. But what makes me happy is that I see a very motivated group. And all the boys know that also for them it will be a highlight in their careers to go to America, Canada, Mexico next year. “From my side we are very motivated to play the game of tomorrow and try to win it. At the other side we also know that Lesotho is always a very tough opponent. I think it’s important that we do that tomorrow and put pressure on the other oppo nents. I think Nigeria is only playing on Saturday, so that means we have to take this opportunity with both hands. “So, it will be a very tough game. But again, when you are so far already as we are for the moment, you can always try do something more and that we will try to do tomorrow and beat Lesotho,” Broos said at the media conference. Williams also highlighted the importance of win ning against Lesotho and Nigeria, as part of their objective to go compete at the looming World Cup tournament next year. “We know how important this game is and what it can do the qualification for the World Cup. This is the next step for our objective, which is to be at the World Cup. “So, everything has been going well and we are just looking forward to doing the business tomorrow,” added Williams. Bafana Bafana’s match against Lesotho will kick off at 18:00 tomorrow evening, while the fixture against Nigeria on Tuesday will also kick off at 18:00 at the same venue.
Siwelele FC’s Nyiko Mobbie and Ricardo Goss made Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos’ final 23-man squad ahead of the national team’s two fixtures against Lesotho and Nigeria in Bloemfontein on 5 and 9 September 2025 respectively.
Although the Bloemfontein club is experiencing a difficult time early in the new Betway premiership season at the moment, the duo’s call-ups are testament to their good individual performances, and they will be looking to impress Broos in order to feature regularly in Broos’ plans in the future.
A veteran of the Premier Soccer League, Goss has long been admired for his commanding presence and exceptional shot-stopping abilities between the sticks.
Even though he will most likely start on the bench - with Mamelodi Sundowns’ Ronwen Williams and Orlando Pirates’ Sipho Chaine as Broos’ first and second choice goalkeepers respectively - Goss’ call-up is a recognition of his steadfast reliability and leadership abilities, while adding essential depth to the goalkeeping department.
He is a vocal leader who organises the defence and instils confidence in his backline.
His inclusion in the national team not only adds to his existing five national team caps, but also strongly indicates that Broos values experience.
Meanwhile, Mobbie will be tasked with ensuring that the Bafana Bafana defence is impenetrable given his defensive solidity and high work-rate. Mobbie is a no-nonsense defender whose disciplined approach has made him a fan favourite at Siwelele. His ability to shut down attacks on the right flank justifies his selection for national duty.
Having already earned an impressive 27 caps for Bafana, his pedigree on the international stage has been proven over time and reflects Broos’ trust in his abilities to deliver at crucial moments like in the upcoming two international fixtures.
With Goss and Mobbie heading into Bafana camp for the FIFA international window, Broos and his charges will be looking to secure all points on offer in bid to secure qualification into the FIFA World Cup.
Many may deem the fixture against Lesotho as a warm-up match, but Bafana Bafana would be foolish to underestimate their neighbours. This match is important for the players to gel in preparation for intense rivalry against Nigeria a mere four days later at the same venue. This high-stakes encounter is one of the most anticipated matches on the continent and offers a chance for Broos's side to make a serious statement.
The renowned vibrance of local fans in Bloemfontein will also undoubtedly provide a massive home advantage for the national team.
South Africa's Betway Premiership delivered a blend of mixed results this week with Free State outfits succumbing to defeats, while Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns played to a goalless draw in a tightly contested fixture out at Soccer City
In the biggest encounter of the 2025/26 season so far, Kaizer Chiefs and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns played to a tense and tactical 0-0 draw at the FNB Stadium. Both teams preserved their unbeaten status, with Chiefs dropping points for the first time this season.
‘Amakhosi’ started the game with intent, employing a relentless high press that denied Sundowns time on the ball and created several early opportunities. Wandile Duba was at the forefront of the Chiefs attack, forcing a great save from Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with a header in the 11th minute.
Downs' trademark possession-based football was disrupted, although they did have their moments in the match. Tashreeq Matthews poked a ball over the crossbar early on, while Teboho Mokoena's shot from range forced a superb diving save from Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.
The second half was a story of continued defensive solidity from both sides. Kaizer Chiefs looked the more likely to break the deadlock and often had ‘Bafana Ba Style’ on the back foot, but they ultimately fell short in the final third.
Although Sundowns maintained possession of the ball for the most part of the match, Chiefs enjoyed more goalscoring opportunities despite the Sundowns defence remaining resolute.
The match ended in a stalemate, a result that highlights the defensive improvements for Amakhosi, who have now kept five consecutive clean sheets for the first time since the 2019/20 season. The draw means both teams remain unbeaten, but Chiefs will feel they had the better of the chances on the night.
In another midweek fixture, TS Galaxy showcased a commanding performance against Siwelele FC, controlling the game from the opening whistle to ultimately secure a 2-0 win. The Rockets were relentless from the start, forcing an immediate clearance from Siwelele goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa within the first ten seconds of kick-off.
The early pressure paid off in the 22nd minute when Seluleko Mahlambi headed in a well-executed corner set piece to give Galaxy a 1-0 lead. The momentum continued into the second half, with Mahlambi doubling the lead in the 46th minute after initiating a blistering counterattack from his own half, which ended with him receiving an assist to net his second goal.
Galaxy’s dominance continued throughout the second half. Siwelele goal stopper Thakasani Mbanjwa was called upon to make a handful of impressive saves on several occasions as the hosts sought a third goal. Mahlambi himself came agonizingly close to scoring, when his diving header flew past Mbanjwa, but ended up going wide.
The match concluded with a 2-0 scoreline, with the Bloemfontein side slipping to 12th on the premiership log. The match was indeed a fair reflection of TS Galaxy's superior performance and clinical finishing, with Mahlambi’s brace enough to set to the side apart.
At the Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch FC battled to a vital 1-0 home victory over the visiting Marumo Gallants, thus securing their first win of the season. The match began as a cagey affair, with both teams sizing each other up.
While Gallants had the better of the attacking chances in the first half, it was Stellenbosch who came closest to breaking the deadlock when Andre de Jong’s powerful header rattled the crossbar in the 24th minute.
The game's single goal came immediately after the restart. Halftime substitute Langelihle Phili made an immediate impact as he found the back of the net in the 46th minute to give the Maroons a crucial lead. The goal sparked the game into life, and both sides traded blows in an entertaining football showcase.
Gallants’ goalkeeper Washington Arubi was kept busy with calls that demanded crucial saves. Stellenbosch held on for the narrow victory. This marked a second consecutive loss for Gallants, who are now 8th on the log and will be in search of redemption when they host Polokwane City at the Dr. Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein this coming Sunday.
Other results saw Golden arrows beat Magesi 2-1 at the king Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Durban, while Richards Bay edged Chippa United with a 1-0 win at the Princess Magogo Stadium – also in Durban. United remain the only team in the current campaign that is yet to register a win, leaving them with a single point from the latter fixture with the Natal Rich Boys.
Meanwhile, Polokwane City and Durban city played to a goalless draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, with Sekhukhune United dropping their first points this season after playing to a one-all stalemate with Amazulu to, nonetheless, remain at the summit of the log with 10 points after the fourth round of fixtures.
Chiefs and Sundowns are in second and third respectively.
