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The Siwelele FC general meeting that took place at the Mangaung Indoor Sports Centre in Rocklands, Bloemfontein, not only served as an introductory platform for the new premiership club but also marked a major shift in Bloemfontein football support.
Kaizer Chiefs are putting in the final preparations ahead of the new season, but it’s difficult to see how the club will improve unless they address the striker position by signing a proven goalscorer.
Chiefs’ problems up front were well documented last season. Amakhosi often dominated games and created more goalscoring chances than their opponents. But, without a clinical finisher up front, those chances created often went abegging.
It was an issue head coach Nasreddine Nabi repeatedly raised after one frustrating performance after another.
In this transfer window, the club have sought to address that problem by signing Guinea-Bissau-born Portuguese striker Flavio Silva. The 29-year-old has had a journeyman career that’s taken him all over the world, playing in countries like Portugal, Indonesia, Luxembourg, and the United States.
While his goalscoring record did not set the world alight, he did put up impressive numbers during his time in Indonesia, where he found the back of the net 39 times in 78 games. Decent, but it remains to be seen if he can replicate that form in a tougher league like the Betway Premiership.
One man whose name has been mentioned in recent weeks is Peter Shalulile. According to reports, the Mamelodi Sundowns striker is open to exploring his options despite being contracted with the Tshwane giants for two more years.
Since moving to Sundowns from Highlands Park in 2020, the Namibian hitman has proven time and time again that he knows his way to the net. His best tally was 23 goals during the 2021/22 campaign.
In his five seasons with the Brazilians so far, he’s scored 65 goals in the league. In all competitions, and if you add the goals he scored for Highlands Park, that number is well over 100. Shalulile knows how to score goals.
If a player with such numbers wants to leave, Chiefs should be one of the first clubs to inquire about his services.
Chiefs should know what a prolific striker can do for one’s league campaign. If you cast your mind back to the 2004/05 season, when they pipped Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates to the title thanks to the exploits of one Collins Mbesuma.
The Zambian great, who was just 21 at the time, scored an amazing 25 league goals, which remains a record to this day.
A signing of that calibre could be the difference between another year of frustration and a genuine title challenge. With the right investment up front, Chiefs could finally begin turning dominance into results and restore their status as a feared force in South African football.
The blueprint for success is there – now it’s up to the club to act decisively and bring in the firepower that can reignite the faithful supporters’ dreams.
Rob Valetini was named Thursday in Australia's side for the second Test against the British and Irish Lions in Melbourne, a big boost for the Wallabies ahead of a clash they must win to keep the series alive.
Back-row marauder Valetini, hooker David Porecki and lock Will Skelton all return from injury to add physicality to a Wallabies side outmuscled as a hardened Lions won the opening Test 27-19 in Brisbane.
There were no major selection surprises, with coach Joe Schmidt sticking with an unchanged backline for Saturday's match in front of an estimated 90,000 spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Valetini, awarded Australia's best player in each of the past two years, has recovered from a calf injury and will add power and strong ball carrying.
The 26-year-old replaces Nick Champion De Crespigny, who was a surprise selection for the opening Test and impressed on debut with ferocious tackling.
Even though he completed a full training block this week, Valetini is unlikely to play the full 80 minutes.
"He tends to play full games for us, but I doubt whether that's going to be the case," Schmidt said.
"He's been incredibly resilient, one of those players who finds a bit in reserve.
"So we'll get to half time, have a look at how he's travelling and then during the second half, again, see how he's travelling."
Imposing lock Skelton will slot into the number five shirt while Porecki returns after suffering concussion in the 21-18 win against Fiji at the start of the month.
Schmidt has persisted with the combination of Jake Gordon and Tom Lynagh in the half-backs.
There had been a push for scrum-half Tate McDermott to be paired with Queensland Reds teammate Lynagh, but Gordon retained the No.9 jersey.
With wet weather forecast in Melbourne, Schmidt has opted for six forwards and two backs on the bench, with lock Jeremy Williams and hooker Billy Pollard among the reserves.
"We've got a group of players who haven't won too much in recent times, whether it's Super Rugby or internationally," Schmidt said.
"I think confidence is an incremental thing. We know we have to stack the winning moments together to get a result."
Champion De Crespigny, Matt Faessler, Tom Hooper and Andrew Kellaway have dropped out of the matchday 23.
"The squad has recovered well after a very physical first Test and the week's preparation here in Melbourne has allowed us a bit more time together," Schmidt said.
"We took some confidence from the second half last week, but we know we'll need to improve further against a Lions team that will bring plenty of fire to the contest on Saturday night."
Australia (15-1):
Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter; Tom Lynagh, Jake Gordon; Harry Wilson (capt), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini; Will Skelton, Nick Frost; Allan Alaalatoa, David Porecki, James Slipper
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson
Lucas Ribeiro Costa, the dazzling forward for Mamelodi Sundowns, has made his eagerly awaited return to South Africa for pre-season preparations following his impressive stint at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The 26-year-old Brazilian was undeniably the standout player for Sundowns during the 2024/25 season, contributing a remarkable 25 goals across 51 matches, leading the club to a triumphant league victory and an exhilarating run in the CAF Champions League, where they reached the final.
His journey to the forefront of international football reached its zenith when Costa showcased his skills on a global stage in the United States, where he received the 'Goal of the Tournament' award for his breathtaking solo effort against Borussia Dortmund.
This prestigious accolade only adds to the expectations surrounding Ribeiro as he prepares to gear up for the upcoming Premiership season.
Despite attracting interest from several clubs across Qatar, France, and Belgium, sources have confirmed that the offers received did not meet the valuation set by Sundowns for the player.
Moreover, both Costa and his representatives have demonstrated a clear intent to remain focused on his development at Sundowns rather than exploring the other options.
After a rejuvenating vacation back in Brazil, Costa has rejoined his teammates at the state-of-the-art Royal Marang Sports Campus for the final phase of pre-season. This venue, known for its top-tier facilities, has been a familiar haunt for the club, having spent time there before embarking on their previous European adventure.
As Ribeiro dusts off his boots and trains with the squad, a report on X on Thursday said that the club is in advanced discussions with Egyptian giants Pyramids FC regarding a potential transfer for the dynamic winger.
Ahmed Shobeir, a prominent media personality and former Egyptian national team goalkeeper, posted this development through a tweet, stating, "Pyramids is in advanced negotiations with South African club Mamelodi Sundowns to sign the Brazilian winger Lucas Ribeiro Costa."
In addition to the transfer saga, Ribeiro's accolades continue to pile up. He has received nominations for two prestigious Premier Soccer League Awards this season: the PSL Footballer of the Season Award and the Betway Premiership Players’ Player of the Season Award.
His stellar performance last season also saw him crowned as the top scorer in the Premiership, netting an impressive 16 goals.
As fans and pundits watch closely, the coming weeks could prove pivotal for Ribeiro. Will he remain a stalwart for Sundowns or embark on a new chapter with Pyramids FC? The answers remain on the horizon as the pre-season unfolds.
Young soccer players from the Cape Flats are stranded in Spain after their return tickets failed to materialise.
It was meant to be a dream football experience, but young soccer players from the Cape Flats are stranded in Spain after their return tickets failed to materialise.
The distressing situation unfolded just weeks after players from Brandon Timmy’s BT Football — a Cape Town-based academy — embarked on a tour inspired by aspirations of honing their football skills and immersing themselves in Spain’s rich footballing culture.
However, when the group concluded their activities and prepared to return home, reality struck.
The return tickets that were supposed to bring them back to South Africa were mysteriously unavailable.
The shocking news has left the young players and their families in Cape Town reeling in disbelief and despair.
According to LinkedIn, Timmy is also listed as the owner of a travel agency, BT Travel.
While a few return tickets had surfaced in the days prior, the broader situation remained dire.
Efforts to reach Brandon Timmy have thus far been unsuccessful. He did not respond to calls, and his wife, Jonique, terminated a call without comment.
Meanwhile, Jayvin Chisholm, a BT Football coach, returned home with a small group of players on Saturday.
He recounted the emotional and frustrating ordeal of having to leave their teammates behind.
The distressing circumstances have left Chisholm “crushed,” largely due to what he described as an apparent lack of planning that forced coaches to take on roles typically reserved for professional tour managers.
Several coaches reportedly paid for various expenses from their own pockets, with one covering more than R60 000 in costs.
In an exclusive interview with Independent Media, Chisholm outlined the chaos that marked the tour, including critical gaps in travel and accommodation arrangements — areas he felt were handled with alarming unprofessionalism.
Desperate for help, the coaches approached the South African Embassy in Madrid, but their efforts were in vain.
Back home, a heartfelt show of solidarity emerged. Cape Town football coach Shamieg Mc Laurie took to social media to shine a light on the group’s ordeal. Posting on his Facebook page, Captured Sporting Moments, Mc Laurie raised awareness and called for support from the broader community.
He also revealed that the players' parents had each paid about R50 000 for the trip, making the situation even more tragic. According to Mc Laurie, Timmy has since gone missing, and families are unable to make contact with him.
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has reportedly been made aware of the players' plight. Further responses from authorities and organisers are awaited as the young players and their families continue to seek a resolution to the crisis.
Orlando Pirates teenager Mbekezeli Mbokazi was impressive in his side's 2-0 win over Granada on Saturday.
Orlando Pirates clinched a well-deserved 2-0 victory against Granada on Saturday at the Marbella Football Centre to end their pre-season tour of Spain on a high note.
The result marked a significant morale boost for the Soweto giants, who had endured a string of challenging fixtures during their training stint abroad. After four games, Pirates secured their first tour win.
Granada’s head coach, José Rojo Martín – a former LaLiga professional – expressed admiration for Pirates' tactics. As part of his preparation for the match, he had reviewed footage of their goalless draw against Las Palmas last Thursday.
Speaking to SuperSport TV, a translator for Martín relayed the coach’s surprise at the intensity and dynamics displayed by Orlando Pirates. “He was quite shocked by the dynamic of the team, the intensity, and the quantity of the players,” he noted, adding: “He has done the research and watched the match against Las Palmas.”
The match against Granada began tentatively, with both sides feeling each other out during a stop-start opening quarter. Pirates created their first real chance in the 24th minute, though Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s effort drifted wide. Mbokazi, surprisingly deployed at left-back, later found himself in several attacking roles but struggled to convert his opportunities.
As the first half progressed, the Buccaneers began to find their rhythm. Boitumelo Radiopane came close to breaking the deadlock, but his header lacked the power to beat Granada goalkeeper Luca Zidane. Still, Pirates showcased their attacking intent, frequently surging forward with purpose.
After a nervy first half, Pirates returned with renewed determination. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine kept them in the contest with a string of crucial saves as Granada pressed forward.
Persistence eventually paid off in the 82nd minute when Patrick Maswanganyi, well positioned inside the box, calmly slotted the ball into the net to hand Pirates the lead.
The goal injected fresh energy into the side, and Relebohile Mofokeng soon doubled the advantage. After slipping past the final defender, he calmly finished into an open net to secure a deserved win.
The result concluded Pirates’ Spanish training camp on a high, leaving them unbeaten in their final three pre-season matches. As they return to South Africa to prepare for the 2025/26 season — starting with their MTN8 title defence against Polokwane City — their performances in Spain reflect a promising synergy that supporters hope will carry into the domestic campaign.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi believes tough lessons from a testing Dutch pre-season will pay dividends as Amakhosi take on Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup.
“I feel absolutely optimistic about the upcoming season.”
Nasreddine Nabi might be considered delusional by some for uttering those words. After all, what’s there to be optimistic about when Kaizer Chiefs endured a tough pre-season tour of the Netherlands, losing four out of their five matches?
Amakhosi managed just one win — a 20% return. Hardly cause for excitement, is it? But pre-season fixtures are not always about results.
For coaches, they are opportunities to build systems, test new combinations and lay the groundwork for the season ahead. For Nabi, his optimism comes from what he learned about his players during those five testing matches.
“We saw a lot of positives in our training matches against very strong Dutch opponents. The players have started to understand the way I want them to play, and they gel well as a strong unit,” the Tunisian, now entering his second season with Chiefs, told the club’s website.
While he ended Chiefs’ decade-long trophy drought by winning the Nedbank Cup last season, Nabi oversaw a forgettable league campaign that saw the Glamour Boys finish ninth. Improvement will be expected in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, and the Dutch tour, he believes, has set the right tone.
“One of the conditions of having a good season is having a good pre-season — that’s where the foundation is laid. We didn’t only want quality opponents,” Nabi explained.
“We also wanted quantity. Alongside that, we did some tough physical work at training, even doing double sessions the day before a match.
"We really pushed the guys hard in Holland. It was tough, extremely tough. However, they never complained — always giving their best. That was inspiring to see.”
He’ll be hoping that same inspired attitude carries into the Toyota Cup when Chiefs face Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Unlike in The Netherlands, where Chiefs played in front of curious and enthusiastic European crowds, this weekend they will face the unforgiving scrutiny of an expectant home support. Chiefs fans are desperate for signs of revival — and the Nedbank Cup final victory over old foes Orlando Pirates at the same venue only added fuel to the fire of renewed hope.
With several new signings and the memory of last year’s Toyota Cup defeat to Tanzania’s Young Africans still fresh, nothing would lift the mood more than a commanding victory over Kotoko and keeping the trophy on home soil.
Nabi has had the opportunity to assess his new recruits — Nkanyiso Shinga, Ethan Chislett, Thabiso Monyane and Flavio Silva — during the European tour, and he likes what he sees.
“They need to fully gel with the group. However, they are all adapting nicely and are beginning to understand what I expect from them. Our objective was to sign new players who would elevate us to a higher level than last season.”
He also remains encouraged by the progress of the club’s development prospects.
“We don’t want to rush them,” Nabi said of Thulani Mabaso, Kabelo Nkgwesa and Naledi Hlongwane.
“I am always willing to give maximum opportunities to young talents. If you are good enough, you are old enough to play. That’s my philosophy.”
It will be interesting to see which of the new signings or emerging talents endear themselves to the Amakhosi faithful in the Toyota Cup. And just as intriguing: will Nabi still be feeling “absolutely optimistic about the upcoming season”?
