Newspaper
Soccer Laduma
He has filled big shoes at Pirates
Football agent Nimrod Mbhalati has quietly become one of the significant figures shaping the careers of some of South Africa's most promising talents.
3 min |
December 18, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Sundowns can be excused for player fatigue
To their credit, coach Miguel Cardoso's side faced intense scrutiny last year as their demanding schedule appeared to take its toll on the team.
1 min |
December 18, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Can Bafana make a mark?
The 2025 AFCON is a fantastic opportunity for South Africa to show how much they have improved since the previous tournament, as well as the strides made under Broos.
1 min |
December 18, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Can we just give Pirates their flowers?
Hlompho Kekana will go down in the history books as the first player to captain Mamelodi Sundowns to the CAF Champions League title. The former midfielder helped Masandawana win the 2016 continental prize after beating Zamalek in the final and won much silverware before hanging up his boots in 2021. Fresh from his role as a Carling Knockout ambassador, Kekana reflects on reconnecting with supporters, the electric atmosphere at the final in Polokwane, and the standards set by Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Masebe Qina, Kekana also shares his honest views on Sundowns' cup frustrations, the Betway Premiership title race and Bafana Bafana's readiness for another major tournament under Hugo Broos.
1 min |
December 18, 2025
Soccer Laduma
SAFPU rules leave Hlatshwayo facing career-defining call
Following his election as president of the South African Football Players' Union (SAFPU), Thulani Hlatshwayo now faces a defining decision that could bring his playing career to an abrupt end.
1 min |
December 18, 2025
Soccer Laduma
History tells us we can beat Mexico
Bafana Bafana are in an exciting group and I think we have a good chance of going through to the next round, bearing in mind that we no longer have the so-called small countries in world football.
5 min |
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I'm not happy about it
Marumo Gallants may have fallen just short in the Carling Knockout Final, but their spirited run to the showpiece at a sold-out Peter Mokaba Stadium reminded many of the club's fighting identity.
8 min |
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Let's become role models
We live in an era where positive role models can be scarce, which means the next generation feels lost as there are no examples they can relate to in their immediate communities.
5 min |
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
InTouch With...
SIPHELELE MAGUBANE - UPINGTON CITY
3 min |
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
What impresses me about coach Ouaddou
Let me start by giving credit where credit is absolutely due - coach Abdeslam Ouaddou at Orlando Pirates deserves all the flowers.
4 min |
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Nobody gave us a chance
AmaZulu FC ended the year on a high note, beating KZN rivals Golden Arrows 1-0 in their last league match of the year, with captain Riaan Hanamub scoring the winner and in the process earning the Man of the Match award.
7 min |
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Still InTouch With...
JABULANI MALULEKE (PART 3)
4 min |
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Club vs country saga continues
As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations approaches in Morocco, African coaches are vociferously criticising FIFA for permitting European clubs to release African stars only six days before kick off of the tournament.
2 min |
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Agents are very tricky
One moment a player is on the radar of the country's biggest clubs, the next he is fighting quietly for visibility, fitness, and a second chance.
7 min |
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Champions League race heats up
The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign has produced scintillating football from Europe's biggest and best teams, and as the league phase enters the final three rounds of games, we're starting to see how the final standings may look before we enter the knockout round.
6 min |
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
South African players are exciting
From Kampala to South London, Ibra Sekajja's journey through football has been nothing short of remarkable.
7 min |
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Bucs bid farewell to Mbokazi
A new journey is calling for Mbekezeli “TLB” Mbokazi, and South African football is watching with pride. The 20-year-old defender is joining MLS side Chicago Fire from Orlando Pirates, in a move that rewards his rapid rise, his leadership qualities, and his performances that defined a golden chapter of his early senior career. In a short space of time, Mbokazi achieved milestones that many aspire to
3 min |
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Solomons fighting for new deal
In local football, contract lengths are never quite known for sure.
6 min |
December 04, 2025
Soccer Laduma
They've nothing to be scared of
Of course, we are in Group B alongside Angola, Egypt and Zimbabwe and, looking at the way we have surprised people in the past couple of years, other countries get worried when they have to play against us.
1 min |
December 04, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Please understand Broos
Coach Hugo Broos' squad announcement on Monday afternoon drew many reactions as expected. In fact, there were mixed feelings with some believing he has selected the best players available while others felt the Belgian coach left out a couple of more deserving players.
5 min |
December 04, 2025
Soccer Laduma
A word from former players
Happy Jele — former Pirates captain
1 min |
December 04, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I got that job because I have Chiefs on my CV
Nicholas Mynhardt’s journey through South African football is a testament to the enduring power of the Kaizer Chiefs brand. Now 33, the former Wits University forward reflects on a decade since leaving Naturena, where he signed in 2012 after impressing at Nike’s The Chance competition. Despite struggling to establish himself in the first team and ultimately moving to Vasco Da Gama in 2014, the “former Kaizer Chiefs player” tag has remained his most valuable asset. In this interview with Soccer Laduma’s Delmain Faver, Mynhardt opens up about how wearing the famous Gold and Black jersey for just two years has shaped every aspect of his post-playing career. From landing coaching positions to securing corporate opportunities, the Chiefs connection continues to open doors a full decade later. This is a rare insight into the lasting impact of representing one of Africa’s biggest football brands, and how that association can be both a blessing and a burden.
5 min |
December 04, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Bafana bonus battle threatens AFCON dreams
The countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has been overshadowed by a brewing financial storm between Bafana Bafana players and the South African Football Association.
1 min |
December 04, 2025
Soccer Laduma
It's been quite the journey
Where has time gone, it has been one year of this column and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it, you know.
2 min |
December 04, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Still In Touch With...
JABULANI MALULEKE (PART 2)
4 min |
December 04, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I can compare us to Brazil
Mzikayise Mashaba's journey from the streets of Tembisa to lifting the CAF Champions League and CAF Super Cup remains one of South African football's most remarkable modern stories. A versatile, intelligent footballer who thrived under high-pressure demands at Mamelodi Sundowns, Mashaba reflects on a career defined by continental triumphs, deep football intellect, and a new chapter in coaching and scouting. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Masebe Qina, the former defender revisits the moments that shaped him, the dreams he chased, and the vision behind his new role as Head Senior Scout at Xen Elite Sports Group.
7 min |
December 04, 2025
Soccer Laduma
In Touch With...
MUSAWENKOSI MDLULI - UNATTACHED
3 min |
December 04, 2025
Soccer Laduma
We just went to FIFA with the case
Serbian international Dzenan Zajmovic was one of the hottest properties in the Betway Premiership during the 2024/25 season. The striker finished the season with eight goals before earning a move to Iranian side Zob Ahan Esfahan FC. Now back on the market as a free agent, the striker addresses his immediate future, renewed Betway Premiership interest, and his unwavering ambition to join one of South Africa's historically successful clubs. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Delmain Faver, Zajmovic also reveals the untold story behind his departure from South African football and his tumultuous experience in Iran. With the January transfer window approaching and his intimate knowledge of the PSL, Zajmovic represents an intriguing option for clubs seeking immediate striking reinforcement.
2 min |
December 04, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Who takes the crown?
Orlando Pirates have an opportunity to continue with the club’s recent culture of winning at least two trophies per season since coach Jose Riveiro took charge of the team three seasons ago.
1 min |
December 04, 2025
Soccer Laduma
My aim is to go to Europe
Amajimbos made history when they qualified for the knockout stages at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, before going down 3-0 against Japan in the Round of 32. As the team worked their way to the knockout stages, having beaten Bolivia 3-1, drawn 1-1 with Qatar and lost 3-1 against Italy, a number of players raised their hands to be counted. Centre-back Abulele Dlekedla-Mawela was one of them. The Cape Town City Academy player, having missed the opening match against Bolivia due to injury, produced solid shifts as his side's defence was constantly under siege, especially against Japan, Italy and Qatar. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Mzoxolo Budaza, the Grade 11 pupil at Manyano High School in Khayelitsha explains why his life will never be the same after the World Cup, the lessons learned from that tournament as well as his plans for the future.
6 min |