Try GOLD - Free
That is crucial at a club like Chiefs
Soccer Laduma
|July 31, 2025
Let's start with Kaizer Chiefs.
There’s been a lot of noise around the club, but I think what we saw in the Toyota Cup gives us something to build on. I know people always want instant results, I've seen it all in my years, but when you bring in players with pedigree, players who know how to win, you're laying the right foundation.
When you talk about Paseka Mako and when you talk about Thabiso Monyane, you're talking about guys who come in with a champion's mindset. They've both lifted trophies with Orlando Pirates. They understand what it takes to go all the way, and that’s something you can’t teach overnight, it’s something that’s built over time in dressing rooms, in tough away games, and in big finals. Their presence at Naturena will lift the standard. You can see already how they carry themselves on the pitch, there's confidence, there's discipline, and there’s a sense of urgency. That rubs off on the rest of the squad. Mako’s versatility is a big plus. He can slot in comfortably on the left or in central defence if needed. Monyane, on the other hand, gives you that grit and energy down the right. These are not guys who are here to find their feet, they're here to win.
This story is from the July 31, 2025 edition of Soccer Laduma.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Soccer Laduma
Soccer Laduma
CT City and Milford have a chance
When our leagues finish like this, it’s really good because it excites the supporters and everyone looks forward to the goals and results.
5 mins
May 14, 2026
Soccer Laduma
Every meeting was a war
SAFA National Vice President Bennett Bailey was elected unopposed for a third term as SAFA Cape Town President at the Regional Conference held recently at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Bailey, who has been at the helm of Cape Town football since 2018, will lead the region for the next four years, supported by his Vice Presidents, Andrew Bothman, Nomonde Ndyoko and Linda Pistoli, among other executive members. The buildup to this year’s Regional Conference was far from smooth, as there were disputes and even an urgent court application along the way. In this interview with Soccer Laduma’s Mzoxolo Budaza, Bailey reflects on how far SAFA Cape Town has come under his leadership and discusses the organisation’s plans going forward.
10 mins
May 14, 2026
Soccer Laduma
Pirates cannot afford to be complacent
Hola Soccer Laduma readers
5 mins
May 14, 2026
Soccer Laduma
It was just a mess
Eight years ago, Itumeleng frequently circled in the closely followed South of Killarney Motswako FC in winger caught the eye of Kaizer the club in 2014. Under the Zwane, he transitioned a striker and thrived, in nine MultiChoice matches. His earned him recognition and the Amajita qualified for World Cup. after parting Amakhosi, Delmain caught up who has side of the Shopane was a name notebooks of those who African football. A product Soweto, the Taung-born Chiefs scouts and joined guidance of coach Arthur from a winger to scoring four goals Diski Challenge performances national a place in squad that the FIFA U20 Now, five years ways with Soccer Laduma's Faver has with Shopane, finally told his story.
7 mins
May 14, 2026
Soccer Laduma
Have Liverpool flattered to deceive?
No Liverpool fan could have imagined that the 2025/26 season would play out the way it did following the tremendous success of the previous season.
6 mins
May 14, 2026
Soccer Laduma
Can Bafana fans afford World Cup tickets?
South Africa is going to the FIFA World Cup 2026, and for 16 lucky fans, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture is footing the bill. Minister Gayton McKenzie’s ‘Mzansi to the World Cup’ competition captured the imagination of thousands, producing 20 proud ambassadors who will stand inside Estadio Azteca when Bafana Bafana kick off against Mexico on 11 June. It is a beautiful story. But behind the feel-good headlines lies a harsher truth: for the overwhelming majority of South African football fans, the 2026 World Cup is financially out of reach. Ticket prices that would swallow eight months of minimum-wage income, flights across 14 000 kilometres, visas, hotels and daily living costs all combine to tell the story of a nation that qualified for the greatest show on earth but can barely afford a seat in the stadium.
4 mins
May 14, 2026
Soccer Laduma
Once you sign for Chiefs, your life changes
From the dusty streets of Etwatwa to training sessions with some of the biggest clubs in world football, Michael Nkambule’s journey is one filled with promise, pressure, hard lessons and gratitude. Once regarded as one of the brightest young talents to emerge from the Kaizer Chiefs development structures, Nkambule’s football path took him from local township derbies to the training grounds of Manchester United, Chelsea and French side RC Strasbourg while still a teenager. In this interview with Soccer Laduma’s Masebe Qina, the former Chiefs midfielder reflects on the whirlwind rise that saw him rub shoulders with Sir Alex Ferguson, the challenges of adapting to life in Europe at a young age, and the immense pressure that comes with wearing the famous Black and Gold jersey.
8 mins
May 14, 2026
Soccer Laduma
They always believe they know better
As anticipation builds ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, excitement is steadily growing among South African supporters eager to see how Bafana Bafana will fare on the global stage.
8 mins
May 14, 2026
Soccer Laduma
Still In Touch With...
MOKETE TSOTETSI (PART 2)
4 mins
May 14, 2026
Soccer Laduma
10 years on Second star loading for Downs?
10-year wait for a CAF Champions League title could finally end for Mamelodi Sundowns, who have booked their place in the final for the second consecutive season under head coach Miguel Cardoso.
1 min
May 14, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size
