Intentar ORO - Gratis
The Lucas Ribeiro saga continues
Soccer Laduma
|September 18, 2025
Brazilian Lucas Ribeiro Costa's decision to resign from Mamelodi Sundowns and demand to be declared a free agent has set tongues wagging as people question the legality of his actions.
-
With almost two years left on his contract, many are wondering if the attacker was within his rights to demand his release from the club. Some argue that he may have breached the terms of his contract by boycotting training and refusing to play in official matches. Despite these concerns, FIFA seems to support Ribeiro's unconventional stance, adding to the confusion and debate surrounding the situation. His actions have divided opinions, with some praising his courage while others criticize him for potentially damaging his career and reputation. Let's break it all down for you.
Esta historia es de la edición September 18, 2025 de Soccer Laduma.
Suscríbete a Magzter GOLD para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9000 revistas y periódicos.
¿Ya eres suscriptor? Iniciar sesión
MÁS HISTORIAS DE Soccer Laduma
Soccer Laduma
He is one for the future
Mamelodi Sundowns winger Siyabonga Mabena is one of the most promising young players, but he has not progressed as much as many would have hoped since making his professional debut in 2023.
5 mins
June 25, 2026
Soccer Laduma
African football is growing
I'm writing this column from Monterrey, Mexico, and honestly, I'm still trying to wrap my head around being here for the World Cup.
4 mins
June 25, 2026
Soccer Laduma
Imagine how that makes you feel as a player
Tshegofatso Mabasa’s departure from Orlando Pirates marks a new chapter for his career, although the closure of the old chapter left a lot of Bucs supporters disappointed and heartbroken. Soccer Laduma editor, Vuyani Joni, caught up with the former Bloemfontein Celtic striker about his loan stint at Stellenbosch FC as well as parting ways with a team he loved so much, when he was only nine goals away from breaking a long-standing club record.
12 mins
June 25, 2026
Soccer Laduma
Stars taking the World Cup by storm
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has burst into life across North America, and the world’s biggest stars are already making their mark on football’s grandest stage. From iconic legends potentially playing their final tournament to young prodigies announcing themselves on the global scene, this World Cup promises unforgettable moments. Soccer Laduma’s Matthew Petersen profiles eight players who are set to define this summer’s showpiece.
7 mins
June 25, 2026
Soccer Laduma
Do players even matter?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, has been compelling to watch, but some issues cannot be ignored.
5 mins
June 25, 2026
Soccer Laduma
We are all fighting for number one
This achievement (of getting promoted to the Betway Premiership) means everything to all the stakeholders of the club and brings hope to the province and those who dream of playing football at the highest level.
5 mins
June 25, 2026
Soccer Laduma
That was vitally important
Lee Langeveldt’s 21-year professional career came to a fitting close as Stellenbosch FC honoured their legendary goalkeeper in what he has confirmed will be his final appearance as a professional footballer.
6 mins
June 25, 2026
Soccer Laduma
Blom’s career at a crossroads
At 26 years old, Njabulo Blom finds himself at the most critical juncture of his professional football career. Once hailed as one of South African football's brightest exports, the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder is now a free agent after departing Vietnamese club Thep Xanh Nam Dinh FC without making a single competitive appearance. The midfielder’s journey from Naturena to Major League Soccer, back to Chiefs, and then to Southeast Asia has been marked by injuries, limited opportunities, and decisions that raise questions about career management in modern football.
6 mins
June 25, 2026
Soccer Laduma
I can help African clubs create opportunities...
Few foreign coaches have left as lasting an impression in South African football through player development and talent identification as Jozef Vukusic. The experienced Slovak mentor has enjoyed coaching stints across Europe, Africa and Asia, while also earning recognition as one of the first Slovak coaches to obtain the prestigious UEFA Pro Licence. South African football supporters will remember Vukusic for guiding Polokwane City to what was then the club’s highest-ever finish in the Betway Premiership, while his work at FC Cape Town helped launch the careers of several players who went on to enjoy success abroad. During his coaching journey, he has also played a role in the development of players such as former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic. In this interview with Soccer Laduma’s Masebe Qina, Vukusic reflects on his memorable spell at Rise and Shine, discusses the growth of football in Mzansi, shares his views on talent development and explains why mentality remains the most important ingredient for any player hoping to reach the highest level.
6 mins
June 25, 2026
Soccer Laduma
Da Cruz’s to-do list at Chiefs
After over three months of media reports and rumours, Kaizer Chiefs finally announced French-born Fernando Da Cruz as their new head coach. He arrives at Naturena on 1 July to commence work on Amakhosi’s latest project to restore the glory years at the club. As with any new coach coming through the door, there will be immediate priorities to focus on in order to lay the platform for their reign ahead. What will Da Cruz’s key initial decisions be? Will Chiefs give their newest coach time to get his ideas across, or will he go the way of so many recent appointments and not even last a season? Soccer Laduma investigates some key questions ahead of a new era at Amakhosi.
5 mins
June 25, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size