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Soccer Laduma
The loss against France was a wake-up call
On the Amajita World Cup team Amajita coach Raymond Mdaka has assembled a balanced squad of talented players, most of whom were part of the squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations title earlier this year.
4 min |
October 09, 2025
Soccer Laduma
My Soccer Laduma My favourite thing about Soccer Laduma...
“My favourite thing about Soccer Laduma is the stories you hear from the dressing rooms.
1 min |
October 09, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Nobody saw that result coming
Last week I said that this tournament has a way of surprising everyone, and once again, it didn’t disappoint.
1 min |
October 09, 2025
Soccer Laduma
They don't have that winning mentality
For many South African football fans, the name Manti Moholo—now known as Manti Mekoa—evokes memories of a fearless, hard-tackling midfielder who gave his all for clubs like Orlando Pirates, Free State Stars, Chippa United and Cape Umoya United. Yet, since hanging up his boots, the former midfield general has taken an unexpected path away from the game that once defined him. In this rare and candid interview with Soccer Laduma’s Delmain Faver, Manti opens up about why he deliberately distanced himself from football, his disillusionment with the way the sport is run, and his rediscovered purpose in business. Still, the love for the game never truly leaves; he remains an avid follower of the Betway Premiership and offers sharp insight into Orlando Pirates’ midfield, Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance, and the mentality gap he believes exists in modern players.
4 min |
October 09, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Still InTouch With.
“Papi,” welcome back to the second instalment of our Still in Touch With. We heard all about your days at Bush Bucks and your former teammate James Chamanga. What do you have in store for us this week?
3 min |
October 09, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Who's the next Chiefs coach?
As Kaizer Chiefs find their plans for the season disrupted by coach Nasreddine Nabi's departure, the hierarchy will surely be thinking of long-term solutions in the head coach role. Whilst Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze are at the helm now, few would consider this solution as anything more than a stopgap. As with all vacancies in the country's big three clubs, the names of Pitso Mosimane, Benni McCarthy and Rhulani Mokwena are linked with the role. All three coaches were consistently named as options for Orlando Pirates in the off-season, but the Sea Robbers went in another direction. Would any of the trio suit the Kaizer Chiefs hotseat? In this feature, we look at what each mentor would bring to the table.
6 min |
October 09, 2025
Soccer Laduma
In Touch With...
RHULANI MANZINI - PHALABORWA UNITED
3 min |
October 09, 2025
Soccer Laduma
All the connections went down the drain
Carrying one of the most iconic surnames in Southern African football, Mike Lota has long lived in the shadow of his late father, the legendary Dennis \"Chesa Mpama\" Lota. Yet for Mike, the name is not a burden, it's a responsibility. The young Zambian-born footballer grew up surrounded by the game, but unlike his father's era, his journey has been shaped by modern challenges, missed opportunities, and a relentless passion to make his own mark. After stints with clubs like Highlands Park and Lioli FC in Lesotho, Mike has found new purpose in the fast-rising world of five-a-side football, where he now represents Pirates Fives, a team dominating the local scene and making waves abroad. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Delmain Faver, Mike opens up about growing up as the son of a former Orlando Pirates striker, his own setbacks and sacrifices, and how he's determined to build a legacy that's entirely his own.
4 min |
October 09, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Chiefs can get back to the top
Kaizer Chiefs find themselves in another period of transition. With head coach Nasreddine Nabi absent from the team according to the club's latest update last month, Amakhosi have been navigating the campaign under the guidance of assistant coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze. Their recent Carling Knockout exit at the hands of Stellenbosch FC - decided via a penalty shootout this past weekend - only underlined the need for stability and direction. For Swedish coach Alan Melke, the situation at Naturena is one he has observed with keen interest. Melke has built a reputation for taking struggling sides and turning them into stable, competitive outfits - a skillset that resonates with Chiefs' current reality. His resume stretches from the grassroots of Sweden's Sixth Division to the elite stage of two FIFA World Cups. One of his links to the PSL comes through Ivan Bukenya, the Ugandan defender he once coached before the player went on to wear the Gold and Black of Amakhosi. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Masebe Qina, Melke speaks highly of the technical quality of local players, although he believes there is room for improvement. He also reflects on his coaching philosophy, reveals why the Betway Premiership appeals to him, and what attracts him specifically to the Glamour Boys.
6 min |
October 09, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Is the clock ticking for Cardoso?
Miguel Cardoso may have won the Betway Premiership and led Mamelodi Sundowns to the CAF Champions League final, but he is believed to be living on borrowed time at Chloorkop, with pressure mounting following the club's indifferent start to the 2025/26 campaign. Soccer Laduma looks into what's happening behind the scenes at Chloorkop.
4 min |
October 09, 2025
Soccer Laduma
We can't repeat the same mistake
The FIFA international break is upon us with teams looking to secure their places in next year's FIFA World Cup. We kick off the first of our last two games tomorrow night against Zimbabwe before we host Rwanda on Tuesday night. These are important matches that will confirm our ticket to Mexico, Canada and USA. Please let's make sure the opposition feel our presence and our boys enjoy our support in both matches.
1 min |
October 09, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Where is coach Nabi?
Kaizer Chiefs confirmed two weeks ago that head coach, Nasreddine Nabi, was not part of the team as discussions between the club and the coach remained ongoing.
5 min |
October 02, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Good luck to the boys at the World Cup!
The Carling Knockout kicks off this Friday and we all can't wait for yet another cup competition, while we take a break from league football. Straight after these games, some players will have to report for national duty as they go to camp in preparation for crucial qualifiers, which will start early next week with the FIFA international break.
2 min |
October 02, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I had to improvise
Exactly one year ago Kyle Jurgens stated that Stellenbosch FC are the best place for young players to thrive.
3 min |
October 02, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I'll just use Teko for an example...
In 2015, a young Grant Bisset stepped into the spotlight after winning the SuperSport Commentator Search, a breakthrough moment that opened the door to one of the most competitive and scrutinised roles in football. A decade later, he has become a familiar voice to millions of viewers across South Africa and the continent, guiding fans through Soweto derbies, CAF Champions League encounters, domestic cup finals, and countless league battles. His journey from fan to professional commentator has been shaped by relentless preparation, a deep love for the game, and the responsibility of knowing that his words often frame how matches are remembered. On the eve of his tenth anniversary in the industry, Soccer Laduma's Delmain Faver caught up with Bisset to reflect on his career so far, the lessons learned along the way, and the ambitions that still drive him forward in the world of football commentary.
5 min |
October 02, 2025
Soccer Laduma
My agent spoke with Sundowns
In this interview with Soccer Laduma’s Matthew Petersen, Acacio discusses his experience with the Super Eagles, the current state of Nigerian football, his coaching opportunities, and shares his views on Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim’s current coaching tenures.
2 min |
October 02, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Bucs' rising star navigating pressure
Relebohile Mofokeng's name has been on the lips of South African football fans since he first burst into the Orlando Pirates first team.
2 min |
October 02, 2025
Soccer Laduma
That's exactly what we did
When Amajimbos clinched this year's CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations-COSAFA Qualifiers title after beating Angola 2-1 in the final in Zimbabwe two weeks ago, Zazi Qotoyi, a Grade 11 pupil at Isilimela Comprehensive High School in Langa, was one of the stars of the tournament. He capped that excellent performance with a Man of the Match Award in the final. Back at school following that successful trip, the Cape Town City juniors' central defender sat down with Soccer Laduma's Mzoxolo Budaza to share his thoughts on winning the tournament, qualifying for the AFCON as well as his chances of making the final squad for the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.
5 min |
October 02, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Still InTouch With...
LUVHENGO MUNGOMENI (PART 1)
2 min |
October 02, 2025
Soccer Laduma
That one was not properly thought out
You can’t expect results if you don’t prepare the right way.
1 min |
October 02, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Are Chiefs better without Nabi?
On the 17th of September, Kaizer Chiefs reportedly parted ways with coach Nasreddine Nabi.
6 min |
October 02, 2025
Soccer Laduma
It is about leaving a legacy
Let me start by congratulating our boys on qualifying for this year's FIFA U20 World Cup because it's not easy to qualify for that tournament.
5 min |
September 25, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Makhanya's time will come
With a multitude of South African coaches testing their expertise at different levels, few are operating on a bigger stage than Bradley Carnell. From serving as Orlando Pirates' assistant coach to Muhsin Ertugral, the Johannesburg native is now devising tactics to thwart the likes of Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer, where he is currently head coach of the Philadelphia Union. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Kamogelo Motecwane, the former Bafana Bafana defender discusses life at his new club, the progress of defender Olwethu Makhanya, the possibility of coaching at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and whether he could one day succeed Hugo Broos as the Bafana Bafana coach.
7 min |
September 25, 2025
Soccer Laduma
In Touch With...
SIPHO MNGOMEZULU
4 min |
September 25, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Leaving the club was painful
Knox Mutizwa left Golden Arrows under a dark cloud, which is a pity given the contribution he made at the club. Stories of him being fired by the KZN outfit started circulating towards the end of last season and the rumuours turned to reality when the two parties went their separate ways, albeit in a fashion not befitting their all-time Top Goal Scorer who made close to 300 appearances. It's now in the past and the Zimbabwean striker is looking to make an impact at his new club, Richards Bay FC. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Tshepang Mailwane at the Carling Knockout launch, the former Bidvest Wits marksman speaks about leaving Arrows, joining The Natal Rich Boys and the regret he has for not joining Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs.
3 min |
September 25, 2025
Soccer Laduma
We've been quiet about this
There is so much going on in our football, as we saw Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs playing in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup preliminary round fixtures, respectively this past weekend. There were also exciting league matches that took place while there was a Carling Knockout draw on Monday, with the FIFA U-20 World Cup kicking off in a couple of days' time.
7 min |
September 25, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Players to watch
At times, the focus in the Amajita team is on stars like Mfundo Vilakazi, Kutlwano Letlhaku and Siyabonga Mabena, while Maku quietly goes about his business in the middle of the park.
1 min |
September 25, 2025
Soccer Laduma
The story behind the scenes...
Chairman Calvin Le John laid bare the realities of acquiring SuperSport United's status.
4 min |
September 25, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Small details make the difference
Chippa United's latest chapter has begun under the guidance of Belgian coach Luc Eymael, a familiar figure in South African football. Known for his forthright personality and no-nonsense approach, Eymael returns to the PSL at a time when the Chilli Boys find themselves in a precarious position at the foot of the league table. Having previously coached in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Egypt, Eymael brings both experience and conviction to his new role. His mission, however, is clear and immediate: To steady the Chilli Boys and steer the club away from the threat of relegation. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Masebe Qina, Eymael speaks about his decision to return to Mzansi, the challenges of inheriting a struggling squad, his early impressions of the players, and what the road ahead looks like for the Eastern Cape outfit.
7 min |
September 25, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Still InTouch With...
SIPHO MNGOMEZULU
4 min |