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Soccer Laduma
I have to make that a habit
When Arthur Zwane finally took a leap of faith and left Kaizer Chiefs after spending over 20 years at the club, it came as a surprise to many. He was an Amakhosi man through and through, but change and, more importantly, growth were needed. He stepped up to take a co-coaching role at AmaZulu FC but finished last season as the main man on the bench, leading the KZN outfit to a sixth-place finish. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Tshepang Mailwane, during the recent Betway Premiership launch, Zwane talks about his journey in the game and his ambitions of leading Usuthu back to where they belong.
8 min |
August 14, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I'm not done with football
At 40, Lindokuhle Mbatha remains one of the most enduring figures in South African football. Having recently parted ways with TS Galaxy, many might expect the veteran midfielder to start winding down. But Mbatha isn't done yet, not by a long shot. With a professional career that has spanned nearly two decades and included stints at Platinum Stars, Mamelodi Sundowns and Highlands Park, Mbatha has seen and done it all. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Masebe Qina, the well-travelled midfielder opens up about his unexpected exit from Galaxy, his strong belief in longevity, what keeps him going, and what the future might hold - both on the field and beyond.
7 min |
August 14, 2025
Soccer Laduma
That's what Chiefs' culture is all about
Brandon Petersen was at the top; he was in a different class.
1 min |
August 14, 2025
Soccer Laduma
SIYA STORIES ON YOUR CELL & THE WEB THAT YOU MISSED!
After impressing in his competitive debut for Orlando Pirates, midfielder Sihle Nduli quickly became a trending topic on the X timeline.
1 min |
August 07, 2025
Soccer Laduma
We want to take the club back to where it belongs
Waylon Renecke has continued to grow his game across Europe and remains a rising star as he looks to continue his career. The 19-year-old represented England and South Africa at youth level and is currently playing for Swedish Second Division side Orgryte IS, on loan from Danish side FC Copenhagen. The Peterborough-born defender is looking ahead to the next part of his career. In this interview with Soccer Laduma’s Matthew Petersen, Renecke discusses his career ambitions, his decision to represent South Africa, his national team hopes and where he hopes to go next.
5 min |
August 07, 2025
Soccer Laduma
People said there was no future in women's football
In celebration of Women's Month, Soccer Laduma caught up with former Banyana Banyana coach and a true pioneer of the South African football - Fran Hilton-Smith. From coaching Banyana Banyana in the 1990s, to being the first woman on CAF’s Technical Committee and a FIFA instructor since 2001, Hilton Smith has spent decades fighting for recognition, resources, and respect in women’s football. Her journey is not just one of resilience, but also one of undeniable impact - developing some of the most successful players and coaches in the country’s history. In this frank and insightful interview with Soccer Laduma’s Masebe Qina, she shares her proudest achievements, frustrations with the system, and her unwavering hope for the future.
6 min |
August 07, 2025
Soccer Laduma
What's next for Lorch?
Just a few weeks ago, Thembinkosi Lorch was dazzling opponents at the FIFA Club World Cup with Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, and now he is back in South Africa, believed to be training on his own, despite the impact he made while he was away on loan.
7 min |
August 07, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Sundowns are going to dominate Pirates
It’s good to see Mamelodi Sundowns in the groove, continuing where they left off last season and winning by a 4-0 margin against Richards Bay FC.
5 min |
August 07, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Shinga - Closer to Basadien than Cross
When Chiefs' approach for Fawaaz Basadien was rebuffed ahead of the 2024/25 season, Amakhosi signed a very different style of fullback in Bradley Cross.
1 min |
August 07, 2025
Soccer Laduma
How Chiefs came to sign Shinga
Reeve Frosler? How did Chiefs come to sign a relatively unknown player from the Portuguese second tier? And what has preseason told us about Shinga’s current strengths and weaknesses? Soccer Laduma investigates.
1 min |
August 07, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Have Chiefs finally replaced Masilela?
Reeve Frosler? How did Chiefs come to sign a relatively unknown player from the Portuguese second tier? And what has preseason told us about Shinga's current strengths and weaknesses? Soccer Laduma investigates.
4 min |
August 07, 2025
Soccer Laduma
This shouldn't be happening at all!
The MTN8 quarterfinals marked the return of football, and I must say I was blown away by the attendance figures, especially the sold-out Orlando Stadium on Saturday when Orlando Pirates hosted Polokwane City.
6 min |
August 07, 2025
Soccer Laduma
The reason I am upset with myself
Chiefs midfielder was one of the key members in the team, both on and off the field, but the club decided against renewing his contract when it expired at the end of June. In this interview with Soccer Laduma’s Tshepang Mailwane, Alexander talks about his departure from Rise and Shine and how difficult it was leaving a group of players he really grew fond of.
5 min |
August 07, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Still InTouch With...
SIFISO MYENI (PART 3)
4 min |
August 07, 2025
Soccer Laduma
The pain | had to go through
At an exclusive screening of Giants, the behind-the-scenes documentary exploring the lives of Orlando Pirates players, Soccer Laduma’s Delmain Faver was in attendance as members of the media caught up with Zakhele Lepasa for what would unknowingly become his final interview as a Buccaneer. The emotional sit-down took place just hours before the striker’s release from the club was confirmed the following day. Lepasa, who spent several years at Pirates and rose through the ranks to become a fan favourite, opened up candidly about his journey, struggles with injury and his connection to the club and coaching staff. Currently in Uganda with Bafana Bafana’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) squad, Lepasa is already looking ahead to the next chapter of his career.
3 min |
August 07, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Why Stellies are not just a selling club
Stellenbosch FC's meteoric rise in South African football is no fluke. Once a modest outfit tucked away in the Cape Winelands, the club has evolved into one of the PSL's most respected institutions, built on discipline, ambition, and a long-term strategy that defies the chaos often seen in local football.
5 min |
August 07, 2025
Soccer Laduma
That's why they appointed us
From South Africa's touchlines to the grand stages of international football, Roger de Sa continues to leave his mark across the globe. Now based in the Middle East, the former Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits mentor has reunited with longtime collaborator Carlos Queiroz as assistant coach of the Oman national team. The two football brains have enjoyed a successful partnership for years, having worked together in countries like Egypt, Iran, and Qatar. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers looming large, Oman has turned to the experienced duo to help steer the ship. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Masebe Qina, De Sa, who is currently in Salalah on a scouting mission, talks about his new role, the challenges of working in different national team environments, and his brief, but eventful stints with Cape Town City and Cape Town Spurs.
7 min |
July 31, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I don't like seeing people struggling
BUSINESS MINDS OF FOOTBALLERS
6 min |
July 31, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Nabi's Toyota Cup learnings...
With the new Betway Premiership season on the horizon, Kaizer Chiefs have played six televised preseason friendlies. Saturday's 0-0 draw against Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup was the latest fixture in coach Nasreddine Nabi's quest to prepare his side for a grueling season ahead. What did we learn from the match? Is the Tunisian-Belgian coach on the verge of settling on his best starting lineup? With question marks over every position, he must make big calls ahead of a trip on Sunday, 10 August to face Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium. With some key players on the treatment table, could we see a pathway opening up for youth players to get their big chance? And will a fitness-focused preseason bear fruit in the early weeks of the campaign? Soccer Laduma investigates.
7 min |
July 31, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I want us to win the World Cup
Former Cape Town Spurs rising star Siviwe Nkwali recently joined Stellenbosch FC following the Urban Warriors' relegation from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the amateur ranks. But, despite not having the best of times at club level, the left-footed central defender known as \"Lion\" had different experiences on the international front. He was one of the key members of the Amajita side that won this year's CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations title, after beating Morocco 1-0 in the final in Egypt. They will now compete in this year's FIFA U20 World Cup, taking place in Chile in September and October. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Mzoxolo Budaza, Nkwali talks about his move to Stellies, the heartbreak that resulted from Spurs' relegation as well as his hopes for the new season.
5 min |
July 31, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Who will win the race for Ribeiro's signature?
This is a worrying time for Mamelodi Sundowns supporters, who are concerned about the possible departure of the club's most influential figure, Lucas Ribeiro Costa. The Brazilian attacker was a star performer for Sundowns at the FIFA Club World Cup and has attracted interest from various parts of the world. According to information received by Soccer Laduma, Ribeiro is on the verge of leaving the Betway Premiership champions, but where is he heading? Soccer Laduma looks at what options the 26-year-old has.
4 min |
July 31, 2025
Soccer Laduma
That is crucial at a club like Chiefs
Let's start with Kaizer Chiefs.
4 min |
July 31, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Still a long way to go
Banyana Banyana’s 2-1 semifinal loss to their arch-rivals Nigeria in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) was a serious blow.
5 min |
July 31, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Still InTouch With...
SIFISO MYENI (PART 2)
4 min |
July 31, 2025
Soccer Laduma
We're not just losing a team
Ricardo Katza is a name that carries serious weight in South African football circles. As a former captain and club legend at SuperSport United, Katza has served the Tshwane outfit for over 15 years, nine as a player and another six as a coach and scout. With the recent sale of SuperSport United to Siwelele FC sparking widespread debate and uncertainty, Soccer Laduma's Delmain Faver caught up with Katza to unpack the significance of the move. The former Bafana Bafana defender opens up about his concerns for the club's academy, its legacy, and what it all means for South African football going forward.
6 min |
July 31, 2025
Soccer Laduma
They should have done better
Looking at the buildup to this year's Women's Africa Cup of Nations, I knew the girls were ready for the competition.
5 min |
July 31, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Likely starting XI vs Stellies
Based on preseason and this weekend's distribution of minutes, the starting lineup looks to be getting closer and closer.
1 min |
July 31, 2025
Soccer Laduma
What the supporters have to say...
\"To be honest, forget about the friendly games we played in the Netherlands and let us focus on the Toyota Cup final against Asante Kotoko SC. I think the boys are 75% ready for the season ahead because they really played well despite the loss. We played very well in the first half and even got to show off our beautiful home and away jerseys.
4 min |
July 31, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Mokwena's North African adventure continues
Soccer Laduma's Kamogelo Motecwane delves into the kind of environment the South African will be walking into in terms of the history, culture, and expectations of the club.
4 min |
July 31, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Sundowns working on a silent coup
Mamelodi Sundowns have been quieter than usual in the current transfer window, but our sources have indicated that the silence could be the calm before a significant international move.
2 min |