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KRUGER UNITED'S TABISO MPAME (PART 2)
3 min |
July 03, 2025
Soccer Laduma
The timing was so bad
At the end of the 2024/25 season, many of the players at SuperSport United just wanted to get away and put a horrible campaign behind them. It was a season where SuperSport were in a battle to avoid relegation and there was uncertainty which arose from reports of the club possibly being sold. As things stand, the club has not been sold and it is preparing for the new season, but it does not mean that the fears have been completely allayed. Soccer Laduma's Tshepang Mailwane got hold of Matsatsantsa goalkeeper Ricardo Goss, who opened up about rumours of the club being for sale. As someone who has been involved in a sale previously, when Bidvest Wits was sold to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivandila, Goss knows how tough a period like this can be.
6 min |
July 03, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I didn't see this one coming!
Congratulations to Orbit College for their successful promotional Play-Offs campaign, as they beat Cape Town City and Casric Stars to the Betway Premiership spot. The hard and impressive work done by coach Pogiso Makhoye, his technical team, players, management and everyone associated with the club should be celebrated and is something to learn from. Coach Makhoye has been in charge of this team for 15 years and that is remarkable, and I can't wait to see him realising his personal and collective dream of seeing this team in the elite league. While it is sad to see a big team like City relegated, we must congratulate and celebrate Orbit for a wonderful job that they did. They never made life easy for any of their opponents as they made their intentions clear from the word go. Their defensive structure and team effort played a massive role in seeing them where they are today.
6 min |
July 03, 2025
Soccer Laduma
This has always been home for me
Sinesipho Mali’s return to Chippa United as Sporting Director is more than just a career move, it’s a homecoming rooted in loyalty, purpose, and a long-term vision for South African football. After years of climbing the professional ladder, gathering experience from Kaizer Chiefs, the national team, and a successful stint with Sekhukhune United, Mali has circled back to the club that gave him his first break. Now entrusted with a leadership role that bridges technical football and strategic planning, he’s determined to lead the Chilli Boys with a blueprint built on community, talent development, and sustainability. In this interview with Soccer Laduma’s Masebe Qina, Mali reflects on his journey, his vision, and what it means to serve the game both on and off the pitch.
7 min |
July 03, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Still InTouch With..
\"Gusheshe,\" it’s great talking to you again. We really appreciate your time. You played professional football for a long time starting from your days at Free State Stars, then Orlando Pirates, Jomo Cosmos and Bay United. Who would you say was your closest friend in football?
3 min |
July 03, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Doing coach Mdaka dirty!
National U20 AFCON-winning coach, Raymond Mdaka's salary sparked a huge debate on social media after former SAFA Technical Director, Walter Steenbok, alleged that the former Marumo Gallants coach was earning less than R25 000 a month in a radio interview. This happened shortly after coach Madaka led his team to a history-making achievement of winning the AFCON after 28 years of failed attempts.
5 min |
July 03, 2025
Soccer Laduma
We are not going to be too ambitious
We just want to survive, to make sure we don’t get relegated.
1 min |
July 03, 2025
Soccer Laduma
regrets
Soccer Laduma's Thomas Kwenaite, the former Wydad Casablanca, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Orlando Pirates coach discusses his time in Morocco, the language barrier, the challenges, and his coaching methodology. He also shares his views about Thembinkosi Lorch, Cassius Mailula, and the general performances of Mamelodi Sundowns and the other three African clubs at the FIFA Club World Cup.
1 min |
July 03, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Kaizer Chiefs Report Card
After Kaizer Chiefs ended their decade-long trophy drought, the time has arrived to hand out player ratings for the 2024/25 season.
10+ min |
June 26, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Sundowns is an important chapter in my career
Following a brief stint with Mamelodi Sundowns, where he worked closely with coach Manqoba Mngqithi, Romain Folz opens up about his time at the club. Folz recently returned to the sidelines when he took over the reins at Algerian side Olympique Akbou. He helped rescue the struggling side from relegation, finishing 11th on the log in a 16-team league. In this interview with Soccer Laduma’s Masebe Qina, the French-Moroccan tactician reflects on his time at Chloorkop, the internal dynamics of the technical team, the arrival of coach Miguel Cardoso and what led to their surprising exit mid-season.
10 min |
June 26, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I was gutted!
When Mamelodi Sundowns played Sekhukhune United in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals in March, they came out guns blazing, firing from all angles, only to be denied by goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner. The former Ajax Cape Town goal-minder stood between defeat and Sundowns' victory with his Man of the Match performance, and it took Jayden Adams' 118th minute goal in extra time to beat him. The 27-year-old established himself as an exceptional goalkeeper at a time when national coach Hugo Broos was lamenting the lack of local goalkeepers in the Betway Premiership and won himself selection to the Bafana Bafana squad in the process. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Thomas Kwenaite, Leaner reveals how gutted he was in the cup loss, discusses his favourite player of all time, and shares his thoughts on Sundowns' performance at the FIFA Club World Cup.
7 min |
June 26, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Lorch reminded everyone just how good he is...
Hola Soccer Laduma readers, It’s always a blessing to be able to connect with the Soccer Laduma family. It’s been a big week for football on the continent and even bigger for South African football. From my own travels to Botswana for the Clash of Legends, to watching the boys at the FIFA Club World Cup and seeing guys like Thembinkosi Lorch and Elias Mokwana flying the flag high, I just had to sit down and share some thoughts with you all.
1 min |
June 26, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Still In Touch With...
KRUGER UNITED'S TABISO MPAME (PART 1)
4 min |
June 26, 2025
Soccer Laduma
What Pirates can expect from Ouaddou
When Orlando Pirates recently announced Abdeslam Ouaddou as their new coach on Monday, they signalled the start of a bold new chapter. For many South African football fans, Ouaddou’s name may still be relatively new, but his impact has already been felt in the Betway Premiership. From rescuing Marumo Gallants from relegation in a campaign which started by defeating the Buccaneers in his very first league game, Ouaddou’s short yet significant spell in local football has shown that he’s not here to merely fill a vacancy, he’s here to build. A former Moroccan international with a decorated playing career across Europe, Ouaddou brings both pedigree and a no-nonsense approach to coaching. His rise has been steady and deliberate, marked by clarity, discipline, and a firm belief in professional standards. So, what can Pirates expect from the 46-year-old new tactician? Find out, as we discuss this key appointment in this Soccer Laduma feature by Masebe Qina.
6 min |
June 26, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Are PSL mass exits a symptom of a systemic crisis?
The South African football offseason has always represented a natural juncture for introspection—an opportunity for clubs to take stock, reassess their vision, and prepare for the upcoming season.
2 min |
June 26, 2025
Soccer Laduma
The Club World Cup is Ribeiro's level
I think it wasn’t even mid-way through the season, it was around October, when I told someone that Ribeiro is probably the best player in our league.
2 min |
June 26, 2025
Soccer Laduma
They thought my boots had a magnet!
What a terrible way to start last weekend, as I learned of the passing of one of my friends and colleagues, Phumlani Msibi, on Friday! One of the best in the game and I want to send my deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and everyone who knew him.
5 min |
June 26, 2025
Soccer Laduma
That season was a tough one
After a rollercoaster two-season spell with AmaZulu FC, former Maritzburg United playmaker Rowan Human is officially a free agent.
4 min |
June 26, 2025
Soccer Laduma
South America taking the Club World Cup by storm
South American sides occupy top spots in five of the six FIFA Club World Cup groups that include them, and this has caught much of the football fraternity by surprise.
5 min |
June 26, 2025
Soccer Laduma
In Touch With...
KRUGER UNITED'S TABISO MPAME (PART 1)
4 min |
June 26, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Be fair to Chiefs!
Kaizer Chiefs, as has become the norm over the years before every transfer window period have been linked with several potential signings, while they continue to rebuild their team and search for the players of their own interest.
5 min |
June 26, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I think that killed us
Chippa United midfielder Ayabulela Konqobe had a decent 2024/2025 Betway Premiership season, playing 21 matches and contributing a goal and an assist, as the Chilli Boys finished 11th this past season.
7 min |
June 19, 2025
Soccer Laduma
There's been no talks...
South African-born Ethan Chislett has had a long and journeyed football career so far. Having spent his playing career in England, the 26-year-old midfielder now faces an uncertain future. However, he has made one thing clear - he wants to return to his home country and represent Bafana Bafana. In this exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma's Matthew Petersen, Chislett explains how he became a footballer, his career so far and what's next for him.
8 min |
June 19, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I am not a crybaby
Last season, Black Leopards came within a point of securing a position in the promotional Play-Offs, thanks in large part to the safe hands of their goalkeeper, Cyril Chibwe. The 32-year-old, whose career spans various clubs, proved to be one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the league. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Thomas Kwenaite, he expresses the pain he felt after losing to Durban City, a loss that affected Black Leopards' promotional chances. He also reveals how, as a young goalkeeper, he had successful trials with Kaizer Chiefs, but Stuart Baxter told him that the club needed someone who could play right away and challenge Itumeleng Khune. The Rustenburg-born goalkeeper also reveals why he turned down the national call-up to represent Bafana Bafana and chose Zambia.
7 min |
June 19, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Have Chiefs solved their full-back problems?
As recently as February, we looked at Kaizer Chiefs' issues in the left-back position.
6 min |
June 19, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Pirates knocked on our door
Delmain Faver: Sechaba, thank you so much, first of all, for agreeing to speak with us and, secondly, for welcoming us into your home. It’s something we don’t take lightly, and we truly appreciate your time.
10+ min |
June 19, 2025
Soccer Laduma
They are not a Mickey Mouse team
On the relegation/promotion Play-Offs so far
5 min |
June 19, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Inside Pirates' plans to bring Mokwena back
Orlando Pirates are believed to have re-opened talks with coach Rhulani Mokwena after the departure of Jose Riveiro. The highly rated Mokwena once served the Buccaneers in various capacities and has since built an impressive resume both locally and abroad. Mokwena, a former head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Athletic Club, is not just a tactician but also part of South African football royalty, with deep family roots in the Buccaneers' history. At 38, he boasts multiple top-flight trophy successes and other achievements, including an African Football League trophy and invaluable experience from his recent stint in the Moroccan top flight. He returns to the local football scene
4 min |
June 19, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Still In Touch With..
CAVANN SIBEKO (PART 2)
4 min |
June 19, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Sundowns can surprise them
Hola Soccer Laduma readers,
4 min |