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Soccer Laduma
It's my dream to play in the World Cup
From wreaking havoc against opposition defences in the top-flight of South African football with Platinum Stars and Cape Town City, Gift Links has rapidly risen in the European game, causing the same problems for backlines there. A Danish Superliga Team of the Season honouree, the left wing-back has spent six years with Aarhus GF (AGF), yet a second call-up under Hugo Broos continues to elude him. The 26-year-old recently sat down with Soccer Laduma international football writer Kamogelo Motecwane to discuss his time in Scandinavia, his adaptation to a new position, interest from other clubs, and his continued omission from the Bafana Bafana set-up.
4 min |
September 04, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Some players are just there to add numbers
This brings me to something that’s been bothering me for a while now - the way we throw around the word “legend” in South African football.
2 min |
August 28, 2025
Soccer Laduma
My agent was speaking to Chiefs
Rushine De Reuck had a successful career at Mamelodi Sundowns where he won the African Football League, Nedbank Cup, MTN8 and five league titles. But after struggling to cement his place in the starting line-up during the 2024/25 season, the defender joined Israel side Maccabi Petah Tikva F.C. He then joined former Maritzburg United head coach Fadlu Davids at Simba SC as the star looks to revive his career following a lengthy spell in the abyss at Mamelodi Sundowns. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Kyle Lewis, the Bafana Bafana international opens up about the truth behind his spell on the sidelines in South Africa, the new challenge that lies ahead in Tanzania and a potential return to the national team.
1 min |
August 28, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Will Chiefs' bloated squad help or hinder Nabi?
As Kaizer Chiefs enter a gruelling season, they've added 10 new players to their squad with just four regulars departing up to this point. How will coach Nasreddine Nabi manage a roster with 35 players? Certain areas of the squad are bloated, and many players will be left in the stands on matchday. How will fringe players like Samkelo Zwane and even Ashley Du Preez get a chance to impress with the extra competition for a place? Another factor is that some highly talented young players have been acquired to add to those from Chiefs' Development ranks, and a pathway has to be created for them to develop. Will having so much more depth be a benefit in a season with continental action or will it hinder Nabi's ability to build cohesion and develop youth? Soccer Laduma investigates.
6 min |
August 28, 2025
Soccer Laduma
InTouch With...
LEBOHANG SENTSHO - UNATTACHED (PART 3)
6 min |
August 28, 2025
Soccer Laduma
There will be no hunger
Free State is buzzing again. Following a few years of not having top-flight football, due to the sale of Bloemfontein Celtic and Free State Stars' status, Free State supporters can smile again with two clubs to support. First, it was Marumo Gallants, which made the decision to make the City of Roses their home after buying the status of Moroka Swallows. Now, there is a club that feels closer to home for the supporters. That club is Siwelele FC, which bought the Betway Premiership status of SuperSport United. While it's not Bloemfontein Celtic, the feeling in the province is that Celtic and Siwelele are one and the same thing, which is why supporters are excited. But with Siwelele coming into the province, what happens to the support Gallants were trying to gain in the province? Soccer Laduma's Tshepang Mailwane got in touch with popular Siwelele supporter Botha Msila to find out what life is going to look like now that there is another team in the province.
6 min |
August 28, 2025
Soccer Laduma
People have died for that club
For me, if I had a move like that when I was 19 years old, going to Naturena would have been a dream come true.
1 min |
August 28, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Is Mbokazi the new Mabizela?
In South African football, few names evoke as much raw talent and tragic potential as Mbulelo “Old John” Mabizela.
3 min |
August 28, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Can the Diarra rule affect Ribeiro?
Lucas Ribeiro Costa has shocked the football fraternity by requesting to terminate his contract with Mamelodi Sundowns.
3 min |
August 28, 2025
Soccer Laduma
This is brilliant for our football
The MTN8 finalists have been confirmed with last season's contenders, Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC, making it to the final for the second season in a row. The former will be going for the record fourth back-to-back final while the latter will be making
2 min |
August 28, 2025
Soccer Laduma
My advice to female athletes
Momentum has become one of the standout brands championing women in sport in South Africa, not just through sponsorships but also through initiatives that seek to empower athletes beyond the field of play.
6 min |
August 28, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I carry Pirates' lessons with me
From the dusty grounds of Soweto where he first wore the colours of Orlando Pirates' development side, to being crowned Midfielder of the Season in Lesotho's Vodacom Premier League, Charlie Hlalele's football journey has been anything but ordinary. Born and raised in Rhodes, a small village in the Eastern Cape, Hlalele has travelled a path filled with challenges and breakthroughs, carving out a reputation as one of the most consistent performers across the border with Matlama FC. Now, with rumours of a return to the Betway Premiership swirling, Hlalele reflects on his standout season, his lessons from Pirates' academy days, the challenges of playing in Lesotho, and his burning desire to showcase his talent once again in South Africa's top-flight. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Masebe Qina, Hlalele opens up about his football resilience and unfinished business in the PSL.
6 min |
August 21, 2025
Soccer Laduma
The coach didn't have the full pool...
We played four matches, winning one and drawing three; and sometimes you question our players' commitment if you draw three matches against the likes of Algeria, Niger and Uganda - teams that also brought their home-based players - it looks like they prepared better than us.
1 min |
August 21, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Is McCarthy Chiefs' next star?
After just two Betway Premiership matches, Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy has already received two Man of the Match awards. Amakhosi have kept clean sheets in both fixtures and the 21-year-old youngster, the son of Chiefs' defensive stalwart, Fabian McCarthy, gave two mature displays. For coach Nasreddine Nabi and his technical team, it would have been very easy to instead select a more experienced option at the back to start the season. Their faith in McCarthy has paid off with the results and improved defensive record thus far. Can the left-footer emulate his father and play 150+ matches in the famous Gold and Black jersey? We look at his outings in the Amakhosi shirt so far, assess areas for improvement and ask whether he is destined to return to the bench when other defenders are back from injury.
4 min |
August 21, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Remembering Zodwa Khoza
The late former Orlando Pirates Brand Manager, Zodwa Khoza, would’ve celebrated her 50th birthday on Tuesday. With August being known as the Women’s Month in South Africa, Soccer Laduma editor Vuyani Joni caught up with some of those who knew Dr Irvin Khoza’s daughter in celebration of her legacy and remembrance.
1 min |
August 21, 2025
Soccer Laduma
What others have to say about Zodwa...
That's a story that stays with me!
2 min |
August 21, 2025
Soccer Laduma
What needs to be done in women’s football
University of Pretoria Football Club Operations Manager Pearl Mosoane is an experienced administrator who knows women’s football inside out, having served on the SAFA Women’s Standing Committee between 2008 and 2011, among other leadership positions.
5 min |
August 21, 2025
Soccer Laduma
They will be proud of me
Stellies squad. In this exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma's Delmain Faver, Titus reflects on his evolving role as both mentee and mentor, the culture that makes Stellies unique, and the heartbreak of losing teammates while celebrating their progress. He also speaks about his bond with coach Steve Barker, the club's growing hunger for silverware at home and abroad, and his burning ambition to break into Bafana Bafana.
4 min |
August 21, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Still InTouch With...
TSHEPO BULU (PART 2)
4 min |
August 21, 2025
Soccer Laduma
This season we can beat every team
TS Galaxy head coach Adnan Beganovic is preparing for another testing campaign in the Betway Premiership, one that again begins with rebuilding and reshaping his squad. Over the past few months, the club has lost several key players, including Kamogelo Sebelebele, who joined Orlando Pirates, Dženan Zajmovic, who returned to Europe, and Siphiwe Mahlangu, who opted for a new challenge at Sekhukhune United. Add to that the uncertainty of of a FIFA transfer ban which has stalled new registrations, and Beganovic's task looks anything but straightforward. Yet, the Bosnian mentor remains optimistic. In this wide-ranging conversation with Soccer Laduma's Delmain Faver, Beganovic reflects on the departures of key players, the challenges of working under restrictions, the team's spirited MTN8 quarterfinal performance against Sekhukhune United and his plans for the upcoming season.
3 min |
August 21, 2025
Soccer Laduma
She was a mother to the boys
Vuyani Joni: Legend, in memory of the late Zodwa Khoza and celebrating Women’s Month, how do you remember this pioneer?
6 min |
August 21, 2025
Soccer Laduma
SA players making waves abroad
South African football stars are no longer content with keeping their talents confined to the boundaries of South Africa. While many still choose to ply their trade in the Betway Premiership, a host of top talents have looked outside the country to continue their football
4 min |
August 21, 2025
Soccer Laduma
It's up to me to show what I can do
South African international Luke Le Roux has enjoyed a successful career in Sweden and the Netherlands and will now be hoping to make a name for himself in England. He sat down to speak to Soccer Laduma's Matthew Petersen to discuss his latest move, his ambitions at his new club, and what he needs to do to secure a spot in South Africa's FIFA World Cup squad next year.
7 min |
August 14, 2025
Soccer Laduma
He is reaping the rewards of the work
REVOLVING COLUMN
4 min |
August 14, 2025
Soccer Laduma
That is a hell of a transition
Having said that, the MTN8 games gave a competitive glimpse of what to expect and, as if that was not enough, the first round of fixtures' results also promised something special with some surprising and interesting results.
1 min |
August 14, 2025
Soccer Laduma
There is no need to regret
The tough spell at Royal AM would no doubt have prepared him for any challenges that lie ahead. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Tshepang Mailwane, the former Bloemfontein Celtic and Maritzburg United coach talks about signing for Magesi, why he is not desperate for a job and how he kept going during the difficult times at Royal AM.
6 min |
August 14, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Still In Touch With...
TSHEPO BULU (PART 1)
3 min |
August 14, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Motaung elevating Chiefs and women in football
As South Africa celebrates Women's Month, Soccer Laduma turns the spotlight to one of the most influential female figures in African football, Jessica Motaung, who turns 52 later this month.
7 min |
August 14, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Can Mbule and Tito play together?
The arrival of Sipho Mbule at Orlando Pirates this season has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike: Can the former Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker operate effectively alongside Patrick Maswanganyi in Abdeslam Ouaddou's new-look Bucs side? Soccer Laduma's Delmain Faver takes a closer look at their 2024/25 stats and styles to see if they complement each other.
4 min |
August 14, 2025
Soccer Laduma
How Khoza built Pirates into a powerhouse
In South African football, few clubs command the respect, recognition, and reach of Orlando Pirates. From packed stadiums to trophy-laden cabinets, the Buccaneers have built an identity that transcends the 90 minutes on the pitch.
1 min |