Newspaper
Soccer Laduma
The next chapter for the world champions
Chelsea enjoyed a strong 2024/25 campaign under Enzo Maresca in what was the Italian’s first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.
5 min |
July 24, 2025
Soccer Laduma
That felt quite unprofessional
Ruzaigh Gamildien played a pivotal role in helping Durban City secure promotion to the Betway Premiership, bringing experience, leadership, and quality to a determined squad. Under the guidance of coach Simo Dladla, the team achieved something special - rising from the Motsepe Foundation Championship with purpose and unity. But as quickly as the dream was realised, things changed behind the scenes. Shortly after the final whistle of a historic campaign, Dladla, the man who had steered the ship to promotion, was replaced by veteran coach Gavin Hunt. The decision taken by club chairman Farook Kadodia to make sweeping changes to the technical team and release several senior players, including Gamildien, raised eyebrows across the local football landscape. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Masebe Qina, Gamildien reflects on a bittersweet chapter - one that saw professional triumph on the pitch followed by a surprisingly abrupt exit off it. He speaks about the bond with his teammates, the leadership of Dladla, and the message that ended his time at the club - a message delivered not in person, but via WhatsApp.
1 min |
July 24, 2025
Soccer Laduma
We are going to be a laughingstock!
On Saturday I was privileged to be invited as a special guest to the 2025 Castle Lager Incoming Series match between South Africa and Georgia at the Mbombela Stadium.
4 min |
July 24, 2025
Soccer Laduma
It just didn't work out
Baroka FC have once again underlined their reputation as one of the most stable and forward-thinking clubs outside the Betway Premiership. In a glittering event held in Sandton and attended by Soccer Laduma, the club unveiled their 2025/26 home and away kits alongside the announcement of a major new sponsorship deal with the Mafori Group. Soccer Laduma’s Masebe Qina sat down with returning midfielder Collins Makgaka, who opens up about his journey back to Bakgakga, his time at Orlando Pirates, working under coach Dan Malesela, and his hunger to get back to the top-flight.
7 min |
July 24, 2025
Soccer Laduma
They can push for the Top Eight
I think Siwelele FC have done their homework because coach Lehlohonolo Seema is a very good coach.
4 min |
July 24, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Can Silva solve Chiefs' scoring problems?
The life of a foreign striker at Kaizer Chiefs is not always easy. The pressure to deliver is a bit higher than it is for everyone else, especially over the last few seasons where success has not been a norm at Naturena. The latest to join Amakhosi is Flavio Silva, who was part of the team's preseason tour in the Netherlands. Silva, a Guinea-Bissau-born striker, is a player Amakhosi scouted after playing his football in Indonesia, but pressure in the Betway Premiership will be high for him to deliver. Ahead of the new season, Soccer Laduma asks if Silva can solve Chiefs' scoring problems or if he will join a long list of foreign strikers who were just not able to make the cut at Naturena.
7 min |
July 24, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I even took a salary cut
Orbit College's promotion to the Betway Premiership is a football fairytale—and at the heart of it stands Tshepo \"Jomo\" Matsemela, a player whose journey is as compelling as the team's rise. Nicknamed the \"PSL muti man\" for his uncanny ability to help clubs climb the ranks, Matsemela has once again proven his worth by playing a vital role in Orbit's promotional/relegation Play-Offs success. After stints with Polokwane City and Magesi FC, many questioned his move back to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, especially at a time when he was chasing topflight consistency. But for Matsemela, it was never about ego or money. It was about playing football where he felt trusted and free—and in Orbit, he found that. In this candid interview with Soccer Laduma's Delmain Faver, the 30-year-old reflects on his return to a club that embraced him with open arms, a coach who knows how to get the best out of him, and a youthful squad that plays with fearless joy.
4 min |
July 17, 2025
Soccer Laduma
In Touch With...
NJABULO MANQANA
3 min |
July 17, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Sanity prevailed but...
The disappointing relegation of Cape Town City to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, after finishing second last on the Betway Premiership log and failing to take advantage of their second chance in the Play-Offs, brought a dark cloud to Western Cape's football. Although, by the same token, we have to celebrate Orbit College for a sterling performance in the mini league, as they made their intentions clear from the word go that they were in it to win it, one just can't overlook the deeper impact the Citizens' demise will have on our football.
5 min |
July 17, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Gone are those days now!
Let me also congratulate Banyana Banyana as they reached the knockout stages of the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco. Our ladies top Group C with seven points from their three matches, having conceded just one goal while they scored an incredible seven. I wish them all the best as they look to defend their title.
5 min |
July 17, 2025
Soccer Laduma
We will fight for our respect!
Simon Ngomane is one of the country's respected coaching instructors and part of the group that developed the South African coaching manual under the leadership of the late Ted Dumitru.
3 min |
July 17, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Still In Touch With...
NJABULO MANQANA
4 min |
July 17, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Benni is SA's biggest football figure
It's been four years since towering shot-stopper Peter Leeuwenburgh left South African shores - and Cape Town City specifically - to continue his ever-growing career at the highest level in Europe.
1 min |
July 17, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I bring that mentality with me
For many years, Doudy James operated in the shadows—watching, waiting, and working while others took the spotlight.
5 min |
July 17, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Inside Siwelele's Betway Premiership leap
A new chapter in South African football is taking shape in the Free State. With Siwelele FC set to debut in the Betway Premiership following their purchase of SuperSport United's top-flight status, all eyes are on how the club plans to navigate the challenges that come with such a major transition. While the name may be new, much of the structure remains intact, at least for now. The Siya crew has been closely following developments behind the scenes as Siwelele gears up for its first season, from key decisions at boardroom level to trialists hoping to make the squad. What's emerging is a club intent on building something sustainable, while also trying to establish a new identity in South African football.
1 min |
July 17, 2025
Soccer Laduma
We don't bribe anyone
In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Tshepang Mailwane, Makola opens up about how tough life has been in terms of trying to secure promotion to the ABC Motsepe League, but also makes it clear that he won't throw in the towel. He also has his say on the new Pirates coach and the signing of Sipho Mbule.
7 min |
July 10, 2025
Soccer Laduma
What's next for Liverpool?
We begin our feature by paying tribute to Liverpool and Portuguese international Diogo Jota, who tragically lost his life in a car accident last week, alongside his brother and fellow professional player Andre Silva. The football world mourns the loss of two great players. The 2024/25 season was one to remember for anyone associated with Liverpool, as the Reds clinched their 20th English league title — moving level with eternal rivals Manchester United. The Merseyside outfit showed they could thrive without Jurgen Klopp, as new manager Arne Slot proved he had what it takes to lead one of England’s biggest clubs back to the summit of domestic football. Soccer Laduma’s Matthew Petersen reflects on a season of change, triumph and heartbreak, with insight from former Bafana Bafana striker Bradley August.
3 min |
July 10, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Can Ndlovu replace Maart?
When the signing of Siphesihle Ndlovu was announced by Kaizer Chiefs, many thought he was arriving to boost depth and competition in the Amakhosi engine room ahead of a season with continental commitments.
4 min |
July 10, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I take my hat off to Sundowns!
Congratulations to coach Desiree Ellis, the players and the technical team for a perfect start to the defence of Banyana Banyana's WAFCON title in Morocco with a 2-0 win against Ghana on Monday evening.
5 min |
July 10, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Sundowns left a strong impression
In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Masebe Qina, former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi reflects on the club's historic journey from the CAF Champions League to competing against world giants at the FIFA Club World Cup. Vilakazi, who was part of the 2016 team that made South African football history, opens up about the unforgettable experience of facing global powerhouses, the lessons learned, and how Sundowns have redefined what's possible for African clubs on the world stage. Now watching from the outside, Vila shares his pride in the team's recent performances and the legacy they continue to build – both for the club and the continent.
6 min |
July 10, 2025
Soccer Laduma
The demise of the Citizens
Cape Town City are headed to the Motsepe Foundation Championship and there is a lot that the club will be losing out on. But what could have led to their surprise relegation from the Betway Premiership? Was it coming? Or did a string of bad decisions in just one season lead to the darkest day in their history? Soccer Laduma looks at the mountain the Citizens have to climb to make a return.
6 min |
July 10, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Why Pirates extended Hotto's contract
In an era where football clubs often prioritise youth and market value over proven experience, Orlando Pirates' decision to
2 min |
July 10, 2025
Soccer Laduma
The playing field is evenly balanced
Angola were crowned champions of the COSAFA Cup for the second successive year after beating Bafana Bafana 3-0 in the final.
5 min |
July 10, 2025
Soccer Laduma
How Sundowns won hearts in the US
Mamelodi Sundowns made a good impression both on and off the pitch in the USA during the FIFA Club World Cup and it will certainly go down as one of their most memorable experiences in the Tshwane giants' history.
2 min |
July 10, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I don't promise miracles
Angola national team coach Pedro Goncalves is fresh off a historic achievement with the Palancas Negras, having led them to back-to-back COSAFA Cup titles. The Portuguese tactician’s growing success is becoming increasingly difficult to overlook—not only has he guided Angola to silverware, but he has also earned continental award nominations and helped the team climb the FIFA rankings. Soccer Laduma’s Lukhanyo Mtuta sat down with Goncalves for an in-depth conversation, also touching on the rise of Gilberto Miguel and Inacio Miguel, the latest Angolan duo to make their mark in South Africa.
7 min |
July 03, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I don't do regrets
Coach Rhulani Mokwena is considered an exceptional professional who has taken inspiration from legendary Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola to craft his own unique coaching style. Known for his commitment to possession- based football, Mokwena has dedicated himself to implementing a playing style that is not only effective but also pleasing to the eye. At only 38 years old, he has truly imprinted his DNA on the game and has garnered a reputation for being a modern-day coach with a keen eye for tactical intricacies. In this interview with
10+ min |
July 03, 2025
Soccer Laduma
It's a huge loss for South African football
The Durban July is around the corner, and if you're looking for a great day out, the Hollywood Bets Durban July 2025 hosted by Topbet is the place to be. It's happening on Saturday, the 5th of July from 10h00 to 20h00 at Kyalami Country Club. There'll be live screenings, a lunch buffet, betting facilities, a cash bar, and lucky draws. And don't forget to dress to impress - there are special prizes up for grabs! Tickets are R600 per person. It's going to be a vibe, so secure your spot by emailing tanya@topbet.co.za. See you there, good people!
4 min |
July 03, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I was not shocked
Tresor Yamba Yamba is no ordinary defender. He is strong, physical and difficult to beat aerially.
6 min |
July 03, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Cardoso key to Sundowns' future
When Mamelodi Sundowns made the bold decision to part ways with Manqoba Mngqithi midway through the 2024/25 season, it raised many eyebrows.
5 min |
July 03, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Chiefs' engine room evolution?
With a new season on the horizon, Kaizer Chiefs are looking to close a mammoth 41 points to Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the table.
6 min |