Chabangu Strikes A Deal With Chippa United
Lerato Chabangu has completed his move to Chippa
United, signing a two-year deal. The news broke last Wednesday that
the midfielder was trying his luck with the Chilli Boys, having been released
by Moroka Swallows following their relegation from the PSL last season. Chippa
COO Lukhanyo Mzinzi confirmed the deal has been completed: “Yes, we have agreed
on terms with the player and Chabangu has signed a two-year deal with the
club.” Chabangu also failed with trials at Bidvest Wits during the
off-season.
South Africa coach Shakes Mashaba has named a strong
squad for the international friendly matches against Costa Rica and Honduras.
Goalkeepers
Mabokgwane, Khune, Williams
Defenders
Ngcongca, Matlaba, Mashaba, Mathoho, Daniels, Coetzee,
Hlatshwayo, Nhlapo
Midfielders
Jali, Furman, Zungu, Manyisa, Shongwe, Lebese, Makola,
Patosi, Masango
Striker
Serero, Vilakazi, Nxumalo, Gabuza, Rantie
Bafana Bafana – ranked 72 in the world – will take on
39th-ranked Costa Rica and 81st-ranked Honduras on October 8 and 13
(technically 9th and 14th due to the time difference with the Caribbean).
Ajax Cape Town defender Larry Cohen says the team is aiming to build on their
recent MTN8 success, starting with the Q-innovation prize as well as the
upcoming Telkom Knockout. Speaking at the 2015 TKO launch, where the Urban
Warriors have drawn Absa Premiership returnees Golden Arrows, Cohen says the
belief in the camp is high enough for the team to challenge for more cup
honours this season. Ajax are currently on a five-match winning streak
following their 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Final on Saturday, and
have also dispatched Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits along the way to add to
their solid start to the 2015/16 season. Cohen has credited coaches Roger De Sa
and Ian Taylor for the team’s early season success, and says they are now
aiming at the R1.5-million up for grabs in the Q-innovation race, which Ajax
are currently leading after four games.
South Africa’s Nations Cup-winning national coach, Clive Barker has confirmed
the possibility of returning to the Absa Premiership as head coach of
Maritzburg United. Barker is currently engaged with Mpumalanga Black Aces
as a scout, having previously been head coach, but Maritzburg see him as a
replacement for Mandla Ncikazi, who was fired last week. Speaking in an
interview with KickOff.com, Barker confirmed that he is talking to a “few PSL
teams”, including Maritzburg, with the intention of returning to top-flight
football this season. “I am talking to a few teams, that is the only thing can
say for now,” Barker says. In the interim, Maritzburg have installed Fadlu
Davids as stand-in coach.
AmaZulu have appointed Lunga Sokhela as the club’s new general manager. Sokhela
has taken over the role from Peter O’Connor after previously working as a
market manager at the NFD outfit. “I
am delighted for the opportunity and I must first applaud Peter for the work he
has done in the past,” said Sokhela on Usuthu’s website.
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo has started training with the team
again as he makes his way back from a knee injury. Mhlongo suffered an ACL
tear during Pirates’ 1-0 Absa Premiership defeat to SuperSport United on August
11, for which he required surgery. The 24-year-old was initially expected to be
out for up to 10 weeks, but he is recovering ahead of schedule. Meanwhile,
fellow Buccaneers keeper Samora Motloung has resumed full training after
shaking off a knee problem. Felipe Ovono, who stood in the 1-1 draw with
Mpumalanga Black Aces last Friday, and Siyabonga Mpontshane have played in
Mhlongo’s absence.
Kaizer Chiefs left-back Simphiwe Mtsweni is close to completing his recovery
from a foot injury. The 21-year-old had been in a moon boot and crutches since
the end of last season due to a foot injury, but is now back on the field in
running shoes and is expected to resume full training within the next couple of
days. Mtsweni, who started two games in the Nedbank Cup last season, is
expected to mostly feature in Chiefs’ MultiChoice Diski Challenge team as the
club already has Tsepo Masilela, Keegan Ritchie and Levy Mokgothu all lining up
for a place at left-back. While his chances of game-time in the first team at
Chiefs are slim, Mtsweni will definitely put his name up for consideration for
the national Under-23 squad, which will play in the CAF Championships (which
double up as 2016 Olympic Games qualifiers) in Senegal from November 28 to
December 12. Mtsweni had been made available for a loan move at the beginning
of the season but couldn’t move anywhere due to the injury.
Telkom Knockout holders SuperSport United will meet
Polokwane City, Kaizer Chiefs will face Platinum Stars, while Orlando Pirates
will tackle University of Pretoria in the last-16 of the event. The
Premier Soccer League decided the match-ups via a seeded draw at the Wanderers
Club in Johannesburg on Monday. PSL chief executive Brand de Villiers said: “In
line with this year’s theme of the Telkom Knockout of igniting rivalry amongst
the supporters of different clubs, we are hoping to see fans coming in numbers
to support their clubs. “Together with our sponsors, Telkom, we would like to
make this edition special for the supporters and thank them for their
contribution to football. In our country, football remains the best vehicle for
the corporate world to spread their message and, we would like to thank Telkom
for showing faith in investing in domestic football. “Last year, the PSL
generated about two billion worth of coverage, and from that Telkom enjoyed a
very good share. We wish all the 16 clubs good luck.”
TKO last-16 draw
results:
Maritzburg United vs Jomo Cosmos
Platinum Stars vs Kaizer Chiefs
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Chippa United
Bloemfontein Celtic vs Mpumalanga Black Aces
Free State Stars v Bidvest Wits
Polokwane City vs SuperSport United
Golden Arrows vs Ajax Cape Town
Orlando Pirates vs University of Pretoria
Mamelodi Sundowns have finalised the registration of Colombian striker Leonardo
Castro and decided against signing trialist Giulio Giuricich. Sundowns
confirmed the capture of Castro on September 5, with the club now completing
the relevant paperwork. Castro will compete for game-time with fellow recruit Fiston
Abdul Razak, Cuthbert Malajila and veteran forward Katlego Mashego. Defender
Giuricich had been training at Chloorkop following his departure from Moroka
Swallows at the end of last season.
The South African Football Players Union
has claimed another victory, this time against Chippa United after the PSL DRC
ordered the club to pay out Lucky Khune. Khune took his case to SAFPU to
claim unpaid wages after his contract was terminated by the Chilli Boys.
SAFPU’s first deputy president Tebogo Monyai confirmed United have been ordered
to settle with Khune, who is the younger brother of Bafana Bafana captain
Itumeleng. SAFPU also recently helped striker Roggert Nyundu secure his
clearance from Polokwane City.
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Nigerian goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has
arrived at Chippa United with ‘minor paperwork’ needing to be sorted out with
his previous club Warri Wolves before he becomes available for selection.
Akpeyi signed for Chippa three months ago but has had his move delayed, forcing
the club to turn to the inexperienced Daylan Hawes, Siliziwe Ayanda Masiko and
Shandukani Mulovhedzi in a completely new goalkeeping department from last
season. It has been reported that the 28-year-old already has his work-permit,
but is merely waiting on Warri to issue his clearance that will then enable him
to be registered with the PSL and become available for selection. Akpeyi is a
2005 Under-20 World Cup silver medallist who has been second choice to Vincent
Enyeama in the Super Eagles.
A second half
penalty by Nathan Paulse saw Ajax Cape Town crowned MTN8 champions for the
first time as they beat Kaizer Chiefs at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on
Saturday afternoon. The Urban Warriors were the better side for most
of the match, especially in the opening exchanges, with the likes of Bantu
Mzwakali, Cecil Lolo and Paulse too hot to handle for the Amakhosi defence.
Uzoenyi Ejike is trying to force his way
out of Mamelodi Sundowns following the club’s decision not to register him with
the PSL for this season due to an exhausted foreign quota. The Nigerian
midfielder started just a single game and battled with injuries through his
first year at Sundowns last season, and now finds himself in the surplus to
requirements. The 23 year-old has made his displeasure known that he is not
interested in being parked as an ‘extra’ at Chloorkop, earning a salary for
doing nothing. It was reported that plans are already afloat to find means of
getting Ejike out to another club, possibly on loan if he fails to get a
permanent ticket out. Genuine concerns are that Ejike hasn’t played much
football already over the past 18 months and he cannot afford to remain
inactive any longer as his value will keep on dropping. However, the sticky
point is the three years that Ejike has remaining on his contract at the
moment.
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brilliant
Khuzwayo is nearing a return to contention after resuming full training.
Khuzwayo broke two bones in his hand on the eve of the Carling Black Label Cup
loss to Orlando Pirates on August 1. Itumeleng Khune has since regained the
number one jersey at Naturena, with Reyaad Pieterse currently providing cover
for the Bafana Bafana captain. Meanwhile, centre-back Erick Mathoho will
continue to be assessed ahead of Saturday’s MTN8 Final with Ajax Cape Town in
Port Elizabeth. ‘Tower’ hurt his shoulder in Bafana Bafana’s 3-1 loss to
Mauritania in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on September 5. David Zulu,
Daniel Cardoso, Simphiwe Mtsweni and Philani Cele remain on the sidelines for
the Soweto giants with their respective knocks.
Former Bafana Bafana captain Mbulelo
Mabizela has no plans to retire from football and still has what it takes to
play at the highest level, according to his agent Mike Makaab. The
35-year-old impressed during a six-month spell at AmaZulu last season after
leaving Mpumalanga Black Aces following a fall-out with AmaZayoni’s management.
However, Mabizela remains on the lookout for employment. Mabizela became
Bafana’s youngest skipper at the age of 20 and landed a dream move to Tottenham
Hotspur in 2003. The defender, though, failed to make an impact at White Hart
Lane due to off-field issues. The ex-Orlando Pirates star has also featured for
Mamelodi Sundowns, Bidvest Wits, Ajax Cape Town, Platinum Stars and Chippa
United.
Maritzburg United have decided not to sign Abia Nale after he was handed a
trial by the Team of Choice. Maritzburg’s former coach Mandla Ncikazi
expressed hope the club would recruit Nale to replace Nhlanhla Vilakazi
following a home loss to Bloemfontein Celtic on Saturday. However, United’s
team manager Quintin Jettoo has ruled out a deal as the struggling outfit
prioritises sourcing a successor for the fired Ncikazi. Nale, who has confirmed
he is back home in Johannesburg, was released by Mpumalanga Black Aces last
month. The winger previously played for Golden Arrows, Kaizer Chiefs and Ajax
Cape Town.
Free State Stars
striker Moeketsi Sekola is nearing a return to action after resuming training
this week. The Golden Boot winner, who netted 14 PSL goals last term, is
yet to play this season due to a ligament injury. Meanwhile, Da Costa Angula
recently had surgery after sustaining an Achilles tendon tear. The defender is
joined on the treatment table by Sydney Masana (groin), Thabo Moseki (knee
ligament) and Sthembiso Ngcobo (hamstring), according to the club’s website.
Mpumalanga Black Aces
have confirmed they have added former Kaizer Chiefs defender David Kannemeyer
to their coaching staff. Kannemeyer was poised to take charge of the Absa
Premiership side’s MultiChoice Diski Challenge team. The club have now released
a statement, which said: “David Kannemeyer, who retired from professional
football with Aces, has returned to the club to coach the PSL Reserve team.”
Kannemeyer started his professional career at Cape Town Spurs and went on to
play for Ajax, Chiefs, Sundowns and SuperSport United and received 15 Bafana
Bafana caps. He last played for Mpumalanga Black Aces in the 2011/12 season,
before starting his coaching career where he has obtained a CAF B license.
“He will also be reuniting with Aces assistant coach Patrick Mabedi who he
played with at Chiefs under coach Muhsin Ertugral.” Kannemeyer played
under AmaZayoni head coach Muhsin Ertugral at Chiefs, while he also represented
Bafana Bafana, Aces, Ajax Cape Town, Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United
before retiring in 2012.
Orlando Pirates will be without
defenders Happy Jele and Siyabonga Sangweni for the first leg of their CAF
Confederation Cup semi-final with Al-Ahly next weekend. The pair are
suspended for the tie at Orlando Stadium on September 26. Coach Eric Tinkler
could turn to Ayanda Gcaba and Tshepo Gumede in the duo’s absence. Meanwhile,
holding midfielder Issa Sarr is doubtful for tomorrow’s League clash with
Mpumalanga Black Aces in Soweto.
Cape Town All Stars midfielder Mihlali
Mayambela has agreed terms with Swedish club Djurgardens IF after passing
trials. Mayambela junior is back in the country after a week-long
assessment at Djurgardens, where he reportedly impressed the club’s technical
team. The younger brother of Chippa United midfielder Mark Mayambela is
expected to join the club on a permanent basis next year January, as long as
the two clubs agree to a transfer. Mihlali is set to follow in the footsteps of
former Orlando Pirates favourite Mark, who made 19 league and cup appearances
for Djurgardens in 2014. Efforts to get hold of All Stars for further
confirmation proved unfruitful at the time of writing.
Mamelodi Sundowns are waiting on a scan
to reveal the full extent of an injury sustained by attacking midfielder Khama
Billiat. The Zimbabwean winger was taken off on a stretcher in the last
minutes of added time in their 2-1 defeat to Golden Arrows at the weekend.
Before sustaining what looked like a knee injury, the former Ajax Cape Town man
created Themba Zwane’s goal after half-time with a delightful cross to the
back-post. Club official Thulani Thuswa says the club is waiting for Billiat’s
scan results and they don’t know as yet the severity of the injury. Meanwhile,
coach Pitso Mosimane was certainly not happy about the injury to one of the
trusted figures in his starting line-up, especially after the Brazilians’
second League loss on the trot.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has
noted media reports relating to the matter involving Camaldine Abraw and have
released a statement. While the League does not want to enter the public
debate on the matter, it is important for clarity purposes to make a few
points: The matter between Bloemfontein Celtic, Kaizer Chiefs and Camaldine
Abraw was heard by the Dispute Resolution Chambers (DRC) following a complaint
by Bloemfontein Celtic that the player had signed a ‘pre-contract’ with the
club and therefore could not join Kaizer Chiefs. Bloemfontein Celtic also made
an application to interdict the player’s registration. The PSL DRC made the
following Ruling:
• The application by Bloemfontein Celtic (to interdict the
player registration) was dismissed
• The PSL must investigate, and if necessary, prosecute Mr Camaldine Abraw.
• The League is to investigate the conduct of Bloemfontein Celtic in not
informing Free State Stars in writing that it intended to negotiate with Mr
Abraw (while the player was still contracted to Free State Stars) and, if
appropriate, take action.
• The League is to investigate the conduct of Kaizer Chiefs and, if necessary,
take appropriate action.
The DRC ruling has been forwarded to the PSL Prosecutor for
consideration. The PSL will make no further comment on this matter until we
have new information for the media and public.
Mamelodi Sundowns winger Kudakwashe Mahachi is reportedly on the verge of
joining Golden Arrows. The Zimbabwean joined the Brazilians at the
beginning of last season, but battled to break into the team and has not been
registered for 2015/16. While away on national duty, Mahachi told the
Zimbabwean media that he was temporarily quitting football to focus on his
studies. But it is being reported that Sundowns are working hard behind the
scenes to secure the player a move to Arrows outside the transfer window. That
would mean handing Mahachi his clearance to move to KZN as a free agent on
condition that he could return to Chloorkop next season. The club is currently
busy ironing out some legalities before the move goes ahead.
Former Moroka Swallows defender Giulio
Giuricich remains on trial at Mamelodi Sundowns 10 days since his arrival at
the club. Giuricich spent the past season at Swallows, starting six games
plus three substitute appearances, but then his one-year deal with The Birds was
not renewed upon its expiry at the end of June. The 25-year-old had initially
joined Swallows during the 2012-13 season but didn’t get to play due to injury
before then returning back at the beginning of last season. He is now training
with Sundowns in the hope of winning a deal that will have him provide options
at left-back and in midfield. Word from Chloorkop is that he will be assessed
for another couple of days before a conclusive decision is made. Giuricich has
previously played in the Italian lower leagues.
SA players abroad
Anele Ngcongca endured defeat on his Troyes debut, Tefu Mashamaite suffered
his first loss in Sweden, while Ayanda Patosi and Lebohang Phiri scored for
their clubs in Europe on the weekend.
DAYLON CLAASEN – Claasen played the first 80 minutes as 1860
Munich drew 1-1 at home to Kaiserslautern in the German Bundesliga II.
KAGISHO DIKGACOI –
‘KG’ played for Cardiff City in their 2-1 loss at Rotherham United in the
Championship.
ANDILE JALI – Jali,
back from paternity leave, came on for the final 10 minutes as his Belgian side
KV Oostende continued their excellent start to the new season with a 1-0 home
win over Kortrijk.
DARREN KEET- Keet conceded his first goal in over five hours
of football in the 1-0 loss for Kortrijk to Oostende.
TEFU MASHAMAITE – Mashamaite tasted defeat for the first
time in Sweden when his Hacken side lost 2-1 to title-contenders AIK Stockholm.
KAMOHELO MOKOTJO –
Mokotjo played the full game for Dutch league strugglers FC Twente as they were
held 0-0 by Cambuur.
DINO NDLOVU – Ndlovu
drew a blank as his Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta drew 0-0 at Omonia
Nicosia to drop their first points of the season.
ANELE NGCONGCA –
Ngcongca made his debut at right-back for French Ligue 1 side Troyes but it
proved an unhappy occasion as they lost 1-0 at Angers.
AYANDA PATOSI – Patosi scored but could not help his Lokeren
side win as they went down 2-1 at home to Mouscron-Péruwelz.
LEBOGANG PHIRI – Phiri scored a
consolation goal, his second of the season, for Brondby as they were humbled
4-1 at Aalborg in Denmark.
TOKELO RANTIE – Still no place in the Premier League
match-day squad for Rantie for Bournemouth.
THULANI SERERO – Serero was not in the match-day squad as Ajax Amsterdam won 2-0 at Excelsior Rotterdam.