Page 14 – Soccer

Mbekezeli Mbokazi of South Africa celebrates victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between South Africa and South Korea at the Monterrey Stadium, Mexico on 24 June 2026 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

TLB: “There is also that warrior in him”- Orlando Pirates development coach elaborates on Bafana Bafana sensation Mbokazi

Mbokazi, who joined MLS side Chicago Fire earlier this year, has earned widespread praise for his aggressive, uncompromising defending. According to Makhanya, the 21-year-old’s upbringing played a significant role in shaping the player he has become.

Ronnie Gabriel co coach of Richards Bay FC during the Betway Premiership 2025/26 match between Richards Bay FC and Mamelodi Sundowns at Umhlathuze Sports Complex on the 26 April 2026 in Richards Bay ©Sydney Mahlangu BackpagePix

Betway Premiership: Richards Bay Confirm Head Coach for the Upcoming Season

The Natal Rich Boyz confirmed on Friday that Gabriel will lead the team on his own after the club opted to end its co-coaching structure. He replaces the partnership he shared with Papi Zothwane last season following Zothwane’s departure.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal (C), wearing the shirt of his late teammate Diogo Jota, and his teammates greet supporters after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match Portugal against Croatia, in Toronto, Canada, 02 July 2026. EPA/MIGUEL A. LOPES

‘It has special meaning’ -Ronaldo Hails Emotional Portugal Win With Tribute to Diogo Jota

Cristiano Ronaldo said Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia carried extra emotion as it came almost a one year after the tragic death of his teammate Diogo Jota.

The Swiss team celebrates victory after the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Switzerland and Algeria at BC Place stadium in Vancouver, Canada, 02 July 2026. EPA/PETER KLAUNZER EDITORIAL USE ONLY

FIFA WORLD CUP: Switzerland Extend Unbeaten Run With 2-0 Win Over Algeria

Africa’s difficult FIFA World Cup continued when Algeria were knocked out via a 2-0 scoreline in the Round of 32 by a superlative Switzerland in Vancouver.

Siyanda Ndlovu of Golden Arrows during the Nedbank Cup 2026 quarterfinal match between Golden Arrows and Durban City at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban on 08 March 2026 ©Samuel ShivambuBackpagePix

Siyanda Ndlovu Delays Orlando Pirates Transfer Amid Interest from Mamelodi Sundowns

Golden Arrows star Siyanda Ndlovu’s proposed move to Orlando Pirates has reportedly hit a stumbling block over personal terms with Mamelodi Sundowns in pursuit.

Goncalo Ramos of Portugal celebrates scoring the 2-1 goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match Portugal against Croatia, in Toronto, Canada, 02 July 2026. EPA/EDUARDO LIMA

Ramos’ Stoppage-Time Header Seals Portugal Comeback Over Croatia

Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in dramatic fashion in Toronto, sealing a place in the World Cup last 16 where they will face Spain.

Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain celebrates scoring the 3-0 goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match Spain against Austria, in Los Angeles, USA, 02 July 2026. EPA/CHRISTOPHER TORRES

FIFA World Cup: Mikel Oyarzabal Brace Fires Spain Past Austria into Round of 16

Spain reached the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an impressive 3-0 victory over Austria.

MOUSCRON, BELGIUM - SEPTEMBER 27: Fernando da Cruz, head coach of Mouscron, during the Jupiler Pro League match between Royal Excel Mouscron and Sporting de Charleroi at Stade Le Canonnier on September 27, 2020 in Mouscron, Belgium. (Photo by Vincent Van Doornick/Isosport/MB Media/Getty Images)

Kaizer Chiefs’ new coach Fernando Da Cruz targets ‘winning culture’

New Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has told his players that success will be built on the right attitude, strong mentality and hard work.

Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates during the Betway Premiership 2025/26 match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on 28 February 2026 ©Samuel ShivambuBackpagePix

Relebohile Mofokeng sets sights on silverware after sealing Belgium move

The 21-year-old Bafana Bafana attacker has signed a four-year contract with the Belgian club after successfully completing his medical and agreeing to personal terms. The deal will keep him at Union Saint-Gilloise until 2030.

Bafana Bafana return without Orlando Pirates star Oswin Appollis as transfer talk intensifies

Bafana Bafana touched down in Johannesburg on Thursday morning after completing their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, but Oswin Appollis was the only notable absentee from Hugo Broos' travelling squad, according to reports His absence comes just days after…

Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman (C) looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match Netherlands against Morocco, in Monterrey, Mexico, 29 June 2026. EPA/MIGUEL SIERRA

FIFA WORLD CUP: Koeman steps down as Netherlands manager after World Cup exit

Ronald Koeman has resigned as Netherlands manager in the aftermath of his side’s World Cup elimination, with the announcement coming on the same day the Dutch Football Association condemned racist abuse directed at several players following their penalty shootout…

Thabo Moloisane of Stellenbosch FC celebrates his goal during the CAF Confederation Cup 2024/25 game between Stellenbosch FC and AS Vita at Cape Town Stadium, South Africa on 13 September 2024 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Ex-Kaizer Chiefs defender explains why Thabo Moloisane is the right fit for Amakhosi

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Thabang Rooi has endorsed the club's signing of ex-Stellenbosch FC star Thabo Moloisane. Chiefs recently completed the signing of the 27-year-old centre-back, making him their first arrival of the transfer window after an impressive campaign…