Page 45 – Soccer

Mahlatsi Makudubela of Young Africans during the CAF Champions League 2023/24 quarterfinals match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Young Africans at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria on 05 April 2024 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Former Orlando Pirates winger Mahlatsi Makudubela announces retirement

Former Orlando Pirates winger Mahlatsi Makudubela has decided to call time on his career after 17 seasons. The 36-year-old has turned out for a number of clubs after coming through the SAFA Transnet School of Excellence and youth ranks…

File photo dated 05-05-2021 of Zinedine Zidane, a contender to replace Thomas Tuchel, who Chelsea have sacked after 100 games at the Stamford Bridge helm. Issue date: Wednesday September 7, 2022.

France set to conclude Zidane deal after FIFA World Cup 2026 failure

The French Football Federation [FFF] is concluding a deal to appoint former Real Madrid mentor Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach after the World Cup 2026 exit. Les Blues lost their FIFA World Cup 2026 clash against Spain…

Messi salutes Argentina’s ‘special’ grit after dramatic World Cup semi-final victory

Argentina fought back to win 2-1 over England in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals and will face Spain in Sunday's final. Argentina looked to be heading out after Anthony Gordon gave England the lead, but they produced another late…

England's head coach Thomas Tuchel gestures during the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals match England against Argentina, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 15 July 2026. EPA/OLGA FEDOROVA

Thomas Tuchel defends England tactics after Argentina World Cup heartbreak

England's FIFA World Cup campaign ended with a dramatic 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina on Wednesday. England looked on course for a place in their first World Cup final since 1966 when Anthony Gordon gave them the lead early…

Argentina stun England with late comeback to reach World Cup final

Argentina booked their place in the World Cup final after scoring twice late on to beat England 2-1 in a dramatic semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday. Anthony Gordon looked to have fired England into their first World Cup final…

Kaizer Chiefs held to a draw in second pre-season friendly with Al Kholood

Kaizer Chiefs have drawn their second pre-season friendly 1-1 with Saudi Pro League outfit Al Kholood Club. New Amakhosi head coach Fernando Da Cruz led his team to a 1-1 stalemate with Scottish Premier League giants Rangers in a…

Former Bafana Bafana analyst Mali joins AmaZulu

AmaZulu announced the appointment of former Bafana Bafana technical team member Sinesipho Mali as the club's Head of Football Strategy ahead of the 2026/27 season. The 32-year-old served as an analyst for the South African national team for the…

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford of England looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage match England against Ghana, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, 23 June 2026. EPA/GREG M. COOPER

FIFA World Cup: Pickford calls for England to ‘stay calm’ ahead of Argentina semi-final clash

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has urged his teammates to remain composed as they prepare for a blockbuster 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final against Argentina later tonight.

Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente is interviewed after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals match France against Spain, in Dallas, USA, 14 July 2026. EPA/SAM WASSON

La Roja: ‘Now we have the last step’ — Luis de la Fuente rallies Spain ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final

Spain sent a strong message to the rest of the world with a commanding performance against the tournament favourites, delivering a display that bore little resemblance to their goalless group-stage stalemate with Cape Verde.

France's head coach Didier Deschamps is interviewed after losing the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals match France against Spain, in Dallas, USA, 14 July 2026. EPA/SAM WASSON

Le Blues: “We must accept it without forgetting everything we experienced” — Didier Deschamps reflects on France’s semi-final defeat to Spain

France’s remarkable World Cup campaign came to an end on Tuesday in Dallas, Texas, as a 2-0 loss to Spain dashed their hopes of claiming a third FIFA World Cup title under Didier Deschamps. France’s remarkable World Cup campaign…

Thabo Moloisane of South Africa during the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2026 match between South Africa and Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium, in Nelspruit on 14 October 2025 ©Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix

PSL Transfer News: Kaizer Chiefs dream becomes reality for Bafana Bafana defender

Thabo Moloisane has described his move to Kaizer Chiefs as a dream come true after officially joining the Soweto giants from Stellenbosch FC.

Thabo Moloisane of Stellenbosch FC gets a cross in during the Betway Premiership 2025/26 game between Stellenbosch FC and Chippa United at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on 21 March 2026 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Thabo Moloisane: ‘Joining Kaizer Chiefs Is A Dream Come True’

Thabo Moloisane is delighted to finally be a Kaizer Chiefs player after completing his move from Stellenbosch.