De Sa Decides To Call It Quits At Pirates
Roger de Sa has resigned from his job as Orlando Pirates coach. The former Bidvest Wits mentor has been under immense pressure following three final defeats in the MTN8, Telkom Knockout and CAF Champions League, as well as a faltering start to the league in 2014. Now Pirates have confirmed his resignation, with Chairman Irvin Khoza saying: “Roger has achieved at Orlando Pirates more that he did anywhere before. He reached three finals including the African Champions League final. The last time Orlando Pirates reached the final of this prestigious tournament was 15 years ago. – Full Story via Kickoff
Kaizer Chiefs veteran Josta Dladla is hoping to enter a plea bargain after testing positive for a banned substance. The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport confirmed Dladla tested positive for a stimulant called Methylhexaneamine following a clash between Chiefs and Orlando Pirates on October 26 at Soccer City. “Right now what I can say is that we are hoping for a plea bargain,” says the player’s business manager Steve Kapeluschnik. “We have been in touch with the prosecutors, WADA and SAID and right now it’s a little bit complicated. But we are hoping for a plea bargain and we will have all the information regarding the matter.”
Witbank Spurs midfielder Sibusiso Isaac Papa has tragically died. “It is with great sadness that we would like to officially advice of the passing of Witbank Spurs midfielder, Mr Sibusiso Isaac Papa,” read a statement from Witbank Spurs. “The late Mr S.I Papa was involved in a fatal car accident Sunday morning. His funeral will take place on the 15 February 2014, in the Eastern Cape.” – Full Story via Kickoff
Chippa United CEO Peter Koutroulis has brushed off criticism of the club’s decision to fire Ian Palmer, who became the seventh coaching casualty in 18 months at the Philippi outfit. Palmer was let go last week despite collecting 14 points from a possible 21 during his time in charge of the National First Division contenders. The Chilli Boys have since hired Vladislav Heric as their tactician, while Palmer has taken on a technical director role with Cape rivals Milano United. – Full Story via Kickoff
Mpumalanga Black Aces have finally registered Energy Murambadoro after the Department of Home Affairs issued the Zimbabwean goalkeeper with his permanent residence last Friday. Murambadoro signed for Aces at the beginning of the season but has not been available for selection due to the fact that he has been waiting for the issuing of the papers that allow him to be registered as a non-foreigner. – Full Story via Kickoff
SuperSport United have received a boost with the availability of Thuso Phala and David Mathebula. Phala has been out of action since late last year with an ankle injury, while fellow midfielder Mathebula was struggling with a knee problem. The pair, however, are in line to make their return at Peter Mokaba Stadium in midweek against Kaizer Chiefs. Meanwhile, defender Sibusiso Khumalo is scheduled to have surgery today for a head injury he sustained during a league match against AmaZulu last week. – Full Story via Kickoff
New Kaizer Chiefs striker Katlego Mphela says he will go the extra mile for the club in order to earn a national team recall. The 23-goal Bafana Bafana striker has for some time been battling to earn call-ups, but he feels the move to Naturena puts him in an environment where he can get back to what he does best – scoring goals. “I’m here to add experience … I’m willing to work hard. Fitness-wise I’m not yet there, but I’m willing to go the extra mile,” ‘Killer’ said. “It is a new lease on life and maybe this will provide me with an opportunity to go back to the national team,” he continues. – Full Story via Kickoff
After his superb performance during the Nedbank Ke Yona Cup, Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Hendrick Ekstein is hoping to get a call from coach Stuart Baxter to join the senior team. Ekstein was named Man of the Match during the game against the Nedbank Ke Yona team after his excellent performance in the middle of the park at Lucas Moripe Stadium. The Amakhosi development academy player is now dreaming of a chance to play in the senior team. – Full Story via Kickoff
Nigerian stars Ejike Uzoenyi, Azubuike Egwuekwe and Solomon Kwambe are close to sealing moves to South African clubs. Uzoenyi was named Chan MVP at the conclusion of the tournament held in South Africa, and is believed to be a transfer target for Orlando Pirates. The trio did not return with the rest of the Super Eagles squad on Sunday night when the team arrived in Lagos, adding weight to speculation that they are locked in negotiations with PSL clubs. – Full Story via Kickoff
Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed their intention to keep Zimbabwean striker Knowledge Musona at the club beyond the end of the season. Musona is currenly on a season-long loan at Naturena from German outfit Hoffenheim. “Negotiations are going on,” says Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung.”We have an option of either buying him out of contract or extending his current loan because we still need him.” – Full Story via Kickoff
Kaizer Chiefs striker Kaizer Motaung Junior has announced his retirement from football. Amakhosi confirmed the news on their official Twitter feed, saying: “Kaizer Motaung JNR has officially announced his retirement. Thank you for your loyal service as a Glamour Boy.” Motaung, the son of club owner Kaizer, is quoted as saying: “I wanna also thank my former and current teammates, staff and grounds staff. And to the supporters, thank you! Without you we are nothing.” – Full Story via Kickoff
Keegan Ritchie has finally completed his move from Kaizer Chiefs to SK Slavia Prague in Czech Republic. Ritchie is expected to leave the country this week after finally receiving his work-permit, having agreed on financial terms some time ago. He has signed a four-year contract with SK Slavia Prague of the Czech Republic. – Full Story via Kickoff
Kaizer Chiefs are set to move their CAF Champions League match against Namibian side Black Africa this Saturday to the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. This has been necessitated by the possibility of the game clashing with a league fixture between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Initially Amakhosi had scheduled their CAF match at the FNB Stadium, which is a few kilometres from Orlando Stadium, at the same date and time. – Full Story via Kickoff
Mark Mayambela looks to have done enough to earn himself a contract in Sweden. ‘Professor’ joined Djurgardens on trial last month and has reportedly impressed both the fans and technical team at the club. He featured in a friendly against Finnish side Mariehamn and was involved in four of the seven goals his side scored. “He has done very well since joining Djurgardens on trial,” says his agent Tim Sukazi. “He played for 85 minutes yesterday and the fans were chanting his name when he left the field. We are very confident he will be offered a contract. – Full Story via Kickoff
Rumours of a return to the Bafana Bafana fold for Carlos Queiroz is slowly but surely gathering pace. The South African Football Association look set to part ways with incumbent Gordon Igesund following failures at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and the recent African Nations Championships, as well as missing out on 2014 World Cup qualification. SAFA President Danny Jordaan promised after the CHAN exit that the technical team would be reviewed, and it seems that they have gone for the ‘back to the future’ approach, bring back Queiroz for a second spell. – Full Story via Kickoff
Ajax Cape Town have appointed former Hellenic captain Sergio Dos Santos as their new head of scouting. Dos Santos brings vast experience to the Urban Warriors having been a star captain for Hellenic between 1968 and 1976, winning many honours, and he has also coached at Santos, Orlando Pirates, Hellenic, Cape Town Spurs, Ikapa Sporting and Kaizer Chiefs. Dos Santos is also well known for his television work as a pundit for the UEFA Champions League. – Full Story via Kickoff
Kaizer Chiefs striker Lehlohonolo Majoro will not be moving to Orlando Pirates this season. ‘Major’ has signed a pre-contract with the Buccaneers and was hoping to move to Parktown in January already, but Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung says Pirates never came back to them. “The deal is not going to happen,” Motaung said. “We waited for Pirates but they never came back to us. Majoro remains Kaizer Chiefs player.” – Full Story via Kickoff
Mamelodi Sundowns have agreed to release midfielder Jabulani Shongwe to Bidvest Wits. Shongwe has joined Wits on a six-month loan deal. The player has signed a pre-contract with the Clever Boys to join them officially on July 1. – Full Story via Kickoff
Thembinkosi Fanteni has stopped training with Ajax Cape Town and is now trying out at National First Division side Chippa United. ‘Terror’ had been hoping to win a contract with the Urban Warriors, but the club felt that he was not in good enough shape. However, Chippa are now giving him a chance to prove his worth. –Full Story via Kickoff
SuperSport United have signed Thamsanqa Teyise from AmaZulu on a pre-contract. The central defender’s contract expires in June and will arrive at United on a free transfer when the deal comes to an end. SuperSport United CEO Stan Matthews is delighted with the move after the player opted for United following the pursuit of several clubs. “We are very pleased to have secured the services of Thamsanqa Teyise for next season. He is one of the best defenders in the PSL and we are happy that he has entrusted us to take his career to the next level. – Full Story via Kickoff
Maritzburg United have signed Bhongolwethu Jayiya on loan from Bidvest Wits. The Soweto-born midfielder was on the wanted list of Ajax Cape Town during the January transfer window. However, he has now joined United on loan until the end of the season. – Full Story via Kickoff
Moroka Swallows have signed former Santos striker Vuyisile Wana. Wana had looked set to join AmaZulu, but the Birds have now moved to reinforce their strike-force. Swallows earlier decided against signing former SuperSport United midfielder Senzo Ndlovu. – Full Story via Kickoff
Ajax Cape Town have signed Thamsanqa Sangweni on loan for the rest of the season. Sangweni has seen little game-time at Mamelodi Sundowns, leading to various clubs being linked with the 24-year-old midfielder. He has only started one league game all season. – Full Story via Kickoff
Zimbabwean winger Kudakwashe Mahachi has secured his move to Mamelodi Sundowns, although he can only join the club in June. Mahachi has agreed to join Sundowns on a five-year deal before the start of the 2014/15 campaign, as the Brazilians have exhausted their foreign quota for this season. In the meantime, Mahachi – who belongs to his hometown club Bantu Rovers, who play in Zimbabwe’s second tier league – will be loaned to popular Bulawayo giants Highlanders on a deal that will run until he links up with Sundowns in June. – Full Story via Kickoff
Thabo Nthethe has signed for Mamelodi Sundowns on a four-year deal. The Brazilians had approached Celtic over the Bafana Bafana defender, and the contract has now been signed and sealed. Nthethe told the club’s official website: “Joining a big team like Sundowns is dream come true for me, as it is one I always wished could happen for a while now. – Full Story via Kickoff Nigeria
Ajax Cape Town have secured the signature of Zimbabwe international Simba Sithole on a two-year contract. The targetman played in the 2014 CHAN tournament and he is not to be confused with Simbarashe Sithole, who was once on the books of Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United. The Sithole signed by Ajax was playing for How Mine FC in the Zimbabwean Premier League. – Full Story via Kickoff
Maritzburg United operations manager Quintin Jettoo is confident departing midfielder Michael Morton will give it his all for the club until the end of the season. Morton, a tireless operator in the engine room, has signed a pre-contract with SuperSport United, meaning he will switch sides in July. Jettoo told the Team of Choice’s website: “The decision is totally fine with us. We have been in the loop for a while now. Michael has reiterated his commitment to the Team of Choice for the remainder of the season and has always wore his heart on his sleeve and we expect no less over the next few months. – Full Story via Kickoff
SA players abroad round-up:
New KV Oostende signing Andile Jali will have to wait for his debut for the Belgian side after not featuring in their match-day squad at the weekend.
The Bafana Bafana midfielder completed his move to Europe from Orlando Pirates last week, but will be given time to settle in at his new club. Oostende continued their fine recent form though with a 1-0 win at Charleroi and go into Wednesday’s second leg of their Belgian Cup semi-final against Ayanda Patosi’s Lokeren with confidence high. The teams are locked at 1-1 with the home leg to come for Oostende. Jali may feature in that game, or possibly wait until Saturday’s home league clash with Gent.
There will be relief for Anele Ngcongca as his Genk side won 2-0 at Mechelen, ending a run of six straight league defeats, while Patosi came on for the final 20 minutes of his side’s 1-1 draw at Zulte-Waregem.
Darren Keet was dropped to the bench for Kortrijk as they were held 1-1 by relegation-threatened Waasland-Beveren, punishment for some erratic performances in recent weeks. He now faces a battle to win his place back.
In the second tier, both Ntuthuko Radebe and Phakase Mngadi started for Eupen as they won 5-1 at home to Heist to keep on track for promotion.
Kagisho Dikgacoi made his return from injury in Crystal Palace’s 2-0 loss at Arsenal in the English Premiership. ‘KG’ has sat out the last month with a calf problem, but returned for the loss at the Emirates, where he played the full 90 minutes.
Steven Pienaar laid on Everton’s first goal as they came from behind to beat Aston Villa 2-1 in the Premiership. ‘Schillo’ provided a lovely flick into the path of Steven Naismith for the Scotland international to level.
Tokelo Rantie was back in the starting line-up for Bournemouth, but his side were controversially beaten 1-0 by runaway English Championship leaders Leicester City. With South African-born Andrew Surman starting as a playmaker just behind Rantie, the Cherries had the better of the play but conceded late on when Kevin Phillips turned the ball goalwards and it was adjudged to have crossed the line.
Bongani Khumalo started and Dean Furman came on at halftime as Doncaster Rovers were held 0-0 by Middlesbrough at home.
Kamohelo Mokotjo was in the heart of the PEC Zwolle midfield as they completed a comfortable 3-1 victory over Roda JC to move back into the top eight in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Thulani Serero played for Ajax Amsterdam in their 1-1 draw at Utrecht that leaves them two points in the lead at the top of the table.