Downs Boost Title
Credentials With Signing Of Niang
Mamelodi Sundowns have signed Mame Niang from SuperSport
United on a three-year deal.
The transfer will also see Togo international Dove Wome move in the
opposite direction on loan, with an option to buy outright. Sundowns have also
announced that veteran midfielder Surprise Moriri has signed a new two-year
contract.
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Xolani Mdaki is about to sign a short-term deal with
Swedish club Djurgardens. Mdaki, who was on loan at Santos last season,
started training with Djurgardens on July 7 and he has impressed the club’s
technical team, who in turn are now prepared to offer him a deal. “Djurgardens
will take him on loan until the end of the Swedish season which is in
November,” a source reveals. The 22-year-old can play both defensively and as
an attacking midfielder. Djurgardens, who play in Sweden’s top league the
Allsvenskan, are home to another South African midfielder Mark Mayambela.
Moroka Swallows striker Siyabonga Nomvethe also previously played for the club.
Ex-AmaZulu midfielder
Thokozani Mshengu and former University of Pretoria defender Warren Bishop are
both on trial at Mpumalanga Black Aces. Mshengu parted ways with Usuthu
last season, while Bishop was dumped by AmaTuks in the off-season. AmaZayoni
have been busy in the transfer market of late, having signed Edwin Gyimah,
Collins Mbesuma, Thanduyise Khuboni and Bhongolethu Jayiya to name but a few.
Polokwane City have
swooped on defender Jabulani ‘Master’ Dladla from Mbombela United. Dladla
is the second player to leave United for a PSL side in the off-season after
defender Itumeleng Tlali signed with Orlando Pirates. Both players made a great
impression during a Nedbank Cup game against Moroka Swallows played in
Johannesburg last season.
Ajax Cape Town are
set to sign Bidvest Wits defender Katlego Pule pending the results of a
medical. “We are waiting on the results of his medical, depending on the
results we are going to sign him,” confirms Ajax coach Roger de Sa. The
23-year-old Pule made four league starts for the Clever Boys last season.
Veteran goalkeeper Arthur Bartman has confirmed that he has retired from
playing professional football, stating that this time it is for good. Bartman,
42, has since taken over as the new goalkeeper coach at National First Division
club Golden Arrows replacing Paulo Evangelista. “I am done with playing and
this time it is for good,” says Bartman. Bartman had actually retired prior to
the start of the past season and had taken up a post as goalkeeper coach at
Maritzburg United before then deciding to come out of retirement to join Arrows
at the beginning of the year. Bartman retires having built up a reputation of
being a journeyman after playing for Arrows, Kaizer Chiefs, Bay United, Free
State Stars, Dynamos, Moroka Swallows, SuperSport United, Bush Bucks, African
Wanderers plus several other lower division clubs like Maritzburg City, Crystal
Brains, Rebels FC, Royal Tigers, MBO Lions and Real Taj.
Safa have appointed Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba as the new
Bafana Bafana coach. Mashaba returns He was one of the favourites for the job
along with Carlos Queiroz and Stephen Keshi. “The appointment of Shakes
Mashaba was a unanimous decision by the NEC,” said Safa president Danny
Jordaan at a press conference on Saturday. Sport Minister Fikile Mbalula added:
“We support Safa’s decision to appoint Shakes Mashaba as Bafana
coach.” Mashaba previously managed Bafana in 19 matches, recording 12
wins, five draws and two defeats.
to the hotseat to replace
Gordon Igesund.
Chippa United have
confirmed the signing of Siyabulela Shai on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns for
another season. Shai spent the past season on loan at Chippa and the PSL
returnees have now managed to re-negotiate an extension of his stay at the
club. Peter Koutroulis, the CEO at Chippa, confirms the acquisition of Shai,
adding that they are still in talks with Sundowns over Doctor Mampuru. Chippa
have also loaned out Philani Dlamini to Royal Eagles while Petrus Ngebo
(formerly Mahlatsi) has also moved on to the same club on a free transfer.
Former Jomo Cosmos captain Gladwin Shitolo has joined Orlando Pirates. The
former Under-23 international’s move to the Buccaneers has been confirmed by
his former team Cosmos on their Twitter page. “Gladwin had taken Cosmos to the
PSL DRC [Dispute Resolution Chamber] to get his clearance because he believed
that he is a free agent, and he is now free to join a club of his choice. That
is Orlando Pirates and he has signed with them,” a source reveals. Shitolo was
linked with Polokwane City recently, but as it turns out he will be playing in
Bucs’ black and white colours in the new season.
Former Free State Stars defender Mbhuyiselo
Sambu has become Chippa United’s 15th signing ahead of the new season.
Sambu had been at the Chilli Boys for an assessment in the past few weeks and
he has now put pen to paper on a one-year deal, according to his representative
Ratshibvumo Mulovhedzi of Rush Hour Sports.
Duncan Lechesa is the
new coach of National First Division side Royal Eagles. Lechesa was set to
resign as Free State Stars’ assistant coach just two weeks into the job in
favour of joining Eagles. After leaving Ea Lla Koto, Lechesa has now indeed
taken over at Eagles.
Ghana goalkeeper
Fatau Dauda is staying with Orlando Pirates for the new season, as far as Bucs
official Floyd Mbele is concerned. Dauda, who has played second fiddle to
Senzo Meyiwa since arriving at Mayfair a year ago, is reportedly being chased
by an unnamed Egyptian club. However, Mbele says the Buccaneers have not
received any offers for the 29-year-old. Dauda made just two starts and one substitute appearance for
the Soweto giants in 2013/14.
With Shakes Mashaba
taking over as Bafana Bafana coach, Serame Letsoaka has now been linked with
the national Under-20 job. Currently Letsoaka has been tasked to lead the
national Under-19s in a tournament which also features Sporting Lisbon from
Portugal, Boca Juniors from Argentina, Everton from England, Feyenoord from
Netherlands, Roma from Italy, Santos from Brazil, as well as Hoy Park Sports
Development Centre Academy XI from Kwa-Zulu Natal. The tournament will be held
in Durban from 31 July to 9 August.
Chippa United have
beaten Platinum Stars for the services of striker Mhlengi Cele from Thanda
Royal Zulu. Cele was on the wanted list of both PSL clubs after his great
showing in a Nedbank Cup game against Orlando Pirates in Richards Bay last
season. However, the Chilli Boys have moved to capture the former Nongama
Citizens man on a three-year contract. Meanwhile, Chippa also recently
recruited Chris Komane from Thanda.
Ajax Cape Town coach
Roger de Sa says he has been impressed with Thabiso Nkoana, who is on a
week-long trial at Ikamva. The SuperSport United striker scored in a 3-2
pre-season friendly defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, and Ajax management will now
decide whether or not he deserves a contract.
Free State Stars have completed the signing of Richard
Henyekane from Mamelodi Sundowns. The striker spent last season on
loan at Stars, making 18 League appearances and scoring seven goals in the
process. He had been linked with a
move to Platinum Stars, but has now joined Ea Lla Kota on a permanent deal.
Good news for Orlando Pirates fans is
that Happy Jele’s injury is not serious. The defender was substituted in
the second half of their Carling Black Label Cup win against Kaizer Chiefs
after struggling to breath, but team doctor Jakes Mathebula tells the club’s
official website it was just precautionary.
Orlando Pirates have decided to keep
midfielder Thabo Rakhale for this coming season after he impressed coach
Vladimir Vermezovic during the pre-season. The 24-year-old midfielder
previously played for Sivutsa Stars before he was sent on loan to Polokwane
City last season. Rakhale’s manager, Mandla Mthembu of New Generation says that
his client is staying with Bucs for the 2014/15 campaign.
Apollo XI failed in
their quest to gain promotion to the NFD after drawing 0-0 with Angavu Stars in
a ABC Motsepe League playoff game at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday. The
Mpumalanga outfit side finished their Group A campaign on eight points, one
point behind Cape Town All Stars, who will be promoted to the NFD along with
Group A winners Highlands Park. In another Group A game, played simultaneously
on the King Zwelithini outer fields, North West side Shining Stars finished
their play-off campaign in fine fashion, hammering Free State side Sibanye Golden
Stars 7-2.
Polokwane City have
agreed to a three-year deal with former Black Leopards goalkeeper Dino Visser. Visser
was recently training with Mpumalanga Black Aces with a view to earning a
contract. However, City have moved to recruit the ex-Bloemfontein Celtic man’s
services.
Limpopo side Black Leopards have found a
new coach from Ireland. Lidoda Duvha have appointed Sean Connor, who will
be assisted by Solly Luvhengo and Ashwin Sutton. Connor has some African
experience having coached Caps United in Zimbabwe. Other changes at the club
include at management level where the new team manager is Lawrence Okwaba and
Bryge Wachipa will serve as the new CEO. Club boss David Thidiela says the main
objective for the club is winning promotion. “The aim is to win the League and
gain promotion to the Premier Soccer League,” he says. The club’s headquarters
remain in Polokwane, but the club will play their matches in Thohoyandou.
Mamelodi Sundowns winger Lebohang Mokoena
will miss the start of the season with a shoulder injury, while veteran
midfielder Surprise Moriri is also carrying a knock. ‘Cheeseboy’ has been
nursing his complaint since last term and has sought the surgeon’s knife to
rectify the damage. Moriri will likewise play no part in Downs’ MTN8 opener
against Platinum Stars next Saturday due to a knee problem.
Goodman Dlamini was
in tears after being named AmaZulu’s player of the 2013/14 season at a function
at Suncoast Casino in Durban last Thursday night. The 26-year-old was also
named the club’s most improved player, while he picked up a ‘Suncoast Moment of
Brilliance’ prize, as voted for by fans. “I’m very happy and it’s
unexplainable the joy I have at this moment,” said Dlamini after receiving
his accolades from Usuthu legend Fred Mfeka. Usuthu captain Carlington Nyadombo
picked up the players’ player of the season prize.
It was a dismal night
for South Africans competing in the UEFA Europa League last week, though May
Mahlangu’s Goteborg did advance to the next stage despite a home defeat. Mahlangu
started for the Swedish side as they lost 1-0 to the 10 men of Hungarian side
Gyor, but having done the hard work with a 3-0 away win in the first leg, they
still advanced to the third round. There
they will meet Portuguese side Rio Ave with the first leg at home on July 31.
Goteborg are one of four Swedish sides remaining in the competition. Out go Joel Untersee and his
Lichtenstein side FC Vaduz, who were held 0-0 at home by Polish club Ruch
Chorzow to slip to a 3-2 aggregate defeat.
Untersee, on loan for another season from Italian giants Juventus, started
again for Vaduz, who will now concentrate on their campaign in the Swiss
top-flight. Also out go Dani Amos’s
Israeli side Hapoel Tel Aviv, who beat Kazakshtan club Astana 1-0 but bow out
3-1 on aggregate. Goalkeeper Amos was dropped to the bench for the second leg,
which was played in Cyprus due to the ongoing military situation in Israel.
The chances of Knowledge Musona
returning to Kaizer Chiefs are looking stronger as he continues to recover from
injury. The Zimbabwean is back at his German parent club TSG 1899
Hoffenheim after spending last season on loan at Amakhosi. However, they are
looking to offload the 24-year-old, and he is struggling to find a European
club who will take a chance on him while he is injured. This paves the way for
a return to Naturena for at least another six months. Bobby Motaung did confirm
that Chiefs have tabled an offer to take the striker back, either on loan or on
a permanent transfer. Amakhosi have also been given assurances by Hoffenheim
that if no European club tables a better offer by the end of the month, Musona
will be allowed to return to Chiefs. Hoffenheim want to cash in on the
Zimbabwean – who still has two years remaining on his contract – and they want
around 1-million Euros (R11-million) for him.
Mpumalanga Black Aces have announced the
signing of Edwin Gyimah from SuperSport United. The 23-year-old Ghanaian
had been linked with a move to Europe after three seasons with Matsatsantsa,
but will now join Aces as they continue to build on a squad capable of
improving on last season’s eighth-place finish.
Platinum Stars
chairman Ratanang Nke has dismissed talk that the club may be sold this coming
season. Telkom Knockout and MTN8 holders are struggling financially and
this influenced their decision to sell key players like Issa Sarr and
Lindokuhle Mbatha, while star midfielder Mogakolodi ‘Tso’ Ngele could also be
on the way out of Rustenberg. North West businessman Thapelo Tshepe is
understood to be a potential buyer of Stars but attempts to get him to comment
proved fruitless. However according to Nke, Dikwena is not for sale. “There is
no substance whatsoever to the story that Platinum Stars is for sale,” says Nke.
Ajax Cape Town have confirmed the
signing of American attacker Noah Sadaoui on a long-term deal. The
Morocco-born winger started his career at Wydad Casablanca, before moving to
America at the age of 11 to join the youth team of New York Red Bulls and ended
up at the PDA Academy. Last year Sadaoui signed with Maccabi Haifa, but due to
international player restrictions was unable to make his official debut. Ajax boss Ari Efstathiou said of Sadaoui’s
capture: “Noah impressed the technical team and we are very happy to have
secured his signature. He is a versatile player and the coach will be able to
use him in a number of positions if called upon.” The Urban Warriors have also
secured the services of former Platinum Stars defender James Mofokeng on a
two-year contract. Coach Roger de Sa has also promoted attacking midfielder
Ziyaad Eksteen to the first team from the development ranks, and Efstathiou is
confident the 18-year-old will make his mark at senior level.
Ajax Cape Town have completed the
signing of defender James Mofokeng. The former Platinum Stars player
completed his move to Ikamva last Wednesday evening after impressing coach
Roger de Sa while on trial. The 22-year-old will hope the move finally
kick-starts a promising career that has so far failed to get out of first gear.
The SAFA School of Excellence product joined Dikwena two years ago, but made
just a single appearance for the side in two seasons, ironically against Ajax
as Stars were trounced 4-1 in Cape Town in August 2012. Mofokeng became the
fourth signing for Ajax in this transfer window after Zimbabwean midfielder
Milton Ncube, Malawi international Robin Ngalande and winger Phathizwe
Sacolo.
Kaizer Chiefs have ended their pursuit
of Bidvest Wits captain Sibusiso Vilakazi. For some time now, Chiefs have
been after the midfielder but Amakhosi’s football manager Bobby Motaung
admitted that the player is no longer on their radar. “Wits said no, so that
won’t be happening,” Motaung says. Wits insisted in the past that Vilakazi –
the PSL Footballer of the Season in 2013/14 – will only leave the club for an
overseas outfit.
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Tiyani
Mabunda has resurfaced at Mpumalanga Black Aces in the hope of earning a deal
with the club. Mabunda struggled with game-time at Sundowns last season but
is now hoping for a chance to revive his career at Amazayoni. The former Black
Leopards midfielder is set to join Aces on loan from the Brazilians. According
to a source close to Sundowns, midfielder Sean Ledwaba has also been given
permission to train with Aces.
SuperSport United have confirmed the
signing of former Platinum Stars striker Thabani Mthembu. The 20-year-old
was handed just one league start and nine substitute appearances – 268 minutes
of Premiership football – by Dikwena last season and as a result, he parted
ways with Stars.
Kaizer Chiefs are still deciding on
whether they will participate in the CAF Champions League this year. Amakhosi,
by virtue of finishing runners-up in the Absa Premiership, qualified for
Africa’s premier club competition for a second year running, but rumours have
been doing the rounds that they will not take up the challenge. Chiefs director
Jessica Motaung poured further fuel on the fire at a press conference when she
said: “We have received the invitation to play in the CAF Champions League. We
will announce in due course.” Should Chiefs decide not to play, it remains to
be seen whether another PSL team gets the nod, or whether the spot will be
forfeited.
Maritzburg United
turned down a multi-million rand move to Port Elizabeth because they received a
counter offer from the Maritzburg municipality. Maritzburg United were
offered a chance to relocate to PE but rejected the offer and instead newly
promoted Chippa United took the reported R35 million deal. A word from inside
Maritzburg United’s camp is that the club received a counter offer which is
worth more or less the same as Chippa’s, and decided to stay. “The club was
going to move to PE but they received an offer from the Maritzburg municipality
and they quickly jumped at it. That is why the club decided to stay but of
course they are not saying anything about it,” says a source inside the club.
Muhsin Ertugral says he hopes to be back
in South Africa in September. The 54-year-old resigned from Ajax Cape Town in
late January following the death of his foster father Adnan Senses, and has
been in Turkey ever since to take care of family affairs. But, despite offers
in Europe, Ertugral says he is keen to return to the Premier Soccer League,
where he has also coached Kaizer Chiefs, Santos and Golden Arrows. “I would
love to come back very soon, but for now I am still in Turkey and looking after
the family,” he says.
Maritzburg United
striker Terrance Mandaza could miss the start of the new league season after
getting stuck in Zimbabwe due to work permit issues. Mandaza is currently
missing at training with United while the rest of his team are hard at work
preparing for the new campaign. However,
Team of Choice manager Quinton Jetto is hoping that the Zimbabwean striker’s
papers will be sorted out very soon.
SuperSport United goalkeeper Ronwen
Williams is back in the country after training with German Bundesliga team
Hannover 96. Williams was afforded the opportunity to gain some valuable
life experience after being allowed to train with Hannover for a week. The
Bafana Bafana goalkeeper has since returned to the country. His agent Rob Moore
says the player’s trip to Germany was successful.