Senzo’s Suspected
Killer Has Been Released
The man thought to have killed Senzo Meyiwa has been released
as the state does not have enough evidence to prosecute him.
Zanokuhle Mbatha was originally arrested following the incident in Vosloorus
three weeks ago which saw the Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain lose
his life. He was identified in a line-up after being picked up on October 31,
and his trial was due to start in the Boksburg Magistrates Court today.
However, the court has now withdrawn the case and ordered his immediate release
due to a lack of evidence
Former Orlando
Pirates midfielder Lebohang Mothibantwa has ventured into coaching after taking
on a development role at Cypriot outfit Bostanci Bagcil. Mothibantwa
recently signed a one-and-a-half-year playing contract with Bagcil, and has
featured in three league games this season. However, he will now also be
running the club’s U-12 and U-19 teams. The ex-Bloemfontein Celtic man is
confident he can handle the extra work-load. On the playing front, he says he
is enjoying himself.
Siyabonga Nomvete’s
agent Mike Makaab says they are yet to discuss the striker’s plans for next
season. Nomvete, 37, is contracted to Moroka Swallows until the end of the
campaign, and Makaab says they will evaluate his options in due course. The
former Udinese forward has provided two assists in nine appearances in 2014/15.
Makaab feels Nomvete’s healthy lifestyle continues to serve him well. Nomvete,
who earned 82 Bafana Bafana caps, has seen less game-time of late, but Makaab
feels he still has plenty to offer South African football. Meanwhile, Makaab
doubts Nomvete will go into coaching when he eventually calls time on his
career.
Platinum Stars
goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane and Mpumalanga Black Aces striker Tendai Ndoro
head Orlando Pirates’ wanted list for the January transfer window. The Sea
Robbers are looking for a keeper to replace the late Senzo Meyiwa, and made an
unsuccessful bid for Mpontshane in the previous trading period. According to a
source close to Bucs, a fresh offer will be made for Mpontshane, while Ndoro
looks to be on his way to the Soweto giants as part of a swap deal involving
midfielder Aubrey Ngoma. Ngoma is on loan at AmaZayoni from the Buccaneers.
Pirates have three goalkeepers in Brighton Mhlongo, Philani Zikalala and Ntando
Nkala, with the former doing duty in the club’s 2-0 loss to SuperSport United
in the Telkom Knockout semi-finals on the weekend.
New Free State Stars
caretaker coach Kinnah Phiri said he is settling well into the role following
the departure of Tom Saintfiet. The Malawian was previously assisting
Saintfiet, who was sacked on 6 November in the wake of a 5-2 home defeat to
Polokwane City. Phiri was also in
charge of Stars towards the end of last season as the Bethlehem-based outfit
narrowly beat the drop. Ea Lla Koto,
who are 11th on the table with 11 points from 10 games, next visit Bidvest Wits
on 22 November.
Moroka Swallows are assessing stand-in
boss Fani Madida and will make a decision regarding the coaching position at a
later stage. Madida joined the Dube Birds at the beginning of the
season as an assistant coach but has been in charge since Zeca Marques left
last month. Club CEO Leon Prins says
that they are not looking elsewhere for a new coach. Prins says with more Swallows players coming back from injury the
team will get stronger as the campaign progresses.
Bafana Bafana and
Orlando Pirates legend Mark Fish has assured fans he will be “back on his
feet in no time” following a health scare. Fish was rushed to hospital
on Saturday after he experienced trouble breathing when at his house on the
banks of the Vaal River. However, the 40-year-old, who went for tests in
Vereeniging on Monday morning, expects he will be able to attend Pirates
Legends’ clash with Manchester Football Legends at Ellis Park this Saturday – a
game he was initially set to play in. The 1996 Afcon winner added: “But I’m
feeling great now. I’ll show my face at the Orlando Pirates versus Manchester
United Legends game on Saturday out of respect to Senzo Meyiwa but I won’t be
playing.
Orlando Pirates
have revealed the names of the former players that will represent the club in a
match against Manchester Football Legends. The match takes place at
Ellis Park in Johannesburg this Saturday. A strong Pirates squad includes some
of their finest players from the 1990s, including at least eight of the legends
of Abidjan who played in the 1-0 win away to Asec Mimosas that clinched the
African Champions Cup in 1995.
Orlando Pirates Legends: Williams
Okpara, Marc Batchelor, Mark Fish (will be unavailable), Edward Motale, Teboho
Moloi, Bashin Mahlangu, Innocent Chikoya, Ronnie Zondi, Gavin Lane, Steve
Lekoelea, Phiri Tsotetsi, Naughty Mokoena, Bruce Ramokadi, Josep Ngake, Helman
Mkhalele, Jerry Sikhosana, Andries Sebola and Eugene Zwane.
Bafana Bafana took
time off from training in Durban on Monday to pay their last respects to fallen
captain Senzo Meyiwa. Bafana stars such as Andile Jali, Mandla Masango and
Dean Furman were among those who visited Meyiwa’s grave at Heroes Acre cemetery
in Chesterville.
Mamelodi Sundowns
fans are divided over whether Pitso Mosimane is the right man to lead the club
forward. The Brazilians suffered a surprise 1-0 Telkom Knockout semi-final
defeat to Platinum Stars on Sunday, adding to their struggles in the Absa
Premiership, where they trail leader Kaizer Chiefs by 12 points. After yesterday’s match in Rustenburg,
some fans gathered around the team bus and chanted ‘Pitso must go’, though they
quickly dispersed when the PSL security was joined by members of the SAPS. Downs spokesperson Kabelo Mosito
preferred not to comment on the incident at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
Chippa United have
decided to part ways with midfielder Masibusane Zongo shortly after he
completed a rehabilitation course for alcohol abuse. Zongo has battled with
off-field issues over the past few years, prompting Chippa to send him for
treatment. And although Zongo successfully finished a 12-month programme, club
CEO Peter Koutroulis says they have since cut ties with the 24-year-old. Koutroulis didn’t want to elaborate on
the reasons for letting the player go. Zongo
has been marked as a player with a lot of potential but claims of
ill-discipline saw him lose favour at his former clubs SuperSport United and
Vasco da Gama.
Orlando Pirates coach Vladimir
Vermezovic says midfielder Oupa Manyisa deserves to captain the club. Manyisa
wore the armband in Pirates’ 2-0 defeat to SuperSport United in a Telkom
Knockout semi-final at Orlando Stadium last Saturday night. And Vermezovic said
Manyisa will continue leading the team, taking over from the late Senzo Meyiwa.
“Oupa Manyisa deserves to be the captain of this team,” Vermezovic said. “He is
Bafana Bafana player, he played the whole games last season. He was named the
player of the season at the club. And I think he completely deserves to captain
this team.”
Platinum Stars
reached their second consecutive Telkom Knockout Final after edging Mamelodi
Sundowns 1-0 in their semi-final on Sunday afternoon. Eleazar Rodgers
scored the only goal of the game five minutes after half-time to set up a 2014
Final against SuperSport United after they beat Orlando Pirates 2-0 on Saturday
night. Sundowns were unable to fashion a clear enough chance as they went in
search of an equaliser, with a half-chance, far-post header for Niang the
clearest opportunity in the second half following another disappointing
performance and result.
Midfielder Goodman
‘Deco’ Dlamini has been named AmaZulu’s player of the month for October. Usuthu
caretaker boss Wilfred Mugeyi said Dlamini was a worthy recipient of the award
in a trying time for the team. Dlamini was rewarded with R2000 and a night’s
stay for two at Suncoast Hotel Towers. The 26-year-old expressed gratitude and
took the opportunity to urge the side’s fans to keep showing their support.
Ajax Cape Town
reserve goalkeeper Brandon Petersen will spend 10 days training with Dutch
giants Ajax Amsterdam. The 20-year-old, who played seven PSL games in his breakthrough
season last term, currently provides cover to Finnish shot-stopper Anssi
Jaakkola at Ikamva. Petersen did duty in the MultiChoice Diski Challenge this
campaign but was unable to help the Urban Warriors reach the knockout stages of
the competition, which resumes on 17 January.
Orlando Pirates have advised that fans
who bought tickets for the Soweto Derby that was postponed from 2 November but
are unable to attend the rescheduled match on 6 December can go to Computicket
for full refund.
To obtain a full
refund:
• The valid original match ticket must be produced at Computicket.
• The equivalent monetary value of the ticket will be given to the ticket
holder in exchange for the ticket.
• All patrons wishing to exchange their tickets are encouraged to do so as soon
as possible ahead of match day.
Good news for fans that have been unable to purchase tickets
for the match on 6 December is that all refunded tickets will be put back into
the system for resale. The newly sold tickets will be dated 06 December 2014,
but all other remaining Soweto Derby match tickets dated 01 November 2014 will
continue to be valid. The Derby was postponed last weekend due to the passing
of Olrando Pirates captain, Senzo Meyiwa.
Thulani Serero
has been shortlisted for the 2014 African Player of the Year award, while
Bernard Parker, Bongani Ndulula and the late Senzo Meyiwa have also been
nominated for honours. Bafana Bafana and Ajax Amsterdam star Serero
is the only South African to be in the reckoning for CAF’s top individual
prize. However, compatriots Parker of Kaizer Chiefs, AmaZulu hitman Ndulula
(shocker), and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Meyiwa – who was fatally shot last
month – have been put forward for the 2014 Africa-based African Player of the
Year gong. Mamelodi Sundowns’ Nigerian winger Ejike Uzoenyi and University of
Pretoria’s Ugandan forward Geofrey Massa have also been recognised for their
efforts. CAF released the nominees for both accolades last Friday, with the
winners to be announced on 8 January at a ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria. The head
coaches and technical directors of the national associations affiliated to CAF
will decide the voting. Ivorian Yaya Toure was crowned African Player of the
Year for the past three years. Mohamed Aboutreika of Egypt was named African
Player of the Year (based in Africa) last year.
Chippa United midfielder Joseph
Molangoane faces a further six weeks on the sidelines as he battles to recover
from a broken shin. Molangoane, who looked to be on the mend after having
his moon boot removed last week, sustained the injury in his club’s 3-0 loss at
Maritzburg United on 26 August. However, the 26-year-old discovered today that
he now has to wear a cast for a month-and-a-half as his tibia is growing in the
wrong direction. The setback means Molangoane will only return for the Chilli
Boys next year.
Coach Jacob Sakala is
yet to join Royal Eagles and is still serving as a technical director to
Mpumalanga Black Aces. Sakala, along with former Kaizer Chiefs defender
Lefa Gqosha, were believed to be taking over the reins of the NFD club
following the departure of Duncan Lechesa last month. However, Sakala was spotted at Tshwane’s Lucas Moripe Stadium last
Wednesday when Aces drew 0-0 with Mamelodi Sundowns in the League. When contacted for clarity, Eagles
manager Richard Makhoba would only say that John Tlale is currently overseeing
first team matters.
ProSport International CEO Mike Makaab
says he is working hard to get Knowledge Musona a move away from Hoffenheim in
the January transfer window. The Zimbabwean international is currently
frozen out at the German Bundesliga club, where he is training with the reserve
team despite being injury-free following an ankle problem. He had been linked
with a return to Kaizer Chiefs, where he enjoyed a successful loan spell last
season, but Makaab insists that staying in Europe remains the top priority. Makaab
also reaffirmed that Europe is the main target, but that a return to Chiefs is
not totally out of the question. Musona had two spells at Kaizer Chiefs which
saw him bag 44 goals in 74 games.
Ajax Cape Town coach
Roger de Sa says his side will be making a few signings during the upcoming
January transfer window period, with out-of-favour Orlando Pirates midfielder
Lehlohonolo Masalesa understood to be one of the targets. De Sa admitted
that the Urban Warriors need experienced players to complement his young side
who have impressed so far in the season, but acknowledged that it will be
difficult owing to the limited funds available in comparison to Ajax’s
wealthier PSL rivals. Masalesa is not registered for Pirates this season and De
Sa may feel the best they can do is to bring him to Cape Town on loan until the
end of the season as they might not be able to afford his current salary.
The PSL has announced
new dates for the postponed Absa Premiership matches originally scheduled for
last week. Following last weekend’s postponement of both Absa Premiership
and National First Division (NFD) block fixtures, the PSL released revised
fixtures. This affects matches scheduled for the weekend of 31 October to 2
November. This block fixture has been moved to the weekend of 5 to 7 December.
This means that fixtures initially scheduled for the weekend of 5 to 7 December
2014 will now be played on Tuesday and Wednesday, 2 and 3 December.
Surprise Ralani is
set to leave relegated Swedish second-tier side Landskrona, the club have
confirmed. The South African forward, a contemporary of Tokelo Rantie and
May Mahlangu at Farouk Khan’s Stars of Africa Academy, has reportedly already
said goodbye to his teammates following the team’s relegation on the final day
of the Swedish season on Sunday. Ralani did not play in that game as he sits
out with a knee injury that has kept him sidelined since June – a key factor in
the club’s eventual relegation to the third-tier. With his contract expiring in
December, Ralani will now be a free agent. The 27-year-old Ralani, who like
Mahlangu never played in the PSL but went straight to Sweden, has been looked
at by a number of top-flight teams in that country and elsewhere in Europe. But
every time he looks as though he is making progress, he gets injured, otherwise
it is likely he would have been in the top-flight already. Ralani almost joined
Rantie at Malmo early last year but that move was scuppered by injury.
Free State Stars have
fired coach Tom Saintfiet after only 10 matches in charge. The Belgian took
over at the start of the season, but at a meeting following their 5-2 drubbing
at home by Polokwane City, the club decided to end his stay. Saintfiet didn’t
have the worst record in the world, having won three, drawn two and lost five
of his matches in charge. He becomes the sixth coach to lose his job this
season after Cavin Johnson (SuperSport United), Kosta Papic (Chippa United),
Craig Rosslee (AmaZulu), Zeca Marques (Moroka Swallows, resigned) and Boebie
Solomons (Polokwane City).
Liverpool officially announced a joint
venture with Hoy Park Sport Development Academy at the Soccerex forum at Moses
Mabhida Stadium. The Liverpool FC International Football Academy is the
club’s first coaching programme in South Africa and aims to provide
opportunities for young players and coaches to develop and have a positive
impact on the game in the country. Hoy Park Sport Development Academy was
launched last year at Soccerex by Paul Cardoso. This initiative will only focus
on players who are in the age group of five to 13 years old. These soccer
schools will seek to improve football skills and help students hone technical,
tactical, physical and social aspects of the game through age-specific drills.
Carlos Catalino, the Hoy Park Sport project manager, said this is
groundbreaking news for South Africa at large, and they hope this will give the
nation more support towards achieving their goals set out by SAFA for ‘Vision
2022’. On 5 June this year, the eThekwini Municipality council confirmed their
support of the project, thus allowing all necessary processes to proceed to
ensuring the construction of the facility. As part of this agreement, we first
saw the ELan International Durban Under-19 Tournament which was played in four
venues from July to August with six top international teams and which included
the South Africa Under-19 team. With Hoy Park taking part, players were scouted
throughout KZN and it was led by technical director Paul Cardoso and Gugu
Marawa. When the question was asked whether these plans will clash with SAFA’s
‘Masterplan’, Cardoso said that will not be the case. Danny White, the head of
International Academies at Liverpool, added that former and present players
will come to the country, which will be a huge encouragement for the students.
Other South African clubs who have joint ventures with European clubs are
Mpumalanga Black Aces with Manchester City, Ajax Cape Town with Ajax Amsterdam,
SuperSport United with Feyenoord and Bloemfontein Celtic with Sporting Lisbon.
Former Ajax Cape Town coach Muhsin
Ertugral has denied he is set to join Moroka Swallows. The Turk was
immediately linked with the Swallows hotseat following the resignation of Zeca
Marques on 20 October. Ertugral, however, has now distanced himself from the
job on Twitter, insisting the team is in the capable hands of caretaker boss
Fani Madida. He said: “The Rumours me joining any Club in SA is not true. Especially
Swallows. They have a great Coach and a friend. Fani must be supported.”
Platinum Stars are working around the
clock to keep Mamelodi Sundowns-target Luvolwethu Mpeta. Sundowns have set
their sights on signing the Bafana Bafana newcomer in the January transfer
window. But Dikwena last Monday moved a step closer to thrashing out a new
contract for the fullback, according to a senior official at the club. Mpeta’s
existing deal expires in June.
Bidvest Wits captain Sibusiso Vilakazi
says he is still traumatised after armed thugs broke into his parents’ house in
Soweto last Saturday. Vilakazi’s family were held at gunpoint as
robbers demanded his whereabouts before making off with a music system, TV set
and clothes belonging to the Bafana Bafana star. Vilakazi, who bought the house
for his parents in Orlando East, slept through the ordeal in a room at the back
of the property. The 24-year-old is set to miss his club’s League clash with
Chippa United in Port Elizabeth tomorrow as he helps his family recover from
the incident.
SA players abroad
Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Darren Keet kept
another clean sheet, while Thulani
Serero, Kamohelo Mokotjo and Ayanda Patosi also continue to impress
for their respective clubs in Europe.
Dani Amos, who
has expressed his desire to switch national team allegiance from Israel to
South Africa, kept a clean-sheet in Sunday’s 1-0 away win for Hapoel Tel Aviv
over Hapoel Ra’anana.
Dean Furman saw
his FA Cup first round tie with sixth-tier Weston-super-Mare postponed because
of an unplayable pitch.
Darren Keet
received a boost in confidence ahead of a likely appearance for South Africa
against Sudan on Saturday when he kept a second successive clean sheet as his
Belgian side Kortrijk won 1-0 against Lierse.
Andile Jali
started for Oostende as they were beaten 3-1 at home by bottom side
Zulte-Waregem.
Kamohelo Mokotjo
continues to impress in the Dutch league and helped FC Twente up to third with
a 4-0 away win at Dordrecht.
It was back-to-back losses for Anele Ngcongca’s Genk as they went down 2-0 at home to Standard
Liege.
Ricardo Nunes
played a leading role for his Polish side in their shock 2-1 victory over
league leaders Legia Warsaw on Sunday. Left-back Nunes has become a regular
this season at his new club.
Ayanda Patosi’s
electric form continued as he scored one and provided assists for two others as
Lokeren were comfortable 3-0 winners over Waasland-Beveren.
Lebogang Phiri
started in Sunday’s disappointing 3-0 away loss at Hobro.
Tokelo Rantie was
an unused substitute as Bournemouth claimed a credible 0-0 draw at third-placed
Middlesbrough in the English Championship but slipped to second in the table.
Thulani Serero
looked sharp again as he helped Ajax to a 4-2 win at Cambuur on Sunday,
starting out in a defensive midfield role before moving to the left.
It seemed like business as usual at Rostov following the
threat of a player strike following the racist comments made by the club’s
coach, Igor Gamula. Siyanda Xulu was
still on the bench in Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Ufa.