Bafana Settle for
Socceroos Friendly Next Month
Bafana Bafana will play Australia in an international
friendly at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on March 28. South
Africa were initially hoping to host 2014 World Cup finalists Argentina next
month but the match-up is no longer on the cards. Bafana coach Ephraim Mashaba
confirmed the Socceroos’ upcoming visit during the Nedbank Cup launch in
Johannesburg on Monday night. “We would have loved to play Argentina but the
Socceroos are not going to be push overs,” Mashaba said. The game will be
Bafana’s first since their group stage exit at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations
on January 27.
Amajimbos opened
their African Youth Championships with a 2-2 draw with continental heavyweights
Ivory Coast in Niger’s capital Niamey on Monday afternoon. The match
started at a frantic pace in blazing weather conditions, but it was Molefi
Ntseki’s boys who threatened early-on with their swift counter-attacks. It came
as no surprise when a good build-up saw Sibongakonke Mbatha ramming home a
rebound to give the South Africans a precious first half lead. Amajimbos kept
the Ivorian defence under pressure and duly increased the lead from a corner
kick when Khanyisa Mayo, the son of former Bush Bucks and Kaizer Chiefs striker
Patrick Mayo, rose unchallenged in the box to nod the ball home. In a bid to
preserve the lead, coach Molefi Ntseki made a double substitution, bringing on
Wiseman Meyiwa and Liam Jordan for Reeve Frosler and Mbatha respectively. But
the move back-fired as the Ivorians, who won this tournament four years ago,
came back to reduce the deficit in the 75th minute before completing the
comeback seven minutes later, as the match ended all square at 2-2. Amajimbos’
next game is against Mali on 19 February, with their last group stage match
against Cameroon on 22 February.
Amajimbos XI vs Ivory Coast: Mpoto, Nqoi, Ngcobo, Mohamme,
Mukumela, Dlala, Frosler, Maluleke, Mbatha, Mkatshana, Mayo
Orlando Pirates
caretaker coach Eric Tinkler has praised in-form striker Lehlohonolo Majoro,
saying the player’s fitness is the best it has ever been in Mayfair. Majoro
currently tops the league’s scoring charts with eight goals, along with Polokwane
City’s Puleng Tlolane and Moeketsi Sekola of Free State Stars. And although
Majoro got foolishly sent off after netting in a 2-0 win at Platinum Stars on
Saturday, he remains in Tinkler’s good books. “Majoro really put in the work
and I’m extremely happy with him, same with Kermit Erasmus and Lennox Bacela,”
Tinkler says. “Many people don’t see what I see because I see them every day. I
know them and it is almost like they are my children. I’d love to be able to
play all of them but unfortunately I can’t and certain games you look at the
opposition, you study where their strength lie and weaknesses lie.” The former
AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs forward struggled for game-time under Vladimir
Vermezovic earlier this season, but Tinkler says he has been working very hard
since he took over and that is why he has been playing recently. “I’m rewarding
him for his hard work. He scored a number of goals in the friendlies that we
played. Every day he was extremely motivated, he was working hard and always
wanted to do extra because he always wants to get physically fit. His fitness
now is the best since I’ve seen him at the club. In the past he would struggle
to last 90 minutes but now he can last the whole game without any problems. And
that’s good for him because I think he has the quality, same as Kermit, to play
for the national team. I have explained that to him and Kermit. But it all
depends on how much they are prepared to work. And they have done that which is
good, but what it is important here is they remain level-headed, keep their
feet on the ground, work hard.”
Platinum Stars winger
Tlou Segolela feels that he is finally on the way to reclaiming his status as
one of the top players in the South African topflight. Segolela – who moved
to Dikwena last month – has played in both the team’s two league matches since
the resumption of the domestic fixtures. ‘Sox’ featured as a second half
substitute in the matches against Mpumalanga Black Aces and former club
Pirates, and is now aiming to break into the team’s starting line-up. Segolela says
that he is happy to be playing competitive football once again following a
frustrating spell during his last months with Pirates where he saw no
game-time. “It is good to be playing again and I now hope that I will be able
to claim a regular spot in the Platinum Stars team,” Segolela said. “When you
are not playing, people start saying all sorts of negative stuff but I have to
prove that I am still a good player. I am not finished, not yet. I still need
time to fit into the team but it has been great. My fitness will improve with
more games and then I will be able to prove that I am still a good player. I
just have to be patient.” Segolela admits that he had to deal with a lot of
emotions when he competed against Pirates on Saturday. “Yes, the emotions were
there but you have to be a professional about it. I am now playing for Platinum
Stars and my loyalty is with them. The fact that I am a former Pirates player
did not count for much on Saturday,” he says.
Orlando Pirates striker
Lehlohonolo Majoro issued an apology following the straight red card he
received in his side’s 2-0 win over Platinum Stars. Majoro opened the
scoring just before half-time after being released by Oupa Manyisa but ended a
very hot afternoon on a sour note after being sent off in the 62nd minute at
Royal Bakokeng Stadium. The striker was shown a straight red card for a blatant
stamp on Mahlatsi Makhudubela, and is sorry for actions. Majoro tweeted:
“Will like to apologize to makudubela, Pirates supporters, my fans nd
entire football fraternity for the red card I got, emotions got me..” Majoro
will now miss the Nedbank Cup clash against Tornado FC and the home League
clash against Polokwane City through suspension.
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper
Itumeleng Khune has agreed to hand over the armband to defender Tefu Mashamaite
until he is a regular in the side again. Khune made his competitive return
to action in the 2-1 win over Township Rollers in the CAF Champions League on
Saturday, with Mashamaite captaining the team and scoring a late winner at FNB
Stadium. Khune, who was previously sidelined with an ankle injury, last
skippered Chiefs in a 2-0 league defeat of SuperSport United on 30 August. Amakhosi
coach Stuart Baxter has revealed it was Khune who suggested Mashamaite should
continue leading the log leaders. “It was a nice touch by Itu in the squad
meeting,” says Baxter. “He said he thinks that Mashamaite should
retain the armband. We had a talk me and Itu and we agreed that this would be the
best solution that ‘Masha’ should continue with the captaincy until he is 100
percent and back as a regular.”
Mpumalanga Black Aces have signed defender Limbikani Mzava
from Bloemfontein Celtic on a pre-contract. Mzava has turned down an
offer from Celtic to renew his contract in favour of a move to Aces where he
will join his new teammates at the end of the season. The Malawian-born
defender was earlier linked with a move to Ajax Cape Town during the past
transfer window period. Celtic coach Clinton Larsen confirmed that Mzava is
heading to AmaZayoni next season. “Mzava has signed a pre-contract with
Aces but we will still continue playing him until the end of the season.” Mzava
has started eight games for Siwelele this season, who have now moved up to
seventh in the PSL rankings following their 3-0 victory over AmaZulu on Sunday.
Orlando Pirates
veteran Lucky Lekgwathi faces at least another two weeks on the sidelines
through injury, according to Bucs coach Eric Tinkler. The 38-year-old
defender is yet to play this season due to persistent fitness complaints. “He
is still injured… still injured and he will be out for at least the next
couple of weeks,” says Tinkler. “He went for an operation and it will
be a couple more weeks before he starts training again. You have to understand
that he is not a youngster any more so the recovery, it takes time.” Tinkler
adds: “I’m hoping to see him before the end of the season.”
Bidvest Wits and
University of Pretoria are tussling for the signature of Zambian defender
Davies Nkausu. The 29-year-old is on loan at AmaTuks from Bloemfontein
Celtic, with his contract set to expire in June. “There is great interest
from both Wits and AmaTuks,” says a source close to the player. “He
is definately not going to Bloemfontein next season but staying in
Gauteng.” Nkausu, who competed at the recent Africa Cup of Nations, spent
five seasons with SuperSport United before switching to Celtic last term.
Steve Haupt believes the arrival of experienced goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini and
ex-youth international Auguston Leonard can help the club into the top half of
the standings. Kapini has joined Highlands on a deal running up to the end
of the season after the termination of his contract at AmaZulu at the close of
the January transfer window, while Leonard has joined following a spell with
Milano United last season. “Kapini trained with us for the first time today and
will be considered for our game on Saturday [against Witbank Spurs]. His
experience will surely help us in the goalkeeping department while Leonard’s
ability to be play several positions will also be key for us,” says Haupt. Kapini
was influenced into joining the team by Larry Brookstone – the executive
director at Highlands Park who was previously boss at Silver Stars, the first
team that the Zimbabwean played for in South Africa. Meanwhile, Highlands Park
have released experienced striker Collin Zimba.
A second-half brace from Lebohang Mokoena secured a 2-1
victory for Mamelodi Sundowns in their MultiChoice Diski Challenge semi-final
against Mpumalanga Black Aces. ‘Cheeseboy’ looked dangerous as early
as the 16th minute, forcing a save from Aces goalkeeper Cyrie Mollo to set his
side’s intentions for the match. The Brazilian midfielder scored nine minutes
into the second half to give his side the advantage. The lead lasted just seven
minutes as a superb Judas Moseamedi strike put Aces back into the game as he
levelled matters on 61 minutes. Mokoena was not done however, as his
perfectly-placed shot found the top corner with fifteen minutes to go as he
scored his second of the match. And that’s how it stayed, as Sundowns held on
to their 2-1 lead to book their place in the Final of this year’s MultiChoice
Diski Challenge, where they face Tshwane rivals University of Pretoria, who
beat SuperSport on penalties earlier in the day, in Soweto on 28 February.
Mamelodi Sundowns
striker Nyasha Mushekwi’s proposed loan move to Denmark Superligaen club Hobro
IK appears likely to fall through, with the Zimbabwean stuck in limbo again. Hobro
– a small club with limited financial resources playing in the Danish top
league for the first time in their history – have also not made any mention of
Mushekwi’s signing. The only Zimbabwean on their books is Quincy Antipas, whom
they had to stretch their budget to sign from Brondby IF at the beginning of
the season. Ralph Nkomo, who manages Mushekwi’s football interests, said the
move is unlikely to happen due to sticky matters. “There are still things that
need to be sorted but I don’t think it will happen anymore and we will look
into his situation at the end of the season,” said Nkomo. Nkomo also confirms
that Mushekwi remains in Johannesburg and remains contracted to Sundowns until
the end of the season. It also remains unclear how Mushekwi’s move to Hobro
would have happened outside the January transfer window following the emergence
of reports that he signed last week.
have signed former Chippa United midfielder Dumisani Zwane. The
25-year-old, who was previously a free agent, has penned a deal that will
expire at the end of the season. Aces announced the news on their official
Facebook page. Zwane joins Dino Ndlovu, Aubrey Modiba, Sifiso Molefe, David
Krone and Siyabonga Vilane as newcomers to AmaZayoni.
Bafana Bafana have
dropped four places to 56th in the latest world rankings, released by Fifa last
Thursday. Bafana, who exited the recent Africa Cup of Nations at the first
hurdle, are 14th in Africa. Algeria retain top spot on the continent, followed
by Afcon champions Ivory Coast and beaten finalists Ghana. World Cup holders
Germany remain at the summit globally, ahead of South American pair Argentina
and Colombia.
World top 10:
Germany, Argentina, Colombia, Belgium, Netherlands, Brazil, Portugal, France,
Uruguay, Spain.
Africa top 10:
Algeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Tunisia, Cape Verde, Senegal, Nigeria, Guinea,
Cameroon, Congo DR.
CAF have picked their
official team of the tournament for the 2015 Africa Cup of the Nations, which
does not include Bafana Bafana attacker Sibusiso Vilakazi. A CAF media
panel selected Vilakazi in a ‘Dream Team’ for the continental showpiece earlier
this week, despite the Bidvest Wits midfielder only starting two group games in
Equatorial Guinea. The Dream Team also bizarrely excluded the player of the
tournament, Ghana winger Christian Atsu. Africa’s football controlling body has
since confirmed their official team of the competition, strangely consisting of
12 players.
CAF Team of the
Tournament:
Goalkeeper: Sylvain Gbohouo (Côte d’Ivoire) – Robert Kidiaba
(RD Congo).
Defenders: Serge Aurier (Côte d’Ivoire), Harrison Afful
(Ghana), Kolo Toure (Côte d’Ivoire).
Midfielders: Andre Ayew (Ghana), Yaya Toure (Côte d’Ivoire),
Max Alain Gradel (Côte d’Ivoire), Yannick Bolasie (DR Congo), Gervinho (Côte
d’Ivoire).
Forwards: Christian Atsu (Ghana), Wilfried Bony (Côte
d’Ivoire).
Award winners:
Tournament: Côte d’Ivoire.
Player of the tournament: Christian Atsu (Ghana).
Top Scorer: André Ayew (Ghana), 3 Goals with 2 assists.
Best Goalkeeper: Sylvain Gbohouo (Côte d’Ivoire).
Goal of the Tournament: Christian Atsu (Ghana) [3rd goal
against Guinea].
Fair Play team: DR Congo.
Fair Player of the Tournament: Kwesi Appiah (Ghana).
Fair Player of the Final (CIV-GHA): Wilfried Bony (Côte
d’Ivoire).
Man of the Match in Final (CIV-GHA): Afriyie Acquah (Ghana).
The case against Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Lebese has
been postponed to March after he appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates Court
last week.Lebese faced up to charges of assault and malicious
damage to property following allegations that he raised his hands against his
girlfriend and smashed her car windows. The 26-year-old is now due back in
court on March 9 pending further investigation. Lebese was arrested in
Silverton last week and released on R1 000 bail.
AmaZulu right-back
Larry Horaeb has been ruled out for the season with a broken leg. Usuthu
coach Steve Barker has revealed the Namibian faces six months on the sidelines.
“Horaeb has injured his leg once again and by the look of things he will be out
for the next six months,” Barker told the club’s website.
SuperSport United
have suffered another injury setback after midfielder Lebogang Manyama was
ruled out for three to four weeks with an ankle injury. Manyama has
suffered an ankle injury that is set to keep him out of coach Gordon Igesund’s
plans for close to a month. This after United signed another injured midfielder
in Daine Klate during the recent transfer window. Manyama has said that he
suffered the injury during a recent friendly match against Angolan outfit Petro
de Luanda, which Matsatsantsa won 4-0. “I twisted my ankle in the friendly
match we played against the team from Angola,” the 24-year-old revealed. “Test
results showed that I tore my ligaments, and the doctor said I would be out for
about three to four weeks.” Though Manyama is currently on crutches, Igesund
will be relieved that the former Ajax Cape Town stalwart will not need surgery
to repair his injured ankle.
Orlando Pirates
administrative officer Floyd Mbele has been questioned by police on allegations
of fraud, according to a report in the Sowetan. The Sowetan reports Mbele
and former Platinum Stars official Obed Legobate have been accused of scamming
close to R1-million from a deceased estate. According to the report, Mbele and
Legobate were questioned by police at the Johannesburg Commercial Crimes Unit
but no decision has been made whether to prosecute them. The money was
allegedly taken from the Standard Bank account of an 85-year-old, who lived in
Australia for a decade prior to dying in 2013.
SA players abroad
round-up: Dean Furman scored his first league goal of the season, Andile Jali
lasted 45 minutes, Darren Keet watched on, while Thulani Serero made his return
off the bench in European action on the weekend.
DEAN FURMAN
Furman netted to help English League One side Doncaster
Rovers to a 3-0 win over bottom side Yeovil Town, a victory that moves them
within a point of the promotion play-off places with a game in hand.
ANDILE JALI
Jali played the first half of KV Oostende’s 1-0 win at
Mouscron-Péruwelz before he was replaced.
DARREN KEET
Keet has been unable to win his place back in the Kortrijk
side since returning from the African Nations Cup and was on the bench again.
THULANI SERERO
Serero returned from a groin injury and came off the bench
for the final 20 minutes of Ajax Amsterdam’s 4-2 home win over FC Twente.
TOKELO RANTIE
English Championship leaders Bournemouth were without Rantie
for the second game running as he was sidelined with a shoulder injury. The
Cherries played to a 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town.
MAY MAHLANGU
Mahlangu was a late substitute for Turkish side Konyaspor as
they lost 1-0 at home to Sivasspor. The midfielder played the final seven
minutes.
KAMOHELO MOKOTJO
Mokotjo was substituted in injury-time of FC Twente’s 4-2
loss to Ajax Amsterdam on Sunday.
AYANDA PATOSI
Patosi came off in the final 20 minutes of Sunday’s 1-1 draw
at league leaders Club Brugge, a good result for Lokeren.
ANELE NGCONCGA
Ngconcga started for Genk as they won 2-1 at Westerlo.
KEAGHAN AND KYLE JACOBS, BURTON O’BRIEN
All three started for Livingston as they played Scottish
Championship leaders Hearts for the second time in a week and again lost, this
time 1-0.
KGOSI NTLHE
Ntlhe came on at half-time for Peterborough United as they
won 2-1 at home to Rochdale.
RICARDO NUNES
The league season in Poland is back underway after the
winter break and former Bafana Bafana left-back Nunes started for Pogoń
Szczecin as they held third-placed Lech Poznań to a 1-1 draw.