Benni Confirms Coaching Job At Belgian Side Sint-Truidense
Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy has confirmed that he has
been appointed assistant coach of Belgian topflight side Sint-Truidense.
“Yes it’s official; I’m joining the STVV family. Look forward to achieving
memorable things here. Thanks everyone,” McCarthy tweeted. The 37-year-old, who
is still completing his UEFA A licence,
was unveiled alongside the club’s new head coach Chris O’Loughlin on
Tuesday. McCarthy, Bafana’s record scorer with 32 goals, won the European
Champions League with FC Porto in 2004, while he also featured for Ajax
Amsterdam, Celta Vigo, Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United. McCarthy retired
from playing two years ago following a stint with Orlando Pirates.
Ajax Cape Town striker Noah Sadaoui will be moving out in January, most likely
on loan, after the club decided not to register him this season. Sadaoui
has already been informed that he is not part of the plans for this season but
remains at the club due to the fact that he still has a running contract. Gary
Cassisa of Mede8 Sports, who represents the Morocco-born striker, confirms that
his client remains at Ajax even though he will not play for them during the
current campaign. Sadaoui arrived at Ajax at the beginning of last season but
struggled for game-time, managing just three substitute appearances and playing
most of his football in the MultiChoice Diski Challenge. Meanwhile, ex-Ajax
midfielder Brent Carelse is due to start training with another former club,
Hellenic, as he continues his long career. Hellenic now play in the Western
Cape ABC Motsepe League. The 34-year-old started his career at Hellenic in the
late 90s after graduating from the School of Excellence.
South African export Tefu
Mashamaite put in a commanding display on his official Allsvenskan debut in
Hacken’s 4-1 win over Matthew Rusike’s Halmstads on Monday evening. Mashamaite,
who warmed up for the game with a friendly start against Roberto Carlos’ Delhi
Dynamos on Saturday, slotted seamlessly into coach Peter Gerhardsson’s side and
hardly put a foot wrong. Hacken were in need of a leader at the back and
quickly signed the PSL Footballer of the Season once he became available
following his trial at New York City FC. The technical team has been impressed
by the centre-back’s defensive and attacking prowess and had no second thoughts
about throwing him straight into the starting eleven against Halmstads.
Mashamaite played the full 90 minutes of the game and managed to keep out
former Amakhosi teammate Rusike, who was booked in the 35th minute. Rusike had
already scored four goals in five games for Halmstads this season prior to the
League defeat to Hacken.
Zambian defender Davies Nkausu has taken legal action against Bloemfontein
Celtic after the club decided not to pay him for the past three months. Nkausu
says that he didn’t agree to the terms of termination tabled by Celtic when
they proposed to cancel his contract. “I haven’t been paid by Celtic for the
past three months and I have now taken legal action. This matter is now being
handled by the lawyers,” Nkausu reveals. “They wanted to terminate my contract
but I didn’t agree to the terms. Their reason for terminating my contract was
poor performance yet I spent the past six months away on loan at Tuks and also
played at the 2015 Afcon finals against better players. “At the beginning of
last season I was injured and then when I recovered I then played three games
and then afterwards went to the Afcon finals, after which when I returned I was
told that I have been loaned to Tuks. So this poor performance is just an
excuse,” says Nkausu. The 29-year-old is now training with BidVest Wits. “I am
here at Wits just for the purpose of training to keep fit,” he adds.
Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siyabonga Nkosi could
re-unite with his former coach Ernst Middendorp at Free State Stars this
season. Nkosi is currently a free agent after parting ways with
Kaizer Chiefs at the end of last season. The Newcastle-born playmaker worked
with Middendorp at both Amakhosi and Arminia Bielefeld in Germany a few years
ago. Middendorp has started well with Ea Lla Koto after registering a win in
first game in charge of the side on Saturday – the team’s first League victory
this season. According to a source close to Stars, Nkosi has been invited to
Bethlehem to train with the team with the view to earning a deal.
South Africa U-23 coach Owen da Gama had little issue with his team being drawn
alongside hosts Senegal, Zambia and Tunisia for the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations.
Da Gama’s charges were placed in Group A following a draw in Cairo, Egypt on
Monday morning. Group B consists of Egypt, Algeria, Mali and Nigeria. The top
two teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals of the competition,
which will run from November 28 to December 12 in Dakar and M’Bour. The three
medal winners at the continental tournament will qualify for the 2016 Rio
Olympics.
Bloemfontein Celtic
CEO Khumbulani Konco says the club has accepted Camaldine Abraw can currently
play for Kaizer Chiefs as the PSL deliberates over the striker’s future. Abraw
made his Chiefs debut in a 4-1 win over SuperSport United on Saturday,
providing two assists for the champions at Peter Mokaba Stadium. The League recently granted Abraw
permission to feature for Amakhosi despite Celtic’s contesting claims of ownership
on the former Free State Stars man. Phunya
Sele Sele initially acted with outrage at the PSL’s decision, but have
seemingly since moved on. Abraw
signed contracts with both clubs, with the PSL yet to provide a date of when
they will rule on his rightful employer.
Banyana Banyana missed out on a
semi-final spot at the All Africa Games following a drawing of lots on Monday
morning. Banyana lost out to Ghana, who they finished level with in Group B
of the tournament in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. The countries played to a
1-1 stalemate yesterday. The Black Queens will take on fellow West Africans
Ivory Coast in the last-four, while Group B winners Cameroon are up against
Nigeria tomorrow. The Final is on Thursday.
Orlando Pirates were completely outplayed
by a tactically superior Zamalek outfit as they went down 4-1 in their final
CAF Confederations Cup group game. Goals from Ahmed Tawfik, Ahmed Mekki,
Mostafa Fathi and Mahmoud Kahraba overshadowed Oupa Manyisa’s goal in the first
half to ensure Zamalek walk away with the three points in Cairo. The result
sees Zamalek finish top of Group B with 15 points while Pirates remain second
with 12 points. The South African side will now face Al Ahly in the two-legged
semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup, with the first leg being at home.
Mpumalanga Black Aces have
completed the signing of Liberian defender Dirkir Glay. The Lone
Stars international, who spent last season with Gor Mahia in Kenya, has penned
a two-year contract with the log leaders after impressing on a trial. “It’s
a done deal,” says an official at AmaZayoni. “He has signed for two
years and the club is busy with his work permit.” Glay has joined his
compatriot Kpah Sherman at the Absa Premiership club. Aces recruited striker
Sherman on a three-year deal in August.
The PSL has confirmed the registration of a further 11 players by Mamelodi
Sundowns – including Katlego Mashego and Lindokuhle Mbatha – following the
close of the transfer window last week. Sundowns had initially registered
27 players just prior to the start of the season, but they have since added to
the list of players eligible to play in official games. The registration of
Mashego had been delayed as he had been heavily linked with a move to Bidvest
Wits in a transfer that would have ‘creamed’ the Sibusiso Vilakazi deal. Mbatha
was also due to leave Chloorkop after battling for game-time in his first
season at Sundowns. The other new additions are Belgian keeper Glenn
Verbauwhede, Bryce Moon, Motjeka Madisha, Mpho Mathekga, Rheece Evans, Samuel
Julies, Tiyani Mabunda, Seun Ledwaba and Sibusiso Kumalo. All these players had
evidently been out of the club’s plans for this season, but only Mashego
appears likely to get game-time of the lot. Though the Brazilians now have 38
players registered with the PSL, they still have several other players who
remain frozen at the club – players who still have running contracts but who
are not registered – the likes of Kudakwashe Mahachi, Ejike Uzoenyi, Hichani
Himoonde, Mukuka Mulenga and Nyasha Mushekwi. With Sundowns having already
registered another three foreign players in Cuthbert Malajila, Fiston Abdul
Razak and Mogakolodi Ngele, only two spaces remain in their foreign quota, with
new Colombian striker Leonardo Castro and Ivorian defender Bangaly Soumahoro
expected to fill those. Luyolo Nomandela is also still in the Sundowns, books
though he is not registered. The PSL has no limit with regards to the number of
players that can be registered by a club, though only five can be file their papers
as foreigners.
Chippa United have re-hired Floyd Mogale to serve as an assistant coach to
Roger Sikhakhane for the season. Mogale aided Sikhakhane last season
before leaving the club in January to join Free State Stars. However, Mogale
was dismissed by Ea Lla Koto along with head coach Kinnah Phiri last month.
Chippa chairman Chippa Mpengesi welcomed Mogale’s return. Mogale has previously worked with Bidvest
Wits Youth Academy and Mamelodi Sundowns Youth Development.
Bloemfontein Celtic striker Gabadinho
Mhango is nearing his return from a groin injury. The Malawian is yet to
play this season but is expected to resume full training in two weeks. Mhango
is aware he faces a battle for game-time given the recent signings of Helder
Pelembe and Geofrey Massa. Fellow forward Vuyisile Wana and Alushavhiwi Marubin
remain on the sidelines with knee injuries.
Excitement abounds among Kaizer Chiefs
supporters in the Western Cape as the club eagerly awaits the final approval to
play three of this season’s home fixtures in Cape Town. In recent years,
Amakhosi have used the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane as an alternative home
venue. This season, however, Chiefs hopes to host Bidvest Wits on 19 December
2015, Platinum Stars on 24 January 2016 and SuperSport United on 20 February
2016 at the iconic Cape Town Stadium pending final approval by the City of Cape
Town Council. In recent years, Amakhosi have used the Peter Mokaba Stadium in
Polokwane as an alternative home venue. This season, however, Chiefs hopes to host
Bidvest Wits on 19 December 2015, Platinum Stars on 24 January 2016 and
SuperSport United on 20 February 2016 at the iconic Cape Town Stadium pending
final approval by the City of Cape Town Council. The plan forms part of the
club’s strategy to bring the team closer to its loyal supporters and to grow
its national fan base.
Ajax Cape Town striker Prince Nxumalo is
well on his way back to full recovery following his epilepsy scare last month.
The former SuperSport United frontman suffered an epileptic fit on the eve of
his side’s MTN8 semi-final clash two weeks ago, and was rushed to ICU, before
being discharged a few days later. Urban Warriors’ head coach Roger De Sa says
the forward, who was awarded the Absa Premiership player of the Month award for
August, is recovering well. Nxumalo has already returned to light training with
the side, yet De Sa emphasised that his return to the first team will not be
rushed.
Three former national team players,
including Helman Mkhalele, have left the country for Germany to enhance their
coaching credentials. Former Banyana Banyana captain and current assistant
coach Desiree Ellis together with former midfielder Maud Khumalo – who both
have CAF A Licence badges – flew to Germany in the company of ex-Bafana Bafana
winger Mkhalele for a three-week, high-level coaching course with the German
Football Association (DFB). The trio will spend the three weeks studying modern
trends in football.
Moroka Swallows have snapped up exciting midfielder Phetolo ‘Ace’ Lebepe
as they continue beefing up their squad in a bid to win immediate promotion
back to the PSL. Lebepe has been brought in at the recommendation of
head coach Ian Gorowa, who is quietly knitting up a relatively new squad
following the dismantlement of the team that Swallows had last season. The
24-year-old is the latest addition to the Swallows squad after sealing his move
to the club. Lebepe has previously played for Mamelodi Sundowns’ feeder team
ALS PUK Tawana, North West Shining Stars, FC Cape Town and was in the squad
that won promotion at Mpumalanga Black Aces two years ago.
Royal Eagles are preparing to take
Chippa United to the PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber for breach of contract
regarding midfielder Siphesihle Ntuli. United loaned Ntuli to the NFD club
at the beginning of the season but the Chilli Boys have since recalled the
player to Port Elizabeth, where he is expected to feature in their MultiChoice
Diski Challenge team. However, Eagles are spitting fire and preparing to take
Chippa to the DRC for what club general manager Richard Makhoba termed
“unprofessional conduct” by the PSL team. Chippa United boss Chippa Mpengesi
has refused to comment.
Kaizer Chiefs have
added a fourth goalkeeper to their first team squad for this season with the
promotion of Luthando Sixhaso from the development ranks. Sixhaso was a
member of the Nedbank Ke Yona Team in 2014 and performed outstandingly as the
side lost 2-0 to Orlando Pirates. That
prompted Chiefs to bring him into their development structures and with
Brilliant Khuzwayo facing some time on the sidelines with broken bones in his
hand, the young stopper will provide cover for Itumeleng Khune and Reyaad
Pieterse. The 21-year-old hails from
Cape Town, where he played for amateur side Barcelona in Khayelitsha before being
spotted by the Ke Yona Team selectors.
Ajax Cape Town have confirmed the
signing of former Bidvest Wits midfielder Erwin Isaacs. “Ajax Cape
Town is delighted to announce the signing of attacking midfielder, Erwin
Isaacs, on a 2 year deal,” read a statement on the club’s website.The
28-year-old spent last season on loan with the Urban Warriors, helping them to
a fifth place finish in the Absa Premiership and a runners-up spot in the
Nedbank Cup, yet was released by mother club Wits on his return to Gauteng.
Ajax Cape Town CEO Ari Efstathiou revealed his delight in signing the
midfielder, who had previously worked under head coach Roger De Sa at Santos.
Isaacs will don the number 7 jersey at Ajax and should be available for
selection against Polokwane City this weekend.
Cape Town All Stars midfielder Mihlali Mayambela look set to realise his
dream of playing in Europe after impressing during recent trials with Swedish
side Djurgardens IF. The younger
brother of Mark Mayambela left the country last week for a week’s assessment
with Djurgardens, who currently lie sixth in the Swedish League with eight
games to go. The 19-year-old returns back to South Africa on Friday, having
given a good account of himself during his trials, which may earn him a
contract. Should he sign, Mayambela will follow in the footsteps of his older
brother, who also enjoyed a stint with Djurgardens last year.
Chairman
Siviwe ‘Chippa’ Mpengesi has produced Aristide Bance’s PSL registration card to
prove that the player is contracted to Chippa United, and remains adamant they
do not owe him any money. Bance
claimed yesterday that Chippa had not met a clause in the contract he signed
back in July, which allegedly states that the club had to pay his signing-on
fee before July 16 for the deal to come into effect. The Burkina Faso striker
then jetted off to France saying that he will be considering other offers,
while also revealing that he is still willing to come back and play in South
Africa. However, Mpengesi has rubbished the player’s claim about unpaid money
and says Bance left the country because he had to get some of his belongings
before returning to club duty for Chippa United. Mpengesi also dismissed
Bance’s claim that there is an unpaid signing-on fee due to the player, and
suggests there may be other influences trying to secure the player a deal with
another club.
Orlando Pirates have appointed Rowen Fernandez as the club’s new
goalkeeper coach. Fernandez – a
former Bafana Bafana international – was released by Bidvest Wits at the end of
last season after providing cover to first-choice keeper Moeneeb Josephs. “Firstly
I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for me. Dr. [Irvin] Khoza has shown
tremendous faith and confidence in my abilities by giving me a chance to be a
keeper coach for a major team like Orlando Pirates,” Fernandez told Bucs’
website. “It’s my first official technical role in a club. I think for this
season I am being registered as a player coach but focusing more on the
coaching aspect of things and I have joined Orlando Pirates.” The
37-year-old added: “I’m hoping to draw from the experiences of having
worked with Rainer Dinkelacker and Thomas Schlieck. They have been the two most
highly respected goal keeper coaches in the world and I hope to draw back from
the experiences of having worked with them and using the training that they
gave me to impart my knowledge and experiences to up and coming goal
keepers.”
SA players abroad: Kagisho
Dikgacoi was named Man of the Match, Darren Keet collected another clean-sheet,
Dino Ndlovu scored again, while Mandla Masango featured off the bench in
European action on the weekend.
DAYLON CLAASEN – Claasen
was replaced early in the second half as 1860 Munich slumped to a 3-0 defeat at
Fortuna Dusseldorf.
KAGISHO DIKGACOI – Dikgacoi’s
excellent start to the 2015/16 English Championship season continued with a
man-of-the-match display as Cardiff City moved into second with a 2-0 home win
over Huddersfield Town.
ANDILE JALI – Jali
was on paternity leave in South Africa but will be delighted with a 5-1 win for
his Belgian side KV Oostende that moved them back to the top of the league.
DARREN KEET – Keet
kept his fourth clean-sheet in five games as Kortrijk played to a 0-0 draw with
OH Leuven.
MANDLA MASANGO – Masango
came off the bench for the final 30 minutes as Randers moved up to second in
Denmark with a 1-0 home win over SønderjyskE.
KAMOHELO MOKOTJO – Mokotjo
played for FC Twente as they let a two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2 with Ajax
Amsterdam.
DINO NDLOVU – Ndlovu
scored his fifth goal in three starts for Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta as
they moved to the top of the league with a 3-0 home win over Ethnikos Achna.
ANELE NGCONGCA – Ngcongca
was an unused substitute for French Ligue 1 side Troyes as they lost 3-1 at
home to Caen.
AYANDA PATOSI – Patosi
played the first 70 minutes for Lokeren as they claimed a fine 1-0 away win at
struggling giants Standard Liege in Belgium.
LEBOGANG PHIRI – Phiri played in Sunday’s 0-0 home draw
with Midtjylland in Denmark.
TOKELO RANTIE – Rantie
was not in the match-day squad for Bournemouth as they lost 3-1 at Norwich
City.
THULANI SERERO – Thulani
Serero did not feature in the match-day squad for Ajax Amsterdam in their 2-2
draw at FC Twente.
LUTHER SINGH & PULE
MARAISANE – Young winger Singh played the entire match as Swedish
second-tier side GAIS were held to a 0-0 home draw by Frej. Maraisane came off
the bench for the final 15 minutes.