News

300 up for Nengomasha

Posted: 2011-12-02 15:17

Kaizer Chiefs midfield rock Tinashe Nengomasha will reach a personal milestone on Sunday when he starts his 300th game for AmaKhosi in the League match against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versveld Stadium. 

Nengomasha, who is also celebrating 10 years at Chiefs this year, which endorses club legendary status on his shoulders, currently stands at 299 games.

The Zimbabwean – the first foreign player to complete a decade at Chiefs – will also have the privilege of celebrating his personal achievement as captain as he is currently wearing the armband in the absence of recently appointed Itumeleng Khune.

Since arriving at Chiefs at the end of 2001, Nengomasha has grown to be an influential player at the club who only misses games when suspended or injured.

Out of the 17 games that Chiefs have played this season he has only missed one – the league match against Orlando Pirates - and also stands as the most successful player in the PSL right now after having won a medal through each of the years that he has spent at Naturena.

In reaching 300 games, Nengomasha joins an exclusive group that has Thabo Mooki, Brian Baloyi and Doctor Khumalo in the ranks of players with 300 plus games for AmaKhosi.

Nengomasha now joins Ajax Cape Town left-back Brett Evans as the only two players in the PSL to have played 300 plus games for one club.

All other players currently active with over 300 PSL games Ricardo Katza, Moeneeb Josephs, Calvin Marlin and Lucky Lekgwathi have managed to do so playing for different clubs unlike Nengomasha and Evans.

All the players to have gone over 300 games for one club have since retired and among them is the trio of Khumalo (397), Baloyi (347) and Thabo Mooki (329) who achieved their feat at Chiefs, Peter Gordon (415 for Wits), Edries Burton (426 for Santos), Williams Okpara (375 for Orlando Pirates), Andries Mpondo (395 for Moroka Swallows) and Daniel Mudau (390 for Mamelodi Sundowns).

Ayanda Nkili will not be signing for Swedish side Malmo

Posted: 2011-12-02 13:52 South African youngster Ayanda Nkili will not be signing for Swedish top-flight side Malmo. 

The 21-year-old had seemed set to sign a deal with the 2010 Swedish champions after impressing while on trial recently, but the club now say he does not fit into their plans for 2012.

Nkili, a product of Farouk Khan's Stars of Africa academy, has been playing at third-tier Swedish side IFK Hasselholm over the past year and did enough to catch the eye of scouts from Malmo.

He spent a week with the team and negotiations began between the two parties, but in the end Malmo decided against taking the player on board.

"I, like many others, was impressed by him. But he does not fit into the plans of the coach in terms of what the team needs," says Malmo sports director Per Ågren.

Nkili has been described as another Patrick Vieira, tall and strong, he is a defensive midfielder who can also get forward and score goals.

He is one of four South Africans at Hasselholm, all of whom have come through the Stars of Africa Academy, with the others being Andile Xaba, Sandile Habebe and Leonard Jacobs.

Hasselholm is also the club of Orlando Pirates striker Tokelo Rantie, who is another product from Khan's academy.

Obiora Nwankwo has apologized to Nigerians

Nwankwo makes apology

Posted: 2011-12-02 12:00

Nigeria Olympic team captain Obiora Nwankwo has apologized to Nigerians and the team for his unsportsmanlike behaviour after the Eagles' defeat to Senegal. 

Obiora tendered the apology during the teams evening training session inside the Stade de Marrakech on Thursday.

“I want to apologise to Nigerians, the Confederation of Africa Football, CAF and you my teammates for my attitude after the game. I feel very bad and I have been sad since that game. I was angry at the way we lost. I really am sorry,” a sober Obiora stated.

 “I want to assure you that such behaviour will not repeat itself. And for the officials of the game that day, I am sorry."

The midfielder has three stitches on his head following a cut he suffered from the aerial battle


Orlando Pirates coach Julio Leal says Pirates are 'united'

Leal: I'm in control

Posted: 2011-12-02 10:18

Orlando Pirates coach Julio Leal has rejected suggestions that he has lost the dressing room, by insisting that the Pirates team is "united". 

City Press claimed the previous weekend that a Pirates club official said Leal is "too soft" and that some players are not taking kindly to him having his own favourite players.

On the other hand, Pirates boss Irvin Khoza was quoted in the Sowetan a few weeks ago, somewhat miffed, saying he is aware of ill-discipline at the club.

"If they are partying, it's time for introspection on their part. They chose football as a career and if they don't have the intelligence to take care of themselves, then it's their problem. It's sad. They will want to come back to us, beg and blame us when they are beggars on the streets. You have to know the rules and the rule is to respect your profession," Khoza was quoted at the time.

"I'm very happy with the understanding that I have with my staff "
- Julio Leal  

Nonetheless, Leal is adamant that his camp is "united" and that he cracks the whip if there is a need to do so.

"I have a very good relationship with the squad," Leal assures the Pirates fans.

"We know how difficult it is to deal with about 36 players… But things are in control and whoever does not behave accordingly, we talk and discuss to go to the next step to solve the problem. I have a good feeling that we are well and united. It is normal to have some difficulties here and there, but I'm happy and I think we are in the right way," he insists.

Leal further maintains that he makes the final call regarding technical matters, amid talk that he and one of his assistants Teboho Moloi rarely, if ever, agree on technical issues.

"I'm a very democratic coach, even though the final decision is mine. It is my responsibility and it is my head on the table. I'm very happy with the understanding that I have with my staff," Leal concludes. 

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Solly Luvhengo says Under-20s can win Cosafa Championships

Luvhengo confident in Under-20s

Posted: 2011-12-01 15:57

Solly Luvhengo says Amajita can win Cosafa Under-20 Championships, currently underway in Gaborone, Botswana.

The national Under-20s take on Mauritius tomorrow afternoon at 3pm, with matches against Tanzania and Zambia to follow.

"I believe in my team and in their ability. I have to be realistic about my ambitions as a coach. Winning here is not impossible and, as a competitive coach, I believe I can win it," says Luvhengo.

Maritzburg United have pulled midfielder Jabulani Ncubeni from the team, while SuperSport United's Grant Kekana is yet to arrive at camp.

Kekana was earmarked to captain the side but that role has since been given to Bidvest Wits' Miguel Timm.
Luvhengo says he that he does not know much about Tanzania and Mauritius, but will not take those countries for granted.

He says his priority is to earn three points from their opening game: "Win our first game and then the other things will follow."

Last year Amajita, under Khabo Zondo, were eliminated in the opening round.

Zambia are the defending champions having won the last two editions of the tournament.

Lucky Lekgwathi says December will test Orlando Pirates

 ‘Hectic December’ for Pirates

Posted: 2011-12-01 13:32

Orlando Pirates are bracing themselves for a hectic period that will see them playing four games before the Christmas break and seriously test their mettle.

The Buccaneers, who secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ajax Cape Town last night, cannot afford to rest on their laurels as they now start preparing for what should be a tough encounter against log leaders SuperSport United on Saturday.

Pirates will then face Bidvest Wits in the Telkom Knockout Cup Final on December 10 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium before engaging Bloemfontein Celtic in a tricky away League fixture eight days later.

The defending 2010/11 League champions will play Golden Arrows on December 21 in what will be their last match before the Christmas break.

While their narrow win over Ajax saw them moving up two places to sixth on the League table, their upcoming matches are likely to give an accurate indication of whether or not they will be able to retain their League title while at the same time adding another cup title to their swelling trophy cabinet.

“Yes, it will be a hectic December for us because we have a lot of important matches that we have to get through,” says Pirates skipper Lucky Lekgwathi in a chat with KickOff.com.

“But we are confident that we have the depth to achieve good results. The win against Ajax will be a stepping stone for us during this crucial period.”

Pirates lost four games in their League campaign last season and given the fact that they have already been beaten four times so far, another defeat would be a crushing blow.

Lucky Lekgwathi warns SuperSport United that Orlando Stadium is a fortress

Lekgwathi: We also have a record to protect

Posted: 2011-12-02 06:58

While SuperSport United are undefeated in the League, Lucky Lekgwathi has also warned them that Orlando Pirates have not lost a match at Orlando Stadium this season. 

The two come head-to-head on Saturday night with United desperate to extend their lead at the top of the table, while Pirates badly want to cut the gap between them to seven points.

SuperSport have not conceded a goal in five matches, but Lekgwathi feels that their strikers, Benni McCarthy and Thulasizwe Mbuyane, will be up to penetrating the best defence in the League.

United have only conceded six goals in 12 matches but that record is not giving the skipper sleepless nights.

"We have good strikers in McCarthy, Mbuyane and Isaac Chansa and they are starting to score goals, so I'm confident that they will score on Saturday."

The skipper admits they were far from impressive against Ajax Cape Town on Wednesday despite winning the match 1-0 and that his side will need to be at their best if they are to beat the log leaders.

"For us, this is a mountain to climb, but with the defending champions playing the former champions it makes for an entertaining game," he adds.  


Kaizer Chiefs take over Pretoria with road shows today

Amakhosi take over Pretoria

Posted: 2011-12-02 14:12

Amakhosi Festive Vibe continues today when Kaizer Chiefs take over Pretoria with road shows in and around Pretoria. 

The Amakhosi Festive Vibe was launched by the Marketing and Public Relations departments last week, when it kicked off in style in Jabulani. On that day the Amakhosi faithful turned up in numbers in support of the initiative.

The road shows in the capital city hosted in conjunction with sponsors, Vodacom and Hollard will once again see fans walking away with great prizes and they will also have a chance to mingle with members of the Kaizer Chiefs squad.

A thrilled Jessica Motaung says; "We have received wonderful feedback from our supporters with regards to the campaign. We are delighted to be in Pretoria this week where we have enjoyed a lot of support over the years."

The Amakhosi Festive Vibe is intended to create a lasting emotional bond between the club and the fans.

"It is in this light that we will have players gracing the road shows in Pretoria this week. Through our Supporters Club we will continue to use the opportunity for the supporters to sign up cards or renew their membership. The club's exclusive merchandise will also be on sale," Motaung adds.

The confirmed activities in Pretoria are as follows: 

Kaizer Chiefs & Vodacom
Friday, December 2 at Sammy Marks Square
12:00 – 17:00

Saturday, December 3 at Sunnypark Shopping Centre, Sunnyside
10:00 – 16:00

Kaizer Chiefs and Hollard
Friday, December 2 at Atlyn Shopping Centre
11:00 – 16:00

Saturday, December 3 at Kwagga Shopping Centre, Pretoria West
11:00 – 16:00

Leopards will play in Africa competitions  Orlando Pirates and Black

Bucs, Leopards confirm CAF engagements

Posted: 2011-12-02 14:28

Both Orlando Pirates and Black Leopards have officially confirmed their participation in the CAF tournaments next year. 

Pirates qualified to play in the CAF Champions League after winning the League last season and Leopards got the ticket to play in the CAF Confederation Cup after finishing as runners-up to Bucs in the Nedbank Cup Final.

Both Lidoda Duvha spokesperson Tendani Thidiela and Bucs administrative manager Senzo Masingiza confirmed that their clubs beat the CAF registration deadline on Wednesday to confirm their participation in the two competitions.

"We have always maintained that we will participate in the CAF tournament and confirmed it by accepting the invitation from CAF on Wednesday. We are now waiting for the draw on December 15," says Thidiela.

Tunisian club Esperance will enter next year's CAF Champions League as defending champions after beating Morocco's Wydad Casablanca 1-0 in the final.

The winner of the Confederaions Cup will be decided this weekend between Club Africain of Tunisia and MAS Fes of Morocco. Club Africain won the first leg 1-0.

Bucs' boss Irvin Khoza has already given coach Julio Leal a mandate to win the Champions League and add a second star on top of the club emblem next year. 

Transfer speculation

Transfer speculation

Posted: 2011-12-02 14:07

KickOff.com's Zola Doda looks at which players are likely to make a move in the January transfer window – or sooner ...

Clifford Ngobeni (Orlando Pirates)
Ngobeni joined Orlando Pirates two seasons ago after he failed to secure a move from Ajax Cape Town to Ajax Amsterdam in Holland.
The midfielder hasn't had the best of times since joining the Buccaneers and has often been used as substitute in the absence of either Oupa Manyisa or Andile Jali.
It is an open secret that his former club would like to sign him back, but his salary seems to be the only stumbling block.
While the player wouldn't mind a loan move back to the Mother City, a move to Golden Arrows during the January transfer window is more likely to happen, where Ngobeni will link up with his former coach Muhsin Ertugral.

Mabhuti Khenyeza (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Contractual negotiations between Khenyeza and Mamelodi Sundowns are at a delicate stage, according to one official at the club. The player feels unappreciated at the club owing to being used as a substitute and, with his contract coming to an end at the end of the season, Khenyeza is likely to leave as a free agent at the end of the season.
Sundowns is not a selling club and any hopes of a move away from Chloorkop during the January transfer window are highly unlikely.

Elias Pelembe (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Pelembe's contract with Sundowns is coming up at the end of the season and the player will not renew his contract for anything less than R450,000 per month.
Pelembe and his management are well aware that, alongside Orlando Pirates, Sundowns is the only team that can afford that amount of money.
Pelembe will not leave in January and if the club refuses to meet his salary demands he will leave at the end of the season as a free agent.

Lucky Khune and Dominic Mateba (both Kaizer Chiefs)
Itumeleng Khune's younger brother, Lucky, and his partner in crime Dominic Mateba "don't take football seriously" according to coach Vladimir Vermezovic and these are players who are very like to go on loan during the January transfer window.
The two players have failed to challenge for a place in the starting line-up and the coach has finally lost patience.

Siboniso Gaxa (Lierse SK, Belgium)
If it was up to Gaxa, he would pack his bags and leave his Belgium side in January, but with no offers coming through he will have to roll up his sleeves and continue to work hard.

Anele Ngcongca (KRC Genk, Belgium)
The Bafana Bafana right-back been in Belgium for four years and feels that he has reached the ceiling in terms of what he wanted to achieve.
A couple of late arrivals after international matches have done very little to mend the rocky relationship between Ngcongca and his manager Mario Been.
Ngcongca is also unhappy with the fact he has been used at left-back. He is likely to leave at the end of the season though.

Esrom Nyandoro (Mamelodi Sundowns)
The Zimbabwean international has been a Sundowns stalwart since joining the club six years ago but this season under new coach Johan Neeskens he is yet to start a game.
Nyandoro's contract comes up in two years' time, but he is very likely to leave sooner than expected.

Papi Zothwane and Koketso Mmotong (both Mamelodi Sundowns)
Both Zothwane and Mmotong will most likely leave during the January transfer window.
The two players spent the first few months of the season training with a group of players that were not in Neeskens' plans, and Zothwane's jersey number 10 was given to Teko Modise at the beginning of the season.
Recently Zothwane has been training with the first team but doesn't rule out the fact he is not in the coach's plans.

Zola Doda


 Several of those African youth internationals have not only dazzled the world, but have gone on to create incredibly successful careers, becoming household names in the process. As the Under-20 World Cup takes place in Colombia, certainly some raw gems will be revealed as future stars of the continent.

Below, Goal.com runs through the top 10 African youth internationals, who came to the limelight after such tournaments.

10) SANI EMMANUEL | Lazio & Nigeria

The 2009 Under-17 World Cup was a launchpad for the now 18-year-old goal-getter. His Golden Ball winning performances plus a Silver Shoe have made him one of the biggest African prospects at the moment. The star helped his west African side to finish second in the tournament and he immediately attracted interest from Chelsea, Tottenham and Panathinaikos, but issues with a work permit thwarted a move. He finally secured a deal with Lazio this year, and graduated to the U20 national side.

9) SOULEYMANE COULIBALY | Tottenham Hotspur & Ivory Coast

He has been nicknamed the ‘new Drogba’ and Fifa’s website described him as ‘the pride of Africa’. Coulibaly stole the show at the Fifa U17 World Cup Mexico 2011 with nine goals to win the Golden Boot and equal the tournament record set by France’s Florent Sinama Pongolle at Trinidad and Tobago 2001. He is endowed with fearsome shooting ability and is undoubtedly ready to terrorise goalkeepers throughout his football career. The top marksman has forever etched his name in the record books.

8) ANTONIO MANECAS GONCALVE | Agosto & Angola

Not much has been heard of the Angolan recently, but the 29-year-old was a hit when he was 19 and signed for Benfica. Once upon a time, Barcelona and Inter were after his signature, but he refused their advances. Having won the 2001 African Youth Championships and as a result of his special qualities at club level and success in the continental tournament, he emerged as the 2001 Caf Young Player of the Year. Mantorras represented his country at their maiden World Cup appearance in 2006.

7) CLIFFORD MULENGA | Mpumalanga Black Aces & Zambia

The Zambia international, who plays for South African Premier Soccer League outfit Mpumalanga Black Aces, brought some spark into his U20 side during the 2007 African Youth Championships. The athletic and ingenious midfielder immediately attracted scouts from several European clubs including Spanish giants Real Madrid and PSV Eindhoven. He won the 2007 Caf Young Player of the Year award, and was part of the Chipolopolo squad for the 2010 African Cup of Nations.

6) THULANI SERERO | Ajax & South Africa

The 21-year-old South African is one of the best attacking midfield prospects on the continent. He was one of the players that stood out at the 2011 U20 African Cup and although the Rainbow Nation did not win the tournament, this year has been good to him. He swept four top awards of the Premier Soccer League – Footballer of the Year, Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season. His performance last term has earned him a place with Dutch giants Ajax.

5) MAHAMADOU DIARRA | Free agent & Mali

The Malian captain formed part of the squad that won bronze at the 1999 World Youth Championships in Nigeria. He was subsequently given a senior team call-up due to his performance at junior level and the 30-year-old went on to win the Best Young Player award at the 2002 continental showpiece. He has had stints with OFI Crete, Vitesse Arnhem, Lyon, Real Madrid and Monaco. The defensive midfielder won the Ligue 1 four times with Les Gones and the La Liga twice with the Santiago Bernabeu giants.

4) MIDO | Zamalek & Egypt

Mido won the 2001-02 African Young Player of the Year award for his contribution to Egypt. His brilliance in the Belgian League won him the Egyptian Young Player of the Year and the Belgian League Young Player of the Year in the preceding season. The Zamalek player has won the African Cup of Nations once, the Belgian Ebony Shoe, African Cup Winners’ Cup with Zamalek, and the Dutch Eredivisie twice with Ajax. He has earned 51 caps for the Pharaohs, scoring 20 goals.

3) ANDRE AYEW | Olympique Marseille & Ghana

The French-born Ghanaian sensation dazzled the world in 2009. He led a wonderful generation believed to be the future of the Black Stars to conquer Africa and the world consecutively. The 21-year-old captain was charismatic throughout, often seen motivating his team-mates amid mounting pressure. His efforts paid off and they ended 2009 as both Africa and World U20 champions. Two Nations Cups and one World Cup appearance are already under his belt.

2) SAMUEL ETO'O | Inter & Cameroon

The striker needs no introduction. The 30-year-old is the most decorated African footballer of all time. He is an Olympic Gold medalist, participated in three World Cups and six African Cup of Nations tournaments – winning two. The Indomitable Lions captain has won the Uefa Champions League with two seperate clubs, picking up the trophy with Barcelona in 2006 and 2009 and again with Inter in 2010. His beginnings in youth football are now a distant memory, having built a successful career in Europe and with the national side.