Category Archives: Local Soccer News

We Might Know Whats Wrong With Chiefs But What’s Up With Sundowns?

Drama. That’s the one word I use to describe this weekend’s installment of the PSL title race. Actually, now that I think about it, the word should be ‘comedy’ because as a neutral I was laughing at the unfortunate circumstances Chiefs and Sundowns both found themselves in.😆😆

Log leaders Kaizer Chiefs lost 1-0 via a 94th-minute Bidvest Wits goal. Sundowns wasted a chance to leapfrog Amakhosi for the first time this season when they too lost 0-1 to a relegation threaten Baroka FC a few hours later.


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It seems as though both teams are choking when the pressure is at its highest. The dip in form for Kaizer Chiefs doesn’t come as a surprise to me. No, I am not psychic. Chiefs are not much of an offensive threat and their defence has holes in it. Sundowns, on the other hand, are more of an interesting story. They are the reigning champions. They have been here before. Their last two championship-winning seasons went down to the wire. That team managed to win important games at the business end of the season. This team is floundering against the likes of Baroka (no offence).

We will never know what is going on behind the scenes but there is clearly something wrong with Sundowns. Chiefs faults may be bigger so Sundowns may win the championship by default.

By @chizfootball (the greatest footy journo on the internet)

Sundowns Park The Bus Against Chiefs – And It Worked

Last night Mamelodi Sundowns beat Kaizer Chiefs to go level on points with Amakhosi on top the PSL log. As interesting as the result may be the intriguing part of it is how they did it.

Well, maybe I shouldn’t use the word ‘intriguing’ because scoring one goal and then defending it for the rest of the game isn’t ‘intriguing’ at all. It’s actually quite negative and boring.  But what made it fascinating was who was doing it.

Mamelodi Sundowns came into yesterday’s game knowing that anything less than a win would surely mean the end of their title hopes. Pitso Mosimane tried convincing us in his pre-match interview that the game ‘isn’t a title decider‘. We didn’t fall for his lousy acting and figured Sundowns would come out guns blazing.

Surprisingly, they didn’t. In the first half, Downs only used four players (Sirino, Zwane, Meza, and Mkhulise) in attack whilst the rest of the team stayed behind the ball. It seemed as though Pitso may have been playing not lose the game rather than to win it. 


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In the 34th minute, Gaston Sirino caught the Chiefs defense napping when he ran onto the end of Zwane’s clever flick to score. This is when Pitso called for the team’s bus driver to park the team bus in front of their goal for the remainder of the match. Chiefs huffed and puffed but they could blow the Sundowns mansion down.

Parking the bus is not a new thing in football. I hate it, but teams have to do what they have to do. I, however, didn’t expect it from a team with the most talented squad in the league who also happen to the defending champions. This is the most negative I’ve seen Sundowns play and was disappointed.

Kaizer Chiefs are still top of the log on goal difference but have the tougher last three-game. Last night’s match sealed the fate of the championship. Sundowns will be crowned champions.

By @chizfootball (the greatest footy journo on the internet)

Chiefs v Sundowns: Absa Premiership Cup Final

Let’s begin by getting the ‘facts’ out of the way. If Sundowns win this game, they win the title. If Kaizer Chiefs win this game, they win the title. If this game ends in a draw, Kaizer Chiefs win the title. As you can see Mamelodi Sundowns need to win this game more than Kaizer Chiefs does. 

You: “…but after the game, there will still be three games left to play so…’🤷🏿‍♂️

Yes, I know but the result of this game will do one of two things: crush Kaizer Chiefs’ flakey moral or deal a death blow to Mamelodi Sundowns’ confidence. I don’t see any team recovering from an unfavourable result plus I’m a psychic. 

As the title says this is a cup final. Do or die. Wafa-wafa. Sure, Kaizer Chiefs have the advantage because they don’t need to win BUT, they’d be foolish to go in this looking for a draw. Mamelodi Sundowns got lucky on Monday with their last gasp win against Golden Arrows. Their confidence will be reaching its peak. 


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Kaizer Chiefs as currently constructed cannot match Sundowns pound for pound. They’d get knocked out before the first water break. It’s not that Chiefs don’t have good players, it’s just that they have not being utilized correctly (that’s another story for another writer).

The suspension of their leading goal scorer Samir Nurković and striker Leonardo Castro’s injury concerns are big blows. However, Sundowns aren’t great at defending quick counter-attacks. Ernst Middendorp may choose to replace the unavailable strikers with forwards that have pace.  

We’ll chat more about which team has the upper hand going into the huge clash tomorrow.

By @chizfootball (the greatest footy journo on the internet)

Orlando Pirates’ Reliance On Gabadinho Mhango Has Been Exposed

Since his brace against Chippa United in February, Orlando Pirates’ leading goal-scorer Gabandinho Mhango has been on a bit a goal drought.

It’s been six games since the game against Chippa. Orlando Pirates have only managed to win one and score once in those half a dozen matches.

I don’t know about you but I a pattern here. It seems as though there is a correlation between Gabandinho Mhango lack of goal production and Orlando Pirates’ unsatisfactory performances.

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer recons Mhongo’s dry spell is due to confidence or fatigue

“He scored a lot of goals in the first games, and now [against Wits] he had one of the best chances but it was not so [that he could score].

“As a striker, when he doesn’t think about anything, he scores, and now maybe he thinks a little bit too much that he wants [to score].


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“You know as a striker you need the self-confidence and you need the trust from the coach‚” 

“And it’s not so easy too that we have a good striker or two on the bench.

“We have not a long time [before the next game] and we have to see what’s possible in the next game – maybe he needs a break or he needs the next game but I don’t know, we’ll [figure out] a plan for the next game.”

Gabandinho Mhango tops the leagues’ scoring charts with 14 goals. At Orlando Pirates, he is trailed by an out of favour Tshegofatso Mabaso who has scored six. His goals have become increasingly important to Pirates. I’m surprised his coach would even think of resting him in a team that has scored 0 goals in their last four.

Every coach would love to have a forward that could score 15 goals in a season. But, this becomes an issue when the forward is relied upon a bit too much. The last time I check you need more that 15 goals to win the league.

Mhango is carrying Orlando Pirates’ goalscoring load and clearly, it has become too much. Pirates midfielders offer no goal-scoring threat. Other Pirates attackers like Pule and Memela are more goal creators than goalscorers. Mhango needs help and Zinnbauer needs to provide it.

By @cheezfootball (the greatest footy journo on the internet)

PSL Title Race: Who Has The Edge In This Round Of PSL Games? [14 August]

The race for the PSL title is heating up.  With only a half dozen games to go every point matters. Who goes into this weekend with the upper hand? Be it a favourable fixture, injuries, or form.

Highlands Parks v Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns come up against Highlands Park tonight. Highlands Park coach Owen Da Gama has stated publicly that his team is not prepared to face Sundowns. Is he playing a Pitsoeque Jedi mind trick or is he simply telling the truth?

Sundowns will be without rights backs Thapelo Morena and Anele Ngcongca through injury. The Brazilians have not lost a competitive match to the Lions of the North but this won’t be an easy game. Highlands Park have talented players and are well-coached too. 

Polokwane City v Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs play Polokwane City tomorrow afternoon. City is 14th on the table, level on points with 15th placed Amazulu. Chiefs will know their draw with Bidvest Wits during the week should have been a win. They may take out their frustrations on poor Polokwane City. 

Ernst Middendorp and Itu Khune don’t seem to be getting along but Daniel Akpeyi has been doing a good job as Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper. Their main concerns lie with Leonardo Castro’s health


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Orlando Pirates v Bidvest Wits

The team that loses this game kisses PSL title race goodbye. A draw will have both teams being left behind in the last sprint to the championship. Orlando Pirates are coming off a dull draw with Sundowns during the week, Bidvest Wits also drew their first PSL game back from lockdown but their game had a bit more spice to it. 

Both teams may be a little bit too far behind Chiefs and Sundowns at this stage but, if any of the two could string together a run of wins it would change the whole complexion of the PSL title race.

Pirates will still be without suspended Justin Shonga and Thembinkosi Lorch whilst we don’t know if Thabang Monare will start of WIts. 

Who Has The Edge In This Round Of PSL Games?

The team with the biggest upside going to into this weekends games is Kaizer Chiefs. They do have concerns over the health of a key player but they have the easiest fixture. Polokwane City are proficient in conceding goals. They have the third-worst defensive record in the league. No game is ever a walk-over in the Premiership but I like Kaizer Chief’s chances. 

The Title Is Now Truly In Kaizer Chiefs Hands, Will They Grab It?

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates played to a goalless draw in the return of PSL last night. The result puts Kaizer Chiefs firmly in the pole position to win the title but, will they be to capitalize? 

The game was boring. It had little goal-mouth action but big implications in the PSL championship race. Mamelodi Sundowns went into the game four points behind Kaizer Chiefs with a game in hand.  They are now three points adrift the log leaders with the same amount of matches played.

When Pitso Mosimane said it’s Kaizer Chiefs’ title to lose last week, he was trolling. As of today, the statement is 100% accurate. Even though this isn’t a result he would have wanted, Pitso Mosimane is a glass half full type of guy, “Ja, a game of two halves for us, we were much better in the first-half, second-half we have to give it to Orlando Pirates, let’s be honest and they missed two chances to be honest. Okay, we had one [chance] but not really convincing,” Mosimane told SuperSport TV.


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“The second-half they took it, you could see they were much stronger, much fresher than us in the second-half. We survived a bit, Mosa [Lebusa] calf [injury], you know. But it’s okay, it’s a good point, we’ll take a point. We’re playing Orlando Pirates remember?”

Kaizer Chiefs come up against Bidvest Wits tonight. Wits are coming off a loss against Sundowns over the weekend in the Nedbank Cup semi-final. Gavin Hunt and his men who are now mostly playing for pride, won’t be a pushover. 

I can never predict how a team is going to play after a five months lay-off but if Chiefs play anything like they did before the lockdown, then they are toast. Amakhosi, however, have the advantage of not having played a game last weekend and have a three-point buffer. It’s Kaizer Chiefs title to lose. 

By @cheezfootball (the greatest footy journo on the internet)


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How Much Game Time Will Percy Tau Get At Anderlecht?

Percy Tau will join Belgian club Anderlecht for another season-long loan from his parent club Brighton & Hove Albion. 

https://twitter.com/rscanderlecht/status/1290928025366913024

Tau, speaking on the club’s website, says he feels his style of football and Anderlecht are a match made in heaven.

“I am part of a team that always wants to play good and attacking football. That suits me perfectly. RSCA has my style of football. We are made for each other. I will do everything I can to contribute to this team and guide the club back to where it belongs: to the top of Belgian football.”

This will be Tau’s third Belgian club in as many seasons on loan from Albion. He played in the second tier for Royal Union St Gilloise in 2018/2019‚ winning the Belgian First Division B’s player of the season award. This past season Tau started well Club Brugge‚ but faded as the season progressed.


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Brighton must like Tau because (a) they haven’t released the player and (b) the season-long loan doesn’t have a purchase option. This tells me that the Seagulls do see a future with Tau in it. But, time is running out. As aforementioned he has spent two seasons out on loan, he has yet to acquire his UK work permit which would allow him to play in the Premier League, and he is 26 years old. He shouldn’t be spending the prime years of his career out on loan. 

Tau’s form for Club Brugge dipped last season and soon he found himself on the bench. I watch all Champions League games which Tau featured in against the likes of Real Madrid and PSG. Technically he seems to be okay, it’s just in the decisions making department sometimes where I thought he lacked. This you get better at with games time. 

How much of it will he get at Anderlecht?  Last season he played a lot of games in the first half of the season for the Belgian eventual champions Brugger. Tau is now on a team that finished 8th last season. He is going to a club that seems keen on having him there. They spoke highly of him. I think how much he plays will depend on how well his plays. The ball is in Tau’s court. 

By @cheezfootball (the greatest footy journo on the internet)

Kaizer Chiefs: ‘…Bobby Motaung is suspended with immediate effect…’

Kaizer Chiefs Football Manager Bobby Motaung has been suspended by his Dad’s club for throwing a Lockdown House Party that Channel O would have been proud of. 

A couple of videos circulating on social media show us Bobby Motaung partying like it’s 1999 again. What a minute… aren’t we in a nationwide lockdown? 🤔

In case you missed it: 

https://twitter.com/honourableTshif/status/1290270286605033474

Yesterday the club came out with a statement lamenting the behavior of their football manager. 

“As part of our policies and continuous process of monitoring the public conduct of our members, players, and staff, Kaizer Chiefs has decided to summarily suspend football manager Bobby Motaung,

“This is a result of a number of videos circulating on social media wherein the football manager is seen taking part in festivities during what looks like the lockdown period. The club has been involved in the internal processes of investigating his conduct, which led to the decision to suspend him.


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“With the Covid-19 pandemic, our processes have been intensified and stringent measures have been put in place to ensure the club and its members play a role in the curbing of the spread of the virus and flattening the curve,” the statement read further.

“Subsequently, the club would like to confirm that Bobby Motaung is suspended with immediate effect up to and including 31 August 2020. He is not allowed to accompany the team to any training session or scheduled matches.”

Damn, why wasn’t I invited to that lockdown house party? 😥 Champagne, hubbly, expensive whiskey, ladies, the works! 

My low social standing aside, I commend Kaizer Chiefs for taking immediate action. The video did its rounds online in the afternoon and by 8 p.m. Bobby was suspended.

Everybody knows that this is a gesture by Kaizer Chiefs to save face. A suspension till the 31 of August isn’t really throwing the hammer down on Bobby. Especially in a lockdown where he’d rather be at home anyway, drinking more of that expensive whiskey I spoke about earlier.

He unlike you or me didn’t apply for this job. This is his Dad’s club. When el Presidente retires he will be next in line to take over the reins. 

I don’t blame him. 

If I had his type of money I’d be throwing parties every weekend (I think this is the reason I DON’T have his type of money). What he should be worried about is the idiot who took the video in the first place. 

By @cheezfootball (the greatest footy journo on the internet)

Pitso Mosimane: ‘Wits priority Nedbank Cup not league’

Mamelodi Sundowns host Bidvest Wits in the semi-final of the Nedbank Cup Saturday night. I use the word host loosely because (a) the game will not taking place at Loftus and (b) there will, of course, be no supporters in the stadium. Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane spoke to TimesLIVE about the upcoming clash. Mosimane touched on the sale of the Wits franchise to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM). He also said he feels Gavin Hunt’s team seem to be prioritizing the Nedbank Cup.  

“We have a big game against Wits of course and if you listen to their statements‚ they’re saying that they want to go out in style‚” Mosimane told TimesLIVE.

“Obviously there are a lot of incentives for the (Wits) players and the coaches (to win the cup)‚ so that’s why they’ve prioritized the Nedbank Cup. I’m saying what they’re saying in the media.

“They haven’t said anything about the league. They have only spoken about the cup‚ so that gives me an indication that the league is not the priority to them.

“I’m not talking on their behalf‚ but I’m talking about what they’ve said.”


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Football is a cruel game. Not only on the pitch but also in the boardroom. The sale of Bidvest Wits came as a shock to many and most surprisingly, it came as a shock to the players and team’s staff too.  

In the same interview, Pitso Mosimane called Bidvest Wits “a wounded lion”. I think he may be poking the wounded animal with a stick. I’m not too sure what Pitso is trying to achieve by pointing out Wits’ priorities. Mosimane says Wits “…haven’t said anything about the league,…” However, all statements made by players and Gavin Hunt about the game on Saturday, came when said players and coach were asked about said game.

Could this be his masterplan? Pitso’s Mamelodi Sundowns side found Bidvest Wits hard to beat in the league this season having played two draws. Is Mosimane throwing down the gauntlet to Bidvest Wits to show how much they really want the Nedbank Cup? Like: “You guys said you want to win this right? So come and win it.” This would put his team at an advantage because of the less emotional approach to Saturday’s game. 

Maybe Mosimane is right. Maybe Wits should and are focusing on winning the Nedbank Cup over the league. Wits are 6th, 10 points behind log leaders Kaizer Cheifs with 9 games left to play. I am not liking their chances to win the league. Injuries to key players and losses in big games has hurt them. And put them in a hole that may be too deep to climb out of.  All that being said, I still wouldn’t put it past Pitso Mosimane playing mind games on the eve of a big game. 

By @cheezfootball (the greatest footy journo on the internet)

Sports minister Mthethwa: We will stop all PSL games if protocols aren’t adhered to…

Yes, local football is back! As the kids would say it’s been a minute (It has actually been 137 days, 3277 hours, 196667 minutes since the last PSL game was played but, who is counting?)

Your minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa doesn’t want you to get too excited about the return of the PSL though. He has promised to shut down the whole thing if teams don’t follow stringent measures outlined in the department’s Covid-19 protocol. 

“It therefore means that those plans that they have submitted should be adhered to‚ it’s not a fait accompli that people will just get on the field and play‚” Mthethwa said.

“They will play based on the plans which were submitted to the department and we reserve the right to halt any activity if we feel and think that those protocols and plans are not adhered to.

“We are pleased that the department of health has concurred with the proposal for football to return to completing the season behind closed doors in a Biologically Safe Environment (BSE)‚ which is a closed environment of the procured hotels‚ the transport hubs‚ training grounds and stadiums.


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“This is subject to the plans they have submitted and all other protocols as outlined in the regulations and directions published by the department.

“The compliance officers of both the SA Football Association and the Premier Soccer League will work together and ensure that all measures comply with the commitment made by the PSL in their submissions to government.

“We are expecting to receive the compliance officer’s report from Safa on the state of readiness for the NSL to resume play.”

Shutting down the PSL might be an idle threat by Minister Mthethwa. It may be a promise that his department won’t keep, lord knows that wouldn’t be the first time the government fails to deliver on a promise.

Politics aside, some teams, players, and even club executives have not taken the threat of Covid-19 as seriously as you might have hoped. We’ve heard rumors about Sundowns and Orlando Pirates breaking their own club protocols by going out drinking (I wonder where they are getting the alcohol, if one of you guys is reading this please let me know). We’ve seen certain club managers throwing parties at their residence during the lockdown…

https://twitter.com/Marcellomj/status/1288895352788127745

 

It would a shame for one team to mess it up for everybody else. The season is going to be done in 30 days. I’m sure players, managers, and staff can hold out for a little while longer till the 5th of September.  

By @cheezfootball (the greatest footy journo on the internet)