Meet Kaizer Chiefs' new midfield maestro, Thulani Mabaso
Born in 2004, Thulani Mabaso has been with Kaizer Chiefs since he was 14. He's one of four young names promoted for the Netherlands tour.
Left-footed holding midfielder Thulani Mabaso will get a taste of the first team on tour to Holland.
Manqoba Ozoemena, Kabelo Nkgwesa and Naledi Hlongwane are the other names to watch.
All you need to know about the four new Chiefs youngsters
This is what the club said about Thulani Mabaso in January 2023:
A defensive midfielder, he has been here since the age of 14. Heading into his fourth year as part of our development, he has been taught in the Chiefs way and is fully immersed in the culture of the Club. Another left-footed player with the ability to pick out teammates with long and short passes, he is very solid at the back and can get the team moving up front rapidly. He was born in 2004.'
As you'll know by now, Chiefs are heading to the land of Dennis Bergkamp, Virgil van Dijk and Wesley Sneijder for their European pre-season tour adventure. The Glamour Boys jet out on 03 July and conclude the tour on 19 July. It should be a fun fortnight! George Matlou, somewhat surprisingly, will be on the flight. George Matlou will travel to the Netherlands to tour with the Chiefs squad. Image: The Citizen
At the start of 2024-2025, Mdu Shabalala was a critical component in the Chiefs side, operating from the number 10 role. His output was healthy, too. However, that has dwindled dramatically. In 27 league appearances last season, he only got four goals and an assist. His decision-making can also be questioned.
Click for the story
How much do you know about Mabaso?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs transfer news: Two extensions and five exits
Kaizer Chiefs have taken two major transfer decisions. While wholesale changes happen around them, two Amakhosi stars will sleep peacefully knowing their positions at Naturena are intact. READ MORE • Eight NEW Chiefs players to travel to Europe with Nabi! Let's take a look at the details below. READ MORE • African giants open talks with Sundowns star! Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly reached an agreement with defender Zitha Kwinika over a contract extension. The Amakhosi academy graduate's contract was due to end next week. However he'll reportedly now remain at Chiefs for one more season! 'Following his strong finish last season, Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika has signed a contract extension with the club,' a FARPost report read. Furthermore, captain Yusuf Maart has also extended his contract at Naturena, as per Unplayable. In terms of outgoing players at Naturena, the list has now reached five! Mduduzi Mdantsane, Sabelo Radebe, Njabulo Blom, Edmilson Dove and Ranga Chivaviro have all left the club. READ MORE • Kaizer Chiefs spot huge chance to sign Sundowns man! Nasreddine Nabi's side will be competing for four trophies next season. Which other players do you think Kaizer Chiefs need to sign to stand a chance of lifting them? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Schoolboy rugby: The unofficial 'official' Top 20 rankings
Any attempt at ranking South Africa's First XV rugby schools is guaranteed to upset as many readers as it will please. The simple fact of the matter is that there is NO possible way of accurately determining a definitive list. Many lists are to be found floating around the internet – none of which are in fact 'official'. While it's true that thanks to an increase in the number of schoolboy rugby festivals around the country more schools are playing schools they previously wouldn't have faced, no school plays every other school both home and away during the season. Hence, every list should be taken with a pinch of salt and is subjective at best. Having said that, with the second term now finished and with provinces preparing for the upcoming U18 Craven Week, here is the unofficial 'official' First XV Top 20 rankings list. NOTE: This year's U18 Craven Week will take place from 7 to 12 July at Middelburg Hoërskool in Mpumalanga. Ranking School Province 1 Paarl Gimnasium * Western Cape 2 Paarl Boys' High * Western Cape 3 Grey College Free State 4 Affies Gauteng 5 Paul Roos Western Cape 6 Oakdale Western Cape 7 Garsfontein Gauteng 8 Westville KwaZulu-Natal 9 DHS KwaZulu-Natal 10 Wynberg Western Cape 11 Rondebosch Western Cape 12 Helpmekaar Gauteng 13 Northwood KwaZulu-Natal 14 Noordheuwel Gauteng 15 Outeniqua Western Cape 16 Hilton College KwaZulu-Natal 17 Grey High School Eastern Cape 18 Jeppe Gauteng 19 Stellenberg Western Cape 20 KES Gauteng *It's a pointless exercise debating whether Paarl Gimnasium should be No 1 or whether in fact Paarl Boys' High boast a stronger case for top spot. Both sides have had stellar first-halves to the season, they haven't played the same opponents, and, most crucial of all, they haven't faced one another. So, instead of wasting time debating the merits of who may be better, get out your calendar and circle Saturday, 2 August in your diary. Because that's when the two sides will come face-to-face to determine South Africa's No 1-ranked First XV school. And that's official … Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates face backlash over Mbuthuma signing
Orlando Pirates have come under fire from former goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs, who has openly criticised the club's reported signing of Richards Bay FC striker Yanela Mbuthuma. The 23-year-old forward has reportedly completed a move to the Soweto giants despite recently inking a fresh five-year deal with the Natal Rich Boyz, a deal signed just four weeks ago. Mbuthuma had also attracted interest from Pirates' fierce rivals Kaizer Chiefs. But if reports of the move are accurate, the Buccaneers would have had to pay a hefty transfer fee to secure his signature. However, Josephs doesn't believe Mbuthuma fits the profile Pirates should be chasing. He believes the club should focus on recruiting from the league's top-performing teams. 'Why are we looking for players from clubs that are not above the top eight [small teams]? No offence to the player that we have signed,' Josephs said on SoccerBeat . 'Look at how many goals he scored last season: he scored six goals in 27 games. However, no offence to him, but how many games did he start? So, that's like one goal every six games, pardon me if my math is off.' 'But my mind is telling me that we should be looking at the big boys [from big clubs]. We should look inside the top eight teams because outside of the top eight, there's nothing.' In contrast, Josephs had nothing but praise for Pirates' acquisition of AmaZulu FC winger Tshepang Moremi. The 24-year-old, who officially joined the Buccaneers two days ago, impressed for Usuthu last season with four goals and seven assists in 31 appearances. Josephs applauded Moremi's attitude, hunger and potential to thrive at a big club. 'Yes, I like Tshepang Moremi. He looks the part and is hungry. That boy looks like he wants to do something and achieve things, you know,' said Josephs. 'So, he is not someone who is going to be happy with getting two pairs of Adidas tracksuits and one pair of sneakers and going to the mall.' Is Mbuthuma a good Orlando Pirates signing? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
