Latest news with #Bethlehem-born
The South African
16 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs news: West African keeper and Mbule
Kaizer Chiefs management is surely feeling the heat. The supporters expect new signings in every area of the pitch, including a new goalkeeper ahead of the 2025/2026 Betway Premiership season. The club's existing options, Fiacre Ntwari, Bruce Bvuma and Brandon Petersen, all earned opportunities between the sticks without fully snatching their opportunities. According to new reports, Lobi Stars goalkeeper Japhet Opubo is being considered for a move to Naturena from the Nigerian Premier League. Kaizer Chiefs transfer update on Sipho Mbule Japhet Opubo with Enugu Rangers in the Nigeria Premier League. Image: Japhet Opubo/Instagram A possible new signing has emerged from the West of the continent. 'Japhet Opubo is a top goalkeeper who has proven himself in Nigeria over the past few seasons and he could be a good addition at a big club like Kaizer Chiefs,' a source told Soccer Laduma … Full story here. Orlando Pirates player's father praying for son's move This is not news you want if you fancy Sipho Mbule at Naturena. The Betway Premiership giants are seemingly not interested. Sipho Mbule's potential for wearing a Kaizer Chiefs jersey might not take shape. According to this report, the Betway Premiership giants have not taken the offer to sign the former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder. The 27-year-old's super agent, Mike Makaab, surprisingly announced on X that he offered Mbule to Kaizer Chiefs a week after Kabo Yellow released the Bethlehem-born star…Full story here. 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
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs transfer update on Sipho Mbule
Sipho Mbule's potential for wearing a Kaizer Chiefs jersey might not take shape. According to this report, the Betway Premiership giants have not taken the offer to sign the former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder. The 27-year-old's super agent, Mike Makaab, surprisingly announced on X that he offered Mbule to Kaizer Chiefs a week after Kabo Yellow released the Bethlehem-born star. According to the latest update, the club known as Amakhosi have shown zero interest in signing the former SuperSport United maestro. Nigerian goalkeeper to Kaizer Chiefs? Sipho Mbule training with Mamelodi Sundowns at the Chloorkop base. Image: FARPost Mbule, known for his dazzling technical quality and passing range, has seen Sundowns decline to exercise a contract extension. Orlando Pirates player's father praying for son's move Mbule spent last season on loan at Sekhukune United, where he made 17 appearances, including two goals and three assists. 'Despite being offered to the Soweto giants, Soccer Laduma has been informed that Amakhosi [Kaizer Chiefs] have not made any contact or shown any interest as yet to bring the midfielder on board for next season. In the meantime, coach Nasreddine Nabi has five options for the central midfield role, excluding the holding midfielder Thabo Cele and the defensive midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa. Central Midfielders: Yusuf Maart, 29 Samkelo Zwane, 23 Edson Castillo, 31 Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, 25 George Matlou, 26. 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
12-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Ntokozo Makhaza: I got a call from an unknown number
Ntokozo Makhaza stands on the brink of history, after receiving a maiden Springbok call up last week. Makhaza first made headlines when he was first named in the second alignment camp squad by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus. Often known for his 'genius' rugby ideas and strategies, Erasmus pulled another one out of the hat with Makhaza. The 2x World Cup winning mentor had done something similar before. This time last year, he called up former NWU Pukke Varsity Cup winning captain Sampie Swiegers . Starring at what was looking like a brewing tighthead prop crisis, Eramsus turned to the burly star for cover. But in the end, it was just for cover. But with Makhaza, while many were expecting a similar situation, it proved different. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika 's Yolulwe Qoshe in Durban, he describes how he found out about his Springbok alignment camp call. 'I think I was overjoyed. I obviously, initially got the text from my coach, like two days before we won the Varsity Cup (with UCT Ikeys). Him telling me that, Rassie Erasmus asked for my number, at first I thought he was joking. Only for him to say no, he is being honest and telling the truth. And then from then on I was just overjoyed. I think everyday for a month after that, I was expecting that call from him, which I didn't get.' Makhaza recalls. Makhaza then remembers the moment things seemed to change in his favour, with that Springbok call finally coming! ' Until this one morning, I got a call from an unknown number, picked it up and it was Rassie (Erasmus). In that moment, I don't remember half the conversation, I was just overjoyed! But it's also very inspiring, to have someone like him looking at Varsity rugby, a 2x World Cup winner. Sees something in me' Makhaza continued. Makhaza relieves the moment he walked into the alignment camp, wearing the same Springbok tracksuit as some World Cup winners. ' I felt humbled and honoured I was like, 'is this really me? Being in the presence of all these players who have made a name for themselves in rugby. World Cup winners like Siya Kolisi. I mean, I even remember the people I was sitting around. In front of me was (Damian) Willemse, to his right was Kolisi, to his right was (Eben) Etzebeth, behind me was (Lukhanyo) Am, (Aphelele) Fassi, Ox Nche and Bongi Mbonambi' recalled Makhaza about being in the presence of experienced Springboks. 'In that moment I tried to pinch myself, I look down, I was wearing a Springbok top and I was like, is this really me, being in this environment. But it was a very welcoming experience. I never felt left out in anyway. That's just credit to the culture that they have and it made me want to be a part of it more' Makhaza continued. The 23-year-old Bethlehem-born star could be set for a historic feat. This by becoming the first player to be capped by the Springboks before playing a professional game. Makhaza says achieving that would mean the world to himself and his family. 'It would probably feel unreal at that moment but, it would be a testament to what people have done for me. The support that they've given me, my parents, my coaches, teammates, teachers and all my mentors along the way. So if I was to ever make that team it would be testament to their hard work, not just mine.' He concluded. Watch the video below: Makhaza's first opportunity for a Springbok debut will be against the Barbarians on the 28th of June. Should Erasmus give the Varsity Cup's top points scorer of all time a debut? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The South African
08-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
'Kaizer Chiefs need Sipho Mbule' says Moagi
It's been the week's biggest question among Kaizer Chiefs supporters across Mzansi. Should the club sign Sipho Mbule or not? Moshikaro Moagi, the famous Amakhosi supporter who promised to walk home from the FNB Stadium to Tzaneen, if Kaizer Chiefs lost to Mamelodi Sundowns last season, has said the 27-year-old Mbule should wear gold and black next season. The Bethlehem-born midfielder is a free agent after the 2024/25 Betway Premiership champions released for ill-discipline towards alcohol. Former Kaizer Chiefs striker names best player in SA Sipho Mbule trains with Mamelodi Sundowns at Chloorkop. Image: Sundowns media 'Sipho Mbule is a good player, even though he has had some off-field issues. Sometimes, a change of environment can lead to a change in behavior,' Moagi told KickOff. Orlando Pirates make decision on 34-year-old star 'If given the chance, he could prove himself. He's a talented footballer, so I believe he should be given an opportunity. If you look at his performances, when Kaizer Chiefs face Sipho Mbule, he always puts up a strong fight. That alone might indicate where his passion lies. 'He was the standout player at Sekhukhune United this season. Even his parent club, Mamelodi Sundowns, seems hesitant to confront him, which is why they included a clause preventing him from playing against them. 'There is definitely a position for Mbule at Kaizer Chiefs, as we currently lack experienced players. Most of the other players don't match his level at Chiefs; he is more advanced. 'The player I do not recommend signing is Rivaldo Coetzee. I'm not convinced that we need him at Chiefs, even though he is currently a free agent,' Moagi concluded. 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
08-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Agent defends former Sundowns star Mbule
Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sipho Mbule is living through the darkest days of his career. His agent, Mike Makaab, is showing up for him. As confirmed before the start of last season, Sundowns sent the 27-year-old Mbule on loan to Sekhukhune United. After 18 appearances, including two goals and three assists, the club released Mbule for alleged misconduct. During the 2022/2023 season, the Bethlehem-born star was punished by Sundowns for reporting to training under the influence of alcohol. Spotted: Sundowns' squad for the FIFA Club World Cup Sipho Mbule in Mamelodi Sundowns colours in the Premier Soccer League. Images: Goal Kaizer Chiefs target is the best in his country 'The sad thing is that it's crazy. When somebody has a 'tag', they seem to be the target of most of the negativity that prevails in the industry. It's crazy,' Mbule's agent, Makaab, told Soccer Laduma after his agent's exit from Sundowns. 'What I am saying to you is that if it were one player with a so-called clean reputation and another player with a sketchy reputation, and they did the same thing, you wouldn't hear about the player with the clean reputation. 'I say this honestly because I have been in the industry for 28 years and I've seen it with my own eyes,' Makaab added. 'I can tell you that yes, Sipho may not be perfect. But I can also tell you that what has been reported is far from the truth. I'd rather not divulge any further because I would then be implicating people, and I don't want to implicate people. What you've read about his so-called misbehaviour leaves much to be desired. And I'm not protecting him,' Makaab added. 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.
