Latest news with #DStvDiskiChallenge
The South African
13 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
New face spotted at the Kaizer Chiefs training grounds
Kaizer Chiefs players returned to Naturena on Friday as they prepare for the upcoming season. Although three players were absent from the squad, one new face was spotted: left-back Kabelo Nkgwesa, who seems to have been promoted from Amakhosi's DStv Diski Challenge (DDC). The Soweto giants are in need of a left-back, with Bradley Cross being the only player available for that position. Kaizer Chiefs have not yet signed new players, but they have been linked with several this month. One player poised to join Amakhosi is Asanele Velebayi. The Cape Town Spurs captain was sought by the Soweto giants last season, but the transfer did not materialize. Velebayi could add some flair to the Chiefs' attack, particularly on the wing. As their pre-season training resumes next week, more players are expected to be released. club has already parted ways with Edmilson Dove and Ranga Chivaviro. Kaizer Chiefs are set to travel to the Netherlands for their pre-season training, where they will participate in several friendly matches. Amakhosi pre-season tour of the Netherlands will take place from July 3 to July 19. New players are expected to join Chiefs during the tour according to reports. Will Nabi remain Kaizer Chiefs coach? After Nabi won the Nedbank Cup with the club, there were reports linking him with an exit. The Tunisian coach seems to be content with the Glamour Boys and have pleaded with the Chiefs management to help him bring quality players ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. Amakhosi finished ninth this past campaign. 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.
IOL News
12-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Ambitious Chippa United on a shopping spree; new coach and sporting director
Siviwe 'Chippa' Mpengesi Siviwe 'Chippa' Mpengesi has been on a shopping spree. The Eastern Cape-based club has appointed a new head coach and a sporting director. Chippa United has announced the appointment of Sinethemba Badela as their new head coach. The club expressed confidence in his abilities as he takes over from Thabo September, who parted ways with Chippa following an underwhelming 11th-place finish last season. Badela, who hails from the Eastern Cape, steps into the leadership role as a promising emerging coaching talent in South African football. He is a former Mamelodi Sundowns DStv Diski Challenge mentor and has an eye for untapped talent. 'This appointment at Chippa United marks his first appointment as a head coach in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). It is a moment of pride not just for him, but for us as a club,' Chippa United's statement read. 'We strive to be more than a club. We are a symbol of possibility, a beacon for talent, and a footballing home for the Pride of the Eastern Cape.' Last season, he gained invaluable experience as an assistant coach to Rhulani Mokwena at Wydad AC in Morocco. Badela's appointment is a significant step in Chippa's ambitions to move away from their mid-table mediocrity. Previously, he also played a key role in Mokwena's technical team at Mamelodi Sundowns. 'Coach Badela brings with him international experience, having served as assistant coach at Wydad AC,' the statement continued. 'He now steps into this leadership role with the backing of our club, our supporters, and the province we proudly represent.' Badela's task will centre around elevating the club's fortunes after a lacklustre season where they amassed 31 points from 28 matches, narrowly missing out on a coveted top-eight spot. While the details of Badela's contract have yet to be revealed, the club's vision of fostering talent is clear. Chippa United's commitment is underscored by their choice to promote local coaching talent. 'His journey is a testament to what is possible when potential meets opportunity. We are honoured to give him the platform to lead our club at the highest level.' As preparations for the new season intensify, Chippa United's supporters will be keenly watching to see how coach Badela implements his tactical philosophy and galvanises the squad to achieve their goals. Additional members of the technical team supporting Badela are expected to be announced soon, as the club looks to build momentum and restore pride among its fans. Meanwhile, Chippa's owner, Siviwe Mpengesi, on Thursday morning announced the appointment of Sinesipho Mali as the club's new Sporting Director. Mali, a distinguished tactical analyst for South Africa's national football team, Bafana Bafana, boasts a wealth of knowledge in performance analysis, having previously served in key roles at Chippa and Sekhukhune United. His return to the club marks a notable chapter in his career, underlining the commitment of Mpengesi to revitalise Chippa. Mali brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical skills earned during his tenure as an analyst with Kaizer Chiefs before his recent role at Sekhukhune United, where he not only functioned as an analyst but also took charge of recruitment strategies. His efforts at Sekhukhune were instrumental in the club achieving its highest points tally in the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season. 'With Mali's return, we are investing in leadership that understands the game and also the unique context of our region – ensuring alignment across recruitment, development, and performance, while driving purpose-led progress for the club and province," Chippa's statement read. Mali will continue to serve as the head of analysis for Bafana Bafana. He also has previous experience with Banyana Banyana and the national Under-23 squad.
The Citizen
06-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
I witnessed Radiopane's brilliance before the world knew his name: Former Chiefs star
I witnessed Radiopane's brilliance before the world knew his name: Former Chiefs star SEBOKENG.- When Orlando Pirates' deadly striker Boitumelo Radiopane featured at the Abia Nale Sports Foundation Tournament, little did he know that one day he would be playing in South African top-flight football. It was at the U13 four-team soccer tournament, organised by the former Kaizer Chiefs dreadlocked forward Abia Nale, with Radiopane playing for Celta Vigo Development FC. The tournament took place at Saul Tsotetsi Sports Complex in Zone 14, and Radiopane became the tournament's top goal scorer. Pirates spotted Radiopane at their annual soccer tournament known as the Pirates Cup. He was playing in the colours of the School of Excellence after joining them from his amateur team, Celta Vigo FC. This is the club that discovered his talent at a very young age from the dusty streets of Zone 3. Radiopane's rise to stardom was when he was promoted to Orlando Pirates' Reserve Team that campaigned in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC). This is where he caught the attention of many, especially the Pirates senior technical team. Radiopane is now a big part of Pirates' senior team's plan for the coming season. He is expected to be the club's top marksman in the new season, playing alongside his homeboy, Relebohile Mofokeng. Both come from the Vaal, Sharpeville and Sebokeng respectively. When reflecting, Nale said no one saw that this little boy, 'wet behind the ears', would one day play for one of the biggest clubs on the continent. According to Nale, he witnessed Radiopane's talent when he was 13 years old. 'I still remember when I handed him a top goal scorer award, he was my height. I still have his picture, and it makes me proud that I witnessed his talent before the world saw it. The other player who featured in this tournament was Lebohang Lesako, who also played for Kaizer Chiefs. I'm very grateful to have contributed to their talent by providing the platform to showcase their talent,' said Nale. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
03-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs: Ex-player set for return!
Kaizer Chiefs scouts are searching far and wide for player recruits. This former player is now on their radar. Kaizer Chiefs are set to make major changes to their playing squad. So, several Amakhosi players will be heading out of Naturena. Meanwhile, some new faces (and former) are linked with possible moves to Chiefs. Steven Mendes was one of the stand-out players from Chiefs academy. Moreover, the teenage sensation was even signed up by Swedish-based outfit, Hammarby Fotbal. However, after spending a season in Europe he is now linked with a return to SA. More specifically, to Chiefs' DDDC side. 'South Africa's midfielder Steven Mendes could be on his way to Chiefs after a season in Sweden with Hammarby Fotbol, iDiskiTimes reported. 'Mendes was one of the standout talents at the Chiefs' youth setup before he left. Now, it is understood that the youngster will join Chiefs' DStv Diski Challenge team,' the reporter stated on Goal. Therefore, Medes could find himself back at Naturena before the start of the 2025/26 season. Meanwhile, Chiefs' first team is set to make several signings with these Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns players linked. Finally, a total of NINE Amakhosi players facely likely departures out of Naturena.
The South African
02-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates transfer news: Four more players to leave?
Are Orlando Pirates finished releasing players? Not a chance. Miguel Timm and Innocent Maela's departures last week are expected to be followed by additional names. Former coach Jose Riveiro successfully recruited new talent from the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC), while Orlando Pirates have also made two new signings. According to reports, the Buccaneers are likely to say goodbye to four more players: Gilberto, Katlego Otladisa, Siphelo Baloni, and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo. Kaizer Chiefs news: Amakhosi bosses and Morris Orlando Pirates team against Stellenbosch FC at the Orlando Stadium. Image: Goal Zimbabwean attacker to Orlando Pirates? Soccer Laduma have said: 'Angolan winger Gilberto, who left the club on loan in January, is unlikely to have his stay extended, while Katlego Otladisa, who has struggled for game time and was loaned to Sekhukhune United, could also be among those set to leave. 'Midfielders Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Siphelo Baloni are also understood to be facing uncertain futures at the club, as the club is evaluating who fits into the plans for the long term. 'While the full list of departures is yet to be confirmed, it's clear that the winds of change are sweeping through the Bucs camp, with more announcements expected in the coming days as preparations intensify for the new season,' the report 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.
