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IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Mofokeng, Nkota among five stars making a strong case for PSL Young Player of the Year
DUBBED the Cocomelons, and one of them as the president of the Ama-2K, Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota are among the youngsters lighting up the local football scene. | BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix The 2024/25 Premiership season has been the most fiercely contested campaign in recent memory, and what has truly stood out is the rise of young talent across the league. Many youngsters have not only stepped up, but have also played pivotal roles in their teams' success. Here, Obakeng Meletse profiles five stand-out under-21 players who have caught the eye, and could be in serious contention for the PSL Young Player of the Season award. Puso Dithejane – TS Galaxy (20) Puso Dithejane of TS Galaxy. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky, BackpagePix Image: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Since swapping Kaizer Chiefs' youth structures for TS Galaxy, Dithejane has been on an upward trajectory. His contribution has been instrumental in the Rockets' remarkable turnaround – climbing from the bottom of the table to an impressive fifth-place finish. The young midfielder featured in 27 matches, scoring twice, and displayed the level of consistency needed to thrive at the highest level. His development has been one of the biggest positives for Galaxy this season, and his future at the club looks increasingly bright. Relebohile Mofokeng – Orlando Pirates (20) Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has warned of rushing Relebohile Mofokeng to find a club in Europe. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media Mofokeng continues to make strides in the Orlando Pirates set-up. He improved his goal tally this season, finishing with five strikes – two more than last season. His ability to stretch defences, attract markers, and create spaces for teammates made him a crucial part of the Buccaneers' attacking structure. Though his assist numbers remain low and his finishing at times erratic, Mofokeng's influence is undeniable. In his 26 league appearances, he consistently saw a lot of the ball, and was central to much of Pirates' attacking build-up. Sharpening his end-product could make him one of the league's most complete attacking threats in the near future. Mohau Nkota – Orlando Pirates (20) Mohau Nkota Mohau Nkota of Orlando Pirates. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix It was a break-out season for Nkota, another product of the Pirates youth system. The 20-year-old winger proved his worth in a strong campaign for Jose Riveiro's men, who chased Mamelodi Sundowns closely for much of the league season. Nkota played in 25 league games, scoring three goals and providing three assists. His explosive pace and direct running style posed a threat to defenders across the league, and his ability to stretch defences gave Pirates an important edge going forward. Malibongwe Khoza – Mamelodi Sundowns (21) Mamelodi Sundowns defender Malibongwe Khoza. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media The 21-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season with Mamelodi Sundowns, making 18 appearances in a star-studded squad overflowing with depth and quality. Despite limited opportunities, Khoza has proven himself to be a defensive rock, and his composure and positional awareness have been key to Sundowns boasting one of the stingiest defences in the league, conceding just 13 goals this past season. Mbekezeli Mbokazi — Orlando Pirates (19) Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi impressed for Bafana. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix While perhaps considered an outsider for the Young Player of the Season award, Mbokazi has a compelling case. Drafted in midway through the campaign due to an injury crisis in defence, the 19-year-old made the step up from Pirates' DStv Diski Challenge side look seamless. He delivered assured performances in the league campaign, showing maturity and poise beyond his years. His progress was further rewarded with a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad for recent international friendlies – a testament to his rapid rise and readiness for top-tier football.
IOL News
10-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
PSL 2024/25 review: Mamelodi Sundowns clinch another title as Orlando Pirates, Stellies and Sekhukhune fall short
Lucas Ribeiro, who left for the Fifa Club World Cup with Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday, is one of the favourites to win the PSL Player of the Season award. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media The 2024/25 Betway Premiership season delivered a blend of brilliance, heartbreak and controversy. Mamelodi Sundowns extended their dynasty with an eighth successive league title, leaving Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch FC and Sekhukhune United to reflect on what might have been. Here, Mihlali Baleka and Herman Gibbs unpack the highs and lows of each club's campaign, spotlighting the moments that mattered — and what's next. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 🏆@SekhukhuneFc's Keletso Makgalwa is the April #BetwayPrem Player of the Month — Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) May 14, 2025 Fourth | SEKHUKHUNE UNITED Sekhukhune improve but miss a bigger prize Sekhukhune secured a second consecutive fourth-place finish in the Premiership, achieving their highest points tally in the top flight (46). A strong start under coach Lehlohonolo Seema raised expectations, but he was controversially sacked mid-season and replaced by Eric Tinkler. Tinkler built well on Seema's foundation, but fell short of a Top 3 finish. However, his quick rapport with the players and the team's attractive football offer hope for the future. The good and the bad: Sekhukhune gave players like Keletso Makgalwa a fresh start. However, the club's handling of right-back Shaun Mogaila — who played while facing serious criminal charges — drew widespread criticism. The sacking of Seema was poorly managed and cost the team vital momentum. Star player: Keletso Makgalwa | Young Turk (best U23 player): Vuyo Letlapa | Sign him now: Keletso Makgalwa What's to come: If Tinkler is backed in the transfer market and retains key players, Sekhukhune could aim for a Top 3 finish next season. Ever-present, ever-reliable 🤩 Devin Titus featured in all 51 of our matches during the 2024-25 season ✨ — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) June 8, 2025 Third | STELLENBOSCH FC Stellenbosch keep the African dream alive Stellies securing their return to the CAF Confederation Cup. This season marked their first appearance in the competition, where they impressively reached the semi-finals. They equalled their best-ever Premiership finish and navigated a packed schedule, playing in seven countries — including the DRC, Mali, Angola, Morocco, Egypt and Tanzania. A 3-0 win and 0-0 draw extended their unbeaten Cape Derby run against Cape Town City to nine matches, dating back to December 2020. The good and the bad: Stellenbosch began the season with six consecutive wins in all competitions — a club first and won 13 matches in the Premiership. Their worst result was a 5-0 thrashing by Renaissance Berkane in January. Star player: Fawaaz Basadien | Young Turk: Ibraheem Jabaar | Sign him now: Masindi Nemtajela What's to come: They have the financial backing to become a real powerhouse in SA football and will want tokeep fighting in Africa. Second | ORLANDO PIRATES So close, yet so far for the Sea Robbers After dominating domestic cup competitions for the last two seasons, Pirates were finally expected to knock Sundowns off their perch in the Premiership. They endured a nervy end to the campaign, their inexperience in the title race ultimately exposed as they fell short of the crown. They also had a near-miss on the continent, losing to eventual champions Pyramids in the CAF Champions League semi-finals after a near-perfect group-stage campaign. The side ended the season with only one trophy — the MTN8 — while coach Jose Riveiro requested an early release to join Al Ahly. The good and the bad: Riveiro's integration of youngsters into the senior squad was a clear highlight. However, near-misses in both the Premiership and Champions League dashed the club's aspirations, rendering the season a failure. Star player: Relebohile Mofokeng | Young Turk: Mbekezeli Mbokazi | Sign him now: Mohau Nkota What's to come: With Pirates yet to announce a new coach, the club's direction remains uncertain.
IOL News
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Maema: I earned my place in Mamelodi Sundowns' Club World Cup squad
Neo Maema departed for the Fifa Club World Cup on Sunday with Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media Neo Maema believes he had long earned his ticket to the Fifa Club World Cup — hence he never doubted he would make Mamelodi Sundowns' final squad. Sundowns jetted off to Florida, US, on Sunday to begin their preparations for the global showpiece. Maema, sporting a short blonde hairstyle, was in high spirits at OR Tambo International, even vlogging for the club's social media platform, Mamelodi Sundowns TV. The 29-year-old's outlook was refreshing, given that he has been a bystander for the team this season, featuring in only 17 of 54 matches across all competitions. Despite his limited game-time, Maema had shone for the Brazilians in the previous two seasons, contributing significantly to their success both domestically and continentally. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ As such, when coach Miguel Cardoso announced his final squad for the tournament, Maema had no doubts about securing his place. 'I always knew that I'd make the squad. It's not arrogance — I just feel this is the reward for the work done by the players who were here two years ago,' the Sundowns attacker said. 'We qualified for the Club World Cup two seasons ago, I think. So, when you're still in the team, you just have to eat the fruit of the work you've put in. So, I am happy. 'I am disappointed for the ones who didn't make it, but that's the nature of the competition. It's a big club. I feel for them because they are my brothers.' Maema's limited involvement this season has fuelled speculation about his future at Sundowns, but he remained tight-lipped on the matter on Sunday. 'I'm not going to say anything about my future at the club. I am still a Mamelodi Sundowns player,' Maema affirmed. That moment between Kabelo Dlamini, Neo Maema and Tshegofatso Mabasa was special to witness 🤩 Watch until the end 👀#SSDiski — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 18, 2025 The Club World Cup will not only offer Maema a chance to buy himself more time at the club but also serve as an opportunity for Sundowns to seek some form of redemption. Sundowns missed out on the CAF Champions League crown two weeks ago, losing 3-2 on aggregate to Pyramids of Egypt in the final. That result was a bitter blow for the Brazilians, who had hoped to be third-time lucky after semi-final exits in the previous two seasons. 'It's disappointing to get close to the door, but we kept on knocking and it didn't open,' Maema said of their failed continental campaign. 'We knew it was going to be very difficult to win away. We played against a good team… and when things don't go your way, you can't play your normal football. 'It's a pain in the heart, but we have to move on. We lost out twice in a row in the semi-finals, so we don't want that to happen again. We have to bounce back quickly.' Sundowns have been drawn in Group F at the Club World Cup, alongside Ulsan Hyundai, Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense. They will open their campaign against Ulsan on Wednesday, 18 June. The Brazilians are eager to perform well on the global stage — not just to redeem themselves but also to showcase their talent to scouts from overseas clubs. 'It's disappointing, but there's nothing we can do about it. We just have to accept it and, as men, help the youngsters in the team,' Maema said. 'We have to believe that someday we will win it, but for now, we must focus on the opportunity ahead and see it as a chance for everyone to showcase their talent.'
IOL News
09-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
It's Ireland versus the Bulls in URC final but Jake White says his team have a lotto ticket
Bulls coach Jake White and his team will already be in Ireland on Monday. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media If you haven't got a lotto ticket, you can't win the lotto. That is how Jake White feels about the Bulls' chances of beating Leinster in Saturday's United Rugby Championship final in Dublin. White said the challenge in front of his team is enormous but 'if you are in it, you can win it.' 'The wonderful thing for us is that we have a lotto ticket. You can't win the lotto if you don't have a ticket. We have a 50% chance of winning on Saturday. That's how sport works.' The 2007 World Cup-winning coach said his team will be playing a match akin to a top level Test match. And when asked what it would take for the Bulls to be third time lucky in a final, White said divine intervention would help. A few words from your @Vodacom #URC MOTM 🫡 THANK YOU for all the support 💙 onto the next 🏆 — Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) June 7, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Prayer. Prayer is what we need,' White said. 'I don't say this lightly. We need prayer. "We have to travel to play an international team. It is going to be tough. It is going to be like Ireland verses the Bulls. I'm not underplaying it. "Ireland have beaten the All Blacks and many big teams. 'So we have to work hard; get things to work in our favour; recover well from bumps and bruises. Then we have to play very well. "Look at what Leinster did to Glasgow (in the semi-final) and look at what Glasgow did to us last year. They did not struggle to beat Glasgow and will be on a high now going into a final at home.' White says he will emphasise to his players how special the occasion will be. 'It will be different in that the British and Irish Lions assemble while we are over there and the next week they play a warm-up game. I'm glad because the whole of Dublin will be rugby crazy. 'Our young players will experience something unique and special. I will work hard for the guys to enjoy it and be ready. People travel the world to hopefully see the underdogs win. That is what happens in sport. 'On Friday night, I was watching Djokovic play Sinner (in the semi-final of the French Open). Most folk thought Djokovic would win, but Sinner beat him. Upsets in sport get people talking.' It will be the first time that the Bulls have played Leinster in a final and it is the Irish team's first appearance in a final since South Africa joined the URC. 'For both sides it is a completely different challenge,' White said. 'It doesn't matter that we beat them last year in a knockout game. It is all immaterial. It is now a final. 'It doesn't matter what went before and we proved it tonight (in the semi-final) — we lost twice to the Sharks but won the playoff game.' The Bulls left for Dublin on Sunday, three days earlier than is the norm in the URC. White said that travelling early was essential in giving his team a fighting chance. 'I want to thank our board members. We are not leaving on Tuesday, we will be there on Monday and we have a full week to prepare. There are extra costs but the reality is that we are at the time where we have to take things very seriously.
IOL News
08-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns depart in style as Club World Cup beckons
Mamelodi Sundowns' captain Ronwen Williams departed with his team to the the Fifa Club World Cup on Sunday. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media Mamelodi Sundowns made a grand departure for the Fifa Club World Cup in the US at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday afternoon. Sundowns' players were clad in new, colourful tracksuits specially designed for the tournament, while the technical teams wore sleek grey attire. Head coach Miguel Cardoso stood out in a knitted hat featuring the South African flag — a symbolic and impeccable choice from the Portugal-born manager. It reflected both the team's and his readiness to carry the nation's hopes on the global stage. Sundowns have been a beacon of hope for South African sport, coming agonisingly close to lifting the CAF Champions League title just a week ago. However, their aspirations were dashed at the final hurdle, losing the second leg 2–1 to Pyramids in Cairo, and the tie 3–2 on aggregate. The narrow defeat stunned the Yellow Nation and the country at large, especially given that the club last won the continental crown nine years ago, despite dominating the domestic league for the past eight seasons. Speaking to the media prior to departure, Sundowns' vice-captain Ronwen Williams reflected on how the team have dealt with the disappointment in Cairo. 'I think the most important thing to do was to reflect,' Williams said. 'Immediately after the game, we had our chats. But after that, it was important to stay away from each other. We've played so many games this season and travelled extensively. 'So, these five days away from one another were important to re-energise and get the spark back. It was hard to accept that defeat — but we had to go again.' Williams acknowledged that the team would have arrived at the Club World Cup with greater confidence had they secured the African title, but that now they need to dig deep. 'We would be going with that confidence if we had won the African crown. But now, we need to dig deep because we didn't win,' he explained. 'It was probably the hardest defeat of my career — and the team's as well. We sacrificed a lot and worked so hard to get there. Everyone thought we'd get over the line. 'We have to go again. No one is going to do it for us — we need to man up. People are on holiday, and we are on another flight. "That's how amazing it is to be at Sundowns — they always focus on the next competition. As tough as it is, we enjoy it. It's really amazing!'
