Latest news with #PyramidsFC
Al-Ahram Weekly
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Ahly, Pyramids FC play in Champions League, Zamalek, Masry in Confederation Cup: EFA to CAF - Egyptian Football
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) announced on Sunday that they informed the Confederation of African football (CAF) with the names of the Egyptian Clubs that will participate in the major continental tournaments next season. According to an EFA statement, Ahly and Pyramids FC would participate in the CAF Champions League as the holders and runners-up of the Egyptian Premier League 2024/2025 season, respectively. Meanwhile, Zamalek and Masry will play in the CAF Confederation Cup. The White Knights are Egypt Cup winners, while the Port Said-based club ended the league competition in fourth place. The new season of the Champions League and the Confederation Cup will kick off next September. Pyramids FC recently won the Champions League title after beating South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns in the final. Meanwhile, the 12-time African Champions Ahly were eliminated from the semi-final. On the other hand, Zamalek was eliminated from the quarter-final of the Confederation Cup last season, while Masry also said goodbye in the same round. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Hotto, Saleng, Mofokeng, new coach
Orlando Pirates have yet to name Jose Riveiro's successor, but they are perhaps taking advantage of the offseason to hire the right man for the job; however, not everyone will wait. According to reports, Rulani Mokwena and Pitso Mosimane are both wanted in Egypt. The latter has been approached by recent Egypt Cup winners Zamalek FC, while the former is reportedly in talks with CAF Champions League victors Pyramids FC. Veteran wingback Deon Hotto has been rewarded with a contract extension amid weeks of uncertainty. The 30-year-old's contract was set to expire in under two weeks, but Orlando Pirates don't want him going anywhere. The new deal has been confirmed. Meanwhile, the same can't be said for forgotten man Monnapule Saleng, whose future at the club is as certain as predicting the weather. Both parties appear to be ready for an exit, but substantial interest has yet to be confirmed. The Bloemhof-born winger hasn't featured in the PSL since late November. Relebohile Mofokeng is another uncertainty; however, in this case, Orlando Pirates definitely want to keep him. Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos believes the 20-year-old will move this offseason. 'Okay, I think his parents want the best for him, that's for sure. But there is another guy who wants to win a lot of money also, but that's the problem. But ok, let's hope, maybe I talked too soon about that, 'We'll see. I think in June, Rele will not be a player of Orlando Pirates anymore, but a good choice is very important.' Meanwhile, the Sea Robbers have secured the future of youngster Yanga Madiba. 'They have already made that decision. For now, it's as good as done, and it's believed to be a three-year contract which would apparently run from July this year until June 2028,' a Soccer Laduma report read. 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 Star
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Mweene has the best goalkeepers at his disposal for Mamelodi Sundowns in Fifa Club World Cup
Mihlali Baleka | Published 3 hours ago Kennedy Mweene will complete a full circle in his career when he returns to the Fifa Club World Cup in the United States as Mamelodi Sundowns' goalkeeper coach. Such is the depth that he has at his disposal, the 40-year-old is adamant that he'll have a nice selection headache as well. Mweene was one of the goalkeepers – alongside Denis Onyango and Wayne Sandilands – who were part of the Sundowns team at the 2016 Club World Cup in Japan. He built on the experience that he garnered from that event as he played a key role in the Brazilians' dominance of South African football. The Afcon-winning goalkeeper with Zambia hung up his gloves two seasons ago, trading standing between the sticks to being a deputy goalkeeper coach at Sundowns. But after his superior Wendell Robinson was sacked alongside head coach Manqoba Mngqithi late last year, he ascended to the position of head goalkeeper coach. Mweene has managed to get the best out of his goalkeepers, No 2 Onyango and first-choice Ronwen Williams, as Sundowns won the Premiership on home soil. The Brazilians' goalkeeping department was so good that they missed out on the CAF Champions League crown by a whisker, losing 3-2 on aggregate to Pyramids FC in the final. But with that disappointment now behind them, Sundowns have put all their focus on the World Cup, in which they'll face Ulsan HD, Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense in Group F. The Brazilians first game will be against South Koreans Ulsan next Wednesday, and Mweene has revealed who'll be his No 1 at the event. 'It's easy for me – it's not difficult. I think Ronwen and Denis have been doing well. We have Reyaad (Pieterse) as well,' Mweene said of his goalkeeping selection. 'We have got a balance of experience and youth, in this case, Reyaad, when it comes to playing on the international stage. For me, it's about continuity. 'Everyone knows that it'll be Ronwen (who'll be the No 1 and start most of the games) unless otherwise (due to injury).' Sure, Williams is Sundowns' undisputed No 1, but Onyango's experience will come in handy in America, given his overall experience and participation at their last World Cup. Mweene, who's the same age as Onyango (40), has lifted the lid on what it has been like to coach the former Ugandan No 1 in the last two seasons. 'I think the most important thing as a goalkeeper coach is to know how to train him. He's 40-plus,' Mweene said. 'It's not easy. You must know how to train him. 'There are exercises that he doesn't complete, because we look at his body and what he needs. He always pushes himself.' The upcoming global showpiece has been extended to 32 teams. As a result, Africa have four teams – Sundowns are joined by Al Ahly, Esperance and Wydad Casablanca. The quartet's qualification has all but given the continent a slim chance of earning a podium finish, something that pleases Mweene. 'I think it's good for Africa because last time, it was maybe two teams or one. But this time there are about four, and that gives us a chance as Africa,' Mweene said. 'We are still crying about the number, but nevertheless, we just have to go and showcase our talent. 'We know that it won't be easy – it's a high-profile tournament. 'Everyone, including the boys, knows what we are going to do. 'Again, it won't be easy, but we have to showcase our talent – represent South Africa and Africa at large.'
The South African
12-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates pull plug on R70m star: Kaizer Chiefs in the hunt
Orlando Pirates have officially stepped back from the race to sign Congolese goal machine Fiston Mayele, despite years of admiration and attempts to lure him to Soweto. The Buccaneers had identified the Pyramids FC striker as a top priority, dating back to the era of Spanish head coach José Riveiro. At the time, Pirates sought to strengthen their frontline with a proven finisher, and Mayele ticked all the right boxes. 'Orlando Pirates have been interested in Fiston Mayele since the time they were still under Jose Riveiro as their coach,' confirmed a source. 'There have been several attempts to bring him to the club, and agents from both South Africa and abroad have tried to facilitate the deal. But the reality is, the player's value has soared beyond what is feasible in the local market.' Mayele has enjoyed a sensational campaign, spearheading Pyramids FC to their first-ever CAF Champions League triumph. The Congolese forward finished as the tournament's top scorer with nine goals, including decisive strikes against Orlando Pirates in the semi-finals and Mamelodi Sundowns in the final. The 30-year-old's performances on the continental stage have dramatically increased his market value. In the Egyptian Premier League, Mayele continued his stellar form, driving Pyramids to a second-place finish and a run to the Egypt Cup final. Reports from Egypt reveal that Pyramids have already tabled a lucrative contract extension worth approximately R70 million per season in a bid to retain their talisman. This massive financial package has made it nearly impossible for local clubs, including Pirates. Faced with this financial reality, Orlando Pirates have now redirected their focus to more attainable targets. While the Buccaneers have bowed out, Kaizer Chiefs remain interested in securing Mayele's services. The striker previously confirmed he held discussions with Amakhosi head coach Nasreddine Nabi, under whom he flourished at Young Africans SC in Tanzania. However, Mayele's soaring price tag presents a formidable obstacle for the Naturena-based side as well. With Orlando Pirates out, can Chiefs now seal the costly deal with Mayele? 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
New coach alert? Orlando Pirates target addresses links!
Orlando Pirates continue to keep their cards closed regarding who will be Jose Riveiro's successor; but former Mamelodi Sundowns managers Rulani Mokwena and Pitso Mosimane are rumoured to be on their radar. However, both are being monitored by North African giants Zamalek FC, who will be flying high after their recent Egytpian Cup triumph over Pyramids FC. Mokwena addressed the links, which will have the Buccaneers pondering whether he wants to fight for the job. 'I didn't hear from them (Zamalek) after I had said I heard that coach Pitso was also in the running for this position,' Mokwena told SuperSport's Africa Soccer show. 'My relationship and my respect for him would not allow me to compete for the same coaching job with coach Pitso. It just wouldn't sit well with me, so I pulled out. I said I would rather they give it to Pitso.' 'Exactly what you are saying, my agent said, 'But this is a big club', and I said my respect for Pitso and what he has done for my career wouldn't allow me to do that.' While the future surrounding Monnapule Saleng continues to drag out with little-to-no clarity, Orlando Pirates are reportedly in the hunt for starlet Jaedin Rhodes – another sign that the 27-year-old's days in Soweto are limited 'One of those reinforcements could be a long-time target, Jaedin Rhodes. Although the 22-year-old has endured an underwhelming season with Cape Town City, he remains a high priority on the Buccaneers' list,' a source said. 'The club [Orlando Pirates] has been met with resistance by City in previous attempts to lure Rhodes to Gauteng, but according to sources, will try once more in the upcoming window. Complicating matters will be the Citizens' peculiar situation.' 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.
