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By Herrold Lamola (@Lamola_eitcHDee) Kaizer Chiefs is still leaking its fresh wounds from a Mamelodi Sundowns defeat and are set to lock horns with another Tshwane side Supersport United at the FNB Stadium  on Wednesday  night. Kick-Off is set for  19:30 The Glamour boys will be looking to redeem themselves in the expense of Matsatsantsa a Pitori. Supersport United under the supervision of Stuart Baxter is made up of Kaizer Chiefs rejects. Supersport boats six Chiefs ex-players in their squad and that has to worry their opponents. Supersport are on ten-match unbeaten streak and in contrast Chiefs has not tasted a victory in their last four matches. With Steve Komphela's tactics under the spotlight following their disastrous performance against Mamelodi Sundowns at the weekend it will take more than just a win to ease the pressure off Komphela. Komphela's tactics were deployed by Stuart Baxter before at Chiefs and have yielded some results. During his tenur

By Herrold Lamola  (@Lamola_eitcHDee) It is not a smooth sailing at the reigning African Champions League kings, Mamelodi Sundowns, as they  are set to keep Keagan Dolly despite the midfielder's agent looking to secure him a move to Europe. There are contractual crises looming between the two parties and the Premier Soccer League had to intervene and resolve the matter.  Sundowns tried to apply similar tactics and delay Bongani Zungu's move to Portugal but the 24-year old midfielder opted not to renew his contract and left as a free agent in May this year. Sundowns outspoken mentor, Pitso Mosimane, says he wants Dolly to spend at least one more season at the club in order to grow. Mosimane who has guided Sundowns to their first ever continental victory insists that South African players are late bloomers compared to their European counterparts. Mosimane told The Star "Our players are still young. Keagan needs one or two more years before he can talk about moving

By Herrold Lamola  (@Lamola_eitcHDee) South Africa will come to a standstill when its two biggest stars lock horns at FNB Stadium this Saturday afternoon - kick of at 15:00. Orlando Pirates will host their arch-rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, in a much anticipated Soweto derby. FNB Stadium is expected to be filled to capacity when the two giants face-off. Although Chiefs usually  use FNB Stadium as their home ground, their rivals will have enjoy home-ground-advantage. Both sets of fans will demand that their teams deliver them the post-match bragging rights. This about more than three points. As Bill Shankly once said: "Football is not a matter of life and death, it’s much more important than that." A Soweto derby is one of those games that you can feel that this is more important than life and death. Those who back these two giants know only too well its importance. Kaizer Chiefs have a superior record over Orlando Pirates - having beaten them 24 times and lost 13 of their P

By Herrold Lamola (@Lamola_eitcHDee) Bafana Bafana coach, Ephraim 'Shakes' Mashaba, has announced his 25-men squad to take on Senegal in a 2018 World Cup qualifiers encounter and this is the legit squad he has ever assembled since taking the reins in July 2014. Shakes is under a severe pressure as he failed to qualify for the 2017 Cup of Nations finals. He has to qualify for the 2018 Fifa World Cup in order to save his head from the chop. His mandate with the South African Football Association (SAFA) was to qualify for both the Afcon and World Cup but he has already missed out on one which makes his life difficult and he must top the group. Shakes has collected a single valuable point away in Burkina Faso earlier this month following a 1-1 draw with the Stallions. A team that concedes a goal in the last minute of the game after surviving two penalties has no qualities to qualify for the world cup. South Africa has no squad that can take on the powerhouses of football at

By Herrold Lamola (@Lamola_eitcHDee ) Teko Modise has re-written a well documented story in media circles. The 'Bad luck carrier' story has made headlines in the past but Teko has written a new chapter that changes the entire book. One of the most criticized players of his generation, Teko 'Google Earth' Modise, was less fortunate earlier in his career. Modise made a belated breakthrough at SuperSport United before securing a big move to Orlando Pirates in 2007. Modise was labelled a 'carrier of bad luck' by the media and the public in large. His move from Supersport United to Orlando Pirates meant he would miss out as Gavin Hunt’s side won three consecutive League titles in 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10. Modise was one of the fan favourite footballers in South Africa during his stay at Orlando Pirates. Despite his name rising above his peers, Modise couldn't help Orlando Pirates to win any title on offer. His silky skills went unnoticed as he was

By Herrold Lamola  (@Lamola_eitcHDee) Continental success is more than just a star above the team's logo. Premier Soccer League (PSL) will have more spots in CAF competitions should Mamelodi Sundowns win the African Champions League against Zamalek on Sunday evening in Alexandria. Twenty years down the line, one can confidently say victory is certain. With Mamelodi Sundowns now being just 90 minutes adrift continental success, Mosimane must be on cloud nine as he is taking a healthy 3-0 lead to Egypt for the second leg of a two legged final against Zamalek in Alexandria, on Sunday evening. 'It is not over yet' as many would say but Sundowns has to be at their worst to give away their lead. Also read:http://ibsoccer.tv/psl-maintain-four-caf-spots/ Mosimane has always lambasted South Africans on how ignorant they can be when it comes to continental competitions.  South Africans didn't disappoint though as they came out in their numbers to paint Luc

By Herrold Lamola  (@Lamola_eitcHDee ) History was against Mamelodi Sundowns when they took on Egyptian giants Zamalek at Lucas 'Masterpieces' Moripe stadium in Atteredgeville on Saturday afternoon in a much anticipated Caf Champions League first leg of the two legged final. Although statistics were in favour of the visitors, football is not a game that is played on paper. It is very rare on the history of Caf Champions League to defeat a team in the group stages of the tournament and do it again in the finals. Sundowns made a double against Zamelek in the group stages with a 2-1 away and 1-0 home  victories over the White Knights but that didn't guarantee them a win on Saturday in the final. In the past the teams that have emerged victorious in the group stages have not manage to carry  their group stages success to the finals. One can confidently say plenty of the group successful teams choked in the finals. Sundowns overcame all the obstacles they have met in th

By Herrold Lamola  (@Lamola_eitcHDee) South African Football Association (Safa) Technical Director, Neil Tovey, has suffered another heart-attack on Sunday afternoon. The Association's Head of Communications, Dominic Chimhavi, released a statement confirming the news. Chimhavi reported that Mark Tovey (Neil’s brother) confirmed the incident, saying that the former Bafana Bafana captain was in critical condition and doctors were battling to stabilise him. Tovey has captained Bafana Bafana in 1996 when they clinch the only prestigious title. 'Mokoko' as he is affectionately known has also won the league title with Mamelodi Sundowns in 2005/06 season as a co-coach with Miguel Gamondi. “He suffered a heart attack while training this afternoon (Sunday) and was rushed to a hospital. We await the doctor’s report and the next few hours are going to be critical,” said Mark Tovey. Safa President, Dr Danny Jordaan, said he was shocked to learn about the occurrence and wish

By Herrold Lamola  (@Lamola_eitcHDee ) 'Ntofotofo' struck his 100th Premier Soccer League goal. The Zambian was on target to hand the Lions of the North an equaliser which cancelled out Lebohang Manyama’s opener in an entertaining Absa Premiership clash played at the Makhulong Stadium settle for a point as they drew 1-1 with visitors Cape Town City at the Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa on Tuesday night. Mbesuma, was credited at the weekend with a century of goals but still one shy going into Tuesday night’s encounter against the newly bought Cape Town City FC, he has hit a sweet left footed shot on the half volley in the 71st minute to join an elite club in South African soccer. Mbesuma helped Kaizer Chiefs to a back-to-back league victory in 2004/05 season as he netted a record 25 league goals and 35 in all competitions. He won the golden boot for the second time when he banged 14 goals for Mpumalanga Black Aces in 2015/16 season. His predatory instincts is different f

By Herrold Lamola (@Lamola_eitcHDee) Bafana Bafana mentor, Shakes Mashaba, might have survived the chop and still be in charge of the South African senior national team but he knows he is not the right man for the job. Shakes has failed dismally to take Bafana Bafana to the Afcon 2017. Bafana was supposed to qualify with a 100% record from an easy Group M with the likes of Gambia, Mauritania and Cameroon. One can argue that Cameroon is one of the African football powerhouses. This is not a Cameroon of yesteryear. The Indomitable Lions that would roar,kill and conquer.  'The limping indomitable Lions' as referred to the West African side on my previous blog, Cameroon is dead. A toothless and dying lion. Bafana managed to take a lead twice against Cameroon but failed to protect their lead on that two occasions away in Cameroon. Bafana had no reason not to qualify for the major continental show piece with such opponents in their group. Bafana Bafana had to do exactly what

By Herrold Lamola (@Lamola_eitcHDee) Dan 'Dance' Malesela gave the people of Port Elizabeth a reason to smile. Chippa United is playing a good brand of football with a South African flair. Malesela believes there is something special about the South, be it Southern Africa or South America. 'Dance' says the Southerns are 'entertainers'. "I believe football should be played according to a team's strength, which is why I always believed that there is something particular about the South, be it Southern Africa or South America. The foundation of my philosophy is my belief that we should be entertainers, because that is what brings fans to the stadium," Malesela told Kick-Off magazine. Chippa United gave Mamelodi Sundowns a run for their money in the first leg of the two legged MTN8 Semi-final encounter. The game ended in a dull draw but that was one of the best games so far this season. Sundowns usually have upper hand over their opponents but t

By Herrold Lamola  (@Lamola_eitcHDee) Pitso Mosimane celebrates his League victory with Mamelodi Sundowns (Picture by Backpagepix) Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Pitso 'Jingles' Mosimane, is arguably one of the most successful coaches in South Africa. Mosimane began his Premier Soccer League coaching career with the Tshwane giants, Supersport United, from (1July 2001– 30 June 2007). 'Jingles' as he is affectionately known has won the SAA Super 8 (2004) and the Absa Cup (2005) with Matsatsantsa a Pitori. He then joined Bafana Bafana as the assistant coach between 2007 and 2010. He was handed the Bafana Bafana head coach position on the 15th of July 2010.  Mosimane served as Bafana coach until June 2012. Because of less success with the national team, 'Jingles', had no choice but to switch back to club level. Mosimane joined Mamelodi Sundowns in late 2012 following the departure of Dutch legend, Johan Neeskens, who failed to win a single piec

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola   The Absa Premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, is set to lock horns with the Egyptian giants Zamalek in a crunch Caf Champions League Group B match in Cairo  on Sunday . Kick-Off is set for  19:00  (South African time) The Brazilians is well aware that a positive result in Egypt will edge them closer to securing a semifinal spot in the continental prestigious competition. The Egyptian side has won the Champions League five times and currently shares the top spot in the group stages with the South African champions after both sides earned victories against the other team in their group‚ Enyimba from Nigeria. “They are very experienced in this tournament‚ but we have the belief that they are beatable and we can do well against them‚” Downs’ midfielder anchor Hlompho Kekana said. Sundowns need a victory from the Petro Sport Stadium  on Sunday  night‚ then a spot in the semis will be a certainty for the Brazilians. As much as the sid

By Herrold Lamola (@Lamola_eitcHDee) Cristiano Ronaldo has equalled Luiz Figo caps record. The three time Ballon d'Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, has equalled Luís Figo's record of 127 caps for Portugal when he featured in last night's Uefa Uero fixture against Iceland. Portugal was held to a 1-1 draw by one of tiny countries in the world. Luís Figo says Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the Portuguese national team. Says Figo "Ronaldo is a very important player for the national team. He's one of the best players in the world and the most expensive player ever. When he's at his best, he's unstoppable." Figo argues that Ronaldo doesn't the same at club and international level. Figo "I don't agree when people say he plays better for Real Madrid than for Portugal because it's completely different playing for your club than for your national team. Everything he's accomplished for Portugal proves his qualities and how he giv

By Herrold Lamola (@Lamola_eitcHDee) Teko Modise of Mamelodi Sundowns is worrying CAF effects before the new season. Mamelodi Sundowns kingpin midfielder, Teko Modise, is wary of the effects of the taxing CAF Champions League campaign ahead of next season. Mamelodi Sundowns off-season break had to be cut shot due to their reinstatement into the CAF competition after AS Vita were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player. The Brazilians departed for Algeria on Tuesday to honour their first leg of the two legged group B fixture against ES Setif. The match is scheduled for Saturday evening. Orlando Pirates reached last year's CAF Confederations Cup final and that meant little rest during the PSL break. The Buccaneers’ travels on the continent clearly took its toll on them as they struggled in the ABSA Premiership. "It worries me a lot," said The Navigator. "Because I've seen what happened to Orlando Pirates and realistically it affected them a lot. I don

By Herrold Lamola (@Lamola_eitcHDee) Mushin Ertugral appointed new Pirates coach. Photo by Backpagespix Orlando Pirates have confirmed the appointment of Muhsin Ertugral as the new head coach in place of Eric Tinkler. They took a statement to their official website, anouncing that Ertugral has signed a three-year contract and is expected to assume his role from July 1. "Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Muhsin Ertugral as Head Coach," reads the statement. "Ertugral has signed a three year contract with the Club and will assume his duties from July 1." “I am excited about the prospect of working for Orlando Pirates Football Club. It’s an absolute honour to be at the helm of one of the biggest Clubs in Africa,” said the former Mpumalanga Black Aces tactician. “This is a Club with great history and tradition. I am looking forward to being part of the Orlando Pirates family and thank the President for the trust he has shown i

By Herrold Lamola (@Lamola_eitcHDee) Cristiano Ronldo of Portugal after a draw against Iceland Cristiano Ronaldo and co freeze as Portugal was held to a 1-1 draw by minnows Iceland in a Uurepean Championship encounter in France, on Monday night. A superb finish by Nani gave Portugal the lead before Iceland's midfielder Birkir Bjarnason levelled for Iceland in Saint Etienne. Ronaldo equalled Luis Figo's record number of caps with both now on 127. However, it was a quiet night for the Real Madrid forward, who failed to become the first man to score in four European Championships, as he was frustrated by Iceland's defence and a great display from goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson. The three-time World Player of the Year smashed a free-kick straight into the Iceland wall with the last kick of the game as the referee's whistle was met with delight by the Iceland players and fans alike. Adam Szalai and Zoltan Stieber scored second-half goals as Hungary stunned highly fancie

Keagan Dolly in action for Bafana Bafana. By Herrold Lamola (@Lamola_eitcHDee) South Africa has registered their first win in their qualifiers  with a impressive 4-0 victory over Gambia at the Independent Stadium, in Bakau, Gambia. First half brace from Thamsanqa Gabuza gave the South African side a lead going into the interval. The sensational Keagan Dolly has also netted a brace in the second stanza of the game to seal maximum points for Bafana. After a slow start at the Independence Stadium, the game came to life after Sibusiso Vilakazi came on to replace the injured Thulani Serero in the 25th minute. Bafana Bafana clicked into gear as Gabuza, who had missed a good opportunity moments before, opened the scoring after finishing a one-touch move involving Tebogo Langerman, himself, Dolly and Vilakazi. Gabuza got his second from Dolly’s pinpoint cross from the left as he made a near-post run and tapped home to finish a sweeping move, another one the strike

By Herrold Lamola  (Lamola_eitcHDee) Sandton- Football officials, coaches, fans and friends gathered to pay their final respects to Theodore 'Ted' Dumitru at the Ellis Park Arena (Standard Bank Arena) in Johannesburg yesterday. Dumitru, who died last week, will be buried this weekend. Master Ted as he was affectionately known was born in Bucharest, Romania. He came to Africa in 1980 to lead Zambian National Team. Master Ted has helped the Zambian team qualify for the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations. Master Ted joined South African giants, Kaizer Chiefs, in 1985 to take over the coaching reins. Dumitru and football development were match made in heaven.  His contribution towards football development in the country began in 1982 when he established the Chibuku Youth Centre at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. The centre became a big success, receiving raving reviews from FIFA Coach Instructors. Hundreds of fans broke into song and applause as speaker after speaker spoke warmly about the