Makaab confirms Jali's Sundowns exit.

    

• All good things come to an end, and so is Andile Jali's journey with Mamelodi Sundowns.

Jali's agent, Mike Makaab, has ended months of speculation by confirming that the midfielder is leaving Sundowns after the two parties, Prosport international and the club agreed on a mutual termination which will be done during the course of the week.

Jali joined Sundowns in 2018, enjoying much success with the club having won five league titles.

The 2021/22 season was probably Jali's best season at Sundowns, with him playing an integral role in their treble winning team.

It was in the season that has just ended where Jali's Sundowns career turned on its head.

He was relegated to the bench, only managing a few cameo appearances, especially after Rulani Mokwena took over the head coaching reigns.

The final straw came when Jali allegedly arrived at Chloorkop under the influence of alcohol, which was followed by him stopping to train with the club.

"We are in the process of finalising a mutual termination, which will be done during the course of this week. He will leave on a positive and amicable basis," Makaab told SABC Sport. https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/confirmed-andile-jali-leaving-mamelodi-sundowns

"An official statement will come from the club, but when a “new coach” comes in to the building…he has his own thoughts and ideas, and we have to respect that and so does AJ," he added.

As recent as last week when Sundowns were booted out of the CAF Champions League by Wydad AC, many Downs fans felt that Jali could have made a huge difference in helping the team maintain their lead.

That's how influential the player has been to that Sundowns midfield.

Makaab says the club appreciates Jali for his services, and so does the player for the way he was welcomed.

But one thing for sure, he won't appreciate the way his exit was handled, having last played for the club in February.

ALSO READ: Truter praises Riveiro: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/truter-showers-riveiro-with-praises.html

"I know that Sundowns are very appreciative of the value that Andile has brought to the club and he is too of the way he was welcomed. He wore the captain’s armband, which is one of the great achievements. There’s absolutely nothing else other than purely technical reasons."

Although Makaab did not give much away in terms of Jali's next move, it is no secret that the midfielder, whom Maakab says is the best number six in the country, has many admirers.

Kaizer Chiefs, who have battled to fill the void left by Njabulo Blom in the midfield, is rumoured to be one of them.

"We are trying to finalise the issue with Sundowns out of respect for both parties. He wants to play, he believes he’s got two more years at least. He was outstanding last year and good in the first few months of this season – but things can change. We will have to play it by ear now.

"Then we have to get him ready for pre-season. He’s got a personal trainer at the moment and he is very motivated for the next chapter. I still believe, and this is my opinion, that he is the best No.6 in the land." 

He's such a great talent - Erasmus on Ratomo.

Orlando Pirates youngster, Relebohile Ratomo, is one of the shining lights in South African football, alongside the likes of Mduduzi Shabalala of Kaizer Chiefs, and Siyabonga Mabena of Mamelodi Sundowns.

While Shabalala was handed his Chiefs senior debut a bit earlier, Ratomo had to wait longer for his chance.

But when it came, he grabbed it with both hands.

Ratomo made his DStv Premiership debut for Pirates in their draw against Royal AM, but it was in their final game of the season, a 4-0 win over AmaZulu where the 18-year-old formally introduced himself to Bucs fans by scoring a goal.

Pirates forward, Kermit Erasmus, revealed to iDiski Times what he told the Ratomo to calm his nerves.

“You know when he came in he was sitting next to me in the changing room and he looked a little bit nervous,” Erasmus told iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/dstv-premiership/erasmus-reveals-his-advice-to-bucs-talent/

“And all I told him was to never forget that he’s got the ability to play as long as he was willing to make the hard yards for the team, the ability will come out on its own. It’s not to be fearful of the occasion, just play with freedom.

“It’s easier said than done but, you know, I think when you hear from somebody who’s been part of the team or been in the game, it comes across a bit different."

ALSO READ: Roberto De Zerbi on Man City draw: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/we-deserved-result-de-zerbi-on-man-city.html

Erasmus says Ratomo is a great talent who needs to keep his feet on the ground to have a flourishing career.

“You could see in the game, he had so much fun. He’s such a great talent, I just hope that he has a great career and he keeps his feet on the ground.”

With experienced players like Erasmus around him, Ratomo is in good hands. 

Hunt has spoken, SA football needs a reboot.

SuperSport United coach, Gavin Hunt is one of the few coaching 'elders' remaining and still very much involved in South African football amongst an influx of new, younger generation of coaches, and when an elder speaks, we need to listen and take notes.

Answering football journalist, Lorenz Kohler's question about most Premier Soccer League's teams being less than 10 years old, Hunt said South African football needs a serious reboot.

Hunt believes PSL teams have bloated squads and they need to cut down on the number of players they have on their books.

But one important issue that hunt touched on, is the issue of PSL clubs selling their franchises like hot fat cakes on a busy street in the morning.

One has to look at one club that is a huge part of the South African football heritage, Wits University, whose 99 years of history has been 'erased' in less than three years after they sold their status to recently relegated Marumo Gallants.

Wits is not the only South African football heritage that has literally gone down the drain, Bloemfontein Celtic is another fallen giant, having been purchased by KwaZulu-Natal business woman, Shauwn Mkhize and renamed Royal AM.

According to hunt, if a team's status is purchased, the name should not change, as well as the club's base.

ALSO READ: Erik Ten Hag on Manchester United's ambitions: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/we-want-to-compete-with-best-ten-hag.html?m=1

Teams form a huge part of the community they are based in, they become part of the community's soul, one can only look at what Celtic meant to the people of Bloemfontein, and what it did to them when it was sold.

Imagine Mamelodi Sundowns being sold to a businessman from Limpopo, and renamed Limpopo Sundowns, just ponder on that.

Hunt, has touched on some serious issues.

Even clubs themselves need their own internal reboots.

The fact that Mamelodi Sundowns has won the DStv Premiership title says a lot about the declining level of competitiveness in our elite league.

Sundowns winning the league with seven matches to spare this time around, and with a points gap of 16 for two seasons running should lead to the likes of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates doing some serious introspection, and, as Hunt says, do some very necessary reboots. 

SA⚽TxT's DStv Premiership team of the season.

The 2022/23 season has come and gone, with the Nedbank Cup final and the relegation/promotion players the only remaining activities on its calendar. 

As with every season, once again a few players stood out in this campaign, and this writer took time to select what he believes is the best eleven for 2022/23.

Formation: 4-2-1-3 

Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams 

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper, Williams, had a great season after his move from SuperSport United was questioned by a lot of football pundits. 

With Denis Onyango having made the Sundowns number one spot his own, Williams was expected to keep the bench warm. 

Instead, Williams is in the running for the player of the season award, and he is definitely the goalkeeper of the season. 

Right-Back: Khuliso Mudau 

If you want a number two who can go up and down the line all day long, Mudau is your man. 

The Sundowns number two doesn't only march up and down the line with ease, his tackling in dangerous one v one situations is superb. 

Left-Back: Riaan Hanamub 

AmaZulu FC might find it hard to hold on to their number three for long. 

Like Mudau, Hanamub has all the attributes one looks for in a fullback, the speed, contributing both in attack and defence, and one v one defending skills to boast. 

Center-Half: Nkosinathi Sibisi 

Orlando Pirates have themselves a top defender in Sibisi. 

If you want a lethal striker to be bottled for 90 minutes, Sibisi is your man. 

His defender of the season nomination is testimony to his huge contribution to Bucs' rock solid defence this season. 

Center-Half: Given Msimango 

Msimango was a revelation for TS Galaxy this season.  like Sibisi, his contribution in Galaxy's excellent defensive record has not gone unnoticed, with a Bafana call-up, a defender of the season nomination, and a move to Kaizer Chiefs his due rewards. 

Pivot-One: Tebogo Mokoena 

With Andile Jali's future uncertain at Mamelodi Sundowns, Mokoena took the opportunity presenting itself with both hands, and showed the stuff he is made of when it comes to playing the holding midfield role. 

And he has done so with aplomb, a midfielder of the season award is loading. 

Pivot-Two: Miguel Timm 

Timm has been a revelation for Orlando Pirates this season, cleaning up in front of their defence, as well as initiating attacks with his wide range of passing abilities. 

You only have to listen to Pirates supporters when he touches the ball to understand the impact he has made. Another worthy contender for the midfielder of the season award, which unfortunately, he didn't get. 

Number-Ten: Themba Zwane 

For this particular role, Mshishi has no peers at the moment, he keeps maturing like fine wine. 

He didn't have the best of seasons, yet he made enough of an impact to earn a midfielder of the season nomination. 

Center-Forward: Peter Shalulile 

The Namibian assassin came back from a lengthy injury lay-off to claim his throne as a leading goal poacher in the league, although he has some company this time around, in Khanyisa Mayo. 

Left-Wing-Forward: Cassius Mailula 

Mailula was another revelation for Manelodi Sundowns this season. 

His goals and assists in the DStv Premiership and the CAF Champions League earn him a selection ahead of joint top goal scorer, Khanyisa Mayo. 

I see you Khanyisa, I see you. The second half is all yours! 

Right-Wing-Forward: Monnapule Saleng 

15 goals, nine assists, numerous man of the match awards. 

Need I say more? Except that for a man with such small shoulders, Saleng sure did carry a heavy load that is Orlando Pirates this season, without tiring!! 

Head-Coach: Rulani Mokwena 

First-Assistant: Jose Riveiro 

Third-Assistant: Gavin Hunt

It's Done - Seema on Leaving Chippa.

You don't go to Chippa United and expect to get comfortable and stay, and Lehlohonolo Seema knew that, which is why I believe he traveled to Gqeberha with just a backpack packed with simple essentials, no huge luggage bags.

As he says, it is done, Lehlohonolo Seema has left Chippa United after just four matches in charge.

Seema, took over a Chippa that was firmly on the clutches of relegation's claws, saving them on the last day of the DStv Premiership.

But, it appears, Chippa Mpengesi has decided that his saviour is not good enough to lead his club next season.

"It’s done, it was a call for four games, he told me he won’t continue with me, he has another plan, so yeah, I’m jobless as we speak," Seema told iDiski Times.https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/dstv-premiership/official-chippa-make-decision-on-coach/

"Hopefully the next team can provide an opportunity for a whole season and I can push myself again, but definitely not continuing with Chippa, spoke to the Chairman and he indicated he won’t be continuing with me for next season."

Somewhere out there, Mpengesi is busy searching for his next victim, another coach to shoot down.

While a poor coach, knowingly, which is ironic, is just about to step right into the line of fire.

Who wants to coach Chippa United nowadays, I do not know. But I hope it is not Morgan Mammila, he can't possibly ruin a good thing he is having with Musa Nyatama at Swallows FC, and go back into the firing line.

It is time for Chiefs to rise from their slumber.

If there was ever a time for Kaizer Chiefs to rise from their long slumber, that time would be now.

For a giant of South African football to be on their knees for this long cannot be normal.

Eight years without a trophy is nothing short of a disaster that should shock Amakhosi management into action.

Judging by the events of the recently ended season, things are slowly going from bad to worse.

Amakhosi finished fifth on the log, having lost 12 games, with four of their losses coming from their last five matches.

One of the most glaring shortcomings at Chiefs is the lack of quality in their squad.

Not having a single player in the Bafana Bafana squad, for an institution of Amakhosi's caliber is testimony to the players they have at their disposal.

ALSO READ: Thatayaone Ditlhokwe is not fazed by the challenge of playing for Chiefs: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/chiefs-will-be-business-as-usual-for.html?m=1

Chiefs management needs to buy quality players, and that is becoming non-negotiable.

Their head coach, Arthur Zwane's recent comments about clubs making things difficult for them to sign players doesn't cut it.

The fact is, clubs do not make it easy for no one to get their players, unless you are in the business of signing free agents.

Quality players cost money, and so is success in modern football, and that is another fact.

A sense of urgency is required from the Chiefs hierarchy, seeing the slow demise of a club that is such a big part of the South African football heritage is not funny anymore. 

Chiefs will be business as usual for Ditlhokwe.

New Kaizer Chiefs recruit, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, says joining a huge institution like Kaizer Chiefs doesn't give him a runny tummy at all.

The 24-year-old Botswana national team defender, says he is used to challenges, having captained his country at the age of 21.

"One thing I can tell you is that I'm the captain of the national team, I'm a player for the national team. I've captained my national team at the age of 21 so I don't think there's any pressure which can come more than what I've already passed through," said Ditlhokwe as quoted by SABC Sport. https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/thatayaone-ditlhokwe-kaizer-chiefs-is-just-a-normal-challenge

"It's just a normal challenge that every player can face. That's why I said for you to grow you must have challenges, there's no player that can grow without having challenges."

Kaizer Chiefs have not won a trophy in eight years, but ironically, Ditlhokwe says he wants to win trophies and play in the CAF Champions League, which makes one wonder if he joined the right club.

ALSO READ: Broos announces his preliminary Bafana squad for Morocco showdown: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/no-blues-for-broos-as-he-announces.html?m=1

"I need to win trophies. I need to play in continental competitions like the Champions League and CAF, so that's what I'm looking forward to as a player. That's what I'm trying every time and at every training session so that I can grow as a player and win those things because you don't just win them for the sake of winning."

Ditlhokwe will be Amakhosi's player from July 1, with his SuperSport United contract running out at the end of June.

City transfer market deals done already!

If keeping your house in order was a football team, it would be Cape Town City.

The Citizens finished fourth on the DStv Premiership log after beating Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 on match day 30, despite having a bad start to the season that saw them battle with inconsistency.

While other clubs are still pondering their transfer market moves, the Citizens, according to their coach, Eric Tinkler, are long done with that business.

"We start looking at players right at the beginning of the season. We've already made decisions on what our squad is for next season. So, there will be some new faces that are coming in which we will obviously announce at the right time," he said as quoted by SABC Sport. https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/cape-town-city-signings-long-concluded-says-eric-tinkler

The only dilemma that City is left with is the issue of foreign players.

With seven in total, Tinkler says they have to make a decisions on which two to let go as they can only keep five at the club.

ALSO READ: Lelona Daweti on Downs Ladies UJ win: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/we-left-everything-on-field-daweti.html?m=1

"We have seven foreign players and we have to make a decision on two of them because we can only keep five. So, there will be one or two changes in terms of the foreign spots. We will obviously announce that when it's the right time. With regards to Mdantsane again that announcement will be made at the right time."

Clubs make it difficult for us to get players - Zwane.

While his Kaizer Chiefs future hangs in the balance after his disastrous debut season as head coach, Arthur Zwane is quietly going about the business of planning for next season.

Chiefs finished fifth with 12 defeats in the DStv Premiership in what was yet another season without a trophy.

Inconsistency, schoolboy defensive errors, and the inability to find the back of the net plagued Amakhosi's season, to the frustration of the die hard supporters.

'Zwane must go chants', and an attack on him after the SuperSport United loss have done nothing to dumpen the Amakhosi head coach's spirits, instead he is more determined to turn things around.

Part of his plans is to get quality players to bolster his squad, with Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, and Given Msimango already secured from SuperSport and TS Galaxy respectively.

"We have identified a few indviduals, and some we managed to get while some the team are still trying to make sure that they get them," said Zwane as quoted by SABC Sport. https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/arthur-zwane-hoping-new-kaizer-chiefs-signings-hit-the-ground-running

"But, again, it boils down to one thing, as you said, can they cope with the pressure of playing for a team of Kaizer Chiefs' calibre? And, look, it leaves one with thinking a lot.

"This is a season in which we've learnt a lot from, in terms of bringing in players, and also releasing certain players, and as much as there were negatives, there were also a lot of positives that can help us moving forward. 

"And, we will see who we bring on board to come and help the team."

ALSO READ: Zwane on his first season as Kaizer Chiefs head coach: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/im-believer-im-hard-worker-zwane.html?m=1

Zwane has bemoaned the fact that clubs are hellbent on making things difficult for Chiefs when they want to sign their players, but says the club has to find a way to secure their targets.

"It's a case of quality. If quality is available then we go [for it]. You know it's always been a difficult situation for the club, whenever we look for players and approach other teams, they make it difficult for us to get that player," he added.

"Because obviously, the competition is also very stiff, so we just have to find a way."

I'm a believer, I'm a hard worker - Zwane.

Under fire Kaizer Chiefs coach, Arthur Zwane, who calls himself a believer and a hard worker, says football has taught him to have a thick skin and a big heart.

Zwane led Chiefs to a fifth place finish in the DStv Premiership on his maiden season as a head coach.

It was, to say the least, a turbulent debut season for Zwane, which ended in total disaster, with the coach attacked by supporters after losing to SuperSport United.

To top it all off, Chiefs lost four of their last five league games, which meant they lost 12 matches in total in the league.

A believer Zwane might be, but it is hard to believe that Chiefs management will still believe in him to lead their revival process next season.

"I'm a believer, I'm a hard worker. If there's one thing that football taught me is never be in the game if you don't have a big heart. In football, you develop a thick skin. I'm not the first one that has been in this situation. I've seen coaches struggle in their first season then they come up different in the following season," said Zwane as quoted by SABC Sport. https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/i-ve-developed-a-thick-skin-says-underfire-kaizer-chiefs-coach

Perhaps, what Zwane says next doesn't align with what Amakhosi are as an institution.

For an ambitious club like Chiefs, a coach doesn't necessarily get to have a 'learning season'.

Even Xavi of Barcelona fame had to go and learn somewhere else before he came back to lead his former club to league glory.

ALSO READ: Gundogan ready to lift two more trophies: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/my-arms-are-ready-to-lift-two-more.html?m=1

"It was more like a learning season for me for the fact that me now being the head coach, making decisions. Obviously with the help of other technical team members but I've always been this supporting member of the team. Supporting other coaches that have been here before."

Is he going or staying? That is the question. But as things stand, to stay might come with more tears. 

Chippa Survives, Maritzburg hang on, as I eat humble pie.

I was convinced, that the best Chippa United could do was to survive relegation through the play-offs.  Nothing, and no one, would have convinced me otherwise. 

But this afternoon, football proved me wrong, as Chippa United players hoisted their Chairman, Chippa Mpengesi on the air, celebrating their survival. 

Football proved me wrong just as it did when it comes to Maritzburg United. 

In my football world,  Maritzburg were as good as relegated, though their draw against Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday planted a seed of doubt in my mind on their imminent relegation. 

The rumors of the alleged unrest in the Marumo Gallants camp because of the CAF Confederations Cup bonuses the players felt they deserved for reaching the semi-finals left me with a dilemma, will they be able to fully apply themselves against a rampant Swallows to survive relegation? 

I got my answer when instead of a Maritzburg that was as good as dead to me, Marumo Gallants, that of a fairy tale run in Africa, got relegated, while Maritzburg will have another survival chance in the play-offs. 

None of what happened this afternoon was part of my script for this weekend's Dstv Premiership finale, absolutely none. 

As I sit here, munching on my humble pie, the taste of it makes me think of one Kgoloko Thobejane's famous words, "Football, can kill you a real death."

I am not dead, but my predictions are. 

He always pushes us - Kekana on Mokwena.

Defender, Grant Kekana, has won two league titles in his two seasons at Mamelodi Sundowns after the Brazilians lifted their sixth DStv Premiership title in a row on Tuesday.

Kekana said they had set some goals in the beginning of the season, and feels they have achieved some of them.

"We wanted to get three points last night (on Tuesday) but we take the point and celebrate the league title. It’s been a tough season. At the beginning of the season, we had set a lot of goals to fullfil, and I think coming down to the last game of the season, we achieved a bit of what we had hoped for. I am proud of the team and our accomplishments," Kekana told sundownsfc.co.za

The versatile defender has attributed Sundowns success to coach Rulani Mokwena, who is always pushing them to achieve more.

"He always pushes us to go into the level beyond the next and that’s the mentality we all have."

The 24-year-old said his motto has always been to improve and be a better footballer, something he has achieved at Sundowns, growing in statue with every game he plays.

ALSO READ: Dillon Solomons on Kaizer Chiefs. https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/we-are-building-to-create-something.html?m=1

"My motto has always been to improve and be better. I learn a lot from the quality players that surround me. We take advice from each other to help improve the collective, and I can only say that it’s because of the collaborative effort of the team that I’m improving my game.

"I’m proud to be a part of this wonderful team, I keep learning and improving every day. The coach has always motivated us to express ourselves on the pitch and that is what helped me to come out of my shell and display my skills."

Sundowns will face Wydad AC on Saturday 20 May at Loftus Versfeld in a Caf Champions League 2nd leg semi-final encounter. 

We are building to create something special - Solomons.

Kaizer Chiefs right-fullback, Dillon Solomons, says despite the challenges the club faced this season, they are building something special at Naturena, and hopefully the results will show next season.

Solomons was speaking to Chiefs media department ahead of their last game of the season against Cape Town City.

"Playing for Chiefs is a big achievement for me. Being part of this team is a great experience," Solomons told www.kaizerchiefs.com,

"It has been a relatively inconsistent season for the team, but we are building to create something special, so hopefully we can win something next season. It was heartbreaking to not win any silverware playing for Chiefs but these things happen in football and , as I say, hopefully we can put that right next season."

Solomons, who has appeared 25 times for Amakhosi since joining them from Swallows FC, scoring one goal and providing two assists, says he is satisfied with his form this season, despite the inconsistency which he attributes to injuries.

"I feel my overall form has been good this season, a little inconsistent here and there, but injuries didn’t help me. For me, I think in your first season with a new club you are trying to adapt to the environment, and I think I did pretty well with that. Hopefully, next season I can kick on and give the fans something to smile about," said Solomons.

On their last game of the season, the 24-year-old says the team is in good spirits, and they are looking forward to the game.

"We are in good spirits this week. We’re looking forward to the game. Even though it’s the last game of the season, people might think our minds are not here and we’re thinking about holidays, but this is a very important game for us. We owe them (Cape Town City) one. When we went to Cape Town, we didn’t get the result we wanted. Now they are coming to us so we have to kill them off this weekend.

“We have to make FNB (stadium) a fortress. When teams come there, they have to be scared, so hopefully we can put some fear into Cape Town City on Saturday and then get the win.”

Chiefs will host Cape Town City on Saturday 20 May at FNB Stadium. Kick-off will be at 15:00.

A loss to City will see Amakhosi finishing 5th on the log.

Bucs fans not happy with Mokwena's comments after title win.

Orlando Pirates fans are not happy with Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Rulani Mokwena, following his comments after Downs lifted the Dstv Premiership trophy for the sixth time in a row.

Bucs fans feel Mokwena's comments belittled their teams achievements so far this season.

Pirates are in line to finish second on the log, with the Nedbank Cup still up for grabs, having already lifted the MTN8 trophy earlier this season.

What Mokwena said...

"It might not feel like it sometimes, but this is the most important trophy in the country, the most important, it's the championship for ten months - home and away," said Mokwena after the game.

"You can fluke one or two wins, three, maybe four, and then a cup is delivered but you need to be consistent to win a championship."

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/it-was-good-really-good-klopp-on.html?m=1

Bucs fans' reactions...

@Kholisile Majola

I like him as a coach not when he belittles other people for defeating him. I mean he achieved nothing alone, he didn't even start the 30 games as a sole leader.

@Makholwa Madwara

Koketso Dongo Mafereka If thats the case, any other team can fluke the Champions League. So by his line of argument, Champions League is whack because it has lesser games than the league. Yes/no?

@Sther Magaye

He is still bitter that they lost MTN8 semi-final to Pirates and feeling the chest pains for Bucs reaching the Nedbank final. He is already nervous of the talks that if Reveiro finishes second and win the Nedbank cup should be considered the coach of the season. He is now trying to defend himself that he won the biggest cup so he is coach of season. That how I analyse this statement.

@Zandise Makhuluskobho Nkungu

We know it does not feel good to not win everything so he must not act like they didn't want to win the cups they participated in, they wanted them badly, in fact in a cup competition that is where you prove that you are better than your counterpart because you win against that team you progress, you lose you are gone but in the league you can lose both first and second round with one team but beat other weak teams and win it, hence Pitso once said "you don't have to beat Chiefs to win the league, you can lose to them and still go on to win it"

And he also said while in Al Ahly "you don't have to beat Sundowns in the group stages to win CCL, let them take points and beat them in the KO stages because that's where the real CCL starts"  and he did it

@Ntshoakotse J Mokalapa

Zandise Makhuluskobho Nkungu I love Mlungisi and always have his back but he should not belittle those who got half a loaf which he was yearning for too. His team have the depth to can win all trophies on offer but seeing his failure to do that he start to with excuses.

@Prince Lefa

Taking a dig Towards Riveiro, well Rhulani you failed to win those fluke one or two games to clinch those Cups Sir. Enjoy your League titles and let other teams to rejoice also.

Dzvukamanja has won Riveiro's heart.

Terrence Dzvukamanja has risen from the verge of obscurity and turned himself into a regular goalscorer for Orlando Pirates, leaving his coach, Jose Riveiro smitten with his exploits.

Dzvukamanja has scored seven goals in 17 appearances for Pirates across all competitions, with one assist added to his name.

His goal scoring form has seen other forwards like Kermit Erasmus spending more time on the bench.

Riveiro says Dzvukamanja is an exceptional, smart player who has shown that he can score goals.

"Terrence is an experienced player, he proved himself in many teams that he has the capacity to score. It was a difficult beginning of the season for Terrence in terms of minutes and liability also to be selected in the season," said Riveiro as quoted by SABC Sport. https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/orlando-pirates-coach-on-striker-terrence-dzvukamanja-s-purple-patch

"In a team like this with the competition that they have in that position, it's difficult to get the chance. Once he started to get that continuity to complete weeks, to train and be available for selection, he showed that he's an exceptional player.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/ten-hag-sings-garnachos-praises.html?m=1

"He's a very smart player with a capacity to score goals like he showed in the recent games. We are all trying, not only myself to help every individual to perform their best and we would like to see Terrence scoring goals."

We have a small minimal advantage - Riveiro on CAFCL spot race.

After their 1-1 draw against Sekhukhune United on Saturday afternoon, Orlando Pirates now have SuperSport United breathing down their necks in the race for the CAF Champions League spot.

Both teams are on 51 points heading towards match day 30, with Pirates second by virtue of a better goal difference.

Always sober minded in his comments, Orlando Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro says they only have a small advantage over SuperSport in the CAFCL spot race, and they have no choice but to put AmaZulu to the sword in Durban next weekend.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/arthur-zwane-proverbial-sacrificial-lamb.html?m=1

"We need to win. Firstly, it's going to be a difficult game, away. AmaZulu is an excellent team so we need to think about how we are going to win the game. It's the last game of the season. So we need to win, we need the three points," said Riveiro as quoted by SABC Sport. https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/victory-the-only-way-to-secure-champions-league-spot-jose-riveiro

"We have a small minimal advantage but if you think about the scenario three months ago and the advantage that our opposition had in that moment, I think we can be proud of the performance of the team in the last part of the season."

While Pirates will visit AmaZulu for their last game of the season, SuperSport have a tricky fixture of their own away to Sekhukhune United. 

Chiefs' African dreams are over.

Kaizer Chiefs saw their dream of campaigning in African club competitions crushed on Saturday afternoon when they lost 1-0 to SuperSport United at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Going into the encounter, Chiefs still had hopes of finishing third and qualify for the CAF Confederations Cup next season, but it wasn't to as they succumbed to their second Dstv Premiership loss in a row.

Ghampani Lungu scored the goal that sealed Amakhosi's fate in the 40th minute, ensuring SuperSport's passage to Africa.

This afternoon's performance was an uncharacteristic one from Chiefs in terms of numbers they normally produce in matches, in attack to be precise, and coach Arthur Zwane will be disappointed.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/im-very-sober-im-very-sober-mokwena-on.html?m=1

Chiefs are a side that clocks high numbers on the goal attempts column, but against SuperSport, in a game they had to win at all costs, they were found wanting when it comes to creating goal scoring opportunities.

Amakhosi managed a lowly 10 goal attempts this afternoon, with a disappointing single shot on target, and it doesn't get worse than that in a must-win encounter.

What this afternoon's game highlighted, in bright colours, is the inconsistency in performances that has been Chief's Achilles heel throughout this season, this was one game where they had to be at their best and be ruthless, but they were almost at their worst.

With this afternoon's loss having summed up their disappointing season, Chiefs will host Cape Town City on Saturday 20 May at FNB Stadium, a game that will close the curtain on a poor season that came with many valuable lessons. 

We can’t lose to SuperSport, no matter what - Sithebe.

Kaizer Chiefs will travel to Royal Bafokeng Stadium to take on SuperSport United in a crucial Dstv Premiership clash on Saturday 13 May, with the kick-off at 15:00.

With the CAF Champions League all but gone, Chiefs have now set their sights on a third place finish which will ensure them passage to the CAF Confederations Cup, and beating SuperSport could take them a step closer to their new goal.

Chiefs midfield enforcer, Siyethemba Sithebe, strongly believes third place is still possible if they can remain focused as a team.

"Coming to SuperSport, I think we need to keep focus because anything can happen. It’s still possible to get third position and, as players, it is important to have that motivation and our mindset needs to be positive," Sithebe told Kaizer Chiefs media department.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/im-not-thinking-at-all-about-cup-final.html?m=1

According to Sithebe, the message from coach Arthur Zwane is clear, they just can't afford to lose to SuperSport.

"All I can say is we know SuperSport and how they play. We need to be prepared for the long balls they play, and I think all our preparations are going well. The coach told us, " We can’t lose to Supersport, no matter what and with all our preparation, I think he is more positive that we can win this game."

Chiefs are currently fourth on the log, with 44 points after 28 games, four points behind SuperSport, who remain second with 48 points from 28 matches. 

I'm not thinking at all about the cup final - Riveiro.

Orlando Pirates will host Sekhukhune United on Saturday 13  May at Orlando Stadium in a Dstv Premiership encounter, with the kick-off at 15:00.

Pirates are going into this game on a high, having not lost a match in the league in their last seven outings, winning six and a single draw.

They are currently second on the log with 50 points, two ahead of third placed Supersport United, making their objective of qualifying for the CAF Champions League more of a reality.

Riveiro's men, are also through to their second final of the season, having beaten Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, and have every opportunity to finish the season with an impressive double.

While his players might already be thinking about the prospect of lifting their second trophy of the season, Riveiro, who was voted as coach of the month for April, insists that finishing second in the league is their main objective at the moment.

"The next objective for us is to consolidate our position in the log and make sure that we can be in the second position. I'm not thinking at all about the cup final and who's going to be our opponent in the cup final,'' said Riveiro as quoted by SABC Sport. https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/we-are-the-team-of-the-month-jose-riveiro

It has been a successful first season in charge for the Spaniard at Pirates.

Having started the campaign on a high note, and largely tipped to be the team to finally stop Mamelodi Sundowns' dominance in the league, which didn't happen as the Brazilians clinched the title with seven matches to spare, but Pirates have made their presence felt, and look set to make a race of the league title next season. 

Chiefs CAFCL hopes dashed as they lose to Swallows.

Kaizer Chiefs saw their Caf Champions League hopes take a huge knock when they lost 2-1 to Swallows FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Monday afternoon.

Gregory Damons opened the scoring for Swallows in the 7th minute, before Christian Saile Basomboli brought Chiefs level in the 23rd minute with a far post finish from a Mduduzi Shabalala free-kick.

But Bongani Sam headed Swallows back in front when he nodded in from a Keagan Allan bicycle kick in the 33rd minute.

Missed chances where once again Amakhosi's Achilles heel.

They had the game under their control, averaging 75% possession, and managed a whopping 25 attempts on goal, despite managing to put seven shots on target, Chiefs missed a lot of chances, especially in the second half, that could have seen them put the game beyond Swallows.

Swallows, who sacrificed possession and opted to keep things tight at the back, relied on quick offensive transitions and set-pieces to get scoring opportunities, and it was from both those situations that they found their goals.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/sundowns-are-serious-about-development.html?m=1

Monday afternoon's win saw Swallows move to the 8th spot on the log, far away from the relegation threat that has been hanging over their heads for the better part of this season.

As for Amakhosi, who have 46 points with two games remaining, chances of finishing on the Caf Champions League spot are as good as gone, unless Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United produce howlers in their remaining matches.

Chiefs next play Pirates in the Nedbank Cup semi-final on Saturday 06 May at FNB Stadium, kick-off will be at 15:00.