Chiefs set their sights on the Nedbank Cup.

 

Kaizer Chiefs will take on Royal AM in a Nedbank Cup quarterfinal encounter on Sunday afternoon at Chartsworth Stadium, Durban.

While Royal AM have always proven to be difficult opponents for Amakhosi, coach Arthur Zwane and his men will take heart from their 2-0 win over their rivals the last time the two sides clashed, in a game that was played at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

With Chiefs also aiming for the all-important Caf Champions league spot, Zwane has made it clear that his side is determined to compete in both the league and the nedbank Cup, which is the last trophy on offer this season.

Also Read: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/why-chiefs-and-pirates-need-chivaviro.html

“We don’t choose games at Kaizer Chiefs, we play to win every game,” Zwane said as quoted by Times Live. https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/soccer/2023-04-13-we-want-to-win-everything-says-kaizer-chiefs-coach-arthur-zwane/

“As much as we want to finish in position two in the standings at the end of the season, we still want to win the cup too. That has been the culture of the club; you know that the history of the club has always been about winning silverware for our supporters.

“We take every game very seriously and we are not going to select games. We are not going to say this game is more important than the other one because all games are important.”

 In the previous encounter between the two sides, Chiefs managed to put on an effective performance without having to dominate possession, while Royal AM enjoyed 56% off the ball, they only fashioned 12 goal attempts, with just a single shot on target.

Also Read: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/would-you-crucify-broos-for-selecting.html

 As for Amakhosi, they made their 44% possession count, with 19 goal attempts and nine shots on target, which yielded two goals from Sifiso Hlanti, and Ashley Du Preez.

 Zwane will be hoping for more of the same on Sunday, in a game that is expected to produce a lot of goal mouth action, considering the offensive mentality of both teams.

 While zwane has made his intentions clear concerning Sunday’s match, John maduka would be secretly hoping his side can go all the way in the Nedbank Cup, which is something that will give them a passage back to Africa, to compete in the Caf Confederations Cup.

 

 

Is Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies suffering from stagnation?

                                        Image: Mamelodi Sundowns Facebook

 

In 2021, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies won the inaugural African Women’s Champions League title, a huge achievement that raised a few eye brows, together with expectations for more greatness, and a possible dominance of women’s football in the continent.

Fast forward to 2022, Sundowns Ladies relinquished their title to a determined, well organised, and technically/tactically superior ASFAR Ladies from Morocco.

If anything, the loss to ASFAR highlighted how much Sundowns have to improve if they are to win the continental showpiece again in this lifetime.

While the other teams in the continent and locally have been showing great improvements as the women’s game continues to gain more recognition, the Hollywoodbets Super league champions seem to have remained stagnant.

Also Read: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/three-draws-in-row-for-sundowns-as-they.html

Recently, they were shocked 1-0 at home by Royal AM, and they are currently second on the log behind UWC (University of Western Cape).

Losing to Royal AM, it must be said, is not a train smash, so is being second on the log in the early parts of the season.

But the fact that the mighty Sundowns Ladies have managed to score 13 goals in eight matches, compared to UWC’s 28 in seven matches, tells a story of how the other teams are improving in leaps and bounds, while the Brazilians have remained a bit stagnant. To emphasize on that point, third placed University of JHB has also scored more goals, 26 to be precise, than Sundowns.

Riding on their 2021 success, Sundowns should be head and shoulders above the rest in the Hollywoodbets Super League, and Africa for that matter, unfortunately that doesn’t seem to be the matter,which highlights a problem with the team’s growth.

Despite the obvious cracks showing, Masandawana Ladies coach, Jerry Tshabalala believes Sundowns can become one of the best teams in the world, an ambition that is more than attainable considering the resources, both human and financial at their disposal.

Also Read: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/desiree-ellis-coach-whose-work-is-yet.html

“When I first took over, I wanted to make Sundowns one of the best teams in Africa. In 2012 the team was nowhere and one year later we were champions of the country. We want to make this one of the best teams in the world now,”

“We are in the top 30 teams in the world, and we need to be competing with the likes of Chelsea and being in the top 5 in the world. To be successful you must be grounded and humble. We just want to keep winning and that’s in our culture in the club.”

The fact is, Sundowns ladies, who were voted the best ladies team in Africa by IFFHS, can regroup and go on to win their fourth Hollywoodbets Super League title in a row, which is possible.

But another fact is, the other teams are quickly improving, and that is what Downs should be doing too. Reaching the dizzying heights of their male counterparts should be their goal, again, they have the resources, Jerry Tshabalala needs to utilize them well, and maybe, just maybe, his dream of making Sundowns Ladies one of the best in the world may become a reality.

At the rate they are going though, it looks impossible.

Why Chiefs and Pirates need Chivaviro.

 

                                           

Ranga Chivaviro bagged a hattrick on wednesday night when Marumo Gallants came from behind to beat Chippa United 3-1 in a relegation battle match played at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The main protagonist in Marumo's important victory that saw them rise above Chippa in the log standings, Chivaviro, has scored 13 goals in 23 appearances across all competitions for the club this season. Before joining Gallants, Chivaviro played for Venda Football Academy, where he scored two goals in ten matches.

 While Marumo should be pleased to have a goal poacher of note within their ranks, especially considering their relegation battle, the ruthless Chivaviro could also be an answer to Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates' goal scoring troubles.

 The two Soweto giants are on a mission to catch up with runaway Dstv Premiership serial winners in Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite playing some good football and creating an avalanche of good goal scoring opportunities, poor finishing has let Chiefs and Pirates down on many an occasion.

 For an example, Chiefs are not that far behind Sundowns when it comes to creating good goal scoring opportunities. Their average xGF (expected goals for) per match in the league is 1.73 according to FootyStats, while Sundowns average 1.90.

 But the difference between the two sides is turning those valuable opportunities into goals. Chiefs score an average of 1.20 goals per a match in the league, compared to Sundowns' 1.77. 

 To drive this point home, Chiefs takes almost the same number of shots as Sundowns per game, that is 12.24, compared to Downs' 12.58, but it is in converting those shots into goals where Amakhosi are found wanting, with their shot conversion rate at 10%, while Downs stand at 14%.

 It is the same problem for Pirates, who average an xGF of 1.55 per game in the league. Like Chiefs, they score only 1.20 goals per match. While their shots average per match is 11.82, their conversion rate is a disappointing 11%.

 The biggest difference between the two Soweto giants and Sundowns is, while the Brazilians have goal scorers like Peter Shalulile and Cassius Mailula, who convert a high number of chances that come their way; Chiefs have Ashley Du Preez holding the heavy fort, while Bucs have Saleng carrying such a huge ship on his small shoulders.

 The verdict is clear for both Soweto giants, to turn the goal scoring opportunities they create into goals, they need a proven goal scorer, someone who has already shown is abilities in the Dstv Premiership, and that is none other than Chivaviro.

 With the 30-year-old having only joined Marumo in August 2022, Chiefs and Pirates would have to negotiate to snatch him out of his contract, meaning he won't come cheap, but he is definitely worth the trouble.

 

 

Three draws in a row for Sundowns as they are held by Arrows.

 

                                        

Mamelodi Sundowns played their third draw in three matches when they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Lamontville Golden arrows on Tuesday night at Princess Magogo Stadium.

In an uncharacteristically solid defensive performance by Arrows, Sundowns once again looked like impostors compared to their ruthless selves, something that has been the case in their previous two draws against Cape Town City, and Swallows.

As has been their modus operandi since they were crowned Dstv premiership champions with seven matches to spare, Sundowns enjoyed the lion’s share of possession against Abafana Bes’thende, but lacked the intensity around the final third that has seen them dismantling the most solid of defences throughout the season.

The Brazilians controlled 72% of the ball, managed 18 goal attempts, with 10 on target, compared to Arrows’ three goal attempts, and two shots on target, yet they failed to break down the Arrows defence, until the 73^rd minute when Sipho Mbule scored with a header to cancel Ryan Moon’s 23^rd minute strike.

While Sundowns coach, Rulani Mokwena had denied the fact that his side had taken their foot off the pedal since being crowned league champions, it was once again evident in their performance on Tuesday evening, until the second half that is, when the real Sundowns stood up and took initiative, playing with increased intensity in search of the equalizer.

Towards the end of the match, the introduction of their youth sensation, Siyabonga mabena, saw Sundowns move to third gear, and they almost stole all three points on added on time when Mabena left Arrows defenders for dead on the right hand channel before producing a sublime cut back which was guided to the back of the net by Cassius Mailula, unfortunately for Sundowns, the ball was adjudged to have already crossed the line by the linesman.

Masandawa will now turn their attention to the Nedbank Cup, where Stellenbosch FC awaits in a clash that will take place on Saturday afternoon at Athlone Stadium.

Desiree Ellis: A coach whose work is yet to be given the respect it deserves.

Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis. 

Banyana Banyana lost 3-2 to Serbia on Monday in a match played at the Sportski Centar Fudbalskog Saveza Srbije.

Coach Desiree Ellis's girls were 3-0 down by the 23rd minute, but fought back to score two goals via Hilda Magaia 30' and Jermaine Seiposenwe, 79'.

Serbia, as was expected, controlled possession with 62%, while Banyana had a meager 38% of the ball.

But is in the goal mouth stats that Banyana impressed, having managed 11 goal attempts, with Serbia getting 12.

The fact that Banyana managed to create some valuable opportunities, with an xG of 1 53, close to Serbia's 1.82, says a lot about the strides they have taken tactically under the Ellis's tutelage.

They might have lost yesterday, in a game that formed part of their World Cup preparations, and they will probably not get past the group stages at the main event, which is to be expected considering their level of experience when it comes to international women's football.

Also Read: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/would-you-crucify-broos-for-selecting.html?m=1

But one thing one can always from Banyana, is 100% effort, and where it is possible to win, they never disappoint, as they proved when they won the AFCON 2022 in Morocco.

The way the team is fighting to be the best they can be, against all odds, reflects the determined spirit of their coach, Desiree Ellis.

Despite women's football not getting enough support and the respect it deserves, Ellis and her girls keep improving and impressive with each game they play.

And Banyana's rise is not surprising, the three time African Women's Coach of the year, is a hard-working mentor who is passionate about the game, something that was evident even during her playing days.

To get where she is, Ellis has had to break a lot of boundaries, and beat many an odd.

"After finishing school I found some work here and there but it was not easy. I worked at a butchery just before Banyana was formed. I was fired from that job because I was juggling work at the butchery and playing football. It was my only source of income because we didn't earn much playing for the national team. I was also doing a balancing act as I was also playing for Spurs," Ellis told Sowetan a few years ago.
https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-01-20-not-in-her-wildest-dreams-did-desiree-ellis-think-shed-become-a-coach/

"I pride myself in the long hours I put into my work. I have dedicated my entire life to football and wouldn't have it any other way."

Perhaps, Ellis's passion for the game, is even better reflected in the following comment from the same interview.

"I do not have a biological child but the players have become my kids. That is the sacrifice. Coaching has taught me to care about the people I am working with. Sometimes you have to be stern but you have to care and have compassion."

With such a women of the game at their helm, one can rest assured that Banyana will keep improving, until they reach their full potential.

At 60-years of age, Ellis is still a teenager in the world of coaching, yet she has achieved so much, something she deserves a lot of credit and respect for.

Her name should be mentioned in rooms where great coaches like Pitso Mosimane are spoken about.

That much she deserves! And the exciting part is, the best is yet to come from her. 

Would you crucify Broos for selecting Sirino?

Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder, Gaston Sirino. Image: Twitter

Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder, Gaston Sirino, who joined the Brazilians in the 2017/18 season, has earned himself South African citizenship, which makes him eligible to play for Bafana Bafana.

The Uruguayan dynamo, has proved beyond reasonable doubt his talent since he arrived in South Africa, and his numbers back him up.

Sirino has appeared 170 times for Sundowns across all competitions, scoring 39 goals, and chirping in with 43 assists, that's 82 goal contributions in total!

With Bafana having qualified for AFCON 2024 in Ivory Coast, Hugo Broos would want to take his strongest squad to the tournament, to ensure that Bafana don't go there just to add numbers, but to compete.

Sirino, who is in his sixth year in South Africa, can be one of the players to strengthen Bafana, and his coach, Rulani Mokwena, believes the 32-year-old can add value to the national team.

"If he has the things [meets the criteria] and everything is possible I think he can add value, of course,"Mokwena said as quoted by Times Live. https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/soccer/2023-04-11-not-even-a-discussion-mokwena-says-sundowns-sirino-could-add-value-for-bafana/

"But I don’t select the national team. That’s the hard part — there are so many good players in this country.

"I don’t even think if there’s a good player available it should be a discussion."

Sirino himself, has come out to pledge his willingness to represent Bafana:

"I have had a great time in this beautiful country. I love everything about it and if I get presented with the chance to don the national team colours I would jump at the opportunity, but the decision does not rest with me" he told Mamelodi Sundowns media department.

Also Read: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/komphela-on-sundowns-vs-stellenbosch-we.html?m=1

"There is no player born in South America who has played for Bafana Bafana and if I receive the call I would be happy to represent this beautiful nation."

Talent aside, what else makes Sirino, a foreigner, a good prospect for Bafana?

Sirino's Caf Champions League experience means he is well versed when it comes to the rigors of African football.

He can hold his own against the best that Africa has to offer, having proven his worth with Sundowns on many an occasion.

Added to his experience, is his style of play.

When he joined Sundowns, he looked like he had been playing for them for years! That's because his style of play is aligned to that of South African players.

He is quick, blessed with excellent technique, he can improvise, which makes him highly unpredictable, he can create and score goals, which is backed up by his numbers.

Without a doubt, Sirino can add real value to Bafana.

But, would Broos be crucified for selecting him?

Probably yes, a lot of people would not be happy with Sirino's inclusion, and that will all come from a place of sentimentality, not logic.

The game of football has long moved towards globalization, ditching the tendency to attach sentimental value to national teams in favor of becoming more competitive on the global stage.

This has seen a lot of players representing countries that are not of their birth, such a trend has not really caught on in South Africa, where a lot of sentimental value is still attached to the game, to the detriment of progress.

While Broos would take a lot of flak for selecting Sirino, in a South Africa that is determined to be amongst the best in the world, such a decision would be welcome.

As long as Sirino is head and shoulders above the rest in his position in terms of talent and experience, and he is eligible to represent the country.

Which, by all means, he is! 

Komphela on Sundowns vs Stellenbosch: We have to defend the Nedbank Cup.

Mamelodi Sundowns senior team coach, Steve Komphela. Image: Facebook

Mamelodi Sundowns will take on Stellenbosch FC in a Nedbank Cup quarterfinal on Saturday, 18:00pm, at Athlone Stadium.

While Sundowns have a date on Wednesday 12 April against Lamontville Golden Arrows at Princess Magogo Stadium, it is the weekend's encounter that holds much significance to them.

The Brazilians are the Nedbank Cup defending champions, having won it last season against Marumo Gallants in the final.

Sundowns have already lost one of their titles, the MTN8, which now belongs to Orlando Pirates. They would love nothing more than beating Stellenbosch on Saturday to increase their chances of winning a treble again this season, with the Caf Champions League also still on offer.

But Sundowns first team coach, Steve Komphela, has no illusions about the difficulties that lie ahead as they prepare for Stellies.

The last time the two sides met, Sundowns 15 match winning streak was brought to an abrupt end by a determined Stellenbosch.

"It was a tough one and we knew as we went there that it was not going to be easy knowing what they are capable of and testimony of that is what happened [against TS Galaxy], make no mistake, Galaxy are a hell of a good team, defensively they are solid but getting six past their defence, says a lot," said Komphela as quoted by iDiski Times.
https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/featured/komphela-wary-of-stellenbosch-threat/

"But we’ll go to Cape Town and unfortunately for us, our brief and responsibility has always remained the same, we have to defend [the title]."

In a match where the only thing that went Sundowns' way was ball possession, which they controlled 66% of, Stellenbosh had the better of goal attempts, with 15 in total, compared to Sundowns' 14. Out the of the 15 attempts, Stellies managed to put seven on target, while Downs had five.

More of the same can be expected from Steve Barker's side on Saturday, and Komphela expects it too.

"We had a small discussion with Stevie before the previous one, and one of the discussion lines were upfront, their movement on top is quite fascinating and what happened [six goals against Galaxy] is not a surprise to us because it is clear what they do," he added.

Also Read: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/maritzburg-united-to-be-relegated.html?m=1

"And based on that, we went to Cape Town, aware of that, we still suffered a setback, so we’ll have to go there, they keep doing this and they do it so well, so we have to respect it."