logo
Tinkler full of praise: ‘Makgalwa is taking his profession seriously'

Tinkler full of praise: ‘Makgalwa is taking his profession seriously'

News2402-05-2025
Sekhukhune United head coach Eric Tinkler is raving about his charge, Keletso Makgalwa, after the stocky attacker produced another player-of-the-match performance, this time against Orlando Pirates midweek.
The 28-year-old in-form attacking midfielder provided an assist to Tresor Tshibwabwa, who scored the solitary goal that sunk Bucs at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Wednesday.
Tinkler and Makgalwa first collaborated at Maritzburg United six years ago when the attacking midfielder was on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns.
Makgalwa, who hails from Mokopane in Limpopo, parted ways with Sundowns last season and later surfaced at TS Galaxy, where he had a brief spell. The midfielder almost went into obscurity when he joined Upington City FC in the ABC Motsepe League last season.
Thanks to Sekhukhune, Makgalwa returned to the elite league when he signed for Babina Noko in July last year.
He has been a regular for the CAF spot-chasing Sekhukhune.
Tinkler said he was impressed by how the player had matured and that the stocky Makgalwa was taking his profession "more seriously".
Said the coach:
You can see tha the wants to achieve things. He has become a rounded player and he just needs to make that next step.
The third-placed Babina Noko take on Magsi FC next in a Limpopo derby in a Betway Premiership fixture on Saturday.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

No Sundowns players as Broos names new-look Bafana squad for important June friendlies
No Sundowns players as Broos names new-look Bafana squad for important June friendlies

News24

time29-05-2025

  • News24

No Sundowns players as Broos names new-look Bafana squad for important June friendlies

With the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations sharpening into view, Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has named his 23-man squad for a pair of international friendlies next month against Tanzania and Mozambique. Ranked 56th in the latest FIFA rankings, South Africa will first welcome 107th-ranked Tanzania to the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday, 6 June. Four days later, on Tuesday, 10 June, they'll clash with 96th-ranked Mozambique at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. The friendlies are more than just warm-ups - they're key tune-ups for what promises to be a demanding calendar, with World Cup qualification and the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco fast approaching. The continental showpiece kicks off this December and will spill into early 2026. Broos named a wide 41-man provisional squad last week, but now, he's trimmed it to a tight 23. Noticeably absent from the selection are players from Mamelodi Sundowns - unsurprising, given the Betway Premiership champions will be representing Africa at the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup in the United States from 15 June. The omission of the Sundowns core has forced Broos to reshuffle his pack, offering opportunities to fringe players and rising talents keen to stake their claim on the international stage. The team will assemble in Johannesburg on Sunday, 1 June, before heading to Polokwane later that same day.

Nelson Makamo-designed Betway Premiership trophy draws cheers and chuckles online
Nelson Makamo-designed Betway Premiership trophy draws cheers and chuckles online

News24

time20-05-2025

  • News24

Nelson Makamo-designed Betway Premiership trophy draws cheers and chuckles online

Supplied Artist Nelson Makamo's trophy design for the Betway Premiership, featuring a tree symbolising South Africa's football heritage, was revealed on Sunday. Following its grand reveal after Sundowns won against Magesi, social media users had a lot to say. Despite the design's grand symbolism, locals likened it to a hookah pipe. World-renowned SA artist Nelson Makamo is dominating the timeline after gaining recognition for designing this season's Betway Premiership trophy. But while the trophy is celebrated widely, it has also sparked mixed reactions among local football fans and social media users. Makamo, who was commissioned for the project by Betway and the Premier Soccer League, put in extensive research and even travelled across South Africa for inspiration. After working on approximately 60 sketches, he finally settled on a concept inspired by what he described as 'the timeless love of football across the country.' The trophy's central design element is a tree, symbolising the deep historical roots of football in South Africa. This tree reflects how the sport has grown into a source of joy and hope for millions across the nation. 'This is something that will be a symbol for us,' Makamo explained in a video shared on the Official Premier Soccer League's X (formerly Twitter) account. 'When I learned more about the project, it was also about looking at the heritage and how we celebrate South Africa—especially soccer, as it has been a sport that offered therapy to many people during significant periods in our country's history.' The trophy, which blends tradition with innovation, features a tree-like figure with branches—a tribute to South African football legends and their significant contributions to the sport. Betway explained that the tree represents the iconic footballers who laid down the foundation for the game, elevating its status and inspiring future generations to strive for excellence. Above the branches lies a golden canopy of modern football stars, unified in celebration. This golden glow not only celebrates the achievements of footballers but also symbolises South Africa's rich natural resources, and in Makamo's words, 'Champions deserve gold.' Additionally, the golden elements pay homage to South African migrant workers who left their homes to work in mines, helping sustain their families back home. Hubbly look-alike While the trophy, won by Sundowns in their match against Magesi F.C. on Sunday, carries deep sentimental value, South Africans on social media couldn't resist poking fun at its appearance. Following the trophy's grand unveiling after the match, many users pointed out its peculiar resemblance to a 'hubbly bubbly' (hookah). 'After all the donations we made to them, Betway took the whole season to design a hubbly bubbly trophy for #BetwayPrem,' joked one user, His Excellency. Another user weighed in, teasing that the team worked hard only to win a hubbly. 'Imagine playing 30 games to lift a hubbly bubbly,' he said, adding laughing emojis. Some went further, calling the trophy a 'downgrade' or likening it to other objects. User Peche Africa went as far as comparing it to a 'cake stand.' However, not everyone criticised the design. Some users admired its unique nature. 'It's unique, looks like a chess piece,' said one user. Another added, 'The trophy is beautiful. The problem here is that it was won by Sundowns.' Others were even more enthusiastic, explaining that not everyone would understand the appeal. 'The trophy is stunning, definitely the best we've had by far. The detail is incredible, and those who know — know. You can't expect Mr Price customers to appreciate a Gucci product,' wrote Ziya. Some critics, however, believed the design was too elaborate for a league trophy. 'Why can't they just make a simple championship trophy? I mean, yeah, this would be okay for a cup competition but definitely not a league,' said one user.

Eight in a row! Sundowns crowned PSL champions once again
Eight in a row! Sundowns crowned PSL champions once again

News24

time14-05-2025

  • News24

Eight in a row! Sundowns crowned PSL champions once again

Mamelodi Sundowns' dominance of local soccer continued on Wednesday evening when they were crowned Betway Premiership champions after downing Chippa United in East London. Sundowns won 3-0, to secure their eighth title in a row. The win also ensures they will end with over 70 points in the league for the third season in succession. Iqraam Rayners opened the scoring in the 11th minute, when he controlled the ball in the box, beat a few defenders and fired into the top left-hand corner for his 14th goal of the season. Rayners thought he had doubled the lead in the 56th minute when he collected a pass and fired home, only to have the goal ruled out for offside. Replays, however, showed that the striker was onside and that the linesman made the wrong call. The Brazilians, however, did double their lead in the 68th minute when Arthur Sales found the back of the net from the right wing. He would be first to admit, however, that it was more of a miss-hit cross than a genuine attempt on goal. Nevertheless, Sundowns were up 2-0. Sales added the third in the 89th minute as the final whistle saw players, staff and fans celebrate their latest league championship with great gusto.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store