Stakes high in clash between Sundowns and Pyramids
The show starts with Mpanza and Mphahlele reflecting on Mamelodi Sundowns receiving the Betway Premiership trophy for winning the league for a record-extending eighth successive season.
The discussion continues with the preview of the Champions League final first leg against Egyptian side Pyramids FC at Loftus on Saturday where their target is a win without conceding a goal.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
2 minutes ago
- IOL News
Lehlohonolo Seema returns home as Siwelele rise from the ashes
In a twist seemingly scripted for the romance of South African football, Lehlohonolo Seema has returned to where it all began — not to marshal the defence, but to call the shots from the dugout. The former Bloemfontein Celtic captain has been appointed head coach of Siwelele FC, the newly formed side rising from the purchase of SuperSport United's Betway Premiership status. Pending league approval, the team will relocate to the Free State capital, where football hearts have long ached for the return of their beloved green and white. For Seema, this is more than just a coaching job. It's home. It's a legacy. Since retiring, Seema has taken the scenic route to Bloemfontein's technical area — weathering boardroom chaos at Chippa United, pushing young talent at Golden Arrows, and steering Sekhukhune United into the Top 4 before a surprise parting of ways in March this year.
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
Sundowns' Cardoso reacts to being honoured in Portugal
'I received a letter from the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, recognising the work I've recently done in Africa,' said the Sundowns head coach. Miguel Cardoso, head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup press conference at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, USA on 20 June 2025 © Lynne Gleeson/BackpagePix Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has reacted to being recognised in his homeland after a remarkable debut season in South African football. Cardoso guided the Brazilians to an unprecedented eighth consecutive league title, securing the 2024/25 Betway Premiership crown. He also led Sundowns to the CAF Champions League final, where they were narrowly beaten by Egyptian giants Pyramids FC. Despite that defeat, Cardoso's achievements have not gone unnoticed in Portugal. ALSO READ: Sundowns' Ribeiro wins Club World Cup goal of the tournament Before taking over the reins from Manqoba Mgqithi at Sundowns last December, Cardoso won the Tunisian league with Esperance and also lost in the final of the Champions League to Al Ahly 'It's true that I was also honoured in Portugal. I received a letter from the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, recognising the work I've recently done in Africa,' Cardoso said. 'I was also recognised by the Portuguese Football Coaches Association and awarded the José Maria Pedroto Award which is named after a very important coach in Portugal who managed FC Porto. This award is directly related to the work at Mamelodi Sundowns, including our champions league final qualification and winning the PSL.' The 53-year-old tactician has been nominated for the PSL Coach of the Season award, alongside Stellenbosch FC's Steve Barker and former Orlando Pirates boss José Riveiro. Reflecting on the campaign, Cardoso highlighted key moments that shaped his successful season. 'I have many fantastic memories that come to mind regarding the first season here in the PSL. I think there are different moments but I can highlight the start which was amazing and difficult but very good in terms of results with important matches that were won immediately against Stellenbosch FC and AmaZulu FC away,' he concluded. 'That gave us the positive energy to gather the souls of everyone together and then I remember the month of January where we scored goal after goal and won matches by big margins. At that moment we sent a powerful statement and I also remember the period after we won against Al Ahly and qualified for the Caf Champions League final. ALSO READ: I'll not be involved in the running of Siwelele – McKenzie 'We had six matches to play until the end of the season and we recorded six victories in a row with outstanding performances and wonderful football played. For me, memories remain the joy of the people and fans and the joy of playing good football and the joy of players celebrating victories.'
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Roc Nation Sports International expands into Africa
Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI) today announced its exciting expansion into the Africa football market, marking a significant milestone in the agency's continued global growth. This strategic move follows extensive research and due diligence conducted over the past year, underscoring RNSI's commitment to creating an authentic and lasting impact on the African continent. Roc Nation Sports International's Africa strategy focuses on forging partnerships with key territories across the continent, and the goal is not only to nurture elite football talent, but also to ensure these young athletes thrive in their careers, achieve success at the highest levels of the game and have the necessary support to make all of their dreams come true. This vision aims to replicate Roc Nation Sports International's proven model around the globe, while maintaining a boutique approach to identifying and developing top young talent. The clearest proof of what this expansion means on the ground is the recent recruitment of several young players from across the continent. These teenage prodigies, hailing from South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, The Gambia, Guinea and Zimbabwe, have been carefully identified for their capabilities and commitment on and off the field. Neo Bohloko (Striker, South Africa, Kaizer Chiefs) Ali Umar (Central Midfielder, Ghana, Koforidua Semper FI FC) Joseph Narbi (Winger, Ghana, Benab FC) Francis Gomez (Winger, The Gambia, Sibonor United ) ) Ifeoluwa Olowoporoku (Attacking Midfielder, Nigeria, Tripple 44) Mamadou Diallo (Attacker, Guinea, Al Nasr) Tadiwa Chakuchichi (Winger, Zimbabwe, Scotland FC) Siyabonga Mabena (Winger/Attacking Midfielder, South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns) Other regions on the continent where Roc Nation Sports International will be working include the Ivory Coast and Zambia, with more player signings expected in the near future. Roc Nation Sport International's Head of Global Recruitment for Football, Nathan Campbell, said it was an incredibly exciting occasion to celebrate this expansion project. 'We believe Africa is a hotbed of untapped footballing potential, and our expansion here is a natural progression of our global vision. Our strategy is built on deep collaboration with local partners, allowing us to understand and address the unique needs of African players, ensuring they receive the best possible support to reach their full potential. 'I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank the newest member of our RNSI football management team, Director of Africa recruitment Grant Veitch, who has been instrumental in the execution of this expansion project.' Roc Nation Sports International first established a footprint in Africa in 2021 through a consultancy partnership with leading African club Mamelodi Sundowns, which successfully continues to this day. Furthermore, Emile Witbooi, one of South Africa's most highly-regarded young talents, recently signed with RNSI. The expansion into Africa follows RNSI's move into the South American market in 2023, when it acquired the Brazil-based TFM Agency. This strategic acquisition brought over 100 footballers under the company's umbrella, including Brazilian stars such as Vinícius Jr, Gabriel Martinelli and Endrick. Since opening its London-based office in 2019, Roc Nation Sports International has rapidly progressed to become one of the top 10 football agencies in the world, while boasting an impressive stable of global footballing clients, including renowned stars such as Chris Richards, Federico Dimarco, Luis Henrique, Kerolin and Malick Fofana. The move into Africa underscores Roc Nation Sports International's unwavering commitment to identifying and nurturing the next generation of football stars, and RNSI looks forward to working with partners and football consultants such as Ebanor Sports (The Gambia), Olatunji Okuku (Nigeria), Oscar Guirao (Ivory Coast) and Sakibu Nuhu (Ghana). Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
