'Jose Riveiro wanted me back' – U/20 international
The midfielder also credited former Modern Sport coach Talaat Yousef and the club's CEO Haitham Orabi, giving him the motivation to perform well during the brief loan spell
'My loan period was a success, and being promoted from the youth team to the first team with the coach's trust is a wonderful feeling,' Kabaka said as per Soccer Laduma .
'Haitham Orabi played a big role in giving me confidence and motivating me to do my best.'
'Despite the difficulty of that stage, with changes in coaches and the jump from one level to another, I consider it a successful experience. I thank Talaat Youssef, who made a big difference in my character both on and off the pitch. He taught me discipline and what it means to be a true professional,' Kabaka added.
The 20-year-old said the former Orlando Pirates coach pushed for him to return to Al Ahly before his loan deal concluded.
'Returning to Al Ahly was an important step in my career,' said the youngster.
'The decision to cut my loan short came from coach Jose Riveiro, who watched me before the Club World Cup. Wearing the Al Ahly shirt is an honour for any player.'
'Playing among big-name stars at Al Ahly makes getting a chance difficult, but I believe in my potential and will fight for an opportunity,' Kabaka said.
'I received offers after the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, but I've always respected the club's decisions. I'm at the club's service—whether I stay or move abroad, I'll be proud of whatever decision is made about my future,' he concluded.
Jose Riveiro has not had a good start to his Al Ahly tenure. The team performed poorly at the FIFA Club World Cup, failing to reach the next round of the competition. The 49-year-old Spaniard has introduced an intense fitness programme for pre-season as he looks to improve his side following a poor 2024/25 season.
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
14 minutes ago
- The South African
Will Andile Mpisane play for mom's new club? MaMkhize responds
Shauwn Mkhize – fondly known as MaMkhize – has shut down speculation that her son Andile Mpisane will play for Mbabane Highlanders AM FC. Last week, the businesswoman officially signed a three-year presidency deal with the eSwatini soccer club. This news comes months after SARS seized her South African team, Royal AM, to pay off her R40 million debt. Although the club includes the initials of his name – AM, or Andile Mpisane – his mother, MaMkhize, revealed that her son would take a step back. Speaking to Andile Ncube on Metro FM, the controversial businesswoman said: 'He wants to be in the management space now. 'I don't see him going there [to eSwatini], but he enjoys being in the business side of things.' When asked if Andile Mpisane had hung up his soccer boots, his mother responded, 'I don't know, but for now, I think so. Will Andile Mpisane play for his mom MaMkhize's new football club? Images via Instagram: @kwa_mamkhize 'Because even when Royal AM was there, he was starting to learn the administrative part of it. 'I think all that he wanted was to play in the elite league – which he did, he tasted that' With his football career likely over, Andile Mpisane will likely focus his attention on his budding music career or his hobby of collecting luxury cars. The 24-year-old is known for his expensive taste in cars and clothes, and posts bragging about his soccer skills. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
'We don't want Royal AM': Supporters of MaMkhize's new club
A group of football supporters of Mbabane Highlanders FC – now renamed Mbabane Highlanders AM FC – are rejecting the new position of power given to MaMkhize, real name Shauwn Mkhize. Last week, the businesswoman was announced as president of the eSwatini club. She has since called for 'unity' among fans and expressed her desire for the club to relive its 'glory days.' This news comes months after SARS seized her South African team, Royal AM, to pay off her R40 million debt. The club was later expelled from the PSL. During her first address as Mbabalane Highlanders AM FC on Sunday, 20 July, the club revealed that MaMkhize had 'called for unity and urged all stakeholders to play their part in restoring the club to its former glory'. It added: 'She emphasized the importance of protecting the club's image, encouraging everyone to refrain from public commentary that could hinder efforts to build a strong and respected brand'. 'Most significantly, she pledged her full commitment to making Mbabane Highlanders AM the leading football club in the country—on and off the pitch'. Last week, the eSwatini club confirmed that MaMkhize had signed a three-year presidency deal as the club's president. In a video clip, MaMkhize revealed that she had added a 'touch of gold' and her signature 'AM', and that players of the eSwatini club would now wear black and gold. 'New look. Same spirit. 🖤💛 Mbabane Highlanders AM F.C. is now draped in black and gold', a Facebook post from the club read. MaMkhize is the new president of Mbabane Highlanders. Images via Instagram: @kwa_mammkhize Although many Mbabane Highlanders AM FC fans have vowed to support MaMkhize as president of the club, others are wary and even concerned about her involvement. On its official Facebook account, many have rejected the new leadership and its link to the now-defunct SA club. Gcin'muzi Hlatshwayo: 'We are not Royal AM!' Imagine Sci-fi Mzanzi: 'This is disrespectful to this old club.' Doni Dlamini: 'Highlanders is dead now!' Denis De Sousa: 'Royal AM 2.0?'
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Confirmed: Orlando Pirates kicking off the new season in Orlando
Orlando Pirates will begin their 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign with a packed August schedule that includes three home fixtures and two trips away. With the new season's expectations high as ever, the Buccaneers will be eager to hit the ground running and stake an early claim in the title race. Three of their first five opponents finished mid-table or lower last season, while one – Orbit College FC – is a newly promoted side. On paper, this gives Orlando Pirates an excellent platform to secure early points and build momentum before the league intensifies. Confirmed: Kaizer Chiefs' first five Betway Premiership fixtures Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou trains his team in Marbella, Spain ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. Image: Goal 9 August: Sekhukhune United (Home) A familiar opening challenge at Orlando Stadium. Sekhukhune finished as high as fourth place last season. Nevetheless, Orlando Pirates have to deliver a statement win in front of the Ghost. PSL club ready to sell goalkeeper to Kaizer Chiefs 12 August: Marumo Gallants (Away) Just three days later, the Buccaneers head to Bloemfontein to face an inspired Marumo side with the new French coach Lafitte Alexandre. Squad depth will be crucial here, with minimal rest between games. 20 August: Stellenbosch FC (Home) One of the best teams in the league last season. Stellenbosch FC, who finished third, will deliver with typical structure and quick football. Orlando Pirates will need control and discipline to earn all three points. 26 August: Orbit College FC (Home) A first-ever league meeting between the two sides. Orbit, newly promoted and armed with six players on loan from Orlando Pirates, will be full of enthusiasm but will face a stern test in Soweto. 31 August: Chippa United (Away) The Buccaneers close August with a visit to Gqeberha. Chippa can frustrate teams at home, so Orlando Pirates must stay sharp to avoid a slip-up against a team filled with plenty of Buccaneers on loan. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
