Latest news with #BabinaNoko


The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Sekhukhune United embarks on major growth journey with land acquisition in Midrand
Sekhukhune United Football Club is charting an exciting new chapter in its development, with major investments aimed at elevating its status and competitiveness in South African football. During a strategic partnership unveiling on July 14 at the Southern Sun Rosebank, club chairperson Simon Malatji revealed that Babina Noko has acquired 8ha of land in Midrand. The project, with a projected investment of R30m, is aimed at achieving a level of competitiveness comparable to that of Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena, Johannesburg. Also read: Total Football Excellence coach has high hopes for Hollywoodbets Regional League Malatji emphasised the significance of this development, stating: 'The land has existing structures, which are quite huge and are undergoing renovations. In that regard, we are utilising that one, to reduce costs and renovate the building. The estimate suggests, to be competitive like Chiefs, will be around R30m.' As part of its ambitious vision for the upcoming 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, the club also revealed another major development. Last season, Babina Noko showcased gear from Kelme, and the partnership announcement confirmed a three-year sponsorship deal with the leading sports apparel brand. This agreement, presented by Malatji in the presence of a Chinese delegation, including Kelme's chairperson Ke Yongxiang, officially designates Kelme as the club's partner for the next three seasons. The Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture Limpopo MEC, Jerry Maseko, was also present at the ceremony. 'This collaboration promises to enhance sport excellence, promote economic growth, and foster social cohesion.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!

IOL News
22-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
New signings tipped to power Sekhukhune's campaign
AS it happened at Cape Town City, Eric Tinkler begins preseason with a slew of new players at his disposal. | BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix Sekhukhune United have acted swiftly in the current transfer window, making strategic signings that reflect their ambition to remain among the Premiership's elite and return to continental competition in the upcoming season. Babina Noko has established itself as one of the more consistent sides in the top flight. Despite parting ways with head coach Lehlohonolo Seema midway through last season, they continued pushing for a top-three finish. fter Tinkler took over, their campaign saw them narrowly miss continental qualification, with Stellenbosch FC claiming third place late in the season. The Limpopo-based club has been one of the most active outfits in the transfer market, and their recent additions appear carefully targeted to address specific weaknesses from the previous campaign and also get their attention fully on taking charge of the journey back to the continental space. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Here, we will highlight their three standout signings and assess how each could shape Sekhukhune's 2025/26 campaign. Miguel Timm – stability in the midfield Orlando Pirates midfielder Miguel Timm in action FILE—Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Miguel Timm in action. Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Experienced midfielder Miguel Timm brings composure and tactical awareness to Sekhukhune's engine room. The former Orlando Pirates player didn't necessarily fall short in performance but found himself edged out of regular minutes due to a surge of good talent at the Buccaneers. Timm now arrives at Babina Noko with a strong pedigree. He was part of Jose Riveiro's silverware-laden squad at Pirates, contributing to domestic cup success and gaining continental experience. 🚨 NEW SIGNING 🚨 SEKHUKHUNE UNITED FC confirms the signing of Miguel Timm, from ORLANDO PIRATES. Miguel brings valuable experience and a positive attitude. Welcome to Babina Noko! 🦔🦔🦔#Adibahlabe#BabinaNokoPreSeason#Betway2025_26Loading — Sekhukhune United F.C. (@SekhukhuneFc) July 11, 2025 His presence is expected to bolster the Limpopo-based outfit's midfield defensively and in transition, adding maturity and leadership in crucial phases. Timm will bring the added advantage of being used to constant expectations, and he might thrive being a part of a side with slightly lesser expectations but huge ambitions to succeed. Bradley Grobler — proven goal threat Bradley Grobler has scored six goals this season. Bradley Grobler. BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Even with an impressive 39 goals scored across 28 matches last season, Sekhukhune have opted to sharpen their attack by bringing in seasoned striker Bradley Grobler. His signing not only adds quality finishing but also brings invaluable experience to the front line. The 37-year-old forward has struggled with injuries over the years, but when fit, he remains one of the most clinical strikers in South African football. If he stays healthy this season, he could easily reach double figures in goals. Grobler joins from the recently sold Supersport United, and he carries an impressive career tally of 121 goals. Sphiwe Mahlangu — Tactical flexibility Sphiwe Mahlangu of TS Galaxy and Siphamandla Nzuza of Durban City duel during their Nedbank Cup clash. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Sphiwe Mahlangu joins Sekhukhune from TS Galaxy, bringing with him versatility, pace, and attacking creativity. Able to operate on either wing and influence build-up play, Mahlangu provides Tinkler with much-needed depth in wide areas and also as an option as a forward. The former Highlands Park attacker had a solid 2024/25 season, playing in all of TS Galaxy's league matches and helping them to a fifth-place finish. Across 131 Premiership appearances, he has registered 14 goals and 10 assists. With his proven ability to impact games and consistent top-flight experience, Mahlangu is likely to hit the ground running in his new colors.

IOL News
15-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Mntambo talks titles, progress and new faces as Sekhukhune United aim higher
Sekhukhune United captain Linda Mntambo believes the club has grown past its underdog status and is now ready to challenge for major honours, as Babina Noko gear up for what promises to be their most ambitious season yet. Speaking during the club's official launch of their new kit and sponsor on Monday, Mntambo reflected on his journey since joining the side in 2022 and detailed how the expectations have grown year by year. 'When I arrived at the club in 2022, the mandate was very clear — we do better than what we did last season,' said the skipper. 'We finished seventh then and it was our first time in the top eight.' From there, the rise has been steady and strategic. In the 2023/24 campaign, Sekhukhune not only finished fourth in the Premiership but also reached the Nedbank Cup final and earned the right to represent South Africa in intercontinental competition. They followed that up with another fourth-place finish last season, but according to Mntambo, the improvement lies in the details.


The South African
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates favourite joins new PSL club
The 33-year-old has joined Babina Noko after Orlando Pirates opted not to exercise the extension on his contract, which expired at the end of June. The Durban-born Timm will now reunite with coach Eric Tinkler, who played a key role in his development during their time together at Maritzburg United. Orlando Pirates' warm tribute had said: 'Thank you, Miguel Timm, for every tackle, every pass, and every battle fought. Wishing you all the best. Once. Always.' Kaizer Chiefs news: Marijuana, alcohol and rehab Miguel Timm during a training session with Orlando Pirates. Image: IOL Timm lifted five titles during his stint with the Buccaneers, including the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup under coach José Riveiro. Despite his early influence, Timm struggled for minutes during the 2024/25 season, making just three appearances in all competitions for Orlando Pirates. Kaizer Chiefs to sign 11th striker since 2020? Sekhukhune United had previously expressed interest in signing him back in 2022, but the Sea Robbers secured his signature instead. Now, the timing has aligned, and Timm becomes one of Sekhukhune's key additions ahead of the new campaign. His move was finalised after becoming a free agent on 1 July, and he is believed to have signed a one-year deal with an option to extend. 'SEKHUKHUNE UNITED FC confirms the signing of Miguel Timm, from ORLANDO PIRATES,' the club announced via social media. 'Miguel brings valuable experience and a positive attitude. Welcome to Babina Noko! He will now compete for a starting spot alongside Thabang Monare and Siphesihle Mkhize. The move presents a fresh opportunity for Timm to revive his form and play regular top-flight football. His experience and composure could be vital as Sekhukhune aim to push for a stronger finish in the upcoming Betway Premiership season. 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
29-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates star Timm joins Sekhukhune United in free transfer
Orlando Pirates star Miguel Timm has completed a surprise move to Sekhukhune United on a free transfer, with the deal set to be finalised in July subject to a medical, according to SABC Sport . After winning five trophies with the Buccaneers, Timm now embarks on a new journey with Babina Noko, just two years after Pirates famously hijacked his original move to the club. The 33-year-old midfielder has already said his goodbyes to his Pirates teammates this week, officially closing the chapter on his time at the Soweto giants. His next destination was almost written in the stars. Sekhukhune have long held interest in Timm and nearly signed him from Marumo Gallants in 2022, before Pirates swooped in at the last minute. Timm's departure follows the exit of coach José Riveiro, who is reportedly heading to Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly. Although there was talk of Timm possibly joining his former coach in North Africa, the rumour never materialised. At Sekhukhune, Timm will reunite with Eric Tinkler, his former boss at Maritzburg United. The two share a strong professional rapport. And their renewed partnership could be key to Babina Noko's midfield engine next season. Although Pirates had extended Timm's deal at the start of the 2024/2025 season. The club chose not to activate the option clause, making the midfielder a free agent from 1 July and allowing him to sign a pre-contract with Sekhukhune. Timm quickly became a fan favourite at Pirates during his first season. Playing a pivotal role in Riveiro's initial tactical overhaul. However, growing midfield competition gradually reduced his minutes on the pitch. Despite the decline in playing time, Timm remained a respected figure in the squad. And left with his head held high, having lifted multiple domestic titles. Sources close to the club believe Timm is just the first of several new signings planned by Sekhukhune United. As they prepare for a stronger campaign in the Premiership, kicking off in August. Banele Gama, the highly-rated central midfielder from Venda Football Club, is also expected to join the squad in the coming weeks. As Babina Noko look to strengthen their spine and push for silverware. Will Orlando Pirates star Timm be a hit at Sekhukhune? 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.