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IOL News
7 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Gabriela Salgado undergoes surgery after gruesome injury in Banyana's Wafcon exit
On the mend SAFA say Gabriela Salgado underwent a successful operation after breaking her leg in Banyana Banyana's Women's African Cup of Nations semi-final loss to Nigeria on Tuesday. Photo: Nour Aknajja/BackpagePix Image: Nour Aknajja/BackpagePix The South African Football Association has given an update on Gabriela Salgado, who suffered a horror injury in Banyana Banyana's heartbreaking Women's Africa Cup of Nations semi-final loss on Tuesday. With the game evenly poised at 1-1 and entering the final minutes, Salgado collided with a Nigerian opponent, leaving nearby teammates visibly distressed. After being stabilised by paramedics, she was later stretchered off the field, with Nigerian fans chanting 'Gabby! Gabby! Gabby!' The South Africans never recovered after the incident, and Nigeria were able to capitalise through a stoppage-time winner by Michelle Alozie, sending them to the final and knocking Desiree Ellis' team out of the tournament. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. 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 ✕ Salgado was taken to the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca, where she had to undergo surgery. 'Gabi sustained a fracture of the mid-shaft of her left leg during the fixture against Nigeria and underwent a successful surgery,' said Banyana Banyana team doctor, Dr Lindi Mokoena. 'She will be out of action for the rest of the year, but we are pleased that she received exceptional care from the medical team of Banyana Banyana, CAF, and the hospital. 'We were fully confident and comfortable with the procedure being performed in Morocco and would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to CAF and the dedicated staff at the Mohamed VI University Hospital for their professionalism and outstanding support during this time.' On Wednesday, Salgado, in hospital, received a message of encouragement from South African president Cyril Ramaphosa. 'Today, our thoughts are with Banyana Banyana's Gabriela Salgado as we wish her a comfortable and speedy recovery from her traumatic injury in last night's WAFCON semi-final against a victorious Nigeria,' a statement from the president read. 'I know you're a woman of deep and public faith, Gabriela, and you're a woman of bravery and skill on the pitch. The nation wishes you well. Casablanca was always going to be a tough ask for our national team as Africa's defending champions, and Nigeria's breakthrough in referee's optional time proved this. 'We are confident Banyana Banyana will regroup and return to WAFCON as future champs. We wish Nigeria's Super Falcons and Morocco's Atlas Lionesses well for Saturday's dream home final for the host nation.' Banyana will go up against Ghana in Friday's third-place play-off. IOL Sport Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Banyana Banyana's Wafcon title defence ends in heartbreak against Nigeria
Nigeria advance Nigeria's Rasheedat Ajibade celebrates with teammates after opening the scoring in their Women's Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against South Africa on Tuesday. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix The curtain fell on Banyana Banyana's reign as continental champions when they were beaten 2-1 by Nigeria in the semi-finals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Tuesday night. With the game headed towards stoppage time with the scores level at 1-1, the Nigerians scored the winner deep in stoppage time through Michelle Alozie, breaking South African hearts in the process. Desiree Ellis' team will play the loser of the second semi-final – between Ghana and hosts Morocco – in the third-place play-off on Friday. Banyana began their tournament with a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Ghana earlier this month, and followed that up with a 1-1 draw against Tanzania, and a 4-0 thrashing of Mali last week Monday.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Nigeria edge out Banyana to reach WAFCON final
Alozie's late strike sends the Super Falcons through. Rasheedat Ajibade of Nigeria celebrates after scoring her penalty against Banyana on Tuesday in Casablanca. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix A stoppage-time strike from Michelle Alozie broke Banyana Banyana's hearts on Tuesday and sent Nigeria in to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final. Alozie's long-range effort, that handed the Super Falcons a 2-1 win at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, was more of a cross, but bounced awkwardly in front of Andile Dlamini, the ball rolling into the back of the Banyana net. Banyana to play for third or fourth Desiree Ellis' Banyana will now contest the third/fourth place play off. Nigeria put Banyana under pressure from the start and a shot from Jennifer Echenigi went just wide of target, though the offside flag was up. Banyana goalkeeperDlamini then had to be alert to tip over a effort from Chinwendu Ihezuo. In the 11th minute, the Super Falcons wasted a great chance to go in front. Esther Okoronkwo broke clear of the Banyana defence and her effort was parried by Dlamini. The follow-up fell to Ihezuo but her header was brilliantly cleared off the line by Tiisetso Makhubela. Banyana were able to threaten the Nigerian defence on too few occasions. Jermaine Seoposenwe did have a chance after breaking into the Super Falcons penalty area, but her effort was easily stopped by Chiamaka Nniadoze. Banyana were dealt a blow in the 26th minute as Makhubela was forced off with an injury and Hildah Magaia cae on, Lebohang Ramalepe fired over the bar and Magaia sent an effort wide of target but it was Nigeria who took the lead on the stroke of half time. Folashade Ijamilusi's shot struck the arm of Bambanani Mbane and the referee pointed to the spot, which was confirmed after a VAR review. Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade stepped up and scored the spot kick, even though Dlamini got a hand to it diving to her left. Dlamini almost made a disastrous error at the start of the second half as she dropped an innocuous cross, the ball heading into the back of the net until Fikile Magama hacked it away. Penalty for SA Magama's intervention paid dividends when Banyana were given a penalty as Magaia went down in the box after being pulled back by Osinachi Ohale. After a long VAR review, Linda Motlhalo took responsibility on the hour mark and fired home to level the scores. Banyana nearly went in front in the 73rd minute as a wonderful ball from Jermaine Seoposenwe found Noxolo Cesane inside the area. She beat Nniadoze but the effort had no pace on it and Ohale cleared off the line. Seoposenwe was increasingly involved in the match and she came close to scoring in the 78th minute, curling an effort just over the bar. Salgado shock injury There was real concern for Banyana's forward Gabriela Salgado towards the end of the 90 minutes. She went down with a serious-looking injury and had to be stretchered off the pitch, with some of her teammates in tears. This was Salgado's first start of the tournament, after injury had already seen her ruled out of Banyana's WAFCON triumph in 2022. And Banyana's hearts were soon to be shattered further.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
#LetsFixSAFootball: Siwelele United move highlights South Africa's troubling club ownership trend
Seema Lehlohonolo was announced as the head coach of Siwelele United this pat weekend. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Calvin le John, the son of South Africa's Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, has added his name to a long list of businessmen who have followed their passion for football by acquiring the status of an elite league club. In purchasing SuperSport United — whom he has since renamed Siwelele United — Le John follows in the footsteps of numerous wealthy individuals who have taken advantage of South African football's disturbingly lax club ownership policies, which have contributed to the demise of several historically significant teams. #LetsFixSAFootball Image: Independent Media Le John's decision to take over SuperSport's status is actually an attempt to resurrect Bloemfontein Celtic, a club that vanished from the professional ranks after its status was sold. Unable to reclaim the original name, he has opted for 'Siwelele United FC', adopting the moniker most associated with Celtic in a bid to attract the club's passionate fanbase. But the critical question now is: which path will Le John follow? Will he emulate Patrice Motsepe, under whose stewardship Mamelodi Sundowns have become a continental powerhouse? For the city. For the people. Welcome, Coach 💚⚪#SiweleleFC — Siwelele Football Club (@Siwelele_FC) July 20, 2025 Or will he discover, like Max Tshabalala — who once owned Celtic before selling the club — that football in South Africa is rarely a lucrative business? Matshelane Mamabolo reflects on the chequered history of South African club takeovers and how they have often ended in disappointment or outright disaster. Bidvest Wits to Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila For close on a century, Wits University FC were a pillar of South African football, achieving milestones such as winning the 1978 Mainstay Cup by defeating Kaizer Chiefs in the first integrated domestic final. Wits produced top talents, including Gary Bailey, who went on to play for Manchester United, and remained competitive over the decades, claiming titles such as the BP Top 8, JPS, Coca-Cola Cup, and Nedbank Cup. Their final flourish came under coach Gavin Hunt, with a Premiership title to their name. But when corporate sponsors Bidvest pulled out of football, the club's status was sold to businessman Lawrence Mulaudzi, who rebranded it as Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM). His reign lasted just seven months — player salaries went unpaid, and he soon sold the franchise to what became Marumo Gallants. And so, a giant of the local game quietly disappeared. Mpumalanga Black Aces to Cape Town City Founded in 1937 and originally known as Witbank Black Aces, Amazayoni played an iconic role in South African football, producing legends such as Thomas 'Junior' Ngobe, Steve 'Disco' Makua, Amos 'Heel Extension' Mkhari and goalkeeper Cyprian 'Mahala' Mainame. They were runners-up in the 1983 Mainstay Cup final (a controversial loss to Moroka Swallows) and lifted the BobSave Super Bowl in 1993 with a dramatic injury-time winner against Kaizer Chiefs. The club underwent multiple ownership changes before John Comitis purchased their franchise in 2016, relocated it to Cape Town and rebranded it as Cape Town City. The club made a strong start in the elite league, winning the Telkom Knockout in their debut season, but were relegated via the play-offs at the end of the most recent campaign. Bloemfontein Celtic to Royal AM Doomed from the outset, Royal AM's purchase of Bloemfontein Celtic's status was shrouded in controversy. After failing to secure promotion through conventional means, Shaun Mkhize took the oft-travelled route and bought Celtic's status from a financially struggling Max Tshabalala. However, the union of showbiz and professional football quickly soured. Mkhize's failure to honour Samir Nurković's contract resulted in a Fifa transfer ban. Matters deteriorated further when the club was sanctioned by the South African Revenue Service, leading to suspension and eventual expulsion from the league last season. It was a deeply embarrassing episode for the PSL, who ended the campaign one team short — and a stark reminder of the urgent need for stricter regulations around club sales and ownership. Moroka Swallows FC to Marumo Gallants Before the formation of Kaizer Chiefs, Moroka Swallows were one half of the original Soweto Derby, alongside Orlando Pirates. The Dube Birds were a powerhouse of South African football and played in the top flight until their relegation in the 2014/15 season. They had an illustrious cup pedigree, winning the FA Cup under all its iterations — Mainstay Cup, BobSave Super Bowl, Absa Cup and Nedbank Cup — and claimed the Top 8 title three times. Having fallen into the amateur ranks, a resurrection attempt was led by former Gauteng MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi, who acquired the status of Maccabi FC. He could not initially use the Swallows name due to outstanding debts under FIFA supervision. Once the branding was restored, the revived Swallows competed admirably at first. However, when Lesufi became Gauteng Premier and stepped away from the club, its fortunes waned. Financial struggles meant players went unpaid, and Swallows could not complete their fixtures in 2023. The club eventually sold its status to Marumo Gallants.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Western Province set to meet plenty of familiar faces in Bulls Currie Cup opener
Western Province hooker Scarra Ntubeni is ready to fulfill a senior role for the team in the Currie Cup. Image: BackpagePix The Currie Cup is set to kick-off on a high note with a North-South derby between Western Province and the Bulls as South Africa's premier domestic competition starts this weekend. While both sides will have a keen focus on developing new players with a view on the United Rugby Championship (URC), there could be some added spice to this contest in the DHL Stadium - not that it ever needs any. A couple of former Stormers players have been included in the Bulls' squad for the campaign, and someone who probably did not reach his potential in the Cape due to some niggling injuries and minimal game time, Nama Xaba, is set to captain the Loftus Versfeld troop. Feel it, the Carling Currie Cup is here. Be there when we start our campaign with a North-South clash on home turf this Saturday. 🎟️ Get your tickets here #wpjoulekkerding — WP RUGBY (@WP_RUGBY) July 21, 2025 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ URC winning lock Marvin Orie, loose forward Junior Pokomela, and prop Lizo Gqoboka are the other Stormers players in the Bulls' jersey, alongside Dylan de Leeuw and Chris Smit, who also played in the Cape for a bit. So, there will be a familiar feel to this game. According to veteran Western Province hooker Scarra Ntubeni, they will be prepared for what comes their way this weekend. 'There is definitely a lot of experience on their side with guys who have been here, but we have plans for that," Ntubeni said on Monday. 'It is not a big thing, though. We will just focus on executing our plans on the day. They won't also look too much into what we have done in the past, I think. Marvin does bring a lot of experience, but Gary (Porter) has done well for us. It won't be too much of an issue. 'We've put a lot of effort into this campaign and every tournament we enter, we want to win.' With the junior squads that the Bulls and Sharks announced, and the youngsters WP are set to let loose, it's clear to see that certain teams will be using the Currie Cup as a developmental tournament. ⚪ HOLLYWOODBETS SHARKS XV SQUAD LIST ⚫ — The Sharks (@SharksRugby) July 21, 2025 While it will cause some debate, the South African sides playing in the URC and European tournaments will have to expand their player base to be competitive in both international club tournaments. The Currie Cup provides that opportunity ahead of the start of the URC in October. Ntubeni is eager to take some young players under his wing and show them the ropes. 'The Currie Cup did take a bit of a dip, but it is the oldest tournament and there is a lot of history. We went to Newlands just so that the guys could absorb that they are playing for WP. With the rich history, they should take it seriously. 'For plenty of them, it is a dream come true. We are encouraging them to work hard and make memories.'
