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The South African
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Chiefs vs Pirates? No Soweto Derby until 2026
The fixtures for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership have been released, revealing that Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will only meet each other in 2026. Last season, these two iconic teams of South African football faced off three times. The Buccaneers won two of those matches, while Amakhosi took the last victory in May. In their first encounter earlier this year at the FNB Stadium, Pirates secured a narrow 1-0 win with a late penalty. In the reverse fixture, the Sea Robbers completed a double by winning 2-1. The two teams met again on 10 May at the sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium, where the Chiefs emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, ending their trophy drought. The first Soweto Derby of the season is scheduled for 28 February 2026 at 15:00, with the reverse fixture set for 25 April 2026. In their last six encounters, Amakhosi have managed to defeat Pirates only once and will be eager to break this losing streak in the league. The two teams could potentially face each other before 28 February if they are drawn against each other in a cup competition. As Amakhosi are not participating in the MTN8, the only chance for them to play against Pirates before that date is in the Carling Knockout Cup. The last time Chiefs and Pirates faced each other in the CKO was back in 2019, where the Glamour Boys won 4-2 on penalties after the match ended 2-2. 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.
The Citizen
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
OPINION: Why was Rayners snubbed for top PSL Awards?
Has Rayners' impact this season been undervalued? His numbers speak volumes. Ronwen Williams and Iqraam Rayners of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates with the trophy after a Betway Premiership 2024/25 match against Magesi FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on 18 May 2025 ©Alche Greeff/BackpagePix I've made it clear before who I believe should be named the 2024–25 PSL Footballer of the Season. For me, it was always going to be a tight race between Mamelodi Sundowns duo Lucas Ribeiro and Iqraam Rayners. Rayners' omission is startling That's why I was genuinely taken aback when Rayners' name was missing from both the Footballer of the Season and Players' Player of the Season shortlists. ALSO READ: Pirates' Mofokeng gets five nominations for PSL Awards These two awards are decided by head coaches and fellow professionals in the Betway Premiership who are not permitted to vote for players from their own clubs. I'm not here to take anything away from the three players who were nominated. I want to congratulate Ribeiro, Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng, and the rejuvenated Keletso Makgalwa of Sekhukhune United. But the omission of Rayners is a big talking point. When the nominees were revealed on Tuesday, it reignited a conversation that many had already been having. Has Rayners' impact this season been undervalued? His numbers speak volumes. 14 league goals in a 28-game campaign is an exceptional return. Add to that four goals in the Carling Knockout Cup, including a brace against Kaizer Chiefs, and nine league assists, and you're looking at a total of 27 direct goal contributions across domestic competitions. That kind of output should, at the very least, earn a nomination. Rayners finished just two goals behind Ribeiro in the Golden Boot race. So how is it possible that he was completely overlooked? Unless other players had significantly better stats, which they didn't, it's difficult to justify his exclusion. No strong case I'm reluctant to scrutinise the stats of the players who were nominated ahead of him. It wouldn't be fair as they didn't vote for themselves. However, from a purely footballing perspective, there's no strong case for Rayners being left out. ALSO READ: Williams questions Nkota's Pirates to Saudi switch Credit must go to the selected trio, and I wish them all the best ahead of the awards ceremony on July 29. And it would be nothing short of a scandal if Ribeiro doesn't walk away with the Footballer of the Season award.
The South African
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Emotional message and Venda number 10
It was in 2022 when Orlando Pirates signed the energetic midfield dynamite Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo from Marumo Gallants. After three goals and three assists in 65 games, the 30-year-old midfielder has left the Sea Robbers following a decision against a new deal. Speaking via social media, Ndlondlo honoured the club for the opportunity and looked forward to growing elsewhere…Full story here. Kaizer Chiefs news: Bafana winger and goalkeeper subject Lesedi Kapinga warms up at the Orlando Stadium. Image: BackpagePix Sekhukhune United have parted ways with Lesedi Kapinga. This comes only a few months after he was released by the mighty Orlando Pirates. The 30-year-old from Musina joined Sekhukhune at the beginning of last season after leaving Orlando Pirates, hoping for a fresh start and regular game time. Orlando Pirates news: Mokoena signs and Saleng father Unfortunately, Kapinga struggled to establish himself at Babina Noko, leading to a mutual decision not to renew his contract. The former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns made just 13 appearances across all competitions during his brief spell with Sekhukhune. He featured in 11 league matches, one Nedbank Cup fixture, and one Carling Knockout Cup clash. His only goal came in a 3-1 defeat to TS Galaxy… Full story here. 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
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Former Orlando Pirates attacker is clubless
The 30-year-old joined Sekhukhune at the beginning of last season after leaving Orlando Pirates, hoping for a fresh start and regular game time. Unfortunately, Kapinga struggled to establish himself at Babina Noko, leading to a mutual decision not to renew his contract. The former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns made just 13 appearances across all competitions during his brief spell with Sekhukhune. He featured in 11 league matches, one Nedbank Cup fixture, and one Carling Knockout Cup clash. His only goal came in a 3-1 defeat to TS Galaxy. Kaizer Chiefs questioned by Khanye, again Lesedi Kapinga warms up at the Orlando Stadium before he left the club to join Sekhukhune United. Image: BackpagePix With limited opportunities and increased competition in midfield, the club and player have now gone their separate ways. Orlando Pirates star returns to his father 'They struggled to find consistent playing time this season, and both parties agreed a new direction was best for his career,' said a club insider. 'Sekhukhune United wish Lesedi all the best as he pursues fresh opportunities ahead of the new 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
05-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
DONE DEAL: Kaizer Chiefs sign FOURTH former Pirates player
Kaizer Chiefs will have a strong 'Orlando Pirates flavour' at Naturena next season. The Glamour Boys are gearing up for a huge 2025/26 campaign. Nasreddine Nabi's side will be competing in the CAF Confederations Cup as well as the league, Carling Knockout Cup and in the Nedbank Cup. READ MORE • Orlando Pirates plotting R10 million offer for marquee signing! READ MORE • Chiefs are also in talks to sign player they axed two years ago! Kaizer Chiefs have been busy in the current transfer market, luring some top talent to Naturena already. The club officially announced the acquisition of utility defender Siphesihle Ndlovu from SuperSport United on Saturday morning. Ndlovu is a former Orlando Pirates player who made 67 appearances for the Buccaneers, as per Transfermarkt ! He joins fellow former Pirates teammates Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane at Kaizer Chiefs, who both recently joined the club. And finally, who can forget that club captain Yusuf Maart himself was once upon a time an Orlando Pirates player! That means that no less than four former Pirates players will form part of Nabi's squad for next season! READ MORE • Kaizer Chiefs spot huge chance to sign Sundowns man! Do you believe Kaizer Chiefs are heading in the right direction here? Signing players your rivals let go of is indeed risky business! Will they elevate the Glamour Boys? Do you think Mako, Monyane and Ndlovu will be starters for Nabi next season? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by also emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
