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IOL News
17 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
COMMENT: Sundowns fall short at Club World Cup – but is it a win for South Africa?
Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe pictured next to the FIFA Club World Cup trophy. | Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers Mamelodi Sundowns may have exited the FIFA Club World Cup at the group stages, but their campaign in the United States did more than just make up the numbers — it made a statement. Despite falling short of the knockout rounds, their performance and presence on the global stage could be seen as a major win, not just for the club, but potentially for South African football at large. The Betway Premiership champions ended their tournament with four points from three matches — a 1-0 win over Ulsan Hyundai, a narrow 4-3 defeat to Borussia Dortmund, and a goalless draw with Fluminense. While that wasn't enough to book a place in the last 16, Sundowns walked away with their heads held high and their bank account significantly heavier. The club is set to pocket an eye-watering R228 million in prize money — the biggest single payday in their history — following their participation in the expanded 32-team Club World Cup. And for a team that has invested heavily in continental dominance, this financial return represents more than just cash — it's validation. At the heart of their competitive showing was Miguel Cardoso, the Portuguese tactician who took over from Manqoba Mngqithi seven months ago. In that time, Cardoso has implemented a modern, structured style of play that translated impressively onto the world stage. His side was bold and technically sharp against Dortmund, showed composure in the win over Ulsan, and displayed tactical discipline to hold Fluminense. While their early exit was disappointing on paper, context matters. Sundowns didn't look out of place — they looked like they belonged. And that matters in a tournament where African clubs are often seen as mere participants.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
‘Disillusioned' MK Party Medics Programme leader, Dr Chauke, has resigned
Umkhonto weSizwe Party Dr Innocent Chauke departs from the Umkhonto weSizwe Party amid internal conflicts Image: IOLGraphic, Itumeleng English/IndependentNewspapers Dr Innocent Chauke, co-founder, coordinator, and chief health professional of the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) Medics Programme - an initiative conducting health screenings nationwide - has announced his departure from the party. Chauke revealed his decision in an interview with IOL on Wednesday, citing dissatisfaction and disillusionment with the organisation's current state. His departure comes barely a month after the party announced the redeployment of Floyd Shivambu, who was removed as secretary general to be an ordinary member of the party, following an 'unsanctioned' visit to the fugitive pastor Prophet Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi. 'After reflecting on the organisation's internal issues, I realised that this has become a personal project for certain individuals close to the echelons of power,' Chauke explained. 'Many volunteers, including myself, have invested personal resources into our work. Yet, information about the misuse of funds and internal conflicts has come to light, which is demoralising. 'It's unfair to those who dedicate themselves when some have access to financial details and information that should be confidential.' Chauke expressed that the recent announcement of a consultative process led by Shivambu prompted his exit. 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 ✕ Ad loading 'When Shivambu announced the Mayibuye consultative process, we felt it was necessary to step back because we could no longer identify with the organisation's current direction,' he said. 'After consulting with those I lead, I decided to participate in this process, believing it might help us understand whether South Africa needs a new political entity.' Despite his departure, Chauke reassured supporters that the MK Party Medics Programme would continue to serve the community without interruption. 'Even amid political differences, our commitment to providing essential services remains unwavering,' he affirmed. Meanwhile, the internal discord within the MK Party escalated into a public spat involving Shivambu and the party's spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela. Shivambu recently accused Ndhlela of substance abuse, claiming he is 'always on drugs and high on alcohol,' allegations that have sparked outrage and legal action. Ndhlela's legal team, Ndou Inc Attorneys, issued a stern letter of demand on June 24, requiring Shivambu to retract his statements within 48 hours and apologise. The legal notice contended that Shivambu's accusations are false and defamatory, demanding a public retraction that confirms the statements' falsity and expresses regret.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Top five forwards who lit up the 2024/25 Premiership season
Lucas Ribeiro celebrates his second goal of the match with his Mamelodi Sundowns' teammates during a league game. | BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix The 2024/25 Betway Premiership season offered its fair share of goalmouth action, even as the league continued to battle with consistently surpassing the 20-goal mark. Mamelodi Sundowns once again dominated the league with goals scored, breaking their own record of 56 goals to end the season on a total of 65. Amidst the challenges in front of goal from all the other sides in the league, here we will look at five attackers who stood out, giving their best throughout the campaign. Iqraam Rayners MAMELODI Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners continues to add his name in the club's histpry. | BackpagePix Image: backpagePix Arguably the most complete forward in the Premiership this season, Iqraam Rayners enjoyed another impressive campaign—this time made even more remarkable by his move to the highveld to join Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite the fierce competition for places within the star-studded Brazilians' squad, the former Stellenbosch FC striker thrived. He scored 14 league goals in 26 appearances, with a particularly strong showing in the second half of the season. Rayners' performances underlinse why he will be a key part of Sundowns' plans going forward. Arthur Sales Arthur Sales shone for Mamelodi Sundowns last season even though he played most of his game from the bench. | Itumeleng English/Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Media Sales may have faced criticism for inconsistency, but the Brazilian made notable contributions, particularly coming off the bench. In limited minutes, Sales registered eight goals and added eight assists, showing his value not only in front of goal but also in linking up play and creating chances. Though he may have wanted more starts, his impact was significant in helping his team stay competitive throughout the campaign. Lucas Ribeiro Costa Lucas Ribeiro Costa of Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Lucas Ribeiro Costa was the standout forward of the season and walked away with the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot after netting 16 goals. Replacing Orlando Pirates' Tshegofatso Mabasa as the league's top scorer from last season, Ribeiro enjoyed a superb campaign full of quality. He also looks a strong candidate for the Goal of the Season Award after producing some electrifying moments in the final third. At 26, the Brazilian matched the second-highest Golden Boot tally in recent memory and became the first Sundowns player to claim the award since Peter Shalulile's back-to-back wins with 12 and 23 goals in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons. Since Shalulile's 23-goal haul, the 16-goal benchmark has been tough to beat, with Siyabonga Nomvethe still the only other player to net 20 goals in a single Premiership campaign post 2010. Nomvethe netted 20 for Moroka Swallows in 2011/12 . Devin Titus TUSSLE: Devin Titus is challenged by Tshegofatso Nyama on Saturday TUSSLE: Devin Titus is challenged by Tshegofatso Nyama. | BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix Stellenbosch FC's Devin Titus maintained his consistency with another solid season. The Cape forward scored eight goals and featured in 28 league games for the Cape Winelands club. Backing up his seven-goal tally from the 2023/24 season, Titus played yet again a vital role in helping Stellies finish third on the log. That strong showing secured them another shot at CAF Confederation Cup football next season, where they'll aim to go beyond this year's semi-final finish. Dzenan Zajmovic Dzenan Zajmovic of TS Galaxy celebrates scoring against Cape Town City during their Betway Premiership clash at Mbombela Stadium on. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Rele Mofokeng's next transfer: The best options for the Orlando Pirates star
Rele on the move? Orlando Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng could leave the club for Europe ahead of the new season. Photo: Itumeleng English/Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Media 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 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 ✕ Where he should go Belgium The Belgian Pro League is possibly the best place for Mofokeng right now. This is a sentiment that's also shared by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who hails from the Western European nation. The Belgian league has a good reputation for developing young players, with several South Africans using the league as a stepping stone in the past. Before moving to the Premier League, Percy Tau spent two years in Belgium, where he did well. Former Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena also spent some time in Belgium before going on to play in England for seven years. Currently, Shandre Campbell is taking his first steps in senior football with Club Brugge, and much is expected from the youngster who turns 20 in three weeks. Unlike Spain, the language barrier wouldn't be such an issue for a young player who has never played abroad. Netherlands The Dutch Eredivisie is where South African football royalty in McCarthy and Pienaar made a name for themselves. The league is suited for technically gifted players and teaches youngsters to be more complete in how they play. Germany Not many South Africans have gone to Germany at a young age, but a few have done well. Pienaar, Delron Buckley, Sibusiso Zuma, and Bradley Carnell are among the players who did well in Germany. Teams in the Bundesliga also have a good reputation for developing young talents. England star Jude Bellingham moved to Dortmund aged just 17. By the time he was 20, he was regarded as one of the world's best players. Countries he should avoid for now England Transferring to England would be the completely wrong move for Mofokeng. The Premier League is physically demanding, and Mofokeng, who still needs to put on a few kilos, will definitely struggle. The constant media scrutiny and pressure from fans are also things he doesn't need at this stage in his career. Spain The player has been linked with Barcelona in the past; however, he should be advised against making the move to Spain at this stage in his career. In Spain, not only will he be expected to settle in quickly, but he will also have to learn the language. Learning a new language has never been a bad thing, but at just 20 years old, it will make his settling into a new environment hard. Avoid completely Israel Last week, it was reported that Maccabi Haifa had made contact with the view of buying Mofokeng. Rivals Maccabi Tel Aviv were also interested. A move to Israel would be a controversial one. The country is currently engaged in what the South African government calls a genocide against the people of Palestine. In 2023, South Africa's government approached the International Court of Justice to open a case against Israel's continued conduct in the Gaza Strip that resulted in a humanitarian crisis and mass killings. And last week, Israel launched an unprovoked missile attack against Iran. With so many options on the table, Mofokeng faces a career-defining decision. The next move he makes could shape not only his future but also inspire a new generation of South African talent dreaming of success abroad. What's clear is that he has the skill, the mindset, and the support to thrive — he just needs to pick the right stage to shine. Whether it's Belgium, the Netherlands, or even Germany, this is his moment to take that brave leap and become the next great South African export. IOL Sport Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
'Do you need dialogue to see our roads are in shambles?': Mashaba slams national dialogue
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has strongly condemned the R700 million to be spent on the upcoming National Dialogue as a wasteful spending Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has slammed the government's planned R700 million National Dialogue, calling it a waste of public funds and out of touch with the daily struggles faced by millions of South Africans. Mashaba made the remarks on Monday in Alexandra, where his party launched its campaign for the 2026 local government elections. 'It's really so sad when I hear our president announcing the spending of R700 million to hold talks about talks when roads are in shambles,' Mashaba said. 'Do you need a National Dialogue to know that the roads are in a bad state?' The National Dialogue, announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa's administration, is billed as a nation-building initiative aimed at addressing South Africa's persistent social and political divisions. The program includes a National Convention in August 2025 involving more than 1,000 delegates, followed by six to nine months of public engagement. An Eminent Persons Group will also be appointed to serve as ambassadors for the process, which is expected to produce a 30-year action plan focusing on jobs, inequality, education, health care, and land reform. However, Mashaba said the dialogue is nothing more than a costly public relations exercise. 'Indications are that the so-called National Dialogue is already looking like a carefully choreographed process to fool South Africans yet again,' he said. Mashaba also took aim at the government's previous initiatives, including the annual investment conferences, which he described as media spectacles with little tangible return. 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 ✕ Ad loading 'All we have seen are media picture-perfect announcements of claimed investor pledges amounting to hundreds of billions of rands, with nothing pointing to such pledges leading to noticeable job creation,' he said. 'No one seems to be asking how much has been spent on these conferences and what has been their return on public investment, other than fabulous media appearances for the president.' He also slammed the Government of National Unity, saying it lacks cohesion and direction. 'The GNU includes different parties pulling in different directions. No new policies have been introduced to tackle economic stagnation,' Mashaba said. Mashaba cited the latest employment data, saying nearly 300,000 people lost their jobs in the last quarter, with more than 8.2 million South Africans now unemployed and another 3.5 million who claimed to have given up looking for work. 'Expected economic growth has been revised down repeatedly, from 1.3% to 0.6%,' Mashaba said. He warned that ActionSA will monitor the National Dialogue process closely. 'If it goes ahead, we will follow the money,' he said. 'Every rand spent will be scrutinized. We will demand full transparency on how the funds are allocated, which service providers are appointed, and whether ordinary South Africans benefit - or whether this becomes another Trojan horse to benefit politically connected middlemen who add no value.' 'We refuse to stand by and let South Africans be fooled again,' he added. IOL Politics
