Latest news with #JoséRiveiro
The South African
7 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
How Kaizer Chiefs exposed Orlando Pirates' major weakness
Kaizer Chiefs ended their 10-year trophy drought by defeating Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final. But how did they achieve this victory? The Buccaneers seemed poised to win multiple trophies, yet a series of poor results cost them both the Betway Premiership and the CAF Champions League. The Nedbank Cup appeared to be their only hope of achieving a double, having already won the MTN8 in October of the previous year. Despite a strong finish to the first half against Chiefs, Orlando Pirates conceded a late goal, marking their first final loss under coach José Riveiro. The two teams clashed three times during the previous season, with the Buccaneers winning both league matches. They secured a 1-0 victory in the first round and controlled the reverse fixture, although a lack of finishing allowed the score to end at 2-1 in favour of Amakhosi. Leading up to the Nedbank Cup final, the Sea Robbers were favourites, given their strong performance in prior matches. However, Kaizer Chiefs' impressive cup run meant they could not be underestimated. An early goal for Amakhosi ignited the final, but Pirates quickly equalised. As the match progressed, Orlando Pirates appeared to be in control, pushing for a lead in the late stages of the first half. However, Chiefs managed to hold on until halftime. Despite dominating possession early in the second half, the Buccaneers struggled to penetrate Kaizer Chiefs' defence, and their energy seemed to wane. The turning point came around the 70th minute when coach Nasreddine Nabi substituted Gaston Sirino and Wandile Duba, both of whom had been ineffective throughout the match. By that point, both teams appeared fatigued, and the match seemed destined for extra time. Amakhosi brought in Ashley Du Preez and Mduduzi Shabalala, who injected new energy into the team. For the first time in the match, Pirates seemed off balance. Their midfield and defence were stretched, and momentum began to shift in favour of the Glamour Boys Despite maintaining pressure on Bucs, poor finishing and decision-making plagued Kaizer Chiefs. Rather than absorbing the pressure, the Buccaneers attempted to build from the back, but tired players kept losing possession. In the 78th minute, Chiefs launched another attack. Just when it seemed that Shabalala had wasted the opportunity by passing to Du Preez, the former Stellenbosch striker played the ball back to Yusuf Maart. The former captain unleashed a first-time volley, regaining the lead for Amakhosi. In the final ten minutes, the Sea Robbers were unable to recover from the shock of the goal, watching in horror as the situation unfolded. First, it highlighted that without Makhehlene Makhaula (who was substituted in the 70th minute), Pirates lack a protective shield for their defence. It also revealed how their defence can be stretched under pressure. When the Buccaneers defend as a cohesive unit, they cover each other's weaknesses well; however, when faced with speedy wingers and strikers, they often find themselves at a disadvantage and struggle in one-on-one defensive situations. 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.
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Five Players who could be up for grabs ahead of the new Betway Premiership Season
Monnapule Saleng's future is up in the air after last playing for Orlando Pirates in December. Photo: BackpagePix With the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season fast approaching, clubs across the country are looking for smart acquisitions. A handful of players have now become available for various reasons, including relegation, being out of favour, or release. The five topping that list,all with top-flight experience, could represent bargain signings for clubs seeking depth, creativity or leadership in the new campaign. 1. Monnapule Saleng (Out of favour at Orlando Pirates) Barely two seasons ago, Monnapule Saleng was tipped as one of the most dangerous wingers in the Premier Soccer League and a key Bafana Bafana prospect. Now, after falling out of favour at Orlando Pirates, the 27-year-old's future remains uncertain. With game time limited under previous coach José Riveiro and questions over his fitness under new boss Abdeslam Ouaddou, a loan or permanent move could revive his career. Few players in the league offer his pace and left-footed threat from the right wing. 2. Hashim Domingo (Following Cape Town City's relegation)
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Al Ahly vs Inter Miami predictions, odds, and betting tips
THE 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off with a blockbuster Group A tie between Al Ahly and Inter Miami in the early hours of Sunday morning, UK time. The Hard Rock Stadium in Florida plays host, and we can expect fireworks when the Egyptian giants face off against a Miami side led by Lionel Messi. 🔥 Best Al Ahly vs Inter Miami betting tips Al Ahly vs Inter Miami odds Find the latest football betting odds for Al Ahly vs Inter Miami here. Our odds are provided by our recommended football betting sites and are subject to change. Al Ahly vs Inter Miami predictions The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promises to be a clash of continents, cultures and footballing styles, and the opening match of the tournament perfectly illustrates this with Al Ahly of Egypt clashing with Inter Miami of the MLS. Al Ahly recently secured a third consecutive - and record 45th in total - Egyptian Premier League title, underlining their dominance domestically. But it was far from a perfect season, with the Red Eagles knocked out of the CAF Champions League at the semi-final stage on away goals to Mamelodi Sundowns. The defeat cost Marcel Koller his job, with the Swiss first replaced by Emad El Nahhas on an interim basis, and latterly José Riveiro. Riveiro was only appointed at the end of May, so it remains to be seen how much influence the Spaniard will have on the team ahead of facing Miami. Inter Miami are also a team in search of the right formula. Domestically, they secured the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield with a record 74 points. But despite being the strongest looking team in the MLS throughout last season, they couldn't back that up in the MLS Cup - exiting the competition to Atlanta United in the opening round. Gerardo Martino departed the club shortly after for personal reasons. The Argentine was replaced as manager by his compatriot, Javier Mascherano. But it's fair to say things haven't gone totally to plan for the former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder. Inter have picked up 29 points from 16 matches in this season's MLS. They have won eight, drawn five and lost three. With a forward line boasting Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, it's no surprise to see they are one of the highest scorers in the league with 36 goals. The problem has been conceding goals, Inter's defence has been breached 27 times. They have one of the worst defensive records in the Eastern Conference. On a positive note, Inter have found some better form in recent weeks and come into this match on the back of two wins. Al Ahly vs Inter Miami betting tips Al Ahly haven't played competitively since May 28th - if nothing else, they should be fresher of the two teams. On the flip side, Inter Miami are into the thick of their MLS season and should be battle hardened as they switch their attention to the FIFA Club World Cup. Our Al Ahly vs Inter Miami betting tips follow: Both teams to score With this being the opening match of a new competition, there are a lot of unknowns coming into this clash. But some things we do know are that Inter Miami scores lots of goals, and also concedes plenty as well. We've already mentioned Inter's poor defensive record. If any more proof is needed, the statistics show they have conceded in their previous ten matches in all competitions. Goals at both ends of the pitch are very likely. Luis Suárez to score or assist Luis Suárez isn't quite as prolific as his South American teammate Lionel Messi, but the Uruguayan comes into the Club World Cup in good recent form. After two matches without a goal contribution, Suárez has found his form again with three goals and one assist in his previous two matches. Suárez was on target twice, and assisted once, in Inter's 4-2 win over Montreal. He also found the back of the net in his team's 5-1 win over Columbus in their most recent outing. This bet is odds-on with a lot of bookies, but not BetMGM. Lionel Messi to score anytime It's hard to make predictions for an Inter Miami match without mentioning Lionel Messi. Yes, it's an obvious tip, but look at the stats and his recent form. Messi has scored five goals in his last three MLS matches. He takes any set pieces around the box, and he will be extra keen to make his mark in his current adopted home city. How can we not make this wager? 📺 How to watch Al Ahly vs Inter Miami Date and time: Sunday 15th June, 1am BST. How to watch: Channel 5 and DAZN. WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN About the author Craig Mahood Craig Mahood is an expert in sports betting and online casinos and has worked with the company since 2020. He joined the Betting & Gaming team at The Sun in June 2022 and works closely with the leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to provide content on all areas of sports betting and gaming. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter at the Scottish Sun, covering Scottish football with particular focus on Celtic and Rangers, As well as football, he has covered horse racing, boxing, darts, the Olympics and tennis for the Sun. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
The Citizen
12-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
OPINION: Al-Ahly and Sundowns face defining CWC Campaigns
Al-Ahly coach José Riveiro and his Sundowns counterpart Miguel Cardoso will be under immense pressure to prove their worth. Jose Riveiro, former head coach of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso during the Betway Premiership match at FNB Stadium on March 16, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images) African football will be under the spotlight at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, with four clubs, Al Ahly (Egypt), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), and Esperance (Tunisia) set to fly the flag for the continent. It's not just about participation anymore. The pressure is firmly on these sides to compete, deliver results, and change global perceptions. ALSO READ: Percy Tau on what Kaizer Chiefs must pay to sign him All eyes will be on the touchline, where Al-Ahly coach José Riveiro and his Sundowns counterpart Miguel Cardoso will be under immense pressure to prove their worth. Both are leading teams with lofty expectations and unforgiving fanbases. And while every manager at the Club World Cup has something to prove, few will be judged as harshly as these two. Riveiro, a former Orlando Pirates boss, has already described Ahly as 'almost a European team'. That statement alone sets the bar. The Cairo giants are not strangers to this tournament, having earned four bronze medals (2006, 2020, 2021, 2023). With Inter Miami, Porto, and Palmeiras awaiting in Group A, Al Ahly's path will be tough, but this is a club built for big stages. A group exit would be seen as failure. At the very least, a knockout spot is expected. Cardoso's task is no easier as the Brazilians are coming off a bitterly disappointing CAF Champions League final loss to Pyramids FC. That result has left fans demanding both redemption and a return to the attacking football the club is known for. In Group B, Sundowns face Ulsan HD, Borussia Dortmund, and Fluminense. It's not a kind draw, but with the depth and experience in their squad, failure to compete would raise serious questions of Cardoso's credentials. For both coaches, this tournament could double as an audition to keep their jobs. Expectations are sky-high, and anything short of a strong showing may just result in changes at the top. Success is not just about results at these two African heavyweights because attractive football does matter Wydad Casablanca and Esperance, while slightly less scrutinised, carry the same burden of representing African football on the global stage. Morocco's World Cup semi-final run in 2022 shattered old stereotypes and proved that African teams can match the best in the world. Club sides now have a similar responsibility and that's to compete with pride and show the immense talent the continent has to offer Gone are the days when African clubs travelled to the global showpieces just to make up the numbers. The gap between the so-called giants and Africa's best is shrinking. This tournament is a golden opportunity to prove it. ALSO READ: Maema tight-lipped on future after making Sundowns Club World Cup squad The narrative is shifting. African fans no longer hope for miracles, but they expect progress. The whole African continent will be watching Ahly and Sundowns with keen interest. This could prove a defining moment, not only for their global standing but also for the futures of their respective head coaches.
The South African
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates new head coach news: Florent Ibenge the one?
Orlando Pirates are on the brink of unveiling a new head coach following the sudden departure of José Riveiro to Egyptian giants Al Ahly. The club has kept its cards close to its chest, refusing to confirm or deny ongoing speculation, but behind the scenes, the coaching search has intensified. A source has revealed that agents have offered highly-rated Congolese coach Florent Ibenge to Orlando Pirates. While interest around the former CAF Confederation Cup winner is heating up, no formal approach has been made by the Buccaneers yet. As of yesterday, Ibenge remains under contract with Sudanese powerhouse Al Hilal but has not signed any extension, leaving the door wide open for a potential move. Ibenge poured cold water on swirling rumours but did little to close the door. 'Look, Micky… everything is still rumours for now,' Florent told Micky Jnr, African social media journalist. Pressed further about his future with Al Hilal, he added. 'You'll know in (a) few days' time.' The urgency within the club is mounting, as Pirates prepare for a European pre-season tour. The squad is scheduled to jet off to Germany in the first week of July. And the technical team is keen to have a new head coach installed before then. 'The team is expected to leave for pre-season in Germany during the first week of July. So they are planning to have the new coach by that time as part of their pre-season,' revealed a club insider. With time ticking and speculation swirling, all eyes are now on Orlando Pirates. Will they swoop in for Ibenge, or does the Bucs' management have a different ace up their sleeve? 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.
