Latest news with #LindaMntambo
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.
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Sekhukhune retain their core squad, say goodbye to Sangare ahead of new season
Sekhukhune United captain Linda Mntambo has re-signed with the club ahead of the upcoming 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Sekhukhune United would have been disappointed to miss out on continental football after finishing fourth in the Betway Premiership last season. But Ba Bina Noko appear content with their current squad and are opting for continuity ahead of the new campaign. The club, which plays their home matches at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane despite being based in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, have extended the contracts of five key players as they look to remain among the top performers in the elite league. Captain Linda Mntambo and vice-captain Daniel Cardoso have both signed new deals after their contracts expired at the end of June — a clear indication that Sekhukhune are looking to build around the veteran leadership of the 35- and 36-year-olds respectively. Also staying on are Chibuike Ohizu, Tresor Tshibwabwa and Vusimusi Ncube, who will all be central to coach Eric Tinkler's ambitions of turning Sekhukhune into a top-three side and returning to continental competition. The club previously featured in Africa after reaching the Nedbank Cup final. However, there is one notable departure. Ivorian international goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare has left the club following the expiry of his contract at the end of June. The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations winner had been a key figure for Sekhukhune since joining in 2022, playing a vital role in their rise as a competitive outfit. The club confirmed his exit on Tuesday morning with a heartfelt message: '(Tuesday) we say goodbye to our shot-stopper, Badra Ali Sangare, who joined Babina Noko on July 1, 2022. Your safe hands, big saves and fearless heart made us proud every time you stepped on the pitch. 'Our name echoed across the whole of Africa when you collected your coveted gold medal as an African champion. You'll always be part of this family. We wish you nothing but success in your next chapter.' Sekhukhune will also be hoping their next chapter is smoother than the last. The club endured a season of instability, cycling through four coaches. Eric Tinkler should have a stable base to build off of when Sekhukhune United start the new PSL season. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix
