Latest news with #MolefiNtseki
IOL News
an hour ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Ntseki buoyed by Bafana's progress ahead of CHAN 2025 kick-off
Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki is backing his mix of free agents and local-based players to make an impact at CHAN 2025. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Bafana Bafana head coach Molefi Ntseki has expressed satisfaction with the strides made by his team as preparations continue for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to take place from 2 to 30 August 2025 across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. South Africa will kick off their campaign against Algeria next Friday at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda. With just days remaining before the tournament begins, Ntseki is optimistic about the team's readiness following a productive week in camp. The CHAN tournament is unique in that it only features players actively competing in their respective domestic leagues. For Ntseki, that has meant calling on a mix of seasoned professionals and fringe players — including a number of free agents still seeking club contracts ahead of the new season. 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 Despite this, the former Kaizer Chiefs mentor has been encouraged by the level of commitment shown by the group and believes the blend of youth, hunger, and experience could prove crucial. Among the notable names in the squad are former Kaizer Chiefs playmaker Keagan Dolly and recently released Sea Robbers striker Zakhele Lepasa — both experienced campaigners who have represented some of South Africa's biggest clubs and bring invaluable top-flight pedigree to the side. Bafana have been in camp for a week now, and although most domestic sides are only just wrapping up their pre-season programmes ahead of this weekend's MTN8 kick-off, Ntseki's men won't be far off the pace as their competitive opener edges closer. On Tuesday, the national side played Angola in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Lucas Moripe Stadium, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The match formed part of their final preparations before departing for East Africa. Reflecting on the squad's formation and the challenges faced, Ntseki highlighted the complexities associated with CHAN squad selection. 'It has always been a challenge to select CHAN squads, and this has been the case from our first qualifier against Egypt in March and then the game against Malawi in May,' Ntseki said after the match against Angola. 'But I think the players that were made available for selection are of quality, and they are players who are very proud to be selected and to be part of this team. You can tell from the attitude and the work rate of the players since we started with the qualifiers and again in the game we played today.' Ntseki also pointed out that having 15 unattached players in the squad is not necessarily a disadvantage. Instead, it may provide an opportunity for those players to put themselves in the shop window. 'We have got 15 players in the team that are unattached, but it is not because of a lack of quality from their side,' he continued. 'There are many other reasons why these players are not attached, and they are good-quality players. They've been in the league for more than five and even ten seasons, so you can't go wrong if you have these types of players as part of the team going into CHAN. 'So, I am very, very impressed and very happy to have this group.'
IOL News
4 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Ntseki banking on blended Bafana squad for CHAN charge
BAFANA WITH A PLAN Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki . Picture: Sydney Mahlungu/BackpagePix Image: Sydney Mahlungu/BackpagePix Bafana Bafana are finalising preparations for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which kicks off in just over a week across East Africa. South Africa begin their campaign against Algeria next Friday at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, under the guidance of former Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki. The tournament, set to run from 2–30 August, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. South Africa are in Group C alongside Guinea, Niger, and tournament hosts Uganda. Ntseki heads into the competition with a well-balanced squad brimming with talent and experience. Several players are looking to use the tournament as a springboard to reignite their careers or take the next step in their development and here we look at five key players to watch: Neo Maema (Mamelodi Sundowns) Neo Maema of Mamelodi Sundowns. Picture: Muzi Ntombela, BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Maema ended last season strongly, catching the attention of his club coach with solid performances during CHAN qualifiers. The 29-year-old midfielder rediscovered his form and thrived under pressure, even taking on captaincy duties as Bafana sealed their spot in the tournament. With another important season ahead at club level, Maema will be aiming to use this competition as a launchpad to cement his place both at Sundowns and on the national stage. Zakhele Lepasa (Free Agent) Former Orlando Pirates star Zakhele Lepasa. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu, BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix After a tough spell at Orlando Pirates, Lepasa's inclusion in the CHAN squad represents a fresh start. The striker struggled for consistent game time and eventually fell out of favour with coach Jose Riveiro, leading to his recent exit from the club. Now a free agent, the 28-year-old will view the tournament as a perfect platform to remind everyone of his quality. When firing, Lepasa remains one of the top goal scorers in the country—and the tournament could be exactly what he needs to relaunch his career. Malibongwe Khoza (Mamelodi Sundowns) Mamelodi Sundowns defender Malibongwe Khoza against Kaizer Chgiefs. | Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media At just 21, Khoza is considered one of the brightest young defensive talents in South African football. The centre-back has already tasted continental football through his CAF Champions League appearances with Sundowns, showcasing his calmness and maturity under pressure. CHAN presents a valuable opportunity for him to gain more experience and stake a long-term claim in the national team setup—especially with vacancies opening up in the Bafana backline. Keagan Dolly (Free Agent) Keagan Dolly of South Africa. Picture: Muzi Ntombela, BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Dolly enjoyed a strong campaign at TS Galaxy last season, helping them to an impressive fifth-place finish. Despite that, the club opted not to renew his contract. Still, his performances proved that he has plenty left to offer. The tournament could be the perfect opportunity for the 31-year-old to maintain match fitness and stay in the spotlight while seeking a new club. His experience and creativity could prove vital as Bafana navigate a challenging group. Ramahlwe Mphahlele (Free Agent) Ramahlwe Mphahlele joined AmaZulu from Kaizer Chiefs. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu, BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Veteran defender Mphahlele brings a wealth of experience to the squad, having featured in multiple international campaigns for Bafana. After parting ways with AmaZulu, the 35-year-old remains without a club but is still highly regarded for his leadership and professionalism. The tournament could offer him a valuable chance to contribute both on and off the field, while also showcasing that he still has plenty to offer prospective PSL suitors.
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
PSL transfer news: Maema, Lepasa, Basadien, Mofokeng
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) kicks off next weekend, but the transfer market has been busy since it opened on 1 July. Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have signed 17 players between them in the past few weeks. Mamelodi Sundowns, on the other hand, have not announced any official signings but have parted ways with six players. Another player set to leave the Brazilians is Neo Maema. The 29-year-old is reportedly in talks with Simba SC as he looks for a move away from Chloorkop. The Bafana Bafana midfielder has struggled for regular first-team football in recent times and it seems he will finally leave to get gametime elsewhere The Sundowns midfielder was called up by Molefi Ntseki to the Bafana Bafana squad, which will participate in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) kicking off next month. Oswin Appollis appears to be the biggest signing so far, but if Sundowns manage to sign Fawaaz Basadien. According to reports, Masandawana are close to finalising the signing of Basadien from Stellenbosch FC. The Bafana Bafana left-back did not train with Stellies on Thursday. Ntseki's Bafana squad has players who are currently clubless. Zakhele Lepasa is one of the players who will look to impress, having played under Hugo Broos' Bafana team two years ago before injuries halted his career. The 28-year-old striker recently parted ways with Orlando Pirates after seven years. He played over 60 matches, scoring 15 times. He is expected to lead Bafana's attack in the CHAN tournament. One PSL player who can shake things up this transfer window is Relebohile Mofokeng. The 20-year-old has been tipped to leave Pirates but no official offer was made by European clubs. 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.
CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
South Africa's CHAN squad blends free agents and rising stars in title bid
South Africa head coach Molefi Ntseki has named a 25-man squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), featuring a strong mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents — but strikingly, nearly half the squad are currently without clubs. With the CHAN tournament restricted to players plying their trade in their domestic leagues, the timing of the competition — set to run from 2–30 August in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda — has created challenges for many nations, including Bafana Bafana. The squad was unveiled in Johannesburg on Thursday, with Mamelodi Sundowns contributing the most players (five). Ntseki has turned this into an opportunity, banking on continuity, grit, and hunger among players who helped South Africa qualify. The coach praised the team's journey so far and expressed optimism ahead of their Group C challenge, which includes hosts Uganda, Algeria, Niger, and Guinea. 'We just want to take this opportunity to thank the SAFA Technical Committee for giving us the opportunity to lead this team in the CHAN tournament,' said Ntseki. 'We have assembled a team that will represent South Africa in the CHAN tournament.' Notably, 12 of the 25 selected players are unattached, including familiar names like Zakhele Lepasa, Keagan Dolly, and Thabiso Kutumela. Ntseki is betting on their international experience and motivation to shine on the continental stage — and perhaps secure fresh contracts in the process. 'The team that we have selected is mostly composed of the players we started this journey with,' Ntseki added. 'So we are looking forward to the tournament and to do our best. We just want to say thanks to the clubs and to the coaches who managed to release players for our CHAN team to have a good squad going into the tournament.' The squad will assemble in Johannesburg on Friday, 25 July, before travelling to Uganda on Sunday, 3 August. South Africa opens its campaign against Algeria on Friday, 8 August, with other group games against Niger, Guinea, and Uganda — a co-host that could draw massive home crowds. SAFA Technical Committee Chairman Jack Maluleke emphasized that Ntseki was the right man to lead the side into the tournament, having guided them through a tricky qualification campaign that included victories over Egypt and Malawi. 'He got us to this stage of the journey and it is only right that he completes the job in the CHAN tournament itself,' said Maluleke. With a healthy mix of players hungry to prove themselves and those with prior international exposure, South Africa's campaign will be closely watched — not just for results, but for signs of revival in the country's local football ranks. South Africa Final Squad – TotalEnergies CHAN 2025
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Bafana Bafana squad for CHAN tournament announced
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has published Bafana Bafana's squad that will play in the CHAN tournament. The 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament will be played from 2-30 August in East Africa. The finals will be hosted in three different countries – Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda – to see their readiness for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). It will be the first time three different countries get to host this tournament at the same time. The opening match will be played in Tanzania while the third/fourth playoff will be staged in Uganda. Kenya will host the final. Now, coach Molefi Ntseki has opted for experience more than anything, giving the majority of unattached local players a chance in his Bafana Bafana squad. The likes of Zakhele Lepasa, Keagan Dolly, Phillip Ndlondlo who recently parted ways with Pirates, Wayde Jooste, Rowan Human and Thabiso Kutumela have made the cut. Ntseki included FIVE Mamelodi Sundowns players in Neo Maema, Terrence Mashego, Malibongwe Khoza, Kegan Johannes and Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi. It is unclear as to whether or not the five players are in Miguel Cardoso's plans for the upcoming season which gets underway on 1 August. Bafana Bafana squad for CHAN finals. Image: @BafanaBafana/X Bafana Bafana are in Group C alongside co-hosts Uganda, Niger, Guinea and Algeria. Group A consists of co-hosts Kenya, Morocco, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. Finally, Group B has Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic. Let us know your thoughts 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.
