Latest news with #Phakaaathi


The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
'If Pitso bought It, I'd be happy' – Masina saddened by United sale
'Yes, it's very sad that SuperSport has been sold. There are many legends and youngsters that come from the team,' Masina told Phakaaathi. Denis Masina has become the latest SuperSport United legend to express disappointment at the shock sale of the club's PSL status to Siwelele FC. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images) Dennis Masina has become the latest SuperSport United legend to express disappointment at the shock sale of the club's PSL status to Siwelele FC. Masina, a fan favourite during his playing days, enjoyed two spells at Matsatsantsa a Pitori. Masina's SuperSport success The former Eswatini international first joined the club from Bush Bucks in 2002 before making a move to Belgium in 2004. He later returned in 2006 and was instrumental in helping United lift two league titles. ALSO READ: Official: SuperSport United coach joins Orlando Pirates The decision to sell has sparked outrage among fans who feel that the club's identity and proud history have been stripped away overnight. Like many, Masina is saddened that the former three-time premiership champions are no more. 'Yes, it's very sad that SuperSport has been sold. There are many legends and youngsters that come from the team,' Masina told Phakaaathi. 'It's very sad for us to see the team go like that. SuperSport looked after us and when we were there and as I've mentioned before that the team is the one that helped me build a home for me back home. 'It was a family team for us so for me it was sad to see a team that has done so good for us at home being sold. We were talking in the group of legends about the team because we still believe that we would not be here today if it wasn't for them.' 'I'd go back any time if it returns' Phakaaathi understands that the club's academy will remain operational despite the sale marking the end of United's status as a top-flight outfit. Masina remains hopeful that the Pretoria-based outfit can be revived in the future. 'If coach Pitso (Mosimane) bought it, I was going to be very happy because it's where he started. I also think I really enjoyed my football when I started playing for SuperSport so for me, I'd go back any time if it returns,' he added. 'They are a team that I spent a lot of time with because I was still a young boy when I came from Bush Bucks. I still have a lot of friends that I played with and the legends as well. We had the likes of the late John Moeti and Thomas Madigage. ALSO READ: Matthews adamant SuperSport academy is here to stay 'It was a team that made me enjoy football. They used to tell me that I must not lose the ball and if I do, I must go and defend. They really looked after me and coach Pitso looked after me and the management was there for me.'


The Citizen
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Sekhukhune United lead race to sign former Chiefs defender
'I'm told Sekhukhune are in for him as well as another club in KZN but it's not clear who the club is from the information I have,' a source told Phakaaathi. Wayde Jooste and Ramahlwe Mphahlele, formerly of AmaZulu FC during the 2025 Nedbank Cup Media Day at Kings Park Stadium in Durban on 12 February 2025 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix Ramahlwe Mphahlele is reportedly on the radar of Sekhukhune United, who are believed to be the front-runners for his signature following his departure from AmaZulu FC at the end of last season. While Babina Noko appear not to be the only club currently showing concrete interest in the veteran PSL defender, they are seen as the favourites to secure his services ahead of the upcoming campaign. ALSO READ: Pirates announce surprise new head coach! The 35-year-old made 16 Betway Premiership appearances for Usuthu during the 2024/25 season, but was deemed surplus to requirements by the KwaZulu-Natal outfit. According to a source close to the player, three clubs have expressed interest in bringing him on board. 'He's a good professional and would add leadership to any team in the PSL. I'm told Sekhukhune are in for him as well as another club in KZN but it's not clear who the club is from the information I have,' the source told Phakaaathi. 'It was actually surprising to see AmaZulu let him go, because he performed well last season. Just look at the stats and see how many games he played.' ALSO READ: Chiefs agree 'amicable' midfielder exit The well-travelled Mphahlele has previously turned out for Moroka Swallows, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Kaizer Chiefs before spending the past few seasons at AmaZulu.


The Citizen
09-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Defender pens one-year extension with Sundowns
While Sundowns are yet to make an official announcement, Phakaaathi understands the contract extension has been finalised. Mosa Lebusa of Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, on 18 May 2025 ©Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix As previously reported by Mgosi Squad, Mamelodi Sundowns have extended Mosa Lebusa's contract by a further year, finalising the deal shortly before the team's departure for the FIFA Club World Cup. The 32-year-old defender, who joined the Brazilians from Ajax Cape Town in 2018, has been rewarded for his consistency, professionalism, and resurgence during the past season. ALSO READ: Chiefs' Nabi to stay – 'for now' Having spent time on the sidelines earlier in the campaign, Lebusa fought his way back into the starting line-up, making 15 appearances in the Betway Premiership and featuring in nine CAF Champions League matches. In total, he played 30 matches across all competitions. Despite speculation surrounding his future, with Stellenbosch FC reportedly keeping a close eye on developments, Lebusa has opted to remain in Tshwane, putting pen to paper on a new deal that keeps him at Chloorkop for at least another season. ALSO READ: Midfielder set for surprise Sundowns exit While Sundowns are yet to make an official announcement, Phakaaathi understands the contract extension has been finalised, ensuring Lebusa remains part of the squad as they prepare for the Club World Cup in the United States.


The Citizen
02-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
September could be headed back to SuperSport United
"Right now, coach Thabo is back in Gauteng and he's exploring a couple of options before he commits," a source told Phakaaathi. Thabo September, former head coach of Chippa United is interviewed after the Betway Premiership 2024/25 game against Stellenbosch FC at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on 30 April 2025 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix Thabo September could be in line for a return to SuperSport United after departing Chippa United. Although his departure has not been officially confirmed by the Chilli Boys, the 42-year-old has already relocated back to Gauteng. His contract will not be renewed by Chippa, despite his good relationship with the club chairman, Siviwe 'Chippa' Mpengesi. United finished 11th in the Betway Premiership standings and narrowly missed out on a top eight spot by just two points. ALSO READ: Kaizer Chiefs transfer target not here to 'impress big teams' It is not yet clear why the Gqeberha-based club chose not to retain September, but it is believed that the former defender is not short of admirers ahead of the next season. 'Right now, coach Thabo is back in Gauteng and he's exploring a couple of options before he commits,' a source told Phakaaathi. 'He did well at Chippa and other clubs have shown interest. The good thing is that he leaves the club on good terms, and his relationship with Chippa is still good. A couple of teams are monitoring him as a potential addition to their technical team.' It remains to be seen whether the former Matsatsantsa a Pitori legend will return to his beloved club or take on a new challenge elsewhere, as teams in both the Premier Division and Motsepe Foundation Championship have shown interest in his services.


The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Pirates midfield signing is a ‘done deal'
'The club agreed to let him go to Pirates as they believe the move will benefit him financially,' a source close to both clubs told Phakaaathi. Orlando Pirates have signed Sinoxolo Kwayiba from Chippa United to further strengthen their squad ahead of next season. According to information at our disposal, the midfielder has penned a long-term deal with the Buccaneers after both clubs agreed on his transfer. ALSO READ: Kaizer Chiefs 'keeper wanted in France The 25-year-old has scored six league goals in 23 appearances for the Chilli Boys this season.. He was reportedly on the radar of a number of clubs after breaking into the Bafana Bafana set-up. Although both clubs have yet to officially announce the deal, the Motherwell-born player will don the famous black and white jersey of Pirates in the new season. 'The club agreed to let him go to Pirates as they believe the move will benefit him financially,' a source close to both clubs told Phakaaathi. 'His football can only grow from here. I expect him to be a regular player for Bafana if he does well at Pirates next year, and I'm confident he will do well there.' ALSO READ: Mass player exodus expected at Kaizer Chiefs Kwayiba was part of South Africa's COSAFA Cup squad in Gqeberha last year, where he played two matches. He also replaced Teboho Mokoena in Bafana's 5-0 win over Congo-Brazzaville in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.