Latest news with #Pretoria-based
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Kopo reveals why he chose AmaTuks project
'I had a lot of offers from PSL and NFD teams but I think Tuks presented the best environment to fulfil their objectives,' Kopo said. New AmaTuks head coach Kwanele Kopo (middle) and his technical team Machete Moloto (left) and Nic Stothard (right) will lead the team in the new season. Picture: AmaTuks IG New AmaTuks head coach Kwanele Kopo has opened up about his decision to join the Motsepe Foundation Championship side ahead of the 2025/26 season. Kopo stepped down from his role at Betway Premiership outfit Chippa United at the end of last year and has now found a new home at the University of Pretoria. ALSO READ: Ellis happy as Banyana beat the heat and Ghana in WAFCON start The Pretoria-based institution is aiming to secure promotion to the Betway Premiership for the first time since 2016. Kopo, who had reportedly attracted interest from several clubs, has signed a long-term contract with AmaTuks. 'I had a lot of offers from PSL and NFD teams but I think Tuks presented the best environment to fulfil their objectives,' Kopo said on Radio 2000. 'That is to oversee the entire youth programme and to direct the senior team. It's more of a package of the entire project at Tuks that really attracted me. 'In our country, there aren't a lot of coaches who want to be at the bottom to unearth big talent, but to sustain professional football you need strong youth structures.' Although the mandate is to return the club to top-flight football within three years, Phakaaathi understands that a significant part of Kopo's key performance indicators will be centred on the development and progression of youth talent from the academy to the senior team. 'I like institutions and I worked at Wits University Football Club when I first arrived in Gauteng and that was an institution,' Kopo added. 'At SuperSport United, it became an institution because I went there to open the academy. A Chippa the view was to help the youth programme and strengthen the club as a whole. 'Again, Tuks presents that and a football club is not only about the senior team but it has to be an entire programme that starts with the youth and leads to the senior team.' ALSO READ: 'If Pitso bought It, I'd be happy' – Masina saddened by SuperSport sale Machete Moloto will act as Kopo's assistant coach while Nic Stothard will remain in his role as the second assistant by virtue of being the head coach of the varsity team.
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Bulls announce influx of new players, including THREE Springboks
Following the departure of Director of Rugby Jake White, the Vodacom Bulls are undergoing major structural and squad changes ahead of the new season. While the search for a new head coach is ongoing, the Pretoria-based franchise has wasted no time reinforcing their playing roster. In a bold statement of intent, the Bulls have confirmed several high-profile signings – including Springbok stars and returning club legends – who will bolster the team through the 2025/26 and 2027/28 seasons. Below is a full breakdown of the key players joining the Bulls in July, each bringing international experience, leadership, and competitive edge. Former Springbok centre Jan Serfontein has signed a three-year contract with the Bulls, marking his return to Pretoria from Montpellier. Serfontein earned 48 Bulls caps before leaving in 2017 and went on to make 147 appearances in France's Top 14 league. He scored 15 tries from 45 starts during his initial stint with the Bulls, proving himself a consistent attacking threat. Serfontein, a Grey College product, rejoined the team on July 1 and will remain under contract through the 2027/28 season. His return adds depth and international experience to a growing Bulls backline aiming to compete across multiple competitions. Springbok wing Kurt-Lee Arendse will return to the Bulls after completing his international commitments in the Rugby Championship this August. Arendse had spent his recent sabbatical playing for the Sagamihara Dynaboars in Japan's competitive League One tournament. The electric speedster returned to Loftus Versfeld recently, scoring a stunning long-range try for the Springboks in front of home fans. He remains one of the most dynamic backs in South African rugby, capable of changing games with moments of individual brilliance. Arendse's return adds more firepower to an already explosive Bulls backline heading into the latter part of the 2025 season. Springbok lock Marvin Orie has returned to the Vodacom Bulls on a season-long deal beginning with the Carling Currie Cup. Orie joins from French club Perpignan, where he earned 29 caps over two seasons in the Top 14 competition. The 2023 World Cup winner previously represented the Bulls, Lions, Ospreys, and Stormers before moving to France in 2022. He originally earned 10 caps for the Bulls earlier in his career, showing familiarity with the Loftus environment and culture. Orie arrived in the capital at the start of July and strengthens the Bulls' second-row options with physicality and experience. Lock Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg has signed with the Bulls until June 2027 after leaving Montpellier Hérault Rugby in France. He previously played for the Bulls before departing in 2016, and he now returns with 174 caps of European experience. During his time in France, Janse van Rensburg won both the EPCR Challenge Cup and the French Top 14 title. His career includes appearances in Super Rugby, Carling Currie Cup, and both EPCR and Champions Cup competitions. The former Affies student officially rejoined the Bulls on July 1, boosting the squad's experience and depth in the second row. Scrumhalf Paul de Wet has joined the Bulls on a short-term contract after a long stint with the Cape Town-based Stormers. De Wet, who joined the Stormers in 2017/18, made over 80 appearances across four major competitions in seven seasons. His arrival in Pretoria came at the beginning of July, signaling a new chapter for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship winners. De Wet will remain with the Bulls until the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, bringing experience and tactical sharpness to Loftus. He has played in the Investec Champions Cup, VURC, Rainbow Cup SA, and Super Rugby, proving his value in top-tier competitions. Jeandré Rudolph has officially signed a short-term deal with the Vodacom Bulls starting from July through the 2025/26 season. The Roodepoort-born loose forward joins the Bulls after making 74 appearances in the judicial capital with consistent, high-energy performances. Rudolph, known for his relentless work ethic, has earned the nickname 'diesel-powered workhorse' from teammates and coaching staff alike. He arrives at Loftus Versfeld as a 2023 Carling Currie Cup champion and a respected leader on and off the field. Rudolph has gained experience across Super Rugby, EPCR Challenge Cup, Vodacom URC, and Carling Currie Cup competitions throughout his career. He also captained Oakdale Agricultural High School to their first Varsity Cup title, showing early leadership qualities and on-field discipline. DO YOU THINK THE BULLS WILL WIN THE URC TITLE SOON? 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.
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
05-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Five candidates who may take over from Jake White at Bulls
Four accomplished coaches or one dark horse could be tipped to take over from the departing Bulls coach. Even before Jake White's departure from the Bulls was confirmed on Friday, several names have been floated as potential successors at the Pretoria-based union. Though he was contracted until 2027, White and the Bulls mutually agreed to part ways after the head coach allegedly fell out of favour with several players and coaches. Edgar Rathbone, CEO of the Bulls, said, 'He did amazing work here and it was a privilege to work with him as he helped our team become a superpower again. He has given us a great platform to build upon with a talented crop of young players who are just finding their true offering.' In departure, White likened rugby to life, saying it is sometimes unfair. Still, he said it was an 'absolute honour' to be part of Bulls rugby history and wished the club well. The Bulls have reached three United Rugby Championship finals in four seasons. Who might help them finally win the trophy next season? Johan Ackermann Seemingly the favourite to replace White due to his strong relationship with Rathbone (who he worked with at the Lions) and president Willem Strauss, Johan Ackermann made a huge impact at the Joburg franchise, first as a forwards coach and then as head coach from 2013 to 2017. Under Ackermann, the Lions returned to top-flight competition and reached three straight Super Rugby finals. He also earned three South African Coach of the Year awards (2014-2016). He then spent three seasons at Gloucester and one at Red Hurricanes in Japan before taking up a consultancy role at the Junior Springboks. This latest contract (six months) began in January and was extended by one month to include the World Rugby U20 Championship. Time will tell if he will pursue more work with the Junior Springboks or join the Bulls when his contract is over. Johann van Graan Johann van Graan achieved greatness with Bath this season. The head coach claimed a treble: the EPCR Challenge Cup, English Premiership and Premiership Cup. He has a contract until 2030 but is believed to still harbour ambitions of coaching the Bulls and eventually the Springboks. Having reached the pinnacle of rugby in England, he may see the Bulls as his way back to South African rugby. Especially as he has been a Blue Bull all his life – first as a ball boy and later as a budding coach in his 20s, in the early 2000s. He featured in successful coaching teams headed by Heyneke Meyer and Frans Ludeke. He later joined Meyer's Bok staff between 2012 and 2015. His father was the late Barend van Graan, long-standing CEO of the Bulls. Franco Smith Former Cheetahs, Griquas and Springbok midfielder and flyhalf, Franco Smith, was loaned to the Bulls as a player for two seasons (1998 and 99) and in his first year became the leading South African scorer in the Super 12 before a knee injury sidelined him. Now a coach who guided Glasgow Warriors to the 2024/25 URC title, Smith is under contract until 2026. However, he is reportedly frustrated by budget constraints and foreign player rules in Scotland. He earned the URC Coach of the Season award for 2022/23 but could not follow up the success of his first two years in 2024/25. Glasgow Warriors were knocked out of the URC in the semi-finals, losing 37–19 to eventual champions Leinster. Jacques Nienaber The Bulls reportedly made offers to Jacques Nienaber when he was the defence coach for the Stormers and Western Province from 2008-2014. When he left, he instead went to Munster (2016/17) before joining the Springboks on a full-time basis after being involved with them since 2011. Nienaber left the Springbok setup after winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup as head coach, joining Leinster as their senior coach (under head coach Leo Cullen). In October last year, he said he was happy coaching at club level, preferring it over national duties. Nienaber is in demand for his expertise and may be eyeing a return to South Africa, where he does not have to play second-fiddle to Cullen, though Nienaber has been widely praised for his contribution to the Irish team. Chris Rossouw Chris Rossouw, who has served as an assistant coach at the Bulls since 2019, could appeal to the board as a continuity option or a short-term transitional figure until a more accomplished coach is found. After all, it was apparently Rossouw and another assistant coach, Andries Bekker, who spoke up for disgruntled players to the Bulls board before White and the Bulls parted ways. The board may not be rewarding rebellion so much as recognising the leadership Rossouw demonstrates, as well as the connection he has to players that White evidently did not possess, in appointing him. Rossouw has led an improvement in the Bulls' backline play that was nothing short of revolutionary — 92 tries during the 2023/24 URC season, the highest in a single campaign, and 85 more this year.
The Citizen
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
SuperSport United confirm sale to Siwelele FC
'SuperSport International would like to confirm the sale of its Premier Soccer League (PSL) club, SuperSport United, to Siwelele Football Club (Pty) Ltd,' read the official statement. SuperSport United have officially confirmed the sale of their Premier Soccer League (PSL) status to Siwelele Football Club. SuperSport United have officially confirmed the sale of their Premier Soccer League (PSL) status to Siwelele Football Club, bringing an end to months of speculation surrounding the future of Matsatsantsa a Pitori. SuperSport statement Little is known about the buyers, but United released a statement on Thursday afternoon confirming that the transaction is subject to approval by the league's Executive Committee. ALSO READ: OPINION: The imminent demise of SuperSport is turning PSL into a mockery The former three-time Premiership champions will cease to exist, in what is a sad day for South African football. The club was originally established in 1994 after M-Net purchased the status of Pretoria City FC. 'SuperSport International would like to confirm the sale of its Premier Soccer League (PSL) club, SuperSport United, to Siwelele Football Club (Pty) Ltd,' read the official statement. 'Following a closed bidding process, Siwelele F.C. was awarded the rights to purchase the three-time Premiership winners, pending approval by the PSL Executive Committee.' SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha said the decision to sell the club forms part of a broader strategic shift for the broadcaster. 'The sale of the club comes as SuperSport makes strategic shifts to allow us to remain the biggest broadcaster in Africa and a leading global competitor,' he said. 'Shifts in the market, as well as the need to innovate in accordance with our core business, have necessitated a focused direction to ensure SuperSport remains the continent's premier sports content provider and a leader in broadcast innovation.' 'A rich, winning tradition' Both parties have stated they will not be making further comments until a final decision is made by the PSL. However, Siwelele F.C. chairman Calvin Le John expressed excitement at the opportunity to take over the Pretoria-based outfit. 'As Siwelele F.C., we are privileged to have been given the responsibility of continuing a rich, winning tradition in the PSL,' he said. 'SuperSport and the MultiChoice Group laid an incredible 30-year foundation that we hope to build upon, should we receive final approval from the PSL Executive Committee.' ALSO READ: Familiar face gets coaching job at cup-winning PSL side SuperSport will be remembered for winning the league for three successive years from 2007. They have also collected nine domestic cup competitions in their stint in South African topflight football, making them one of the most successful clubs in the PSL era.
