Latest news with #Soweto-born
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates star needs six more goals to make history
Orlando Pirates' Tshegofatso Mabasa is facing a defining season for his legacy at the Betway Premiership giants. The 28-year-old striker from Botshabelo, Free State, is just six goals away from equalling Benedict Vilakazi's record as Orlando Pirates' all-time leading goal-scorer. In the meantime, Vilakazi has sent an encouraging message to the Orlando Pirates striker ahead of this weekend's season opener against Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium. TSHEGOFATSO MABASA TO MAKE ORLANDO PIRATES HISTORY? According to the books, Mabasa has scored 46 goals since joining the Sea Robbers from Bloemfontein Celtic in 2019. Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa in action against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership. Image: Goal More: Orlando Pirates news The club's all-time goal-scoring record holder, Vilakazi, affectionately known as 'Tso,' scored 52 goals as an Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder before his departure to join Aalborg in Denmark in 2007. 1. Benedict Vilakazi – 58 2. Tshegofatso Mabasa – 46 3. Lesley Manyathela – 41 4. Phumlani Mkhize – 41 5. Denis Lota – 39 6. Andries Sebola – 38 7. Sibusiso Zuma – 37 8. Steve Lekoelea – 36 9. Thembinkosi Lorch – 34 10. Kermit Erasmus – 34. 'Boy, don't give up, continue to work hard,' Vilakazi said in a message to Mabasa as quoted by Kick Off . 'Yes, I've seen in some pre-season games that you were not that featured like other strikers. Benedict Vilakazi represents Orlando Pirates against Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League. Image: BackPagePix 'But don't give up. You know what I'm talking about. You know you went to Swallows because you didn't get game time but you did very well and came back and continued where you left off. 'For me it shows character. You can't keep a good man down. Boy they can bring 20 other strikers, I'm telling you from my heart, but I don't think they will close you down and make you not to be seen. 'You're once special player that knows the poles. So far in my eyes, at Pirates, you're the only striker where even when I'm sleeping and you say, 'Who do you want to put in as a striker?', it's always going to be you,' the Soweto-born legend concluded. OPENING BETWAY PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES: 9 August: Sekhukhune United (Home) 12 August: Marumo Gallants (Away) 20 August: Stellenbosch FC (Home) 26 August: Orbit College FC (Home) 31 August: Chippa United (Away). 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.
The South African
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs wonderkid on AmaZulu's radar
Kaizer Chiefs' young talent Manqoba Ozoemena is being eyed by AmaZulu FC, as former Amakhosi coach Arthur Zwane looks to reunite with the versatile player he once mentored at Naturena. With Kaizer Chiefs currently deep into their pre-season preparations in the Netherlands, five DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) players joined the senior squad for the European tour. Among them, 20-year-old Ozoemena has stood out, attracting serious attention from AmaZulu's technical team. Sources close to both clubs have confirmed that AmaZulu have officially expressed interest in securing Ozoemena's services for the upcoming season. Head coach Arthur Zwane, who previously worked with the player at Chiefs, has reportedly endorsed the move. 'It's believed that the AmaZulu FC technical team has proposed to management about Manqoba (Ozoemena). Coach Arthur (Zwane) knows him very well and he believes that the player can help the team this season as they compete in the MTN8 and the other tournaments as well,' said a source familiar with the negotiations. Zwane's belief in Ozoemena's ability seems to be a key driver behind AmaZulu's pursuit, with the coach confident the youngster can contribute immediately in multiple competitions. AmaZulu's interest in Ozoemena forms part of a wider recruitment strategy ahead of the 2025/2026 season. Another insider revealed that Usuthu have already signed several players and remain active in the market. 'At the moment there are about three or four players already believed to have been signed. And the club is still looking at reinforcing the squad and that's why they have enquired about Manqoba Ozoemena,' the source revealed. This proactive transfer approach highlights AmaZulu's ambitions under Zwane. With a clear focus on building a squad capable of challenging across all fronts. Ozoemena, a Soweto-born right-sided dynamo who can slot in at both right-back and right wing. And has trained with the Amakhosi first team since last season. He travelled with the senior squad to the Netherlands. Hoping to convince new head coach Nasreddine Nabi of his readiness for top-flight football. Whether Nabi chooses to retain the promising 20-year-old or allow him to gain experience elsewhere remains a critical decision for Chiefs' development plans. Kaizer Chiefs fans will now wait anxiously to see if the club holds on to one of their brightest academy graduates. Or if Ozoemena makes the switch to KwaZulu-Natal to reunite with Zwane at AmaZulu. Will AmaZulu be a good place for the Kaizer Chiefs young star? 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.
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Soweto's Legendary OG empowers local hip-hop talent through independent label
A love of music led Soweto-born artist Macebo Mdluli, known as' Legendary OG', to open a music production company. Mdluli, born and raised in Orlando West, is the founder and CEO of Do-Uproductionz, a hip-hop promotion and production company founded in 2017 as a platform for new talent, which he established after releasing his first mixtape, Being Broke is Childish. ALSO READ: Music icons honoured annual award ceremony 'After doing everything on my own, including recording and booking shows, I realised I had what it takes to run a company.' Mdluli described the company's mission as providing a platform for upcoming artists to showcase their talents. 'One thing that worked for me was dropping mixtapes.' Mdluli said they had already released a mixtape, Grabdamic Rap Your Hood, Vol. 1, available on various platforms, including YouTube and Audiomack. 'I'm working on Vol. 2, where I feature different artists to give them the platform they deserve.' ALSO READ: Eemoh redefines music storytelling with visuals Mdluli said his biggest challenge is funding; he hasn't yet found sponsors for his company, but that doesn't stop him from doing what he loves – music. 'I've changed lives. I do what I do because of the love I have for music, and I can't stop because music is part of my life.' Mdluli aspires to become one of the best hip-hop artists in three years, aiming for his company to take the world by storm. For bookings, phone 083 533 8879 or email [email protected] Social media: @Do-Uproductionz on all platforms. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
'My turn to return the favour': Sbu Malawyer celebrate 25 years in kwaito
Kwaito legend Sibusiso 'Sbu Malawyer' Ntshangase is preparing to mark 25 years as a solo artist with a celebration that promises to be a love letter to the genre that shaped a generation. The Soweto-born artist, known for timeless hits like Amalawyer and Mzala, will headline a special anniversary event at the historic Eyethu Lifestyle Centre in Soweto on August 2. The event will feature artists such as Joe Nina, Thebe, DJ Sbu, Spikiri, Jakarumba, DJ Cleo, DJ Ganyani, Ma-E and more. Sbu told TshisaLIVE the celebration, inspired by the release of his 2023 album, will bring kwaito legends and rising stars featured on the album together under one roof to showcase the genre's power, evolution and enduring relevance. 'The reason I am doing this event is because even though the album was nominated for the Sama Awards in 2024, I feel like there is still much more to be done with it,' he said. More than just a concert, the event aims to be a cultural experience blending nostalgia with purpose. From live performances and branded activations to social impact campaigns, Sbu is turning the spotlight not just on himself but on the kwaito movement's past, present and future. The event will also honour 30 years of kwaito in South Africa, with a musical theatre project in the works to celebrate the genre's roots and how it has influenced modern sounds like amapiano. Sbu's 2021 release Amalawyer Reloaded, a amapiano reimagining of his breakout hit, is proof kwaito's DNA is still alive in today's music. Today Sbu continues to mentor young talent, offering them a platform — just as he was once offered. 'I was able to crack into the music industry with help from legends. Now it's my turn to return the favour.'
The South African
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Zakhele Lepasa and Oswin Appollis
Is Zakhele Lepasa surely leaving Orlando Pirates? The 28-year-old forward did not feature in a single Betway Premiership match last season. While the Soweto-born player suffered an ankle injury, Lepasa resumed full training in March but never came near the Orlando Pirates 11 nor the substitute's bench until the season ended. According to reports, Lepasa did not see eye to eye with coach Riveiro, while the likes of Tshegofatso Mabasa, Evidence Makgopa, and emerging youngster Boitumelo Radiopane were doing the business on the green grass. Kaizer Chiefs news: Mduduzi Shabalala and Kgaogelo Sekgota Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa in action for the club at the Orlando Stadium. Image: IOL Despite Riveiro's departure, Lepasa has not travelled with Orlando Pirates to the preseason training camp in Spain. 10 Kaizer Chiefs strikers in five years Nevertheless, an insider somehow believes Lepasa could remain at the club…Full story here. Oswin Appollis has been seen with Orlando Pirates' special jersey number 15. The location is Marbella, Spain, where the Buccaneers are holding pre-season. Does this suggest a key role in the upcoming season? The 23-year-old winger, who recently joined the Buccaneers from Polokwane City, has been training with the squad under new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who is leading the Soweto giants through an intense European pre-season schedule. Appollis took number 11 at Polokwane City. However, the No. 15 shirt at Orlando Pirates carries some dependability… Full story here. 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.
