Latest news with #SowetoDerbies
The Star
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
As stinking-rich Mamelodi Sundowns become richer, implications for Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates profound
Herman Gibbs | Published 3 hours ago Straight Talk Column by Herman Gibbs Mamelodi Sundowns will receive an impressive R174 million just for participating in the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup, as well as R36 million for each victory during the group stage. This substantial financial injection will enable Sundowns to easily maintain and enhance their stronghold in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), ensuring their ongoing dominance in domestic football. However, this development is rather ominous for the PSL's two glamour teams, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Both clubs boast a rich history and monumental fan-bases, often highlighted by the 'sold out' Soweto Derbies, where passion and rivalry ignite stadiums. Chiefs and Pirates have also enjoyed the thrill of several capacity crowds over the past two seasons. Until recently, Chiefs have not won a trophy in a decade, but they continue to attract lucrative sponsorships based on their pulling power, despite dwindling crowds. Yet, as Sundowns' dominance continues to grow, these storied franchises appear increasingly destined to remain in the shadows of their Chloorkop rivals. Sundowns' motto, 'The sky is the limit', reflects a commitment to transcend the traditional boundaries of sporting success. Their emblem – a hand poised with a finger pointing skyward – symbolises an aspiration that knows no limitations, whether rooted in historical performance or geographical challenges. The tragedy of the situation is that Chiefs and Pirates have shown no ambition to reclaim their lost glory, and will remain ensnared in the slipstream of Sundowns' relentless pursuit of excellence. There is no evidence that the 'Soweto Giants' will rise to challenge Masandawana or continue to watch from the shadows. While Sundowns have been in the United States, the club's chairman, Tlhopie Motsepe, outlined the Brazilians' ambitious plans to invest in local talent development and expand essential infrastructure. At the heart of this vision is the establishment of a world-class academy aimed at nurturing home-grown talent. Motsepe emphasised that the goal is to ensure the finest local players do not have to look overseas to join the ranks of prestigious European clubs. He spoke about an academy that stands toe-to-toe with Europe's elite institutions. He also highlighted the urgent need for robust infrastructure, notably the club's aspiration to build a stadium, noting the benefits of having a dedicated venue as a home ground. On the playing field, the Fifa Club World Cup will be a game-changer for the South African players wearing the famous Brazilian-inspired jerseys. They will face opponents with distinctive playing styles and strategies, propelling the team into uncharted territory. They will step onto the pitch against European powerhouse Borussia Dortmund and South American heavyweights Fluminense, and each match presents an invaluable opportunity for growth and development. Every match will serve as a test of skill and a rite of passage, transporting Sundowns from regional dominance to global contenders. With each opponent presenting a fresh challenge, the club has the chance to elevate its playing standards, an evolution that could define its legacy on the international stage. In their next two group matches, Sundowns will confront the blistering speed of Germany's Dortmund and the intricate ball control epitomised by Brazil's Fluminense.
IOL News
09-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Former Orlando Pirates player backs Bucs to win title ahead of Soweto Derby
HIGH EXPECTATIONS Former Orlando Pirates star Benedict Vilakazi predicts the Bucs will clinch the Betway Premiership title, surpassing Mamelodi Sundowns, ahead of the highly anticipated Soweto Derby. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers Never mind Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby this weekend, Orlando Pirates will go on to win the Betway Premiership title this season. This is according to former Pirates player Benedict Vilakazi ahead of one of the headline fixtures on the local football calendar on Saturday at FNB Stadium. Though form generally counts little when it comes to Soweto Derbies, Pirates will still be the heavy favourites for the encounter. Pirates made it all the way to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League, and are still in the hunt for the league this season as they look to stop Mamelodi Sundowns winning their eighth title in a row. Chiefs, meanwhile, are in ninth spot with five games remaining and face the prospect of missing out on the lucrative top eight for a second season in a row.
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Is Nasreddine Nabi feeling the heat as Kaizer Chiefs coach?
Saying that meant poor results along the way should not be judged too harshly. From the start of Nabi's tenure at the beginning of the season, he preached patience by saying his aim at the club was to change its fortunes in the long term. The cracks, however, are beginning to show and that's not even referring to the poor results of the club. Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi is not going anywhere. That's at least according to the tactician and the club. Nabi Faces Uncertain Future at Chiefs Amid Poor Results and Heavy Criticism Though Chiefs have played some enterprising football under Nabi, the results certainly have been poor. Chiefs are currently ninth in the Betway Premiership, and unless they beat their much-fancied rivals Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final in Durban on Saturday, their last piece of silverware will remain the league title in the 2014/2015 season. With that in mind, it was quite revealing to hear Nabi's response to heavy criticism as a journalist asked him over the weekend if he would be staying at Chiefs. The question was posed to Nabi after his side lost 2-1 to Pirates in their league encounter, which was the first of two Soweto Derbies in the space of a week. 'Normally I wouldn't answer this question, but today I will… Secondly, I don't think you are the right man to decide if I'm staying or not, my role and why I am here; everyone knows this is a process, and in terms of process, we can't be reacting or expect immediate results," Nabi told reporters. 'You are a professional journalist; you will have information about this club. This club plays for the title, this one plays for the Champions League, this one for whatever… I came here for the process; we said this in the first press conference: this is the transition season. "If you are in a process, you don't tell me why you stay here – two things: you are not professional, but I respect you; don't provoke me because I'm not a young coach; I have big experience—I know what you're asking; don't provoke me. Nabi continued on his counter, again saying it was not a professional question to ask. 'You have a bad result. Why do you stay here? This is not professionalto ask. Talk to me about tactics, about the football process. I'm not nervous. I respect you.' @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport * The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media. ** JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Send us an email with your comments, thoughts or responses to [email protected]. Letters should be a maximum of 500 words, and may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Submissions should include a contact number and physical address (not for publication).
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Gaston Sirino reveals how Kaizer Chiefs can win cup final
KEY TO VICTORY Gaston Sirino (right) has highlighted Kaizer Chiefs' need for greater game control in order to secure victory against Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final. Picture: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix Chiefs, however, did open the scoring and had they doubled their lead through a penalty which was not awarded, they could have indeed got one over a highly-fancied Pirates outfit. Chiefs lost 2-1 to Pirates in the first of two Soweto Derbies in the space of a week, in a result that was widely expected. Kaizer Chiefs winger Gaston Sirino said his side will take the lessons of their loss to Orlando Pirates over the weekend in the Betway Premiership , when the two sides face-off in the Nedbank Cup final in Durban on Saturday. Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates: A Battle of Form, Trophies, and Bragging Rights Chiefs are currently ninth on the league table, while Pirates are second. The gulf in class is also apparent at the moment, as Pirates have four cup wins and two runner-up finishes since 2022 under outgoing coach José Riveiro. Chiefs, in contrast, have not won a single trophy since they were last league champions in the 2014/2015 season. "Sometimes we play well but don't win, but the final will be a different a once-off and we know we need to win,' said Sirino. 'Even on Saturday, we played better than Pirates but we lost [after they had scored first], so this time around we need to push more and make sure we control the game better. Sometimes we score and relax, so we need to do away with that.' Sirino, who won nine trophies with Mamelodi Sundowns in six years with the club before joining Chiefs last year, noted the challenges the Amakhosi have faced. "I think here [at Chiefs] there's no...[depth]. At Sundowns, there are too many players, all good players... here, there's one injury and another player is also injured and the team is short," Sirino said. @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport
IOL News
02-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
A win will be vital for Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs for different reasons
FAITHFUL SUPPORT: Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs face off in a crucial Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium, with Pirates aiming to revive their title hopes and Chiefs fighting for a top-eight finish in the Betway Premiership. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers A win for either side will have vastly different implications, as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates gear up for the first of two Soweto Derbies in the space of seven days when the sides meet on Saturday at the FNB Stadium. Kick-off in the highly anticipated Betway Premiership clash is at 3 p.m. Though Pirates suffered a heavy blow to their title aspirations in midweek with their shock 1-0 loss to Sekhukhune United, they will still be desperately hoping to keep the pressure on the table-topping Mamelodi Sundowns. Pirates are now 12 points behind Sundowns, and even though they have two games in hand, it's difficult to imagine they could reel in the champions with nine fixtures left in their campaign.
