Latest news with #Tshwane-based
The South African
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs sealed R5 million bargain as star joined in pre-sale
Kaizer Chiefs have swooped in to sign midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu from SuperSport United in a deal believed to be worth R5 million, as first called by The South African . The move unfolded just days before Matsatsantsa finalised their sale to newly rebranded Siwelele FC, a critical detail that shaped the entire transaction. A source confirmed that Amakhosi acted swiftly after SuperSport exercised a one-year option on Ndlovu's contract. This strategic move opened the door for Chiefs to negotiate a quick deal before ownership of the Tshwane-based club changed hands. Those close to the negotiations revealed how the uncertainty surrounding SuperSport's future initially stalled talks. However, once the club activated Ndlovu's extension, they agreed to part ways with the midfielder for R5 million. 'The signing of Siphesihle Ndlovu was believed to have been delayed because SuperSport United were not sure of their future, but after exercising his one-year option then the club apparently decided to sell him to Chiefs. Because United were being sold, they are believed to have settled for R5 million. That was their final transaction as SuperSport United. It was a bargain which Chiefs didn't want to lose and they agreed to sign him,' a source said. The midfielder's move caught many by surprise, especially those close to the player, due to the unusual timing and circumstances of the deal. Kaizer Chiefs have not stopped at Ndlovu. The Soweto giants are deep in transfer activity. Having already completed six signings before jetting off to their pre-season training camp in the Netherlands. Joining Ndlovu in the new-look squad are Nkanyiso Shinga, Ethan Chislett, Flavio Silva, Thabiso Monyane, and Paseka Mako. Unfortunately, Mako will miss the next two weeks after suffering a broken arm during training. Despite the recent influx, Amakhosi are expected to make further changes to their squad upon returning from Europe. As the club continues to build a team capable of challenging for top honours. Will Ndlovu be a good signing for Kaizer Chiefs? 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.
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Jake White era ends at Bulls – Search begins for new head coach
End of the road The Bulls have announced that head coach Jake White has left his position at the franchise. Photo: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers After weeks of speculation, former Springbok coach Jake White has left the Bulls after five years in charge of the Tshwane-based franchise. It had widely been reported after last month's United Rugby Championship final, won 32–7 by Leinster, that a number of Bulls players were not happy with White's comments. It was the third URC final the Bulls had lost in the last four years, and White complained in the post-match press conference that the players available to him were not on the same level as Leinster's. This led to a player revolt, reportedly led by captain Ruan Nortje and Marcell Coetzee, who took their complaints that they were not happy with his leadership style to management. It was also reported that White and his assistant coaches Chris Rossouw and Andries Bekker had fallen out. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. 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 Now, it seems the Bulls have acted on those complaints and relieved the 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning coach of his position. 'Jake has tremendous rugby IP, and that has been visible in the way he was able to transfer it into our structures, and as a club we remain grateful for those contributions made during his tenure,' Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone said in a statement on Friday. '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. 'He also helped the bigger playing group develop, with 10 emerging to play for the Springboks. This encouraging growth also ensured we were often in the mix for silverware.' Commenting on his departure, White said: 'I would like to thank all the loyal supporters, the Bulls staff that worked tirelessly, and the players for their hard work and dedication. I wish Blue Bulls Rugby Union president Willem Strauss and the amateur game lots of success in the future. 'To the shareholders, I will always be grateful for all the support and financial backing they gave, far and beyond any other club. Thank you for the privilege. 'To the board for their support and CEO Edgar Rathbone, coaches, and management – it was great to be part of this winning culture. To be part of Bulls rugby history has been an absolute honour. I wish Bulls rugby all the best. Hou die blou bol!' Former Lions coach Johan Ackermann, as well as Bath's Johann van Graan, are the favourites to replace White as coach. IOL Sport
The Citizen
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Ime Okon Seals Move to Hannover 96
"I'm very happy to sign with Hannover 96. I'm taking on this challenge of playing in Germany with great joy," Okon said. Ime Okon has signed for German side Hannover 96 following the expiry of his contract with SuperSport United. Pic: Hannover 96 IG. Ime Okon has fulfilled his ambition of playing overseas after signing with German side Hannover 96. The 21-year-old defender joins the 2. Bundesliga outfit as a free agent following the expiry of his contract with SuperSport United. Okon, after a standout 2023/24 season with Matsatsantsa a Pitori, was linked with potential moves to Belgium, England, and Ukraine. Earlier this year, he trialed with Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kyiv but was unable to secure a deal to further his development in Europe. He was also linked with Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. ALSO READ: Chislett completes Chiefs' transfer Tuesday His move to Hannover brings an end to months of speculation about his future. The German club have been monitoring his progress for some time and has now secured his services on a four-year contract. 'Ime is a player with exciting attributes and excellent physical qualities. Christian Titz and André Kilian have been following his progress for some time,' said Hannover 96 managing director Marcus Mann. 'We then gathered scouting data on him and analysed his athletic profile, which is exceptional. It's clear that he will need time to adapt, but he is extremely eager to learn, so we absolutely see the potential for him to develop very well. For now, the main thing is for him to settle in well in Hannover and with our team.' Okon delighted with German move Okon began his youth career at Randburg FC before joining SuperSport United's academy, eventually breaking into the first team. He made 57 appearances for the Tshwane-based side, who have reportedly been sold to a consortium from Bloemfontein. 'I'm very happy to sign with Hannover 96. I'm taking on this challenge of playing in Germany with great joy,' Okon said. 'I'm really excited about the club, I want to become a better player here and grow as a person. I'd describe myself as a quick and strong defender. I'll try to bring those strengths to the team from the start and help however I can.' ALSO READ: Chiefs announce new striker Silva On the international stage, Okon was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that reached the final of the 2024 COSAFA Cup, where they were narrowly beaten by Angola. He netted his first goal in national team colours during a group stage clash against Zimbabwe.
The South African
17-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs transfer twist: Sundowns block free move for Nigerian
Kaizer Chiefs' hopes of snapping up a promising striker for free have hit a major roadblock after a crucial administrative change reshaped the player's status at Mamelodi Sundowns. Amakhosi had shown strong interest in Nigerian forward Etiosa Ighodaro, who was previously expected to leave Sundowns at no cost. However, the Tshwane-based club reportedly now plans to retain and monetise the striker after a pivotal shift in his registration status. Sundowns had initially planned to offload Ighodaro, who recently returned from a loan spell. But with the 23-year-old securing his Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) in South Africa, the Brazilians no longer see a need to release him to manage their foreign player quota. A source confirmed the change in strategy, to Soccer Laduma. 'Since he still has a contract with Sundowns, what they are planning to do now is register him as a local next season instead of releasing him and make some cash by selling him to any team that is interested in him. Yes, they were planning to just release him but with him obtaining his Permanent Residence Permit (PRP), he can be registered as a local and that eases the foreign quota problems for Sundowns or any other team which would sign him from Sundowns as he will be registered as a local player.' This move means Kaizer Chiefs will now need to pay a transfer fee if they want to secure the striker's signature, something that may complicate their already tight recruitment strategy. While Kaizer Chiefs have kept a close eye on Ighodaro, they're not the only club circling. Orlando Pirates, AmaZulu FC, Sekhukhune United, and even Russian outfit FC Baltika have also expressed interest in the striker. With his new local status, Ighodaro has instantly become a more attractive asset in the South African football market. However, this also means Sundowns hold the upper hand. They can either integrate him into their squad or sell him to the highest bidder. Where will ighodaro fit in? Kaizer Chiefs or Mamelodi Sundowns? 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
17-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Sundowns' Modiba anticipates a tough test from Ulsan
'Ulsan are a very good side and similar to us in terms of how we play,' said Modiba. Peter Shalulile and Aubrey Modiba of Mamelodi Sundowns during training at Chloorkop in Johannesburg on 23 May 2025 ©AlcheGreeff/BackpagePix Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba says the South African champions are braced for a tough opening match when they face Korea Republic's Ulsan HD in their FIFA Club World Cup opener on Wednesday (midnight SA time) in Orlando, Florida. The match, which will take place at Inter & Co Stadium, marks the start of a historic campaign for the Tshwane-based outfit as they aim to fly the African flag high at the prestigious global tournament. ALSO READ: Chiefs star hit with R6.1 million tax bill – report Modiba, speaking from the team's base in Bradenton, acknowledged the quality of their opponents despite limited knowledge of the reigning K League champions. 'Ulsan are a very good side and similar to us in terms of how we play,' said Modiba. 'They've got good players and they're doing very well in their respective league. They're not here by mistake because they deserve to be here so we're expecting a tough game.' While temperatures in Florida have soared this week, Modiba insisted the team is adapting well and has settled into their new surroundings. In their quest to reach the knockout phase, they will also play Germany's Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense of Brazil. 'Everything has been good. We arrived on Monday after leaving South Africa on Sunday. It's quite hot but we can't complain, we have to work,' he said. 'Obviously I'm from Limpopo so I'm familiar with the weather. We've prepared well and we're ready to go. The food, hotel and hospitality have been great. ALSO READ: Empty seats as Chelsea win opener at Club World Cup 'Everyone is friendly and welcoming. We've done gym work, the coach is making sure the team is ready, and there are no major injuries. We're hoping to stay longer by doing well in the tournament.'
