Latest news with #Usuthu


The South African
21-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs update: Experienced Nigerian striker
This is not great news if you're a big fan of Kaizer Chiefs and the Nigerian striker Etiosa Ighodaro. According to several reports that came out in June, the 24-year-old, who was on loan at Usuthu from Mamelodi Sundowns, joined Amakhosi after his contract with Kabo Yellow ended on 30 June. In the meantime, the latest update claims that Kaizer Chiefs have not, in fact, signed the former Chippa United and SuperSport loanee yet. Confirmed: Amakhosi to kick off the season in Cape Town Etiosa Ighodaro playing for AmaZulu in the Betway Premiership. Image: @amazulufc/X 'There's been a lot of talk about Ighodaro joining Chiefs, but the reports suggesting he has signed are inaccurate,' an insider told Soccer Laduma . 'He is still assessing his options both locally and abroad. Nothing has been concluded. Confirmed: Orlando Pirates kicking off the new season in Orlando 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
20-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
AmaZulu believe they can snap up Kaizer Chiefs midfield prodigy
AmaZulu finished three points and three places above Kaizer Chiefs last season, and now they want to poach some of their talent. 20-year-old attacking midfielder Manqoba Ozoemena is a target for Usuthu before the 2025-2026 season. Former Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane, now at the helm of AmaZulu, is an admirer of the player. Best Kaizer Chiefs XI next season revealed? According to local reports, Usuthu want to test Chiefs' resolve to keep talented playmaker Manqoba Ozoemena. '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. '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. The comments sections on articles here at The South African scarcely disappoint. One recent reader says that, by purchasing Flavio Silva, Kaizer Chiefs have got a 'striker straight off TEMU' which isn't kind but it's kinda funny. Click for the full story Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


The South African
11-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
11 and 15: Orlando Pirates jersey numbers taken by new signings
Orlando Pirates have basically signed a new team with nine new players… so far. Amid that, Gilberto and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo's departures have made the iconic numbers 11 and 15 available to newcomers. The buzz around Orlando Pirates' pre-season preparations has grown. With exciting new players like Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule and Tshepang Moremi, fans have been eager to note the jersey numbers they'll wear. Jersey numbers often carry weight, and some numbers are steeped in history and high expectations at a club like Orlando Pirates. This week, two of those shirt numbers – 11 and 15- have officially been claimed by the club's latest signings. Orlando Pirates news: Monnapule Saleng and Sipho Mbule Orlando Pirates new signing Tshepang Moremi. Image: @orlandopirates/X Number 11, a jersey worn by several fan-favourite attackers over the years, has been assigned to newly signed winger Moremi from AmaZulu. Orlando Pirates news: Zakhele Lepasa and Oswin Appollis The 24-year-old from Sharpville, Gauteng, joined Orlando Pirates after seven goals and seven assists in 83 games for Usuthu. Meanwhile, jersey number 15 has been handed to the exciting Bafana Bafana international Oswin Appollis, thanks to his nine goals and six assists in 59 games for Polokwane City. Their goal and assists stats may not shine, but their skill on the ball and eye for chances make them a nightmare for defenders. Orlando Pirates are gearing up for a busy campaign, with the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League on the horizon. With the squad gradually taking shape, all eyes will be on how quickly the new recruits adapt to life at the mighty Sea Robbers. As pre-season preparations intensify, fans will be hoping Moremi and Appollis, now wearing numbers 11 and 15 respectively, can live up to expectations and help bring silverware to the Orlando Stadium. 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 Herald
27-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
AmaZulu's attempts to lure two players hit contractual snags, sources say
After playing one game in his first season, Mhlongo demonstrated major growth over the next three campaigns, securing his place in the senior squad amid multiple coaching changes. The KwaZulu-Natal-born midfielder played 20 games in all competitions in 2024-25. Mhlongo has caught the eye of rival clubs with a source saying the player was spotted training with Usuthu on their return for preseason and recently completed a medical assessment with them. 'He was meant to sign the contract, everything was finalised, then boom, it appeared he is still under contract with Bay', the insider, who did not want to be named, said. However, that door has apparently been shut, Bay maintaining the player remains contractually bound to them. 'Mhlongo's contract is left with two years and an option to extend for one year,' Bay chair Sfiso 'Jomo' Biyela said. While that deal seems to have fallen through, after a mass offload of 16 players, AmaZulu have attempted to secure talented winger Maqokolo.

TimesLIVE
27-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
AmaZulu's attempts to lure two players hit contractual snags, sources say
AmaZulu's attempts to sign two players this month may hit contractual snags. While Usuthu deny approaching him, a source told TimesLIVE transfer proceedings between AmaZulu and Richards Bay FC regarding midfielder Langelihle Mhlongo have been halted due to an apparent contractual dispute between the player and his present club. AmaZulu might also face a legal challenge after apparently attempting to conclude the signing of winger Athini Maqokolo, who caught Usuthu's eye with his dazzling performances in the off-season Khabba Cup in Durban. AmaZulu denied trying to sign Mhlongo and said no deal was concluded with Maqokolo, though he has been asked to come to a trial. 'I hear you, but we have not signed any of the players you have mentioned nor have we engaged Richards Bay about Langa. As for Maqokolo, yes the club has invited him for assessment,' Usuthu PRO Philani Ndlela said. Having joined the Natal Rich Boys at the beginning of the 2021-22 season, Mhlongo, 24, has served his full professional career at the KwaZulu-Natal club. Dominated ABC motsepe in eastern cape , has experience in NFD as well @Football__Stage @snap_vino Athini Maqokolo semi final khabba cup — XHAMELA (@obhuzubhuzuu) June 12, 2025 After playing one game in his first season, Mhlongo demonstrated major growth over the next three campaigns, securing his place in the senior squad amid multiple coaching changes. The KwaZulu-Natal-born midfielder played 20 games in all competitions in 2024-25. Mhlongo has caught the eye of rival clubs with a source saying the player was spotted training with Usuthu on their return for preseason and recently completed a medical assessment with them. 'He was meant to sign the contract, everything was finalised, then boom, it appeared he is still under contract with Bay', the insider, who did not want to be named, said. However, that door has apparently been shut, Bay maintaining the player remains contractually bound to them. 'Mhlongo's contract is left with two years and an option to extend for one year,' Bay chair Sfiso 'Jomo' Biyela said. While that deal seems to have fallen through, after a mass offload of 16 players, AmaZulu have attempted to secure talented winger Maqokolo. However, this attempted signing might also hit a snag. Reports are the player signed for Usuthu before his contract with Pretoria Motsepe Foundation Championship side JDR Stars expires on June 30 and a legal battle might ensue for his services. Maqokolo impressed at the Khabba Cup annual off-season tournament held at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, outside Durban on June 7 to 9. Consisting of 32 teams, the tournament boasted several professional players from across all three top football divisions and young talent from the amateur leagues. Representing Khabba semi-finalists Two for Joy and scoring arguably the goal of the tournament in that match, Maqokolo caught the attention of the Usuthu scouts. A source told TimesLIVE that after hasty talks, the club had secured the services of the winger on a three-year-contract. 'I can confirm Athini has signed with AmaZulu — though he has not started training, he has signed a three-year contract,' an insider said. JDR are reportedly set to challenge the deal.