Latest news with #ex-Sundowns
The South African
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
'When Mambush claps, you listen' – Ex-Sundowns star recalls
Former Platinum Stars right-back Vuyo Mere has revealed that Mamelodi Sundowns legend Daniel 'Mambush' Mudau was known to slap misbehaving players. In addition to being recognised for his scoring ability, many fans remember Mambush for his infamous slap of Charles Motlohi after the 2001 BP Top 8 final. Last month, Mere shared his experiences from his time at Sundowns, discussing how he often misbehaved alongside his teammates. Speaking on the Prime Sport with Mahlatse podcast, Mere recalled the days he and ex-Sundowns star Lerato Chabangu were slapped by Mambush. 'I was staying with Lerato Chabangu in Midrand, so we got accommodation and it's a three-bedroom flat. Lerato Chabangu is from Tembisa, I'm from Bloemfontein, so no one was going to tell Ace 'sleep my boy' because we are almost the same age,' Mere said. 'What used to happen was that Ace would go to Tembisa. He would call me and ask us to wash our cars in Tembisa. Once we got there, everybody knew us and we would relax and drink six, 12 or 18 beers before going back home around midnight.' Mere said he and Chabangu would party until late, even though they had training the next morning. 'It started becoming a habit and we were often intoxicated at training, but the team was winning and we were getting away with it,' he said. 'Mambush started realising that we were coming to training not in a good state and he called me in, yoh,' Mere added. 'At some point, we got a hiding from Mambush in the dressing room. Yoh, the grootman slapped us. 'You know what he did to Charles Motlohi. It wasn't a mistake, the grootman can clap. He believed in us and he (Mudau wanted to help us before the situation got to the coaches and management,' Mere said. Last year, former Sundowns star Charles Motlohi recalled the days he was slapped by Mambush. 'After the match ended, we had five penalty takers in our team. I spoke to Hluphe(Joas Magolego) and I said, 'man, you know the error I made last season, I'm asking you guys to take your penalty kicks, and I will be the last kicker, let's go'. While I was still speaking to Hluphe and the other player, Manzini walked over to the penalty area and took the penalty while we watched. He missed, Doctor (Cyril Nzama) scored and we lost the match.' Motlohi said after Chiefs scored the winning penalty, Mudau and other Sundowns players came running to him. 'After the loss, I was the first one to leave the field but as I was walking down the tunnel, Mambush and the others came running to me. They were shouting and asking 'why are you guys cowards, why did you leave him to take the penalty?'. Because we lost, I didn't have the time or energy to explain why I opted not to take a penalty,' he said. 'I gave them my reasons based on the game against Celtic where I was accused of match fixing. Unfortunately, they didn't listen to me. That's when me and the brother had our exchange on the ground and dressing room.' In recent years, there have been fewer stories of Sundowns players misbehaving, indicating that Mambush may have effectively dealt with those issues. 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
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates sign long-term Kaizer Chiefs targets
Orlando Pirates have been the most busy of the 'Big Three' – watch out Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns. Orlando Pirates have now signed not one but two Kaizer Chiefs transfer targets. So, the Bucs have bolstered their squad while simultanouesly hijacking Amakhosi's transfer plans. Firstly, the Bucs secured ex-Sundowns man, Sipho Mbule. Thereafter, they wrapped up Bafana Bafana attacker Oswin Appollis from right under Amakhosi's noses. Initially, Mbule's agent confirmed that he was offered to Chiefs. This comes after several seasons of the ex-Sundowns star being linked with Amakhosi. However, they did not accept the offer. Then Pirates bounced. Securing the services of the former Sundowns and SuperSport United midfielder. Thereafter, Abdeslam charges acted fast to sign sought-after Bafana Bafana attacker, Appollis. The man that Chiefs have been strongly linked months. Ironically, Amakhosi were on the brink of signing him in the last transfer window but the deal did not materialize. Now, he is a Buccanneer. Therefore, Pirates have certainly made much bigger and better moves than their Soweto rivals. Chiefs have a whole team worth of new players – these 11 new players have reportedly joined the first team. This includes TWO European-based signings, FIVE promotions and FOUR players from PSL rivals. Meanwhile, they are expected to sign these players from Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana. In contrast, as mentioned, FIVE Amakhosi player departures have been confirmed. Whilst, a total of FIVE more Chiefs players are heading out of Naturena. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send 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
30-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates - Full list: All transfer targets
Orlando Pirates have several transfer targets lined up. Orlando Pirates have signed EIGHT players so far. However, the Soweto giants are far from done with their transfer business. In fact, following the arrival of new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, even more players are linked with the Bucs. Neo Maema Ime Daniel Okon Abdoulaye Mariko Sadio Kanout Pirates have already confirmed the edition of ex-Sundowns star, Sipho Mbule. Meanwhile, they are in hot pursuit of another Sundowns player – Maema. 'Yes, the club is believed to have made enquiries about Maema. Actually he was the first one even before Sipho Mbule. It has to be seen what will be the next move because apparently he still has one year on his contract with Sundowns. And Kaizer Chiefs are also believed to be interested in him,' the insider told SNL. To date, Pirates have signed a few Bafana Bafana stars. Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi are all now Bucs players. Furthermore, they are linked with another rising national player. Okon is one of the players that both Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates are interested in signing. This international player has been spotted in training with Pirates. So, Mariko (Mali) and Kanout (Mali) 'The Soweto giants are considering tabling an offer in the region of €500,000 (approximately R10m) to lure Kanoute, who previously turned out for Simba SC in Tanzania,' accoring to Africafoot. Meanwhile, Mariko is one of the players Ouaddou is planning on bringing to Pirates. Let us know your thoughts 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 South African
16-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Percy Tau drops HUGE Orlando Pirates transfer move hint!
Percy Tau has just dropped this massive hint over his next move – take note Orlando Pirates. Orlando Pirates are in the process of ushering in the new era. The Bucs will have a new head coach and a new captain next season. However, it does not stop there. Pirates are going to be revamping their entire squad with new signings and departures imminent. The latest transfer rumour says ex-Sundowns and Bafana Bafana star, Percy Tau hinting at a huge move possible to Mayfair. Percy Tau is open to returning to South Africa. So, it comes as no suprise that the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns (his former club), Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have all been reportedly linked with his coveted name. However, it is the Bucs who Tau recently hinted at being open to moving to. 'I'd Listen to anybody, let's not rule out Orlando Pirates, or even Stellenbosch, SuperSport (United),' Tau told the media. Suprisingly, he has teased the possibility of joining Pirates before even mentioning Chiefs. Therefore, Tau is open to joining Pirates if the right offer is made. Meanwhile, he has not ruled out joining PSL rivals Stellenbosch FC or SuperSport United. Despite Tau being open to returning to the PSL, Chiefs are unlikely to make an offer for the Bafana attacker. Furthermore, Amakhosi have identified these attackers as their main transfer targets up front. Moreover, Amakhosi feel that they have learnt from their past mistakes with Keagan Dolly and Khama Billiat. In both instances, they chased a big name with experience but the players were past their prime. 'The team feels that apparently they believe they have learnt a lesson from the signing of Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly,' an insider explained. 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
16-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates new coach: TWO out, remaining candidates revealed
Orlando Pirates will have a new coach in charge when the 2025/26 season starts. Orlando Pirates are linked with several big-name coaches. The likes of Rulani Mokwena, Pitso Mosimane, Benni McCarthy and Rulani Mokwena have all been linked with the Bucs job. However, some of these big names are now out of contention. Let's take a look at the remaining candidates for the Pirates job. MCCARTHY AND MNGQITHI OUT OF CONTENTION Benni McCarthy recently took charge of the Kenyan national team. He has just started his new coaching journey with Harambee Stars. , is contracted to them. Therefore, he is not in contention for the Pirates job. Despite several reports linking the Bucs legend with the Pirates hot seat, he is no longer in contention. Meanwhile, ex-Sundowns coach, Manqoba Mngqithi is in the same boat, according to Goal. Unfortunately, both boats are sailing in opposite direction to the Sea Robbers. Mngqithi is the current head coach of PSL rivals, Golden Arrows. So, he is also unavailable. Pitso Mosimane and Rulani Mokwena are both still in the running for the Pirates hot seat. Whilst, assistant coaches Mandla Ncikazi and Carlos Nodar Paz are both in the running. Mosimane remains unattached as a free agent. Meanwhile, Mokwena is also a free man. Interestingly, Mokwena previously coached Pirates in 2019, albeit, on an interim basis. So, they are both no longer in the running. Meanwhile, Ncikazi was the interim coach for the Bucs remaining games in the 2025/26 season and Nodar Paz is the other assistant coach. However, neither candidate is likely to be appointed to replace Jose Riveiro. Finally, Florent Ibenge and German tactician, Marco Rose are all linked with the Bucs vacancy. 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.
