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1 Manchester United were made to sweat by the Premier League’s bottom club Sheffield United, who twice took the lead but eventually the Red Devils prevailed 4-2 at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Andre Onana gifted the opener to Jayden Bogle pretty much against the run of play before Harry Maguire equalised right before half-time. Ben Brereton Diaz once again put the Blades in front early in the second half forcing captain Bruno Fernandes to take the game by the scruff of the neck. The Portuguese scored twice and registered an assist with Erik ten Hag’s side putting up a much more controlled display where the team tried to hold on to possession instead of relying on counter-attacks. New style Whether this approach was instigated by new technical director Jason Wilcox’s instructions remain unclear but with 19th-placed Burnley set for a visit to Old Trafford next, this approach is expected to continue. Against the Blades, Christian Eriksen made a rare start, only his second in 2024, which enabled the team to retain hold of the ball better and once again, the onus will fall on the midfield to dictate the tempo against Vincent Kompany’s team. And the Dutchman revealed that his midfield reserves will be strengthened as Mason Mount could be fit to play after he missed out against Coventry City and Sheffield United. The new-look backline of Casemiro and Harry Maguire is expected to continue despite conceding five goals against lowly opposition as none of the sidelined defenders are expected to be back in contention. “For coming back for the game against Burnley, I don’t expect them (the defenders). Mason Mount, he will return, I think,” Ten Hag told BBC’s Match of the Day. Mount could be back For the former Chelsea star, his debut campaign in red has been nothing short of disastrous, with the player missing 28 games through three separate injury spells. It was thought that the United No 7 would bounce back and silence his critics after his first goal for the club against Brentford but he promptly got injured again. It would be good for Mount’s confidence if he can get on the ball a bit more in this new style against the Clarets, a team which is low on confidence. With big games against Newcastle, Arsenal and Brighton coming up in the league ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City, Ten Hag will be hoping his summer signing can avoid another injury setback while also gaining in confidence so that he can prove why the club shelled out £55 million for his services. Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.

With Sundowns cruising to a 7th straight DStv Premiership title, all the focus this season is really on the Champions League. There was consternation in the South African football media on Wednesday as Mamelodi Sundowns failed to send out players for scheduled media interviews at Choorklop ahead of Friday’s Caf Champions League semifinal, second leg against Esperance. Journalists staged a walkout when players were over an hour late in coming out to speak to the press. Phakaaathi understands that Sundowns’ players were locked in a meeting doing video analysis ahead Friday’s game against Esperance at Loftus, where they are looking to overcome a 1-0 deficit from the first leg. The Mgosi Squad has heard that Sundowns’ bosses, including sporting director Flemming Berg, are not happy with the side’s recent displays, including a scrappy performance over two legs as they were slightly fortunate to get past Yanga SC on penalties in the Champions League quarterfinals. Champions League focus With Sundowns cruising to a 7th straight DStv Premiership title, all the focus this season is really on the Champions League, and Sundowns bosses’ were also said to be disappointed by the side’s performance in the first leg in Tunis. Sundowns, for all their success domestically, have only won one Champions League, in 2016, and Masandawana are likely to have to perform far better on Friday if they are to reach this year’s final. Could it be that pressure from management for the players to put all their focus on Friday’s game is what caused the media snub at Choorklop?

Forgotten Bafana Bafana international Cassius Mailula scored his first goal on his full debut for US-based outfit Toronto FC on Thursday night. Mailula cracked the nod for the first time since joining Toronto as he started as against Samcoe County Rovers in the Canadian Championship. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands as he netted his team’s second goal in the 5-0 drubbing of County Rovers. The former Mamelodi Sundowns attacker had been struggling to make it into the starting line-up due to stiff competition at Toronto. Toronto coach John Herdman previously said it was difficult for him to play Mailula as he is competing with Federico Bernardeschi and former Napoli skipper Lorenzo Insigne. WATCH BAFANA BAFANA STAR MAILULA SCORE HIS FIRST GOAL FOR TORONTO FC MIXED EMOTIONS WHEN MAILULA LEFT FOR THE US Mailula joined Toronto in a surprise move from Sundowns in July 2023, and there were mixed emotions among the South African football fraternity. Some were happy for Mailula given his talent and achievements with Sundowns while others felt he could have left for a better league in Europe. The 22-year-old attacker had some crazy numbers while at Sundowns – he had scored 15 goals and provided five assists in 31 matches the previous season, as per Transfermarkt. Among those who were critical of Mailula’s move to Toronto was Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, as he felt it was too early for him to leave. “You have a good agent when the agent is looking at you, but if you have an agent and the agent is only looking at his wallet then you don’t have a good agent,” said Broos at the time as per GOAL. “I’m afraid that Mailula does not have a good agent. When you let him go to Toronto where you know they have two Italian internationals, Lorenz Insigne and Canadian international Deandre Kerr. You let go of a young player like this who has 15 games of experience in the PSL, that is not the right choice. Mailula will not play, you will see, even in the next months and in a month the competition is finished in America. So, for me a lost season,” he continued. “I don’t have to blame him for that, certainly not. I think you have to blame the agent because you know that as an agent when he goes there it will be very, very difficult for that guy.” “It should’ve been better that he should stay in Sundowns and play Champions League again, so he got the experience and maybe got the move in one or two years, but now it was much too soon and not the right club,” concluded Broos.

Orlando Pirates are pressing ahead with their transfer plans for next season, with a new target identified.  Pirates was active during the January transfer window, signing Talent Mbatha and Thabiso Lebitso. Already for the next season, Pirates have been linked with some names to further beef up their squad. Long-term targets such as Riaan Hanamub and Shaune Mogaila. Then there have been fresh targets like Stanley Nwabali, Shandre Campbell, Velemseni Ndwandwe, Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis and Andy Boyeli. Last month, Pirates beat Hungry Lions 4-0 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup. Even though the visitors did not shower themselves with much glory as they hardly troubled the Buccaneers. It does seem as if, there is one player that has emerged from there, that impressed. That player is second half substitute Muzomuhle Khanyi.  According to Soccer-Laduma Pirates are interested in signing Khanyi for next season.  Pirates interested in Khanyi “They (Pirates) really want to add a younger striker to their squad and that’s why they are looking at different young strikers at the moment and Muzi (Khanyi) is one of them. They have been monitoring him for some time now and they are happy with what they have seen in the boy. It will all depend on what happens between now and the end of the season,” said one source. A second source suggests that Pirates are ready to sacrifice some old strikers for the new brigade. “They are looking at of]oading a few strikers, either two or three, to bring in new ones. There is Tremaine Eastmond, Stephane Aziz Ki (who is a mid_elder) and now Muzi. So, to bring in all these new strikers, then some of them have to be of]oaded. That includes current strikers and other players as well, who will be loaned out. So, for Muzi (Khanyi) to join at the end of the season, the club is looking at other factors as well but they have inquired about him,”said the source.  Also signed Baloni from first division last season The Buccaneers, are also no strangers to scouting players from lower divisions that they play against. Just last season, they signed Siphelo Baloni after he impressed against them for All Stars FC. Things aren’t really going to plan for Baloni, which could serve as a warning to Khanyi should Pirates approach him. It would, of course represent a huge step up in the 25-year-old’s career.

1 Manchester United have disappointed big time with manager Erik ten Hag under immense pressure with fans desperate to see this season come to an end. Supporters are already looking forward to next year as new co-owners INEOS plot plenty of changes behind-the-scenes and on the field. The pre-season tour of the United States has already been announced with fresh faces and renewed optimism expected. As reported by Football Insider, United are in talks to extend their tour of the States with senior figures at the club hoping to generate around £20 million revenue from the trip. The decision has come after the Premier League and FA announced they will be scrapping FA Cup replays which will extend the summer break for teams in the top-flight. It’s believed United have opened conversations with multiple clubs to arrange further friendly games that will include deals with sponsors and chosen venues. United have already confirmed thy will be sourcing individual sponsors for their games in the US, rather than take part in the organised tournaments on offer. Friendly matches have been announced against Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool on July 27 and August 3, respectively. The Arsenal game will take place in Los Angeles before the team travel to South Carolina to face old rivals Liverpool, who will be under new management for the first time in almost a decade. Naturally, the visit of United will cause huge excitement across the pond and with senior figures aware that revenue raised in the 2024-25 accounting period will contribute to their budget under new financial rules, will look to cash in on the extra time granted this summer. No official communication has come from United but given the need for funds at Old Trafford, it would not be a surprise to see an extra game or two get squeezed into the programme. Before that however, Erik ten Hag will be desperate for a strong end to the season to give him the best chance of leading the team to the States after a disastrous second season in charge. The FA Cup final takes place a month from today and looks like Ten Hag’s only hope of saving his position at Old Trafford. Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.

Mailula scored the second goal in Toronto’s 5-0 demolition of Simcoe County Rovers. Toronto FC coach John Herdman was full of praise for Cassius Mailula after the Bafana Bafana forward scored his first goal for the Major League Soccer club. WATCH – Ex-Sundowns star Mailula dances after first Toronto goal Mailula, who was making his first start for Toronto, scored the second goal in Toronto’s 5-0 demolition of Simcoe County Rovers in the Voyageurs Cup [Canadian Championship Cup] on Wednesday night. “I’m really happy that he (Mailula) got his goal, he’s been really patient through the pre-season and the season,” said Herdsman during a post-match conference. “When there’s one game a week and you’ve players like Osario, Insigne, Bernardeschi that play at the top of the box or so in those forward areas, it’s very difficult for Cassius to get game time and minutes. Cassius has a chance for more starts “And again, I think he is a young player. He’s coming from the league in South Africa where it’s very different, the style, the standard is very different and he is still trying to adapt to life here in MLS. ALSO READ: Saleng set to submit transfer request at Orlando Pirates? “So, every week, he keeps his head down, he works hard, and he always has a positive outlook. I think players like that they build resilience through MLS. “This season might not be his season, might be, but if he can keep doing what he is doing which staying focused he’s got a chance.”

Orlando Pirates‘ goalkeeping department is likely to look different next season. New reports from Soccer Laduma suggest Siyabonga Mpontshane may move to Polokwane City. The 38-year-old player’s contract is ending on 30 June. SIYABONGA MPONTSHANE TO LEAVE ORLANDO PIRATES FOR POLOKWANE CITY? Now a true veteran, Mpontshane signed for the Sea Robbers in 2015 from the former Rustenburg-based club Platinum Stars. The former Nathi Lions goalkeeper was a relative number one but steady number two before the signings of Richard Ofori, Sipho Chaine and Melusi Buthelezi. With 34 cleansheets in 88 games for Orlando Pirates, Mpontshane is likely to be released when he deal ends on 30 June, after signing a 12-month extension at the start of the season. TSHEGOFATSO MABASA TO LEAVE? In other Orlando Pirates news, hot striker Tshegofatso Mabasa may be lost to bigger things. His agent has revealed talks with FCSB in Romania. Additionally, Mamelodi Sundowns also lurk since signing Thembinkosi Lorch this season. The 27-year-old striker from Botshabelo, Bloemfontein shone bright in the first half of the season on loan at Moroka Swallows. Mabasa scored 6 goals in 15 games before Orlando Pirates recalled him. Three months later, Mabasa is on 14 goals and three assists. Speaking to the media after the Orlando Pirates star’s golden spell as the DStv Premiership top goalscorer, Mabasa’s agent, Gary Cassisa, has confirmed the former Bloemfontein Celtic and Grey College star is a wanted man. Cassisa has told FARPost that Mabasa is wanted by Siyabonga Ngezana’s Romanian club FCSB, several unnamed clubs in Europe, while Sundowns are also circling after nearly signing the Orlando Pirates striker in January. “The best advice I have given him is to put his head down and get the goals. One goal per game will leave him with a better chance of winning the Golden Boot and also to score more and achieve the same in the Nedbank Cup. The Orlando Pirates player’s agent continued to add: “At this point, his decision has to be considerate of his future as a player considering his age. Sundowns have the financial muscles to get him. But a chance at playing in the Champions League is not easy to resist. “FSCB want him. They are on top in the Super Liga and are likely to be playing in the UEFA Champions League. At the moment, I’m also talking to other clubs in Europe. But the idea is to help him keep his calm until the season is over. – READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has asked for four years to try and win the CAF Champions League for the team. Mokwena was speaking to the media, as per SowetanLIVE, following Sundowns’ 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United on Tuesday. With the perception that Sundowns should easily win the CAF Champions League given their expensive quality squad, Mokwena has a different view. The 37-year-old mentor said it wasn’t even easy for Pitso Mosimane to win the continental trophy with Sundowns as it took him four years to achieve that mandate. Mosimane had arrived at Sundowns in 2012 but he only delivered the CAF Champions League trophy in 2016. Mokwena feel fans sometimes don’t understand Champions League football when they criticise the Sundowns team if they don’t reach the final let alone win it. PEOPLE DON’T UNDERSTAND CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – RULANI “I have the feeling that we don’t understand the Champions League. I look at the Champions League with a different perspective because I have been here before,” said Mokwena. “I was an assistant coach to the previous coach [Pitso Mosimane] for a very long time and the last coach was here for eight years. He had eight years [four from 2012 to 2016] to try and win the Champions League and we only won the competition once [2016]. “We only played the semi-final two times because the other time, we got into the final. But after that, in eight years, we only played the semi-final once and lost. “This is my second season and we’ve done back-to-back semi-finals already and sometimes I have that feeling that people don’t appreciate that because of how they perceive the expectations.” MOKWENA PLEADS FOR FOUR YEARS FROM SUNDOWNS FANS Mokwena further suggested that people shouldn’t hammer him if Sundowns fail to win this year’s CAF Champions League, and asked for four years to try and win it. He said that as Sundowns prepare to take on Esperance de Tunis in the second leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday night. Kick-off is at 20:00. Esperance lead Sundowns 1-0 from the first leg, meaning Mokwena’s charges need to win by a two-goal margin to advance to the final. “If you look at the profile of the teams in the Champions League, there are 21 titles among the last four. Al Ahly with 11, TP Mazembe with five, Esperance with four and then Sundowns with one,” continued Mokwena. “Now, what gives us the right to think it’s just going to be a walk in the park and win the competition? We have to work hard for it. I got a four-year contract here and all I’m asking for from the Sundowns fans is give me four years to try and win. “I’m not asking for eight. Give me four years to try and win the Champions League. It’s going to happen. It’s not going to be easy. It’s not going to be a win all the time,” he concluded.

Orlando Pirates passed up huge opportunities to sell key superstars and those chances don’t come around often. Orlando Pirates fumbled the Saleng bag? We all want to see South African stars shine abroad. Over R100m is what Orlando Pirates have potentially flushed down the drain by not selling Monnapule Saleng at the right time. Imagine the changes to the entire club’s infrastructure could have undergone with that type of cash injection, not to mention the exposure it could have created for the club and player. Ligue 1 side Monaco and Danish outfit Odense were both interested in the winger. Saleng is a wanted man. ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix Saleng submits a transfer request The situation is still salvageable for the Buccaneers board. Although Saleng showed glimpses of his undoubted ability in a cameo against Kaizer Chiefs in March, those moments have been few and far between. A quick look at German website transfermarkt estimated transfer value is at its peak now around €1.3m. The Odense offer was closer to €3m (R61 Million). Even with his extreme dip in form, the 26-year-old can still fetch a hefty fee from local or foreign suitors. If he’s not going to be a regular for the Buccaneers, Saleng might have no choice but to close the book on his Orlando Pirates chapter. The board can still negotiate a handsome fee for Saleng because we all know that form is temporary and class is permanent. Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix BUCCANEERS FIXTURES ON THE HORIZON Sun 28 Apr vs Royal AM (A) – 15:00 Wed 01 May vs Cape Town City (A) – 15:00 Sat 04 May vs Chippa (A) – 15:00 (Nedbank Cup semi-final) Sat 11 May vs Richards Bay (H) – 20:00 Jose Riveiro’s side is still fighting for a top-two finish in the league and the resultant CAF Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, they’ve already claimed MTN8 glory this term and will be desperate to defend their Nedbank Cup crown. Their assignment in the final four is a trip to Chippa on 4 May. If they successfully negotiate that, they’ll face the winner of Stellenbosch and Sundowns in the other semi-final. WHERE DO YOU THINK SALENG’S FUTURE LIES? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest DStv Premiership news.

Springbok star Eben Etzebeth has picked Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs as a team he would support locally. The South African rugby star disclosed he doesn’t closely follow local football, but has a soft spot for Amakhosi in the DStv Premiership. The 32-year-old Rugby World Cup winner declared his love for Arsenal. The Springbok lock appears to have made the right choice with Arsenal but picking Kaizer Chiefs will raise eyebrows. Amakhosi have struggled for consistency and are heading for a ninth consecutive season without any silverware. “I grew up close to Ajax Cape Town (now Cape Town Spurs), they are probably my most local team,” Etzebeth said in an interview with Thabiso Mosia on Game On. “I don’t watch a lot of PSL but probably if I had to pick one (team to support) I would go with Kaizer Chiefs.” Springbok star picks Kaizer Chiefs locally The lanky lock reaffirmed his support for the Gunners who are currently top of the English Premier League “I am and have been an Arsenal fan for many years,” said the 32-year-old. Etzebeth is not the only Springbok player with a soft spot for Kaizer Chiefs. Bok captain Siya Kolisi is a proud Khosi fan and has declared his love for the Glamour Boys. During the Springboks WC trophy parade, Kolisi and the team were given a guard of honour by Amakhosi. In recent weeks, Boks coach Rassie Erasmus has expressed doubts over Kolisi’s captaincy in the future. Etzebeth has been the name that popped up as a potential replacement. Etzebeth appears to have made the right choice picking Arsenal According to Planet Rugby, the Springbok lock was not eager to entertain the rumours of replacing the Kaizer Chiefs supporter as captain. Etzebeth enters the 2024 international season with 119 caps under his belt. He looks on track to become the most capped Springbok of all time with just eight Tests behind Victor Matfield.

Of course, when anyone thinks of Siphiwe Tshabalala, one particular moment stands out: the iconic goal for Bafana Bafana against Mexico at the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa. His thunderous strike from outside the box sent the nation into a frenzy and became a defining image of the tournament, as well as his career. Tshabalala, or simply “Shabba” to fans, established his status as a revered figure in South African football throughout a career filled with highlights. Born in Soweto in 1984, his career began with youth stints at Phiri Arsenal and Kaizer Chiefs before blossoming with Free State Stars from 2004. There, his talent for weaving through defences and scoring spectacular goals caught the eye of the nation. In 2007, Tshabalala’s dream move to Kaizer Chiefs materialised, and he quickly became a fan favourite, known for his pace, dribbling skills, and long-range strikes. He donned the iconic number 14 jersey and helped Kaizer Chiefs achieve numerous domestic successes. Tshabalala’s international debut for South Africa in 2006 marked the beginning of a decorated national team career. He amassed over 90 caps, scoring 12 goals, and of course making global headlines with his wonder strike against Mexico. Throughout his career, Tshabalala had stints abroad in Turkey with Erzurumspor, but his final stint as an active player came with AmaZulu at the turn of this decade. Bafana icon Siphiwe Tshabalala has not officially retired Now 39 years old, Tshabalala never publicly announced his retirement from the game – possibly keeping the door open for a comeback stint after last being on the book of AmaZulu in 2021. However, for all intents and purposes, his career is over. His influence on South African football is undeniable, though, as he is still considered one of the most decorated players of his generation, an inspiration to aspiring footballers, and a national hero for his World Cup heroics. His legacy extends beyond the pitch, and he remains a role model and a vocal advocate for social development initiatives. As a result of his powerful brand, he currently has various ambassadorial roles with top brands. Planning for the future In a recent interview with Soccer Laduma, Tshabalala expanded on what he’s up to now. “I’m currently working with four or five brands now. So it’s a great opportunity. There’s growth in that space, there’s longevity as well. And of course I won’t be lost to football. I owe football a lot. Football gave me everything and I’ll be forever grateful. “I’m more involved in grassroots football through my foundation with a football tournament that runs annually between June and July. So that’s the space that I enjoy, but also it is a space where I want to equip myself with academic knowledge… “I do also consider getting the coaching badges just to have an in-depth knowledge to impart from that perspective to the youth.”

Orlando Pirates are already planning for the next season, with both incomings and outgoings in focus. Pirates made a number of signings during the off-season, as well as the January transfer window. They signed  Melusi Buthelezi from TS Galaxy, Siphelo Baloni from All Stars FC and Katlego Otladisa from Marumo Gallants. They were joined by Karim Kimvuidi, Lesedi Kapinga and Patrick Maswanganyi. Then in January, Pirates added the duo of Thabiso Lebitso and Thalenthe Mbatha. In January, stalwart Thembinkosi Lorch and Bienvenu Eva Nga both left the club for Mamelodi Sundowns and Chippa United respectfully.  Those players are expected to be followed out of the exit door by a few more, in the coming window. The likes of Zakhele Lepasa, Souaibou Marou, Sandile Mthethwa, among those touted for an exit. Another name that could enter that list soon is goalkeeper Richard Ofori. The Ghanaian international is expected to be joined by Siyabonga Mpontshane should he exit the club.  Last week, it was reported that Mpontshane could even decide to retire and stay at Pirates in a non-playing role. Now according to Soccer-Laduma the player is being monitored by Polokwane City. Polokwane City interested in Mpontshane “Should Orlando Pirates decide against keeping goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane at the end of the season, Polokwane City are understood to be hot favourites to snap up the veteran when his contract is up. It’s further believed that City, who were promoted back to the topflight this season, are monitoring the situation and would consider taking on the experienced goalie on a free transfer, should he be made available.” Wrote the publication. It also notes that Mpontshane is not yet ready to hang up his boots, which could seal his fate at Pirates.  Pirates already preparing for life after? Pirates are believed to have decided to recall goalkeeper Siphamandla Gumede from his loan spell next season. That could be another hint that they’re moving on from 38-year-old Mpontshane.

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfield dynamo moved to the USA MLS in December 2022 but it wasn’t necessarily for huge money. FORMER CHIEFS STAR BLOM TAKES HOME R6.2M Njabulo Blom is the second-best-paid South African in the MLS, earning $338k annually (R6.4 million) with Minnesota United FC’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane outstripping him with earnings of $610k (R11.6 million). Former Sundowns striker Cassius Mailula earns $291k (R5.5 million) annually. It’s not shabby, but how does it stack up with the best earners at Chiefs right now? Would he be on better money here in South Africa had he stuck around? Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos slams ex-Kaizer Chiefs star Njabulo Blom. DOLLY IS AMAKHOSI’S TOP EARNER You’d think Blom’s earnings would be far greater than anybody at Naturena, but you’d be wrong. As of 2024, Keagan Dolly’s basic monthly salary at Chiefs is R1.4 million, or R16.8 million a year. That means he’s earning far more than Hlongwane, the MLS’s best South African earner. What is the moral of the story? Become the top earner at one of the Big 3 clubs in South Africa and you won’t need to go anywhere else for a long while. Keagan Dolly of Kaizer Chiefs celebrates a goal with teammates Ashley Du Preez during DStv Premiership 2022/23 football match between Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch FC at Soccer City on 01 April 2023 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix AGENT COMPARES MFUNDO VILAKAZI TO EX-ORLANDO PIRATES MAN On the topic of contracts, Mfundo Vilakazi, affectionately known as Obrigado, has recently signed his first pro deal with Chiefs. His agent, Mike Makaab, has waxed lyrical about the 18-year-old’s natural abilities. He’s compared him to Jabu Mahlangu, formerly known as Jabu Pule, who earned 20 caps for Bafana. ”I had the fortune of representing Jabu Mahlangu and I never thought I would see another player with that innate talent, that unbelievable ability on the ball until I saw Mfundo Vilakazi,” said Makaab during Extra Time on Gagasi FM. “He is probably one of the most exciting young players I have seen in this country for many many years. I just hope, and we (Pro Sport International) will obviously try and play our part, that he keeps his feet on the ground, but more importantly that the talent and skill isn’t coached out of him because you have got to encourage him to do what he is doing. He glides past defenders as if they don’t exist,” added Makaab. Obrigado with his first senior contract. Image: @kaizerchiefs / X Who should be the club’s top earner once Khune and Dolly leave? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest DStv Premiership news.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk admits they do not deserve to win the Premier League after the unacceptable way the players have allowed the season to end. Just over a month ago they were chasing an unprecedented but unlikely quadruple but a week after exiting Europe their Premier League title hopes were left in tatters after losing 2-0 at Everton in the 244th Merseyside derby. Already third favourites in the title race, defeat means Jurgen Klopp’s final season is likely to end with just the Carabao Cup and Van Dijk criticised the general lack of appetite to drag things back in their favour at Goodison Park. “Games likes these, the bare minimum is fight. We were lacking that at so many moments in games,” said the Netherlands captain. “If you play like we did, obviously even if we create two or three clear-cut chances again, you don’t deserve to win the league. “It’s crunch time and we’ve not been good enough in the way we finished the chances off, in the way we defended together and also the fight. I think we have to show much more. “But we have to look in the mirror and each and every one of us has to think like… ‘Listen, you can’t accept this. You can’t accept the way we let our season end’.” Klopp’s side look like they have been running on empty for the last month while also lacking the clinical edge which has for so long been a trademark. Despite creating a handful of chances which they failed to take in the first half they petered out after the break in similar fashion to last week’s Europa League win over Atalanta in Bergamo when they needed to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit but managed just one goal. Liverpool have not been playing well for a couple of months and have pulled a few results out of the fire but they have uncharacteristically crumbled at the key time. “Obviously it’s a mix of everything. You can’t put a finger on it,” added Van Dijk. “It’s confidence, inexperience, challenges, maybe afraid to make mistakes in this part of the season. I don’t know. “It’s a mix but it brings us to the situation where we can’t accept this. “We have to stick together. We can’t have groups blaming each other because that’s not how it works. It’s a team thing and I don’t blame anyone. “I blame us as a team, as a group. Everyone has to look in the mirror. We can’t let the season end like this.”

DStv Premiership‘s sleeping giants Kaizer Chiefs are expected to make major announcements before 30 June. One of them could be Sifiso Hlanti. KAIZER CHIEFS TO RELEASE SIFISO HLANTI? Hlanti, now 34, joined Amakhosi from Moroka Swallows in July 2021. The Durban-born star went on to mark 58 matches that have included four goals and one assist. As we close off the month of April, Kaizer Chiefs are yet to table a new offer before Hlanti’s contract with the club ends on 30 June, though the club have an option to renew the deal. Full career numbers: Golden Arrows : Three games. AmaZulu: Three assists in 30 games Bidvest Wits: Two goals, eight assists in 156 games Moroka Swallows: One goal, one assist in 18 games. Should Kaizer Chiefs retain or release Hlanti? Let us know in the comments section below. RAUL CANEDA COMING TO NATURENA? Meanwhile, Amakhosi are actively hunting for a new head coach for next season. It’s the final week of April. Kaizer Chiefs management have to keep their on the clock and on the calendar. New reports from Soccer Laduma say Raul Caneda is the leading favourite to replace Molefi Ntseki and his interim successor Cavin Johnson. As previously reported, Amakhosi recently confirmed the search for a new head coach for next season. A recent report by FARPost confirmed a list of seven candidates for the Kaizer Chiefs vacancy: Rui Vitoria Pitso Mosimane Jose Pesiero Alexandre Santos Julien Chevalie Miguel Gamondi Florent Ibenge. Older Kaizer Chiefs list: Raul Caneda Nasreddine Nabi Alexandre Gallo Vanderlei Luxemburgo Manqoba Mngqithi Benni McCarthy. Meanwhile, Soccer Laduma believe the Spaniard Caneda has taken the lead to become the next Kaizer Chiefs coach. The report says Pitso Mosimane and Manqoba Mngqithi have emerged as unrealistic. “There are many (challenging) factors about Pitso Mosimane and Manqoba Mngqithi and that’s why they are intensifying their talks with Raul (Caneda),” the source said. “He was actually one of the first five on the original shortlist and they have been talking about him for some time now and he has overtaken Pitso on the priority list. “They believe that looking at his history he could be the one to change the team’s fortunes from next season. So for now we say he is the top priority ahead of coach Pitso (Mosimane),” the source added. Additionally, another source told the same outlet that Mngqithi to Kaizer Chiefs is simply unlikely. “No, I don’t think at this time there is a chance for Mngqithi. They know it will be difficult to get him if Sundowns are renewing his contract. But they also don’t want to feel like they are trying to destabilise Sundowns and that’s why they are looking at the Spanish coach who was on the shortlist. So, for next season I think it will be Caneda to take over from Cavin Johsnon,” the source concluded. – READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

1 The managerial merry-go-round is set to be in full swing this summer with some of Europe’s biggest clubs making changes at the top. Liverpool and Bayern Munich are officially looking for a new head coach and huge question marks remain over Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United. In a twist to the tale, former United interim coach Ralf Rangnick is a strong favourite to take over at Bayern with the outgoing Thomas Tuchel being touted as Ten Hag’s potential successor. Rangnick served as the interim manager at Old Trafford for the second half of the 2021/22 season after the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Whilst the German couldn’t find the formula on the pitch, he was due to form part of the backroom staff to help build the club from the inside out at the end of that season. However, the role failed to materialise as Ten Hag chose to bring his own staff in while Rangnick was appointed as the Austrian national team manager, but not before he delivered some home truths. “Open heart surgery” was required according to the 65-year-old and his plan was to bring in new players who could play a more dominant style. Two of the names mentioned were Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong and Bayer Leverkusen right back, Jeremie Frimpong. Now, as reported by HITC, the experienced coach is hoping to sign the very same players, should he take up the Bayern offer. De Jong, in particular, looked set for a spell at United after Ten Hag made him a clear priority target in his first summer at the club. Frimpong has remained a target for over two seasons now and he remains a target ahead of the summer window. Rangnick’s talent for building squads is there for all to see and United fans might well see the vision for their side come to life in Munich. Meanwhile, United are entering a new era at Old Trafford with INEOS taking control of the sporting structure at the club. The new minority owners will have ideas of their own with United supporters desperately hoping for an upturn in fortunes, particularly in the league. Ten Hag’s troops have suffered a wretched campaign, sitting in sixth position in the Premier League and quite frankly, lucky to be that high in a season littered with below-par performances. The run to the FA Cup final has granted Ten Hag a stay of execution but expect changes aplenty at Old Trafford this coming summer. Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.

Virgil van Dijk has added to the speculation that Arne Slot is set to take over from Jurgen Klopp, saying after the Everton match “that he could be a Liverpool coach.” While Liverpool’s players prepared to face Everton on derby day, directors were negotiating with Feyenoord to secure Slot as Klopp’s successor. After the match, Van Dijk was asked about his Dutch compatriot, Slot, and told Viaplay: “I find it hard to answer of course, but I think Arne Slot is perhaps one of the better Dutch coaches at this moment. “I think the way of playing and the philosophy he has, that he could be a Liverpool coach.” • READ HERE: Liverpool could announce Arne Slot as new manager this week The Liverpool captain admitted he didn’t know if a deal had yet been struck with Feyenoord, adding: “I think from what I read and hear is that it’s still far from being completed. “We shall see. We will focus on that next season, [it is] still a long way off” So, it sounds like Van Dijk has been kept in the loop by Liverpool to a point, before concentrating on the Merseyside Derby. On Wednesday, the Athletic reported that the Reds had their first offer of £7.7 million rejected by Feyenoord. It has been widely reported that it will take at least £8.5 million to release him from his contract, that has him remaining at Feyenoord for two more years. Since, the Mail‘s Merseyside reporters have claimed: “The situation is developing quickly and talks to bring Slot to Anfield could even be concluded before the weekend.” Van Dijk’s form may have dropped off to some extent in recent weeks, but this season he has proven he still has plenty to give. As captain, he will play a big role in getting the new manager’s messages across and can continue to play in a back four should Slot be appointed.

Orlando Pirates sent defender Bongani Sam on loan to fellow Soweto giants Moroka Swallows at the start of the season. Sam was thought to be one of the players have Swallows released during the January transfer window. The bulk of the Swallows squad went on strike in December, an act that has since cost them their jobs. This strike saw the Swallows players withdraw from their last two games of 2023, which proved costly to the club. The PSL ended up fining the Dube Birds a cool R1 million for failing to honour those fixtures. They did, however, receive the leniency of having R600 000 of it suspended. With the club already cash-strapped, that was a sanction they could ill afford. They then also decided to take action on the players who had decided against playing, effectively firing them. Furthermore, the league granted three points to both of their opponents, Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows. The players had decided to boycott those two games, as they had not been paid their salaries. After a process of internal disciplinary hearings, a list of 22 players who had been dismissed by Swallows started making the rounds. The list featured some notable names such as Daniel Akpeyi, Sam, Ntsako Makhubela and Dumisani Zuma. Akpeyi has since returned, while Sam and Makhubela are still looking to resolve their futures. Pirates looking to sell Sam Now while the other players have either found or reported to be close to finding a solution, not Sam. The player is understood to be in a limbo as he is training on his own and not with his parent club Pirates. Now according to Soccer-Laduma, they’re hoping to cash in on him.  “Siya crew understands that Pirates have already made a decision to release him (Sam) to the highest bidder in July so he can start afresh. The only stumbling block, potentially could be whether Pirates receive bids that are within their valuation of a player that hasn’t played for them since May 2022”. Wrote the publication. SuperSport interested? Sam was linked to a possible move to SuperSport United, should he leave Pirates.

‘He is so humble and he knows how to deal with these things,’ said teammate Mduduzi Shabalala. Mfundo Vilakazi’s teammate at Kaizer Chiefs, Mduduzi Shabalala, believes his friend will cope with the pressure that comes with playing for the Amakhosi first team. The 18 year-old Vilakazi was recently handed a contract extension that will keep him at Naturena until 2028, and is regarded as a fantastic prospect for the future at Chiefs. “I am happy for him,” said Shabalala, who played with Vilakazi for Chiefs in the DStv Diski Challenge. “He is a good player, a good human, he is so humble and he knows how to deal with these things. “He has been in the spotlight. Since he was playing in the Kasi, in the Phillies Games, people have been talking about him. He must keep working, you never know who is watching, we can do better things for the team with him.” Up to now, Vilakazi has made three substitute appearances for Cavin Johnson’s Chiefs, coming on in the Nedbank Cup last 32 game against Milford FC, in the Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates, and most recently in Sunday’s 1-0 DStv Premiership loss to Richards Bay. ‘Our situation is not the same’ Shabalala, meanwhile, has also seen fellow youngsters like Mamelodi Sundowns’ Cassius Mailula and Orlando Pirates’ Relebohile Mofokeng come through and perform very well for their respective clubs. Mailula scored plenty of goals for Sundowns and is already playing overseas at Toronto FC, while Mofokeng has excelled this season for the Buccaneers. The 20 year old Amakhosi attacking midfielder, however, points out a clear difference in his position at Naturena. “It is pushing me as a player, but our situation is not the same,” said Shabalala. “We have been introduced into a team that has not been winning, they were introduced into a team in good surroundings that has been winning trophies. “It is easy to go into a team like that and bring your (A) game. Coming to a team where you are not identified as youngsters, but as first team players who need to bring your A game every week, it is difficult. So far they are doing better than me, I won’t lie. I won’t say I am better than them but with my talent I can turn it around.”

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana winger Siphiwe Tshabalala may have finally accepted his fate. After being released by AmaZulu in 2021, Tshabalala has vowed that he had not yet hung up his boots. Tshabalala sent shockwaves through the South African football fraternity when it was announced he would be leaving Chiefs for Turkey. He was a long-serving senior player in the Amakhosi set up during that period. It became hard to see the winger playing for any other club, with many believing he would retire at Naturena. However, a move to the Turkish topflight was a deal even the Chiefs management understood was too good to reject. This especially with Tshabalala having already reached veteran status. Things did not quite work out for the dreadlocked star in Turkey, however. His newly promoted side Büyükşehir Belediye Erzurumspor found themselves going straight back down to the Turkish second tier.  After spending a bit of time back in the country but inactive, Tshabalala finally received a career lifeline. This came through a move to DStv Premiership side Amazulu. However, the former Free State Stars’ player’s fortunes did not seem to change under former Bafana Bafana teammate Benni McCarthy. He was largely unavailable for the club due to both injury and illness. By the time he was back, McCarthy had already finalized his preferred starting line up.  Tshabalala previously stated he was still available Perhaps, it then came as no surprise that Tshabalala was released by Amazulu at the end of the 2020/21 season. But even though he has not been active in the last three years, apart from charity matches for Chiefs, he has always maintained he has not retired. But now according to the latest from Soccer-Laduma he may have accepted that his future is away from the football pitch. “To continue working with the brands, I’m enjoying the association and I see value in that. “I’m currently working with four or five brands now. So it’s a great opportunity. There’s growth in that space, there’s longevity as well. And of course I won’t be lost to football. I owe football a lot. Football gave me everything and I’ll be forever grateful. I’m more involved in grassroots football through my foundation with a football tournament that runs annually between June and July. So that’s the space that I enjoy, but also it is it’s a space where I want to equip myself with academic knowledge. You know, I do have vast experience with practical stuff, so I also need a bit of academic paper as well. I think it’s a stamp of approval.” Said Tshabalala when quizzed on the next chapter of his career. Tshabalala also hinted that he could join some of his ex-Chiefs teammates by venturing into coaching. “And I do also consider getting the coaching badges just to have an in-depth knowledge and impart that knowledge from that perspective to the youth,” Tshabalala. Although he doesn’t outright say he is mitred, it is the first time he does not mention being available. It remains to be seen if Tshabalala will ever make an official announcement.

Williams has kept 12 clean sheets in 17 league games. Ahead of the all-important second leg of the Caf Champions League semifinal against Esperance, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has backed goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to win the PSL Footballer of the Season award. ALSO READ: Springbok star picks Kaizer Chiefs as his number one PSL team Williams has once again been the saviour for the Brazilians in both the Champions League and the DStv Premiership this campaign. The 32-year-old produced heroics in the penalty shootout win against Young Africans in the quarterfinals of the continental competition. Sundowns will once again need Williams to be at his best against Esperance at Loftus Versfeld on Friday with the Tshwane giants trailing 1-0 from the first leg. Masandawa will be hoping to avoid another defeat in the last four after being knocked out by Wydad Casablanca at this stage of the competition last season. “It’s a difficult one because I think there’s been an unorthodox front runner and that is Ronwen Williams because we normally don’t consider goalkeepers to receive such awards but I when I look at Ronwen’s contribution this season for Sundowns not only on goalkeeping but also on in-field play, I think he has been head and shoulders above the rest and from a level on consistency,” Mokwena said before giving honourable mentions to other players of rival team. “There have been some moments of individual brilliance sporadically because a player like Patrick Maswanganyi deserves a special mention because I have been watching and he’s picking up towards the end of the season. You know how the mind works, it remembers the recent. I think Teboho Mokoena has been good once again and he has been at a very good level. Musa Lebusa has also been excellent and he has been hindered by injuries but I think he has had an incredible season. “I think Aubrey Modiba has been excellent before AFCON and Khuliso Mudau at the beginning was phenomenal. At Stellenbosch there have been some good performances. Ismael Toure and Iqraam Rayners have been good in the games that I’ve watched. Devin Titus has been very good for them with his speed, aggression and ability to get behind the defensive line. At TS Galaxy, Lehlohonolo Mojela has had good moments this season to help the team where it is and he deserves a special mention.” ALSO READ: Mokwena not ‘asking for eight years’ to win Champions League Sundowns head into the do-or-die clash against North Africans on the back of yet another milestone in the PSL following Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United. They now hold the record of going unbeaten in the first 22 games of the season and Williams has kept 12 clean sheets in 17 of those games. The Bafana Bafana captain has also only conceded twice in 10 Champions League matches.

After another poor display from Mo Salah, this time in the Reds’ 2-0 defeat to Everton, some Liverpool fans decided that this summer is the time to sell him. Salah is undoubtedly a legend, one of the greatest to ever wear the Red shirt you could say. However, his form since returning from injury has been a worry. With just one non-penalty goal in his last seven Premier League appearances but, more importantly, consistently poor performances, some fans think he should be sold in the summer. It is important to remember that the No. 11 was having an excellent season before leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations but, at nearly 32-years-old, Liverpool will be thinking about cashing in on Salah. If a Saudi Arabian club were to offer big money, the club and new manager may think it best to take the offer and reinvest. Here, supporters reacted to another poor showing from Salah… Salah is 32 in June. Just sell him now, I love him and he’s been a superstar but he’s not that guy anymore. At his age, in the PL, it’s just now gonna get better. I’d give Nunez another year. If he turns 30 odd GA into 40 odd that’s massive and he can. — SAM G-W (@OneSGW) April 24, 2024 People wanting rid of salah and VVD. Take a breather ffs. Was only a couple of weeks ago, we were lauding VVD for being back to us best And Mo is Mo. Without his output we would really struggle — We Are Liverpool (@WeAreLiv3rpool) April 25, 2024 “The inverted full-back tactics isolate Salah a lot. He has no support from Trent or whoever plays right back. When Trent plays, 90 percent of the time he’s looking to play the diagonal ball to the left winger. “Salah’s no where near as good as he was but him not being involved or touching the ball much is down the inverted full-back tactics, in my honest opinion.” – Michael Jones in the comments. Slot, Edwards, and Hughes need to move on Salah and Nunez. I think Diaz stays. A live threat. He and Nunez can’t coexist in the same team. Impossible. New 9 needed badly. Slot will also need a monster player for the 6 position. Can’t keep wasting MacAllister. — Steve McVeigh (@Boxingscience20) April 25, 2024 It’s time for players to go. We played some of our best football before the injured group returned, we played some of our best football when Mohamed Salah was on international duty. That’s not a negative to Salah or the injured group but, it’s time to move on and freshen up! — ? (@LFCApproved) April 25, 2024 Liverpool are still feeding off the signings they made back in 2017, the level of pressure on Van Dijk to lead at the back and for Salah to bail you out with a goal is off the scale…now one of those isnt doing that the team essentially looks shot. — Dylan Jones (@dylslam24) April 25, 2024 “Time to offload Salah and Nunez. The former has been brilliant, the latter just an absolute donkey.” – Call_Saul in the comments. I’d only sell Salah simply because of the Contract situation that’s it. Letting him walk for free in 2025 is just stupid. — Matt (@LegendEskimoBoy) April 25, 2024 Afcon 2024, the end of Mo Salah as we knew him. That injury and the disappointment of not winning it was a massive hit. Can’t believe they host that tournament mid-season all the time, makes no sense. — ?????? (@WilcoFtbl) April 25, 2024 Salah hits the ball like a 8 year old lad these days. Zero power. Dunno what’s going on — Graeme Kelly (@GraemeKelly1) April 24, 2024 “Salah was once a little monster physically, he used to hold off 6’5 centre backs for fun, now he barely challenges for the ball.” – dfhfdhgjm in the comments. I fell sorry for Luis Diaz playing 3 positions because Nunez and Salah can’t be arsed. pic.twitter.com/El16ErXLa2 — Top Of The Kop (@TOTKHQ) April 24, 2024 Salah looked off it for weeks but saved his worst for tonight. So bad. — Ian Ryan (@Ian1892T) April 24, 2024 “Salah has been a shadow of a player chasing his own shadow and having lost his confidence to the point he doesn’t attempt to dribble.” – Tim Tracey in the comments.

Orlando Pirates supporters need to expect anything next season. Tshegofatso Mabasa may be lost to Europe, or worse, Mamelodi Sundowns, just ask Thembinkosi Lorch. ORLANDO PIRATES STRIKER TSHEGOFATSO MABASA SCORING FOR FUN The 27-year-old striker from Botshabelo, Bloemfontein shone bright in the first half of the season on loan at Moroka Swallows. Mabasa scored 6 goals in 15 games before Orlando Pirates recalled him. Three months later, Mabasa is on 14 goals and three assists. INTEREST FROM EUROPE AND MAMELODI SUNDOWNS Speaking to the media after the Orlando Pirates star’s golden spell as the DStv Premiership top goalscorer, Mabasa’s agent, Gary Cassisa, has confirmed the former Bloemfontein Celtic and Grey College star is a wanted man. Cassisa has told FARPost that Mabasa is wanted by Siyabonga Ngezana’s Romanian club FCSB, several unnamed clubs in Europe, while Sundowns are also circling after nearly signing the Orlando Pirates striker in January. “The best advice I have given him is to put his head down and get the goals. One goal per game will leave him with a better chance of winning the Golden Boot and also to score more and achieve the same in the Nedbank Cup. The Orlando Pirates player’s agent continued to add: “At this point, his decision has to be considerate of his future as a player considering his age. Sundowns have the financial muscles to get him. But a chance at playing in the Champions League is not easy to resist. “FSCB want him. They are on top in the Super Liga and are likely to be playing in the UEFA Champions League. At the moment, I’m also talking to other clubs in Europe. But the idea is to help him keep his calm until the season is over. “The good thing is that [Orlando] Pirates are ready to sell and also open up space for upcoming youngsters. So we wait until the season ends. “Initially, he was supposed to have joined Mamelodi Sundowns in January, but the move couldn’t happen. Orlando Pirates exercised their options to extend the contract, but all will be settled when the season ends,” Cassisa. Mabasa’s numbers by club: Bloemfontein Celtic: 12 goals, three assists in 59 games Sekhukhune United: two goals, two assists in 20 games Moroka Swallows: Six goals, zero assists in 15 games Orlando Pirates: 26 goals, four assists in 76 games (includes his previous spell with the club before moving on loan to Sekhukhune and Swallows. Are the Buccaneers making the right decision by willingly selling Mabasa soon? Let us know in the comments section below.

Liverpool were abject in their 2-0 loss at Everton on Wednesday night, with a dreadful night dissected by two despondent Reds supporters. Jurgen Klopp‘s men displayed the same wastefulness in front of goal and lack of intensity seen in recent weeks, on one of the worst days of the season. Liverpool’s season has completely petered out after threatening so much and there is now a feeling that the end of the campaign can’t come soon enough. Here, Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) and Dan Clubbe (@dan_clubbe) discuss an awful night, Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah and more.   Just how bad was that for you? Is the title gone? DAN: Dreadful and brutal just about does it justice I think. It felt like a 90-odd-minute display of all the issues that have befallen us in recent weeks as the season has started to unravel all horrendously packed into one. For me, the title has gone, not just because we’re relying on an unlikely miracle from our rivals, but also because I have major concerns over our ability to win the last four at this point. HENRY: I couldn’t agree more. What a damp squib this has turned into! I feel like I’ve seen that game about 20 times this season – slow start, sloppy losses of possession and needless fouls given away. It was alarming just how little fight was on show – the life just looks to have been sucked out of both Jurgen and his players. Really depressing and I’m looking forward to the summer now. The title has long gone.   Are there any individuals that you’ve lost faith in? Nunez, for example? DAN: Lost faith might be a touch strong for me right now. Although undoubtedly the question marks are growing in my mind with the likes of Nunez, in particular. Whilst he clearly brings loads to the table, running as hot and as cold as he does feels a tad unsustainable unless those around are always available to pick up the slack, which hasn’t been the case. HENRY: I’m going to be a bit more harsh than Dan! I’ve lost patience and faith in Nunez – his finishing is nowhere near reliable enough to be Liverpool’s leading striker for years to come. He’s 25 this year, so he’s not a kid! I would consider getting rid of him this summer if the right offer came along – his all-round game is too messy and unpredictable. Diaz is also too wasteful – in fairness he was the only shining light last night – and with Salah completely out of sorts, those two haven’t stepped up enough.   Is it time to sell Salah? Or is that reactionary? DAN: I wouldn’t say it’s reactionary because overall his performances this season haven’t been spectacular to his previous standard, and for a long time, the output was covering over some below-par displays. We are now seeing what happens when the goals and assists dry up and the performances remain poor. In terms of his future, it would be naive not to think there will be huge discussions this summer given the fact he’s entering the final year of his contract and we all know about the strong interest from Saudi Arabia. As with a few in the squad, it’s going to be interesting to see what happens next with an almost entirely new immediate hierarchy. HENRY: I think Mo is just far from fully fit and short on confidence, and still has so much to offer in his career. That being said, if a massive Saudi offer arrived, you would surely have to consider it, seeing as he turns 32 in the summer. I can easily envisage Michael Edwards giving his exit the green light. I would prefer him to stay and think he still has two or three years in him at a high level, but he is a shadow of himself currently. As someone said last night, he’s started kicking the ball like an eight-year-old, which is harsh on eight-year-olds!   Finally, do you almost feel that Klopp is leaving at the right time? DAN: Wow! I would never say Klopp is leaving at the right time because I never want him to go, but there can be no doubt that for himself it’s the right time and recent results are probably further evidence of that. Seeing him almost crestfallen on the touchline at Goodison was horrible and he certainly has the look of a man who needs a long break from the intense pressure of the job. Also, from a squad point of view, we’re in such a healthy place despite the question marks and there is definitely cause for optimism with what comes next. Having said that, he has overseen darker times than this at the club and brought us out the other side, so if he was staying I’d back him to get it right without doubt. HENRY: I’m with Dan – I don’t want him to go! But as he says, it’s the right time to move on for Jurgen’s sake – those images of him sitting down at Goodison were hard to watch. He has nothing left to give. It’s now a case of just getting through these last four games, giving Jurgen the greatest send-off imaginable and then embarking on a new era. Nobody can replace Klopp, but let’s get behind the next manager and hope he brings a freshness to proceedings.

Kaizer Chiefs suffered their third defeat in a row, after losing 1-0 to relegation threatened Richards Bay FC on Sunday.  Chiefs have  failed to find the back of the net in their last three games with nothing going for them. It looked like that wouldn’t be the case against Richards Bay, however, as Chiefs started brightly. They had two big chances through attackers Mduduzi Shabalala and Christian Saile. On both occasions, however, they both found the keeper instead of the net, with their curling efforts. When it mattered the most, it would be the hosts who scored the decisive goal through Simphiwe Mcineka. Chiefs players argued after loss to Richards Bay according to Johnson After the game, Chiefs interim coach Cavin Johnson revealed his players were arguing in the dressing room. Now according to KickOff.com there was more than what met the eye.  Why they really fought amongst each other “Look, there’s a lot of things happening at Chiefs right now, the morale is low, some players will go out this season, they’ll have to buy new ones. The whole thing about Luke Fleurs, it’s a bit of a challenge. They are all frustrated because things are not going their way, the results are not forthcoming. Also, the players, some of them a very hurt with the whole Luke Fleurs thing, it’s just … how can I say? It’s a mess at the moment there. The players are not positive, others are trying, so they are gonna fight among each other. I think for them the best would be for the season to come to an end right now so they can regroup and refocus. But, ja, there’s a lot of internal things among the players, it’s not working. No one is happy,” said the source.  Chiefs should take solace from the fact that their next opponents, in SuperSport United have not won in 2024. They will take on Matsatsantsa in Polokwane on Saturday evening.

Orlando Pirates will be considering big player sales this winter as big offers arrive for some of their household name superstars. There’s still time for Orlando Pirates to cash in on Saleng Orlando Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng has fallen out of favour at the club and is reportedly pushing for a move. He’s appeared 15 times in the DStv Premiership this campaign, with three goals and an assist. He returned to the side in Pirates’ electrifying 3-2 win against Kaizer Chiefs on 9 March. He scored a match-winning brace that day but it turned out to be a false dawn for the player. According to the German website transfermarkt, despite Saleng’s dip in form in 2023-24, his transfer value has peaked at €1.3m (R26.5 million). Foreign interest climaxed last season when Saleng’s scintillating form earned him the PSL Players’ Player of the Year gong. However, local clubs still know what the 26-year-old Bafana man can do. Transfer request According to The Citizen, the 26-year-old has submitted a transfer request. This could alert the likes of Sundowns. “I think the failed moves at the end of last season affected Monnapule somehow. He was never the same player after that,” said the source. “But he is over that right now and you can see whenever he comes in that he is more focused right now. But it looks like the coach wants to turn him into an impact player and he is not happy with that hence he will ask the club to let him go and play somewhere else,” added the source. Saleng is a wanted man. ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix BUCCANEERS FIXTURES ON THE HORIZON Sun 28 Apr vs Royal AM (A) – 15:00 Wed 01 May vs Cape Town City (A) – 15:00 Sat 04 May vs Chippa (A) – 15:00 (Nedbank Cup semi-final) Sat 11 May vs Richards Bay (H) – 20:00 Riveiro’s Sea Robbers are still on the hunt for booty Jose Riveiro’s Sea Robbers have defended their MTN8 crown this season and are on course to do the same in the Nedbank Cup. Their next assignment is a semi-final away to Chippa next Saturday, the 4th of May. Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro at the Orlando Stadium. Image: @orlandopirates/X. WHERE DO YOU THINK SALENG’S FUTURE LIES? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest DStv Premiership news.

Liverpool’s loss to Everton was a real blow to the Reds’ hopes of winning the Premier League, and there were two key metrics by which Liverpool were outperformed. It isn’t very often that Liverpool supporters are the ones having to keep their heads down around the city following a derby, but that is certainly the case this time. Everton were jubilant after their first win against Liverpool in front of fans since 2010, as they moved from 16th in the Premier League to 16th in the Premier League. While the Reds dominated periods of the match, and should have scored at least a couple, they were statistically battered in one area of the play.   Reds in the air Everton won the match thanks to their superiority at set-pieces, an area Liverpool have typically excelled in defending under Klopp. At Goodison Park, though, Sean Dyche’s team were like giants to the Red shirts who were routinely beaten in the air. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal was the high point, but throughout the 90 minutes Everton dominated Liverpool aerially, with only Virgil van Dijk able to get near the Blues. According to FotMob, only four Liverpool players won aerial duels all night. The captain won nine, more than anyone on the pitch, and Ibrahima Konate won four while Jarell Quansah and Alexis Mac Allister both won one. This meant that of the the top 10 players aerial duel winners on the night, just two were Liverpool players. The problem was most noticeable at corners and set-pieces, where Everton consistently won the first ball.   Same problem on the ground Luis Diaz was probably Liverpool’s standout player on the night, and not just for his ability to drive at the Everton defence. He was also the Reds’ most tenacious player, winning both of his tackles and seven of his 13 ground duels. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of any other Liverpool player. Like in the aerial duels department, they were outperformed in the ground duels statistic, having just two players in the top six. On the whole, it was another disappointing showing from Liverpool who were made to pay for not starting the game with enough intensity in front of a raucous Goodison crowd. FotMob is an essential app for every fan to keep up to date with their team or follow football worldwide, their incredible new features provide all you could ever want and information you never knew you needed! You can download the FotMob App here.

“Conditions were very humid, very hot, ” said the Amajimbos coach. The South African Under-17  team, Amajimbos, lost 2-1 to a 10-man Colombia outfit in the second international friendly match in Palmira on Wednesday afternoon. ALSO READ: Khumalo proud of Amajimbos after draw with Colombia Neo Bohloko scored the opening goal of the match in the 56th minute, but Amajimbos conceded the equaliser five minutes later. The home side then took the lead in the last 11 minutes of the match to register their first win over Amajimbos, with the teams having played to a 2-2 draw on Monday. Amajimbos coach Vela Khumalo blamed the hot weather conditions in Palmira for the loss. “Conditions were very humid, very hot, without maybe moving away from the game itself. We played very well, but again learning needs to happen,” said Khumalo in a short video made by Safa media. WATCH – Ex-Sundowns star Mailula dances after first Toronto goal “Playing a team that doesn’t come at you, playing low block, double low blow, where we needed to explore the width of the game, We tried, but at the same time I’m not blaming my boys, they tried to keep possession and they tried to play well. We only needed a moment of individual brilliance, a dribbling person to dribble and create situations where it’s two versus one, but other than that we did well.” “We are far from finished as we are still working on creating a team that will take us to the U17 Afcon and the 2025 Fifa U17 World Cup,” concluded Khumalo.

“This is my second season if you want to call it that and we have done back-to-back semifinals,” Mokwena said. With all the talk that it would be a failure if Mamelodi Sundowns don’t reach the Caf Champions League final, Rulani Mokwena has made comparisons between his time as a head coach and that of his predecessor Pitso Mosimane. ALSO READ: Chiefs-Sundowns moved as PSL squeeze in extra Masandawana fixture Mokwena who was one of the assistant coaches to Mosimane the last time Sundowns lifted the continental club competition eight years ago went on a rant about the difficulty of taking the club to the promised land. The 37-year-old has a difficult task of overturning the 1-0 deficit from the first leg of the semifinal against Esperance. The must-win return leg against the North Africans takes place at Loftus Versfeld on Friday with the winner set to play either Al-Ahly or TP Mazembe in the final. “I look at the Champions League with a different perspective because I’ve been here before. I was an assistant coach to the previous coach (Pitso Mosimane) for a very long time. The previous coach was here for eight years and he had eight years to try to win the Champions League and we only won the Champions League once,” Mokwena pointed out. “We only played in the semifinals of the Champions League twice because the other year we got to the final. In eight years under the previous coach we played the semifinals twice and won it once. “This is my second season if you want to call it that and we have done back-to-back semifinals already and sometimes I have a feeling that people don’t appreciate that. “You have to go to a team like Manchester City for example where they lost to a team like Real Madrid. With all the investments at Manchester City and the players, Pep Guardiola has only won the Champions League once in 12 years. “It’s called the Champions League because it’s the league of champions. Of course the level is going to be higher and the margin for error will be small.” Although Mokwena is hopeful of getting past Esperance in front of their home fans, he pleaded for more time to turn Sundowns into force on the continent suggesting that the 2016 champions are still taking baby steps on the biggest club competition in Africa. ALSO READ: Mashego backs Sundowns to reach Champions League final “When you look at the profile of the teams in the Champions League, there are 21 champions league trophies amongst the last four. There is Al-Ahly with 11, TP Mazembe with five, Esperance with four and then Sundowns with one. “So what gives us the God-given right to think it’s going to be a walk in the park and win the Champions League and beat Esperance?” he asked. “We have to work hard for it and suffer for it. We have to lose sometimes in the games like we lost away,” Mokwena concluded.

Kaizer Chiefs are believed to be ready to make some major changes to their playing staff next season. Even though there have been names linked with a move to Chiefs, the club is also set to release some. Players like Siyethemba Sithebe and Sifiso Hlanti have been mentioned, with their deals up soon. They have been joined by Happy Mashiane and Zitha Kwinika of late. One player that has been fighting those exit rumours at Chiefs is Njabulo Ngcobo. Now besides those names, the likes of Edmilson Dove, George Matlou and Keagan Dolly will see their contracts run out. While other players on that list may have the chance to fight for their Chiefs future’s still, Dolly might not. Dolly recently injured himself in a game against Golden Arrows, a victory before the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates. That was just three games into his gradual come back from a long-term layoff.  The injury Dolly suffered is a fractured toe and earlier this week, this publication reported that it could end his Chiefs career. The last update suggested that there was still hope yet for the attacker at Amakhosi. It was thought that his future would only be decided by whoever the new coach will be.  Chiefs and Dolly to part ways? But now according to the latest reports from Rushsportson on X Dolly and Chiefs have failed to agree on renewal terms. “BREAKING NEWS Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Keagan Dolly failed to reach an agreement with Chiefs. This comes after kaizer Chiefs asked him to cut his salary, but he refused.the midfielder will be free to join any team of his choice in June.” Posted the account.  Same situation as Billiat? Rushsportson is a source with more misses than hits so information should be taken with a pinch of salt. Should the situation surrounding Dolly prove to be true, however, it would mirror that of his good friend Khama Billiat. The former Zimbabwe international and Chiefs failed to agree on reduced terms, which saw the player end up leaving on a free.