Author Archives: Ezimtoti News

AmaZulu Football Club have officially secured the services of versatile defender Sandile Mthethwa (27) and experienced central midfielder Bongani Zungu (32) ahead of the second round of the Betway Premiership campaign.

  Both players join Usuthu on permanent deals as free agents following successful medicals.
    The pair were warmly welcomed by club President Sandile Zungu at the AmaZulu Fan Experience on Tuesday afternoon.
Hailing from Empangeni in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Mthethwa joins AmaZulu after his recent stint with Orlando Pirates. The defender expressed his pride and determination to leave a legacy at Usuthu.
    “I will do everything within my power to make my mark in the history of AmaZulu, lift my family name, and help the club return to the top four,” Mthethwa told AmaZulufc.net.
   He further shared his gratitude to the club for their long-standing interest in bringing him on board.
“I’m thankful to AmaZulu for believing in me. I’ve heard there were previous attempts to sign me, and now that I’m here, I want to show my appreciation through hard work on the pitch.
“This club is close to my heart—it’s just two hours away from my hometown, Empangeni—so I feel at home already. I know the journey ahead won’t be easy, but I promise to give my all for this badge.” CONTINUES Experienced midfielder Bongani Zungu, formerly of Mamelodi Sundowns and a well-travelled professional, brings invaluable experience to AmaZulu. He is excited about his role under co-coaches Arthur Zwane and Vusumuzi Vilakazi.
“My personal goal is to help the team climb as high as possible on the log table, assist the younger players, and bring my experience to the squad,” said Zungu.
The Duduza-born (East of Johannesburg) midfielder emphasized his ambition to add silverware to AmaZulu’s cabinet.
      “Everywhere I’ve played, I’ve managed to win trophies, and I want to bring that same winning mentality here. I know what it takes to win, and that’s my aim.
“I’m also thrilled to be coached by Arthur Zwane and Vusi Vilakazi. I’ve watched AmaZulu’s games, and the team plays the modern game. My understanding of the game will help the team, but I know I have to work hard to earn my place.”

  Champion fans cast more than four million votes to select a strong squad for the Carling All-Star team, which will look to defend the Carling Black Label Cup when they take on Carling Knockout champions Magesi FC on Saturday, 21st December at Orlando Stadium. Orlando Pirates FC’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was the most popular player among champion fans, receiving more than 63 000 votes. Chaine leads a starting XI that consists only of players from Orlando Pirates FC, Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Kaizer Chiefs FC. These three giants have been shocked by the electric Magesi FC, which should make the Carling Black Label Cup an explosive affair against two sets of players with a point to prove.

Chaine will be part of a starting XI whose back four consists of the Pirates’ pair of Jabulani Mokone and Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

Chiefs’ Aiden McCarthy will partner Mbokazi in central defence, with Sundowns’ left-back Asekho Tiwani completing the defence.
The Sundowns’ pair of Gomolemo Kekana and Bathusi Aubaas will marsh the midfield.

Chiefs’ Gaston Sirino and Pirates’ Relebohile Mofokeng will be on the wings. The Chiefs’ pair of Ashley du Preez and Naledi Hlongwane will lead the attack. The All-Star team is a mix of experience and the next generation – with five players coming from Diski sides and the other six from the first teams campaigning in the Premier Soccer League.

“As the exciting Carling Black Label Cup looms, we reflect on a campaign that has already seen over four million votes cast,” said Kerryn Greenleaf, Carling Black Label’s Brand Director.”

“The Carling All-Star team, with a squad wholly selected by champion fans in a never-seen-before mash-up, will be looking to defend the trophy they won last year.”

“It will be interesting to see…can the Magesi FC team of giant slayers, slay a team of collective giants in the spiritual home of South African football!? We encourage the fans to get their tickets early for something that will truly be special.”   2 | Page  “We encourage the fans to get there early because it will be a spectacle with entertainment both on and off the field.” Tickets for the Carling Black Label Cup are on sale for as little as R50 at Ticketpro as well as Shoprite outlets nationwide. Champion fans will be entertained by football and a stellar cast of entertainers. Once again, they will be in line to win R90 000 through the Fak’iGoal Uzobona initiative.

The campaign seeks to promote the scoring of early goals by rewarding the champion fan who correctly predicts the team that will score the first goal and the minute it will be scored.

The prize starts at R90 000 and decreases by R1 000 with each passing minute. The champion fan who makes the correct prediction will receive the remaining amount – with the club that scores first getting an equal portion.

Champion fans will also select the Man of the Match, who will receive a cool R100 000 winner’s cheque.

The Carling All-Star team will be led by coach Jose Riveiro, who won the Carling Black Label Cup with the side last year against Stellenboch FC in Polokwane.

The Spaniard will have a strong bench to call up to change the game. Nqobani Biyela is the reserve goalkeeper. The defenders that will start on the bench are Dimpho Mdalane, Xolani Cossa, Akhanyisile Sinoti and Reeve Frosler.
The midfield and attack will boast Mfundo Vilakazi, Sanele Phiri, Simphiwe Selepe, Monnapule Saleng, Thembinkosi Lorch, Patrick Maswanganyi and Tshegofatso Mabasa.

Source: M-Sports Marketing

Mamelodi Sundowns today announced the appointment of Miguel De Azevedo Cardoso as the new Head Coach of the Club with immediate effect.

The introduction of the new Coaching Technical Team was necessitated by the recent unsatisfactory results despite the commitment of the Sundowns Board to give Manqoba Mngqithi and his Technical Team an opportunity to lead the Club going into the future.

Coach Miguel was the Head Coach of Espérance Sportive de Tunis and reached the finals of the 2023/24 CAF Champions League.

He joins Sundowns with three of his assistants namely, Fabio Fernandes, Pedro Azevedo and João Araújo.
Coach Miguel, has coached in Portugal, Spain, France, Greece, and Ukraine at some of the biggest Clubs such as Porto, Braga, Deportivo La Coruna, Celta Vigo, AEK Athens, Nantes and Shaktar Donetsk.  Coaches Steve Komphela and Kennedy Mweene, will remain as part of the Club’s new Technical Team.

Mamelodi Sundowns is thankful to Manqoba Mngqithi and Wendell Robinson for their loyal services to the club over the years and wishes them everything of the best in their new endevours.

Manqoba Mngqithi and Wendell Robinson will forever remain part of the Mamelodi Sundowns Family.

Mamelodi Sundowns is also thankful to Romain Folz who recently joined the club. 

The players will meet the recently appointed Coaches when they return to training on Wednesday.

Source: Mamelodi Sundowns

Betway South Africa, in partnership with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) are thrilled to announce exciting developments in their ground-breaking Betway Premiership trophy design in collaboration with internationally renowned artist, Nelson Makamo.         Makamo, who’s bespoke artistry continues to be revered on the global stage has partnered with Betway as the creative and cultural spearhead in a first-of-its-kind design journey that will culminate in the unveiling of the Betway Premiership Trophy towards the end of this inaugural season.

In line with its commitment to South African football, the Betway Premiership Trophy will be presented to the PSL as its Lifetime Trophy, signifying Betway’s unwavering commitment to future-proofing South African football for generations to come.

As he began his creative odyssey into the heart of South African football heritage, Makamo recently met with PSL Chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza at the PSL’s headquarters, as part of his research phase.

The meeting with Dr Khoza was for the PSL Chairman to walk Makamo through the rich history of South African football, the PSL’s evolution into being the best league in Africa and how the Betway Premiership Trophy can be a symbol of this exceptional rise.

“It was an honour to meet the Chairman. There was no way this project could have started without first receiving his blessing, because he knows so much about the history and legacy of football,” Makamo explained.

Makamo, who also grew up playing the game and was named after one of South Africa’s greatest players, Nelson ‘Teenage’ Dladla, expressed his personal delight to being a part of such a historic moment for the sport in the country.

“I can say that football really is in my blood. I know what it has done for us as a people, and when I received this call, I was humbled by the opportunity and the responsibility given to me,” he said.

“I have worked around the world, but this project means so much to me because it is something that we will look at years from now and be proud of what we have created,” Makamo said of the new trophy design.
Dr Khoza welcomed the appointment of Makamo, pointing out that football and art are both deeply ingrained across South African culture.

“I was very excited when I heard that Betway are working with a talent of Nelson Makamo’s calibre. Football and art are about expression, emotion and people.

Nelson Makamo’s work speaks for itself and having now met him, I know he has a deep passion for football and the game’s history in this country. I am so proud that this trophy will be created by one of our own, to celebrate the very best of us,” Dr Khoza said. “I am a football fan first. So, I want to see this new trophy for the first time when the rest of South Africa sees it. I love surprises, and I cannot wait to see what Nelson Makamo creates,” concluded the PSL Chairman.

Reiterating the brand’s commitment to the past, present and the future of South African football, Betway’s Head of Marketing Mark Rowles explained that the trophy that will be created by Makamo is a gift from the Betway Premiership sponsors. “Collaborating with an artist is ambitious and exciting, which is exactly what we and the Premier Soccer League are about. His work has gone around the world, and he represents the very best that we have to offer as a country. We are delighted to have him on board, to create something unique, which will live forever as a testament to our commitment to football,” said Rowles. Over the next few months, Makamo’s creative journey will take him across the country, as he finds inspiration from the past and present of the Betway Premiership, before unveiling the trophy in May.

“We want the football lovers of South Africa to feel involved in the process. This is not just a Betway Premiership trophy. It is also their trophy. We want this to be an enduring symbol of the wonderful impact that football has had on millions of people across generations,” Rowles concluded. Football lovers are invited to follow Makamo’s creative process over the next six months.

Regular updates of his research, inspiration and creation phases of the #BetwayPremTrophy will be shared across all Betway and PSL social pages. Developments of the Betway Premiership Trophy design and production will officially be communicated jointly by the PSL and Betway in due course

Source: PSL

THE Betway 12th Man Programme, an initiative aimed at equipping former sports legends with entrepreneurial skills, concluded its second season with a grand graduation ceremony and announced the first highly anticipated Betway Innovation Series winner.
    In a glittering graduation ceremony held on Wednesday evening in Joburg, Betway in partnership with the 12 icons were joined by various sports industry stakeholders to recognise the remarkable achievements that came from the courageous decision taken by the participants to join the life-changing programme.

   Uniquely designed by the globally acclaimed sports betting brand, the Betway 12th Man is a bold initiative taken by Betway in a bid to curb the continued plight of unemployment and depression faced by retired athletes in South Africa.

    Over the six-month period, the legends comprising of former athletes across the fields of football, rugby, cricket, netball, mixed-martial arts, boxing and canoeing were exposed to theoretical and practical modules across Marketing, Media, Event Management, Branding and Entrepreneurship by various sport and business industry experts.

    While Wednesday marked the conclusion of the programme, the journey continues over the next six months for all 12, following the final module of the programme which was the Betway Innovation Series that saw the participants paired in groups to present a business idea to a panel of judges who will also act as mentors in guiding them to gradually build and scale their business ideas.

   The evening’s highlight was the announcement of the Betway Innovation Series winners who’s business ideas won them a share of the R300 000.00 made available by Betway to start up their businesses.

   Here are Betway 12th Man Innovation Series Winners:

Nontle Gwavu – Elite Netball Academy win R110 000.00
    To unearth, incubate and nurture young netballers by providing them with high quality coaching, mentorship and competitive opportunities

Dino Baggatin & Hekkie Budler got R100 000.00 each
     Nice Guys Management: A program that teaches Combat Sports for the Youth in underprivileged areas as well as relieve stress & anxiety in the work environment

   Benson Mhlongo – Sports Legends Live:
A television show that connects fans with sports legends.

     The panel of judges included (Ashley Kotzin, Khumo Shuenyane and Mark Rowles) who will all remain at the disposal of the participants in their new and exciting chapters of business and entrepreneurship.


      “We are immensely proud of all the Betway 12th Man participants. Their journey over the past few months has been nothing short of inspiring thanks to their commitment to the programme. As a brand that is deeply invested in South African sport, such initiatives underscore our passion for sport in its totality, which includes our retired stars who have given so much to the rich history books of South African sport.

Through such a programme, Betway not only demonstrates its appreciation to them, but aims to guide them in re-inventing themselves for the world of business and entrepreneurship,” said Mark Rowles, Head of Marketing at Betway South Africa.

Thanking Betway on behalf of all participants, Hekkie Butler said the programme has helped and inspired the entire group in leveraging their strong brands as former athletes into the new and exciting world of business.

“It has showed me that there is life outside of boxing. I can actually use the skills I learnt through boxing and using in the corporate world and in just helping people that need help and this is through this Betway 12^th Man programme”, said Butler.

“I have learnt how to communicate better. With this project that I am working with Dino (Baggatin) on our pitch, we want to get kids out of the rough areas and teach people self-discipline and defend themselves. It is because of the Betway 12^th Man programme skills that we have learnt that we are able to help our communities”, Butler concluded.

The graduation ceremony was also attended by the Betway 12^th Man season 1 graduates as well as various Betway Brand Ambassadors which included Victor Matfield, Lucas Radebe as well as Simphiwe Dludlu – who have all travelled the journey with the legends as guest speakers and advisors over the last few months.

BETWAY 12^th MAN GRADUATES:

Benson Mhlongo (Football); Benedict Vilakazi (Football); Janine Van Wyk (Football); Maud Khumalo (Football); Ayavuya Myoli (Cricket); Mangaliso Mosehle (Cricket); Hekkie Budler (Boxing); Dino Baggatin (MMA); Morgan Newman (Rugby); Bridgitte Hartley (Canoeing); Nontle Gwavu (Netball); Phumza Maweni (Netball).

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is deeply saddened by the passing of South African football icon, Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe.

Affectionately known as “Modimo wa Bolo”, Moripe is one of the finest South African football talents to ever grace the pitch.

His illustrious career saw him play for prominent clubs such as Pretoria Bantu Callies Football Club and Orlando Pirates Football Club in the professional ranks. He also had a stint at Caroline Hills Football Club in Hong Kong.

In recognition of his immense contribution to football in South Africa, the PSL has engaged the Premier of Gauteng Province for the legend to be accorded an official Provincial Funeral.

A moment of silence will be observed in his honour in the Carling Knockout Final, as well all Motsepe Foundation Championship, DStv Diski Challenge, and Betway Premiership fixtures over the next two weeks.

The PSL extends its heartfelt condolences to the Moripe family during this difficult time.

The League is also in contact with the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Foundation to remain informed about the date of the funeral.

May his soul repose peacefully.

Source: PSL

Orlando Pirates players will once again be at the heart of the action in the upcoming set of Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

    A total of eight Buccaneers have received call-ups ahead of the November international break, headlined by the final two rounds of fixtures in the race for spots in the continental showpiece held in Morocco next year.

   Three nations will have some representation from the current Bucs setup, following squad announcements made by the respective national coaches of Angola, Namibia and South Africa over the past week. Bafana Bafana leads the call-ups with six players from the Pirates squad named in coach Hugo Broos’s 23-man lineup.

    In among them is in-form striker Evidence Makgopa who makes a return to the squad, having last featured during the previous AFCON tournament earlier in the year.             The 24-year-old strengthened his cause with a match-winning strike in club colours earlier in the week, taking his goal tally for the season to six across competitions.

He is one of three Pirates forwards named in the squad, with Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng also making the cut after featuring throughout the ongoing qualifiers.            Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine is also retained alongside defender Nkosinathi Sibisi, while midfielder Thalente Mbatha returns after pulling out of the previous squad through injury.

     South Africa are currently second in Group K and travel to Uganda on Friday, 15 November for a top-of-the-table battle at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. They round up their qualifiers by welcoming South Sudan to Cape Town the following Tuesday.

       For Angola, attacking midfielder Gilberto is the sole Bucs player in the squad named by Pedro Gonçalves earlier in the week.         This is after returning to the fold during the Palancas Negras’ back-to-back victories against Niger in October when he made late cameos in each of the two fixtures.

       The wins helped them book their spot in the showpiece event, and they will be looking to maintain their perfect record as they host Ghana before departing for their final clash against Sudan.

Namibia meanwhile have included the experienced Deon Hotto ahead of dead-rubber clashes against Cameroon and Kenya.                     The Brave Warriors dropped out of the race for places in Morocco after losing to Zimbabwe home and away with both games played at Orlando Stadium.

    With only pride to play for in the upcoming fixtures, the Bucs stalwart will be one their key players as they also look to avoid finishing at the bottom of Group J.

        He will be among the first on display when his side hosts the Indomitable Lions in their adopted home in Soweto on Wednesday before jetting off for their closing fixture against the Harambee Stars.

AFCON Qualifiers Featuring Orlando Pirates Players

Wednesday, 13 November
● Namibia vs Cameroon at Orlando Stadium, Kick-off at 15:00

Friday, 15 November
● Uganda vs South Africa at Mandela National Stadium, 15:00
● Angola vs Ghana at Estádio 11 de Novembro, 21:00

Monday, 18 November
● Sudan vs Angola at Martyrs of Benina Stadium, 18:00

Tuesday, 18 November
● South Africa vs South Sudan at Cape Town Stadium, 15:00
● Kenya vs Namibia at Mandela National Stadium

Source: Orlando Pirates

The title sponsor of the Betway Premiership, Betway proudly partnered with the Premier Soccer League on Wednesday, 06 November, to promote responsible gambling in recognition of National Responsible Gambling Month.

At a joint media briefing held at the PSL headquarters in Johannesburg, which was attended by the Chairman of the PSL, Dr Irvin Khoza alongside Betway CEO, Laurence Michel – the two parties together with the Executive Director, Sibongile Simelane-Quntana of the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) made a joint plea to fans to exercise precaution and be responsible when engaging with sports betting platforms.
Since its ground-breaking takeover of the Premiership, Betway’s innovative sponsorship of the largest football property in Africa has been equally supported by the brand’s extensive educational drive and strong stance against irresponsible gambling. 

With November recognised as National Responsible Gambling Month, the Betway Premiership affords the league’s title sponsors, in partnership with the PSL a month-long heightened period of further amplifying Betway’s ongoing Bet Responsibly messaging, which continues to live across the brand’s marketing collateral. 

“As proud title sponsors of the Betway Premiership, we continue to act on our responsibility as a leading global sports betting brand, to educate our customers and the South African public about responsible gambling.          Through our partnership with the PSL, Betway remains committed to its objective of encouraging responsible gambling across all its platforms.       We therefore reiterate our messaging of Bet Responsibly to all football fans and our customers during the month of November and beyond,” said Betway CEO, Laurence Michel.

Betway’s efforts of encouraging customers to bet responsibly were recently recognised at the 20th anniversary of the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation gala dinner where the globally acclaimed brand was awarded, Best Responsible Gambling Operator Messaging and Marketing Campaign.
Speaking on behalf of the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation, Executive Director, Sibongile Simelane-Quntana emphasised the foundation’s mandate of prioritising the well-being of gamblers, while also heaping praise on Betway and the PSL in their joint efforts of using their extensive platforms in encouraging responsible gambling. 

“The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation’s mandate is to prioritise the well-being of gamblers and their families by leading advocacy and raising awareness about responsible gambling. Collaborating with Betway and the PSL during National Responsible Gambling Month is part of our effort to highlight not only the potential risks of problem gambling but also the availability of free support services, such as counselling and treatment, for those facing gambling addiction,” said Simelane-Quntana.          Throughout the Betway Premiership November fixtures, Betway alongside its brand ambassadors will be on an aggressive drive to further raise awareness on responsible gambling.               For anyone needing free counselling and treatment support with responsible gambling, please contact the National Responsible Gambling Programme toll free counselling line at 0800 006 008 or WhatsApp Help to 076 675 0710 for assistance.

Source: PSL

8 October 2024 – Coach Maud Khumalo will guide the Banyana Banyana team that is to participate in the 2024 COSAFA Women’s Championships in Gqeberha from 22 October 2024 – 2 November 2024.

The former U20 Women’s National Team coach has called up a mix of players who mainly ply their trade in the HollywoodBets Super League, with many of them having played for the U17 and U20 junior teams.

“I am honoured to be taking up this role as COSAFA is a really great tournament for our players.  We are blessed to have the quality of players we have, but it will be important that we work on how to play as a unit, because many of them are playing against each other week in and out in the Super League,” said Khumalo.

“We have seen the draw for the COSAFA Championships and are looking forward to having a great tournament, as players will be looking to raise their hand for selection next year.

The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana have been drawn in Group A and will play their Group stage matches against Eswatini, Seychelles and Namibia

Following the exciting launch of the Carling Knockout and the Round of 16 draw held on Tuesday, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) has officially announced the dates, venues, and kick-off times for the Round of 16 fixtures.

The matches are set to take place over the weekend of 18–20 October 2024, with the matches scheduled on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tickets will be available at TicketPro outlets nationwide, with further details on ticket availability to be provided soon.

Defending champions Stellenbosch FC will kick off the action on Friday, 18 October, as they face AmaZulu FC at the King Zwelithini Stadium, with the match starting at 19h00.

Saturday, 19 October, will feature four fixtures, beginning at 15h00 with Orlando Pirates hosting Magesi FC at Orlando Stadium and Cape Town City taking on Royal AM at Athlone Stadium. The action continues in the evening, with Mamelodi Sundowns facing Lamontville Golden Arrows at Lucas Moripe Stadium at 18h00, followed by Polokwane City versus Marumo Gallants at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium at 20h00.

On Sunday, 20 October, TS Galaxy FC will play Chippa United at Mbombela Stadium, while SuperSport United meets Kaizer Chiefs at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, with both matches kicking off at 15h00. The Round of 16 will conclude with Richards Bay FC going up against Sekhukhune United at King Zwelithini Stadium at 17h30.

Source: PSL