Author Archives: Ezimtoti News

  By KOPANO MONAHENG
SUPERSPORT United players will be doing the defending champions Orlando Pirates no favours when the sides clash in an MTN 8 quarter finals at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday 6pm.
        Matsatsantsa have been doing well in the Betway Premiership league even though they have not won any silverware in the past four seasons.             Going back to Orlando this weekend to compete in the same tournament will motivate Gavin Hunt’s boys to come out victorious.                 Bradley Grobler         helped Matsatsantsa bag their third top eight silverware when they beat debutants Highlands Park with a lone first half header in a lively but poorly attended MTN8 final at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on the night of October 5, 2019.
         Coached by Kaitano Tembo then, the boys were very much content to absorb the early pressure and only catch their speedy opponents with transition before Grobler pounced with his typical glancing header at the right time to confirm his team as cup kings of recent times in South African football.
     With the MTN 8 Cup prize money being increased from R8 million to R10 million will make the encounter even more exciting as both teams would want to win it for their supporters.
   SuperSport have won the cup three times compared to Pirates with 12 winnings with Kaizer Chiefs being the leading team with 15 titles.
   The duo Grobler and his team captain Thulani Hlatshwayo know that this is the best time to meet       Amabhakabhaka as they are a difficult team to beat once they reach to the semis and finals.
But they promised their fans to expect a very entertaining game of football on the day and hopefully the stadium would be full to capacity as fans are now hungry for the league to start.
Said Grobler:
    “We know what’s at stake, we want to keep competitive games going and we are looking forward to the match,” he said.
       Grobler predicted that the 2024/2025           Betway Premiership season would be tougher but he’s hoping to score more goals to help his team win more cups and most importantly the league, while he also wants to get a golden boot again.                However Hlatshwayo believes that his experience and that of a former Pirates winger Vincent Pule will help them executive their plan on Saturday to knock Pirates out of the cup.
SuperSport is thrilled to announce ACDC Express as their new sleeve sponsor for the next three years.
          The partnership brings together two dynamic organisations committed to excellence and innovation, enhancing their mutual goals and values.
SuperSport United CEO, Stanley Matthews, said they were excited for the new sponsorship.
“We look forward to helping ACDC achieve their goals just as their sponsorship adds value to our goal of winning more trophies and producing more talent that South Africa can be proud of.”

By Rapule Ramalepa

NOT only Pitso Mosimane is known for giving other local coaches a chance to work alongside him.            But the former Sundowns man has taken it upon himself to empower local coaches armed with Safa D Licence to work with kids who are 6-15 years of age through his foundation, the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools.   Over 50 coaches would be placed in schools across the Gauteng to share their soccer knowledge and skills with boy and girl soccer teams. The Jingle has also urged more legends to come on board.

   “I would like to see many of our legends coach instead of sitting at home,” he said adding that these crop of coaches will one day coach big teams like Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.      But until then, their focus must be on developing these youngsters.

“Everybody here is qualified. We also have our inductions inside, where we make sure that they know how to sharpen the skill.”

    Mosimane is funding the project from his own pocket and hopes corporate will come on board to assist him in seeing the programme to its success.

         “I do this through my foundation. When you want to let business people know you wish to start a business at schools, they pay heed to you as they are familiar with you.      However, they’ll say to come to them once you start,” he said.

    “You must have people to do that. It has cost us a lot of money, trust me. We have 50 coaches that need to be paid.         So we are hoping that some of the people who are in leadership and sponsorship will come and develop the children.”

Kaizer Chiefs Football Club,in partnership with Italian sportswear brand, Kappa, ispleased to present their latest home and away kits for the upcoming 2024/2025 season.

       This marks the second year of the successful collaboration between Kaizer Chiefs and Kappa.

      The striped home jersey pays tribute to previous iconic jerseys of Kaizer Chiefs, with a cultural reference to warriors’ face paint, representing the indomitable spirit and history of Kaizer Chiefs over the last 54 years. Furthermore, the team’s sponsors are placed on a podium, symbolizing gratitude for the consistent support.

     For the away jersey, fans can expect a sleek black design featuring a geometric pattern, inspired by the Kaizer Chiefs logo. The longest feather of the chief’s warbonnet has been used to create a pinstripe-like pattern, symbolizing strength and unity.        This jersey pays homage to the Club’s resilience and tenacity, while embracing a modern and stylish look.

     The creative implementation of the Club’s traditional gold and black is represented within both home and away kits as the inverse of one another, showcasing how the supporters’ spirit always feels at home, regardless of the city, province or country the team plays in.

      Both jerseys are crafted with Kombat Pro technology developed by Kappa, meeting all the technical requirements needed at the highest level.       The quality of the materials used, especially the 100% recycled polyester, also testifies to Kappa’s commitment to providing first-class fabric while respecting the environment. The high-quality materials and innovative technology will ensure optimal performance on the field, while providing fans with a fashionable and comfortable way to support their favourite team.

    “We arethrilled to continue our partnership with Kappa for another year and truly proud to unveil these new jerseys that reflect the passion and pride of Kaizer Chiefs,” says Kaizer Chiefs Marketing and Commercial Director, Jessica Motaung.

    “We believe these designs will inspire our players as we embark on the upcoming season andresonate well with our fans who are dominant in stadiums wherever we play, which is why we’ve coined our season mantra of ‘Always Home’.”

      “We look forward to an auspicious season, one that will see the Club reach its 55th anniversaryin January, a milestone we will celebrate with our fans. Another momentous occasion that we are looking forward to this season is the 80th birthday celebration of our Chairman and found of Kaizer Chiefs, Dr Kaizer ‘ChinchaGuluva’ Motaung.”

     The jersey is expected to retail for around R1299 at various outlets around the country and online for those who prefer to shop from the comfort of their homes and those who are outside of South Africa.

    But what is a jersey launch without a compelling campaign to tell the story of the Club?
     Supporters are at the heart of the 2024/2025 campaign, celebrating what it truly means to be a Kaizer Chiefs supporter. Whether you are a 9-year-old boy, a 68-year-oldgogo, an artist, an actor, an influencer or just a spirited individual with a passion for football, the emotional connection shared by supporters is unbreakable and never conquered.

     Director and head of Kappa SA, Ricky Joseph concluded by saying: “Given the love and support of the fans’ response to last season’s kits, we worked even harder with Kaizer Chiefs and the design teams in Italy, to create new designs that will once again dazzle our supporters. The new kits are not only breathtaking to look at on the field but will also inspire the team to perform at their highest level. We have once again ensured that supporters have access to all the clothing items that the players will wear on and off the field. This aims to continue to allow fans to enjoy representing Kaizer Chiefs with the entire new exciting seasons range.”

    The team will don the new home and away jerseys for the first time when they take the pitch in the inaugural Toyota Cup against Tanzania’s Young Africans SC at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

      The new Kaizer Chiefs jerseys, t-shirts, tracksuit, training kit, as well as other new season merchandise, will be available for purchase onlinewww.kcdigistore.com, the Kaizer Chiefs Village store, Kappa outlets and at various retailers, allowing fans to show their support for the team in style. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting announcements as we gear up for another unforgettable season ahead.

Source: Kaizer Chiefs

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is proud to announce Betway, South Africa’s leading online sports and gaming brand, as the premier division’s new title sponsor.
          The premier division of football will now be known as the Betway Premiership.  Chairman of the Premier Soccer League, Dr Irvin Khoza welcomed the new deal as a major boost to the sport:

      “This is a massive boost for every lover of football in this country. Our partnership with Betway confirms our league’s standing as one of the best in the world and heralds a wonderful future for our game.           Betway’s energy and enthusiasm will have immediate impact across all facets of the game, and on behalf of the PSL, I am proud to welcome them on board as title sponsor and partner.” 

      Laurence Michel, Betway Africa, believes that the deal marks the beginning of a new era for the premier division, adding that Betway looks forward to help in writing a new chapter in the PSL’s rich soccer history. 

        “Football is a fundamental part of South African life. It really is in our blood and has been for generations. We are incredibly proud to be the title partner of the Betway Premiership.    It further demonstrates not only our respect of the history of the league, but our vision for the development for its future.             The PSL aligns with our values as a brand that commonly champions great South African success stories,” Michel said  Formally established in 1996, but with roots that go back nearly a century, the Premier Soccer League is indisputably the most popular sporting competition in South Africa, with legendary characters, dearly-loved clubs and rivalries that capture the essence of football and culture in this country. 

       Michel explained that the Betway Premiership will lean heavily on the legacy and rich history of a football league already entrenched as one of the top ten domestic league competitions in the world and is excited by what the future holds for football in South Africa.

       “We appreciate how much football has done for people and for our country. As we begin this partnership, we want to acknowledge and celebrate what the game has accomplished in the past.    We also want to enhance the game as it stands today and, most importantly, we want to help build an even better future for the next generation of footballing stars from this country,”   Betway Group – External Use Michel added, “We are so excited by what this partnership will do for football fans in South Africa. As a brand, we are known globally for our sponsorships of the world’s biggest clubs and tournaments and that experience is going to play a huge part in driving the PSL forward.”

     This partnership further reaffirms the brand’s commitment to the South African sporting industry.      It is the latest addition to an enviable sporting partnership portfolio, which spans across a number of sports, which also includes the world champion Springboks, as well as the Betway SA20.

Source: PSL

STELLENBOSCH Football Club is delighted to announce that an agreement has been reached with Richards Bay F.C. for the transfer of Sanele Barns.
       Barns has signed a long-term contract in Stellenbosch and joins the Club on the back of an impressive domestic season in which he recorded six goals and seven assists in 35 appearances, and helped Richards Bay retain their top-flight status.
     The 27-year-old’s stellar performances throughout the campaign also saw him nominated for the 2023/24 DStv Premiership Midfielder of the Season award.
      “We are delighted to welcome Sanele to the Club,” Stellenbosch F.C. CEO Rob Benadie said. “He was one of the standout performers in the league last season and we are excited to add a player of his calibre and experience to our squad, especially as we embark on our first-ever campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup.
        “We are looking forward to him making a big impact at the Club and have no doubt that he will contribute massively towards our continued success.”

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) expresses profound sadness at the passing of South African football icon Stanley ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala.

Bra Stan, as he was affectionately known, has left an indelible mark on South African football, beginning with his playing career where his vocal presence on the field earned him the nickname ‘Screamer’.

His illustrious coaching career saw him lead African Wanderers and Orlando Pirates during the NPSL days in the early 1980s, before moving on to Moroka Swallows and then Mamelodi Sundowns in the early years of the NSL. In 1992, he made history as the inaugural coach of Bafana Bafana following South Africa’s readmission to international football. He later assumed key leadership roles, first at Kaizer Chiefs and then at Orlando Pirates, where he served for over 15 years.

The PSL extends heartfelt condolences to the Tshabalala family, Orlando Pirates Football Club, and the football community at large.

Bra Stan’s larger-than-life persona leaves an irreplaceable void, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

May his soul repose peacefully. Source: PSL

The DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) winners, Stellenbosch FC are counting down the days to their second European Tour as they are set to travel to the United Kingdom following their impressive DDC title win that earned them their second international trip.             The Premier Soccer League and MultiChoice are pleased to announce that Stellenbosch FC will soon depart for Europe where they will train with elite teams in the region.  Stellenbosch FC will again have the opportunity to be part of The Next Generation Cup which commences in the UK next month as teams from England, India and South Africa come together for an exciting tournament hosted by the Premier League from 01- 04 August 2024.           The competition will run over four match rounds, held at Aston Villa’s Bodymoor Training Ground, with two groups of four clubs playing each other before proceeding onto a final fixture based on table positions to close the tournament.         This will be held at Loughborough University Stadium in England where this year’s winners will be crowned.     All matches will be 11-a-side encounters playing out for 50 minutes long, divided into two 25-minute halves.
          All matches of the NextGen Cup will be streamed lived on the SuperSport Schools App with selected fixtures also broadcast live on the SuperSport Schools channel (216).             Throughout the season, Stellenbosch FC showcased unparalleled skill and determination, epitomizing the essence of the DDC. Led by the remarkable Mervin Boji, whose hat-trick heroics secured Stellies’ victory, the team’s resilience and passion illuminated the pitch, captivating audiences nationwide.
       Furthermore, Stellenbosch FC’s victory solidifies their place in history as one of only two clubs to have clinched the DStv Diski Challenge title twice – an unprecedented feat that speaks volumes about their talent and tenacity.
         The partnership between the Premier Soccer League and MultiChoice remains steadfast in its commitment to community development and sporting excellence.            Looking ahead, both the Premier Soccer League and MultiChoice remains dedicated to nurturing grassroots sporting talent and empowering communities across South Africa.       As the DStv Diski Challenge continues to flourish, it serves as a beacon of hope  for aspiring footballers, providing them with a platform to shine on the national and international stage.

Source: PSL

By Tana Malinga
THE focus this month is the African football flair event, the Toyota Cup clash at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
      The Amakhosi Faithful will play against one of fiercest side in the African continent, the Young African Sporting Club.
         Kick-off is at 3pm. The anticipated clash between the two teams is expected to take place on 28 July.
   It’s a new pre-season cup.      Toyota South Africa Motors as sponsors for the Glamour Boys will see Chiefs take on big teams from around the continent in the next three years.      All matches will take place during the pre-season period to allow both teams to look at the readiness of their players ahead of a new season.
        Chiefs will host all games during the duration of the sponsorship.
At the stadium fans will be kept entertained all day, ahead of the titanic clash, football fans in the City of Roses will have the opportunity to go down memory lane with a curtain-raiser match between Kaizer Chiefs and Bloemfontein Celtic legends at 12h30.
        The legends’ match, along with the main clash between Amakhosi and Yanga will also be in honour of the late Ntate Petrus Molemela – Life President of Bloemfontein Celtic and the football loving people of Mangaung.
    Not only are fans guaranteed live entertainment by renowned artists and two football matches on match day, but there’s also an exciting prize give-away, which will see one lucky fan leave the Toyota stadium with a brand-new Toyota Corolla Cross XI CVT worth over R400 000.
Entry to the competition requires buying a Toyota Cup match ticket at any TicketPro outlet.
     Participants must then send an SMS containing their name, surname, ID number, unique Toyota Cup match ticket number, and their province of residence to 48952.        It is important to note that this is a premium-rated SMS charged at R1.50 per entry, and free SMS options do not apply. Example SMS Format: John Doe, ID7405230050 00, 12345678, Gauteng.
Leon Theron, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors, said:
        “The launch of this unique cup signifies our commitment to our customers, who we know have a strong passion for sport.      The innovative nature of this property further emphasises our commitment to engaging with our customers in Mzansi and various parts of the continent.”
      Kaizer Chiefs’ marketing and commercial director, Jessica Motaung, said they were excited to be launching this ground-breaking initiative through their partnership with Toyota.
       However, Young Africans SC president, Hersi Ally Said, were pleased to receive this invitation to participate in the Toyota Cup 2024.
    This match continues the relationship between them which began last year when they invited Chiefs to participate in their exhibition friendly match called Wiki Ya Mwananchi.
        “We are delighted by this invitation and promise to deliver a competitive match that will help us prepare for the new season of 2024/25”
      Tickets to the first ever Toyota Cup are officially on sale across all TicketPro outlets in South Africa from as little as R40. Fans are urged to buy their tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Kaizer Chiefs marketing and commercial director, Jessica Motaung, paid a courtesy visit to the embassy of Türkiye in Pretoria on Tuesday, to meet the with Turkish ambassador to South Africa, H.E Ms. Aysegul Kandas.

The meeting celebrated the successful start of the club’s pre-season camp in Türkiye, which forms part of a strategic partnership strengthening football ties between the country and the club.
“We’re thrilled to be in Türkiye, a country renowned for its passion for football and rich sporting heritage,” said Motaung.

“Our presence underscores our commitment to global partnerships and exchanging best practices in football. We appreciate the warm hospitality our team has received and look forward to fruitful collaborations beyond this pre-season camp.”

The relationship between Kaizer Chiefs and Türkiye has a rich history, with legendary players such as Donald ‘Ace’ Khuse, John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu, Fani Madida, Steve Komphela, Pollen Ndlanya, and recently Siphiwe Tshabalala all having graced the Turkish league.

Also, Turkish-born coach, Muhsin Ertugral led the club to success on two separate occasions.

Ambassador Kandas emphasised the significance of sports diplomacy, stating: “Football transcends borders. We welcome Kaizer Chiefs to Türkiye and are eager to explore opportunities for mutual growth and sharing of knowledge in the beautiful game.” 

The team continues its pre-season camp in Türkiye and will engage in friendly matches against Turkish teams, while enjoying cultural exchanges.

Source: Kaizer Chiefs

By KOPANO MONAHENG
HE has been passionate about gospel music since he was a little boy . . .
     And now that he’s financially capable of handling everything, Marino Mvala has finally realised his dream of making sure that traditional gospel stays alive for years to come.
       MJ Mvala as he affectionately known in the music scenes has released two singles called Usenguwe and Vela Nkosi.      Both singles were released between August 2023 and the 2nd one just under four months ago under Ghetto Ruff Records.
        The stable is known for producing excellent musicians such as Ishmael, Skeem, OdaMeesta, ASHAAN, Brickz, Zola and Pitch Black Afro as well as many other big names like DJ Cleo, Bravo, Brown Dash, Mzekezeke, DJ What What, Skomplazi, Amu, and Brassie Vannie Kaap.
     Tuks, Morafe, and Vusi NOVA, Nathi, NANCY G all came from this stable and many more new artists are yet to be unveiled under Ghetto Ruff.
    MJ Mvala said the reception he receives from Mzansi is quite good and that motivates him even more to want to do better in his other albums still in the pipeline.
     He has a story to tell.
“I’ve always wanted to be a singer and become globally recognised,” he said.
     The musician who was born and raised in Schweizer Renere, North West used to sing at memorial services in and outside of his province before releasing his music last year.
     The father of three girls said young people who want to be musicians must value education more.        He said in order for them to sign a good music contract they need to have more knowledge of how to go about signing those papers.
       He also talked about having connections in the music industry is key to ensuring that all goes well.     The other important thing is to be financially stable as you will need a lot of money to do things before you can think of getting that important contract.
       The singer who left his professional career as a cop in 2016, said he used some of his money to get where he is today. His music is now available on all digital platforms – MJ Mvala.