by admin_em8z1e00 | Apr 25, 2025 | Soccer News
The Premier Soccer League appears to finally be moving on from the Royal AM saga with a crucial update on the Betway Premiership standings.
The Royal AM saga has dragged on for a few months now, but the PSL is determined to finally lay the matter to rest, with the league set to finish with 15 clubs after the KZN club’s failure to honour their fixtures since December.
READ: Mshishi To Start? Looking Into Downs’ Possible Line-Up
This was due to owner Shauwn Mkhize running into trouble with the taxman, as it was revealed that she owed in excess of R40 million to SARS. A SARS curator was appointed to run the club and an effort was made to sell the club to recover some of the money owed by Mkhize, but that did not materialise.
The PSL board of governors proposed to the 31 other PSL clubs for the club to be expelled from the top flight and majority voted in favour of the outfit to be removed. As it stands, Royal AM could be liquidated.
The PSL has now updated the Premiership standings. Royal AM sit at the bottom and everything on the standings next to the club’s name reads zero. The PSL looks set to finally make an announcement on what will happen going forward.
Royal AM had only played 11 matches this season and this means that all the points gained from them by other clubs has been removed. The 15 remaining clubs in the league are expected to end the season on 28 matches.
The club which secures automatic promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship is set to take Royal AM’s place in the top flight next season, with the club finishing 15th in the Betway Premiership set to go into the play-offs with number two and three in the second tier.
READ: 4 Chiefs Stars At Risk Of Missing Soweto Derby
Reports have suggested that the PSL will ask SAFA to promote three clubs from the ABC Motsepe League to ensure both the Betway Premiership and Motsepe Foundation Championship have 16 teams next season.
In terms of the title race, second-placed Orlando Pirates now only have two matches in hand, and are nine points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Winning their matches in hand would put them three points behind Sundowns, making the title race even more interesting.
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Source: https://www.soccerladuma.co.za/local/royal-am/royal-am-decision-made-as-psl-make-changes-to-league-table
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by admin_em8z1e00 | Apr 25, 2025 | Soccer News
Kaizer Chiefs are believed to be preparing a late bid to secure the services of a former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder to strengthen their squad for next season.
Insiders close to the club and player have indicated that Amakhosi are serious about bringing the talented playmaker to Naturena.
READ: Pirates Sign ‘The New Mofokeng’
Mailula, currently on loan at Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca from MLS side Toronto FC, has caught Chiefs’ attention, and the club is believed to be ready to make a “reasonable” offer to secure his signature.
The Siya sources added that Chiefs have already enquired about the 23-year-old’s availability but acknowledge that Toronto FC hold the cards to the midfielder’s future.
“Chiefs have enquired about him but you know he is a Toronto FC player and they are the ones to make the final decision. Are they loaning him out again or can Chiefs buy him from them? But as for Chiefs being interested in him that’s true and they are ready to fight for his signature,” the insider told Soccer Laduma.
However, Chiefs are not alone in their pursuit of the midfielder, as Wydad Casablanca and several European clubs have also shown interest, a second insider reminds readers.
“For Wydad it will depend on whether coach Rulani Mokwena is still there or if whoever takes over still needs him. Then there is interest from Europe. So Chiefs have to outbid all the other interest if they are to have a chance of signing him. But it’s true they have shown interest in Mailula,” the second insider pointed out.
READ: What Next For New Royal AM Boss?
Mailula, a South African midfielder, currently has a contract with Toronto FC but has been making a significant impact during his loan spell in Morocco. In the Botola Pro League he has already contributed with a good amount of goals and assists, but with Mokwena expected to leave Wydad at the end of the season, it is less likely that he will stay in Morocco according to the insiders.
Soccer Laduma reached out to Kaizer Chiefs for comment on the matter, but no response was received at the time of publishing.
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Source: https://www.soccerladuma.co.za/local/kaizer-chiefs/cassius-mailula-kaizer-chiefs-interested-to-sign-toronto-wydad
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by admin_em8z1e00 | Apr 25, 2025 | Soccer News
A brand-new concept in South Africa, UGS Street Kings is a high-energy 3v3 street soccer event designed to showcase raw talent, creativity, and flair. Unlike traditional football, which relies on structured gameplay and large teams, this format strips the game down to its purest form – fast, technical, and packed with excitement. Played in small, enclosed spaces with just three players per side, every match is an intense battle of skill and strategy, where quick reflexes, precision, and individual brilliance take centre stage.
Inspired by the global underground street football culture, UGS Street Kings embodies the raw, unfiltered essence of the sport that has shaped legends in cities around the world. It’s a proving ground where South Africa’s most talented players can showcase their abilities, challenge themselves against the best, and earn respect in the street soccer community. From dazzling footwork to lightning-fast goal-scoring, every moment is an opportunity to shine.
Now, the tournament just scored the ultimate duo of style and confidence as Playboy and Status deodorants step onto the field as official sponsors. In a game where skill, flair, and endurance define champions, these two powerhouse brands bring their own winning formulas to keep players feeling fresh on and off the pitch. With their backing, UGS Street Kings is set to be even bolder, more dynamic, and packed with attitude.
“At Playboy, we believe in making bold statements, be it on the field, in the club, or wherever life takes you. UGS Street Kings is the perfect platform to connect with the young, athletic and confident guy who embraces the spotlight” says Zaweer Ebrahim, Playboy Brand Manager. “This event embodies the boldness, passion, and style that Playboy is all about. We’re excited to sponsor a celebration of talent, where every player can bring their A-game.”
Known for its premium scents and 48-hour protection, Status is the go-to for men who demand confidence from morning meetings to evening training sessions.
Status Brand Manager Jack Kruger says that UGS Street Kings is more than just a competition – it’s about pushing limits, staying focused, and always giving your best. “By sponsoring this event, we’re not just supporting an exciting, high-energy experience; we’re reinforcing our commitment to long-lasting freshness and unbeatable protection,” says Kruger. “Our deodorants give men the confidence to perform at their best and this sponsorship is a way to showcase how Status keeps you ready for whatever comes next.”
With UGS Street Kings bringing together South Africa’s most skilled and stylish players, Playboy and Status are here to prove that freshness, confidence, and game-winning attitudes belong in every moment, whether you’re making moves at work, on the field, or out with the boys.
“More than just a competition, UGS Street Kings is a movement that celebrates the heart and soul of urban football,” says Ebrahim. “It brings together passionate players, electrifying energy, and a culture that thrives on confidence, flair, and pure love for the game.”
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Source: https://www.soccerladuma.co.za/local/underground-soccer/confidence-meets-competition-playboy-and-status-back-underground-soccer-street-kings-1
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by admin_em8z1e00 | Apr 25, 2025 | Soccer News
Kaizer Chiefs defender Dillan Solomons has endured a challenging season, battling injuries and stiff competition for the right-back position. The former Swallows FC star, however, remains optimistic about turning things around as he works to regain full fitness and contribute to the team.
Speaking ahead of Chiefs’ Betway Premiership clash against Marumo Gallants on Saturday, Solomons expressed his determination to stay fit and help the team as they approach the crucial stage of the season.
READ: Pirates Sign ‘The New Mofokeng’
“I feel healthy and good after all the injury worries earlier in the season, the shoulder and then the hamstring problem. Good preparation every week and not just going to training and going home. There is a lot of preparation into keeping my body in good shape. Obviously I want to turn things around for myself, put in the work every day. When I’m healthy I feel good and that I can help the team. I would have hoped for a lot more but that is the way it was put out for me,” Solomons told the media.
The right-back acknowledged that while the immediate focus is on Marumo Gallants, the looming Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates—Chiefs’ big opportunity to lift a trophy in over a decade—naturally weighs on his mind.
READ: What Next For New Royal AM Boss?
“It is difficult, obviously you are naturally focused on the final. Any human being would be excited for that moment but it is just about how you prepare mentally for each and every game. We know how further the final is and there are two big games coming up for us and the way I see it is that we can use those games as momentum going into the final. It is not easy games obviously, Marumo is not an easy team, people think they are an easy team but they are not an easy team. Then we have the derby before the big one so those games speak for themselves. It is games where you have to be focused and go out there and show a lot of confidence, strength if you want to go into the final and win that final. So, those games before the final are important,” Solomons concluded.
Kaizer Chiefs have two major encounters before the Nedbank Cup final on May 10. They face Marumo Gallants on Saturday at FNB Stadium and then take on Orlando Pirates in a sold-out Soweto Derby on May 3.
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Source: https://www.soccerladuma.co.za/local/kaizer-chiefs/dillan-solomons-any-human-being-would-be-excited-kaizer-chiefs
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by admin_em8z1e00 | Apr 25, 2025 | Soccer News
A Pyramids FC star has revealed why the Egyptian side will need to play “very carefully” against Orlando Pirates in their clash on Friday evening.
Check Out: Koller Eyes Pitso’s CAFCL Record
The Buccaneers face Egyptian side Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League semi-final second leg in Cairo on Friday 25 April, with the two sides deadlocked at 0-0 after the first leg.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Pyramids FC captain Ahmed El Shenawy said his team was determined to achieve great things this season, FilGoal reported.
“Pyramids players have great ambitions to achieve a huge accomplishment this season, and every player knows the extent of the responsibility they face,” El Shenawy said.
“Our goal is to achieve the treble of the league, the cup, and the Champions League.”
The Sky Blues goalkeeper heaped praise on the Soweto side and said the draw in the first leg meant nothing.
“We have to play very carefully against Orlando and not rush too hard in our desire to win, because the opponent is a distinguished team with speed, and a draw in South Africa means nothing so far,” he added.
According to Pan-Africa Football, El Shenawy hoped the game would be settled in regular time but said the team was prepared for all eventualities and the focus was on getting to the final first.
“I hope Pyramids can score and qualify, and that the match doesn’t go to penalty shootouts to decide who reaches the final, the Egyptian said.
“But in any case, I’m fully prepared—along with the rest of the players—for any scenario.
“Right now, it’s important to focus on qualifying first, as the team hasn’t reached the final yet. After that, I won’t worry too much about who we face—whether it’s Al Ahly or Sundowns—because Pyramids is ready for any opponent that comes next,” the shot-stopper added.
Check Out: Pirates Plot Tactical Twist To Sink Pyramids In Cairo?
“I hope to win the Champions League title with Pyramids. I’ve reached the final once and the semifinal another time with Zamalek but luck wasn’t on my side. I hope this year will be different and that I can lift the trophy,” he concluded.
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Source: https://www.soccerladuma.co.za/local/caf-champions-league/pyramids-hopeful-to-overcome-pirates
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by admin_em8z1e00 | Apr 25, 2025 | Soccer News
As Orlando Pirates gear up for one of the most important matches in their recent history, head coach Jose Riveiro has addressed concerns that his team may have become predictable in their approach.
Read: Riveiro Breaks His Silence On Pirates Exit
The Buccaneers travel to Cairo to face Pyramids FC in the second leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final this Friday. The first leg at Orlando Stadium ended in a tense 0-0 draw, leaving the tie delicately poised.
In the pre-match press conference ahead of the decisive encounter, Riveiro was asked whether his side’s tactical setup and style of play have become easier to figure out for opponents at this stage of the season.
“The question is if we are predictable as a team – I don’t know,” Riveiro responded thoughtfully.
“At this stage of the competition, we know each other very well. It’s not the first game this season, so we’ve had the opportunity to analyse each other thoroughly. We had an opportunity to meet just one week ago and get to know each other even better.”
The Spanish tactician highlighted that while familiarity between sides is expected at this level, football remains too fluid to make accurate assumptions about how a game will unfold.
“What’s going to happen tomorrow is difficult to predict in terms of how both teams are going to approach the match. As coaches, we will try to push our players to face the game in a certain way. But then, it’s usually about the players we have, the supporters we have. We have our responsibilities with everything that is happening on the field, but they are the real ones who are going to do everything in order to make it to the final.”
Riveiro emphasized that the players ultimately carry the responsibility of executing the plan — often going above and beyond what is drawn up by the technical team.
“Sometimes they even go beyond what we propose as coaches. So, it’s nice to try and predict and try to anticipate what the opponent is going to do, but there will be different moments within the 90 minutes for us to try to influence the game as well. I’m sure it’s going to be an interesting match.”
Pirates have built a reputation under Riveiro for being compact, tactically disciplined, and efficient in transitions. However, some critics have suggested that their approach lacks a surprise element, especially against high-level continental opponents. That narrative, however, is not one the coach appears overly concerned about.
The Buccaneers’ clean sheet at home was built on a solid defensive foundation. Now, the challenge will be to match that solidity with attacking sharpness on hostile ground in Egypt.
Read: Official: Pirates Announce Riveiro Decision
Friday’s fixture offers Pirates a chance to reach the CAF Champions League final for the first time since 2013 — and possibly set up an all-South African showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns, who are also in action, in the other semi-final.
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Pyramids FC host Orlando Pirates in the second leg of the CAF Champions League semi-finals at 30 June Stadium on Friday night. Can the Soweto giants seal a spot in the final? Open a TAB account and bet on Soccer 10, Mega 10 Jackpot, Soccer 13, and more at tab.co.za.
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Source: https://www.soccerladuma.co.za/local/soccer-6/jose-riveiro-responds-claims-orlando-pirates-predictable-caf-champions-league-semi-final
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