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Broos Announces Final Bafana Squad | Soccer Laduma

Broos Announces Final Bafana Squad | Soccer Laduma

Mothobi Mvala is back in the Bafana Bafana after recovering from injury.

Mothobi Mvala is back in the Bafana Bafana after recovering from injury.

Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named his squad for the final two 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with a few players returning to the team.

Bafana are set to take on Uganda and South Sudan in their final two group K qualifiers, needing three more points to books themselves a spot at the competition set to be played in Morocco.

READ: How Khune Became A Shareholder In Betting Company

Currently in second place on the standings in group K, Bafana will take on Uganda away from home on November 15 and will then host South Sudan four days later in Cape Town in their final qualifier.

As previously reported by the Siya crew, Mothobi Mvala and Evidence Makgopa make a return to the squad after missing out on all the qualifiers the team has played so far. Mvala returned from injury recently for Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mihlali Mayambela has also returned to the squad for the club after missing out in the previous qualifiers.

Bafana will be without injured Themba Zwane and Broos will have to find a player who can be the creative spark in the team for the remaining two matches. Lyle Foster is also out with injury and this will give Makgopa an opportunity to prove himself upfront. 

There is still no place in the team for Percy Tau, who was in the preliminary squad.

READ: New Partnership Announced For Khune

Squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Sage Stephens

Defenders: Sydney Mobbie, Khuliso Mudau, Mothobi Mvala, Aubrey Modiba, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Rushwin Dortley, Fawaaz Basadien, Siyabonga Ngezana

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubass, Thalente Mbatha, Luke le Roux

Forwards: Mihlali Mayambela, Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Elias Mokwana, Iqraam Rayners, Thapelo Morena, Patrick Maswanganyi

By Tshepang Mailwane

Follow him here on X

Source: https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/local/bafana/mothobi-mvala-evidence-makgopa-return-for-bafana-bafana-in-afcon-qualifiers-20241107

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Did Riveiro Confirm Latest On Pirates Contract? | Soccer Laduma

Did Riveiro Confirm Latest On Pirates Contract? | Soccer Laduma

Jose Riveiro, head coach of Orlando Pirates arrives during the 2024 MTN8 final match between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 05 October 2024

Jose Riveiro, head coach of Orlando Pirates arrives during the 2024 MTN8 final match between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 05 October 2024

Samuel Shivambu, Backpages

Jose Riveiro might have confirmed the latest on his contract situation at Orlando Pirates as the 2024/25 season is getting closer to the final stages of the first round.

Having reached a personal milestone that broke the club’s records in the process when he led the Buccaneers to victory against Richards Bay FC, Riveiro spoke on how the journey has been since his arrival in Mzansi more than two years ago.

Read – BREAKING: Betway Prem Prize Money Revealed 

The match on Tuesday was Riveiro’s 100th leading the team, while the win was his seventh successive in the league for Bucs, breaking the previous record of six wins in a row which has been in existence since the 2002/03 season.  

As confirmed by the Soweto giants when he was unveiled in June 2022, the Spanish tactician was roped in on a three-year contract.

Indications from close sources have been that the 47-year-old could be rewarded with an extension on his current deal for another three years, as previously reported by the Siya crew, to continue with his impressive work after leading the side to five trophies in his two-and-a-half years in charge.    

Speaking to journalists after the Richards Bay match, Riveiro might have indirectly confirmed that there is no extension yet to the deal.  

“We started a new project here like you said two years and four months ago with a three-year contract. So, every time you start a project, you want to finish the project,” the coach said in response to his milestone.  

Indications are that the discussions over contracts for members of the technical team and players at Pirates are likely to be finalised at the end of the season.    

Read – Insider: The Man Behind AmaZulu Resurgence 

Meanwhile, Pirates have detailed Riveiro’s records at the club, as appearing on their official website.  

“With his success on Tuesday night, Riveiro has firmly etched his name in Orlando Pirates’ history books. At 100 games, he joins an elite rank, becoming only the second coach in the PSL era, after Ruud Krol (119 games), to reach this milestone with the club,” stated Pirates.

jose riveiro record breaker wins

“Not only did Pirates secure three points, but they also set a new club record, surpassing the previous high of six consecutive league wins – a record that had stood since the 2002/03 season. The seven consecutive league victories not only add another feather to his cap but sets a new standard for the club. The 47-year-old has won five trophies in his two and a half years at the club, which makes him the most decorated Pirates coach in the PSL era (since 1996), but also equalling the record of the most titles by a coach with the club since Tony Sanderson (1973/74),” the club said.

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Source: https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/local/premiership/orlando-pirates/jose-riveiro-might-have-confirmed-latest-on-orlando-pirates-contract-20241107

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Field Hockey, Women’s Soccer Ready for Patriot League Semifinals

Field Hockey, Women’s Soccer Ready for Patriot League Semifinals

Both the Boston University field hockey team and the women’s soccer team got off to less than ideal starts to their 2024 seasons. Field hockey started 2-3 and was outscored 8-19 in the first five games. Meanwhile, women’s soccer was winless through their first nine games.

However, both programs managed turnarounds, and each will begin a quest for a Patriot League championship title, playing in conference semifinals on Thursday.

The No. 4–seed field hockey team takes on No. 1–seed American University in Washington, D.C., at 11 am The No. 2–seed women’s soccer team faces off with No. 3–seed Army West Point at 6 pm on Nickerson Field. 

Field hockey in rough patch, but players feel optimistic against American

The field hockey team has lost six of their last seven games, the exception being a 3-1 win over Colgate October 18. However, head coach Sally Starr says while there are things still to fix, the team has a lot of energy entering Thursday’s semifinal.

“We had our senior meal with all the parents and families, and it didn’t feel like a team that had lost six of the last seven games at all,” Starr says. “The pride was there. The passion was there. The commitment was there. It’s a really positive, optimistic attitude we have right now.”

Most of the scoring this season has come from upperclassmen, with the top-eight point leaders either a junior or senior. Given that the team has made the Patriot League tournament the last two years, they understand the pressure and expectations leading up to Thursday’s game.

“We have looked back on last year, and we know how that felt, that loss and the year before, how that loss felt,” forward Ella Rottinghaus (CAS’25) says. “This is our third year in a row going [to the tournament], but this year feels a lot different.”

The Terriers, the four-seed in the tournament, will face the top-seed American University Eagles. The two teams played in Washington, D.C., on October 11, a 2-0 loss for BU.

The Terrier team has adjusted tactics and formations since then, Rottinghaus says, and the Eagles might be “underestimating us a little bit.”

Midfielder Payton Anderson (CAS’25) leads the team with 21 points. Her 10 goals place her in a tie for third-most goals in the Patriot League. 

Along with midfielder Martu Coulo (CAS’26), Anderson recently added All-Patriot League First-Team honors to her résumé.

“She’s really the backbone of our defense and also the quarterback on our attack,” Starr says. “She comes ready to work every day. I can’t really think of a practice where she’s taken a day off.”

Anderson has Olympic aspirations, following in the footsteps of her father, Scott Anderson, who competed in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics as New Zealand’s goalie. “He was definitely an inspiration for me, and still is,” Anderson says. “He is constantly giving me tips and tricks, always watching my games, always giving me advice on how I can be better.”

The team has also relied on goalie Kate Thomason (CAS’25) as the season progressed. She has a 0.715 save percentage and a 2.45 goals-against average, and her 5.87 saves per game is the second-best in the Patriot League.

When the team takes the field on Thursday, they plan to come out strong and take the game as it comes.

“We’ll be focusing on the first three minutes and then the next three minutes after that, and just making sure that we are competing with every single ball,” Rottinghaus says, “proving everybody wrong—that though we are coming in as the fourth seed, we are able to compete with these teams.”

Women’s soccer experiences midseason turnaround, enters tournament as No. 2 seed

It has been a tale of two halves for the women’s soccer team this season. The start of the year was bleak—the team went 0-6-3 in the first nine games. But then it changed. For the last nine, the Terriers had turned a corner, managing a 5-1-3 record and going undefeated in Patriot League play, earning the No. 2 seed in the Patriot League tournament. 

“We become an unstoppable unit in this second half of the season,” says midfielder Giulianna Giannino (Sargent’26). “That shift speaks volumes about our relentlessness. Competing in such a challenging league, it’s a huge accomplishment to see how far we’ve come, pushing toward a championship together.”

When the team takes on Army Thursday, it will be a rematch of the regular season finale. The Terriers defeated the Black Knights 1-0 on Nickerson Field October 30 thanks to a goal by Olivia Avellar (Questrom’28) in the final 10 minutes. 

Photo: Women's soccer players embrace each other on field during a recent match
The BU women’s soccer team earned the No. 2 seed after a midseason turnaround and will host Army at Nickerson Field Thursday at 6 pm. Photo by Kaeli Talora/BU Athletics

“Winning last week was a big accomplishment, but we know that doesn’t guarantee anything for Thursday,” Giannino says. “We know what it takes to get the job done, and we’re ready to step up and do it again.”

The team’s top point leaders, Giannino and forward Margy Porta (Questrom’26), account for 35 points, or 46 percent of the team’s total. The two have been named to the All-Patriot League First-Team. 

However, underclassmen, among them Kaiya Stewart (CAS’27), Juliana Osterman (Sargent’28), Kat Slott (COM’27), and Samantha Aronson (CAS’27), have provided depth to the team.

“It’s great. It just shows that no matter who we have in the field, they could be a threat,” says assistant coach Megan Burke. “It’s constantly juggling around lineups and just knowing and having the comfortableness of putting in different players at any given moment and knowing that they could do something really special out in the field.”

The Terrier team is balanced, with the third-most goals-for and the fourth-most goals-against. Aside from three games, every match they’ve played has been decided by one goal. Burke says it shows the players are able to bounce back, that they are “never out of the fight.”

BU started the season with Celia Braun (CAS’25) in net before making a midseason pivot to Bridget Carr (CAS’28). Burke says both goalkeepers are great, but they’ve been really impressed with Carr’s confidence as the team entered conference play.

Burke wants that same confidence to radiate from the team when they take to Nickerson Field this Thursday.

“I want to see them attack early. That always gives the team a bit of a boost early on if we could come out with a good bit of momentum, so I think that’s the biggest key,” Burke says. “But I want them to have fun. I want them to enjoy the moment, and the rest will take care of itself.”

The BU field hockey team takes on American University in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, November 7, at 11 am, in the Patriot League semifinals, which will be broadcast on ESPN+. The league championship is Saturday, November 9, at 1 pm, also in Washington, and will be broadcast on ESPN+. 

The women’s soccer team battles Army in a Patriot League semifinal matchup at Nickerson Field on Thursday, November 7, at 6 pm, which will be streamed on ESPN+. The league’s championship will be held Sunday, November 10, at 12:30 pm., location TBA. That game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.

Explore Related Topics:

Source: https://www.bu.edu/articles/2024/field-hockey-womens-soccer-patriot-league-semifinals/

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New Partnership Announced For Khune | Soccer Laduma

New Partnership Announced For Khune | Soccer Laduma

Itumeleng Khune has partnered with Top Bet.

Itumeleng Khune has partnered with Top Bet.

Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images

Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has partnered with a betting company, making the big announcement at an event held in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening. 

Top Bet announced a new partnership with the Amakhosi legend who will be the forefront of the company’s initiatives.

READ: Defender To Get A Chance To Save Chiefs Career?

Top Bet released a statement, confirming the partnership with the 2010 FIFA World Cup participant: “In a move set to reshape the South African betting industry, Top Bet proudly announces its partnership with soccer icon Itumeleng Khune. Known for his commitment, resilience, and leadership, Khune will be at the forefront of Top Bet’s initiatives to deliver a world-class betting experience while empowering communities across the country

“This collaboration promises to deliver an electrifying sports betting experience, where fans can engage with their favorite sports like never before. Consumers are invited to join a platform that combines the thrill of the game with the excitement of betting. Whether fans are soccer enthusiasts, rugby supporters, or horse racing lovers, Top Bet offers an immersive, top-tier betting experience for everyone.

READ: Chiefs In Hot Water With The PSL Again

“To celebrate this partnership, Top Bet has simultaneously unveiled a new brand identity featuring a brand-new website and logo, featuring Khune’s iconic image as a symbol of his unique style and dedication. The new website, www.topbet.co.za, offers consumers a seamless and engaging betting journey. Designed with sports lovers in mind, it allows fans to place bets, access real-time stats, and enjoy exclusive insights from Khune himself—all while elevating the thrill of every match, play, and point.”

Khune, who said that he is still a footballer and has not retired, revealed that he is a shareholder at Top Bet.

Source: https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/local/premiership/kaizer-chiefs-legend-itumeleng-khune-partners-with-betting-company-20241106

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Champions League Soccer: Livestream Bayern Munich vs. Benfica From Anywhere

Champions League Soccer: Livestream Bayern Munich vs. Benfica From Anywhere


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48% off with 12-mo plan (+3 free months)


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See at TNT Sports

The logo for UK TV broadcaster TNT Sports.

Watch Champions League games live in the UK with TNT Sports

TNT Sports


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See at DAZN

The logo for sports streaming service DAZn on a white background.

Watch Champions League in Canada from CA$30 a month

DAZN


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See at Stan Sport

The logo for Australia TV streaming service Stan on a white background.

Watch the Champions League in Australia from AU$25 a month

Stan Sport


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Having crashed to a seismic defeat in Gameweek 3, Bayern Munich will be hoping to get their UEFA Champions League campaign back on track on Tuesday as they take on an inconsistent Benfica side at the Allianz Arena. 

Vincent Kompany’s team suffered a stinging 4-1 defeat away to Barcelona last time out, a result that came hot on the heels of their 1-0 loss away to Aston Villa in Gameweek 2. While Bayern may be riding high at the top of the Bundesliga, another European loss tonight for the six-time UCL winners will likely raise the pressure on Kompany.

They now face a Benfica team that carries an abundance of attacking threat but are vulnerable at the back, as displayed in their 3-1 home defeat to Feyenoord last time out. 

Bayern Munich take on Benfica on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Allianz Arena, with kickoff set for 9 p.m. CET local time in Germany. That makes it an 8 p.m. GMT start in the UK, a 3 p.m. ET or 12 p.m. PT kickoff in the US and Canada, and a 7 a.m. AEDT start in Australia on Thursday morning.

Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the match as it happens, wherever you are in the world.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Paramount Plus has two main subscription plans in the US: Essential for $8 a month and Premium for $13 a month. Both offer coverage of the Champions League.

The cheaper Essential option has ads for on-demand streaming and lacks live CBS feeds as well as the ability to download shows to watch offline later. Newcomers to the service can take advantage of a 30-day free trial, while students may qualify for a 25% discount.

Read our Paramount Plus review.

James Martin/CNET

Latest Tests DNS leaks detected, 25% speed loss in 2024 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands

ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you’ll get three months free and save 49%. That’s the equivalent of $6.67 a month with code SPECIALDEAL, which should be automatically applied.

Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

48% off with 12-mo plan (+3 free months)
TNT Sports

TNT Sports is offering the lions’ share of Champions League matches exclusively live this season to viewers in the UK. You can access TNT Sports in a number of ways, including via Sky Q as a TV package, or direct streaming from its range of mobile and smart TV apps. It costs £31 either way and comes in a package that includes Discovery Plus’ library of documentary content.

DAZN

A DAZN subscription currently costs CA$30 a month or CA$200 a year and will also give you access to Europa League and EFL Championship soccer, Six Nations rugby and WTA tennis.

As well as dedicated apps for iOS and Android, there’s a wide range of support for set-top boxes and smart TVs.

Stan

Stan Sport will set you back AU$10 a month (on top of a Stan subscription for AU$10), but the streaming service is currently offering a seven-day free trial.

A subscription will also give you access to Europa League and Europa Conference League action, as well as international rugby and Formula E.

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Starting XI: Sundowns v Polokwane City | Soccer Laduma

Starting XI: Sundowns v Polokwane City | Soccer Laduma

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 30:  Mamelodi Sundowns  team during the Betway Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on October 30, 2024 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 30: Mamelodi Sundowns team during the Betway Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on October 30, 2024 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to close the gap behind log-leaders Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership when they host Polokwane City on Wednesday evening.

Betway Premiership

Teams: Mamelodi Sundowns v Polokwane City

Date: 06 November 2024

Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium

Time: 19h30

Sundowns were one of eight teams involved in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals over the weekend after they hammered Kaizer Chiefs 4-0 thanks to a brace by Iqraam Rayners and goals by Peter Shalulile and Khuliso Mudau.

The Brazilians’ only loss of their league campaign would still be fresh in their memory after a 1-0 defeat to Polokwane, before they bounced back with a 3-0 win over Cape Town City last week.

Manqoba Mngqithi’s charges are lying second in the standings, six points behind leaders Orlando Pirates with a game in hand.

Rise and Shine, meanwhile, were not involved in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals after they were eliminated by Marumo Gallants in the first round.

Phuti Mohafe’s men maintained their surprise win over Sundowns with back-to-back victories after also edging Royal AM 1-0 last week.

City occupy an impressive third spot on the log, just two points behind Masandawana.

Bulelani Nikani scored an only goal for Polokwane, eight minutes before time when the sides met ten days ago.

Here’s how they line up:

Mamelodi Sundowns: 30. Williams, 42. Khoza, 39. Maboe, 5. Lebusa, 27. Morena, 5. Lunga, 21. Mkhulise, 12. Maema, 43. Lethaku, 9. Sales, 38. Shalulile

Subs: 1. Onyango, 23. De Reuck, 28. Mdunyelwa, 14. Mashego, 6. Modiba, 8. Saavedra, 11. Allende, 33. Maseko, 13. Rayners

Polokwane City:  1. Sapunga, 3. Nkwe, 34. Nkaki, 4. Nikani, 2. Matuludi, 17. Dlamini, 14. Maphangule, 12. Alexander, 21. Kambala, 11. Appollis, 9. Chauke

Subs: 50. Okoth, 5. Baloyi, 8. Letshedi, 19. Mapfumo, 20. Daniels, 22. Makhubela, 24. Seabi, 33. Ndlovu, 47. Batlhabane

Source: https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/local/starting-xi-previews/betway-premiership-starting-xi-mamelodi-sundowns-v-polokwane-city-06-november-2024-20241105

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Soccer School with Coach Kyle: Shootouts | Minnesota United FC

Soccer School with Coach Kyle: Shootouts | Minnesota United FC

It’s been a little while, hasn’t it?! Your last soccer lesson was on August 9, which, when I write it out, feels entirely too long ago. How have you managed without me? I’m so sorry; I’ve been busy since then. An entire fall season came and went; I have so many updates for you!

Year three with my U12 girls team started off with some very close scorelines, and while we didn’t always come out on the winning side, we learned so much. We played hard, rain or shine, I jumped in a giant puddle to reward them for a job well done, and I even dyed my mustache black and blue to show some team spirit during our final game of the season. Yeah, I’m THAT coach. They loved it, but they had to make sure I knew I used the wrong shade of blue. Their appreciation truly knows no bounds.

We played a 2-3-2-1 this season, which turned out to be just as high-risk, high-reward as I feared it would be. We were the only team in our league rocking wingbacks, a CDM, and two CAMs, and I must say, Pep Guardiola would have been proud of a few of our brightest moments. Other coaches feared it would be too complicated for the girls, but I’m fairly sure they understand it all better than I do now.

We ended the season with a tough tournament appearance, and while I prepared the girls for a potential penalty shootout, it wasn’t required this time around. So, to get the most out of the lesson, I decided that it’s relevant enough to share with you all, especially after the Loons’ two consecutive shootout victories against RSL. Get ready for your next lesson!

What is This, and Why Only Sometimes?

I know; you just got used to the idea that we can tie a game in soccer, and now I’m telling you that we end some of them with a penalty shootout to determine a winner. It’s definitely confusing, but there’s a method to this madness! In situations that require a winner, primarily knockout tournaments or playoff scenarios, most leagues typically play two 15-minute periods of extra time before a shootout, if still needed. I know we didn’t do that in Leagues Cup or the 2024 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, but that doesn’t matter; the main point here is that you understand that shootouts are used to determine the winner of a draw in a knockout format.

Now, let’s go over the rules and procedures of a shootout. Hockey fans are probably pretty familiar with shootouts, and while our league used to mirror the faceoff style from the ice, we’ve pivoted to the more commonly utilized shootout from the PK spot. Five players from each team alternate taking a free shot from 12 yards out while their teammates wait at midfield, and whichever team scores the most after five claims the match.

If the scores are tied after five, we move into sudden death territory, meaning that if one team scores their sixth and the other misses, it’s over. This sudden death format goes until a winner is decided, which can lead to some insanely long shootouts. Only the 11 players on the pitch at the end of the match are eligible to shoot, so if 12 kicks are required, the first kicker steps back up and we go around again. The longest shootout in history saw 56 kicks taken between Israeli sides SC Dimona and Shimshon Tel-Aviv. I’d consider the Israeli third division a pretty niche league to be tuned into, so you’re forgiven if you haven’t heard of that legendary matchup.

After a long game likely filled with close calls and frustration, penalties always feel like a terrible way to determine a result. But they’re a necessary evil that became a part of the game in 1970 to avoid having to replay all drawn matches on another date, saving time and energy for everybody involved. I suppose it feels a bit more fair than rock, paper, scissors, anyway, so I’ll get over my distaste for the practice. With the general structure and reasoning laid out, let’s take a closer look at each of the roles in this most gut-wrenching, nerve-racking of soccer occurrences.

From the Spot

In recent times, the details of how a penalty taker is allowed to approach the ball have been tested and bent tremendously. Let’s clear this up with some help from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to really understand what players are and aren’t allowed to do.

Officially, when the ball is placed on the penalty spot and the referee blows their whistle, the taker is allowed to take their shot. Once they begin their run-up, they’re not allowed to halt their forward momentum until they arrive at the ball, meaning no fake-outs to make the goalie flinch. At least, no fake-outs that involve fully stopping. This is where we see creativity come into play.

Everyone does it differently; some players pick a spot and just strike the ball without worrying about the keeper. Others devise complex run-ups with stutter steps, little hops, or some other “clever” way to try and either freeze the keeper in place or draw them in the wrong direction. Just watch Kelvin Yeboah or look up Jorginho’s penalties over the last few seasons if you want to see some of this trickery. Spoiler: it works.

Beyond the run-up, there are a few other elements within the taker’s control that they can use to get the better of the keeper. Maybe you look right and shoot left; maybe you never look at the goal; maybe you stare the keeper in the eyes the entire time. You can go for placement or power, or you can chip the ball down the middle to humiliate the keeper that you pray is diving to either side (this is called a Panenka, after the Czech soccer player of the same name who first had the audacity to try it out). It’s a mind game, at the end of the day, and as long as you’ve made a decision before you reach the ball, you’re expected to score.

So when you’re taking a penalty in a shootout, remember: once you start moving forward, you can’t stop until you take your shot. I’m not a fan of the fancy footwork myself; I always opt to smash it into the top left corner. Maybe that’s why I haven’t gotten to take many, but it looks pretty freaking cool when it works, if I may say so myself.

Stay on the Line

Speaking of testing the rules, let’s talk about goalkeepers. Saving penalties is among the hardest things to do in the sport, and everyone has their own strategy. Anyone that watched the World Cup in Qatar or the Copa America should be familiar with Emiliano Martinez, widely considered to be one of the world’s best goalkeepers—if not THE best. The Argentinian shot stopper has been the subject of debate over the “dark arts” tactics he employs during shootouts in recent times, but we’ll get to that in a minute.

The rules for a goalkeeper during a penalty are pretty simple: they must have at least one foot on or behind the goal line and can only move side-to-side until the ball is kicked, they must be facing the penalty-taker, and they must stay between the posts. That’s it. But they’ve got a lot of goal to cover, and with such restricted movement, they need to find some way to get an advantage.

Oftentimes, keepers and their coaches will study past penalty behaviors and make a cheat sheet of sorts before their match. This list is often attached to water bottles, which are not supposed to be thrown into the stands by the opposing goalkeeper. Short of that, keepers can try to guess or predict which way a taker will go, but that’s a risky game to play. Unless you rattle them a little bit first.

Disclaimer: Much like the fancy footwork, these mind games are not my style. I do not endorse this; I merely relay the information. Do with it what you will.

Back to Martinez. Through various methods, whether it’s taking a long time to get to his line, complaining to the ref long enough to throw off the taker, or celebrating over the top to unsettle whoever is next, he looks to put as much pressure on the players he comes up against as possible. His aim is to knock them off their game and get them out of the calm headspace that helps produce good penalties, and, honestly, it works. So well, in fact, that FIFA changed the rules because of him.

If you read Law 14, you’ll see a line that says, “The goalkeeper must not behave in a way that unfairly distracts the kicker, e.g. delay the taking of the kick or touch the goalposts, crossbar or goal net.” I won’t give any commentary on the rule change, but let’s just say Martinez is a generational talent that knows exactly what he’s doing, and he makes the game more special through his unique participation in it.

So, who’s ready to take a penalty or two? How about stepping between the posts to try and go full DSC? Do you think you can save two out of five? Shootouts are an art and a dance, one that my girls have yet to experience in their young soccer careers. I imagine several of them would be intrigued by the clever run-ups and keeper mind games; they’re an ornery bunch on the best of days. We’ll work on it a bit once we start our regular practices in the dome. Better watch out for us in the spring!

Source: https://www.mnufc.com/news/soccer-school-with-coach-kyle-shootouts

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Starting XI: Stellenbosch v TS Galaxy | Soccer Laduma

Starting XI: Stellenbosch v TS Galaxy | Soccer Laduma

GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 23: Steve Barker, Head Coach, of Stellenbosch FC during the Betway Premiership match between Chippa United and Stellenbosch FC at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on October 23, 2024 in Gqeberha, South Africa. (Photo by Richard Huggard/Gallo Images)

GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 23: Steve Barker, Head Coach, of Stellenbosch FC during the Betway Premiership match between Chippa United and Stellenbosch FC at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on October 23, 2024 in Gqeberha, South Africa. (Photo by Richard Huggard/Gallo Images)

Stellenbosch will be out to put a cup exit behind them as they look to maintain their lofty position in the Betway Premiership when they host TS Galaxy on Wednesday evening at Athlone Stadium.

Betway Premiership

Teams: Stellenbosch FC v TS Galaxy

Date: 06 November 2024

Venue: Athlone Stadium

Time: 19h30

Stellies could not get a chance to fight for the right to defend their Carling Knockout trophy after they were eliminated 1-0 by Marumo Gallants in the quarter-finals on Sunday.

However, as the Cape Winelands side turn their focus back to the league, they extended their unbeaten run to five matches after edging the same Gallants 1-0 last week thanks to a late goal by Thabo Moloisane.

Steve Barker’s charges are lying fourth in the standings with 11 points, four points behind second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns.

TS Galaxy, on the other hand, were not involved in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals and they were last in action last week, as their search for the first victory continued after a 2-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates.

The Rockets are the only side yet to win this season and are languishing at the bottom of the table with only one point.

Sead Ramovic will not be able to select Kamogelo Sebelebele who is suspended after he was red-carded against Pirates in the last minute.

Here’s how they line up:

Stellenbosch FC: 17. Stephens, 24. Moloisane, 20. Barns, 21. Basadien, 45. Toure, 15. Butsaka, 8. Nduli, 34. Titus, 28. Palace, 18. De Jong, 9. Cupido

Subs: 30. Masuluke, 2. Onyango, 3. Mdaka, 6. Jurgens, 23. Adams, 11. Phili, 23. Jabaar, 12. Mini, 5. Lekoloane

TS Galaxy: 32. Ciupa, 23. Munyai, 4. M.Mahlangu, 12. Khiba, 5. Kabini, 25. Ndamane, 35. Mbatha, 8. Mbunjana, 11. S.Mahlangu, 9. Zajmovic, 17. Letsoalo

Subs: 16. Tape, 19. Sibanyoni, 28. Mgaga, 33. Doyiza, 15. Dithejane, 14. Radebe, 27. Masiya, 19. Sibande, 45. Seema

Source: https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/local/starting-xi-previews/betway-premiership-starting-xi-stellenbosch-fc-v-ts-galaxy-06-november-2024-20241105

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Letsholonyane’s ‘only’ concern about the current Under-20 squad

Letsholonyane’s ‘only’ concern about the current Under-20 squad

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane has highlighted his ‘only’ concern about the current SA Under-20 squad.

Letsholonyane is the SA Under-20 assistant coach working alongside coach Raymond Mdaka. Other assistant coaches on the technical team include Donald Mojaki and Karabo Mogudi.

The SA Under-20 recently won the COSAFA Championship held in Mozambique following dominant displays. As a result, Amajita qualified for the Under-20 2025 AFCON finals for the first time since 2020.

In the SA Under-20 team, there are rising youngsters who play their club football in the SA top-flight for big teams. This includes the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns’ Siyabonga Mabena, Kutlwano Letlhaku, and Asekho Tiwani.

Other players include Kaizer Chiefs rising star Mfundo Vilakazi, Jody Ah Shene and Witbooi Emile of Cape Town City FC. Shandre Campbell is currently playing in Belgium with Club NXT.

RENEILWE LETSHOLONYANE IS WORRIED ABOUT CONTINUITY WHEN THE UNDER-20s GRADUATE TO UNDER-23s

SA Under-20 players celebrate winning the COSAFA Championship
SA Under-20 players celebrate winning the COSAFA Championship. Picture by SAFA

Letsholonyane is concerned about continuity for the Under-20s when they graduate to the Under-23s. The SA Under-23s have not been in action and have been without a coach since March 2023. David Notoane resigned from his post after the team failed to qualify for the 2023 AFCON finals that were held in Morocco.

Jwaneng Galaxy coach Morena Ramoreboli was considered to take the Under-23s coaching job. However, he was recently appointed the Botswana senior national team interim coach.

“We don’t know what’s happening with the Under-23s at the moment [they don’t have a coach, and they’re not playing matches]; that’s a concern,” Letsholonyane told FARPost.

“But that’s one is not our responsibility. I’m sure the Technical Director [Walter Steenbok] and the others are planning something and soon they will outline it.

“There is so much talent in the Under-20s that we’re guiding; that’s our responsibility. Hopefully, when they move to the next stage [Under-23s] of their careers, there will be continuity and some activity.”

RELATED STORY: How Letsholonyane has managed to keep SA U-20 players grounded

Source: https://farpost.co.za/2024/11/06/letsholonyanes-only-concern-about-the-current-under-20-squad/

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