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Manchester City shouldn’t panic but they are struggling in unfamiliar ways | Jonathan Wilson
Manchester City shouldn’t panic but they are struggling in unfamiliar ways
Pep Guardiola’s team have lost four in a row. While they have overcome hurdles before the nature of their problems this season present a fresh challenge
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The danger is always of overreacting. We’ve seen Manchester City have a blip at this stage of the season before. But still, defeat to Brighton on Saturday means that, for the first time in his career as a manager, Pep Guardiola has lost four successive games. It would be extremely premature to suggest the empire is crumbling but, equally, for the first time in a long time there is a sense that City’s aura may be beginning to wane.
But first, some context. One defeat was in the Carabao Cup and another was in the Champions League, where City sit 10th in the table; even if they do miss out on the top eight who go through to the last 16 automatically – they have Feyenoord (home), Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain (away) and Club Brugge (home) next – they will surely at the very least be in the play-offs. But two of the recent defeats were in the Premier League, away at Bournemouth and then Brighton, and as a result City sit five points behind Liverpool.
It’s not unusual for City to have a slight wobble at this stage of the season. Guardiola likes his teams to peak in March and April, when the critical games come around in Europe, which is why the characteristic pattern of City’s title successes is of them putting the burners on in the spring and either overhauling a challenger or pulling away from the pack. That means that occasionally they are not quite at their best in the autumn, and there’s perhaps also a sense now of Guardiola working out how best to deploy his resources, developing his tweaks and innovations for the season.
It was at just this point of last season that they had a rough patch, a run of six Premier League games in which their only victory was an unconvincing 2-1 win at Luton. After the last match of that run, a 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace, City had 34 points from 17 games. This season, they have 23 points from 11 games. Which is to say that the likelihood is that at the halfway mark of the Premier League season, 19 games, it’s entirely probable they will have roughly the 40 points they had last year. Perhaps Arne Slot’s Liverpool, who went five points clear with Saturday’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa, are more formidable rivals than Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal were – City’s visit to Anfield on 1 December should give a clearer indication – but in terms of their own numbers, there is no reason for City to panic.
Nor have the performances been terrible. City were the better side in the first half against Sporting and Brighton and could easily have been a couple of goals up at the break in each. On another day their late surges against Bournemouth and Tottenham would have brought equalisers. But the point is that suddenly they look vulnerable.
Guardiola has been around long enough that the flaws in his sides have become familiar. He favours a high line that means if the press goes awry his teams can often be undone by simple balls in behind the defensive line. That’s why he spends so much time focusing on control and on not giving the ball away in situations that could lead to a counter. And the press at the moment, perhaps largely because of the absence of Rodri, is not functioning perfectly. Injuries should never be an excuse – the very best sides don’t dwell on absences but find a way to deal with them – but it is perhaps an explanation. Injuries more generally have clearly played a part. Kevin De Bruyne is just returning, Rúben Dias and John Stones are missing at the back, and the absence of Jack Grealish, Jérémy Doku and Oscar Bobb has reduced their creativity.
When things go wrong for Guardiola sides, they have a tendency to concede goals in sudden bursts – as though the way players have to subjugate themselves to the demands of the system means there is nobody with the personality to step up and seize a game when that system is threatened. Against Sporting, two goals were conceded in three minutes; against Brighton it was two in five. Rodri, like Vincent Kompany before him, was perhaps leader enough to prevent that glitching of the mechanisms; in that aspect as well, he is missed.
But this side are also struggling in unfamiliar ways. Kyle Walker, whose pace has been such an asset over his career, suddenly looks, if not slow, then at least not what he was. It may be a fitness issue but, equally, it may just be that, at 34, age is beginning to sap him. And then there is the more general issue of fatigue, which Guardiola has begun to talk openly about. Almost all elite players are playing too much, but perhaps they feel it more when they have already achieved so much. Maintaining the hunger is one of the great challenges for successful managers. And who knows what impact the Premier League charges against City have had?
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It was a run of two wins in seven games at this stage five years ago that gave the first clue City would cede the league title to Liverpool, but that is the only time Guardiola hasn’t found a way to come back. He may do so again but dragging City back from here may be his greatest challenge.
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This is an extract from Soccer with Jonathan Wilson, a weekly look from the Guardian US at the game in Europe and beyond. Subscribe for free here. Have a question for Jonathan? Email [email protected], and he’ll answer the best in a future edition
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Introducing our list of the greatest soccer players since 2000
Throughout 2024, theScore’s Eras project evaluated and ranked the top 25 performers of the past 25 years in MLB, the NBA, NFL, NHL, and the Olympics.
This week, we’re counting down the greatest male soccer players since 2000, a transformative spell defined by the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two all-time greats whose enduring rivalry and stranglehold on the sport may never be replicated.
The soccer landscape changed forever on Dec. 14, 2000.
That’s when Lionel Messi, then 13, signed his first “official” Barcelona contract on an infamous (and now wildly expensive) napkin. The sport hasn’t been the same since.
All Messi’s done is score over 800 goals, win 46 trophies, hoist the Ballon d’Or a record eight times, and – at long last – achieve immortality in Argentina by ending a World Cup drought that spanned nearly 40 years. Decent career, that.
That it all coincided with Cristiano Ronaldo’s superhuman exploits, often in titanic head-to-head battles between two of the game’s most storied institutions, is almost impossible. Messi and Ronaldo’s influence on the sport will forever be indelible, even if, in 2024, their time as soccer’s most spellbinding practitioners is clearly over; one’s made Major League Soccer his playground, while the other’s scoring goals for fun in Saudi Arabia. It’s not exactly El Clasico.
But with both still active, and the year 2000 providing a clean, clear starting point, we’re taking this opportunity to rank the best players of the last 25 years. While this list is ultimately a celebration of their unforgettable era, it’s also an opportunity to shine light on the brilliance of their contemporaries, whose GOAT credentials never stood a chance while Messi and Ronaldo towered over everyone and everything.
You won’t agree with everything on this list. You might not agree with anything on it. There’s no definitive “right” answer, no single barometer to make these comparisons, but that’s part of the exercise’s appeal. It’s supposed to elicit a reaction. It certainly did for us. We spent weeks considering and debating dozens of sensational footballers before whittling, ranking, and – on several occasions – re-ranking the candidates.
We ultimately compiled a 25-man list heavy on attacking genius. There’s still room for magnificent midfielders of all kinds, though, while defenders and goalkeepers are present, too. Inevitably, European football’s top clubs feature prominently. In an era where power has been consolidated among a group of wealthy elite, the biggest teams gobble up all the premium talent and for the most part don’t let go. Those squads, headlined by eternal Spanish rivals Barca and Real Madrid, are well represented.
And then there’s the fluid nature of the sport itself, which presents its own unique challenge.
Soccer, always in some state of reinvention, has continued to transform over the last 25 years. It’s undergone multiple stylistic changes as managers concocted new tactical schemes, while others responded naturally by trying to either copy or combat those innovations. Whereas teams once put greater emphasis on physicality and pure athleticism to overrun the opposition, the famed tiki-taka passing revolution perfected by Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona – and the all-conquering Spanish national team of the time – had its turn as the dominant approach. Until it wasn’t. Astute coaches crafted defensive shells and counterattacking plans to thwart those possession-based sides. Until those counterattacks were stymied, in turn, by high-intensity gegenpressing. Around and around we go.
All of that’s helped put an emphasis on certain positions and types of players at various times. The traditional No. 10 role, once a hallmark of the sport, is now largely an afterthought. Some of the game’s greatest showmen and artists were phased out with it. Deep-lying playmakers took over as vital, beloved figures. Inverted wingers replaced traditional wide players. Full-backs, with more space to exploit as those wingers cut inside, became key creators. Rangy defensive midfielders had to cover the spaces they were vacating, of course. Defenders and even goalkeepers needed to be cultured with the ball at their feet. The era was in some cases as responsible for creating the superstar as the player himself.
Compared to other sports in this wide-ranging series – baseball, in particular – soccer’s data revolution hasn’t been nearly as pervasive. It’s still in its relative infancy. Advanced analytics for certain positions remains limited, while even the most basic statistics from the earliest part of this century are scarce at best, and wholly absent at worst. The numbers informed some of our decisions, breaking ties when nothing else could, but they couldn’t be the sole consideration. We had to take a holistic approach.
This is our best effort to quantify this shape-shifting, oft-unquantifiable sport.
There was no single factor that guaranteed inclusion. Not even the Ballon d’Or alone served as a panacea. We evaluated peak performance, the size and breadth of a player’s trophy cabinet – on both an individual and team level – international success (which isn’t created equal for everyone), influence on the sport, and – especially – sustained excellence over time. The latter, best evidenced by Messi and Ronaldo, carried significant weight. Intrinsically intertwined, the pair set the impossibly high standard against which all others are measured.
An ultra-critical note to keep in mind: only the last 25 years were taken into consideration when evaluating the bevy of worthy contenders for this list. Accomplishments prior to 2000 were omitted. Obviously, that had consequences, most notably for Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo Nazario. The French and Brazilian icons, inarguably two of the best footballers ever, made our list, but the timeline was a limiting factor in how high they could ascend.
That criteria had a more tangible impact on Paolo Maldini, the AC Milan legend regarded by many as the finest defender in history. His incredible longevity allowed him to play, and win, into the early 2000s, but too much of his career, including his peak, had already passed by then. Erling Haaland, meanwhile, had the opposite problem. In only his fifth full season in one of Europe’s top leagues, he simply hasn’t been playing long enough to justify inclusion. Come back in a few years and he could be near the very top. For now, though, neither made our final list. It can be easy to valorize the past – nostalgia is powerful. Conversely, recency bias can cloud judgement. We tried to find middle ground. It wasn’t easy.
The likes of Andrea Pirlo, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard came close but didn’t crack the list. They were agonizing exclusions. The same is true for Wayne Rooney and Sergio Aguero, who registered a combined 392 Premier League goals and sit third and fifth on the league’s all-time scoring chart, respectively. They were our final cuts, undone by a lack of international success at the senior level. Harry Kane and Francesco Totti, meanwhile, lack the necessary trophies. A player’s entire body of work was put to the test.
In that regard, Messi and Ronaldo stand alone. Who came closest to reaching their heights in the 2000s? We’ll try to answer that question as we unveil our list.
25. Kaka 🇧🇷
Era teams: Sao Paulo 2000-03, 2014; AC Milan 2003-09, 2013-14; Real Madrid 2009-13; Orlando City 2014-17; Brazil 2002-16
Signature performance: Few players, if any, possessed grace and power in equal measure like Kaka. Manchester United witnessed that firsthand in 2007, when Kaka put on a show in the Champions League semifinals. He scored twice in the first leg at Old Trafford, including one of the great solo efforts in tournament history that literally left multiple defenders crumpled on the pitch in his wake. In their desperation to stop him, Gabriel Heinze and Patrice Evra crashed into one another, bamboozled and beaten by Kaka’s skill, acceleration, and inventiveness.
He scored again in the second leg, and was central to AC Milan’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the final, winning the free-kick that led to his team’s opener before splitting open the Reds’ backline to set up Filippo Inzaghi’s eventual winning goal as the Italian club hoisted the coveted trophy for the seventh, and, to date, last time.
Why he’s here: Compared to many of his contemporaries on this list, Kaka’s prime didn’t last nearly as long. It’s the main reason why he only squeaked in, as opposed to being a comfortable entry. His Real Madrid tenure was largely a letdown, too, his body beginning to betray him after his expensive 2009 transfer. There are credible arguments for others in this spot – we had them. But Kaka’s peak, however short, was absolutely irreproachable. In full flow, the Brazilian was unstoppable, balletic and explosive at the same time.
He warranted inclusion on the power of his 2007 accomplishments alone. In addition to the aforementioned Champions League triumph – a tournament he led in scoring that year despite not being a striker – Kaka also took home the UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, and was named Player of the Year by FIFA, FIFPro, UEFA, and Serie A, among others.
He closed out 2007 with the biggest individual prize of all, beating both Ronaldo and Messi to the Ballon d’Or. It would be over a decade before anyone else replicated that feat. This sport, like most, doesn’t lend itself well to consensus. But in 2007 everyone agreed on one thing: Kaka was the best player in the world.
24. Sergio Ramos 🇪🇸
Era teams: Sevilla 2004-05, 2023-24; Real Madrid 2005-21; PSG 2021-23; Spain 2005-21
Signature performance: Ramos scored 101 goals for Real Madrid, an absurd total for a defender. None mattered more than his stoppage-time equalizer against city rivals Atletico Madrid in the 2013-14 Champions League final. Trailing 1-0, the Spaniard, who also scored twice in the semifinals that season, delivered a perfect downward header off a corner kick in the 93rd minute to send the tense match to extra time.
Cerebral inside the penalty area, Ramos worked his way through traffic, timed his jump, hung in the air, and met the outswinging ball at the penalty spot. Future teammate Thibaut Courtois, a real-life Stretch Armstrong, couldn’t get a hand on it before the ball nestled into the bottom corner of the Atletico goal. Real Madrid went on to claim a 4-1 win in extra time, ending the club’s 12-year wait for its 10th European Cup – the vaunted “La Decima” – and kickstarting a commanding run of four Champions League titles in five years. Ramos was vital to all of them.
Why he’s here: Love or hate him, Ramos is the defining center-back of his generation. Several others, like compatriots Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique, have strong claims to that throne; the former was a better pure defender, while the latter was a more precise, accomplished passer. But Ramos was the perfect amalgamation. Crucially, he was present for all three of Spain’s major tournament triumphs from 2008 to 2012, starting at right-back in the Euro 2008 and 2010 World Cup finals before sliding into his preferred center-back role to help his nation cap the unprecedented three-peat. Spain’s all-time appearance leader, Ramos was an influential leader on the pitch and in the dressing room, captaining Real Madrid to multiple Champions League titles.
Ramos also represents one of the best returns on investment of any transfer this century. He joined Madrid from Sevilla for €27 million in 2005, racking up 671 appearances over 16 decorated seasons, and outscoring defenders and many forwards along the way. (Some of the players charted above, like Ashley Young, James Milner, and Antonio Candreva, spent minimal time in “defensive” roles in their careers, playing more attacking positions more often, and still didn’t come close to Ramos’ output.)
Did Ramos dabble in the game’s dark arts, straddling the line between fair and foul? No doubt. He frequently crossed that line, of course, amassing a La Liga record 21 red cards and – though he’ll never admit it – a blatant armbar that dislocated Mohamed Salah’s shoulder and knocked the Liverpool star out of the 2018 Champions League final. Those misdeeds would be enough to disqualify lesser players from contention for this list. Would a squeaky-clean Ramos have ranked higher? Perhaps. But he wouldn’t have been nearly as interesting to watch.
23. Sergio Busquets 🇪🇸
Era teams: Barcelona 2008-23; Inter Miami 2023-present; Spain 2009-22
Signature performance: Busquets is one of the true outliers on this list. He’s won the World Cup, European Championship, three Champions League titles, and nine La Liga crowns, all as a central pillar of Barcelona and Spain’s success, yet it’s hard to pick out any singular performance. That’s not a knock but a testament to his consistent excellence.
He almost never scored during his 15 remarkable Barcelona seasons – 18 goals in 722 games – and rarely was credited with assists. Messi got the attention. Xavi and Andres Iniesta, too. Others, like Neymar and Luis Suarez, took turns in the spotlight. All the while, Busquets worked his understated magic. In the absence of one signature outing, we’ll highlight his 48 El Clasico appearances, the most of any player in history. He was the fulcrum of Barcelona’s legendary midfield that controlled so many of those heavyweight tilts, setting the tempo and orchestrating the team’s rhythmic possession for over a decade before quietly departing for Inter Miami.
Why he’s here: “You watch the game, you do not see Busquets. You watch Busquets, you see the whole game.” The famous quote, attributed to former Spain coach Vicente del Bosque, may not even be real. It’s origins are unclear. But it doesn’t matter, because it so perfectly encapsulates the subtle genius of the angular midfielder, quite possibly the smartest player on this list.
He was technically a “holding” midfielder. But that description feels inadequate – wrong, even. Busquets redefined his role, changing what it meant to play in front of the backline.
Emerging in an age when prototypical defensive midfielders were tough-tackling athletes tasked with destroying the opposition attack, the languid, lanky Spaniard was the antithesis of that mold. He didn’t fly into tackles and break up play. He orchestrated it. He wasn’t fast or particularly athletic. To be honest, he was probably the slowest player every time he stepped onto the pitch. It didn’t matter. He processed the game faster than anyone. Stronger, quicker, and more agile foes spent hours chasing him around in vain. They were always a step behind. By the time they arrived, the ball was gone, Busquets already thinking two steps ahead, moving himself and his teammates into just the right place to keep the team ticking.
22. Thomas Muller 🇩🇪
Era teams: Bayern Munich 2008-present; Germany 2010-24
Signature performance: Unerring consistency may be the signature trait of Muller’s long career, but he still hit the high notes. During the 2012-13 season, he was instrumental in leading Bayern Munich to Champions League glory. The semifinal first leg against Barcelona, one of the Bavarian club’s most famous wins, showcased Muller at his very best. He scored twice and set up another in a 4-0 victory, roaming free on the pitch, popping up everywhere and wreaking havoc.
He finished that Champions League campaign with eight goals – a team high – and over 1,000 minutes played, as Bayern beat rivals Borussia Dortmund in the final to erase the heartache of the previous season and win the coveted competition for the first time in over a decade.
Why he’s here: Muller doesn’t look like your prototypical superstar. Visually, he’s ungainly on the pitch, skinny limbs awkwardly flailing at all times. Stylistically, he isn’t a natural fit anywhere. He’s not a pure scorer, a second striker, No. 10, attacking midfielder, or winger. But that’s a feature of his game, not a bug. The German, 35, is a mixture of them all, famously dubbing himself a “Raumdeuter” – space invader or interpreter – when asked to categorize his underappreciated playing style. “I like to be active in the space in behind the opposition’s midfield,” he explained. “That’s where I can hurt the opponent most of all. It’s about instinct.” And hurt the opponent he has. A lot.
Muller, Bayern Munich’s all-time appearance leader and winningest player, has authored one of the most productive careers of his generation. Durability has been key: he’s made no fewer than 27 Bundesliga appearances every year for the past 15 seasons (discounting the current campaign that’s still in its infancy). His production level in that time is staggering. His role may be abstract, but the numbers aren’t. Here’s the full list of players with more league assists than Muller since his Bayern debut in 2008: Messi. That’s it. Air doesn’t get much more rarefied.
He’s the top scoring German in Champion League history. He’s part of an exclusive list of players to score at least 10 World Cup goals in their career – he won the tournament’s Golden Boot in 2010 – and, with 33 trophies, needs two more to surpass Toni Kroos as the most decorated player Germany’s ever produced. Not bad for someone with no discernible style.
21. Robert Lewandowski 🇵🇱
Era teams: Lech Poznan 2008-10; Borussia Dortmund 2010-14; Bayern Munich 2014-22; Barcelona 2022-present; Poland 2008-present
Signature performance: Guardiola’s flabbergasted reaction said it all. The then-Bayern Munich manager, mouth gaping and hands on his head, couldn’t believe what just saw. Neither could we. The reaction – to this day an evergreen meme – came after Lewandowski scored his fifth goal in nine scarcely believable minutes during a 2015 Bundesliga match against Wolfsburg. Consider, for a second, that Guardiola watched Lionel freaking Messi do otherworldly things just about every single day for several years, yet he still couldn’t process what Lewandowski accomplished. Asked afterwards for his thoughts, Guardiola came up empty. “I can’t explain it,” he said. Same, Pep.
You can watch the entire nine-minute bonanza in the time it would take to describe each goal, including the spectacular tally that capped the explosion:
Why he’s here: Scoring goals remains the single most difficult thing to do in soccer – just not for Lewandowski. The volume of production is impossible to ignore. In 17 seasons as a senior player, the Pole failed to reach double digits in league goals only once. Even that comes with an asterisk of sorts: it was his first year at Borussia Dortmund as a 21-year-old, and he started only 15 Bundesliga games. Since then, he’s hit the 30-goal benchmark five times in Germany’s top flight, including his 41-goal haul in 2020-21, which broke German icon Gerd Muller’s longstanding record (49 years) for most goals in a single Bundesliga season.
Lewandowski averaged 26 goals per season over his 12 Bundesliga campaigns. Right foot, left foot, head, he did it all in Germany. You’d think the veteran, now 36, would start slowing down. You’d be wrong. He has 19 goals in 17 matches across all competitions this season with Barcelona.
One final stat, for good measure: Only two players have scored more goals in Champions League history than Lewandowski, and you can likely guess the duo in question. It’s also not totally ridiculous to suggest that the prolific Polish striker could surpass second-placed Messi. While that wouldn’t offset the 2021 Ballon d’Or that many believed erroneously went to Messi over Lewandowski, it would serve to highlight how exceptional the Warsaw native is.
Follow the rollout all week long. Tuesday: Nos. 16-20.
Source: https://thescore.com/topsn/news/3117961
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Downs Progress: How The Club Feels About Mngqithi | Soccer Laduma
Manqoba Mngqithi, Head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns reacts during the Betway Premiership 2024/25 match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Polokwane City at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria on 06 November 2024
Samuel Shivambu, Backpages
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi might have done well to further strengthen his relationship with the club following the team’s latest achievement of reaching a cup final, close sources have indicated.
On Sunday, the Brazilians advanced to the final of the Carling Knockout Cup after defeating Marumo Gallants 2-0 at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in the Free State.
Read – Manqoba Wary Of Larsen Ahead Of R6.6 Million Clash
The Chloorkop side will play against Magesi FC in the final on November 23 after the giant-killing PSL’s new boys beat Richards Bay FC in their semi-final clash in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.
Downs’ impressive run in the competition might have further strengthened the relationship between Mngqithi and the club’s top brass, with the expectations that it could be the beginning of better things to come for the ambitious side.
Earlier in the campaign after Mngqithi was elevated to the head coach role following the departure of Rulani Mokwena, there were concerns from some sections of the team’s supporters on whether the club had made the right decision.
This was after the former African champions were knocked out of the MTN8 in the semi-finals by Stellenbosch FC although the club has been resolute in its support for the experienced mentor.
“From the word go, there have never been any doubts from the club about the coach or any of his technical team members. It has just been noise from the outside with the people on social media and the media talking, but from inside the club everyone has been focused on the task at hand to improve the team,” said the source.
Read – De Jong: People Don’t Give Rayners Credit
“Everyone in the team has confidence in the coach and his technical team. That’s how everyone at the club feels. Yes, the target is the main one, and that’s the Champions League, but it doesn’t mean that the club doesn’t want to do well in other competitions domestically. Of course, the league is important, and the team will want to defend it again, and to also do well in cup competitions,” the source said.
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HCRDA Rewards Young Environmental Champions with Soccer Balls
The Hammersdale Cato Ridge Development Association recently kicked off a successful anti-litter campaign, rewarding local primary school pupils with soccer balls for their efforts in keeping their schools clean.
Hammersdale, South Africa (11 November 2024) – A ball is a simple yet powerful toy to ignite fun and spark friendly competition among young minds.
Bringing balls of fun to local schools, the Hammersdale Cato Ridge Development Association (HCRDA) completed surprise visits bearing snacks to the 10 primary schools participating in the organisation’s anti-litter initiative.
The initiative, which was launched earlier this year, aims to encourage young learners to adopt responsible waste disposal habits. To make things exciting, the HCRDA distributed packets of chips to each pupil, followed by surprise visits to assess the cleanliness of the school grounds.
Schools that maintained a clean and litter-free environment were rewarded with high-quality soccer balls, fostering a sense of accomplishment and encouraging continued efforts.
HCRDA aims to expand this initiative to reach more public schools and is committed to promoting environmental awareness and community development.
By recognising and rewarding young environmental champions, the organisation hopes to inspire future generations to make a positive impact on the planet.
Sources: Hammersdale Cato Ridge Development
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Euro Move On The Cards For Nwabali? | Soccer Laduma
Chippa United Nigerian shot-stopper has a made big 2026 FIFA World Cup claim ahead of their clash against Bafana Bafana.
With the January transfer window approaching, Chippa United will be fighting tooth and nail to keep their captain and goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali.
As previously reported by Soccer Laduma, Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, is interested in the Nigerian-born goalkeeper. According to sources, the Belgian club has made an offer to the Gqeberha-based side.
EAD: Trophy At Stake: Chiefs In Possible Downs Rematch…
Insiders revealed to Soccer Laduma that the main issue is the transfer fee, as Chippa United’s asking price is significantly higher than what the Belgian side is willing to pay for the 28-year-old.
“The Belgian club has made an offer. Now, money will decide his move. You know, Chippa United has valued him at R40 million, and currently, we are unsure what Royale Union has offered. They desperately need a goalkeeper ahead of January. They were not performing well in the league when they expressed their desire to sign him as soon as possible, but it all depends on whether Royale Union’s offer meets Chippa’s demands. The offer is there, and they really need him,” a source revealed to the Siya crew.
READ: Riveiro, Ribeiro Scoop Up PSL Monthly Awards
With Kaizer Chiefs having signed Fiacre Ntwari, and Orlando Pirates no longer interested in his services, Nwabali’s only potential move is to Europe, a source close to the dealings revealed.
“This is the only chance for him to move. Chiefs aren’t signing him; neither are Pirates. This leaves him with the opportunity to move to Europe. Royale Union has reportedly tabled an offer. It’s now up to Chippa United to agree on the offer or negotiate terms. But a local move seems highly unlikely at the moment,” the source observed.
The 27-year-old played 26 games for the club last season, and this season, he has featured in all seven Premiership League games. He was also made captain at the start of the season.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chippa United Executive Director Lukanyo Mzizi for comment, but there was no response at the time of publishing.
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From Development To Stars, Analyst Shaping Pirates Future? | Soccer Laduma
Orlando Pirates players during the 2024 Carling Knockout Cup football match between Pirates and Magesi FC at Orlando Stadium, Soweto on 18 October 2024
Gavin Barker, Backpages
Orlando Pirates have promoted several youngsters from the junior ranks to the senior squad, with insiders at the club attributing the integration of young talent to Mxolisi Mngomezulu, whom they describe as the crucial link between the senior team and the development ranks.
READ: Latest On Timm Amid Pirates Exit Talk
Sources informed the Siya crew that Mngomezulu’s talent identification skills are comparable to those of the late, great Stanley ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala, and that he is following in Tshabalala’s illustrious footsteps.
“He is one of the unsung heroes not only of Orlando Pirates but of South African football as a whole. He has worked with players like Lebogang Manyama, Joseph Molongoane, and Mpho Makola, to mention just a few. Now, he is the pivotal link between the Pirates’ junior development and the senior team. He has been instrumental in most of the recent promotions at Pirates, collaborating with other coaches to identify juniors ready to step up to the senior team. That is why many consider him the next Screamer because of his exceptional eye for talent,” the source told Soccer Laduma.
READ: Riveiro, Ribeiro Scoop Up PSL Monthly Awards
Another source revealed that the 45-year-old, Alexandra-born coach is also Pirates’ first-team analyst.
“He is well-versed in football. He holds a CAF A Coaching License, which aids him in his role as a senior team analyst. In addition to bridging the development and senior teams, he works full-time with the senior team, analyzing their games as well as the opposition’s. He is indeed a great asset to the club,” the source told Soccer Laduma.
This publication reached out to Orlando Pirates for a comment, but there was no response at the time of publishing.
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Does Khune’s Betting Partnership Jeopardize His Football Future? | Soccer Laduma
Itumeleng Khune during the Kaizer Chiefs media briefing at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 4 August 2023 in Durban, South Africa.
Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana number one goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune, recently partnered with the betting company Top Bet, while also expressing his desire to continue playing professionally.
As previously reported by the Siya crew, his representatives are exploring options to offer his services to PSL clubs. However, this could be complicated by his association with a betting company, which contravenes both PSL and FIFA regulations.
READ: Trophy At Stake: Chiefs In Possible Downs Rematch…
Sources have revealed to Soccer Laduma that an individual directly or indirectly involved with a betting company is prohibited from participating in official football matches. The source explained that such involvement could potentially influence the outcome of games, violating football’s gambling and betting rules.
“They are still evaluating the situation, but according to both FIFA and PSL regulations, it appears highly unlikely for him to continue in professional football due to these betting and gambling rules. Whether he owns shares or is merely a partner in a betting company, it is considered improper for him to actively play as it compromises the integrity of the games, which goes against FIFA’s Gambling and Betting rules. Involvement of third parties in the game is strictly prohibited, and he cannot be seen flouting these rules. From this perspective, retiring may be his best option,” the source told Soccer Laduma.
READ: Chiefs New Signings Fit R50m Bill?
According to FIFA rules, a member of a betting company is prohibited from being directly or indirectly involved in football matches.
“I believe both his representatives and any club interested in signing him should first review Article 26 in the FIFA Rules to determine if it allows him to play actively. However, I doubt it is feasible given his partnership with a betting company. They should also consider what PSL rules state about betting and participation in professional football. Given his investment in the company, it seems unlikely he can play without encountering significant complications,” another source revealed.
The PSL are yet to implement clear rules on betting, which would clarify the situation regarding players and officials being involved directly or indirectly in betting or lottery activities.
Article 26 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, prohibits betting for football players:
Involvement with betting, gambling or similar activities
Those bound by the FIFA Code of Ethics, namely all officials, referees, players as well as match agents and intermediaries, are subject to the Code as follows:
- They are forbidden from participating in, either directly or indirectly, betting, gambling, lotteries or similar events or transactions related to football matches or competitions and/or any related football activities;
- They shall not have any interests, either directly or indirectly (through or in conjunction with third parties), in entities, companies, organisations, etc. that promote, broker, arrange or conduct betting, gambling, lotteries or similar events or transactions connected with football matches and competitions;
- “Interests” include gaining any possible advantage for the persons bound by the Code themselves and/or related parties.
- Soccer Laduma contacted the PSL for comment on the matter but there was no response at the time of publishing.
Soccer Laduma contacted the PSL for comment but there was no response at the time of publishing.
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Malesela: I’m Eating Humble Pie | Soccer Laduma
POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 19: Dan Malesela head coach of Marumo Gallants during Carling Knockout, Last 16 match between Polokwane City FC and Marumo Gallants FC at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Polokwane, South Africa. (Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images)
Marumo Gallants had coach Dan Malesela says he is being made to eat humble pie by own his players despite their Carling Knockout exit.
The Limpopo side were unable to reach the final of the Carling Knockout after losing to Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday afternoon.
Read: Sundowns Advance To Carling Knockout Final
The Gallants coach admitted that earlier in the season, he was unsure if his players would be able to compete but is happy to have been proven wrong.
“I wish the results could have been different but what can you do? You can only be grateful and can only appreciate these kids and what they do, the efforts they make,” Malesela told SuperSport after the game.
“We’re only a few months old and already the signs are very good and I’m hoping they can grow. The confidence can grow, they can take something out of these games.
“Some of these kids I look at the beginning, and [asked myself] ‘Will this one make it?’ And now I’m eating humble pie and they’ve proven me wrong in so many ways and I’m happy for them,” Malesela said.
“I wish this was different with all these supporters but I think this is a sign of appreciation towards what these kids are doing. In a different day maybe we would’ve been lucky, we could have converted maybe but it wasn’t to be.”
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OHSAA high school boys soccer state final score | Twinsburg vs. Indian Hill recap
Twinsburg boys soccer wins first regional title, Columbus DeSales next
The Twinsburg boys soccer team will play in 1st first state semifinal after beating Revere High School in a Division III, Region 9 final, DeSales next.
COLUMBUS — The Twinsburg boys soccer team broke through this season with its first state final appearance. Unfortunately for the Tigers, they’ll have to wait at least another season for their first state title.
Cincinnati Indian Hill made sure of that with a 1-0 win to take the Division III championship on Sunday.
Like the school’s baseball team in the spring, the Tigers (21-3) finished runner-up, which is a gigantic accomplishment in its own right.
“It starts with these guys as players,” Twinsburg coach Mike Lally said. “These guys come into camps so the younger guys know who they are. Both the boys and girls teams support each other tremendously in the school. That helps a lot.
“The other part is that Twinsburg is a pretty tight school. It’s a special place to be for students and teachers. They support each other. For a school our size to be in the baseball state championship. and soccer state championships tells you the quality type of kid we have at Twinsburg.”
It’s the first state title for the Braves (23-0-2), who had runner-up finishes in 1986 and 1987.
Indian Hill was afforded that luxury with a goal near the start of the second half.
Zohaib Kalloo put a ball on the foot of Aiden Faber at the top of the box on the right and the senior beat his man to the touch line on the dribble. He crossed the ball in front of the goal mouth to Max Grebe. Grebe one-touched it into an empty net with 33:15 to play.
Indian Hill’s win happened in large part to a Braves defense that didn’t allow a shot on frame. It marked the 14th shutout for Indian Hill, which allow a just three goals in the postseason.
“We’ve had some great teams in the past,” Lally said. “It’s been hard for these guys to break through. When we saw these guys in June, we knew we had something special. It was getting them to realize that potential. The thing I’m most excited about with these guys is the work they put in to get better throughout the course of the year.”
Here’s how the game unfolded through our live updates:
Twinsburg is pressuring more but hasn’t been able to crack an Indian Hill defense has allowed only three goals this postseason. While the Tigers are getting into the offensive third more there still hasn’t been a shot on frame. It’s 1-0 Indian Hill with 18:41 left.
Zohaib Kalloo put a ball on the foot of Aiden Faber at the top of the box on the right and the senior beat his man to the touch line on the dribble. He crossed the ball in front of the goal mouth to Max Grebe. Grebe one-touched it into an empty net.
It’s 1-0 Braves over the Tigers with 33:15 left.
The Tigers switched from a 4-3-3- to a 3-5-2 to a 5-3-2 midway through the first half and it alleviated some of the pressure off the backline. Indian Hill immediately moved its center forward to an attacking midfielder.
While Indian Hill has put 12 shots at the goal, only two have been on frame. We’re still scoreless at the break.
| Category | Indian Hill | Twinsburg |
| Shots on goal | 2 | 0 |
| Saves | Swallow (0) | Goodman (2) |
| Corner kicks | 2 | 2 |
The Braves have 11 shots at goal on two shots on goal to Twinsburg’s two shots at goal with 8:02 remaining. It’s been a credit to Twinsburg’s backline and keeper Cooper Goodman that it remains scoreless to the point. Just phenomenal defense being shown by the Tigers.
It’s easy to see why the Braves average 4.3 goals per game. The ball has constantly been in Twinsburg’s defensive third for the first 20 minutes. While it hasn’t produced a goal, it’s putting stress on the backline.
Indian Hill’s Connor Wilkes took a free kick from 20 yards out in the middle and peppered the left side of the goal, but Cooper Goodman was able to get a mitt on it to keep it out of net. It’s Indian Hill 0, Twinsburg 0 with 32:26 to go in the first half.
| Number | Name | Position |
| 00 | Alex Swallow | GK |
| 2 | Ernesto Rodriguez-Cayro | D |
| 3 | Nate Bunkowske | D |
| 4 | Carter Cushman | D |
| 5 | Christian Mangano | D |
| 6 | Liam Brady | M |
| 7 | Mac Cantwell | M |
| 8 | Brady Evans | M |
| 10 | Connor Wilkes | M |
| 11 | Aiden Faber | F |
| 14 | Max Grebe | M |
| Number | Starting lineup | Position |
| 1 | Cooper Goodman | GK |
| 2 | Ryan Humbereson | M |
| 3 | Gavin Varnum | D |
| 4 | Nate Grant | D |
| 6 | Theodore Goodman | D |
| 7 | Lucas Elias | M |
| 8 | Mario Sanders | M |
| 9 | Alec Utrup | F |
| 10 | Devin Couch | F |
| 24 | Keelin Fuentes | M |
| 25 | Evan Schneeeman | M |
OHSAA State final history for Twinsburg and Indian Hill
As stated above, Twinsburg is playing in its first championship.
Indian Hill is playing in its third title game. It’s been a while for the Braves. They haven’t been to a championship since 1987. The Braves finished second in 1986-87.
Twinsburg players to watch
Devin Couch (13 goals, eight assists), Evan Schneeman (11 goals, seven assists), Lucas Elias (nine, 19 assists), Mario Sanders (six goals, five assists), are the players to watch.
Keelin Fuentes (five goals, four assists) and Alec Utrup (four goals, four assists) are ones to pay attention to as well.
Indian Hill players to watch
Indian Hill is led by Connor Wilkes (39 goals, 24 assists) and Aiden Faber (22 goals, 19 assists).
Max Grebe (eight goals, four assists), Zohaib Kalloo (seven goals, eight assists) and Liam Brady (seven goals, seven assists) are scoring options as well.
Twinsburg OHSAA postseason results
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Oct. 19 | Brush | W, 7-0 |
| Oct. 24 | Padua | W, 1-0 |
| Oct. 28 | Rocky River | W, 2-0 |
| Oct. 30 | University School | W, 2-0 |
| Nov. 3 | Revere | W, 3-0 |
| Nov. 6 | Columbus DeSales | W, 1-0 |
Indian Hill OHSAA postseason results
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Oct. 15 | Western Brown | W, 9-0 |
| Oct. 19 | Edgewood | W, 8-0 |
| Oct. 22 | Cincinnati LaSalle | W, 5-1 |
| Oct. 26 | Tippecanoe | W, 2-0 |
| Oct. 30 | Maumee | W, 5-0 |
| Nov. 3 | Dayton Carroll | W, 3-1 |
| Nov. 6 | Shawnee | W, 4-2 |
Contact Brad Bournival at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter at @bbournival.
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