By Mzwandile Mhlongo | 01 April 2025

Winning the CAF Champions League for the second time is the only thing that might comfort Orlando Pirates fans, as reports suggest their beloved Spanish coach, Jose Riveiro, could be leaving at the end of the season.

Pirates, the first South African team to lift the CAF Champions League trophy in 1995, are in great form in this year's competition. They dominated the group stages and now have a chance to add a second star to their badge.

Tonight at 9 PM, Riveiro’s team faces MC Alger in Algeria for the first leg of the quarterfinals at Stade du 5 Juillet. The second leg will be played on April 9 at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. If Riveiro wins this competition, it could ease the heartbreak of fans who might see him leave without renewing his contract.

Since Roger De Sa led Pirates to the Champions League final in 2013, the team has watched rivals Mamelodi Sundowns dominate the tournament, with Pitso Mosimane guiding them to victory in 2016.

With uncertainty surrounding Riveiro’s contract, winning this title could be the perfect farewell gift to the Pirates faithful, who have grown to love him.

Riveiro’s Impact at Pirates

Under Riveiro, Pirates have reached the CAF Confederation Cup final twice—once under Eric Tinkler in 2015 and again under Josef Zinnbauer in 2021.

Since his arrival in 2022, Riveiro has won three MTN 8 titles and two Nedbank Cups, with a chance to win a third as Pirates prepare to face Marumo Gallants in the semifinals. He has also guided the team to two consecutive second-place finishes in the Betway Premiership.

One of his biggest achievements is introducing young players like Relebohile Mofokeng, who has since earned a place in the Bafana Bafana squad. This youth development was rare under previous coaches.

While reports suggest family matters could be the reason for his possible departure, one thing is certain—winning the Champions League would be a perfect parting gift for Pirates fans who are already saddened by the thought of losing

their beloved coach.

Mzwandile Mhlongo | 11 July 2024

In a significant boost to local sports, the King Cetshwayo District Acting Mayor, His Worship Cllr SZ Dlamini, celebrated the return of the NRB Football Club to its home ground today. Speaking at the sponsorship launch in Richards Bay, Mayor Dlamini expressed his pride in being associated with the Richards Bay Football Club, highlighting the team's remarkable growth to its current Premier Soccer League (PSL) status.

Richards Bay FC has secured a three-year partnership with Phakwe Gas (Phakwe Group), valued at over R60 million. This sponsorship marks a major milestone for the club and the community.

"When this district municipality was given the opportunity to manage the design and strategy for the construction of the uMhlathuze Sports Complex and the soccer stadium prior to the 2010 World Cup, it was a hope and dream that it will leave a legacy that will stand for generations to come," said Cllr Dlamini. He recalled the stadium complex's official handover to the City of uMhlathuze upon the completion of Phase 1, just before the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Mayor Dlamini emphasized the unifying power of sports for the youth in South Africa, underscoring the government's responsibility to foster an environment that promotes the identification, development, and nurturing of young talent.

The sponsorship launch also featured the unveiling of NRB FC’s new signings: Siyethemba Sithebe, Keagan Allan, Fezile Gcaba, Sbani Mntungwa, Thabiso Kutumela, and Tlakusani Mthethwa, promising an exciting future for the club.

This partnership and investment reflect a shared commitment to excellence and the sustained development of football in the region, aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes.

For further updates on the progress of Richards Bay FC and other local sports news, stay tuned to our platform.

Mzwandile Mhlongo : 10 July 2024

Groutville, ILembe District – : The much-anticipated Luthuli Walk and Fun Run, sponsored by various organizations, is set to take place in Groutville at iLembe District. The event features an 11.5 km walk and promises to be a vibrant celebration of community spirit and historical heritage.

Running from July 16 to July 21, the event will include a series of activities such as the commemoration of Inkosi Albert Luthuli's history, Mandela Day celebrations, and a marathon. The highlight will be the fun run, which will see the participation of the entire Luthuli family, bringing a touch of personal legacy to the occasion. This initiative also aims to provide employment opportunities for the youth.

The Groutville Jazz Club, a new partner of the Luthuli Walk and Fun Run, will host an after-party, giving local enterprises a platform to showcase their talents and products. This partnership underscores the event's community-centric approach, focusing on economic upliftment and social cohesion.

Zakhele Gumede, the founder of the walk, expressed his joy at seeing the initiative he started in 2016 thrive. "Groutville is one of the blessed places," Gumede said. "I am so glad that this initiative continues, offering people chances to engage in diverse activities."

Nkosenhle Mngani from Enterprise iLembe, one of the sponsors, lauded the leadership of Inkosi Albert Luthuli, the first Black African to receive a Nobel Prize. Mngani highlighted their formal partnership with the Luthuli Museum, emphasizing the importance of youth fitness and employment creation. He called upon all citizens to come out in numbers to support the event.

Mrs. Nompumelelo Hadebe from the Department of Sports, Art, and Culture, based in KwaDukuza, noted the program's impact on improving lifestyle choices across different age groups. "This program caters to everyone, from young children to older people, and helps reduce social illnesses by promoting a healthy lifestyle," Hadebe said. She also mentioned that the department, along with other partners, is committed to collaborating with the Luthuli Museum, with plans to sign an agreement to formalize their partnership.

The Luthuli Walk and Fun Run is not just an event but a movement that brings together history, health, and community empowerment. As Groutville gears up for this grand occasion, the spirit of Inkosi Albert Luthuli's legacy continues to inspire and uplift the community.

08 June 2024

Mzwandile Mhlongo -Durban

Today marked the official launch of the "Fans Cup Soccer Tournament," a soccer competition dedicated to the fans.

Mr. Jason Zikalala, the chairman of the 12-player group organizing the tournament, emphasized that fans have not been overlooked. He highlighted that the decision to establish this tournament was made to ensure that fans, who are an integral part of the game, receive the recognition they deserve.

Mr. Zikalala elaborated, “What we will do is ensure that while the players and team managers are enjoying themselves, we also bring joy to the fans. This tournament aims to celebrate the fans and their unwavering support. We want to make sure that they feel included and appreciated in the world of soccer. These matches will be played in the middle of September during the international break, providing a perfect opportunity for fans to engage in the excitement.”

The tournament boasts a substantial prize pool of R250,000, which will be distributed among the participating teams. The initial matches will take place in the KwaZulu-Natal province, with plans to expand the competition to other provinces in the future.

Football fans expressed immense enthusiasm for the tournament, with many attending the launch event in large numbers. The atmosphere was electric as fans gathered to celebrate the introduction of a competition that places them at the heart of the action.

“We believe that this tournament will not only provide entertainment but also strengthen the bond between the teams and their supporters,” Mr. Zikalala added. “It’s an opportunity for fans to showcase their passion and commitment, and for us to show our appreciation for their continuous support.”

The tournament is expected to attract significant attention and participation, further enhancing the vibrant soccer culture within the region. The organizing committee is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all involved, from the players to the loyal fans who make the sport so special.

As the preparations for the Fans Cup Soccer Tournament continue, excitement and anticipation are building among soccer enthusiasts. The event promises to be a celebration of the sport and its devoted followers, reinforcing the importance of fan engagement in the beautiful game.

02 August 2023

Mzwandile Mhlongo 

Iqembu leKaizer Chiefs ihlukane nomunye umdlali ngaphambi lokuthi kuqale isizini entsha.uKgaogelo Sekgota ubesadlale iminyaka emibili eNaturena esuka kuSwallows FC umenyezelwe njengomunye wabadlali abakhululiwe kuleliqembu laseSOWETO.

"USekgota uselishiyile iqembu emva kweminyaka emibili eqembini,Kanti iqembu lakhe lizommemezela maduzane masekuqedwe ngamaphepha okumele asayinwe.siyabonga kakhulu ngomsebenzi awenzile eNaturena,simfisela okuhle kodwa nekusasa eliqhakazile ebholeni lezinyawo" kusho iKaizer Chiefs esitatimendeni esibhale ekhasini layo lika Twitter.

IStellenbosch FC kulindeleke ukuthi kube Ilona qembu elimemezela uSekgota njengomdlali walo omusha kungekudala.ukubala nje abadlali iKhosi elihlukane nabo singabala uErick Mathoho,Cole Alexander,Thabani Dube noPhathutshedzo Nange.kanti uSiyabonga Ngenzana ubukeka enekusasa eliqhakazile eqembini lakhe lase Romania iGiants Stray Bucharest I neyamthola khona eNaturena.

02 August 2023

Mzwandile Mhlongo

Kuqopheke umlando iqembu lesizwe lakuleli lebhola lezinyawo lamantombazane ibanyana banyana idlulela phambili kweyomkhumulajezi.emva kokushaya i-Italy ngo 3-2 emidlalweni yokugcina yamaqoqo obubanjelwe eWellington Regional stadium,babe ngabokuqala emazweni aseningizimu neAfrica ukudlulela esigabeni esilandelayo samaqembu ayishumi nesithupha (last 16).

Kanti ibiwina umdlalo wayo wokuqala iBanyana nobekuwumdlalo omqoka kakhulu, ngoba iwona obuzocacisa ukuthi bayadlulela yini esigabeni esilandelayo noma bayabuya beza ekhaya.

Emva kokuthi iArgentina ikhishwe kabuhlungu iiSweeden ngo-2-0,obesekusalele iBanyana Banyana ukuthi iwine owayo omdlalo.amagoli eBanyana avalele phakathi uHilda Magaia noThembi Kgatlana.kanti uBenedetta orsi ushaye elibe umkhonto ogwaze ekhaya.

IBanyana izodlala neNetherlands emdlalweni olandelayo womkhumulajezi ngeSonto