Goalwinner

  Puso Dithejane explained on why he joined the MLS outfits Chicago Fire despite the rumours which were linking him on Betwayprem local team  “For me, I’d say America is a different country from South Africa,” speaking to  iDiski Times. “This side, you can learn new things that are not yeah. Different level of finishing. In South Africa, and the league, it’s one of the highest leagues in the world he continued “You know, I think it’s in the top 10. Yeah, so I’d say for me coming here is not about money. It’s not about anything. I want to build my brand, and I want to achieve something for my career. “So, I came here to start my career afresh and want to achieve my goal. You know, yeah.”. Dithejane, 22 years-old joined Chicago Fire earlier this year from TS Galaxy following his fellow South African Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Puso already made 11 appearances and scored one goal for the cub. 

BROKEN PROMISE: MAKHANYA WANTS OUT OF PHILADELPHIA UNION AMID EUROPE PUSH *Bafana Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya has not returned to the Philadelphia Union* as he pushes for a move to Europe, with the player claiming the MLS club has broken a promise to let him leave. According to The Athletic, the 21-year-old believes there was an agreement in place that would allow him to exit if a suitable offer arrived. The situation has left relations between player and club strained. The standoff escalated after Philadelphia Union rejected a bid from an unnamed Belgian club for Makhanya.  The Union’s position is that any promise made was “general” and that the offer received did not meet their valuation of the centre-back. Makhanya’s camp, however, feels the club went back on its word and are now blocking a deserved step up to Europe. Scottish giants Rangers FC also entered the picture, having *reached out to both Makhanya and the Union* to register their interest. 

  LUCAS RIBEIRO SET FOR ESPERANCE MOVE AS HE PREPARES TO SIGN   Former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Lucas Ribeiro Costa is set to join Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis, with the Brazilian attacker expected to complete his transfer this week. According to iDiski Times, the 27-year-old is *due to land in Tunisia on Tuesday* where he will *put pen to paper on a three-year contract* with the 4-time CAF Champions League winners. From Spain to North Africa Ribeiro spent last season in Spain with *Cultural Leonesa*, where he featured regularly despite the club’s struggles.  The Brazilian made *31 appearances*, scoring *6 goals and registering 1 assist*. However, Leonesa were ultimately relegated to the *Spanish third division* at the end of the campaign. His performances still caught the eye, and Esperance moved quickly to secure his services as they bolster their attack for both the Tunisian Ligue 1 and continental football. New chapter after Sundowns Ribeiro is no stranger to Af...

  MBOKAZI NAMED CHICAGO FIRE’S MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AND TOP-RATED SA TALENT Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been rated as Chicago Fire’s highest-valued player, with a new market value of *€16-€18 million* according to the latest list released by the *International Centre for Sports Studies [CIES]*. The 20-year-old’s stock has skyrocketed following a standout *FIFA World Cup campaign with South Africa*, where he played *all four of Bafana’s matches* against Mexico, Czech Republic, South Korea and Canada. World Cup and MLS form drive value Mbokazi’s performances on the global stage caught the eye, and he has carried that momentum into Major League Soccer.  His consistency for Chicago Fire has now seen him recognised as the club’s most valuable asset by CIES. The young defender has also been rewarded individually in the US, after being *voted into the Major League Soccer All-Star team*. He will *feature in the MLS All-Star match on 29 July*. Most valuable South Afric...

  STELLENBOSCH FC BID FAREWELL TO HENRI STANIC AFTER AZAM FC MOVE Stellenbosch FC have confirmed the departure of defender Henri Stanic, who has completed a move to Tanzanian Premier League side Azam FC The 24-year-old Belgian centre-back spent just one season with Stellies before heading to East Africa for a new challenge. Stanic exits after 16 appearances Stanic joined Stellenbosch last season and went on to make *16 appearances* across all competitions.  The 24-year-old brought physicality and composure to the backline, and featured as Stellies competed both domestically and on the continent. While he didn’t establish himself as a regular starter, Stanic provided valuable depth and was part of the squad that pushed for silverware last term. New chapter in Tanzania Azam FC have moved quickly to secure Stanic’s services as they bolster their squad ahead of the new Tanzanian Premier League season and a CAF Confederation Cup campaign. The move offers the Belgian defender regula...

Mokwena Left Al-Ittihad Tripoli and joins Pyramids FC Rulani Mokwena has tendered his resignation as head coach of Al Ittihad*, but the Libyan club is refusing to let him go. According to sources, the South African submitted an official resignation letter to inform the club of his decision. However, *Al Ittihad’s president and senior officials have held multiple meetings with Mokwena, pleading with him to stay on*.  Despite their efforts, it’s understood that *Mokwena’s decision is final*. Broken promises behind the exit Mokwena has huge respect for the club’s leadership and fanbase, and was fully committed to the project. That’s why he left MC Alger mid-season to take up the challenge in Libya. But his main concern has been *the club’s failure in the transfer market*.  Prior to joining, Mokwena was assured that Al Ittihad would *reinforce the squad heavily* to challenge for the Libyan league title and secure CAF Champions League qualification. With Libya now outside the CAF t...

Eric Thinker is linked with an internation move and might return to the CAF Football   Ghanaian Premier League giants Asante Kotoko are in advanced talks to appoint South African coach Eric Tinkler as their next head coach, sources close to the negotiations have confirmed. According to journalist Micky Jr, the 56-year-old coach is in discussions with the Kumasi-based club as they aim to finalize an agreement to replace the outgoing manager. Negotiations are ongoing and no official contract has been signed yet. Tinkler brings significant experience from South African football. As a head coach he won two domestic cup finals—one with Cape Town City and another with Supersport United—highlighting his ability to deliver silverware in knockout competitions. He has also had notable continental exposure: he served as assistant coach when Orlando Pirates reached the CAF Champions League final, and later guided both Pirates and Supersport United to CAF Confederation Cup finals as head coach,...

  Two international clubs interested to Thapelo Maseko  Czech reports claim SK Slavia Prague have submitted an offer for Mamelodi Sundowns winger Thapelo Maseko following the youngster’s eye-catching performances at the World Cup, sources say. Maseko played three FIFA World Cup matches and scored one goal against Czechia  Maseko 22-year-old — who remains under contract at Sundowns for two more years — has drawn continental interest after a productive loan spell at Cypriot side AEL Limassol where he played 12 games and scored only one goal. The Cypriot club have confirmed they would be open to taking the player on loan again, but admit Sundowns appear more inclined to sell. “There has been interest in Thapelo, but as you know, he is under contract to Sundowns for a further two years. Any interested party needs to engage with Sundowns,” Maseko’s agent told GOAL South Africa. For Slavia, signing Maseko would add a dynamic wide option with recent international exposure. For S...

A mussive links for BafanaBafana star Olwethu Makhanyae to join British club  Scottish Premiership heavyweights Rangers FC have expressed interest in signing Philadelphia Union centre-back Olwethu Makhanya, Sky Sports Scotland reports, as the Ibrox club looks to bolster its defensive options. Rangers, managed by Derek McInnes, are seeking additional defensive depth after recently completing the signing of Ben Godfrey. The 22-year-old South African international — who joined Philadelphia Union from Stellenbosch in 2023 — is understood to be under consideration as the club weighs further reinforcements ahead of the new season. Makhanya has made 53 appearances for the MLS side, establishing himself as a promising young defender with experience at both club and international level. He was part of South Africa’s Bafana Bafana squad for the FIFA World Cup, though he did not feature in the tournament. Sources say discussions are at an exploratory stage and no formal bid has been lodged. R...

Fadlu Davids is in talks to become the head coach the the Egyptian giants Zamalek SC are weighing up a move to appoint Fadlu Davids as their next head coach, with an approach already made and initial talks understood to have taken place between the two parties. The Egyptian giants are assessing their options as they look to strengthen their technical bench, and Davids has emerged as a serious candidate in the early stages of the process. More details are expected to follow as discussions continue. Davids would bring valuable coaching experience to the table. The South African coach has worked with several clubs, including Orlando Pirates, Simba SC, Raja Casablanca, and Maritzburg United, and has built a reputation as a tactically astute operator. The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected in the coming days.

Pyramids FC have reportedly tabled a massive offer for South African tactician Rulani Mokwena*, as the Cairo giants look to land CAF Champions League glory.  According to Egyptian outlet _El Balad_, Pyramids have offered Mokwena and his technical team a combined package worth close to *$120,000 per month — roughly R1.9 million*.  The proposed deal is for *one year* and comes with huge performance bonuses tied to winning both the *Egyptian Premier League* and the *CAF Champions League*. Why Mokwena? Rhulani is set to leave Libyan club *Al Ittihad* after reportedly resigning following a trophy-less spell in North Africa.  Despite the short stint in Libya, Mokwena’s CV still speaks volumes. He led *Mamelodi Sundowns* to multiple PSL titles and a CAF Champions League semi-final, and is widely regarded as one of the most tactical coaches on the continent. What’s next? No official confirmation has been made by either Pyramids or Mokwena’s camp yet. But with the Egyptian season ...

I arrived at Orlando Pirates as Rele, I leave as *Relebohile Mofokeng*. Pirates star bids Farewell Message after $3.5m move  Rele started to shine at pirates in 2022/23 season as Ratomo then later changed his surname to Mofokeng and recently join the Belgian side Royal Union SG on a $3.5 million from Orlando Pirates. The bucs fans are still heartbroken about his departure as the player was one of the most creatives attackers who can change the game any time. But, this is what Rele expressed and experienced about the club. *Page 02 of 06* "I write this message with a heart full of gratitude, pride, and emotion as I bid farewell to Orlando Pirates Football Club. Representing this great institution has been one of the greatest honours of my life. From the moment I first wore the Orlando Pirates badge, I understood the responsibility, history, and privilege that comes with representing Orlando Pirates." He wrote  _Every training session, every match, every victory, and every chal...

Isaac Cisse Set For Royal Charleroi Move As 2-Year Deal Nears Confirmation According to a report by _iDiski Times_, the 19-year-old Ivorian has signed a *2-year deal with Belgian Pro League side Royal Charleroi*, with an *option to extend* included in the contract. The move is set to be confirmed in the next few days. From Arrows To Belgium Cisse only joined Golden Arrows last season, arriving from Ivory Coast and quickly making a name for himself in the PSL with his pace, strength, and eye for goal by scoring five goals. Despite being just 19, the forward showed flashes of top-level potential at Abafana Bes’thende, which sparked interest from several clubs both locally and abroad. Royal Charleroi have now won the race for his signature, beating competition from other European sides as they look to add young attacking talent to their squad. An official announcement from Royal Charleroi is expected in the coming days once final paperwork and medicals are completed.

The major reasons for Rhulani Mokwena's departure at Al-Ittihad Tripoli  Rhulani Mokwena has resigned as head coach of Al-Ittihad Tripoli in Libya after a brief five-month spell in charge, bringing an end to a stint that delivered five wins in nine league matches. The South African tactician’s departure comes as reports suggest he was unhappy with the club’s transfer approach. At the start of his tenure, Mokwena said he accepted the Al-Ittihad job because the project was clean and promising. However, SABC Sport journalist Mazola Molefe has since reported that the coach became dissatisfied with the team’s transfer style, which is understood to have played a role in his decision to step aside. The 37-year-old is also being linked with a possible move to Egyptian giants Pyramids FC, adding fresh intrigue to his next career step. For now, though, his departure from Al-Ittihad marks another major twist in a coaching journey that has once again attracted strong attention across African f...

Lucas Ribeiro Costa signs a new deal with another club  Lucas Ribeiro’s move to Al Ittihad was reportedly signed through representatives of both the player and the club, according to the latest information from Micky Jr, The arrangement has already seen Al Ittihad transfer about $1.5 million as the first portion of the fee linked to the deal. Ribeiro remains an Al Ittihad player for now, unless FIFA or a court rules otherwise. The matter is expected to reach a final decision in the coming weeks, leaving his status in limbo for the moment. The development adds another twist to the ongoing uncertainty around the player’s future. While the contract appears to be in place, the outcome will depend on the legal and regulatory process still underway.

Rhulani Mokwena to leave Al-Ittihad and join Egyptian giants Rulani Mokwena’s spell as head coach of Al Ittihad SC of Libya appears to be over after just four months, following a disappointing end to the club’s season that saw them miss out on CAF competition and lose the Libyan Cup final. According to kickoff online and Sources in Egypt say Mokwena has left Libya and travelled to Cairo, where he is reportedly being linked with Egyptian Premier League side Pyramids FC. The move would mark another chapter in the South African coach’s career, coming only months after his surprise appointment at the Tripoli-based club. Al Ittihad’s campaign ended on a sour note. The team failed to secure a spot in next season’s CAF tournaments, a primary objective for a club of Al Ittihad’s stature, and were beaten in the Libyan Cup final — a result that intensified scrutiny over the coaching setup. Local media and club insiders raised concerns about tactical decisions, squad rotation and recruitment duri...

Manqoba Mngqithi has been confirmed as the new head coach of Young Africans, with the South African tactician saying his return to the CAF Champions League space was a major reason for taking the job. Mngqithi said he was drawn to an ambitious club with a professional setup and the willingness to strengthen the squad in pursuit of success on the continental stage. “I just wanted to be back into the Champions League space and see what can happen. And an ambitious club that is willing to try and bring some players to make sure that we can achieve our objectives,” Mngqithi told SABC  “Very professional setup that is very encouraging for me. And it’s something that I’ve always been looking forward to, to be back in the Champions League and see how far can I take the East of Africa in the Champions League,” he added. The appointment brings a coach with proven CAF experience to one of Tanzania’s biggest clubs. Mngqithi has been involved in the CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns,...

 Ashley Cupido has completed a move to Israeli side Kiryat Yam, bringing an end to his spell in South African football as he prepares for a fresh challenge abroad. The 25-year-old striker leaves the PSL with a combined 16 goal contributions for Stellenbosch and Cape Town Spurs, a return that underlines the impact he made while developing his game in South Africa’s topflight. His move to Israel marks an important next step in a career that now takes him into a new environment, a new league and a new set of expectations. Cupido expressed his excitement about the transfer, saying he is eager to embrace the challenge. “I’m happy to take on this new challenge in Israel and to join Kiryat Yam. I’ve heard many good things about the club, and I’m looking forward to stepping onto the pitch together with our fans,” he said. His departure will be felt by South African football followers who watched him grow into a useful attacking option at PSL level. With his pace, movement and eye for goal,...

 Young Africans have officially appointed Manqoba Mngqithi as their new head coach on a two-year deal, adding one of South African football’s most experienced tacticians to their technical team.m after he parted ways with Golden Arrows. The move gives the Tanzanian giants a coach with a strong winning background and a long track record at the top level.  Mngqithi arrives with a coaching career built over many years across South Africa, beginning in the lower divisions before he moved into top-flight football. He has coached Maritzburg City, Moja United, Royal Tigers, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Golden Arrows, AmaZulu, Chippa United and Mamelodi Sundowns in different roles.  His most successful spell came at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he served first as assistant coach from 2013 before becoming co-head coach and later sole head coach. During that period, he helped Sundowns win multiple league and cup honours, including Premiership titles, MTN8 crowns, a Nedbank Cup and ...