Goalwinner

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. 

  TWO OFFERS ON THE TABLE: LILEPO SET TO CHOOSE ON Kaizer Chiefs winger Glody Lilepo has two offers on the table* and will decide his next move after reviewing personal terms, iDiski Times can confirm. Libyan giants Al Ahli Benghazi and Moroccan heavyweights Raja Athletic Club have both made formal approaches for the DR Congo attacker, with Chiefs having accepted proposals from both clubs. The ball is now in Lilepo’s court. The 28-year-old will weigh up the *personal terms packages* from Al Ahli and Raja before making a final call on his future. Productive but short spell at Chiefs Lilepo joined Amakhosi from French side Valenciennes in January 2025 in a reported R9-million deal. He made an immediate impact. In 56 appearances across all competitions, Lilepo netted 15 goals and provided 5 assists. He was also part of the Chiefs squad that ended the club’s 10-year trophy drought by winning the Nedbank Cup.

  SUNDOWNS TELL MASEKO TO FIND NEW CLUB AFTER AUSTRIA TOUR OMISSION Mamelodi Sundowns have given winger Thapelo Maseko permission to find a new club, via SABC Sport, after leaving him out of their pre-season tour to Austria. The 22-year-old’s future at Chloorkop looks uncertain following the decision, with the Brazilians now open to a permanent exit rather than another loan. No place on Austria tour Maseko recently returned to Sundowns after a loan spell at *Cypriot side AEL Limassol*, where no permanent agreement was reached.  He was not included in coach Miguel Cardoso’s squad for the club’s pre-season camp in Austria, a clear signal that he is not in the club’s immediate plans. The winger initially moved to Cyprus in *January* in search of regular game time after falling out of Cardoso’s plans. It proved to be a productive stint, with *15 appearances across all competitions*, *2 goals and 1 assist* for AEL Limassol. Sundowns want sale, not another loan As previously reporte...

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...

Kaizer Chiefs might lose another star player   Kaizer Chiefs forward Glody Lilepo did not travel with the squad to their pre-season training camp in Spain, amid mounting interest from North African clubs, sources tell Soccer Laduma. Reports suggest that North Africa is the likeliest destination should Lilepo leave Naturena, with Moroccan giants AS FAR Rabat previously linked to the Congolese attacker. Additional enquiries have reportedly followed an impressive debut spell for Chiefs, during which Lilepo quickly became a key attacking option. Kaizer Chiefs have not publicly indicated that Lilepo is available for transfer. However, his absence from the pre-season group, coupled with continued overseas interest, has intensified speculation about his future as the transfer window progresses. Club officials, Lilepo’s representatives, and the player himself have yet to comment. Soccer Laduma’s sources describe the situation as fluid, with negotiations still at an early stage and no forma...

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.

Blow For Chiefs & Pirates As Peter Shalulile Eyes Move Abroad After Sundowns Exit Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates fans hoping to see *Peter Shalulile* in the Gold & Black or at Orlando Stadium are set for disappointment. The Namibian striker has officially left *Mamelodi Sundowns* after a trophy-laden six-year spell at Chloorkop, but sources say his next move is likely to be *outside South Africa*. The 31-year-old leaves as one of the PSL’s most prolific strikers, having won multiple league titles and broken several scoring records during his time at Chloorkop. The news immediately sparked calls from Chiefs and Pirates supporters for their clubs to "break the bank" and sign one of the league’s modern-day greats. What’s Next For "Shasha? Shalulile struggled for game time last season. Rumours have already linked him with a move to Al Ittihad in Libya, while clubs in North Africa and Middle East are also believed to be monitoring the situation. Former Highlands Pa...

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 ...

Kaizer Chiefs offered two players and cash for Langelihle Phili Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly reached a club-to-club agreement with Stellenbosch FC for winger Langelihle Phili, with the deal now moving into the next stage of negotiations. The Soweto giants are said to have improved their offer significantly, including Ashley Du Preez, Given Msimango and cash in a package that appears to have persuaded Stellenbosch to soften their stance. As per Soccer Laduma  The proposed move would mark a major shift in the talks after the Cape Winelands club had initially been reluctant to let the 21-year-old leave. Phili is coming off an impressive season in which he made 26 league appearances, scored seven goals and provided one assist, underlining why Chiefs have made him a priority target. Stellenbosch’s willingness to engage comes shortly after George Matlou was confirmed as a new signing for the club, further adding intrigue to the ongoing player movements between the sides. With both clubs...

Guinea to request another venue as they believing it may not be safe for the team to travel to South Africa The Guinean Football Federation is reportedly preparing to ask CAF to move its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against South Africa to a neutral venue. The request is said to be based on safety concerns, with Guinea believing it may not be safe for the team to travel to South Africa. The reported request comes amid concern over the treatment of African foreigners in South Africa, which Guinea appears to be citing as part of its safety argument. If the federation follows through, the matter could become a major talking point ahead of the qualifier. CAF has not yet publicly ruled on the issue, and the final decision will likely depend on the information submitted by Guinea and any response from South African authorities.

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.

Miguel Reisinho is not expected to return to Mamelodi Sundowns, according to Soccer Laduma. A source told the publication that the Portuguese midfielder has not reported back for pre-season and is currently looking for a new club while he is in his home country. Reisinho, 27, joined Sundowns last season and made 12 appearances, scoring twice. His contract was reportedly set to run until June 2027, but his future now appears to be away from Chloorkop. The midfielder’s possible departure comes as Sundowns continue to shape their squad for the new campaign. The club is also rumoured to be interested in Argentine midfielder Mateo Tanlongo, as Masandawana look to reinforce their options in midfield. Reisinho’s situation adds another layer of uncertainty to Sundowns’ off-season plans. With the club aiming to stay dominant both locally and in continental competition, any change in the midfield department will be closely watched.

Melusi Buthelezi joined another team after pirates exit.  Melusi Buthelezi is reported to have joined Sekhukhune United on a two‑year contract with an option for a further year, according to FARPost.  The 28‑year‑old recently parted ways with Orlando Pirates after three seasons with the Buccaneers, where he served mostly as a second‑choice goalkeeper. Buthelezi made 17 appearances for Orlando Pirates and kept 10 clean sheets while at the club,  His arrival at Sekhukhune is set to fill the vacancy left by Renaldo Leaaner, who departed the Limpopo club to join Kaizer Chiefs after his contract with Sekhukhune was not renewed. 

  Manqoba Mngqithi explained his feeling about the media linking him with BafanaBafana coaching job after Hugo Broos who will announce soon if he steps down or not "Nothing has been said to me, and those positions you don’t put yourself in them," Mngqithi explained. Told Radio 2000 "People, if they feel you are good enough, because people make their own assumptions about you as a coach, and if they feel I’m not ready, I will accept. "If they feel I’m ready, I will accept. But the reality is those positions you never have to fight for." "It’s positions that must bring themselves to you, not you going all out to say, ‘Hey, I want the job. I want the job’ because it is unfair to everybody else that might be deserving of getting the job." He added  Mngqithi is recently announced as the Young Africans head coach and he told the media that he accepted the job because he wanted to play on CAF competition.  

Chippa United Poised to Welcome Back Stanley Nwabali Stanley Nwabali is set to return to Chippa United and is currently training with the club, iDiski Times reports. The 30-year-old Nigerian goalkeeper, who left Chippa as a free agent earlier this year, has been without a club since his rising profile following Nigeria’s third-place finish at AFCON 2025. Nwabali enjoyed a productive spell with Chippa United over three-and-a-half seasons, recording 21 clean sheets and establishing himself as one of the Premier Soccer League’s more reliable shot-stoppers. His performances for both club and country raised expectations of a swift move, but no contract materialised in the months after the tournament. Chippa’s decision to bring Nwabali back — initially on a training basis — suggests the club values his experience and shot-stopping ability as it prepares for the new season. Sources indicate talks are ongoing to formalise terms, though no official announcement has been made. For Nwabali, a ret...

Gastón Sirino Set to Join a South Coast club After Two Seasons at Chiefs Gaston Sirino’s stint at Kaizer Chiefs has come to an end after two seasons, the club confirmed on the eve of the new campaign. The Uruguayan winger made 28 appearances for Chiefs across competitions, contributing 13 goal involvements (goals and assists) before departing for a new challenge. SABC Sport reports Sirino is finalising a deal to join Durban City and is expected to be officially unveiled soon. The move sees Sirino follow a familiar path: several former Chiefs figures have already linked up with Durban City, including head coach Khalil Ben Youssef and winger Tashreeq Morris, both of whom have been confirmed by the club. Sirino arrived at Chiefs with the reputation of a dynamic wide player capable of unlocking defences, and his 13 goal contributions in 28 games underlined his influence when fit and in form. Despite flashes of quality, consistent game time and impact proved uneven at times, factors that co...

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...

  Kaizer Chiefs loan out their goalkeeper Ntwari on long season   Kaizer Chiefs have parted ways with goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, who has completed a season-long loan move to Kruger United, according to Majola Molefe. The move comes as Chiefs reshape their goalkeeping department following the arrival of Renaldo Leaner, who is expected to challenge Brandon Petersen for the number one jersey. Bruce Bvuma has also recently extended his stay at the club, further strengthening the competition for places. Ntwari’s loan is seen as a chance for him to gain more regular game time after finding himself lower down the pecking order at Naturena as he only made five appearance last seaso.. With Chiefs now having several senior options between the sticks, the club appears willing to allow the goalkeeper to continue his development elsewhere for the season. Kruger United, meanwhile, will be hoping Ntwari’s arrival adds experience and depth to their squad as they prepare for the new campai...