Sundowns and Puma unveil African dawn kit

Sundowns and Puma unveil African dawn kit

Sports company PUMA and 13-time league champions Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club have launched the African Dawn kit. The team will use the kit in the inaugural CAF African Football League with matches starting this weekend.

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Mamelodi Sundowns kick off their campaign on Saturday, 21 October with a trip to Angola against Petro Luanda. The return leg will be played on Saturday the 24 October in Tshwane.

The two legged finals of the newly established competition will be played on 5 and 12 November 2023. The dark blue kit in PUMA Navy, inspired by the colour of the African sky at the dawning of a new day, features a Pele Yellow ribbed crewneck and yellow ribbed cuff.

The CAF Champions League Star appears above the club badge and the letters MSFC appear on the back of the neckline alongside a map of Africa.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Puma unveil African dawn kit
Mamelodi Sundowns new kit

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS UNVEIL NEW KIT

“With the team about to represent the Nation in the inaugural African Football League, we have designed this kit to honour Mamelodi Sundowns as they take their place amongst the others as giants of African football. A new League deserves a stylish and special kit for our Team,” said PUMA Marketing Director Brett Bellinger.

Technology in the player’s shirt ensures this is the lightest ever PUMA shirt, weighing just 72 grams. The material construction has a structured, 4-way stretch to reduce weight and friction. The trims use a new, lighter and more breathable print technique while the bonded seams create a comfortable, lightweight feel. Mamelodi Sundowns’ spokesperson, Tiyani “Shuga” Mabunda welcomed the initiative and said:

“It is an honour to be selected as one of the top teams on the continent to participate in this prestigious competition and we could not have chosen a more befitting time to launch this special kit for the Yellow Nation. We trust that the kit will propel our players to break new boundaries and reach new heights.”

The African Dawn shirt will be available on 16 October 2023. The match shirt with official heat press badge (R1499) will only be available on PUMA.com and the sundowns store.

Meanwhile, the Replica with official embroidery logo (R1099), will be available from the Sundowns store and PUMA, Sportsman Warehouse, Studio 88 and Totalsports.

Ramoreboli: It’s exciting to face a big team like Orlando Pirates

Ramoreboli: It’s exciting to face a big team like Orlando Pirates

Jwaneng Galaxy head coach Morena Ramoreboli is excited to face Orlando Pirates in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. But Ramoreboli is also aware that his team will have to work hard in order to do well in the CAF inter-club competition.

Galaxy progressed to the next round of the continental tournament after beating Ugandan side Vipers 3-2 on aggregate. Meanwhile, Pirates knocked out Djabal Club in order to progress to the next round.

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The Bloemfontein-born says his team is excited to be one step closer to the group stages of the CAF Champions League.

“We’re very excited to progress to the next phase of the Champions League preliminary games. It was not easy to plan for Vipers,” Ramoreboli told LimSportsZone in an exclusive interview.  

Jwaneng Galaxy head coach Morena Ramoreboli is excited to face Orlando Pirates in the second preliminary round
Morena Ramoreboli

MORENA RAMOREBOLI BANKING ON HOME SUPPORT

The Bafana Bafana COSAFA Cup coach believes supporters will play a significant role when his team faces the Sea Robbers away from home. However, they have prepared for those aspects in case they happen at Orlando Stadium.

“African football is African football you go away supporters will play an important role in making things difficult for you. But I think we were very fortunate that in our preparation we tried to touch on all those aspects.

“In making sure that we understand there’ll be a phase in a match where we will have to defend [and] maybe touch the ball less and have less offensive elements in our game,” he added.

SECOND TIME LUCKY AGAINST ORLANDO PIRATES?

Ramoreboli has the upper hand against the Buccaneers after beating them 4-1 in a shocking defeat in 2013 when he was still the head coach of Maluti FET College. He is hoping his team will do well against a big giant like Orlando Pirates and represent Galaxy with pride.

“It’s exciting to face a big team like Orlando Pirates, it’s a motivation to all the players, technical team as well as the management of the club. Because everybody wants to do well against a bigger club. We will do our best to make sure that we represent the country well and we represent the Galaxy family with pride.

“Best teams in the continent are recognized by being involved in the Champions League. We also want to do well in the Champions League, we also want to perform well.

 “And, we will have to fight and get through to the group stages. It’s not going to be easy but we will give it our all and make sure that we progress to the next stage of the Champions League,” he ended.

The champions of Botswana Premier League will host the Orlando Pirates in the first leg of the second round at National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

By Katleho Hlalele

Pirates progressed to CCL second preliminary round

Pirates progressed to CCL second preliminary round

Orlando Pirates have progressed into the second round of the CAF Champions League. This follows a 3-0 victory against Djabal Club in the second leg of the CAF Champions League First Preliminary round encounter at Orlando Stadium.

The Buccaneers got their opener in the first half from in-form Zakhele Lepasa in the 25th minute of the match.

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Djabal failed to clear their lines from a set piece which allowed Lepasa to head in with the assist of a blunder from the opposition goalkeeper Mihissoini Annisse.

The Sea Robber sustained their dominance in the second half with Kabelo Dlamini almost extending the lead for Pirates nine minutes into the second stanza but his shot went wide.

Orlando Pirates progressed to CCL second preliminary round
Zakhele Lepasa

Patrick Maswanganyi extended Pirates lead with a powerful shot outside of the box before Lepasa completed his brace in the 63rd minute.

ORLANDO PIRATES HAVE PROGRESSED TO NEXT STAGE OF CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Pirates are through to the second round of the CAF Champions League Preliminary round after beating 4-0 on aggregate.

Ex-Pirates midfielder makes Sundowns bold claim

Ex-Pirates midfielder makes Sundowns bold claim

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder, Solomon Mathe has insisted that Mamelodi Sundowns will not find it difficult to dominate the Premier League Soccer football, even in the 2023/2024 season.

Sundowns have won the Premiership title six times in a row, and have collected some domestic official Cup competitions trophies along the way. This came after they had won the CAF Champions League title back in 2016.

And this season, Rulani Mokwena’s side got off to a flying start. They have won all their five games both in the league and the MTN8, this includes the hard-fought 2-1 win against rivals, Kaizer Chiefs at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Mother’s Day.

WHY MAMELODI SUNDOWNS ARE LIKELY TO WIN THIS YEAR’S LEAGUE TITLE

Speaking exclusively to LimSportsZone, Mathe, who enjoyed enormous success with the now-defunct Platinum Stars, said that Sundowns are likely to win their seventh consecutive league title, looking at the quality they possess.

“It’s too early (to say who will win the league) now, maybe after ten games we will know which teams are going to compete for the title,” Mathe told LimSportsZone.

Ex-Orlando Pirates midfielder makes Mamelodi Sundowns bold League claim
Mamelodi Sundowns XI

“But, Sundowns will compete to defend their title. They have quality players and everyone knows their roles. They looked solid in their first games.

“Sundowns are united, and they know how to win games. All players know their roles. They are consistent in terms of performance, so that gives them an advantage.”

WHY ORLANDO PIRATES FAIL TO STOP MASANDAWANA?

While admitting that Pirates have a chance to start this season at the top of the pile, and actually challenge Sundowns, Mathe has explained what he thinks makes the Sea Robbers fail to challenge for the league title.

“Sundowns play as a team, while Pirates have some individuals who want to shine. If Pirates’ players can play as a team, they can stop Sundowns,” Mathe said.

“Pirates have a great squad. But they need to be consistent, you can’t win while you are still dropping points unnecessarily.

“You can’t win a match by five goals and then draw the next game. But, I think the reason there’s no consistency is because of changing the team now and then.”

Masandawana are on top of the DStv Premiership table with nine points, leading the Buccaneers by five points clear after three games into the season. Both clubs have advanced to the MTN8 semi-finals.

By Clifton Mabasa

Sundowns veteran Kennedy Mweene reveals retirement plans 

Sundowns veteran Kennedy Mweene reveals retirement plans 

Mamelodi Sundowns veteran goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene has revealed his future plans when he finally retires. 

The 38-year-old has been in professional football since 2003 at Lusaka Celtic in Zambia. He has gone on to play for Lusaka Dynamos, Kittery United, Free State Stars as well as PSL giants Mamelodi Sundowns. 

The former Zambian international has spent 10 years at Masandawana and achieved great success. This includes the 2016 CAF Champions League triumph. 

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS UTILISE MWEENE IN DIFFERENT ROLE 

In recent times Mweene has been used as an assistant goalkeeper coach by Rhulani Mokwena. The seasoned goalminder insist venturing into goalkeeper coaching is something that he would love to pursue in the near future. 

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene
Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene

“I came in because coach Wendell (Robinson) was suspended with a red card so I was asked to help which I did. It wasn’t too difficult because there were familiar faces and the people whom you talk to every now and then. There was nothing hectic to do, so it was business as usual,” said Mweene regarding the cameo coaching role. 

 KENNEDY MWEENE WANTS TO BE A GOALKEEPER COACH 

“Like any other professional footballer, I have always wanted to be a goalkeeper coach. Specialise in goalkeeping because not only in South Africa but even in my country (Zambia). We are crying about goalkeepers and most of us goalkeepers when we retire we try to be head coaches and assistant coaches forgetting that we have a lot of experience to give back to the up and coming young goalkeepers.

“So it’s very important that most of us who are towards the end of our careers consider doing coaching courses so that at the end of the day we don’t cry about the lack of goalkeepers.”

Mweene has not featured in all competitions for Sundowns this season, since the arrival of Bafana Bafana international Ronwen Williams. 

ALSO READ: Sundowns to partake in Africa Super League

Familiar foes re-unite as draw is concluded for CAF Champions League group stage

Familiar foes re-unite as draw is concluded for CAF Champions League group stage

Familiar foes will re-unite once again after the group stage draw for the 2022/23 CAF Champions League was conducted on Monday afternoon in Cairo.

Group B will see an almost familiar line up to last season with record champions Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns and Sudan’s Al Hilal drawn together once again. They will be joined in the group by Cameroon’s Cotonsport.

During the competition last term, they were drawn in CAF Champions League Group A where Sundowns finished the group unbeaten, hitting Ahly home and away.

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS WYDAD

Defending champions Wydad Athletic Club have been drawn in Group A and are also re-uniting with a side they faced in the group stages last year, Petro de Luanda. They lost to the Angolan giants in Luanda, but had revenge with a massive 5-1 victory in the corresponding tie in Casablanca.

They will also be joined in the group by Congolese side AS Vita Club and Algeria’s JS Kabylie, both of who are returning to the group phase after a long spell out.

Group C will meanwhile see an interesting East African battle with Simba SC of Tanzania drawn together. Ugandan debutants Vipers SC. They are joined in the group by Morocco’s Raja Club Athletic and Guinea’s Horoya.

Group D will meanwhile also play host to some tantalizing North African derbies. Tunisia’s Esperance, Egypt’s Zamalek and Algeria’s CR Belouizdad all drawn together. Joining them in the group is Sudan’s El Merrikh.

The group phase will kick off in February. This will be after the conclusion of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Algeria in January.

FULL CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP STAGE DRAW:

Group A:

Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco), Petro de Luanda (Angola), JS Kabylie (Algeria), AS Vita Club (DR Congo)

Group B:

Al Ahly (Egypt), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) Al Hilal (Sudan) Coton Sport (Cameroon)

Group C:

Raja Club Athletic (Morocco), Horoya AC (Guinea) Simba SC (Tanzania) Vipers SC (Uganda)

Group D:

Esperance (Tunisia) Zamalek (Egypt), CR Belouizdad (Algeria) Al Merrikh (Sudan)