Gallants return to top-flight football after buying Swallows status

Gallants return to top-flight football after buying Swallows status

Motsepe Foundation Championship side Marumo Gallants are back in the DStv Premiership after buying the status of Moroka Swallows. 

This comes after the Limpopo-based side got relegated from the PSL top flight two seasons ago and failed to win promotion in the 2023/24 season. 

ALSO READ: Maswanganyi and Williams dominate PSL Awards

Reports emerged in the past few weeks that Swallows management has agreed to sell their DStv Premiership status to Bahlabane Ba Ntwa. 

The Soweto giants gained promotion to the DStv Premiership after winning the 2019/20 NFD title. However, its owners couldn’t sustain the team after three seasons due to financial challenges. 

Marumo Gallants return to top-flight football after buying Moroka Swallows status
Abram Sello

THE PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE APPROVES THE PURCHASE OF MOROKA SWALLOWS STATUS BY MARUMO GALLANTS

On Thursday afternoon, Gallants confirmed that the transaction to buy the Dube Birds status had gone through. They will take over the team next season. 

“Following the final approval of the Premier Soccer League, (PSL) today, Marumo Gallants Football Club officially confirms the acquisition of Moroka Swallows Football Club,” reads the club’s statement. 

“Gallants will take over Swallows with immediate effect. The club also confirms that home games for the upcoming season will be played in Bloemfontein.”

“Gallants will provide more details of plans once staff, technical teams and players have been addressed. At this stage, the club will not be issuing further comments or taking interviews. A date will be communicated for a press briefing that will take place shortly.”

Mabasa wins DStv Premiership Player of the Month 

Mabasa wins DStv Premiership Player of the Month 

Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has capped off an impressive season by winning his first DStv Premiership Player of the Month award for May. Rulani Mokwena of Mamelodi Sundowns has been rewarded with the DStv Premiership Coach of the Month award, for the third time this season.

ALSO READ: Mokwena win DStv Premiership monthly award 

In the Buccaneers’ five matches in May, Mabasa led the domestic league with his five goals. This includes one on the final day, which secured a place in the CAF Champions League for his club, narrowly ahead of Stellenbosch FC on goal difference. His goals in May also saw the formidable Mabasa win the league’s top goal scorer award, which was also secured on the last day of the season ahead of his nearest rival.

He is the second Pirates player to win a monthly individual award this season, after Thabiso Lebitso.

Tshegofatso Mabasa wins DStv Premiership Player of the Month
Rulani Mokwena

TSHEGOFATSO MABASA SCOPS THE DSTV PREMIERSHIP PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARD

Mabasa beat Cape Town City’s Jaedin Rhodes, Oswin Appollis of Polokwane City and Sanele Barns from Richards Bay to the May award.

Meanwhile, during the last month of league football this May, Mokwena oversaw four wins, two draws and a defeat from their seven matches. A period in which Sundowns were unstoppable until the slip up to suffer their first defeat of the season to Cape Town City on the last day of the season. During this period, Sundowns scored 10 goals and only conceded three. With his May success, Mokwena has won the award for the third time this season, having previously won it in August and April.

Mokwena beat Cape Town City’s coach Eric Tinkler to the award, with the Citizens also having had a good month and getting the big scalp away to Sundowns.

GOAL OF THE MONTH AWARD GOES TO LINDOKUHLE MTSHALI 

Moroka Swallows’ midfielder Lindokuhle Mtshali, has won the last DStv Premiership Goal of the Month award for the season, as he took home the prize for May. Mtshali showed great technique in executing his goal from the edge of the 18-yard area in Swallows win over Stellenbosch FC.

All three winners will each receive R7, 000 from league sponsors, DStv, for their accolades.

Final crowning for AmaFandayz winners at Loftus on Saturday

Final crowning for AmaFandayz winners at Loftus on Saturday

DStv, will wrap up the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season by crowning the champions Mamelodi Sundowns and giving one lucky fan a final chance to win R200, 000 through the AmaFanDayz campaign on Saturday. 

Sundowns will host Cape Town City at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in their final game of the season. A campaign which saw them secure an impressive 7th league title in succession. Kickoff is at 3pm.

ALSO READ: Mokwena win DStv Premiership monthly award 

While the champagne will be on ice ahead of the big celebrations once the final whistle blows, during halftime, DStv will reward a fan with R100 000 for the last time this season through the now popular penalty kick competition against a DStv Star. Should the winner be an active DStv Compact subscriber or higher, the prize will be doubled to R200 000. 

Throughout the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season, the exciting AmaFanDayz campaign has seen sixteen lucky fans win their share of R2.5million. Thousands of fans have entered the AmaFanDayz competition at various stadiums across the country, in cities such as Stellenbosch, Durban, Polokwane, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg, East London, Mbombela, Cape Town and now Tshwane.

Final crowning for AmaFandayz winners at Loftus on Saturday
AmaFandayz winner

DSTV ANNOUNCES AMAFANDAYS CROWING DURING FINAL MATCH OF THE MATCH 

To enter the competition one last time at Loftus Versfeld Stadium this Saturday, fans are encouraged to get their match tickets then visit the DStv activation zone at the stadium. Once inside the stadium, fans are encouraged to sign up with any of the DStv promoters to stand a chance to be one of three participants chosen in the sudden death penalty shootout at halftime.

Two more DStv stars will showcase their off screen talent when they take on the goalkeeper roles this coming Saturday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Some of the talent that have starred as goalkeepers during the AmaFanDayz  include the likes of Thembinkosi Mthembu, Neliswa Mchunu, Hope Mbele, Unati Guma, Zenokuhle Maseko, Kwenzo Ngcobo, Jo-Anne Reyneke, Nkayiso Makhanya and Keke Mphuthi. 

DStv thanks all the customers and diski lovers for getting behind their teams and the exciting AmaFanDayz campaign during yet another thrilling local football season.

Mokwena win DStv Premiership monthly award 

Mokwena win DStv Premiership monthly award 

Chippa United forward Sinoxolo Kwayiba has won the DStv Premiership Player of the Month for April while Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena grabbed the coach of the month. 

Kwayiba, who only joined the Chilli Boys at the start of the 2023/24 season, was a standout performer as he scored four goals in four matches in succession. This saw his side emerge victorious against Cape Town Spurs, Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United. They also moved away from danger at the bottom of the log.

ALSO READ: Mamelodi Sundowns partnered with Red Bull

The judging panel, made up of football commentators, analysts and journalists, were impressed by how he has adapted to an attacking position from defence since his arrival at the club from Pretoria Callies in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. His form in April saw the 25-year-old selected as the first player from Chippa United to win the monthly individual awards since the Gqeberha-based side was promoted to topflight football back in 2014.

Kwayiba emerged as the winner from a strong shortlist that also included Iqraam Rayners of Stellenbosch FC and the Orlando Pirates duo Tshegofatso Mabasa and Patrick Maswanganyi.

Rulani Mokwena win the DStv Premiership coach of the month award
Craig Martin, Baraka Majogoro and Justice Chabalala of Chippa United congratulate Sinoxolo Kwayiba after he scored during the DStv Premiership game

RULANI MOKWENA GRABBS COACH OF THE MONTH AWARD AHEAD OF JOSE RIVEIRO AND STEVE BARKER 

Rhulani Mokwena was named the DStv Premiership Coach of the Month for the second time this season. After claiming the prize in August, the Sundowns league-winning coach has been recognised once more after overseeing an impressive April with Sundowns.

For Mokwena, April got underway with a 1-0 win over Richards Bay. Sundowns continued in a similarly impressive vein of form during the month beating Cape Town Spurs (1-0), Sekhukhune United (2-1), TS Galaxy (3-0). They were held to a 2-2 draw away at Moroka Swallows. Mokwena was praised for maintaining his side’s winning consistency and remarkable continued unbeaten run in the league during the period of fixtures while still locked to their commitments in the CAF Champions League.

Mokwena received the most votes ahead of Orlando Pirates coach Jose Rivieiro, Steve Barker of Stellenbosch and Chippa United co-coaches Kwanele Kopo and Thabo September.

For their recognition, all the winning coaches and players will each receive a trophy and R7, 000 courtesy of DStv.

Judges for April: Simphiwe Dludlu (SABC Sport, convenor), Brian Mofokeng (SABC Sport), Sazi Hadebe (Sunday Times). Mihlali Baleka (Independent Newspapers), Mmasekepe Matsebane (Power FM)

Limpopo side Magesi FC promoted

Limpopo side Magesi FC promoted

Magesi FC have become the latest club from Limpopo to be promoted to the DStv Premiership for the 2024/25 season.

Magesi secured the promotion after a hard fought 3-1 win against Milford FC at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Their promotion comes with two matches remaining before the end of the season.

ALSO READ: Proteas Squad Named for the 2024 T20 World Cup 

The owner of the club Solly Makhubela has given credit to coach Clinton Larsen for their efforts in securing the top PSL status.

“It’s just about the management and the coach who are working together. I am just a chairman, but I am taking the instructions from them, to be honest,” he said.

“I listen to them and where I need to suggest I do so, but the final decision comes from the management and the coach. Not just me,” explained Makhubela.

Limpopo side Magesi FC promoted
Magesi FC Owner Solly Makhubela

JUBILATION AS MAGESI FC ARE PROMOTED TO THE DSTV PREMIERSHIP WITH TWO GAMES TO SPARE 

Head coach Clinton Larsen has also shown gratitude to the Chairman for the support during the campaign.

“So I want to thank Solly Makhubela and John Mathibe, our CEO for that diligent leadership. It’s quiet but firm, diligent leadership at the top and that’s allowed us to get on with our work.”

“It [promotion] ranks at the top. I won the Telkom Cup with Bloemfontein Celtic,” added Larsen. 

“We have won promotion now, so this is gonna be ‘I am there with that’. So I am very proud of this achievement,” he said.

“Like I said, people don’t know how hard we had to work to get the club to where it is now. People just think, okay, you sign a few players, and you start to win some games.

Meanwhile, another Limpopo club Baroka FC are on the verge of securing a PSL promotion spot. They need to win their two remaining games against JDR Stars and University of Pretoria to seal their place in the playoffs.”

Ramovic lashes out at coach Rulani Mokwena

Ramovic lashes out at coach Rulani Mokwena

TS Galaxy head coach Sead Ramovic has responded to Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena for “making excuses” for not having all his players due to national duties.

The Rockets eliminated Sundowns in the Carling Knockout Cup last-16 round last month on penalties. After the defeat, Mokwena was disappointed with the fact that the match took place a day after the FIFA break.

ALSO READ: SA Rugby announces nominees for the 2023 awards

“Who cares that you play the day after and you tell me of any club in the world, any club, I’m waiting [that play] a day after the FIFA break,” said Mokwena during a post-match interview.

Nonetheless, Ramović was not happy with the comments Mokwena made about his seven players who were not available. He claims that Mokwena doesn’t respect his Sundowns players.

“I don’t want to find excuses like other coaches do, for example when we beat Sundowns, what were the excuses of our opponent?” says Ramovic during a media brief ahead of their encounter against AmaZulu.

“They said they didn’t play seven players (who were with Bafana). How is this respect for the players who played? You have a player you bought for R60 million, (Marcelo) Allende.

“Then you bought (Junior) Mendieta for R12 million, then you have (Bongani) Zungu and a lot of other national team players. And you come up with this excuse?” he asked.

SEAD RAMOVIC FEELS DISRESPECTED BY RULANI MOKWENA EXCUSES

“It disrespects my staff, my players, and myself. I think a strong coach does not find an excuse, he says ‘fantastic job, Galaxy, fantastic game plan, you beat us’ and he shows respect.

“He is also disrespecting his own team and his own players if he says he cannot win with the players he has. I think the team that played against us can win the league,” he added.

“They have top players… It means we did a fantastic job. I am very happy we beat Sundowns. The first time we beat them he (Mokwena) said we played catenaccio. I cannot understand what catenaccio is. I promise we will beat them again when we play them (next).”

TS Galaxy will visit AmaZulu in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals on Sunday at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

By Katleho Hlalele

Rulani Mokwena comments on Khuliso Mudau Burnley’s links

Rulani Mokwena comments on Khuliso Mudau Burnley’s links

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena broke his silence on reports linking Khuliso Mudau to English Premier League side, Burnley FC.

Mudau has recently emerged as a transfer target for England’s Burnley for this coming summer window period.

ALSO READ: SA Rugby announces nominees for the 2023 awards

“It’s a very difficult question you are asking me because the Sundowns coach says Sailor [Khuliso Mudau] is going nowhere because I’m very selfish,” Mokwena told the media.

“We need our best players, and we are not a selling club, and that’s very clear.

“But the human being understands that life is about growth and there is a target for players. It is the same way that I dealt with Cassius’ (Mailula) situation.

“As difficult as it was for us to let go of Cassius, but when there is a big opportunity and possibility for growth, and it makes sense to all parties, Sundowns included, then yeah.”

NO FORMAL BID FOR KHULISO MUDAU BESIDES BURNLEY FC LINKS

“But I can’t entertain it at the moment because it just talks and there’s nothing on the table at the moment.

“Sailer is an unbelievable player, he’s an incredible human being. He’s so kind-hearted. He’s a very, very important part of our team.

“So it’s difficult to entertain those types of talk because it is just talk. and there’s nothing to conclude.

“So if I answered it only as a Sundowns coach, I would say hands off. It’s very difficult. It’s the same way as you going to Manchester City and asking for Walker. So It’s very difficult.”

Mokwena and Khenyeza clinch first two DStv Premiership awards of the season

Mokwena and Khenyeza clinch first two DStv Premiership awards of the season

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has been named the DStv Premiership Coach of the Month for August 2023. The 36-year-old coach had a perfect start to the 2023/24 DStv Premiership league season as he won his first six games.

ALSO READ: Maharaj rises to second on the ICC ODI bowling rankings

During this impressive run, Sundowns scored 13 goals and conceded only two goals as they took the top spot on the league table. The defending league champions stepped into the new season ready to carry on where they left off last season. They opened the league campaign by beating Sekhukhune United 2-1. Sundowns then dispatched Kaizer Chiefs, Lamontville Golden Arrows, Chippa United, Richards Bay and Polokwane City.

He beat out competition from Gavin Hunt of SuperSport United and for the award.

Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Mabhudi Khenyeza was voted the DStv Premiership Coach of the Month for September/October 2023, winning it for the first time in his coaching career. Khenyeza is the first Arrows coach to claim the prize since Clinton Larson last did so in September 2017.

RULANI MOKWENA AND MABHUDI KHENYEZA WIN DSTV PREMIERHSIP AWARDS 

The 41-year-old Khenyeza transformed Arrow’s fortunes by going on an impressive unbeaten run beating in September/October, beating Sekhukhune United, Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town Spurs, scoring 4 goals and conceding only once, to get his side in the top 3 on the log standings. He won the award ahead of Cape Town City’s Eric Tinkler and Hunt.

Lucas Ribeiro Costa won the DStv Premiership Player of the Month award after impressing during the month of August, scoring four goals in 6 games, and providing one assist for his new, high-flying team. The Brazilian Costa beat his new teammate Ronwen Williams and Orlando Pirates’ Zakhele Lepasa to the award.

Bradely Grobler once again proved to be reliable for SuperSport United upfront, as he was voted as the DStv Premiership Player of the Month for September/October.

Pule Mmodi of Kaizer Chiefs won the DStv Premiership Goal of the Month award for his wonderful, long-distance strike from outside the 18-yard area when Amakhosi beat Stellenbosch FC at the Athlone stadium in August.

Last month, TS Galaxy forward Samir Nurkovic announced his arrival at the club in style as he was rewarded with the DStv Premiership Goal of the Month award for his superbly taken long-range goal in his side’s 2-0 win over Sekhukhune United.

For their recognition, all the winning coaches and players will each receive a trophy and R7, 000 courtesy of league sponsors, DStv.

Judges for August: Carol Tshabalala (SuperSport, convenor), Tshepang Mailwane (Soccer Laduma), Malibongwe Mdletshe (Isolezwe), Neville Khoza (Sowetan), Nkululeko Dladla (Ukhozi FM), Grant Bisset (SuperSport)

Judges for September/October: BBK Kortjaas (Sunday Times, convenor), Thabo Kofa (Lesedi FM), Bruno Letsogo (Motsweding FM), Xoli Zondo (SABC Sport), Lorenz Kohler (iDiski Times), Sthembiso Dindi (Times Live)

Condolences pour in for late AmaZulu striker Ntuli

Condolences pour in for late AmaZulu striker Ntuli

DStv Premiership club AmaZulu FC have confirmed the passing of striker Bonginkosi Ntuli due to cancer on Sunday. The 32-year-old died at the Midlands Medical Centre Private Hospital, in Pietermaritzburg this afternoon.

ALSO READ: Ex-Pirates midfielder Mothibantwa has been fired

“It is with a very heavy heart that we inform you of the untimely passing of our beloved centre-forward and loyal servant, Bonginkosi Ntuli,” the club announced.

“Ntuli was (very recently) diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, which metastasized and ultimately led to his death at the Midlands Medical Centre Private Hospital, in Pietermaritzburg this afternoon. May his beautiful soul rest in eternal peace. The club requests privacy and patience be granted to his family and friends at this difficult time. Further announcements will be made in due course.”

CLUBS SEND CONDOLENCES TO BONGINKOSI NTULI

Lamontville Golden Arrows are saddened by the news of the passing of Bongi Ntuli. We send our sincerest condolences to his friends, family and AmaZulu at this difficult time. May he rest in peace

 We are saddened to hear about the passing of Bonginkosi Ntuli.  Our deepest condolences to the Ntuli family, friends and everyone at
AmaZulu May his soul rest in peace,” wrote SuperSport United.

 Richards Bay Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of AmaZulu FC Striker Bonginkosi Ntuli.
 Our deepest condolences go out to Bonginkosi’s family, the Zungu family & the entire AmaZulu Football Club family during this difficult time.

 Stellenbosch Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of Bonginkosi Ntuli. Our heartfelt condolences go out to AmaZulu, his family, friends, and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.

Sekhukhune United Football Club is saddened by the passing of Bonginkosi Ntuli. Our sincere condolences to the Ntuli’s Family, Friends & the entire AmaZulu FC family.  

SAFA Chairperson of Referees Provide Update on VAR

SAFA Chairperson of Referees Provide Update on VAR

South Africa Football Association Chairperson of Referees Victor Gomes has provided an update about Video Assistant Referee, VAR. This comes after some questionable decisions that have been taken by some referees in matches.

The call for PSL to have VAR in the league is continuing after some poor officiating in the DStv Premiership.

ALSO READ: Riveiro praised Olisa Ndah for a good performance

The recent match between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-finals second league have been under scrutiny after Amakhosi were not awarded a penalty.

But Gomes has insisted that VAR will be available in South Africa before the end of the current season and will be used in the Nedbank Cup final for the first time.

VICTOR GOMES ISSUE UPDATE ON VAR

“VAR will arrive before the close of the season and might be used in the Nedbank Cup final,” says Gomes.

“What I’m aiming for is to do our cup final with VAR this year – the Nedbank Cup. When we have evidence that an error in judgment took place, we need to take responsibility and we need to try and understand why this error in judgment took place,” Gomes told Marawa Sports Worldwide.

“So, there’s always a lot of emotion that goes into the game and stuff, and this is why we have a review committee that sits on a Tuesday night and on a Thursday night.

“I think it’s a five to seven committee that analyses the clip, and they also go through it with the official. VAR technology in football is very young compared to Rugby. I think the leadership at FIFA and CAF is guiding us in the right direction. I think we’re moving very fast and moving towards this type of thinking,” Gomes said.

“There are constant changes all the time, I think we’re getting closer. We’re working on it.

Two weeks ago, SAFA suspended referee of the season Luxolo Badi after poor officiating. Another referee who is likely to be suspended could be Abongile Tom. He officiated in the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns.

By Katleho Hlalele