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)

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

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)

MTN8 semi-final tickets sold out

MTN8 semi-final tickets sold out

The Tickets for the MTN8 semi-final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs at Lucas Moripe Stadium are officially sold out. The PSL announced on Friday. They also confirmed that the tickets for the semi-final between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC are selling fast.

ALSO READ: Black Leopards coach Alejandro Dorado resigns

Gates will open at 11:00 and ticket holders are also requested to arrive early to ensure smooth entry to the match venue.

PSL ISSUE WARNING AS MTN8 SEMI-FINAL TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT

“The PSL is working closely with the South African Police Service and several other safety and security role players to ensure that the MTN8 semi-final fixtures are safe and secure. As part of the stringent security measures around the stadium, people engaging in illegal behaviour such as ticket peddling will face immediate arrest. There will be no tickets sold at the stadium,” the league said in a statement.

“Meanwhile, tickets for Sunday’s semifinal between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC at Orlando Stadium are selling at a rapid rate. spectators are urged to secure their tickets at Ticketpro Outlets promptly to avoid disappointment.”

KAIZER CHIEFS BATTLE IT OUT WITH MAMELODI SUNDOWNS FOR FINAL SPOT

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena is expecting Kaizer Chiefs to be a tough nut to crack. Sundowns also have an edge over Amakhosi after scoring away in the first leg at FNB Stadium.

 “It’s going to be a very difficult game because contrary to what the results suggest. We play against a very good side and a very improved Kaizer Chiefs team,” he said.

“I watched their Royal AM game and I watched their game against SuperSport last night. I saw a completely different side to the side that played against us at FNB. They are a good side and they’ve got some good players. They’ve improved, they create quite a lot more chances,” he added.

By Khotso Ramalatswa 

Mokwena credits Pirates technical team

Mokwena credits Pirates technical team

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has credited the Orlando Pirates technical team for the work they’ve been doing since the 2023/24 season began.

Sundowns will lock horns with the Buccaneers at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening. They will be looking to continue with their impressive record in the league against the Buccaneers.

ALSO READ: Black Leopards coach Alejandro Dorado resigns

The DStv Premiership champions have managed to collect the maximum points against the Soweto giants in both home and away matches last season against Pirates.

A victory or a stalemate for Masandawana in Wednesday’s encounter will reward them to be the winners of first Q-innovations with one game to spare. But Mokwena insists things have changed in a positive way at Orlando Pirates under Jose Riveiro.

HUGE IMPROVEMENT IN ORLANDO PIRATES TECHNICAL TEAM

“I think first there’s been big coaching improvements, you can see it with the team. There’s clarity in some of the organisational forms, that is supported by when you look at the numbers and form in relation to how they’ve started,” Mokwena said ahead of the game.

He added: “They’ve conceded six, but that’s not the data that’s most important, it profiles their form. What profiles their playing system is that they have averaged 60% ball possession, which means as compared to last season. They keep more of the ball this season.

“They play faster, average 20 seconds per possession span, ours is a little bit more because we play a little bit in moments. We have a different way of playing, they create a lot of situations from crosses, averaging nine crosses per match.

Bafana Ba Style are ahead with eleven points to Pirates who have two matches to play. Sundowns will be looking to capitalise on the absence of Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo. He is ruled out of the match through suspension after accumulating four yellow cards.

By Katleho Hlalele

Lebusa reveals what Mokwena told them about Lepasa 

Lebusa reveals what Mokwena told them about Lepasa 

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mosa Lebusa has revealed what Rulani Mokwena has told them about Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa ahead of their midweek encounter.

Lepasa has been the difference in Pirates front three this season alongside Monnapule Saleng and Rethabile Mofokeng. The 26-year-old has contributed eight goals in all PSL competitions for the Buccaneers.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS HAS A PLAN FOR INFORM ORLANDO PIRATES STRIKER?

The Brazilians defender says the current form of Lepasa it’s goes unnoticed for the country but they have a plan to not give him the chance.

“First of all, he is in unbelievable form. I think it’s good for the country. But we focus more on the team. We try to make sure that we cut the supply to him and make sure that we don’t give him a chance,” Lebusa said.

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mosa Lebusa has revealed what Rulani Mokwena has told them about Orlando Pirates striker Zakhela Lepasa
Mosa Lebusa

Lebusa added that head coach Rulani Mokwena who worked with Lepasa when he was at Orlando Pirates has given them some methodology on how to naturalise the striker.

“It’s very important, he [Rulani Mokwena] was telling us about watching the methods. He underlines some of the things that we don’t pick as players.”

MOSA LEBUSA ON WHAT RULANI MOKWENA SAID ABOUT ZAKHELE LEPASA

“We get to know more about a player. Luckily, he [Rulani Mokwena] worked with him [Zakhele Lepasa]. He was telling us more about what we are up against.”

“It’s nice having to be tested. He is a person that is really in form and needs you to have high concentration levels. And you have to be on your toes every time. I think the whole team has to be on their toes. It’s a big game. In a game of that magnitude, everyone wants to play well.”

Masandawana will lock horns with the Sea Robbers on Wednesday evening at Orlando Stadium.

By Katleho Hlalele

Pitso Mosimane comments in Gaston Sirino link

Pitso Mosimane comments in Gaston Sirino link

Al Wahda coach Pitso Mosimane has reacted to reports linking him with his former star midfielder at Mamelodi Sundowns Gaston Sirino. Sirino who seems unsettled at Sundowns has been strongly linked with a move away from the club.

The 32-year-old is yet to get some game time this season under coach Rulani Mokwena.

ALSO READ: Walter announces Proteas World Cup squad

Just like when he was at Al Ahly, Mosimane has once again been rumoured to be on the verge of reuniting with Sirino. But Mosimane has quickly rubbished the reports and insists there is no intention of signing the player.

“I don’t want to talk about Gaston Sirino, this annoys me so much,” said Mosimane referring to the reports. “If [Al Wahda] wants Gaston Sirino, we would go to Mamelodi Sundowns.

 “There’s been a lot of talk, and if [Mamelodi] Sundowns prepared to sell Sirino? I don’t know. Sundowns don’t need money, hey, to sell Sirino. So sometimes these things are a lost cause. Why do you go there?,” asked Mosimane.

Mosimane was speaking during the handover of the Nedbank Multipurpose Sports Court at Lofentse Girls High School in Orlando East, Soweto on Tuesday.

Pitso Mosimane comments in Gaston Sirino link
Gaston Sirino

PITSO MOSIMANE ON REPORTS LINKING HIM TO GASTON SIRINO

He says while he was at Al Ahly, they were never given a price for Sirino.

“So if a player doesn’t have a price, how do you buy them? Everyone has a price. [Kylian] Mbappe, you know, is 200 million, you know that akere.

“But Sirino doesn’t have one. How do you buy him without a price? Where do you start?”.

Mosimane has described the reports as lies and people pushing their propaganda.

“So it’s lies and allegation to say Al Wahda wants Sirino, or people are tapping up Sirino. No, remember they said we want [Thembinkosi] Lorch, we want [Peter] Shalulile.

“I’m always in the middle of all these things, and if we want them we’ll approach the teams.”

Rulani Mokwena feels his team is targeted

Rulani Mokwena feels his team is targeted

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena feels his team is targeted to be beaten by his DStv premiership rivals.

Sundowns have begun to defend their league title with four victories in four matches they played thus far. They are the only team with a 100 per cent record in the league this season.

However, Mokwena believes the PSL giants can still improve despite getting maximum results.

ALSO READ: Rulani Mokwena heap praise on Marcelo Allende

“We are moving with every game, we are getting closer and once we get minutes in the legs, we will be better,” Mokwena responded when asked about the level his team is at after four league matches.

“You can see we played much better against Chippa, especially in the first half, and then we responded well against them when they tried to be aggressive with their substitutions.

Rulani Mokwena feels his Mamelodi Sundowns team is targeted
Mamelodi Sundowns players celebrate

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS PLAYERS TARGETED?

The Brazilian mentor believes the season it’s going to be difficult for them due to the crown they are carrying. But added that the reason his team is doing well is because his players are good human beings and they understand their roles as professionals.

“We have a target on our back, everybody wants to beat us and it is difficult to be us. But they say ‘Heavy is the head that carries the crown’.”

“The biggest reason [for Sundowns being a winning machine] is they are good human beings, they understand their roles as professionals, they work very hard and they deserve to keep winning and they understand the importance of consistency.”

Sundowns have a chance to extend their log standing when they visit struggling Richards Bay tonight at King Zwelithini Stadium.

By Katleho Hlalele

Rulani Mokwena heap praise on Marcelo Allende

Rulani Mokwena heap praise on Marcelo Allende

Chilean midfielder, Marcelo Allende has surely won a legion of fans and caught his coach’s eye positively, with his steely-eyed performance at Mamelodi Sundowns. And the club’s coach, Rulani Mokwena has heaped praise on him. 
Sundowns signed the diminutive attacking midfielder from Uruguayan club, Montevideo City Torque for a reported transfer fee of R51 Million last season.

The 24-year-old midfielder has been a phenomenal asset for Sundowns since the beginning of the DStv Premiership 2023/2024 season. Downs won all three matches, two in the league and the MTN8 quarter-finals.

ALSO READ: DONE DEAL: Thapelo Maseko joins Mamelodi Sundowns

Masandawana beat Sekhukhune United 2-1 in their league’s opener, before collecting their second victory against Kaizer Chiefs on the women’s day in Pretoria. And they went on to beat Moroka Swallows 1-0 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday in the MTN8.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS COACH HEAPS PRAISE ON MARCELO ALLENDE

While the club’s coach, Rulani Mokwena not taking away any efforts put by other players for granted, he has singled out Allende and complimented the attributes that he brings to the team.

“Marcelo makes others look good, he really, really makes the team look good,” Mokwena told the media following their victory over Swallows.

“I’m so proud of the performances of Tebza (Mokoena), I’m so proud of the performances of Aubrey Modiba, the performances of Mshishi (Zwane), and Lucas (Ribeiro).

“But if you watch it a little closely, Marcelo makes them all look very good. He makes the ball moves very faster, he arrives in the spaces faster. He drags opponents out with not just a second, but with a third movement, and he’s a very intelligent footballer.

Mamelodi Sundowns Rulani Mokwena heap praise on Marcelo Allende
Marcelo Allende

RULANI MOKWENA NOT SURPRISED BY MARCELO ALLENDE PERFORMANCES

The 36-year-old tactician went on to say that perhaps Allende’s trials at the English Premier League side, Arsenal, might have contributed a lot to his football intelligence.

The Chilean has trialed with the Gunners three times approximately eight years ago, but unfortunately, his move to England fell through despite him having proven such a hit while training with the London team.

“I am not surprised he flirted with a European-based team like Arsenal and that, not just (a team). Arsenal is a real top-tier team in Europe,” he said.

“We are very privileged as a club to have a football player like Marcelo. As I said, Marcelo is a ceiling raiser. In basketball, that is what they call this kind of player.

“They make you not just to play better, but they make you function better. You can solve a lot of problems with their presence.”

The DStv Premiership defending champions are on top of the table. They are tied on six points with second-placed Cape Town City after two games into the season.

By Clifton Mabasa 

Mokwena wants Maseko to raise his performance

Mokwena wants Maseko to raise his performance

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has called on Thapelo Maseko to raise his performance to a new height despite being named man of the match in the club’s win over Kaizer Chiefs on Women’s day.

The DStv Premiership defending champions beat the Soweto giants 2-1 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, thanks to Ribeiro Costa and Neo Maema’s goals.

ALSO READ: Lesedi Kapinga fails to leave Mamelodi Sundowns 

Maseko, who joined Sundowns from SuperSport United before the season began, was a busy man and seemingly displayed his top performance against Amakhosi in Atteridgeville. He played 90 minutes, and only subbed in the stoppage time.

The 20-year-old star was named man of the match on the day. However, that was not enough to impress his mentor, Mokwena.

RULANI MOKWENA WANTS MORE FROM THAPELO MASEKO PERFORMANCE

Although he was singled out to be the best and outstanding player. Better than everyone in the match against the Glamour Boys, Mokwena still wants more from Maseko.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has called on Thapelo Maseko to raise his performance
Thapelo Maseko in action against Kaizer Chiefs

While admitting that he is happy with the sensational star’s progress, Mokwena has insisted that Maseko should do better more than what he did on Wednesday.

“He can do better. He can do better, yes, I’m happy with him making progress, but he can do better,” said Mokwena.

“But he knows my feelings, he can do better more, more and more of a main product. Being busy (during the match) doesn’t necessarily mean effective.”
Maseko will prove himself once again when Sundowns welcome Moroka Swallows at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday for the MTN8 quarterfinals encounter.

This is anticipated to be an interesting clash as Swallows are coached by former Downs coach, Steve Komphela. The game is scheduled for 15h00.

By Clifton Mabasa