WeeklySA_AdminMTN 8: Orlando Pirates plan a special operation using all their artillery to neutralize the stoic Stellenbosch FC
By Ali Mphaki
A funereal air prevailed at the Orlando Pirates dressing room after their narrow 1-nil defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday evening, with the players and technical team trying to fathom what is it they must do to conquer what has become their nemesis in the Chlooronkop based Bafana Ba Style/Kabo Yellow sleek ensemble.
The defeat meant that Pirates have failed to beat the defending champions in the league in seven attempts, dating back to January 2020 – during Covid times. It may well be that the referee in this match, considered to be the man-of-the-match by some, was magnanimous enough to dish out cards as he flashed nine yellow cards and one red card to Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi.
Ncikazi was infuriated when the referee did not give ‘Downs keeper Ronwen Williams a red card for a challenge on Pirates striker Zacharia Lepasa – felling him in what looked like a clear scoring opportunity out of the box. But if anything, the Buccaneers have only themselves to blame for the loss.
Erratic passes, a disjointed (to non-existent) midfield, and an indecisive backline characterised most of their play on the night.
Star players like Monnapule Saleng, Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, all three subsequently substituted, did not leave the bus and failed to come to the party.
Heads bowed and teary eyed, the burden was on their Spanish coach Jose Riveiro to try and lift the spirits in the change room urging his side to put the defeat behind them and focus on the upcoming MTN8 semi-final against Stellenbosch FC at the same Orlando Stadium on Sunday.
Uncharacteristically, this was Pirates second loss in a row, having fell to a 1-0 defeat to Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy in the first leg of their CAF Champions League Second Preliminary Round tie played at Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone last Sunday afternoon.
With their throngs of supporters expected to once more fill their Orlando homeground Sunday, Pirates dare not disappoint and need to step up their game. The 1-nil lead they hold against Stellies leading into the second-leg of their MTN8 match should bolster their confidence but they need to guard against complacency.
Stellies coach Steve Barker had a miserable midweek suffering a 2-0 defeat to Swallows at a rainy Danie Craven Stadium on Tuesday in a match that also saw the hosts reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of defender Ismaël Touré.
Barker lamented his side’s misfortune but called the players to remain positive ahead of this weekend’s highly-anticipated MTN8 semi-final second-leg encounter against Pirates.
“We’re obviously disappointed,” he told SuperSport after the match,”…but we’ve got a match again on Sunday so we need to get over this as quickly as possible, get our heads up because there’s a massive opportunity to get into the final of a major trophy.”
Pirates are the defending MTN8 champions af ter they lifted the trophy last year, immediate success for their then new coach Riveiro.
Stellenbosch are playing in the MTN8 for the second season in a row having debuted in 2022.
Orlando Pirates’ record at Stellenbosch reads played five, won one, drawn two and lost two. They have actually already travelled to the Winelands Club this season, but lost 1-0 to an Antonio Van Wyk goal in the opening round of the league.
Most predictions point to a Pirates win topped by a sparkling champaigne performance. Victory is certain, promises coach Riveiro.
Match kicks off at 15.00.
AN INTRIGUING AFFAIR
BOTTOM HALF: Tuks and La Masia look to better their positions in the Motsepe Foundation Championship
By Masoja Cele
Both University of Pretoria FC and NB La Masia FC will be bidding to make amends after a disappointing start to their 2023/24 of the Motsepe Foundation Championship. AmaTuks will host La Masia in the Championship fixture at Tuks Stadium in Pretoria.
The battle between the two sides could have ramifications in the race to improve their log positions. Tukkies and La Masia are sitting on the bottom half of the standings with four points apiece from three matches.
Though, it’s still early in the season it is however important to collect enough points now as the second round always turns out to be harsher. Amatuks should know better as they are the old campaigners of the seconds tier. They were also once the participants in the Premier Soccer League.
The Tshwane outfit will be aiming to be better than last season where they finished the campaign on tenth position, especially with the same turf advantage. This could be achieved if they defeat teams like La Masia, who are expected to be in the same mode.
Tuks mentor Tlisane Motaung will expect his charges to put up a brave fight against the visitors. Motaung and his technical team will rely on the experience of Thabani Sibanyni who has return on a loan transfer from Mamelodi Sundowns, long serving midfielder Samuel Julies and Khomotso Marebane to unlock the La Masia defence. La Masia will approach the match with more intensity after a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Magesi at home.
The Westbury based side are definitely looking to better their performance and improve on their position on the log table. La Masia have casted their recruitment net wide in terms of playing personnel and the technical team. Former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goal minder Moneeb ‘’Slim-Kat’’ Joseph was appointed during the winter break as goalkeeper coach.
While ex Pitso ‘’Jingles’’ Mosimane assistant coach at Al Ahly Calvin Johnson has been employed as the Technical Director. Left winger Yusuf Jappie was brought in from Steenberg United, former Maritzburg United and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Virgil Vries was also signed during the off season.
Another talented player in the colours of La Masia is former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Ayanda Rorwana. If La Masia are nursing any hopes of grinding the results at Tuks, then they should bring a solid game plan. However, this battle promises to be an intriguing affair.
The match is pencilled for a 15:00 kick-off.
RISE WOMEN IN BOXING RISE!
Brics basher: Promoter Joyce Kungwane dedicates main contest to her late soulmate Lehlohonolo Ledwaba
By Pule Mokhine
When Joyce Kungwane’s TLB Promotion showcases two tournaments in one day at Vodaworld in Midrand, Johannesburg next Saturday, two important aspects of the day will be observed.
The first proceedings marking women’s day from 2pm, will be an exclusive five-bout billing that will be featuring women pugilists competing. The headliner of what has been dubbed Rise of Women in Boxing will see Raider Muleba and Bonita van Jaarsveld slugging it out for the SA lightweight title. At stake will be Muleba’s championship belt that will be at stake.
The tournament is supported by Gauteng Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation. There will be five more bouts on the card showcasing women pugilists, all of whom sponsored with sneakers. The second and main part of the showdown starting at 6pm, will involve male bouts. The main contest dubbed Brics Basher, is in commemoration of the late former International Boxing Federation featherweight champion Lehlohonolo “Hands of Stone” Ledwaba. The highly talented pugilist succumbed to Covid-19 in 2021 at the age of 49. He was Kungwane’s soulmate at the time of his passing.
One of the country’s most charismatic pugilist of all time during his time, “Hands of Stone” was also a co-promoter of TLB at the time. His untimely passing dealt the sport of boxing a devastating low blow as it was unexpected. And Kungwane has deemed it appropriate to honor the memory of the man she regards as “the love of my heart” .
Ledwaba was first given a posthumous honor with a tournament held in Soweto last year. The main attraction on Saturday’s bill will be Gauteng’s Bongani Mahlangu in defense of his SA junior featherweight crown against Eastern Cape’s Luthando Mbumbulwane. This will be Mahlangu’s second championship defense since April.
What will add some spark in the evening is the fact that Mahlangu’s son Bheki Maitse, will also be sharing the billing with his dad (Bongani Mahlangu) as he (Maitse) will be slugging it out against Zwelakhe Nhlapo from Mpumalanga over eight rounds in a non-title lightweight scrap.
But Mahlangu can ill-afford to surrender his championship belt easily, as he will be out to impress his son who will equally be hellbent on making a big impression by coming out of the ring unscathed.
The main supporting bout on the card will be the international lightweight clash between Yanga Sigibo from Eastern Cape and Jonos Matheus from Namibia. Kungwane is so upbeat by saying that her entire tournament next Saturday will be a success given the caliber of boxers trading blows.
“In the ladies category, both Muleba and Van Jaarsveld will be exchanging blows for the fourth time in a tournament.
The first bout held in 2021 was a draw while their second meeting also in the same year saw Bonita winning on points. Their last encounter staged in Soweto last year saw Raider winning on points. Their forthcoming clash will obviously be a decider to prove who is the best,” said Kungwane.
Kungwane, who is arguably one of the country’s top promoters to come through the ranks in recent times, believes fans will enjoy their money’s worth on Saturday.
“All boxers will really prove their worth and show why they deserve to be called top-class fighters. The male boxers competing are determined to do it for Ledwaba,” concluded the impresario.
