Ex-chiefs star make waves abroad

Former Kaizer Chiefs left-back Teenage Hadebe has made a very impressive start with the Turkish outfit Yeni Malatyaspor after leaving Amakhosi during the off-season.

The Zimbabwean international pulled off a very stunning performance at the 2019 African Cup of Nations, securing him a move to the Super Lig side.

The 23-year-old kept helped his team claim a clean sheet displaying a very solid play in their UEFA Europa League qualification round that got him voted for the Turkish Super League team of the week.

CONFIRMED: SABC to broadcast all PSL games

Following the dispute between the public broadcaster, SABC and the PSL, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa has confirmed that league matches will be broadcast on all platforms.

This verdict followed a meeting that took place on Thursday evening that included the collaboration of Minister of Sports and the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies.

Nathi Mthethwa announces breakthrough in the SABC PSL blackout saga

Although the exact details of the deal struck have not been made available it appears as if PSL matches will return to SABC platforms this weekend.

The details of the deal are still a bit sketchy but Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa has declared that a breakthrough has been made in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) broadcast negotiations between the South Africa Broadcasting Company (SABC) and MultiChoice.

Reason behind SABC PSL blackout

The SABC stunned football fans across the nation at the beginning of August 2019 when they declared, not for the first time, that it would not be screening PSL matches.

The SABC has to negotiate for rebroadcast rights with MultiChoice because the pay-tv supplier beat both the public broadcaster and Vodacom in the bid for the rights.

Apparently MultiChoice was looking to charge the SABC in the region of R280 million, which it rejected out of hand because it only expects to bring in around R47 million from broadcasting local football.

This left local football fans, who did not have access to DSTV, with no option but to keep up with the progress of the season online or on the radio.

However, even the latter option was removed until a deal could be struck between the SABC and MultiChoice.

“Please make sure that the programme managers are informed that we cannot promote any PSL games nor conduct interviews with the teams, the players, and any role-players in the PSL business,” wrote SABC radio general manager Leuba Ramakgolo in an email to staff.

 Leuba Ramakgolo

Government intervention

This caused a major stir in South Africa because now, all of a sudden, there was absolutely no way to check in on the PSL unless you have access to DSTV or the internet.

That’s when Minister of Sport Nathi Mthethwa stepped in.

He, along with Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, has held a series of meetings with all stakeholders to find a resolution as quickly as possible.

Mthethwa even made the promise earlier this week that he expected the issue to be resolved by the weekend and, even though they might have left it a tad late being Friday already, he seems to have kept that promise.

“The Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, together with the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams are pleased to announce that all the parties are finding each other in the impasse which resulted in the non-broadcast of PSL matches on SABC,” Mthethwa posted to social media site Facebook.

 Nathi Mthethwa

This follows a meeting on Thursday evening to find a long term solution and ensure a situation like this does not occur again.

Exact details to be announced at a later time

An announcement with exact details of the deal struck is expected to be made later on Friday 23 August 2019.

“The announcement that will be made will detail the terms of the agreement, subject to governance processes. Both Minster Ndabeni-Abrahams and I would like to thank all parties for showing commitment in finding a solution despite the complexity of this matter,” Mthetwa said.

“In future we will ensure a closer working relationship between parties, to aid us in proactively seeking solutions before they become grave in nature. We also are grateful to South Africans for their patience and trust in our ability to represent their interest in this matter.”

 Nathi Mthethwa

Kaizer Chiefs vs SuperSport United: Prediction, scores, kick-off time and head-to-head

Here's everything you need to know about Kaizer Chiefs vs SuperSport United in the PSL - including kick off time, head-to-head record, live scores and a full preview.

Kaizer Chiefs put their perfect start to the new Absa Premiership season to the test when they welcome SuperSport United to the FNB Stadium on Saturday evening.

The late kick-off sees Amakhosi bidding to make it three wins from three and perhaps start to dream of a first PSL title since 2015.

There’s a long road ahead before Ernst Middendorp and his men can consider that a genuine prospect after several seasons of misery.

But the Glamour Boys have picked up back-to-back victories so far, in their bid to find their swagger of old.

Eric Matoho scored the only goal a fortnight ago as they edged out Black Leopards at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

It was a tidy way to follow up their nerve-jangling 3-2 success away to Highlands Park in their opener.

But veteran coach Middendorp has a long way to go to convince fans he is the man for the job at The Calabash, where his side struggled badly last season.

“We are aware that we have home games all over South Africa to honour and respect the huge fan base of Kaizer Chiefs,” said the under-pressure German this week.

“But the record of our 15 home games last year is definitely not what we’re expecting from ourselves this season.”

Their visitors come into their third high-stakes game of the season fresh from a thumping win over Amakhosi’s rivals Orlando Pirates.

Bradley Grobler netted twice before Lungu Ghampani scored the third in a 3-0 trouncing of the much-fancied Sea Robbers.

It was a timely confidence boost following opening weekend defeat to reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Now Matsatsantsa can take a swing at another of the PSL’s leading lights, with all the pressure on the home side in Soweto on Saturday.

Kaizer Chiefs vs SuperSport United: Head-to-head

Record	Kaizer Chiefs	SuperSport United
Wins	15	14
Draws	10	10
Losses	14	15
Goals for	41	39
Goals against	39	41
Points	55	52

Kick off time and prediction

Prediction: The draw has been the most common result between these two sides in recent meetings. It’s tight, but Kaizer Chiefs seem to have found their magic, however, the PSL is packed with surprises. A scoring draw is our prediction.

Kick off time: Saturday, 24 August at 18:00.

Kaizer Chiefs vs SuperSport United: Live score

Semenya has more testosterone than most men – Spanish professor

A Spanish biochemistry professor says the IAAF rules on DSD athletes are more for fair competition, than they are against Caster Semenya.

Jose María Odriozola, a professor in biochemistry, has thrown his weight behind the controversial IAAF’s rule change, affecting South Africa’s Caster Semenya, as well as other athletes with disorders of sex development (DSD).

The two-time Olympic gold medalist has been in the wars for the best part of a decade, since announcing herself on the world stage in the 2009 IAAF World Championships.

Having dominated the middle distances since then, her career has been brought to a halt after she lost her case against the sport’s governing body in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in May, and will have to take testosterone-suppressing medication if she wishes to continue competing in the distances which have become her stronghold.

Another voice in support of IAAF rule changes

The Spanish professor is with the IAAF’s assertion that the rule change that the rule-change was brought on in the interest of fair competition, even going as far as stating that Semenya has more testosterone than most men.

“She says the IAAF is against her, but the rules are for everyone,” Odriozola said. 

“Her case comes from the World Championships in Berlin 2009. She has XY chromosomes, like men, and then a series of hormonal internal controls that make her hyperandrogenic. 

“Semenya has more testosterone than most men, and that gives her an undoubted advantage.”

Jose Maria Odriozola

Setbacks not ruling over Semenya

The latest setbacks have cast doubt over Semenya’s career, especially after she was effectively bar from defending her title in the World Championships in Doha in September.

Pending her appeal of the ruling made by the CAS, she was initially allowed to compete without taking medication, but the decision was later overturned by the Swiss Federal Tribunal.

However, Semenya was recently quizzed on her future plans, and made it clear that retirement does not figure in them.

“Retiring is not an option at the moment. I’m still like 28. I think I still have like ten years of my career,” she said at the recent Standard Bank Top Women Conference.

“Okay, I might be stopped from my running, but it’s just a temporary thing.”

Caster Semenya

Semenya has received widespread support, particularly from South Africa, as well 800m as rival Margaret Wambui.

English Premier League: Live scores, fixtures and EPL results – 23-25 August

Don’t miss any of the English Premier League action as the 2019-20 season. Get live scores, results and all the fixtures here for match week two.

You can find our lives cores at the bottom of this preview.

A top-of-the-table clash between Liverpool and Arsenal on Saturday evening headlines the Premier League weekend.

The only two remaining sides with 100% records put them on the line at Anfield, with the Reds top of the pile on goal difference going into match week three.

Jurgen Klopp’s side followed their opening night thumping of Norwich with a 2-1 success at Southampton to help set the early pace in their bid to topple Manchester City at the summit.

The Gunners, meanwhile, pulled off a sneaky 2-1 victory over tricky Burnley to back up their 1-0 win at Newcastle on the opening weekend.

Manchester United need a positive performance to hold the storm clouds at bay at Old Trafford on Saturday when they play Crystal Palace.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his men came under the microscope following Monday night’s 1-1 draw at Wolves, with Paul Pogba’s late penalty failure costing two points and far more besides in goodwill.

The Eagles have had an awkward start of their own, holding Everton to a goalless draw on the opening Saturday before falling to a defeat by the only goal at newly-promoted Sheffield United last weekend.

Frank Lampard is still in search of his first three points as Chelsea coach, as he takes his Blues to Norwich for the Saturday lunchtime game.

English Premier League: Fixtures on 23-25 August

Last season’s third-placed finishers were held to a draw by Leicester at Stamford Bridge last Sunday, following a 4-0 bashing at Manchester United to kick off the new campaign in maddening fashion.

The Canaries come into the clash buoyed by Teemu Pukki’s hat-trick, which inspired their 3-1 success over Newcastle at Carrow Road last Saturday.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are seeking a return to winning ways on the south coast as they travel to Bournemouth.

The reigning champions were twice pegged back to draw 2-2 with Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium last weekend.

Eddie Howe’s Cherries, meanwhile, sneaked a 2-1 victory at promoted Aston Villa, leaving them level on points with the title holders after two matches.

Spurs are out to keep up the early pace when they host Steve Bruce’s struggling Newcastle in north London on Sunday afternoon.

In action at the same time are Wolves and Burnley, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side seeking their first win of the season at Molineux following successive draws.

The weekend kicks off early with a Friday night contest between pointless Aston Villa and unbeaten Everton at Villa Park.

There’s a rival clash to be had on the south coast on Saturday, as Graham Potter’s Brighton host Southampton at the AMEX Stadium.

Watford and West Ham also meet at Vicarage Road, with the pair having mustered a solitary point in four games between them so far.

Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United are in the sunny uplands of the top half going into the third round of fixtures.

The Blades put their unbeaten start to life back in the top flight to the test against 2016 champions Leicester at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

English Premier League results on 23-25 August

English Premier League live scores on 23-25 August

Get the latest English Premier League scores below.

Scores will be live at kick off.

Bafana Bafana: Strong squad named for Zambia friendly

Bafana interim coach Molefi Ntseki has named his first squad, as the national team prepares for life after Stuart Baxter.

Molefi Ntseki, interim coach of Bafana Bafana, brought out all the big guns when he named the squad that will face Zambia in Lusaka in September.

The friendly match is the first outing for Bafana since Stuart Baxter’s resignation from the head coach post earlier in the month.

Ntseki, who had served as the Brit’s assistant, was put in charge on a caretaker basis and, on Friday, he named his first squad as senior national team coach.

The former SA Under-17 coach retained most of the players who did in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, adding just a few who did not make the trip to Egypt.

The new and the old in the national setup

Bidvest Wits goalkeeper Brandon Peterson, who recently signed for the club from Ajax Cape Town, is in among the newcomers, and is named alongside ex-Students shot-stopper Darren Keet, and reigning PSL Goalkeeper of the Season Ronwen Williams.

Among the defenders, Kaizer Chiefs hardman Erick Mathoho returns to the fold after a season affected by injury, with Mamelodi Sundowns utility player Thapelo Morena and Cape Town City’s Thato Mokeke also earning call-ups.

The midfield is mostly populated by players who took Bafana to the quarterfinals in Egypt, who are joined by Sundowns midfielder Rivaldo Coetzee, who had to withdraw from the squad just weeks before departure to Egypt. Also in the mix is Montpellier winger Keagan Dolly, who returns from an injury that ruled him out of selection.

Racing Strasbourg striker Lebo Mothiba is retained among the forward, and there is also a return for Kermit Erasmus, as well as Supersport United’s in-form marksman Bradley Grobler.

Bafana will face Chipolopolo on Saturday, 7 September at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

Bafana Bafana squad to play Zambia in a friendly on 7 September 

Goalkeepers: Darren Keet (OH Leuven FC, Belgium), Ronwen Williams (Supersport United), Brandon Petersen (Bidvest Wits).

Defenders: Eric Mathoho (Kaizer Chiefs), Buhle Mkhwanazi, Thulani Hlatshwayo (Wits), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thamsanqa Mkhize, Thato Mokeke (CT City), Innocent Maela (Orlando Pirates).

Midfielders: Kamohelo Mokotjo (Brentford FC), Rivaldo Coetzee, Lebogang Maboe, (Sundowns), Dean Furman (SS), Lebogang Phiri (Guingamp), Bongani Zungu (Amiens), Thembinkosi Lorch (Orlando Pirates), Thulani Serero (Vitesse), Percy Tau (Club Brugge), Keagan Dolly (Montpellier).

Forwards: Lebo Mothiba (Strasbourg, France), Bradley Grobler (Supersport United), Kermit Erasmus (Cape Town City).

Interim Coach: Molefi Ntseki.

Kaizer Chiefs news: Maluleka itching to get the better of United keeper

Saturday's clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Supersport United will see another reunion between old friends, George Maluleka and Ronwen Williams.

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Maluleka comes up against a familiar foe on Saturday, as his side squares off against Supersport United at FNB Stadium.

The 30-year-old made his professional debut donning the blue of the Tshwane giants, before moving to the Mother City for a spell at Ajax Cape Town. He returned to the country’s capital to rejoin Matsatsansa after two seasons away.

During his time at United, he befriended goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, and admits to being driven by the possibility of getting the better of him.

Speaking to the Kaizer Chiefs website, the midfielder revealed that he is relishing the opportunity of adding to his goal tally against his old pal.

“To be honest, Ronwen is the one I am after, him and I always have this competition which started on the training ground when we were teammates. So when it happens in a game and I score I feel like I have the upper hand nothing against him work is work, to score is always good for your morale and confidence and I am always happy to help the team out.”

George Maluleka

Maluleka vs Williams battle resumes as Chiefs face Supersport

Maluleka joined Chiefs from United in the middle of the 2013/14 campaign. It would take him until his third league appearance against his old side to find the net, as he put one past Wiliams in a 2-1 victory in February 2016.

The midfielder’s boot was, more recently, the difference as Amakhosi walked off with a 1-0 victory over their rivals in December 2018, in what was coach Ernst Middendorp’s first league game in charge.

The Soweto giants will, however, come up against a highly confident Supersport outfit, who have registered back-to-back convincing victories against two highly-regarded outfits.

Matsatsansa beat both Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits 3-0 in their last two outings, with Williams keeping things tight at the back.

Maluleka noted that the hosts will have to be on top of their game on Saturday.

“SuperSport have done very well in their last two games scoring six goals without conceding. They are looking good and must be high on confidence,” he said.

“We have started very well.  We are still coming up and it will be a very intense game with two teams on good form. It is going to be a big game and I am looking forward to it.”

George Maluleka

PSL announces MTN 8 Semi-final dates and details

The PSL have revealed the dates and details of the two-legged Mtn 8 Semi-finals contested by Supersport United, Mamelodi Sundowns, Polokwane City and Highlands Park FC.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) on Wednesday announced the match details for the MTN 8 semifinals.

The MTN 8 semifinals, played over two legs, will include a Tshwane derby.

The intriguing last four

The teams that have won through to the last four are Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United, Highlands Park and Polokwane City.

One of the semifinals is a battle of South African football’s heavyweights, the other a shootout between underdogs.

Polokwane will host Highlands Park in the first semifinal on 31 August at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. The next day (1 September) will see SuperSport facing Sundowns at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville. Both matches will kick-off at 15h00.

The second legs are scheduled for 17 and 18 September. First up will be Highlands v Polokwane at Makhulong Stadium followed by Sundowns hosting SuperSport, also at the Lucas Moripe Stadium. Both games will kick-off at 19h30. 

Sundowns and Supersport have both looked to be in great early season form and won their quarter-finals well. Downs beat Bloem Celtic 3-1 while Supersport made easy work of a tough assignment to over Bidvest Wits 3-0 away from home.

Polokwane City have made a solid start to their season as the Limpopo club seeks to earn a regular place among the top sides in South African football. Polokwane City are an ambitious club and the MTN 8 trophy is something they believe they can attain.

Highlands Park have made a solid start to their season boosted by their quarter-final win over Pirates. Highlands lost 3-2 to Kaizer Chiefs on the opening day of the season before grabbing a last gasp point against Maritzburg United. Their first win of the campaign came in the MTN 8. Highlands have shown themselves to be a side willing to throw everything at the opposition.

The MTN 8  is one of the longest-standing knockout cup competitions in South Africa, first being contested in 1972. The winners of the tournament receive a prize of R8-million.

MTN 8 Semi-finals

31 August 2019, 15:00 – Semi-final first leg: Polokwane City vs Highlands Park FC from the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

1 September 2019, 15:00 – Semi-final first leg: Supersport United vs Mamelodi Sundowns from the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.

17 September 2019, 19:30 – Semi-final second leg: Highlands Park FC vs Polokwane City from Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa.

18 September 2019, 19:30 – Semi-final second leg: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Supersport United from the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Attridgeville.

Liverpool: ‘World Class’ front three making the difference – Klopp

Liverpool have started the 2019/20 season well and Jurgen Klopp says it is largely down to the influence of their 'World Class' front three.

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has praised the impact Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah have had in the Premier League.

The Merseyside club face Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday in what will be a massive test for the top-flight’s early pace-setters.

Liverpool’s World Class attack

Klopp insists that Liverpool’s fortunes have been boosted by the stellar form of his ‘World-class’ front three of Firmino, Salah and Mane.

The German placed the trio in a class of their own compared to players he has previously had in his charge.

“A lot of times in my life I had sensational players always [but] not world-class players,” Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com.

“Now, thank God I have them and they make the difference. We don’t have to talk about that.

“Sadio Mané, Bobby Firmino, Mo Salah – these guys in the last situation are really outstanding.

“They were a constant threat, however tired they are. That’s brilliant and, of course, made the difference. We don’t have to talk about that.”

Liverpool’s squad endured extra-time and penalties to claim the UEFA Super Cup just 72 hours before their clash with Southampton. Mane and Firmino scored the crucial goals while all three played a role in ensuring the Reds put pressure on their title rivals with a perfect start.

Life gets tougher for the Reds

Former Gunner Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain was also influential in the victory over the Saints and said that Liverpool were eager to add to last season’s Champions League success. The 26-year-old insisted that it wouldn’t be easy for Liverpool to gather more silverware.

“We’ve had a taste of winning [a trophy] and we knew what it took to get there,” Chamberlain said.

“It was nowhere near easy. I think it’s going to get harder and harder.

“We know what it’s going to take, there are going to be moments that test us and maybe new tests this year that we didn’t face last year.

“We had to dig in, the boys dug in all last year through difficult moments, where you’re expected to win and still go out and win. We know there’s going to be tests and we know that’s what’s required.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain faces former side Arsenal this weekend, and feels that emerging leaders within the LFC squad will ensure nobody’s feet leave the ground.

“Mentally, this group of players is top drawer. The manager is one of the most mentally persistent managers out there, for sure, he keeps us going.

“We know what the demands are on each other. And I think that has grown in the team, there are more and more leaders coming out of this side – not just Hendo, Millie, Virg. Everyone is starting to take responsibility for what they need to do on and off the ball.

“It’s a team that’s really going in the right direction. But it’s early in the season; we’ve got to keep our feet on the ground, keep plugging away and keep churning out results.”

Liverpool vs Arsenal at Anfield kicks off at 18:30 SAST on Saturday 24 August.