Mamelodi Sundowns have just announced their newest player – a Bafana Bafana star.

Mamelodi Sundowns have just confirmed their latest signing.

Moreover, he is an ex-Kaizer Chiefs target and Bafana Bafana player.

MUST READ: ORLANDO PIRATES TRANSFER NEWS: R7 MILLION BAFANA PRIORITY TARGET

SUNDOWNS ANNOUNCE MOTHIBA

Lebo Mothiba is officially Sundowns’ newest player.

Here is the official announcement on Masandawana’s Twitter page.

Moreover, the former Bafana Bafana striker has returns to South Africa following a decade long stint abroad. So, the 29-year-old will bring even more experience and firepower upfront for Sundowns.

Mothiba played for the likes of Lille OSC, Valenciennes and RC Strasbourg. Now, he is back in SA where he will run out for The Brazilians. Furthermore, the Sundowns camp welcomed him with enthusiasm and excitement, according to SNL.

GOOD NEWS FOR BRAZILIANS AND BAD NEWS FOR CHIEFS

This serves as great news for Sundowns fans as he adds depth to an already formidable attacking squad. Furthermore, he joins the likes of Iqraam Rayners and Peter Shaquille up front.

Meanwhile, for Chiefs hopefuls this is bad news.

A few seasons ago he was reportedly linked with a move to Amakhosi. However, the move did not materialize. So, Chiefs have missed out on yet another signing to Sundowns. Moreover, they recently lost out of Iqraam Rayners to The Brazilians.

Mothiba is the latest official signing to take place in the Betway Premiership.

Stay tuned we reveal every signing and departure from Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi as they happen.

gs stand, Prince (Dube) looks the most promising option. The other strikers they have been eyeing, such as Fiston Mayele and Michael Olunga, appear difficult to secure, which is why they shifted their focus to Dube. He is also performing well for Yanga at the moment,” a source told the publication.

Kaizer Chiefs to finally sign Price Dube?

“There are other positions the club wants to reinforce but the striker and left-back positions are at the top of the agenda. The striker they are currently focusing on is Prince Dube from Tanzania.”

Kaizer Chiefs currently have Ranga Chivaviro, Ashley Du Preez and Tashreeq Morris as their main strikers. The duo of Chivaviro and Du Preez have failed to find the back of the net regularly, which forced coach Nasreddine Nabi to bring in Morris.

With Dube, Amakhosi will have a proven goal-scorer who has played in the CAF Champions League. Kaizer Chiefs are in action on Tuesday evening against Magesi FC in the Betway Premiership. Kick off is set for 19:30 at the FNB Stadium in Soweto.

Chatter regarding PSL transfers are still in full flow two weeks after the summer window.

It was a quiet January for title challengers Orlando Pirates, failing to lure any talent whatsoever, while Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns secured several signings.

PSL Rumours

• In-form Lucas Ribeiro Costa has been the main instigator in Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominant 2024/25 campaign, leading the league in goals and assists. The 26-year-old is being tracked by several clubs abroad, fuelling speculation of a move in the offseason.
• Orlando Pirates are losing patience in luring Stellenbosch star Fawaaz Basadien, diverting their attention to fellow Cape Winelands left-back Omega Mdaka.
• Tunisia have shortlisted Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi as a candidate for the national team job.
• Kaizer Chiefs are monitoring PSL sensation Rowan Human.

Human update

“The team [Kaizer Chiefs] is already planning for next season and apart from the striker they are looking for, they are also looking at bolstering the midfield and they are reconsidering Rowan [Human] from AmaZulu,” said SoccerLaduma.

“You know the scouts looks at players who would fit in the team’s system and they are believed to have identified Human as one target for the midfield position for next season.”

Another source implied, “It’s true they had inquired about him just before he left Maritzburg United to join AmaZulu FC but things didn’t work at that time,

“Now they are back on the radar for his services and it will all depend on what happens at the end of the season but for now both the technical team and scou

Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has made peace with the fact that his team will NOT win the Betway Premiership title this season.

Amakhosi are currently sixth on the log with 25 points from 17 games, and they are trailing log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by 17 points.

Now, Nabi said while he may not have the type of players needed for his offensive style of play, he won’t change how he wants Chiefs to play.

Furthermore, Nabi admitted that Chiefs should have collected more points than they have this term, but he’s confident they can finish in the top three.

In his own words, Nabi said the dream at Naturena is for Chiefs to secure a CAF spot after 30 league games.

KAIZER CHIEFS COACH NABI TARGETS CAF SPOT

“Honestly… majority of games, I choose to play my game model, offensively, high line, I don’t have all the material yet for this type of football,” Nabi told reporters as per iDiski Times.

“Some people say ah ah ah, play the pass, helicopter football, then the people kill you. But thank God, I don’t go on social media, I would probably kill myself.

“I’m consistent in what I’m saying [and how I want to play], generally, I want to paint a picture of offensive football, this is in project, and this season, the dream is to qualify for CAF. It won’t be easy but I want to put this in my players,” added Nabi.

“They have the capacity, the difference is not big, they need confidence, the same for Nedbank Cup, we will push and Inshallah…[perhaps win it],” he concluded.

Half a dozen Kaizer Chiefs stars have been ruled out with Nasreddine Nabi set to appoint a new captain.

Kaizer Chiefs will have their squad depth tested following the recent squad update.

A total of SIX Amakhosi stars have been ruled out including captain, Yusuf Maart. Meaning, Nabi will have to appoint a new captain for their next Nedbank Cup Last 16 clash against Chippa United.

MUST READ: KAIZER CHIEFS SIGNINGS & EXITS: FIVE IN, FIVE OUT? – LATEST

HALF A DOZEN CHIEFS STARS RULED OUT

Yusuf Maart, Ashley Du Preez, Dillan Solomons, Wandile Duba, Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Edson Castillo (long-term) have all been ruled out of Chiefs’ next match, according to SNL.

Furthermore, George Matlou faces a late fitness test and is also likely to be unavailable.

Meaning, Nabi will have to select a new Amakhosi captain, on an interim basis. Moreover, Chiefs squad depth will be tested. Especially, up front with both Du Preez and Duba ruled out.

Thankfully, Amakhosi recently appointed two new attackers – Tashreeq Morris and Glody Lilepo. So, both men are expected to start moving forward. Meanwhile, the likes of Solomons, Mthethwa and Castillo haven’t featured much under Nabi.

This is because Mthethwa and Castillo have been injured most of the season. Whilst, Solomons is no longer first-choice with Reeve Frosler stepping up.

AMAKHOSI’S NEXT CAPTAIN

Maart’s injury has opened the door of opportunity for a ‘new’ Chiefs captain.

So, who will wear the Amakhosi arm band?

In all likeliness, Inacio Miguel will wear the captains arm band. The stout centre back has been physical and firm on defence. However, discipline has let him down with the vice-captain picking up a couple of suspensions so far. He will have to lead by example and work on his discipline if he is appointed as Chiefs captain during Maarts absence.

The PSL’s January transfer window has been relatively quiet but could soon snowball into a transfer frenzy.

Several stars are expected to be jumping ship.

Rumours around the league

• Kaizer Chiefs are upping their pursuit of midfielder Sinoxolo Kwayiba and are willing to let Christian Saile go the other way.
• Orlando Pirates forward Zakhele Lepasa could be used in exchange for Polokwane’s Oswin Appollis or Thabang Matuludi.
• According to reports, Kaizer Chiefs, who upped their transfer budget to R100 million, will outbid Orlando Pirates for PSL star Appollis.

Basadien to Pirates?

Another Bafana star on Pirates and Chiefs’ radar is Stellenbosch star Fawaaz Basadien, who is tipped to join PSL frontrunners the Buccaneers.

“With Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns having so far failed to sign Stellenbosch FC and Bafana Bafana left-back Fawaaz Basadien, Orlando Pirates have a plan, and they have joined the scene with the aim of signing him,

“They could offload captain Innocent Maela together with Paseka Mako to get Basadien. They have come up with that strategy as they want to strengthen their left-back position in the quest to conquer both locally and in Africa, and that is why they want to move in for Basadien. So, that’s what is believed to be their plan for now to attract Basadien to Pirates.”

Mamelodi Sundowns are reportedly actively placing one of their key players on the transfer list this January window.

Sundowns are known to have a huge squad with quality players in all departments fighting to be in the matchday squad.

Shalulile has been prolific since joining Sundowns

This season, one player that has found himself on the peripheries is star striker Peter Shalulile. The Namibian international joined Sundowns at the start of the 2020/21 season, after being prolific for Highlands Park. The step up was not daunting for him at all, and in fact, saw him go up to another level. Since joining Masandawana, he has been one of the most deadly strikers in South African football netting 95 goals in 180 starts and providing 25 assists..

But in the last two seasons his influence has become less and less. This season, Shalulile has found himself playing second fiddle to new signing Iqraam Rayners. With the Bafana Bafana international scoring an impressive 13 goals in 17 matches, it has been hard to displace him as the main man upfront at Sundowns.

Now according to FARPost that has led to Sundowns putting Shalulile on the transfer market!

Club puts him up for sale!

“Mamelodi Sundowns are reportedly entertaining offers for Namibian forward Peter Shalulile as they actively pursue new striker options for the January transfer window. Shalulile is reportedly seeking a move away from Chloorkop as the club works behind the scenes to bolster its attacking department. Although his contract runs until June 2025 with an option for a further two years, indications are that the club is in discussions with interested parties, potentially paving the way for the Namibia international’s departure.

The 31-year-old’s impact has diminished this season, making only 11 starts in 24 matches across all competitions. He has also made eight substitute appearances, scoring four goals.” Wrote the publication.

With Shalulile turning 32 this year, would it be the right move to cash in on him this window? Or should Sundowns hold out until the end of the season or use him at the Club World Cup? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings in the comments below.

The Springboks enjoyed a memorable 2024 Test season, claiming 11 wins out of 13, which included securing a Rugby Championship title, a clean-sweep on the end-of-year tour and finishing the year at No 1.

Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks will be determined to build on that momentum, and while they might have a relatively ‘easy’ start to the 2025 season, there are also some incredibly challenging fixtures in their schedule.

Besides back-to-back Tests in New Zealand, it is also reported that both France and Ireland will lie in wait on the end-of-year tour, completing a 13-Test fixture list for 2025.

Springboks’ 2025 Test schedule:

5 July: vs Italy, Venue TBC
12 July: vs Italy, TBC
19 July: vs Georgia, TBC
16 August: vs Australia, TBC
23 August: vs Australia, TBC
6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland
13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington
27 September: vs Argentina, TBC
4 October: vs Argentina, London
1 November: vs Wales, Cardiff
8 November: vs France, Paris
15 November: vs Italy, TBC
22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin

WHICH FIXTURES ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this TSA article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

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By the numbers in 2024

#1 on the World Rugby Rankings
13 Tests Played
11 Tests won
2 Tests lost
57 tries scored
23 tries conceded (three clean-sheets, against Australia, New Zealand and Scotland)
450 points scored
220 points conceded
50 players used
4 captains (Kolisi, Moerat, Du Toit and Etzebeth)
3 World Rugby Player of the Year nominations (Du Toit, Etzebeth and Kolbe)
12 new caps

New caps:
Jordan Hendrikse
Edwill vd Merwe
Ben-Jason Dixon
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Johan Grobbelaar
Phepsi Buthelezi
Morne van den Berg
Andre-Hugo Venter
Ruan Venter
Quan Horn
Cameron Hanekom

50th Tests
Vincent Koch
Kwagga Smith

Erasmus’ charges also added two notable trophies to the cabinet at SARU House in Cape Town – the Rugby Championship trophy (last won in 2019) and the Freedom Cup (against New Zealand, last held in 2009).

The Springboks also retained the Prince William Cup (against Wales), the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate (against Australia) and the Qatar Airways Cup.

These trophies boosted an already impressive trophy cabinet, which includes four Webb Ellis Cups and the last two British & Irish Lions Series trophies (2009 and 2021), amongst others.

The Springboks entered the 2024 Outgoing Tour with confidence after clinching the Rugby Championship title against New Zealand, Australia and Argentina, and they continued to make the country proud by registering a clean sweep of victories over Scotland, England, and Wales – the first time since 2013 they have achieved this remarkable feat.

During the course of the 2024 Test season, the Springboks used as many as 50 players across 13 Tests, handed out 12 new caps and dished out game time to all 35 available players on an undefeated end-of-year tour.

As excitement builds towards the 2025 international season, these are the players we believe could come into contention for a Springbok debut this year.

THREE PLAYERS WE PREDICT WILL EARN SPRINGBOK HONOURS:

Henco van Wyk

There is simply no doubt that the 23-year-old – who was named the Junior Springbok Player of the Year in 2021 – is one of the most exciting prospects in South African rugby.

Last year, he was also the only internationally uncapped nominee for SA Rugby Young Player of the Year, having been named alongside Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cameron Hanekom, Quan Horn and Jordan Hendrikse.

Despite the fact Van Wyk has endured some struggles with injury, he is the sort of player with all the attributes that should catch the eye of Rassie Erasmus. Although relatively diminutive in stature, the Lions centre uses his low centre of gravity to great effect, boasting real strength, a strong step and a remarkable work rate.

If he can stay injury free in 2025, he is destined for Springboks honours this season.

Suleiman Hartzenberg

If 2024 was the season of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, there is every chance that this year could see the breakthrough of his Stormers teammate Suleiman Hartzenberg.

The 21-year-olds boasts versatility, speed and tons of natural talent which Erasmus will surely be keen to hone in the Springbok camp.

Just last year, Hartzenberg earned a ringing endorsement from former Springbok wing Breyton Paulse, who made a similar call about his credentials for higher honours: “In terms of young players and players knocking on the door for the tour, I do really like Suleiman Hartzenberg. I do feel he has the potential,” Paulse said.

“I put my pen on paper to say he will be a Springbok one day. He has all the credentials. He has the identity and personality.”

Neethling Fouché

The experienced prop was probably one of the most unlucky players to miss out on a Test cap in 2024, especially considering that he was on the fringes of the Springbok squad at times.

Fouché is a true attacking scrummager, and his power and mobility undoubtedly caught the eye of the Bok coaches, but ultimately Frans Malherbe, Vincent Koch and in-form Thomas du Toit ‘blocked’ his pathway to an international cap last year.

Fouché may be 32-years-old, but that is often a stage when props can still perform at their peak with all the experience of the dark arts at scrum time, and this season could finally see the popular Stormers front rower make the step up to the Test stage.

Former Springbok forwards coach Gary Gold recently endorsed the virtues of the Stormers stalwart, stating: “Neethling is technically really sound, but he’s good around the park as well. He’s mobile for a tighthead, it doesn’t compromise on his size and his weight and his strength. But he gets around the park.”

New caps from 2024:
Jordan Hendrikse
Edwill vd Merwe
Ben-Jason Dixon
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Johan Grobbelaar
Phepsi Buthelezi
Morne van den Berg
Andre-Hugo Venter
Ruan Venter
Quan Horn
Cameron Hanekom

Despite Monday’s report, Kaizer Chiefs’ Christian Saile might be staying in Gauteng instead of moving to Chippa United.

SUPERSPORT UNITED TO HIJACK CHRISTIAN SAILE MOVE?

According to Monday’s report, Congolese forward Saile was on his way out of Amakhosi to Gqeberha to join Chippa on loan. “SABC Sport has established that Kaizer Chiefs and Chippa United are close to agreeing a deal for striker Christian Saile,” said Mazola Molefe.

“The Glamour Boys are desperate to free up a foreign spot in anticipation of signing an international forward and this potential move would be ideal for the club to bring in a replacement almost immediately. Saile joined Chiefs exactly two years ago from Zambian outfit Nchana Rangers with the hope that he could replicate the form that made him a household name at his former club and on the continent.

“But after a total 49 matches in all competitions, the DR Congo striker has managed only six goals and has featured more as a wide player.”

SUPERSPORT UNITED ENTER THE RACE

According to the same outlet, SuperSport have taken a sudden lead in signing the Kaizer Chiefs forward.

“SABC Sport has established that SuperSport United are now in talks with Kaizer Chiefs to persuade them to agree a transfer over winger Christian Saile,” Molefe updated. “It’s understood Chiefs are willing to accept a loan deal with an option to buy at the end of this season, with Saile’s contract set to run out in July next year. Chippa initially looked favourites to land the deal, but SuperSport have now opened their own discussions with Amakhosi, and it’s believed they are now frontrunners,” the report concluded.