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• After scoring Royal AM’s second goal on debut during their 3-1 win over his former club, Uthongathi FC, Tshepo Liphoko told Soccer Laduma, “While it was a great feeling being back doing what I love most, I had mixed emotions but no hard feelings against my old club or teammates. Knowing what was at stake, we prepared very well for that derby and got all three points. Better luck to them next time.”
• TS Sporting’s teenage goalkeeper, Leathan Croats, is delighted with his current form of six clean sheets so far. “It’s a good feeling, especially since I’m one of the youngest keepers in the division. I’m also looking forward to helping the team by making many more saves where possible. It’s all about hard work,” he said. • However, on the flipside, ex-Jomo Cosmos and Black Leopards’ reserve stopper, Ntuthuko Sithole, is not having much luck these days. “I spent five days on trial at Steenberg United, but they decided not to sign me, even though I’ve improved a lot lately under coach
Mbuso Jili, and didn’t concede during two friendlies,” he revealed. • Bizana Pondo Chiefs’ new head coach, Julius Dube, is optimistic but cautious after replacing Tshepo Motsoeneng. “It’s heartbreaking on Tshepo’s side the way we were starting to bond. The new players are blending well, while the leadership of Musa Bilankulu is out of this league. The few minutes that Abia Nale can give you is worth it. I think there’s a long way to go, but a lot will be realised if we stay humble,” he said.
“My favourite section is obviously “Still In Touch With…’ ha, ha, ha. That’s where you get to hear stories from the old days and at times you find it’s from your ex-teammate, so it brings back those memories. During the transfer window period, one is always glued on Siyagobhoza to get to know who’s moving where and what’s happening. Very importantly, the cover page lets you know what’s inside. The paper comes in handy especially because we can’t go to the stadium. This is where we get information. To be honest, the news you get on Google is not enough. You want to sit down and enjoy reading stuff in detail, and this newspaper gives you that. There are no space issues in Soccer Laduma – if you guys feel a story deserves a full page, you’ll cover it in that page.”