Pitso praises Baxter
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter is an astute tactician who knows how to select the right players. Mosimane said his team’s success in the Caf Champions League is rubbing off on the national team as a majority of players featured in Bafana’s 2-0 win over Nigeria in June. “You need the people who don’t care about the crowd, the likes of Hlompho Kekana, Keagan Dolly, Tiyani Mabunda, Bongani Zungu, Percy Tau, Teboho Langerman, Themba Zwane, and I can even mention Ramahlwe Mphahlele because he was with us for the Champions League” said Mosimane. “That is what Stuart wants. He knows that if he goes to Nigeria his players may be intimidated, but if he takes guys who are experienced on the continent, he is good to go.” Ngubo gives NFD thumbs-down
Orlando Pirates striker Siyanda Ngubo (above) is hoping to make the grade as he started training with the team this week, aiming to impress coach Kjell Jonevret. A source close to the 20-year-old said he doesn’t want to play in the National First Division again next season. “He has big dreams which include going overseas and playing in the NFD is not helping him. He is still young and wants to start playing in the top flight so he can get the exposure. He said if he doesn’t make it at Pirates again this season, he will ask that he be loaned out to a Premiership team,” explained the source. Despite his lack of height his cunning and pace make him a lethal attacker. Stars re-think Mabena decision
Following a dreadful showing in front of goal in the Bokone Bophirima Maize Cup at the weekend, Platinum Stars are said to be reconsidering their decision to let Ndumiso Mabena (above) go. A source in the camp said they could re-sign Mabena if no other prominent striker is available. “Strikers are in short supply in South Africa and Stars are thinking of opening negotiations with Mabena again. The talks broke down the last time because there was still talk of Chiefs looking to sign him and he made demands which the team could not meet. We hope he will reconsider our offer now,” said the source. Mabena is currently a free agent. NFD beckoning for Mokoena
Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns midfield wizard Lebogang Mokoena (above) – also known as “Cheeseboy” – is said to be looking for a team in the National First Division. The 30-year-old has seen very little action in the top flight in the past three seasons where he was battling with injuries. Mokoena was released by Ajax Cape Town after spending one season with the Mother City-based side. The Diepkloof-born player was deemed surplus to requirements by coach Stanley Menzo who indicated towards the end of last season that Mokoena would not form part of his team for the next campaign.