In anticipation of this week’s 1421st edition of Soccer Laduma, we preview some of the features and interviews included. The latest edition will be available at your nearest outlet on Thursday, 24th April 2025.
KAIZER CHIEFS
In November 2020 and again in December 2023, Soccer Laduma did a deep dive into Kaizer Chiefs’ transfer success rate. In that first study, we found just seven successful additions out of 23 players signed. In the more recent study, some 17 months ago, Amakhosi’s hit rate had dropped to just 17%, with the jury still out on nine new signings made at the time. In this updated feature, we look at how many of those additions prior to the 2023/24 season have turned into success stories and how many have flattered to deceive. We also look at the additions made in the last two transfer windows and see if they’re trending towards success or flop status.
THEMBA ZWANE
After a long wait, Mamelodi Sundowns got more than they probably would have expected last week. Not only did Themba Zwane make a return to the matchday squad, but the veteran midfield maestro signed a new deal that will keep him with the club at least until the end of June 2026. That would mark 15 years as a Sundowns player, since he signed for the club in January 2011, along with Teko Modise in the same transfer window period. Soccer Laduma spoke to a few individuals who gave their thoughts on Zwane and his contract extension at Chloorkop. This extension means he will be able to go to the FIFA Club World Cup in June.
SIYA SPECIAL
In a country that has produced many talented players over the years, there is a growing concern regarding South Africa’s performance on the international stage due to a glaring lack of outstanding young goalkeepers. The country is producing promising young outfield players in abundance, but truly great goalkeepers are as rare as sunshine in winter. It is for this reason that former Technical Director Walter Steenbok has warned South Africa to take drastic action, suspend the importation of foreign goalkeepers, and focus on developing talented homegrown goalkeepers, or the country will reap the whirlwind the day Ronwen Williams hangs up his gloves.
Also In Issue 1421…
Gabadinho Mhango
Malawian international Gabadinho Mhango hit the ground running in his PSL debut season after arriving at Bloemfontein Celtic from Big Bullets as a 21-year-old. He went on to finish the 2013/14 campaign as the runner-up to Bernard Parker in the goalscoring charts. The diminutive forward’s impressive journey in Mzansi boasts donning the famous Black and White jersey of Orlando Pirates as well as winning the league and MTN8 in his first season at Wits University. Soccer Laduma caught up with the 32-year-old, who is back in Bloemfontein but this time around in the Green and White colours of Marumo Gallants.
International Feature
South African teenage sensations Emile Witbooi and Neo Bohloko, of Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs, respectively, recently took the continent by storm at the CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Their talents, however, had previously been spotted by Roc Nation Sports, the sports management division of the Jay-Z-owned label Roc Nation. Soccer Laduma held an insightful discussion with the Global Director of Recruitment at Roc Nation Sports, Nathan Campbell, about the agency’s relationship with Witbooi and Bohloko and what the future potentially holds for the two starlets.
Revolving Column
This week we hear from former Orlando Pirates defender Lucky Lekgwathi on the CAF inter-club semi-finals.
Siyagobhoza
In this week’s edition of the popular Siyagobhoza section: Siphelo Baloni injury to affect Orlando Pirates return, SuperSport United and Ime Okon camp at loggerheads over future, and Kaizer Chiefs are yet to engage Cedric Kaze on a new deal.
Grab a copy of the latest edition of Soccer Laduma at your nearest outlet tomorrow. Don’t miss out!
