In anticipation of this week's 1415th 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, 13th March 2025.
PIRATES VS. SUNDOWNS
At 15h30 on Sunday, Orlando Pirates will host Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium. The rivalry and popularity of this fixture are growing every year, hence the decision to move the game from the 37,000 capacity Orlando Stadium to the 95,000 capacity Calabash. Downs hold an incredible 18-point lead over the Sea Robbers, having played four extra Betway Premiership fixtures. If Bucs can win their catch-up fixtures, we could still have a late title race on our hands. However, only a win here would really keep those remote league ambitions alive for Jose Riveiro's team. We delve into the crucial tactical decisions, the key battles between players, and compare the stats of the two clubs for the season so far.
THAPELO MASEKO
With just 10 appearances and under 300 minutes on the pitch for Thapelo Maseko at Mamelodi Sundowns this season, things are not going well for the youngster. Many questioned whether his move to Chloorkop was a bit too early in his career, but a good start under former coach Rulani Mokwena silenced the critics. Maseko was named the African Football League Player of the Tournament and later joined the Bafana Bafana squad, which finished third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Since then, however, things have gone downhill for the player. Soccer Laduma spoke with various individuals about what might have gone wrong and questions whether the move was the right decision.
SIYA SPECIAL
Kaizer Chiefs could be set for a major squad overhaul at the end of the current season as part of a broader strategy to revitalise the team and restore the club's former glory. The Soweto giants have endured a challenging campaign under head coach Nasreddine Nabi, and despite still being in contention for the Nedbank Cup, their performance in the Betway Premiership has not shown significant improvement. As part of the plan to turn things around, changes in playing personnel are being considered for Amakhosi, with some big-name players likely to be affected, as the Siya crew finds out through this investigation.
Also In Issue 1415…
Abdeslam Ouaddou…
Recently appointed Marumo Gallants coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou hit the ground running in his new job, stunning Orlando Pirates in his first match in charge of the club. He has now also guided the club to the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup after defeating Durban City on penalties, setting up another showdown with the Buccaneers. The Moroccan comes to the PSL with an impressive CV, having spent almost two decades plying his trade in Europe, as well as coaching spells in his country, Algeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In this interview with Soccer Laduma, the 46-year-old, who had an illustrious career playing in England, France and Greece, discusses his ambitions at the Bloemfontein-based outfit, which is playing for survival as it is on the wrong side of the Betway Premiership table.
International Feature
Mohamed Salah is currently enjoying an outstanding season at Liverpool, with his campaign potentially being the best individual season by an African footballer in Europe. As a result, many have tipped the Egyptian international as a strong contender for the 2025 Ballon d'Or award. However, this conversation took a controversial turn recently when former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher suggested that even if Salah were to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), it would have no bearing on his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or. Unsurprisingly, his comments sparked widespread backlash and prompted an important discussion about how African players are often viewed in Europe. Soccer Laduma examines whether Carragher's remarks are justified, and if Salah could indeed win the Ballon d'Or.
Revolving Column
This week we hear from former midfielder Alex Bapela on Bafana Bafana's FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Siyagobhoza
In this week's edition of the popular Siyagobhoza section, Orlando Pirates are poised to secure Kabelo Kgositsile, Edmilson Dove is expected to get a new Chiefs deal, and Mamelodi Sundowns are to trigger their Sphelele Mkhulise option.
Grab a copy of the latest edition of Soccer Laduma at your nearest outlet tomorrow. Don't miss out!
