AmaZulu striker Bonginkosi Ntuli has passed away

AmaZulu striker Bonginkosi Ntuli has passed away

PSL club AmaZulu FC on Sunday confirmed the cause of death of striker Bonginkosi Ntuli. The 32-year-old striker died due to cancer which was recently diagnosed. 

ALSO READ: Springboks Trophy Tour details revealed, Limpopo not part of the plan

The club said in a statement on Sunday afternoon that Ntuli passed on at the Midlands Medical Centre Private Hospital, in Pietermaritzburg. 

AmaZulu FC have announced the death striker Bonginkosi Ntuli
The late AmaZulu FC striker Bonginkosi Ntuli

THE CAUSE OF DEATH OF AMAZULU FC STRIKER BONGINKOSI NTULI CONFIRMED 

“It is with a very heavy heart that we inform you of the untimely passing of our beloved center-forward and loyal servant, Bonginkosi Ntuli. Ntuli was [very recently] diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Which metastasized and ultimately led to his death at the Midlands Medical Centre Private Hospital, in Pietermaritzburg this afternoon,” said the club. 

“May his beautiful soul rest in eternal peace. The club requests privacy and patience be granted to his family and friends at this difficult time. Further announcements will be made in due course.”

Neighbours Golden Arrows were the first team to send their condolences to the AmaZulu football club.

“Lamontville Golden Arrows are saddened by the news of the passing of Bongi Ntuli. We send our sincerest condolences to his friends, family, and AmaZulu at this difficult time. May he rest in peace,” they wrote on their social media pages. 

Ntuli began his career at SAFA ABC Motsepe League side with Sobantu Shooting Stars. This is where he was also spotted by DStv Premiership side Golden Arrows in 2012.

After an impressive display at Arrows, Ntuli was signed by Mamelodi Sundowns in 2014. But he failed to break into the starting line-up at the star-studded side and was sent out on loan spells to clubs such as AmaZulu and now-defunct Platinum Stars. He also held trials at Djurgardens IF. in Europe but the move did not materialise. He secured the permanent move to AmaZulu in 2018 as part of a deal that also saw Emiliano Tade moving to Mamelodi Sundowns. 

Ntuli also got married two months ago to AmaZulu CEO Sinenjabulo Zungu.

Kaizer Chiefs announce another new signing

Kaizer Chiefs announce another new signing

PSL giants Kaizer Chiefs have announced former SuperSport United defender Luke Fleurs as the latest new signing. Fleurs has been on trial with the club for some a while now and has reportedly impressed the management.

ALSO READ: Bongi Mbonambi cleared to play in the Rugby Final

Recently departed coach Molefi Ntseki had also given an indication that the club was impressed with the 23-year-old. Amakhosi officially announced the signing of the player on Thursday afternoon.

ALSO READ: Springboks through to the Rugby World Cup finals

The South African junior international has signed a two-year contract, with an option for a further season.

“We are very excited and happy to have Luke join us,” said Chiefs Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr.

“The young man has great technical abilities and I think he will fit really well into how we want to approach the game and the kind of football we would like to play going forward.

“Of course, being a youth international and having experienced the Olympics, as well as having many PSL games under his belt, we believe his attributes will benefit the team,” added Motaung Jr.

PSL giants Kaizer Chiefs have announced former SuperSport United defender Luke Fleurs as the latest new signing.
Luke Fleurs

LUKE FLEURS THE LATEST NEW SIGNING BY KAIZER CHIEFS 

Fleurs couldn’t hide his delight after officially joining the glamour boys. “I feel so pleased to sign because I always wanted to be part of the Glamour Boys,” said Fleurs.

“There is a great bond here; it has that family feel. I just wanted to get started on the job of winning silverware. This is the biggest Club and I want to help us win things.”

“We have been training well and I am used to the setup,” he added.

“Results haven’t been going our way lately but we will turn it around through hard work because there is great talent here and we will get it right.”

The player is expected to be ready for selection, having spent time training with the club already. Motaung Jr. also says it’s a matter of time before the defender gets involved.

“We are looking to get everyone on board as soon as possible,” added Motaung Jr.

“We know that Luke is fit and raring to go, so we will leave it up to the technical staff to make that call, but we are hoping to see him playing for us soon.”

Polokwane City team bus involved in an accident

Polokwane City team bus involved in an accident

A bus carrying players from Limpopo-based PSL club Polokwane City was involved in an accident on Monday. According to a report by the City Press, the players were on their way to training when their bus collided with a 4×4 bakkie.

No injuries were reported at the accident scene but the players were reportedly treated for trauma. Their training session was subsequently canceled on the day. The accident happened near the Polokwane City Centre on Marshall Street.

ALSO READ: Police seek assistance to locate missing 17-year-old pregnant teen

The images showing a badly damaged bus and a heavily dented 4×4 bakkie have been doing the rounds on social media.

NOT THE FIRST POLOKWANE CITY BUS ACCIDENT

This is not the first time a Polokwane City bus has been involved in an accident. In 2012 the club lost four of its players while on their way from a League match at Oscar Mpetha Stadium in Turfloop.

Koketso Takalo [20], Robert Mphuthi [21], Moeketsi Nthete [23] and Sylvester Mpaketsane [27] all died during the horrific accident at Nobody, Mankweng. One of the players who were injured during the accident is Kopano Sekgobela, who is now wheelchair-bound.

In 2015, the club bus carrying the players was also involved in an accident after their PSL match against Bloemfontein Celtic in Polokwane.

Polokwane City team bus involved in an accident
Polokwane City FC Bus accident in 2015

The Bus was travelling to their base from the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium after beating Celtic 3-2. A driver of a private car allegedly caused the accident and his vehicle was badly damaged.

Rise and Shine are currently participating in the DStv Premiership following their promotion last season. This is their second stint in the elite league. They are currently in position 10 after winning two of their five opening league matches this season.

City have roped in Lehlohonolo Seema to work alongside Duncan Lechesa as a co-coaches. This is after Lechesa was in charge when they gained promotion last season.

Kaizer Chiefs issue apology to the PSL

Kaizer Chiefs issue apology to the PSL

Kaizer Chiefs have issued an apology to the Premier Soccer League and sponsors for the behaviour of their fans.

Chiefs were slapped with a R100,000 fine by the PSL for the unruly behaviour. This follows an incident against TS Galaxy where they lost 1-0. ‘

KAIZER CHIEFS OFFICIAL APOLOGY

“Kaizer Chiefs hereby unreservedly apologizes to the PSL, all PSL member clubs, TS Galaxy FC and all of its peace loving supporters, for the behaviour of some of its supporters at the Club’s PSL fixture against TS Galaxy FC at Mbombela Stadium on 20 August 2023.”

Kaizer Chiefs issue apology to the PSL
Chiefs fans attack coach Molefi Ntseki

“The Club condemns this poor and unacceptable behaviour in the strongest possible terms.

“We have commenced a process of engaging with Kaizer Chiefs’ branches on supporter behaviour at football matches.”

The club issued the apology on their official website on Tuesday.

Kaizer Chiefs charged by the PSL for misconduct

Kaizer Chiefs charged by the PSL for misconduct

Kaizer Chiefs have been charged by the PSL following the missile-throwing incident directed at head coach Molefi Ntseki . This is after the 1-0 loss to TS Galaxy on Sunday.

They will appear before the PSL DC on Tuesday, 29 August 2023.

KAIZER CHIEFS CHARGED FOR MISCONDUCT

“I confirm that I preferred charges of misconduct against Kaizer Chiefs. This is as a result of a missile-throwing incident that transpired in a match between themselves and TS Galaxy this past Sunday. They have been scheduled to appear before the PSL DC on Tuesday, 29 August 2023. Once the DC has pronounced its verdict and the matter finalised, I will then give further updates,” said PSL prosecutor Zola Majavu. 

The Chiefs fans’ behaviour follows a disappointing start to the season by the club. They are yet to win a single match in the opening three DStv Premiership this season. 

Coach Ntseki ah to be escorted by the Police after the match following the incident. “It’s a disappointment for us to have lost a game like this,” said Ntseki after the match.

Kaizer Chiefs charged by the PSL for misconduct over Molefi Ntseki incident
Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki

MOLEFI NTSEKI CONCEDE AMAKHOSI WERE SECOND BEST


“But when you look at the overall performance of the team, we tried very hard. From our observations in terms of how we executed ourselves in the game, we were coming second in everything.

“The energy levels were not as high as we had expected. The intensity of our game was not what we had expected. I think the most important thing for us was to defend well,” he said.

“Apart from the slow start in the first half, you look at the second 25 minutes of the game. We put our foot on the ball and we were very much comfortable
 We even created a few scoring chances but on the day those chances could not be buried. So you look at it to say which areas you need to improve and work on. So if we were to defend well we would not have conceded.”

Limpopo club Marumo relegated from DStv Premiership

Limpopo club Marumo relegated from DStv Premiership

Marumo Gallants have become the latest Limpopo club to be relegated from one of the PSL leagues, this time DStv Premiership.

This follows a 2-0 defeat by Swallows in the last match of the season in Dobsonville. They finished bottom of the 16-team league after 30 matches. They only won 5, drew 14 and lost 11 matches.

Marumo Gallants follow in the footsteps of fellow Limpopo clubs Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila and Black Leopards. Leopards and TTM were relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Also read: Limpopo side Polokwane City returns to DStv Premiership

Gallants coach Raymond Mdaka admits the relegation came as a shock to the club. They went into the match needing just a point to be safe.

“We are very much disappointed because we never expected that,” said Mdaka.

Limpopo club Marumo Gallants relegated from DStv Premiership
Limpopo club Marumo Gallants relegated from DStv Premiership

“We never thought we could lose, especially in this game. But it happens in football. We will just take it from here, there is nothing we can do. This is so bad. I really didn’t expect it at all.

MARUMO GALLANTS OFFICIALLY RELEGATED

“Honestly, we thought maybe we wouldn’t concede like other days and keep the status of the team. A lot of things went wrong. Sometimes we play well and do not score and that’s a problem. I think that’s where it started,” added Mdaka.

“If you can’t score, obviously, the chances are that the other team will get their opportunity and score which ends up bad.”

Gallants will join Baroka, Magesi and Venda Football Academy as the four Limpopo teams in the first division. There has also been rumours that Black Leopards Chairman David Thidiela intends to purchase a status to remain in the league.

Players from Limpopo club Marumo threaten to strike over unpaid bonuses

Players from Limpopo club Marumo threaten to strike over unpaid bonuses

Despite the sudden change of form by Limpopo PSL club Marumo Gallants, their off-field problems are far from over as players threaten to strike.

The club has secured R6,49 million for qualification into the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals. A historic milestone for the club which was formed merely three years ago.

Also read: Limpopo duo held hostage for three weeks in Libya released 

They also stand a chance of increasing their earnings to R8,3 million for reaching the semifinals R11,59 million as runners-up, and R23,18 million if they win the Cup.

The club was recently faced with an embarrassing situation following their penultimate Confederation Cup Group stage game against Al Akhdar. Two of their officials, Rufus Matsena and Amos Dhlomo were held hostage for three weeks due to money owed to a Libyan businessman named Dr Ali Elzargha.

After intervention from the South African government, the pair were released and landed in the country on Monday. The club is set to have a media gathering on Tuesday at 10am to address the ordeal.

But there are just more issues haunting the club recently. This is after LC has been reliably informed of an intention to strike by the club’s players over unpaid bonuses. Club owner Abram Sello is believed to have promised the players bonuses if they qualify for the group stages. But according to our informant, Sello has been running away from the players since their return from Libya.

The Limpopo club players reportedly held an urgent meeting on Tuesday, 27 March at the club’s training ground in Polokwane. In that meeting, they demanded that Sello come and address them on the issue.

“Re a raloka mara re bolaya ke tlala (We are playing but we are also dying of hunger here,” said an informant.

Players from Limpopo club Marumo threaten to strike over unpaid bonuses
Marumo Gallants owner Abram Sello

Player strike looming from Marumo Gallants camp

The source says the players have now threatened to boycott the CAF match against Egyptian club Pyramids if the issue is not addressed.

“The owner has been avoiding us for a long time now and we can’t take it anymore. It promises after promise but nothing happens.”

The players have demanded that an agreement be written down before they can travel to Cairo. This is the third time that the club and Sello are embroiled in bonuses issues. The first was when they won the 2020 Nedbank Cup when Sello promised them half of the prize money. But to this day nothing has been paid.

The club has not been engaging the media and promised to address issues at their long awaited media briefing on Tuesday.

By Khotso Ramalatswa

Limpopo club Leopards gets a lifeline in Motsepe championship

Limpopo club Leopards gets a lifeline in Motsepe championship

Motsepe Foundation Championship side Black Leopards received a major lifeline in pursuit to save their status after the Limpopo side beat rivals TTM on Sunday.

The 2-0 win at Thohoyandou Stadium saw Leopards jump from the bottom of the log to second from bottom with four matches to play. But Leopards are six points below the safety of their PSL status.

MOTSEPE FOUNDATION CHAMPIONSHIP GETS INTRESTING

The two clubs they can possibly catch are La Masia and Platinum City Rovers who have also not been doing well.

Head coach at Leopards Owen Da Gama admits the win was a lifeline and they vow to fight for the last remaining possible 12 points.

“It’s definitely a lifeline. We are not trying to play down the situation, we are still in a very serious position,” he told the media after the match.

Limpopo club Black Leopards gets a lifeline in Motsepe championship
Black Leopards coach Owen Da Gama

“It’s only over until the fat lady sings. Then it’s over but now we just have to focus, there are no celebrations. We just have to focus on the next game [against Hungry Lions]. We have two weeks now to prepare.

LIFELINE FOR RELEGATION THREATENED LIMPOPO SIDE BLACK LEOPARDS

“As you know the teams in the ABC Motsepe league are closed so it’s very difficult to find a friendly but we will have to find ways on how to keep as fresh as possible,” he said.

“‘We need the next three points, that is the most important thing. Then we look at the next three. Because if you look at six points and you say it’s nothing then you end up getting nothing. So I think for us we just need the next three points. We don’t care who wins or loses but we just need the next three points. There are 12 points to play for and we must die for those 12 points.

Hungry Lions, City Rovers,  All Stars and VFA 

Limpopo duo held hostage for three weeks in Libya released 

Limpopo duo held hostage for three weeks in Libya released 

The Limpopo duo who have been held hostage in Libya for the past three weeks have been released. Rufus Matsena [Main Picture] and Amos Dhlomo who belong to the local PSL club Marumo Gallants had been detained due to a financial dispute. 

LIMPOPO DUO HELD HOSTAGE IN LIBYA

The club owed a Libyan businessman Dr Ali Elzargha over R 37 000 [670 000] in hotel and flight bills. This is after the club visited the North African country recently for their CAF Confederation Cup commitments. 

The club had failed to make prior arrangements on time and were left stranded which resulted in Dr Elzargha coming to the rescue. But Gallants owner Abram Sello questioned the amount charged. He also declined to pay which resulted in Matsena and Dhlomo staying for 19 days in Libya. 

GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION

After interventions by the International Relations and Cooperation Department and SAFA, the pair are now expected to depart Benghazi on Sunday. The club has also paid 50% and are expected to pay the remaining amount in a week from now. 

Limpopo duo held hostage for three weeks in Libya released 
Libyan hotel where Limpopo Duo were hold hostage

“We are immensely relieved that our staff will be returning home safely,” said club boss Abram Sello. 

“They are anxious to get back to their families and their lives here in  South Africa. We would like to thank all parties that assisted in us getting to this point.” The club is set to hold a press conference to clarify on the matter next week. 

Meanwhile, the department of International relations have also welcomed the latest developments. 

“We think it was a case of the owner of the hotel trying to extort money from Marumo Gallants. They had paid what they thought was due to him,” head of diplomacy Clayson Monyela.

“The rest of the money, as agreed, will be paid within one week. We don’t think it is the end of the story but we only need to get the two gentlemen to SA. See what can be done about the other 50% which in our and the chairman’s view is extortion. It was not an easy settlement to come to.”

Richards Bay player Mtolo dies after collapsing in training

Richards Bay player Mtolo dies after collapsing in training

Condolences have started to pour in for Richards Bay midfielder Siphamandla Mtolo who collapsed and died during a training session on Tuesday. The club confirmed via a statement that the 29-year-old lost his life. This comes only a few days after he featured for the club during a Nedbank Cup match against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.

RICHARDS BAY STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF SIPHAMANDLA MTOLO

“It is with deep sadness to announce that Richards Bay football club has ultimately lost one of the midfielders Siphamandla ‘Spepe’ Mtolo. He collapsed this morning during training.

“The club is not in a position to provide further information at this stage. Asks that his family’s privacy is respected in this difficult time of bereavement.

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“His presence both on and off the pitch will be sorely missed. Thoughts and prayers of everyone in Richards Bay football club are with his family, friends, and loved ones,” read the statement.

Mtolo has been part of the Natal Rich Boys team since 2020. He was the captain when the club gained promotion to the DStv Premiership last season.

Meanwhile, the Premier Soccer League have also confirmed that a moment of silence will be observed in honour of the player this week.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

“The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Richards Bay Football Club midfielder, Siphamandla Mtolo.

“A moment of silence will be observed in his honour at this week’s Nedbank Cup and DStv Diski Challenge fixtures.

“The PSL sends heartfelt condolences to the Mtolo family, Richards Bay FC, and the football fraternity at large. May his soul repose peacefully.”

ALSO READ: PSL mourns the passing of Peter ‘squire’ Mancer

Kaizer Chiefs have also sent their message of condolences to the club and the Mtolo family.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family and Richards Bay FC following the tragic passing of Siphamandla Mtolo.”

May his Soul Rest in Peace.

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