Mamelodi Sundowns have extended their lead in the South African football trophy-count stakes, following their MTN8 success.

They have strengthened their position in relation to traditional rivals Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

This latest triumph enhances Sundowns’ flourishing record in the domestic game

and increases their lead over two of the best-known clubs in the country.

For Sundowns fans, this is a cause for celebration – and a cause for further competition among South Africa’s footballing institutions.

The Sundowns Trophy Record

Sundowns have become one of the dominant forces in South African football, particularly during the Premier Soccer League era.

In recent seasons they have combined consistent league form with success in other competitions.

The latest MTN8 triumph is the latest in a series of successes for the club.

Sundowns’ recent run of form shows their capacity to compete at the highest level, despite the changing nature of their opponents.

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs: Rivalry Continues

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are two of the most successful and popular clubs in the country.

Both have continued to compete for domestic honours, although Sundowns’ latest success has increased the gap between them and their rivals.

Although both Pirates and Chiefs have massive followings, Sundowns’ current position in the trophy race enhances their status in South Africa.

As always, comparisons between the clubs depend on which competitions are included, and the period covered.

A consistent set of criteria are needed for a fair comparison.

The Significance of the MTN8 Trophy

The MTN8 is one of the recognised domestic competitions in South Africa, featuring teams that qualified from the previous Premier Soccer League season.

Success in this competition adds to Sundowns’ growing list of honours, and provides an alternative to league dominance.

Cup competitions such as the MTN8 provide their own unique challenges, as one moment of inspiration can decide the winner.

The latest triumph adds to Sundowns’ trophy haul, and their advantage in the modern era of South African football.

The Road Ahead

Sundowns will look to add to their lead in the months ahead, with a series of exciting fixtures to come.

Pirates and Chiefs will look to improve their own records, and reduce Sundowns’ lead. They will need to make the most of their opportunities on the field of play, and in other areas of the game.

The rivalry between these institutions will continue for the domestic and continental honours.

Editorial note: This article has been based on the supplied information about Sundowns’ latest success. Exact figures have not been included, since a consistent set of figures for all three clubs was not provided. Figures should be checked before publication.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has revealed why Ghampani Lungu was picked to take the penalty which he later missed in the 60th minute of the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Ouaddou stated that the player was one of the team’s designated penalty takers and was first in the order after Appollis. The coach also defended the choice despite the situation that it placed his player in.

“He’s one of the designated takers. Of the players he was first in the takers. After we have Appollis. It’s moments like that, it’s football,” Ouaddou remarked.

He further extended his congratulations Sundowns for their victory and expressed his disappointment at his own side’s failure to complete the task, however he used the event as motivation to push on in future matches.

Ouaddou Stands by the Penalty-Taking Decision

A missed spot-kick can often be the most deflating moment in a match, and the fact that it came in a final added to the disappointment felt by Orlando Pirates fans.

It is understandable to question the choice of player to take the kick, however Ouaddou has made it clear that it was not made on the spur of the moment.

Lungu was one of the designated penalty takers, which means that he would have been the first to step up should the match have come to a penalty shootout.

In revealing this information, the coach made his choice clear to justify the disappointment felt by both himself and his fans.

A missed penalty kick will not always be down to the player taking it – even the most assured finishers in the game will score only in the most ideal conditions.

Pirates Left Disappointed After the Final

A final appearance is always a disappointment if the team fails to lift the trophy, so it is no surprise that Ouaddou felt the need to comment on this particular defeat.

The coach did not attempt to hide his disappointment, but he was careful to keep his remarks reasonably measured.

He paid tribute to Sundowns and advised his own side to maintain their efforts.

His thoughts make clear the nature of cup football and the fact that one moment can dictate the entirety of a match, but there is nothing to be done but move forward and prepare for the next fixture.

For Orlando Pirates, this means turning their attentions to the matches ahead of them and attempting to complete the double by winning both the MTN8 and the league title.

What the Explanation Means for Ghampani Lungu

Lungu will certainly feel the disappointment keenly, and his performance in the match is likely to come under increased scrutiny from fans.

However, Ouaddou’s comments have at least served to confirm that his player was merely following orders.

A penalty kick is often the most high-pressure situation in a match, and therefore an easy way to single out a player for criticism.

The entire match, as well as the entire season, is the combined effort of a number of individuals.

Lungu’s failure in the moment will become a talking point, but the forward must not allow it to overshadow his efforts in the match and his performances in other games.

Above all, consistency, assurance and resolve are essential traits for any player in a high-profile position.

Ouaddou Calls for Pirates to Move Forward

Ouaddou made it clear that he expected his team to pick themselves up, dust themselves off and move on to their next match.

His remarks to Sundowns showed that he was willing to acknowledge the efforts of his opponents regardless of his own side’s failure.

They also revealed his disappointment at the outcome of the match, as well as his desire for future success.

The question of Lungu’s choice to take the penalty kick will linger over the final, but the coach has already explained his decision.

Lungu was first in the order after Appollis, and it seems unlikely that this could have changed regardless of his emotions at the moment.

The defeat will live with the team as a bitter memory, but for now the players must turn their attentions to the matches ahead of them in the MTN8 and the league.

Editorial note: This article is based on the coach’s supplied post-match comments. The quoted remarks have been retained in substance, and no additional claims about the penalty or the match have been introduced.

Erling Haaland has reportedly scored seven goals in six appearances for Manchester City in all competitions in the 2026-27 campaign, marking a fruitful start for the Premier League side.

The Manchester City striker has found the back of the net five times in five Premier League appearances, according to the stats provided. He will be one of the focal points ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Liverpool on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

However, speculation around his fitness also dominated the conversation following the Norway international’s recent international assignments.

Erling Haaland Manchester City Stats 2026-27

Haaland has been in fine form for Manchester City, finishing chances clinical to find the back of the net on multiple occasions.

The stats provided highlight his impressive goal-scoring run in the 2026-27 season:

Competition Appearances Goals

Premier League 5 5

UEFA Champions League 1 2

Total 6 7

The above statistics should be verified against the latest Premier League and UCL stats before publishing, as player stats are subject to change following every game.

In addition, the Norway international has overtaken several Eredivisie and La Liga forwards in the Golden Boot race.

Erling Haaland Fitness Concerns Ahead Of Liverpool Game

Reports suggested that Haaland’s availability for Manchester City’s next Premier League fixtures was in question following his Norway commitments.

However, the striker was expected to be fit and available for selection as revealed in the reports published ahead of the weekend.

Speculation around his fitness will continue ahead of the clash with Liverpool as the final confirmation will be announced on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

For Manchester City, Haaland’s availability will be crucial as they look to get back to winning ways following their draw with Bournemouth.

The prolific striker has shown clinical finishing in front of goal this season, and his presence in the starting XI will be vital to their chances against Liverpool.

Impact Of Erling Haaland Against Liverpool

Manchester City’s visit to Anfield will be another crucial tie in their quest for a top-four finish in the Premier League this season.

Not only is it a fixtures challenge for the Citizens, but they have to face Liverpool at their fortress, where they have struggled in recent encounters.

With Liverpool facing a physical encounter against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, October 10, 2026, they will be without their talismanic striker Mohamed Salah. However, they will look to contain Haaland.

The Manchester City striker requires only a handful of chances to finish on the scoresheet, and his finishing ability will be tested against the defense.

However, the tie will hinge on the midfield battle, and the outcome of the tie will be determined by which team dominates the ball.

Erling Haaland’s record in front of the net is unquestionable, but his impact on the game will be determined by whether he receives regular shots on goal.

Erling Haaland In Golden Boot Race 2026-27

A strong start for Haaland means he will fancy his chances in the Golden Boot race this season.

However, a consistent goal-scoring run throughout the season will be required to finish in the top spots.

Injuries and the busy schedule of the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League make it difficult to maintain such a strike rate throughout the season.

As far as Manchester City is concerned, they will be hoping to keep Haaland fit and continue to maintain their top-four finish in the Premier League.

Erling Haaland’s goal-scoring exploits will dominate the conversation surrounding Manchester City in the coming days.

However, the Norway international will need to continue to deliver the goods if he is to finish in theGolden Boot race.

What To Expect Next

Manchester City’s clash with Liverpool will be another crucial tie in their campaign.

The Citizens’ supporters will be hoping to see Erling Haaland register another double-digit goal this week.

They will also be keeping a keen eye on the striker’s fitness and selection status ahead of the encounter with Liverpool.

A consistent display by the Norwegian striker will boost Manchester City’s chances of getting back to winning ways.

Editorial and Fact-Checking Note: This article is based on the statistics and match information provided. The goal statistics, league position, and injury updates should be verified against the official records before publishing this article.

Correction Policy: This article will be updated in case of material errors in the provision of statistics and facts.

Guinea took all three points from their meeting against Kenya in Conakry on a 1-0 scoreline.

Serhou Guirassy netted the only goal of the game for the home nation.

The result sees Guinea leapfrog South Africa as the new leaders in Group D.

Guirassy was the man who steered his nation to victory in Conakry on Thursday, and left Kenya with nothing from the fixture.

Guinea move onto three points

The victory was enough to see Guinea earn the full three points despite just a one goal advantage.

Meanwhile, the result means that the visitors find themselves below the Group D leaders in the table.

South Africa face their share of challenges ahead as they begin to fight for points in the early stages of the competition.

Guinea 1-0 Kenya

Scorer: Serhou Guirassy

Venue: Conakry, Guinea

Result: Guinea 1-0 Kenya

Group D: Guinea move to second place behind Bafana Bafana.

Guinea have enjoyed a positive start to their Group D campaign, and Kenya must regroup for their following encounter.

Bafana Bafana will be without Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba when South Africa face Eritrea in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Cairo on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

Head coach Pitso Mosimane confirmed that the two Mamelodi Sundowns players are unavailable after injuries kept them from training with the squad since its arrival in Egypt. Medical scans subsequently confirmed that both players were injured.

The news comes only days after both players featured in South Africa’s 2-1 victory over Guinea in Johannesburg.

Modiba and Mokoena ruled out

Modiba was forced off during the second half of the Guinea match after suffering an injury. Mokoena, meanwhile, experienced discomfort late in the game but remained on the field as Bafana saw out the victory.

Mosimane confirmed ahead of the Eritrea fixture that neither player had been able to train with the team since arriving in Cairo.

The coach said the medical assessments confirmed the injuries and ruled the pair out of Wednesday’s match.

Both players remain with the squad while receiving treatment. Mosimane did not provide a definite return date and said their availability for the following international fixture against Egypt was also uncertain.

Who could replace Modiba?

Modiba’s absence leaves Mosimane with several options at left-back.

Samukele Kabini is one of the players who could come into the starting XI. The Molde defender replaced Modiba against Guinea and subsequently scored the winning goal in South Africa’s 2-1 victory.

Mosimane has also identified other defensive options within his squad, including Fawaaz Basadien.

The coach previously explained that having a large squad during the international window was partly intended to provide cover when injuries affected the team.

Mokoena’s absence affects the midfield

Mokoena started the Guinea match alongside Sphephelo Sithole in the central midfield.

His absence gives Mosimane another selection decision ahead of the Eritrea fixture.

Bathusi Aubaas is among the midfielders available to the coach, while the squad also includes Sithole and Brooklyn Poggenpoel.

The final team selection will determine how Mosimane reshapes the midfield without one of the players who started the opening qualifier.

South Africa head into the match after a winning start

Bafana began their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena on 26 September.

Samukele Kabini scored the decisive goal after Guinea had equalised, giving Mosimane a winning start in his return as South Africa’s head coach.

The Eritrea match is the second qualifier of the international window.

Eritrea’s home fixture is being played in Cairo, Egypt, rather than in Eritrea. The match is scheduled for Al-Salam Stadium, with kick-off at 6pm South African time.

Why the injuries matter for Bafana

Mokoena and Modiba were both included in Mosimane’s 30-man squad for the opening 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The coach had retained a strong core of experienced players while also bringing several new faces into the national team.

Their absence means Mosimane must make changes to a team that has just started a new qualifying campaign.

The situation also highlights why the coach selected a larger squad for this international window, with Bafana scheduled to play three matches: qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea followed by a friendly against Egypt.

For now, the confirmed position is straightforward: Mokoena and Modiba will not feature against Eritrea, while their availability for the Egypt friendly remains uncertain.

Match information

Match: Eritrea vs South Africa
Competition: 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier
Date: Wednesday, 30 September 2026
Venue: Al-Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt
Kick-off: 6pm South African time
Unavailable: Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba — injury

Editorial note

This report is based on the latest information available from the Bafana Bafana camp and reporting published ahead of the Eritrea fixture. Player availability can change following further medical assessments.

Disclaimer

This article reports football team news and is not a medical assessment of either player’s injury. No return date should be assumed unless confirmed by the South African national team or the relevant medical and football authorities.

Corrections policy

If new official information changes the status of either player, or if an error is identified in this report, the article should be updated against the latest verified information.

Bafana Bafana are together again in Johannesburg, and it marks a big moment — Pitso Mosimane’s first camp since returning as national coach. The squad reported for duty on Monday, with two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and a friendly waiting for them over the September-October window.

Thirty players have been pulled together for the trip. First up are the AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, and then the window rounds off with a friendly against Egypt in Cairo. It’s Mosimane’s first competitive test since taking the reins for a second time, so there’s plenty of eyes on how it unfolds.

What’s on the schedule

The opener is against Guinea on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto. A home crowd, a qualifier — a good way to start.

Four days after that, Bafana meet Eritrea on 30 September, this one over in Cairo, Egypt, with Eritrea listed as the away side. The team then stays put in Egypt to face the hosts in a friendly on 4 October at Cairo International Stadium.

The Guinea and Eritrea games count towards the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign. The Egypt match is a friendly.

Thirty names, some familiar, some fresh

Mosimane trimmed an initial 35 down to a final 30 for the window. There’s a good chunk of the group that turned out at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, mixed in with some new faces at senior level.

The usual leaders are there — captain Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane, Iqraam Rayners, Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng among them. And there are five players getting their first call-up under Mosimane: Lebone Seema, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Yanela Mbuthuma, Puso Dithejane and Tashreeq Matthews.

The full squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss

Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Samkelo Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Lebohang Maboe, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, Brooklyn Poggenpoel

Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Yanela Mbuthuma, Cassius Mailula, Oswin Appollis, Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko, Luther Singh, Shandre Campbell

A full-on start for the new coach

Three matches in one window is no gentle easing-in. Mosimane gets competitive football against Guinea and Eritrea before the Egypt friendly rounds things off. The first two carry real weight for the 2027 AFCON qualifying push, while the Cairo friendly hands him one more look at his group before the window closes.

For the fans, though, all roads lead to that opening home qualifier against Guinea on 26 September, with the Eritrea clash following hard on its heels four days later.

Source and verification: The match dates, opponents, venues and squad information were checked against recent CAF, SAFA-related and reputable South African football reporting. CAF confirmed the 30-man squad and the Guinea, Eritrea and Egypt fixtures.

Editorial policy: Our sports coverage sticks to confirmed team news, fixtures, results and competition information. We keep factual reporting separate from commentary and don’t present speculation about players, coaches or outcomes as established fact.

Corrections policy: If a factual error is identified, we check it against the relevant football authority, club or competition source and correct confirmed errors promptly.

Disclaimer: International fixtures, venues and squad selections can change for footballing, organisational or other reasons. Check the latest official information before making plans to attend a match.

Gabriel Quits Richards Bay: Six Games, No Wins, 13 Goals Conceded

Ronnie Gabriel is out at Richards Bay. The club confirmed on Thursday that their head coach has resigned with immediate effect, and nobody watching the start of their season will be shocked.

Let’s be clear about what the club actually said: Gabriel resigned. Not sacked, not pushed — he stepped down. Some reports have framed it differently, but the official line from Richards Bay on 17 September is a resignation. The club thanked him for his contribution and said news on a replacement would come in due course.

The record says everything

Six league games. Zero wins. Three draws and three losses. Three points out of 18. Fourteenth on the log.

Seven goals scored. Thirteen conceded. That last number is the one that really hurts.

Here’s how it unfolded:

That 5-1 hammering by newly-promoted Milford on 13 September? That’s the kind of result that breaks a coach’s resolve. But the problems ran deeper than one bad afternoon. Richards Bay scrapped in a few games — the Chiefs draw was respectable — but they never looked like a side that knew how to win.

A short ride in the hot seat

Gabriel only got the top job in July. Before that he was part of the technical team, working alongside Papi Zothwane and Siboniso Gumede. When Zothwane left for Sekhukhune United, the door opened for Gabriel to step up and take sole charge. It was his first crack at running a Premiership side on his own.

He knew the club well. He’d been assistant coach during the promotion push and stayed involved through their time in the top flight. Knowing the place isn’t the same as leading it, though, and the step up turned out to be bigger than the opportunity.

Who’s next?

The club hasn’t named anyone yet. Two names are doing the rounds in the press, though. Adnan Beganovic, who walked away from TS Galaxy late last season, is reportedly the frontrunner, with word that Richards Bay have already been in touch with his people. Phuti Mohafe, formerly of Marumo Gallants, has also been mentioned.

They’re just names in reports right now. Nothing’s signed. Until Richards Bay make it official, treat it as talk.

Saturday won’t wait

Richards Bay host Sekhukhune United this Saturday, 19 September, kick-off 15:00. That’s barely two days after Gabriel’s exit.

Either a new coach gets parachuted in or someone from the current setup takes the team temporarily. Either way, whoever stands on the touchline on Saturday inherits a club desperate for its first win and badly needing to fix a defence that’s leaking goals.

The season’s still young. There’s time to turn it around. But time only matters if you use it, and right now Richards Bay are running short on both points and patience.

Club at a glance: Richards Bay FC | Betway Premiership | P6 W0 D3 L3 | GF7 GA13 | 3 pts | 14th | Next: vs Sekhukhune United, Sat 19 Sept, 15:00

Editorial policy: We go by what clubs and official sources confirm. We keep speculation labelled as speculation and don’t dress up media reports as done deals.

Sources and verification: Based on the Richards Bay FC official statement, as carried by established South African football publications, plus current league records and reported candidate links.

Corrections policy: Spotted an error? Tell us. We check against the primary source and fix confirmed mistakes quickly. If a correction significantly changes the meaning, we flag it.

Disclaimer: Coaching moves happen fast. Richards Bay had not announced Gabriel’s permanent replacement when this was published. Reports linking Beganovic or other coaches remain unconfirmed until the club says otherwise.