Category: GladAfrica Championship

SA U23 coach David Notoane admits it has been a difficult week for them having to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations with only 15 players.

The team open their AFCON Group B match campaign tonight against Zambia at the Al Salaam Stadium, Egypt (20:00).

Notoane was given a boost on Thursday when captain Tercious Malepe, goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto and forward Keletso Makgalwa joined the squad from their respective teams.

“Of course it’s been a big challenge because naturally we try to speak with the local clubs the tournament being outside of the FIFA week, we speak to the European clubs to make sure we have the best available talent for the tournament and unfortunately it was a give and take,” said Notoane.

“Some clubs were willing to give their players and others were not willing to give their players so at the moment we have 15 players with us, and the rest will join the tournament during the FIFA break and that’s what it is.”

FRIDAY RESULTS

Group A

Egypt 1-0 Mali

Cameroon 1-1 Ghana

FIXTURES (SATURDAY)

Nigeria v Ivory Coast

17:00

South Africa v Zambia

20:00

By Ofhani Munyai

JDR Stars coach and owner Nnditsheni Nemasisi says the 3-1 defeat by Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila on Saturday afternoon was necessary for them to reflect on themselves.

The Gauteng-based side suffered their first defeat of the season after 8 games in their debut GladAfrica Championship season.

The defeat did not change much for JDR as they remain second on the log, 3 points behind leaders Uthongathi.

“I guess we had to lose at some stage so that we can be normal. We had a lot of missed chances in the first half before they scored their goal, we could have been up by two goals but when it’s not your day it’s not your day.

“No, I am not worried at all there is no way you can play 30 games and not lose one. We knew that this would come the fact that we are still in the top 4 that’s what motivates us and we will continue to collect points. We are not worried about the number one position at the moment, we will be worried about that in the second round,” he added.

JDR will host Free State Stars in their next League match on Saturday.

By Ofhani Munyai

GladAfrica Championship newcomers JDR Stars suffered their first defeat of the season after going down 3-1 to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.

Thembi Nevhulamba opened the scoring on the stroke of halftime, before Phumelelo Ace Bengu converted from the penalty spot early in the second half to give the home side a 2-0 lead.

Nhlahla Mgaga scored the third for the hosts through a stunning free kick outside the 18 area before Masalesa Chokoe scored the consolation goal in referee’s added time.

JDR remain second with 16 points from 9 games, while TTM jumped from 10 to number 7 with 12 points from 8 games.

SATURDAY RESULTS

Real Kings 3-0 Free State Stars

Uthongathi 0-0 Richards Bay

Mbombela United 0-1 Steenberg United

TS Sporting 2-3 Ajax Cape Town

By Ofhani Munyai

TS Sporting head coach McDonald Makhubedu says he is aware of the expectations from the team’s management even though he doesn’t have a clear mandate.

Makhubedu was appointed as head coach following the team’s decision to part ways with coach Sly Mosala and his assistant, Solly Luvhengo, after a poor start to the GladAfrica Championship season.

Makhubedu has been officially been in charge of three matches winning one and drawing two.

“It has been good for me here at Sporting – the reception was good,” Makhubedu told FARPost.co.za during our visit to the club at Alkmaar, Mbombela, this week.

“Luckily, I knew some of the players, 80% of the them and knowing the environment also it helped me a lot in settling here.

“I think we have a good squad and the technical team we have is helping a lot.

“The management has also been supportive so I can’t complain. I am very happy to be here. The way the management do things here it’s very challenging and it makes one to go all out,” said the former Acornbush United mentor.

“I can’t say they want promotion now but the way they do things you can see yourself that they want something out if this team.

“TS Sporting is a growing brand and it’s growing fast, so it’s very challenging as a coach to be at this team,” added Makhubedu.

The Mpumalanga-based side will face Ajax Cape Town at home in their next League match on Saturday, October 26.

By Ofhani Munyai

Uthongathi and JDR Stars have swapped places in the GladAfrica Championship after the weekend matches.

The KwaZulu Natal side, Uthongathi, earned a 2-1 win away at Royal Eagles, who are in trouble in 15th spot.

JDR Stars, who are based in Tshwane, conceded at the death to draw 1-1 with TS Galaxy in Mpumalanga.

Meanwhile, Jomo Cosmos are bottom of the standings after going down 2-0 to TS Sporting.

Below are the results, as well as the current log.

By Tiyani wa ka Mabasa