A poignant image of former Kaizer Chiefs defender Teenage Hadebe kneeling at his late mother’s grave has struck an emotional chord with fans around the world, reminding many of the human stories behind football’s biggest names.

The Zimbabwean international, widely respected for his commanding presence on the pitch, was spotted in a quiet, reflective moment at the gravesite. The heartfelt scene, captured by locals, has since gone viral—drawing admiration for Hadebe’s humility and emotional depth beyond the world of professional sport.

Hadebe’s journey began with Zimbabwean club Chicken Inn, before he made a name for himself in South Africa at Kaizer Chiefs. During his tenure with the Soweto giants, he quickly rose to prominence as one of the region’s most promising defenders. His impressive performances earned him a move to Turkish side Yeni Malatyaspor—marking his first major step into European football.

In Turkey, Hadebe thrived in the competitive environment of the Süper Lig. His commanding performances at Yeni Malatyaspor did not go unnoticed and eventually paved the way for a transfer to Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo in the United States, where he has continued to earn praise for his leadership and consistency on the field.

But away from the limelight, Hadebe carries a deep personal loss—the passing of his mother, a profound chapter in his life that continues to fuel his passion and resilience. Those close to the player say her memory remains a constant source of strength throughout his football journey.

His recent visit to her grave, observed by several members of the local community, was seen as a moving tribute to the woman who helped shape his life and career. The quiet moment of reflection offered a rare, personal glimpse into the emotional life of the star athlete.

Social media users across Zimbabwe and beyond shared their admiration, posting tributes and messages of support. Many praised Hadebe’s authenticity and emotional courage, noting that true greatness is often grounded in deep personal strength and humility.

With a number of senior players potentially heading for the exit, the squad reshuffle is set to continue—this time in reverse.

Who Could Be Leaving Naturena?

Here’s a closer look at five players rumoured to be on the chopping block before the window slams shut:

1. Samkelo Zwane

Once seen as a future midfield maestro, 23-year-old Zwane has struggled to find his place in the current campaign. Despite his technical ability and fan appeal, concerns over his off-the-ball defensive contributions have seen him excluded from all matchday squads this season. After spending much of last year on the bench, Zwane’s Chiefs career may be over before it truly got going.

2. Thulani Mabaso

At just 19 years old, Mabaso still has time on his side. However, with the Chiefs midfield boasting seasoned professionals like Thabo Cele, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, and newcomer Siphesihle Ndlovu, breaking into the first team this season seems unlikely. The club may look to send him out on loan for valuable game time and experience.

3. Tashreeq Morris

With Flavio Silva and Etiosa Ighodaro adding fresh firepower and lowering the age profile of the attack, 31-year-old striker Morris appears surplus to requirements. The former SuperSport United forward is unlikely to feature in the club’s long-term plans. A short-term loan deal could be on the cards, with interest from several PSL clubs reportedly growing.

4. Happy Mashiane

Mashiane, now 27, has long been considered a versatile option in defence but has yet to cement a regular starting role. His utility status has worked against him in recent seasons, and the lack of a defined role could see him moved on as Chiefs refine their squad structure.

5. Naledi Hlongwane

The teenage forward made a promising debut on the opening day of the season against Stellenbosch but has since vanished from the senior team picture. With several new attacking signings brought in, Hlongwane’s path to the first team appears blocked—for now. A development loan may be the logical next step.

Injury Update: Rushwin Dortley Nearing Return

While Chiefs’ first half of the season has been far from memorable, Rushwin Dortley’s emergence has been a rare highlight. The 23-year-old central defender, who joined from Cape Town, quickly established himself as a reliable presence in the backline before suffering a significant injury in March that required surgery.

Dortley made 21 appearances across all competitions before the setback and is now gradually working his way back. The club confirmed in a 15 July statement that he has returned to individual training.

“Rushwin Dortley is running around a pitch, which is nearly empty – well, except for physiotherapist Phumzile Ngobese, who is monitoring the defender’s run closely,” said the club.

The Chiefs’ medical team is expected to take a cautious approach as they reintegrate Dortley into full training.

Who Will Lead Chiefs Against TS Galaxy?

Following a humbling 3-1 defeat at home to Sekhukhune United, Kaizer Chiefs are regrouping ahead of their next fixture against TS Galaxy on Sunday, 21 September at 15:00. The loss leaves Sundowns and Babina Noko as the only unbeaten teams in the league.

As Amakhosi look to bounce back, all eyes will be on who takes charge on the sidelines for the crucial clash.

Next Fixture Confirmed: Chiefs vs TS Galaxy

Kaizer Chiefs are scheduled to face TS Galaxy on Sunday, 21 September at 15:00. The fixture arrives at a turbulent time for the Soweto giants, with significant changes both on and off the pitch.

Reports suggest that head coach Nasreddine Nabi has officially departed, amid concerns that his coaching qualifications do not meet CAF standards ahead of the Confederation Cup. The managerial uncertainty adds further complexity as Chiefs look to bounce back from their first league defeat of the season.

Injuries and Squad Shake-Ups Add to the Challenge

Adding to the club’s concerns, defender Rushwin Dortley’s fitness remains uncertain, with no official confirmation yet on his availability for Sunday’s game. Meanwhile, management is actively reviewing the squad, exploring potential exits for fringe players in a bid to streamline options and improve overall performance.

With interim coaches Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze now guiding the team, Chiefs must navigate this period of instability carefully.

High Stakes Against a Resilient TS Galaxy Side

TS Galaxy are expected to offer a tough test, particularly as Chiefs deal with coaching upheaval and player availability issues. The encounter represents more than just three points—it’s a chance for Amakhosi to regain momentum, restore confidence, and reassure fans that the club’s ambitions remain intact.

Sunday’s clash could serve as an early turning point in Chiefs’ season. With pressure mounting and expectations high, how the team responds will speak volumes about their resilience and readiness to contend for silverware this campaign.

Matchday: Sunday, 21 September
Kick-off: 15:00
Opponent: TS Galaxy
Venue: [To be confirmed, depending on fixture venue]

Stay tuned as Kaizer Chiefs aim to bounce back and reassert their presence in the 2025/26 Premiership title race.

With an oversized squad and limited opportunities for fringe players, the club is working to ensure young talent and underutilized squad members gain valuable game time elsewhere.

Top Prospects and Fringe Players Headed for the Exit

1. Samkelo Zwane (23)
A standout graduate from the Chiefs academy, Zwane was promoted to the senior squad under Arthur Zwane in 2023. Despite amassing 36 senior appearances, the midfielder has not featured at all this season. A loan move is seen as imminent to help him regain momentum and minutes.

2. Happy Mashiane (27)
Once a regular at left-back, Mashiane has fallen out of favour and hasn’t made the 20-man matchday squad in recent weeks. Reports suggest both Stellenbosch FC and Durban City FC are monitoring his situation closely.

3. Donay Jansen (22)
The nephew of Amakhosi legend Bernard Parker, Jansen had a quiet loan spell at SuperSport United. A fresh move is on the cards to reignite his development.

4. Bontle Molefe (22)
With Brandon Petersen, Fiacre Ntwari, and Bruce Bvuma ahead of him in the pecking order, the young goalkeeper is still awaiting his senior debut. Chiefs are keen to see him gain first-team experience elsewhere.

5. Thulani Mabaso (19)
After impressing in the DStv Diski Challenge and during pre-season in the Netherlands, Mabaso could be loaned out to accelerate his transition into top-tier football.

6. Tashreeq Morris (31)
Signed in January as a backup striker, Morris now finds himself behind new signings Flavio da Silva and Etiosa Ighodaro. Former coach Gavin Hunt’s Durban City FC is reportedly keen on bringing him in.

7. Naledi Hlongwane (19)
The young striker made his debut earlier this season but has since slipped down the pecking order. A loan could give him the minutes needed for further development.

8. Kabelo Nkgwesa (19)
A talented left-back, Nkgwesa is facing stiff competition in his position. Chiefs are likely to send him out on loan to maintain his progression curve.

Strategic Loans to Balance Chiefs’ Busy Calendar

With a demanding season ahead — including league commitments and intercontinental fixtures — Kaizer Chiefs are taking a pragmatic approach. By offloading surplus players on loan, the club hopes to strike a balance between squad depth and player growth.

These loan moves are expected to benefit both the individuals involved and the club’s long-term objectives, ensuring promising talents don’t stagnate on the bench during a highly competitive campaign.

Kaizer Chiefs Part Ways with Nabi Amid CAF License Concerns

As previously reported by The South African, Kaizer Chiefs have terminated Nasreddine Nabi’s contract. According to the SABC, the decision stems from licensing issues related to Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifications.

“It’s understood the issues are around his CAF qualifications, meaning he would not be able to sit on the bench for any of their interclub competition fixtures this season – especially if they progress further,” the report stated.

In the interim, assistant coaches Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze will take over first-team duties. The duo impressed earlier this season when they temporarily led the team during Nabi’s absence due to personal matters.

Under their guidance, Chiefs enjoyed a strong start—remaining unbeaten in their first four matches with three wins and a draw. Notably, the draw came against reigning BetWay Premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Pitso Mosimane: The Perfect Candidate at the Perfect Time?

In a timely twist, Pitso Mosimane is currently unattached and available for hire. The veteran coach, widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most accomplished football tacticians, has expressed openness to coaching Kaizer Chiefs in the past.

With Mosimane back in South Africa and open to the right offer, Chiefs may have a golden opportunity to secure a high-profile leader to steer the club back to glory.

Given his experience, local knowledge, and proven success record both domestically and on the continent, Mosimane is undoubtedly among the top contenders for the vacant role. His track record makes him a compelling option to lead Amakhosi’s revival.

As the search begins for a new head coach, all eyes will be on Naturena. Could Pitso Mosimane be the man to bring silverware back to Kaizer Chiefs? The next few weeks could prove pivotal.

In a candid video posted on Instagram and TikTok on September 8, the visibly perspiring hitmaker opened up about the drastic lifestyle changes he’s implementing to get in shape. Reacting to the harsh online comments targeting his weight, Nyovest admitted the backlash was painful—but ultimately motivating.

“The comments over the weekend were harsh. They hurt my feelings a little bit, but sometimes that’s what you need, right? A little push,” he shared. “I’m going to take the lemons and turn them into lemonade.”

To tackle the criticism head-on, the Kusho Bani rapper has adopted a strict carnivore diet, eliminating all sugars and carbohydrates. His current meals consist mostly of meat and cheese. “It’s a bit more fun because I get to eat a lot of meat, and it doesn’t feel restrictive,” he explained.

He’s also incorporated intermittent fasting and cardio exercises, particularly tennis, into his daily routine. Strength training is next on the list, as he ramps up preparations for what could be the biggest performance of his career.

Despite his public confidence, Nyovest admitted the journey hasn’t been easy. “It’s not easy staying away from things you like to eat. I reached out to my friends to see how they did it,” he said, revealing he had even considered quick-fix solutions before committing to a healthier, more sustainable path.

This isn’t the first time Nyovest has undergone a major transformation for a major concert. In 2016, he shed 8 kilograms in just over a week for his historic Fill Up Orlando Stadium show. Again in 2022, he faced a tough physical challenge in the run-up to Fill Up Mmabatho Stadium.

“This was by far the hardest weight loss journey for me… I owe it to myself never to let myself go like that again,” he reflected.

Support has poured in from fans and fellow artists alike, including Priddy Ugly and Major League DJz, who commended his dedication to self-improvement. Still, Nyovest didn’t shy away from addressing the toxic culture of body shaming, calling it a projection of personal insecurity.

“It’s a projection of how you feel about yourself. You don’t know what I’m going through,” he added, highlighting the emotional toll of online commentary.

With Toyota South Africa backing the concert as the title sponsor and an estimated 46,000 fans expected to attend, Nyovest is laser-focused on delivering a show-stopping performance. His evolving physique, mental toughness, and determination are shaping up to be part of a larger narrative—one of resilience and reinvention.

Tickets for Fill Up Toyota Stadium are on sale now, with VIP packages already in high demand. Fans are encouraged to book early for what promises to be a milestone night in South African music history.

Kaizer Chiefs are set to make their long-awaited return to continental competition as they prepare to face Angolan side Kabuscorp in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round. The clash marks the Glamour Boys’ first appearance in African competition since their memorable run to the CAF Champions League final in 2021.

With an unbeaten start to the 2025/26 domestic season—and yet to concede a goal—Chiefs enter this tie in strong form and full of confidence. But the challenge of facing an unfamiliar African opponent presents a new test for the Soweto giants.

Tight Turnaround: Chiefs Face Gruelling Schedule

Chiefs will need to manage a packed fixture list, starting with a domestic league clash against Sekhukhune United on September 16, followed by a trip to Angola on September 19 for the first leg of the Confederation Cup tie. The quick turnaround will test both the depth and fitness of Molefi Ntseki’s squad early in the campaign.

What to Expect From Kabuscorp

Kabuscorp are coming into the match fresh off their Angolan Super Cup Final appearance and the start of the Girabola season. According to insights from Hugo Marques, former Cape Town City goalkeeper and current Petro de Luanda player, Kabuscorp boast a well-drilled 4-3-3 setup, with a newly signed winger and Brazilian goalkeeper Evandro Rachoni, known for his accurate distribution from the back.

However, Marques also pointed out Kabuscorp’s lack of experience in continental competitions—a factor that could tilt the balance in Chiefs’ favour.

Chiefs Tipped as Favourites

While Kabuscorp pose a credible threat, Chiefs’ squad depth, organisation, and experience give them a clear edge. The fixture presents a key opportunity for the Soweto giants to lay down a marker on the African stage and build early momentum in both domestic and continental campaigns.

With fans eager to see their team back in African action, all eyes will be on Chiefs as they aim to kick off their Confederation Cup journey with a statement win in Luanda.

South African football powerhouse Orlando Pirates are gearing up for a crucial CAF Champions League showdown as they face Lesotho champions Lioli FC in the first leg of the preliminary round. The highly anticipated clash is scheduled to take place at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday, 20 September.

With continental ambitions running high, the Buccaneers will be looking to assert their dominance early in the tie. Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who has already overseen a busy transfer window and strong domestic form, is expected to field a full-strength side in pursuit of a first-leg cushion.

Pirates to Lean on Experience and Attacking Firepower

Backed by a squad brimming with fresh talent and seasoned campaigners, Pirates will be aiming to leverage their CAF experience to outplay the spirited Lioli outfit. The Soweto giants have added 14 new players this season and are looking to build early momentum on the continental stage.

With attacking options such as Sipho Mbule and a dynamic midfield engine, the Buccaneers are poised to press high and control possession—an approach likely to test Lioli’s defensive resolve.

Lioli Ready to Challenge Giants

Despite being viewed as underdogs, Lioli FC are not to be taken lightly. The Lesotho champions have shown tremendous character in recent seasons and are relishing the opportunity to test themselves against one of Africa’s most decorated clubs.

Interestingly, Lioli have chosen to host the match on South African soil, opting for the neutral venue of Toyota Stadium. This move is expected to attract strong supporter turnout from both nations, adding an electric atmosphere to the contest.

Why Toyota Stadium?

Hosting the match in Bloemfontein provides a strategic advantage for both clubs: accessible travel for fans, quality playing facilities, and a neutral ground atmosphere. The decision also ensures the tie receives the attention it deserves, with Bloemfontein’s large stadium capacity likely to create a memorable CAF occasion.

What’s at Stake?

Saturday’s encounter is more than just a preliminary round—it sets the tone for the entire CAF Champions League campaign. A strong result for Pirates could provide a much-needed buffer ahead of the return leg, while Lioli will be fighting to stay in the tie and pull off an upset in front of a larger audience.

With group stage qualification on the line, both teams are expected to go all-out in what promises to be a high-octane encounter.

In a transfer window full of surprises, Orlando Pirates have made headlines after completing three high-profile deals with arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns—an unusual occurrence in South African football that has set the tone for an electrifying 2025/26 season.

The year 2025 is turning out to be one to remember for fans of the ‘Big Three’ in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), as rare direct transfers between Pirates, Chiefs, and Sundowns took place—breaking traditional rivalries and shaking up the league’s dynamics.

Pirates Land Sipho Mbule From Sundowns

Pirates’ marquee signing under new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is none other than former Sundowns midfielder Sipho Mbule.

Mbule’s move to Mayfair has already paid dividends, with the talented playmaker fast becoming a fan favourite among the Buccaneers faithful.

This headline-grabbing transfer set the stage for a flurry of activity from the Soweto giants.

14 New Signings for Pirates

Following the Mbule signing, Pirates completed 13 additional transfers, including:

• Yanela Mbuthuma (Richards Bay)
• Masindi Nemtajela (Marumo Gallants)
• Tshepang Moremi (AmaZulu)
• Nkosikhona Ndaba (Richards Bay)
• Abdoulaye Dine Mariko & Abdoulaye S Mariko (Djoliba AC)
• Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United)
• Tshepo Mashiloane (Baroka)
• Sihle Nduli (Stellenbosch)
• Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City)
• Kamogelo Sebelebele & Lebone Seema (TS Galaxy)
• Kabelo Kgositsile (Baroka FC)

This aggressive recruitment strategy signals Pirates’ intent to dominate the 2025/26 PSL campaign.

Chiefs Snap Up Two Pirates Players

In a surprising twist, Kaizer Chiefs secured the services of Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane—both former Pirates players—at the start of the season.

These direct transfers between the Soweto giants are rare and have caught many fans off guard. Still, both Mako and Monyane are now proudly wearing the gold and black of Amakhosi.

Pirates Lead the Pack in Transfers

With 14 new signings and 17 confirmed departures, Orlando Pirates have completed over 30 player movements this transfer window—more than any other team in the league.

In comparison, Kaizer Chiefs have been active as well, confirming 12 signings and 11 departures, bringing their total transactions to just over 20.

The scale and boldness of Pirates’ transfer activity highlight their ambition to reclaim dominance in South African football this season.

In an interview with Sunday World, Mcinga expressed her commitment to progressive change, drawing from her extensive background as a social justice activist and development practitioner. Her work spans key sectors including education, youth empowerment, skills development, and humanitarian relief.

“I represent a generation that refuses to inherit broken systems without fighting for transformation,” she said.

Mcinga previously served as a Member of Parliament with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), representing the party in the National Council of Provinces. During her tenure, she sat on several influential committees such as Security & Justice, Agriculture, Land Reform & Mineral Resources, Economic Development, and International Relations. She described her time in Parliament as a period of “strong advocacy for justice, accountability, and economic transformation for marginalised communities.”

From Queen to Political Leader

Mcinga made headlines years ago for her short-lived traditional marriage to King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo. The union, which lasted only three months, ended abruptly when she left the royal household unannounced—a move that earned her the nickname “runaway bride.”

Reflecting on that period, Mcinga said the marriage had become “toxic” and that she is now pursuing legal channels to finalise the separation.

“I have moved on,” she said. “I will always have respect for the king, but I was deeply disturbed by this matter. I found myself working hard while suddenly being thrust into the complicated title of Queen in a very challenging environment.”

Now, as she takes up a senior leadership role in Mayibuye, Mcinga says her focus is firmly on championing transformation, justice, and economic empowerment—especially for those left behind in South Africa’s current political and economic landscape.