by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley is experiencing a dream come true as he prepares to represent South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, in front of his family and friends at the Cape Town Stadium. The 22-year-old centre-back, who hails from Belhar in Cape Town, has had a remarkable year, joining Chiefs from Cape Town Spurs in July and quickly making a name for himself at the club.
Now, with Bafana already qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), Dortley is relishing the chance to play in his hometown when the team faces South Sudan in their final Afcon qualifier on Tuesday.
“For me, it feels good to be back home, playing in front of my family,” Dortley shared. “It’s been a dream to represent the national team in front of them, though I always thought it would be with the Under-23s. To be playing for Bafana in Cape Town, where it all started for me, is an incredible feeling.”
The young defender sees his call-up to the senior national team as a reward for his relentless work ethic, and he is determined to maintain the consistency that has earned him his spot. “This is the result of hard work paying off,” he said. “I just want to keep doing what I’ve been doing to stay in the team.”
Dortley credits much of his rapid development to the guidance of both his club coach, Nasreddine Nabi, and Bafana’s head coach, Hugo Broos. “The style of play that Nabi instills at Chiefs is what suits me best, and coach Broos’ approach is very similar, which made it easy for me to adapt to the national team,” Dortley explained.
As he heads into the match against South Sudan, the young defender is excited about playing in front of his supporters and is eager to continue making strides in his football career.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | Uncategorized
South African football has lost one of its greatest talents, as Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, famed for his flair and creativity on the field, has passed away. In recent years, the former star was confined to a wheelchair following a mild stroke and complications from a long-standing knee injury that cut short his playing career in the late 1980s.
Moripe, who earned the title of “the god of football” in the early 1970s, was a sensation on the pitch, known for his unique ability to read the game, his delicate yet powerful touch, and his mesmerizing dribbling skills. Fans of his era still speak of his natural talent with reverence, describing him as a magician with the ball.
His legacy extends beyond his playing days. Moripe was honored when Pretoria’s Super Stadium was renamed Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium, a fitting tribute to the iconic footballer. He was a regular presence at Mamelodi Sundowns matches, frequently attending games at the stadium that bore his name.
Former Sundowns captains, including Alpheus “Go” Mabusela and Daniel “Mambush” Mudau, paid their respects to Moripe in September, visiting him at his home as part of Heritage Month celebrations. Mabusela, reflecting on his playing days against and with Moripe, recalled his exceptional skill: “He had this unique ability to read the game like no-one else, and his touch was so delicate, yet powerful,” said Mabusela.
Moripe began his career at Pretoria Callies in 1971, leading them to several memorable victories over major rivals like Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. In 1973, his performances earned him the National Professional Soccer League’s Player of the Year award, and he even represented the NPSL in an exhibition match against a British All-Stars team. His dazzling display in that match earned him the Sportsman of the Year title.
In 1981, Moripe joined Orlando Pirates, but his time there was brief due to the persistent knee injury that hampered his later career. Despite his shortened career, Moripe’s impact on South African football remains undeniable. He will be remembered not only for his skills but for the joy and excitement he brought to the game.
The details of his funeral arrangements will be confirmed by his family.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Rayners, Maswanganyi, and Mokoena Lead the Charge in Dominant 3-0 Victory
In front of a lively and sold-out Cape Town Stadium, Bafana Bafana wrapped up their 2025 Afcon qualifying campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over South Sudan. Goals from Iqraam Rayners, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Teboho Mokoena underscored South Africa’s dominance in their final Group K fixture on Tuesday night.
Already assured of their spot in next year’s Afcon finals in Morocco, Coach Hugo Broos fielded a mix of regulars and fringe players to keep the momentum going. The match also served as a special milestone for goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who earned his 50th cap before making way for debutant Sage Stephens in the 74th minute.
Early Spark
Bafana took control of the game from the outset, and the Cape Town crowd didn’t have to wait long for the opener. In the 7th minute, Rayners latched onto a perfectly placed cutback from Oswin Appollis to slot home from close range.
Rayners, however, missed a couple of chances to double his tally. It was Maswanganyi who stepped up in the 22nd minute, capitalizing on a rebound after South Sudan goalkeeper Majak Mawith failed to handle Mokoena’s initial shot.
Second-Half Flourish
South Africa maintained their attacking intensity in the second half. Mokoena added the third goal from the penalty spot in the 50th minute, calmly converting after Bright Stars’ Ivan Iwan fouled Khuliso Mudau in the box.
Broos utilized the comfortable lead to provide valuable minutes to several players. Relebohile Mofokeng and Nkosinathi Sibisi came on mid-second half, while Devin Titus made his debut in the dying moments, replacing Thapelo Morena.
A Year to Remember
The win capped an impressive year for Bafana Bafana, highlighted by their Afcon bronze medal in Ivory Coast earlier in 2024. With World Cup qualifiers set to resume in March 2025, starting with a clash against Lesotho, Broos’ men will be aiming to carry their current form into the next phase of their campaign.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Bafana Bafana’s resurgence is captivating South African football fans, reigniting hopes of a return to their glory days. Their electrifying performances in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers have transformed their reputation, with big crowds flocking to see the national team in action.
For years, South Africa’s path to AFCON was marked by inconsistency, often relying on other teams’ results to secure qualification. This time, Bafana showcased dominance, topping Group K with two games to spare — a feat not achieved since their back-to-back qualifications for the 2000 and 2002 tournaments.
Their journey to next year’s AFCON in Morocco was sealed even before their penultimate group game, thanks to South Sudan’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Congo in Juba. This result confirmed Bafana’s place, and they followed it up with a clinical 2-0 win over Uganda in Kampala.
The crowning moment came at a sold-out Cape Town Stadium, where Bafana delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over South Sudan. The team’s bond with fans has never been stronger, with growing belief that this squad, led by a mix of seasoned players and emerging stars, could finally end South Africa’s 28-year wait for another AFCON title.
Their bronze medal at this year’s AFCON in Ivory Coast marked the first podium finish in 24 years, signaling a turning point. With confidence soaring, the question remains: is this the team to bring AFCON glory back to South Africa?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
South Africa Thrashes South Sudan 3-0 to Finish Afcon Qualifiers Undefeated
In a lively Cape Town Stadium, Bafana Bafana delivered a footballing spectacle, defeating South Sudan 3-0 to cap off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers in style. Goals from Iqraam Rayners, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Teboho Mokoena secured South Africa’s undefeated status at the top of Group K.
Having already secured qualification, the stakes were low on paper, but coach Hugo Broos urged his team to rise above complacency. Reflecting on pre-match discussions, Broos revealed he warned the players about the dangers of losing momentum, citing examples of top African teams like Nigeria, Tunisia, and Burkina Faso, who stumbled in their final games despite already booking Afcon tickets.
“I told the players not to spoil the party. This game was about mentality, and they showed tremendous responsibility,” Broos stated.
The festive atmosphere in Cape Town was a testament to how far Bafana have come under Broos’ leadership. From sparse crowds just three years ago, the national team now plays to packed stadiums, a reflection of the fans’ renewed faith in their side.
“These players understand their role. They couldn’t let the crowd down. From the first whistle, we played high-tempo football and created chances. The fans deserved this performance,” Broos remarked proudly.
This result solidifies Hugo Broos’ growing legacy. He becomes the first Bafana coach to qualify for back-to-back Afcon tournaments since the early 2000s and has reignited hope in a nation eager for football glory.
