Tag Archives: Mamelodi Sundowns

Top 10 Central Midfielders in the PSL in the 2020/21 Season

With the 2020-21 DSTV Premiership campaign drawing to a close, we decided to rank the very best players in the league. This week we start with ranking the best central midfielders in the PSL.

We’ll rank each player on four abilities that are important for every central midfielder.

Tactically: Positioning, availability to receive the ball, finding space and work rate.

Technically: Ball control, long and short passes, vision, shooting, and strength on the ball.

Attack: Ability to create chances and score goals.

Defence: Ability to break up opposition attacks, tackle and recover to assist the defence.

10. Siyethemba Sithebe

Top 10 Central Midfielders in the PSL in the 2020/21 Season

Over the seasons Siyethemba Sithebe was known to be more of a number 10. But, this season Amazulu coach Benni McCarthy has played him more like a 6 alongside Makhehlene Makhaula. He is still learning the position but he has played well enough to earn a spot in the top 10 central midfielders in the PSL. 

Tactically:  6/10

Technically: 6/10

Attack: 8/10

Defence: 6/10

= 26/40

9. Gladwin Shitolo

Top 10 Central Midfielders in the PSL in the 2020/21 Season

Gladwin Shitolo is a versatile midfielder. In his previous teams, he has played as a central defender and as a full-back but his best position is as a defensive midfielder. Shitolo’s primary role is to act as a shield to the Golden Arrows defence and goalkeeper, harrying attackers and committing fouls

Tactically: 7/10

Technically: 6/10

Attack: 6/10

Defence: 8/10

= 27/40


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8. Musa Nyatama

Top 10 Central Midfielders in the PSL in the 2020/21 Season

Musa Nyatama is the oldest player on this list which means he has a lot of experience. In his younger days, Nyatama was an attacking midfielder. He converted into a holding midfielder in latter years and played his best football in the position under coach Milutin Sredojević at Orlando Pirates from 2017-2020. Nyatama now controls the midfield of Moroka Swallows. A team that has performed better than expected in their first season back in the PSL after 6 seasons. 

Tactically: 8/10

Technically: 7/10

Attack: 7/10

Defence: 7/10

= 29/40

7. Thabo Nodada

Top 10 Central Midfielders in the PSL in the 2020/21 Season

Thabo Nodada has performed well in an underwhelming season for the Citizens. He is skilful, incredible in attack, useful in defence and packs a powerful shot. 

Tactically: 7/10

Technically: 8/10

Attack: 8/10

Defence: 7/10

= 30/40

6. Sipho Mbule

Top 10 Central Midfielders in the PSL in the 2020/21 Season

One of the youngest players on this list and one of the most sort after. He is technically very good. His technic of passing and setpieces are exceptional and he pitches in with goals too. Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs are said to be preparing million rand bids for the youngster. 

Tactically: 7/10

Technically: 8/10

Attack: 8/10

Defence: 7/10

= 30/10

 


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The Soccer Podcast With No Name (Yet) Ep.31

https://soundcloud.com/thabang-cheez/the-soccer-podcast-without-a-name-yet-ep31

 

1. SAFA on Wednesday announced Belgian Hugo Broos as the new head coach of Bafana Bafana

What do you make of this appointment?

2. Speaking of Bafana Bafana coaches

On Thursday SAFA officially confirmed the departure of Ntseki following a meeting in which the parties reached an agreement to ‘amicably’ terminate the contract.

“The South African Football Association (SAFA) together with coach Molefi Ntseki have officially agreed to part ways amicably, following the senior national team’s failure to qualify for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon),” read a statement from the association.

“SAFA would like thank Ntseki for his contribution to the association over the years.”

How would you summarise Ntseki’s tenure as Bafana Bafana?

3. On Tuesday, Kaizer Chiefs lost – again. This time to 14th placed TTM,

what did you make of the game and do you think Kaizer Chiefs will finish in the Top 8 this season?

Same story for Kaizer Chiefs, mistakes lead to goals, We can just cut my audio from what I said about them last time they lost…

Will they make the Top 8?

4. Another struggling Soweto giants Orlando Pirates have only won three of their last 10 games in all competitions,

Is it time for Orlando Pirates to let go of their coach?

5. Let’s take a flight overseas where both Manchester City and Chelsea won their Uefa Champions League semi-final games 2-0 against PSG and Real Madrid respectively.

City won their tie 4-1 against the Parisians whilst The Blues won theirs 3-1 against Los Blancos

What did you make of both semi-final games?

6. Jose Mourinho will take over as Italian Serie A side Roma head coach next season,

After his disappointing showing at Spurs, why do you think Roma hired Jose?

7. Quick Hits!

7.1 Going into the final four games of the season, Sundowns are on 54, whilst 2nd placed Amazulu are on 50 but Sundowns have a game in hand, It’s looking more likely that Downs are going to win it all, or do you still think Amazulu could spring a surprise?

7.2 Manchester United will meet Villareal in the Europa League final after both teams overcame AS Roma and Arsenal respectively

Have they deserved finalists?

7.3 Weighing in on SAFA appointing Hugo Broos as Bafana Bafana coach, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi said [quote] I think we have had too many foreign coaches [close quote]

Does he have a point?

7.4 CAF announced on Thursday that the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers were postponed until September due to the global Covid-19 pandemic

Besides the pandemic, should this be seen as a good or bad thing for Bafana Bafana and their preparations?

7.5 In four months at Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel has now beaten Zinedine Zidane, Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Diego Simeone twice, José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti! And without conceding a single goal either in those seven matches.

His contract is until the end of the season…

Should they just give him the new contract now even before the champions league final?

7.6 Pep Guardiola dedicated Manchester City’s Champions League semi-final win to former players like Joe Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany & David Silva saying [quote] “I want to share it with all of them because without them it can not be possible to be here.” [close quote]

Is it a big deal or not a big deal that he didn’t mention Yaya Toure?

By Cheez

Don’t forget to tune into ‘The Soccer Podcast With No Name’ podcast every Friday at 17h00 pm. Also follow me on TwitterFacebookTikTok, and Instagram.

The Soccer Podcast With No Name (Yet) Ep.30

https://soundcloud.com/thabang-cheez/the-soccer-podcast-with-no-name-yet-episode-30

 

Topics on today’s show!

1. Pitso Mosimane is not interested in the Bafana coaching job,

Is Pitso being unpatriotic or is he well within his rights to not be interested in working with SAFA again?

2. Speaking of the Bafana Bafana job, TimesLIVE has reported that Philippe Troussier and Carlos Queiroz tell Safa they want the Bafana Bafana coaching job.

Which of the two would you like to take Bafana Bafana over?

3. After a less than impressive start to his Kaizer Chiefs coaching career, Gavin Hunt still insists he can win with Kaizer Chiefs.

He said on KickOFF: “the club has brought me here to win trophies, and they will win trophies with me”

How confident are you that Gavin Hunt is the right man to end Amakhosi’s drought?

4. Let’s move overseas to the Champions League.

In the quarter-final second legs, PSG lost 0-1 to Bayern but held on to win the game 3-3 on the away goals rule, Chelsea went down 0-1 to Porto but won the tie 2-1 on aggregate. Last night Liverpool couldn’t overcome their 3-1 first-leg deficit when they drew 0-0 with Real Madrid and Manchester City beat Dortmund 2-1 again to win the tie 4-2 on aggregate.

What did you make of all the games and results?

5. In the Champions League semi-final, Chelsea will go up against Real Madrid and Manchester City will lock horns with PSG,

who are your favourites to make it to the final and why?

6. There are a couple of very good players in this year’s free-agent class: Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Sergio Aguero, David Alaba, Georginio Wijnaldum, Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez.

Which players will be the most sort after and by which teams?

7. Quick Hits

7.1 PSG star Neymar has confirmed he is set to renew his contract with PSG saying: “This (renewal with PSG) is no longer an issue. Obviously, I feel very comfortable and at home here at PSG. I feel happier than I was before.”

Is it a wise move by Neymar to stay at PSG?

7.2 Recent Ballon d’Or Feminin winner Megan Rapinoe has made an emotional plea to Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and other football stars to become involved in the fight against racism.

How can the two GOATS help?

7.3 Speaking of racism, EPL clubs are set to boycott social media for a full matchday weekend to protest against racial abuse,

Do you think this boycott will make a difference?

7.4 Reports from Italy say Manchester United may pursue a swap deal with Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba, surprisingly enough the Manchester United fans on social media are not for the idea…

Do you think it would be a good move for United?

7.5 Sticking with Pogba, The French superstar signed a deal with Amazon and set his first project with the streaming giant: A documentary series about his life, titled The Pogmentary.

Out of 10, what’s your excitement level?

7.6 Sundowns host Orlando Pirates today in the Quarter-final of the Nedbank Cup,

Who do you got?

We Might Know Whats Wrong With Chiefs But What’s Up With Sundowns?

Drama. That’s the one word I use to describe this weekend’s installment of the PSL title race. Actually, now that I think about it, the word should be ‘comedy’ because as a neutral I was laughing at the unfortunate circumstances Chiefs and Sundowns both found themselves in.😆😆

Log leaders Kaizer Chiefs lost 1-0 via a 94th-minute Bidvest Wits goal. Sundowns wasted a chance to leapfrog Amakhosi for the first time this season when they too lost 0-1 to a relegation threaten Baroka FC a few hours later.


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The Soccer Podcast With No Name (Yet) Ep.28


It seems as though both teams are choking when the pressure is at its highest. The dip in form for Kaizer Chiefs doesn’t come as a surprise to me. No, I am not psychic. Chiefs are not much of an offensive threat and their defence has holes in it. Sundowns, on the other hand, are more of an interesting story. They are the reigning champions. They have been here before. Their last two championship-winning seasons went down to the wire. That team managed to win important games at the business end of the season. This team is floundering against the likes of Baroka (no offence).

We will never know what is going on behind the scenes but there is clearly something wrong with Sundowns. Chiefs faults may be bigger so Sundowns may win the championship by default.

By @chizfootball (the greatest footy journo on the internet)

The Soccer Podcast With No Name (Yet) Ep.28

Bongani ‘Da Bongz’ Nkosi and Thabang ‘Cheez’ Kgeledi discuss this week’s soccer topics.

The Discussion This Week:

1. What Are The Implications Of The Sundowns/Chiefs Game?
2. Which Team Has the Edge Going Into The Last Three Game? Sundowns or Chiefs?
3. Summarise Orlando Pirates Season?
4. What Will A Move Away From Barcelona Mean For Messi and Barca?
5. Where Will Lionel Messi Best Fit? PSG or Manchester City?
6. How Long Till Frank Lampard Feels The Pressure At Chelsea?
7. Quick Hits!

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Chiefs v Sundowns: Who Has The Upper Hand Going Into Tonight’s Title Decider?

Tonight log leaders Kaizer Chiefs face second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns in an Absa Premiership title decider. Kaizer Chiefs are at the top of the PSL table with 53 points, Mamelodi Sundowns are behind them by 3 points. 

Like I said yesterday, I believe if Sundowns win this game, they win the title. If Kaizer Chiefs win this game, they win the title. If this game ends in a draw, Kaizer Chiefs win the title.

Let me start off by stating the obvious, Mamelodi Sundowns need the 3 points more than Kaizer Chiefs do. This should worry Pitso Mosimane because his team has been trash post-lockdown. They recorded one loss, three draws, and only one win. That’s 6 out of a possible 15 points.


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BUT! Sundowns go into this title decider after a morale-boosting win against a negative Golden Arrows team on Monday. Sundowns haven’t clicked in attack as of yet but the team has started playing better in the past couple of games.

Kaizer Chiefs have had an equally disappointing post lockdown run, picking up 5 from a possible 12. In all fairness, Ernst Middendorp’s team had been below standard even before the Coronavirus. It seems as though teams have figured out their one-dimensional play of crosses and set pieces.

Speaking of set pieces, tonight they will be without Samir Nurković and Leonardo Castro. The loss of their aerial threat from set-plays is a huge loss for Kaizer Chiefs. 

Sundowns have struggled to breakdown teams with well-structured defences. They have even struggled even more to stop teams from catching them on the counter-attack.  Will Ernst Middendorp is brave enough to replace his two good but slow strikers with an average but pacier attack. Kambole, Billiat, and Zuma might do the trick. Scrapping the 3-5-2 for a 4-3-3, and playing on the counter-attack.

With all that being said, you’d have to say Mamelodi Sundowns has the edge going into the game. Kaizer Chiefs confidence is low and their defence leaks goals for fun. They have conceded 7 goals in their 4 bubble games. Chiefs have scored 6 on the other end but four of them have been from through set-pieces and they are without two of their best headers of the ball. I don’t see how Chiefs will score and how they will keep out one of the best attacks in the league. 

By @chizfootball (the greatest footy journo on the internet)

Chiefs v Sundowns: Absa Premiership Cup Final

Let’s begin by getting the ‘facts’ out of the way. If Sundowns win this game, they win the title. If Kaizer Chiefs win this game, they win the title. If this game ends in a draw, Kaizer Chiefs win the title. As you can see Mamelodi Sundowns need to win this game more than Kaizer Chiefs does. 

You: “…but after the game, there will still be three games left to play so…’🤷🏿‍♂️

Yes, I know but the result of this game will do one of two things: crush Kaizer Chiefs’ flakey moral or deal a death blow to Mamelodi Sundowns’ confidence. I don’t see any team recovering from an unfavourable result plus I’m a psychic. 

As the title says this is a cup final. Do or die. Wafa-wafa. Sure, Kaizer Chiefs have the advantage because they don’t need to win BUT, they’d be foolish to go in this looking for a draw. Mamelodi Sundowns got lucky on Monday with their last gasp win against Golden Arrows. Their confidence will be reaching its peak. 


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Kaizer Chiefs as currently constructed cannot match Sundowns pound for pound. They’d get knocked out before the first water break. It’s not that Chiefs don’t have good players, it’s just that they have not being utilized correctly (that’s another story for another writer).

The suspension of their leading goal scorer Samir Nurković and striker Leonardo Castro’s injury concerns are big blows. However, Sundowns aren’t great at defending quick counter-attacks. Ernst Middendorp may choose to replace the unavailable strikers with forwards that have pace.  

We’ll chat more about which team has the upper hand going into the huge clash tomorrow.

By @chizfootball (the greatest footy journo on the internet)

PSL Title Race: Who Has The Edge In This Round Of PSL Games? [14 August]

The race for the PSL title is heating up.  With only a half dozen games to go every point matters. Who goes into this weekend with the upper hand? Be it a favourable fixture, injuries, or form.

Highlands Parks v Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns come up against Highlands Park tonight. Highlands Park coach Owen Da Gama has stated publicly that his team is not prepared to face Sundowns. Is he playing a Pitsoeque Jedi mind trick or is he simply telling the truth?

Sundowns will be without rights backs Thapelo Morena and Anele Ngcongca through injury. The Brazilians have not lost a competitive match to the Lions of the North but this won’t be an easy game. Highlands Park have talented players and are well-coached too. 

Polokwane City v Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs play Polokwane City tomorrow afternoon. City is 14th on the table, level on points with 15th placed Amazulu. Chiefs will know their draw with Bidvest Wits during the week should have been a win. They may take out their frustrations on poor Polokwane City. 

Ernst Middendorp and Itu Khune don’t seem to be getting along but Daniel Akpeyi has been doing a good job as Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper. Their main concerns lie with Leonardo Castro’s health


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Orlando Pirates v Bidvest Wits

The team that loses this game kisses PSL title race goodbye. A draw will have both teams being left behind in the last sprint to the championship. Orlando Pirates are coming off a dull draw with Sundowns during the week, Bidvest Wits also drew their first PSL game back from lockdown but their game had a bit more spice to it. 

Both teams may be a little bit too far behind Chiefs and Sundowns at this stage but, if any of the two could string together a run of wins it would change the whole complexion of the PSL title race.

Pirates will still be without suspended Justin Shonga and Thembinkosi Lorch whilst we don’t know if Thabang Monare will start of WIts. 

Who Has The Edge In This Round Of PSL Games?

The team with the biggest upside going to into this weekends games is Kaizer Chiefs. They do have concerns over the health of a key player but they have the easiest fixture. Polokwane City are proficient in conceding goals. They have the third-worst defensive record in the league. No game is ever a walk-over in the Premiership but I like Kaizer Chief’s chances. 

The Title Is Now Truly In Kaizer Chiefs Hands, Will They Grab It?

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates played to a goalless draw in the return of PSL last night. The result puts Kaizer Chiefs firmly in the pole position to win the title but, will they be to capitalize? 

The game was boring. It had little goal-mouth action but big implications in the PSL championship race. Mamelodi Sundowns went into the game four points behind Kaizer Chiefs with a game in hand.  They are now three points adrift the log leaders with the same amount of matches played.

When Pitso Mosimane said it’s Kaizer Chiefs’ title to lose last week, he was trolling. As of today, the statement is 100% accurate. Even though this isn’t a result he would have wanted, Pitso Mosimane is a glass half full type of guy, “Ja, a game of two halves for us, we were much better in the first-half, second-half we have to give it to Orlando Pirates, let’s be honest and they missed two chances to be honest. Okay, we had one [chance] but not really convincing,” Mosimane told SuperSport TV.


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“The second-half they took it, you could see they were much stronger, much fresher than us in the second-half. We survived a bit, Mosa [Lebusa] calf [injury], you know. But it’s okay, it’s a good point, we’ll take a point. We’re playing Orlando Pirates remember?”

Kaizer Chiefs come up against Bidvest Wits tonight. Wits are coming off a loss against Sundowns over the weekend in the Nedbank Cup semi-final. Gavin Hunt and his men who are now mostly playing for pride, won’t be a pushover. 

I can never predict how a team is going to play after a five months lay-off but if Chiefs play anything like they did before the lockdown, then they are toast. Amakhosi, however, have the advantage of not having played a game last weekend and have a three-point buffer. It’s Kaizer Chiefs title to lose. 

By @cheezfootball (the greatest footy journo on the internet)


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Who Needs To Win This Game More, Mosimane or Hunt?

Tomorrow sees the return of South African football with the semi-final of the Nedbank Cup. As much as I would like to act like I care about the first semi-final between Baroka and Bloemfontein Celtic, the truth is I don’t and you probably don’t too. The game we are both interested in is Mamelodi Sundowns versus Bidvest Wits. Pitso Mosimane versus Gavin Hunt. The infamous spenders versus the now, infamous sellers. 

In the run-up to Saturday’s clash, Gavin Hunt has been saying all the cliche politically correct things a person who is about to be jobless in a month would say:

“It is important for us as professionals to finish as professionals and do a proper job,” said Hunt.

“Let us treat the game with respect. It will be difficult because we have so much to deal with. We will show professionalism until the end.

“It is not only the physical but also psychological issues we have to deal with.”


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Pitso Mosimane: ‘Wits priority Nedbank Cup not league’


Pitso Mosimane kept to his style of 10% complementing the opponent, and 90% playing mind games. 

“We have a big game against Wits and if you listen to their statements they’re saying that they want to go out in style,” said Mosimane.

“Wits’ players and coaches have a lot of incentives to win the cup and that’s why they’ve prioritized the Nedbank Cup.

“Over the last few days, they have only spoken about the Cup. It gives me an indication that the league is not a priority,” he added. “I am not talking on their behalf but just talking about what they have said.”

Bidvest Wits, in the public sphere, have turned into a club that everybody is feeling sorry for. Their sale came out of nowhere and no one at the club, except for the owners, knew about it or even expected it. It’s a sad way for a club that has been in the league for so long to go out.  But, and the great poet Tupa Shakur once said ‘Life Goes On’.  There is a football game that needs to be played.

Who needs to win this game more? 

Wits want to go out with a bang. The pride of the players and the coach is a stake. They are definitely going to bring the game to Sundowns. Downs have their own reasons as to why they’d like a place in the Nedbank Cup final. They are on the march for a domestic treble. They have already clinched the Telkom Knockout and they are still very much in the league race. 

With a game where both teams have about the same amount of quality, it will boil down to desire. I think Wits want this game more than Sundowns. Mosimane, like Hunt, would love to win the Nedbank Cup, but Jingles has bigger fish to fry in the Absa Premiership.

By @cheezfootball (the greatest footy journo on the internet)