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Ex-Chiefs winger explains why Pirates will retain the MTN8
Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has tipped Orlando Pirates to retain the MTN8 title.
The Buccaneers begin their title defence this weekend when they host Durban City in the quarter-finals. Pirates are aiming to win the competition for a fifth consecutive season after lifting the trophy four years in a row.
Khanye believes Pirates have enough quality to go all the way despite losing star player Relebohile Mofokeng. palladian.co.za
“Pirates are favourites,” he said ahead of the MTN8 clash with City.
“They haven’t changed their team a lot. Even though they lost their star player Relebohile Mofokeng, they beefed up their squad. I know Sundowns are a threat to any team, but there’s something we call momentum. Pirates started the season very well.
“I think, for me, Pirates will defend the MTN8. It’s straightforward,”he told iDiski TV.
The retired winger also backed Pirates to overcome Durban City, despite the Buccaneers being held by the KwaZulu-Natal side in a goalless Betway Premiership clash late last season.
“Class is permanent. If you watched that game, Pirates were without a striker and it had a huge impact. They did their homework on Rele and managed both Rele and Oswin Appollis. That game, Pirates offered nothing and failed to create chances.
Khanye tips Pirates for MTN8 glory
“They have nothing to lose, so they will try to play an open game. Last season, they also had nothing to lose; they just wanted to frustrate Orlando Pirates.”
Khanye predicted a comfortable 2-0 victory for the Buccaneers to book their place in the MTN8 semi-finals.
Who will win the MTN8?
Rest In Peace: Kaizer Chiefs’ former star dies
South African football is mourning the death of former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Michael Nkambule. The 37-year-old died on Friday, 7 August 2026, after suffering serious injuries in a car accident approximately two weeks earlier.
Family spokesperson Siyabonga Moloi confirmed that Nkambule was travelling alone from a football tournament in Polokwane to Johannesburg when his vehicle overturned.
MICHAEL NKAMBULE LOSES BATTLE
Emergency services rushed Nkambule to Far East Rand Hospital following the accident.
He was later transferred to Johannesburg General Hospital for specialist treatment. Doctors operated on the former midfielder after he suffered severe spinal cord injuries.
Following the operation, the former Betway Premiership star returned to Far East Rand Hospital to continue his recovery.
He spent time in the intensive care unit and continued fighting despite the severity of his injuries. However, his condition eventually deteriorated, and he passed away on Friday afternoon.
KAIZER CHIEFS LOSE FOOTBALL SON
Born in Etwatwa, Daveyton, Nkambule was regarded as one of South Africa’s most exciting football talents during his teenage years.
His ability attracted attention from European giants Manchester United and Chelsea before he moved to France to join the youth academy of RC Strasbourg.
Also read: Kaizer Chiefs confirm new home venue
After returning to South Africa, the talented midfielder represented SuperSport United and Black Leopards.
His most significant connection came with boyhood club Kaizer Chiefs, where he wore the iconic number 10 shirt. Known affectionately as “Ace” and “Zidane”, Nkambule never lost his passion for football after retiring from professional football.
He remained involved in the game through Ditlhake Masters FC, where he continued playing for the regional legends side. Tributes have since poured in from former teammates, football media and supporters across the country.
Widespread condolences have to been sent to the Nkambule family. Details surrounding the memorial and funeral services are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
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How Kaizer Chiefs have beaten Orlando Pirates in the transfer market
Kaizer Chiefs appear to have done the better business in the transfer market compared to rivals Orlando Pirates.
Although the Buccaneers have made nine signings, none have yet looked like genuine game changers. Last season, Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule and Tshepang Moremi arrived with big expectations and made an immediate impact.
This time around, however, it is Amakhosi who seem to have strengthened more effectively.
Chiefs have brought in Thabo Moloisane, Renaldo Leaner, Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko, Langelihle Phili and Faiz Abrahams.
Abrahams joined Naturena on a season-long loan from Stellenbosch FC, with an option to make the move permanent at the end of the campaign.
Chiefs appear to have better signings than Pirates
Meanwhile, Khanyisa Mayo has completed a permanent transfer after initially joining the club on loan.
On paper, Chiefs’ recruitment appears more balanced than Pirates’. While the Buccaneers arguably still boast the stronger overall squad, their latest additions have not significantly improved their attacking options.
Amakhosi, on the other hand, have added experience at the back with Moloisane, while Leaner provides another quality option in goal.
In midfield, Chiefs did not require major reinforcements, but Bitegeko could offer a different profile and provide greater protection for the defence.
Their biggest improvements, however, have come in attack. Phili looks capable of becoming the first-choice left winger, while Abrahams should provide quality depth from the bench.
Combined with Mayo’s permanent arrival, Chiefs now appear to have greater attacking depth than Pirates, giving Fernando Da Cruz more options to change games.
Which team has better signings?
Rising Bok star Zach Porthen keen to follow in the footsteps of Wilco Louw
Rising Springbok prop talent Zach Porthen is eager to follow in the footsteps of one of the world’s strongest scrummagers, Wilco Louw, and is excited to get another chance to prove his worth against Argentina in Buenos Aires this weekend.
Porthen has been named on the bench for the one-off Test, and will make his third second half cameo of the season, after coming off the bench against England and Scotland in July, while it will also be his sixth Bok cap, after making his debut in November last year.
The 22-year-old Porthen has enjoyed a stunning rise in the Bok system, despite him not being a regular at his franchise, the Stormers, but has fast become a dependable squad player for coach Rassie Erasmus. He can feature on either side of the scrum, although is primarily a tighthead.
“Wilco is someone I honestly look up to. I think he’s such a powerhouse, strong athlete; the way he scrums is just mesmerising,” said Porthen.
“I don’t think I’m quite there yet, to be completely honest with you, but there are aspects in Wilco’s game that I do want to achieve. I don’t know how long it’s going to take (to get to that level), but I want to be able to scrum the way he does.
“I want to be able to take contact the way he does and do these things with a mature sense of rugby IQ and all that. I’m hoping I get there in due time, but yeah, we’ll see how it goes.”
International step-up
Porthen, who captained the Junior Springboks back in 2024, admitted that the step up to international rugby was massive, and that he needed to put in the work and continue improving to keep himself in the system.
“Playing junior rugby is one thing, but it is obviously a massive step up to international rugby, so you are always trying to better every aspect of your game,” explained Porthen.
“Before every training session, I put my head on one or two things. I’ll say today I want to get better at this and that, and I try to be consistent to improve in every single training session.
“The biggest place where I want to get my foot in the ground is at scrum time. So I’m just hoping I can enforce a bit there and just keep improving day in and day out at scrum time.”
Looking ahead to the game against Argentina, who are known as a strong scrumming side, Porthen said he was more focused on doing his job than on what he expected from them.
“I haven’t thought too much about their reputation specifically. I take every game as the main job. I keep the main thing the main thing. Every week presents a different challenge, and this is simply the obstacle we have to overcome this week,” said Porthen.
Kick off in Buenos Aires on Saturday is 9pm.