Episodes
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When Lyle Foster was released by Orlando Pirates to Monaco in 2019, not many would have predicted the path he traveled. The 22-year-old made a few appearances for the french outfit before being sent out on loan to Cercle Brugge. From there, Foster bounced around Europe until he settled in Belgium where he starred for Westerloo. Foster was showing the world what he was capable of and all of the hard work paid off when Burnley FC broke the bank to acquire the striker's signature. Burnley was on the verge of promotion to the English Premier League, but nothing was certain. Foster help Vincent Kompany's men to promotion and from the 2023/24 EPL season, South Africa will be represented in England once again.
The fact that Foster will be the only South African in the league poses a dark question; why will he be the only South African to feature in the EPL? Many experts in South Africa suggest that we have more than enough talent and Mzansi tends to agree. So where is it all going wrong? Thomas 'TK' Kwenaite suggests that local clubs are receiving interest from Europe, but then exorbitant price tags get discussed which in succession, turn the European clubs away; ultimately ruining a chance of a lifetime for these talented players.
On the latest episode of the Big Interview, Thomas Kwenaite discuss Lyle Foster's move to Burnely and the club's promotion to Englands top flight With Sean Roberts. The gents discuss the troubling fact of a lack of local talent in European football leagues. Soccer Laduma Radio -
Grant Margeman is very quickly becoming a household name in the PSL where he is currently on loan at Supersport United. Grant began his career at Ajax Cape Town where he found his footing in South African football. After a few years in the Mother City, DStv Premiership giants, Mamelodi Sundowns came knocking and signed the Cape Town-born player. Grant has been on loan for years, where he has grown into a deadly midfielder, with credible dribbling and an eye for defence-splitting passing. His current loan deal with Matsanatsana is on a 1-year deal, with an option to extend for an extra 12 months, should Supersport want to keep the player. Margeman is at the point in his career where game time is a top priority and acquiring minutes is a must. He is a regular starter under Gavin Hunt and his performances have backed this up.
Grant was a part of Mamelodi Sundowns' 2020/21 PSL winning team and even though he tasted DStv victory, he states that a part of him wishes he was able to contribute more. Grant speaks further on Mamelodi Sundowns and explains that because of the structure at the club and the way everything is run, their dominance, squad depth, and talent pool are big reasons for Masandawana's dominance in recent years.
On the latest episode of the Big Interview, Supersport United midfielder Grant Margeman talks about his journey in football thus far. Grant discusses Sundowns' dominance in recent years and explains what he thinks is needed to bring the PSL onto an even Playing field. The 24-year-old sheds some light on the current state of the PSL and provides ideas for clubs to incentivise fans to attend matches. Soccer Laduma Radio -
Episodes manquant?
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VAR has been implemented in leagues around the world and a love-hate relationship has sprouted. The footballing world is split, with many suggesting that the VAR is killing the game whilst the other half argues that introducing technology will only better the game. Even though CAR is indeed technology, it is run by humans which in turn, brings with it human error. 'Schoolboy' mistakes are still being made with much to learn from.
Morocco is one of the only African countries with VAR in their local leagues and so far, it seems to be going according to plan. This now poses the question, of how and when will SAFA and the PSL come to terms with each other and agree on implementing VAR in the PSL. We have seen some shocking decisions being made in recent weeks, goals being ruled offside and cards not being shown. This is a worry to the side of the footballing world who suggests that VAR will only better the quality of officiating.
On the latest episode of the Big Interview, renowned football journalist Thomas 'TK' Kwenaite sits down with Sean Roberts to discuss the pros and cons of the implementation of VAR in the PSL. The gents discuss the standard of officiating in South Africa and what needs to be done to rectify this ongoing issue. Soccer Laduma Radio -
What could be called a little know fact, is that there are over 100 players, globally who are eligible to repent Bafana Bafana from the youth level to the first team. These players range forage 9 ups until the early twenties. Many are playing for the best youth academies around the world such as Liverpool, Manchester City, Ajax Amsterdam, and many more. The question still remains, why does SAFA still not pay attention to these players?
These youngsters that are captaining sides abroad, are immensely talented, yet they seem to be overlooked and not recognized, how can this be changed? According to player monitor Prince Sobayeni, the best way forward is to have scouts and player monitors pay attention to these players abroad. They need to pay close attention and even go and watch the games - these monitors should be based abroad. Prince also suggests that Bafana Bafana and SAFA should set up academies to utilize the growth already applied by the foreign-based clubs.
On the latest episode of the Big Interview, player monitor and analyst Prince Sobayeni discusses his views on South African footballs playing abroad and how they could be included in SAFA and the Bafana setup. Soccer Laduma Radio -
Pitso Mosimane is no stranger to challenges and it seems as if Jingles is facing his biggest challenge yet. The serial winner has joined Al Ahli Saudi FC and has recently been relegated from the Saudi Pro League, and the club hopes to be promoted. Al Ahli Saudi FC has lost plenty of finances after being relegated and has splashed the cash on Jingles. People may have questioned this move from Pitso's point of view, and according to football journalist Thomas 'TK' Kewnaite; Coach Pitso knows what he is doing. Pitso is an incredibly intelligent coach and we must back him fully.
The PSL Transfer window has been closed for a few days and the last-minute signings have made their debuts. Both former Mamelodi Sundowns Goalie Sean Roberts and SA footballing journalist Thomas Kwenatie give their two-sense on the latest and the greatest of these transfers. TK gives his top five transfers.
The gents also dive into the first leg round of the MTN8 semi-finals which saw some surprising results. 'It was shocking how Sundowns didn't manage a shot on target, but take nothing away from Pirates and how they played against Masandawana - TK. Chiefs could've won the game but they also could've lost the game and it is evident that Amakhosi arent where they want to be just yet. Soccer Laduma Radio -
Mihlali Mayambela started his international journey in 2016 when he signed for Swedish first division club DjurgÄrdens IF Fotboll. At the time, Mihlali was only 20 years old and had left Cape Town All stars to take the world by the horns. Since his first transfer abroad, he has played for clubs in Portugal, Israel, and now his current club, Aris Limassol in Cyprus.
The midfielder takes us on a journey through his career, explaining the different cultural norms, and football styles the respective countries have and explains the challenges of adjusting!
Mihlali gets asked about which players he looked up to as a young baller, and although his answer may not be that surprising, the reasoning behind choosing this player will astound you! âThe impact he had was different to others, I can compare him to prime Neymar,â says the 26-year-old
Speaking on the latest episode of the Big Interview, Aris Limassol FC playmaker Mihlali Mayamebela gives an insight into life abroad, and the struggles heâs had to overcome and compares a PSL legend to prime Neymar! Soccer Laduma Radio -
Lucky Lekgwathi is most definitely a household name in the PSL and the former Orlando Pirates captain has joined the SL podcastâs Big Interview to discuss his career. Lucky begins his story by explaining how he started playing football âWhen I was 8 years old I went with my Uncle to the local pitch.â Lucky then goes on to explain how his professional career got underway, without signing into an academy. From the early day, Lucky was always a hard worker with immense determination. This is how he managed to sign his first contract with the Buccaneers. âWe arrived in Soweto and the chairman gave me money to stay in a hotel, we took shifts watching the car because you know..â Lucky received a 3-year contract, which eventually turned into 12 years. He took over the captain's armband and Lekgwathi captained Pirates to two treble-winning seasons, thus making him the most decorated Bucs captain.
On the latest episode of The Big Interview, former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi tells tales of his captaincy at Orlando Pirates and how he was questioned by other players when he first signed for the Buccaneers. Lucky explains the differences between the team he captained and the current Pirates team. Soccer Laduma Radio -
Morena Ramoreboli very quickly became a household name in 2021 when he led Bafana Bafana to their 5th COSAFA Cup victory, after stepping in as caretaker coach when Helman Mkhalele contracted the coronavirus. However Coach Morena didn't only make a name for himself then, he âfirst emergedâ onto the scene in 2013, when he led Maluti FET College to victory over Orlando Pirates in the 2012/13 Nedbank Cup.
Coach Morena joins the SL Podcast for the latest edition of the Big Interview to tell tales of his career, right from where it all started. âI watched my late brothers coach and that inspired meâ Morena continues by saying âI never played professional football, so I had to choose, either continue playing or become a coach.â âI then headed to Bloemfontein where everything started to fall into place.â After joining Bafana and winning the COSAFA Cup, Ramoreboli headed to Botswana where he joined Jwaneng Galaxy FC as head coach and led them to their first-ever CAF Champions League group qualification.
On the latest episode of the Big Interview, former Bafana Bafana coach Morena Ramoreboli tells tales of his career, from beating Orlando Pirates, to winning the 2021 COSAFA Cup. Coach also explains his current and future goals in Botswana! Soccer Laduma Radio -
In this Big Interview with Clayton Daniels, the 37-year-old speaks about how his career has gone 360 having now recently signed for Cape Town Spurs (formally Ajax Cape Town). Daniels started his professional career with Ajax Cape Town where he was offered his PSL debut and managed to score his first PSL goal in only his second game! Clayton explains the emotion behind making his PSL debut and what it meant to him personally. Since rejoicing with the Mother City, Clayton is making it a goal of his to inspire the younger generation by showing them that anything is possible. âI am so grateful to be where I am considering the circumstances I grew up with,â says Daniels on the SL Podcast. Another goal Daniels is setting for himself is to help Cape Town Spurs challenge for promotion!
Daniels played a good chunk of his career under Pitso Mosimane at Mamelodi Sundowns when he joined Masanadawana in 2011. Daniels was then able to listen to Jingles himself and get first-hand experience working under one of the best coaches on the continent. âPitso is local and knows the culture of South African Football, his analyzing style separates him from other coaches.â Daniels goes on to say that Pitso has gained invaluable experience coaching internationally (Al Ahly) and now he has more knowledge. âPitso has opened the door for other coaches.â
On the latest episode of the Big Interview, PSL legend Clayton Daniels tells tales of his career right from the very beginning, all the way to the present day since joining Cape Town Spurs. Daniels tells us what it was like to work under Pitso and explains what makes Pitso different from other coaches! Soccer Laduma Radio -
Kaizer Chiefs have been hitting the news headlines in recent weeks, for a few different reasons; but all relating to a possible rebuild after a few disappointing seasons. It all started with Arthur Zwane being appointed as permanent coach and Dillon Sheppard being assistant. Then the mass exodus came along which saw chiefs get rid of a whopping eleven players, opening up squad space for new recruits. So far the transfer window has treated the Glamour Boys well after Dillon Solomons was announced as a Chiefs player; the 5th new player to the team. Zwane is a big talking point and high hopes have been placed on the former Chiefs player because he knows the culture and what is expected of players and Dillon Sheppard isnât far behind.
AmaZulu have been in the transfer news as well after announcing a few massive signings. Gabadinho Mhango from Pirates and Zuma from Chiefs to name a few, to put it bluntly, AmaZulu means business this year!
Transfer Business and Financial status are all the talk as former Mamelodi Sundowns and Ajax Cape Town goalie Sean Roberts sits down with Thomas âTKâ Kwenaite to discuss all of the latest transfers and which players are set to leave their mark on the league. Questions about the financial implications get answered and disputes are made; Should there be any form of financial fair play in South Africa? Soccer Laduma Radio -
During the course of the last 10 days, close to 50 players in the PSL have been released by their clubs which opens up plenty of space in these organisations for new signings. Amazulu have announced that 15 players wonât be continuing with Usuthu and the Glamour Boys have chosen to release players and not renew contracts. These are only two of the many clubs that have taken a similar decision rendering these players jobless and in many cases, hopeless. Where will these players go and how will they support their families if they cannot find a team? These are the hard questions that need answers.
Speaking on the SL Podcastâs The Big Issue, Thomas Kwenaite mentions that this number could increase to over 100 players if something isnât done. This matter goes deeper than what is currently portrayed on the surface; how does all of this affect the mental health of the players and even their families? What about the livelihoods of the people who rely on these players to bring home the bacon? This leaves a sour taste in many peoplesâ mouths
In the latest episode of the Big Issue, former PSL star Sean Roberts explains what he went through as a player and how making a stable switch from career to post-career is so important. Thomas âTKâ Kwenaite asks hard questions about the PSL and the clubs. Soccer Laduma Radio -
Former Bafana Bafana captain Aaron âMbazoâ Mokoena joins the SL Podcast for the latest episode of the Big Interview. Being the most capped Bafana Bafana player is no easy task and Mbazo goes on to explain how he managed to accomplish that feat. He tells tales of what it was like to take over the captaincy armband from Bafana Bafana legend Lucas Radebe and what he spoke to Lucas about! Mbazo starts by explaining how European leagues and clubs have a higher level/standard of professionalism than South African teams.
The 41-year-old answers telling questions about why local representation in Europe is so weak compared to when he was there. He says âMy generation, Fish, Radebe, and the late Philemon Masinga, mentally we were strong. This generation isnât and they are lost.â Mbazo also says that right now, âlooking at the current crop of players, nobody is good enough to play for clubs, like Ajax or Blackburn, the clubs I played for.â
In the latest episode of The Big Interview, former Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena discusses his life's journey from the day he left the country. The Axe explains the difference between development structures in South Africa compared to that in Europe. Mbazo describes the opening match of the 2010 Fifa World Cup and why he chose not to celebrate after Siphiwe Tshabalala's incredible goal. Soccer Laduma Radio -
Dino Ndlovu is no small name in South African football and neither is the strikerâs story. The 32-year-old forward joins the SL Podcast to share his career story, starting right where it all began. Dino tells stories about how he and his first agent joined forces against his club's ruling and how that club allegedly wanted to confiscate his passport. Dino shares his opinion on the current state of affairs in the Bafana Bafana camp. Dino poses the question âare the people running Bafana Bafana the right people?â He also suggests that the legends of the game, such as Benni McCarthy and Doctor Khumalo, should be given a role to play.
Dino shares personal experiences that he has endured throughout his career, providing never heard before information as to what has been the biggest struggle heâs had during the course of him playing his football overseas. âthe hardest part of being a professional athlete, is that you cannot be yourself, you have to live according to how people portray youâ Dino continues by saying âLuckily that was only during the early stages of my career.â
Later in the show, Dino gives an insight as to how and why Mamelodi Sundowns rose to power, stating that it didnât happen overnight. Risk and investment had to be taken and now the rewards are being reaped by the Brazilians.
In the latest episode of The Big Interview, Dino Ndlovu shares his story of his career, starting right at the very beginning. Dino also provides his opinion on the current state of affairs in the Bafana camp, the management that goes along with it, and how Mamelodi Sundowns rose to the top. Dino also shares personal stories about the struggles he has faced over his years of playing abroad. Soccer Laduma Radio -
It is every young footballerâs dream to make it big in Europe and all it takes is one opportunity; thatâs exactly what came the way of 21-year-old Kaylen Henwood. The Eswatini-born youngster has recently made his way to Italy thanks to the fine work of Socca Dream. Henwood is set to trial for Serie D clubs Seravezza Pozzi Calcio and US Massese 1919. Speaking on the SL podcast, Henwood says that this has been his lifelong dream since he was six years old.
Henwood started off playing soccer on the wing, with the option to play as a striker and as he developed and matured as a player, he shifted into a holding midfielder, having the ability to control the game with his accurate passing and laser-like vision. Kaylen has been training in the meantime to keep fit before his trials commence in a few weeks.
On the latest episode of the Big Interview, Eswatini-born youngster Kaylen Henwood joins the SL Podcast to discuss the trials he is set to have for Italian clubs Seravezza Pozzi Calcio and US Massese 1919. Kaylen speaks about how this opportunity is once in a lifetime. Soccer Laduma Radio -
Towards the end of February 2022, Vladimir Putin and his Russian armed forces began their invasion of the bordering country Ukraine, starting the biggest European state on state conflict since World War 2. This has taken the world by complete shock, causing sanctions and a severe sense of condemnation from all angels. It goes without saying that humanitarian issues are extremely important, however on the latest episode of the SL Podcast, we wanted to look into the effects this war has on football around the world. Throughout the last 10 days, news circulating this issue has been rife, with current (soon to be former) owner of Chelsea Football Club, Roman Abramovich set to sell the club after rumours emerged of the Russian having ties with Putin himself. Although the 55-year-old businessman is denying a few of these claims, he is stepping down âin the best interest of the club and fans.â
Another big talking point is that not only Ukrainian civilians, but also high profile celebrities have taken up arms to fight for their country and unfortunately many have lost their lives, including 2 professional footballers; The names of the two players who passed away are Vitalii Sapylo and Dmytro Martynenko. While the latter represented Karpaty Lviv's youth team, Martynenko played for FC Gostomel. Thousands of other sportsmen and footballers are taking a no-nonsense stand towards Vladimir Putin and clubs all around the world are joining forces in a band of unity to boycott, sanction, and condemn Russia in every way possible
On the latest episode of the SL Podcastâs Big Issue, former Mamelodi Sundowns and Ajax Cape Town goalie Sean Roberts sits down with international football expert Kurt Buckerfied to discuss how Ukraine being invaded by Russia has affected world football. The gents discuss the upcoming sale of Chelsea FC, what clubs have done to their Ukrainian stars and how the world has reacted to this monstrosity. Soccer Laduma Radio -
Having spent a decade representing clubs in the top flight of South African football, season veteran Ruzaigh Gamildien joins the SL Podcastâs Big Interview to discuss his career right from the beginning in 2010. Gamildien tells us his story from how he first fell in love with the beautiful game, to finding an agent to making his PSL Debut. The Swallows FC talisman takes the SL Podcast on a journey through his mind; he lets us know how he managed to stay in the top flight and constantly perform for close to 10 years. Ruzaigh also answers a few burning questions relating to the current DStv Premiership season and how league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns can be beaten. The 32-year-old also breaks down the changes that newly appointed Swallows coach Dylan Kerr has implemented.
On the latest episode of the Big Interview, Swallows FC and PSL Veteran striker Ruzaigh Gamildien joins the SL Podcast to discuss how his career started, to present, to his goals for the future. The 32-year-old gives his insight on how Dylan Kerr is changing things up at the club and the striker also explains that Mamelodi Sundowns can be beaten! Soccer Laduma Radio -
Following Part 1 of the Big Interview with the CEO and Director of Socca Dream, Aris and Sduduzo reunited with the SL Podcast team to dig deeper into the reasoning behind Bafana Bafanaâs failure Internationally. It goes without saying the once novel Corona-Virus has affected teams and players around the continent as our beloved stadiums have sat âfan-less for 20 months [and counting]. When asked about it, CEO of Socca Dream, Aris Albetti says âwe need to develop a better relationship with the fans.â Aris Continues by saying ââWe always speak about the team, players, and coaches, we need to re-establish a connection with the fans. The team plays on their own without the fans, we need to support the team more.â Ultimately, the relationship between the fans, local clubs, the football federations, and Bafana Bafana needs to be greater. Director of Socca Dream, Sduduzo Masuku says âthere hasnât been an effective way that the fans, local clubs, federations and Bafafa Bafana have worked together.â
In part 2 of the Big Interview with Socca Dream, Aris Albetti discusses what Socca Dream philosophies could be used beneficially by Bafana Bafana and SAFA. Sduduzo (and Aris) speak about the best way that Bafana Bafanaâs performances could be improved. Soccer Laduma Radio -
With SAFA disputing Bafana Bafanaâs loss to Ghana earlier this month, questions are being asked about the team and why they are failing on the International stage. Although it does seem as though the referee played a major role in the failed qualification, why is it going to come down to a potential replay for Bafana Bafana to progress to the next round of qualifiers? International footballing scouting agency Socca Dream joins the SL Podcast to discuss the dynamics around Bafana and why they are failing on the International stage. CEO, Aris Albetti says âThe talent is there, the skills are there, you wonât find raw talent anywhere else in the world, but something is always missing.â Aris also gets asked about why, as the years go by, fewer and fewer South Africans âmake itâ in Europe and actually make the cut. He gets asked about who currently playing in the DStv Premiership is good enough to play in Europe.
On the latest episode of the Big Interview, CEO, Aris Albetti and Director Sduduzo Masuku from Socca Dream joins the SL Podcast to answer the telling questions about the local and international game we all love. Sduduzo talks about the âscouting processâ that Socca Dream follows, to allow young talent to head off overseas to follow a career in football. Soccer Laduma Radio -
A former Orlando Pirates striker has reportedly lost all of his assets to his wife, who has also kicked him out of their home. This has come as a shock to the footballing world as we see yet another PSL player, not having the basic financial education needed to live life, post-career. This seems to be an ongoing trend that decimates players left, right, and center, leading them down dark paths which, as weâve seen, is detrimental to their livelihoods. Former Ajax Cape Town and Mamelodi Sundowns goalie, Sean Roberts has been speaking about this issue for years, being an advocate for the PSL to offer financial education and structure to the players. As a former player, Roberts was fortunate enough to receive this education, allowing him to pass on his knowledge to other players with a business he started that is similar to those in Europe which allows players to put a certain percentage of their monthly salary into a fund that can only be accessed after retirement. This ultimately means that once a player has retired, they will still be able to be financially stable, just as they were when playing. Thomas Kewnaite brought up the following question: âWhat forces players to live flashy lives during their careers?â Roberts replied with âpeer pressure, misinformation and ultimately, a lack of educationâ
On the latest episode of The Big Interview With Thomas Kwenaite, TK sits down with former Ajax Cape Town and Mamelodi Sundowns goalie, Sean Roberts to discuss the background of why players live like paupers post their career. The hard questions that need to be asked, get answered. Sound advice is given and evidently, something needs to change to prevent this painful trend from continuing. Soccer Laduma Radio -
The newest member of the Soccer Laduma team, Thomas Kwenaite joins the SL Podcastâs most analytic showcase, The Big Interview. TK is joined by former Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Bafana Bafana legend, Teko âThe Generalâ Modise to discuss his latest ambassadorial role. Teko reveals that his new position was going to be announced over a year ago, but due to the passing of former Sundowns player Motjeka Madisha, that announcement was delayed out of respect.
TK asks Teko to break down what it means to rejoin his former club and what roles are there to be played as an ambassador. Teko goes on to say that âAmbassadorial roles are fairly new in South Africa and we are wanting to open new doors with a Sundowns Series to explain the untold stories of this club.â Another eye-catching question asked by TK was about the youth talent in this country, more specifically, why Teko was only scouted for the PSL when he was 24 years old. The General goes on to open up with never-heard-before information regarding his circumstances of âmaking it' in the PSL and why it never happened sooner. âI have never told anyone thisâ says Teko before explaining.
Later in the show, TK gets Tekoâs opinion on Bafana Bafanaâs chances against Ethiopia and breaks down the upcoming fixtures and what Bafana needs to do to gain maximum points against Ethiopia in the back-to-back clashes. Soccer Laduma Radio - Montre plus
