Orlando Pirates news: Mofokeng, Mokoena, Mabizela, Mbokazi
Today’s Orlando Pirates news wrap involves Rele Mofokeng rumours, a milestone for Mbekezeli Mbokazi and a walk down memory lane. Clubs around the globe continue to watch Mofokeng’s stunning rise. Meanwhile, speaking of stunning rises, Mbokazi turns 20 today. Mbokazi is a future Orlando Pirates and Bafana legend 5 March 2025 might go down as a big day in the history of the club. 19-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi made his Orlando Pirates debut, and we might look back on that as a huge watershed moment. Fast-forward to 2025-2026, and the man who turns 20 today is captaining Orlando Pirates in the absence of Nkosinathi Sibisi. He’s earned another big gong. He’s also already clocked up 28 matches for the Sea Robbers, including some clutch goals and assists. Mbekezeli Mbokazi skippers Pirates in Nkosinathi Sibisi’s absence. Image: Goal Remember Mbulelo Mabizela? Mbulelo ‘Oldjohn’ Mabizela was a cultured, sublimely gifted central defender who never really fulfilled his immense potential as a footballer. 45 caps for Bafana Bafana isn’t an awful tally, but it could have been more. He only won a solitary piece of major silverware, the Norwegian title with Valerenga in 2005. And yet, we all remember his playing career so fondly because football fans know good players when they see them. He always courted controversy, but that’s not what discussions around Mbulelo Mabizela always have to cover. Click for the full breakdown Mokoena signs pro terms with Pirates Mohau Nkota has left Orlando Pirates and headed to Saudi Arabia. That means there’s space in the first team for a youngster to step up. Could Neo Mokoena be that man? Click for the story Where does Mofokeng’s future lie after Orlando Pirates? Relebohile Mofokeng was a standout performer last season. However, the 20-year-old has so far battled to replicate that form in 2025-2025 after the departure of Mohau Nkota and persistent rumours linking Mofokeng with an exit. When will Pirates cash in on their prized asset?
Erling Haaland ruins Kevin De Bruyne’s homecoming to show how Man City have changed
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more It started out as a nostalgic night for Manchester City but they could afford to celebrate their past. They were not harmed by it as their present and future dominated instead. Kevin De Bruyne’s return to the Etihad Stadium was an anticlimactic affair, cruelly curtailed. When Erling Haaland enveloped his old sidekick in a hug during his lap of honour, perhaps it was accompanied by an apology. Haaland was indirectly responsible for De Bruyne’s departure, his pace and power meaning the midfielder was sacrificed. While Napoli had signed City’s greatest ever player, they could trace their defeat to the man Pep Guardiola believes could become the Champions League’s record scorer. And records tend to follow Haaland. His eighth goal in five games – including five for Norway – earned him a slice of Champions League history. He became the fastest player to 50 goals in the competition, taking just 49 games. “What can I say? The numbers speak for themselves,” said Guardiola. open image in gallery Erling Haaland flicked home his 50th Champions League goal – becoming the fastest man in history to the milestone (Action Images via Reuters) “Just to congratulate him, because he’s alongside goalscorers like [Ruud] van Nistelrooy, [Robert] Lewandowski, but especially the two monsters Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi. For Erling to be there is unbelievable.” Indeed, Van Nistelrooy lost his record, Haaland reaching a half-century in 13 fewer appearances. Four days after a Manchester derby, City beat an earlier generation of United player. Nor, indeed, could more recent exiles from United damage them. This was not a night for Rasmus Hojlund or Scott McTominay, just as the Belgian to score was Jeremy Doku, not De Bruyne. What could have been a hazardous week for City has instead progressed swimmingly. De Bruyne, who only lasted 26 minutes before being hooked as Antonio Conte desperately shuffled his pack following the red card, was not the only departure. Pep Guardiola was able to remove first Rodri then Haaland and rest them ahead of Sunday’s trip to Arsenal. It was, though, all the consequence of the first man to leave the field. Which, in turn, reflected the way that Haaland can appear unstoppable, by legitimate means anyway, when isolated one against one. Napoli had started off looking organised and purposeful. When Giovanni Di Lorenzo was sent off for upending Haaland, however, a potentially even affair became an attack-against-defence exercise. “They were a nightmare team to break down,” said Phil Foden. But Haaland found a way, scoring with City’s 21st shot. A side who are seeking to make amends for last season made the right sort of start. open image in gallery Haaland was scythed down by Napoli skipper Giovanni Di Lorenzo, who was duly sent off (Getty Images) City began their ill-fated Champions League campaign last year with a 0-0 draw against the champions of Italy, Internazionale. A repeat felt feasible during the Napoli resistance. Haaland had other ideas. Whereas, 12 months ago, City dropped two points and few realised how much it would imperil them , now they go into consecutive away European matches with the cushion of three points. Napoli can at least console themselves with the thought they seem to have a strangely easy fixture list. But Scudetto winners and Serie A leaders were shaping up well before a sliding Di Lorenzo sent Haaland tumbling, albeit while maybe getting a faint touch on the ball. The Norwegian brandished an imaginary card – avoiding getting a caution himself in the process – and got his wish when referee Felix Zwayer reviewed the incident and dismissed the Napoli captain. The City supporters who enjoyed his exit soon faced the consequences. De Bruyne played two Champions League finals for City and each was ended early and in unfortunate fashion. So did his homecoming of sorts. Serenaded by the City faithful before kick-off and when he went off, De Bruyne was substituted so defender Mathias Oliveira could come on. It was an unsentimental decision by Conte; perhaps he figured that, with 10 men, a 34-year-old who has lost some of his running power represented a luxury. “Taking De Bruyne off after 20 minutes, I never thought I would have to do that,” said the Napoli manager. “But it was the only option I could do. I was really, really sorry for him.” open image in gallery Kevin De Bruyne was subbed off after the red card (REUTERS) Then Napoli’s task became survival. City had 15 shots by half-time. “They have the DNA of the Italian teams, they defend very well,” said Guardiola. They enjoyed it. Matteo Politano celebrated diverting Tijjani Reijnders’ effort into Vanja Milinkovic-Savic’s hands. The giant Serb, released by United a decade ago, was the reason parity was preserved for so long. He made a fine save from Rodri and still better ones to claw away Nico O’Reilly’s header and deny Josko Gvardiol. “Milinkovic-Savic was extraordinary,” said Guardiola. But part of Haaland’s appeal lies in his penalty-box prowess against packed defences. When the excellent Phil Foden scooped the
Why Belgian sides Club Brugge and Union Saint-Gilloise are on the rise
The 2025-26 Champions League has just begun and the two Belgium teams in the competition have already made their mark. On Tuesday, Union Saint-Gilloise enjoyed a dream Champions League debut as they stunned PSV Eindhoven with a 3-1 away win. A youthful Club Brugge side then grabbed a commanding 4-1 victory over Monaco on Thursday – scoring three goals in the space of 10 first-half minutes to set them on their way. The two Belgian sides have had recent resurgences. Club Brugge have raced up Uefa’s club coefficient rankings over the past five seasons – going from 44th to 20th. Union have made an even bigger jump, rising 38 places to 45th as they have reaped the benefits of a 2018 takeover by Brighton chairman Tony Bloom. As recently as four years ago, Union were playing in the Belgian second tier. They then narrowly missed out on the Pro League title for three years running, but last term they won the trophy for the first time in 90 years to guarantee Champions League football. Club Brugge, meanwhile, have proved they are not to be underestimated on Europe’s biggest stage. Last season they beat both Aston Villa and Sporting, and drew against Juventus and Celtic in the league phase before their campaign came to an end when they fell to Villa in the last 16. And the club – European Cup runners-up in 1978 – came agonisingly close to reaching the Europa Conference League final in 2024 when they were narrowly beaten by Fiorentina in the semis. Already this season, Club Brugge have beaten Red Bull Salzburg and thrashed Rangers 9-1 over two qualifying legs to reach the Champions League proper. Their success has helped Belgian football, moving the association up to eighth in Europe in Uefa’s co-efficient rankings after dropping to 13th just a couple of seasons ago. Over the past 10 seasons, six Belgian clubs have reached the knockout rounds of a European competition on at least one occasion – the same as their neighbours the Netherlands.
Flying Fijians name lineup for PNC final – FBC News
source: Fiji Rugby/ Facebook The Fiji Water Flying Fijians have named a strong side to face Japan in the Pacific Nations Cup final this weekend in Utah. Captain Tevita Ikanivere will once again lead from hooker, packing down with props Eroni Mawi and Mesake Doge in the front row. In the second row, Mesake Vocevoce partners with Isoa Nasilasila, while the back row remains unchanged with Etonia Waqa at blindside, Elia Canakaivata on the openside and Viliame Mata at number eight. Article continues after advertisement Simione Kuruvoli retains the halfback role, combining with Caleb Muntz at fly-half. In the midfield, Inia Tabuavou starts at inside centre alongside Kalaveti Ravouvou, who shifts from the wing. The back three sees Taniela Rakuro on the left wing, Nasova on the right, and Ponipate Loganimasi at fullback. On the bench, Zuriel Togiatama, Haereiti Hetet and Samu Tawake cover the front row, with Temo Mayanavanua and Kitione Salawa providing forward depth. Sam Wye, Kemu Valetini and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula will cover the backs. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
WXV Global Series: Women’s home nations gain control of autumn games
England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales have gained control of their autumn fixtures as part of World Rugby’s alterations to the women’s global calendar. The new WXV Global Series, which will replace the WXV competition, will run from 2026-2028 and feature the top 12 teams in the world. Seeking to build on the success of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, national federations and unions will be able to choose their own home and away games in September and October. Alongside each of the home nations, Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States qualify as the top 12 sides. Those 12 nations are locked in to the WXV Global Series until the next Rugby World Cup in 2029. Each side will receive the same amount of money from World Rugby to compete in the fixtures no matter how many Tests they choose to play. Fixtures will be announced by each nation after the World Cup. “This is really important in the context of [breakaway league] R360 and other competitions that are being discussed as we need to give the national federations, players and fans certainty,” World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin said. “This allows that certainty over a four-year cycle that allows the national federations and unions to go and have those conversations [on contracts] with the player groups. It is a really important milestone.” Teams ranked 13-18, who World Rugby describe as facing greater “financial challenges”, will play their fixtures in a single destination in 2026 and 2028, funded by the global governing body. Those teams are Brazil, Fiji, Hong Kong China, the Netherlands, Samoa and Spain. This means WXV – a three-tier competition introduced in 2023 to supply more meaningful games before the World Cup – will no longer run. BBC Sport understands the top 12 sides will play between 9-16 Tests in a calendar year, outside of World Cup years, with a maximum of six Tests. The total of games will include fixtures played by home nations in 2027 when they also provide players for the first British and Irish Lions women’s tour to New Zealand. World Rugby says there will be over 100 games across the three-year Global Series competition and £9m will be invested, which is hoped will build on the World Cup in England that has seen record viewing figures and the final at Twickenham on 27 September sold out. “The launch of the WXV Global Series marks another landmark moment for the women’s game, following what will be an era-defining Women’s Rugby World Cup in England,” World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson added. “It delivers on our commitment to raise standards, provide consistent and competitive fixtures, a clear international calendar that prioritises welfare, and create sustainable commercial outcomes for the women’s game globally.” In 2023, World Rugby announced a new men’s competition starting in 2026 made up of 24 teams, split into two divisions.
Kadavu seal quarterfinal spot with win – FBC News
Kadavu has secured a spot in the Vodafone Vanua Trophy quarterfinals with one round still to play, following a 22–13 win over the Northern Bulls in yesterday’s Round 2 clash. The team recorded back-to-back victories, with head coach Josevata Bola praising the players’ determination while acknowledging areas for improvement. “First, we want to thank God for the win today. We still have a lot of weaknesses, especially in the first and second half, so we tried to rotate all our players. For today’s game, we just targeted the win.” Article continues after advertisement Bola says the focus now is on refining discipline and improving execution ahead of their final pool match and the knockout stages. “We will be working on our weaknesses, which we saw in this game, and prepare well for the quarterfinal.” Kadavu will complete their pool campaign next week before turning their attention to the knockout phase. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Man City v Napoli live: Champions League team news, line-ups and more tonight
Man City 0-0 Napoli, 14 mins Incidentally, De Bruyne’s first 10 minutes back at the Etihad saw him have four touches, makes three passes and complete them all for 100 per cent pass accuracy. Make of that what you will (AP) Luke Baker18 September 2025 20:15 Man City 0-0 Napoli, 12 mins Spinazzola twists and turns his way past Khusanov but the Man City right-back recovers to lunge and block the cross. That was a good battle. The ball does eventually go into the box and falls to Anguissa but City scramble away Luke Baker18 September 2025 20:13 SAVE! Man City 0-0 Napoli, 9 mins City work the ball down the left, it’s fed inside to Reijnders and he thunders a shot at goal that is well tipped over by Milinkovic-Savic. Decent save. Foden’s corner then goes all the way through to Doku at the back post, who looks surprised that it’s come to him. He takes a touch but a defender get across and the ball is blocked. Promising for City though Luke Baker18 September 2025 20:11 Man City 0-0 Napoli – Kevin De Bruyne back at the Etihad De Bruyne welcomed back to the Etihad (Action Images via Reuters) (AFP via Getty Images) (Getty Images) Luke Baker18 September 2025 20:09 Man City 0-0 Napoli, 4 mins Gvardiol strides forward and slips Reijnders into the channel. Eventually the ball falls to Dias 35 yards out and he lashes a shot vaguely towards goal but it’s a long way wide. Dias hasn’t scored since 2022 so that was always speculative at best… Luke Baker18 September 2025 20:05 Man City 0-0 Napoli, 3 mins Napoli launch a ball forward to try and get Hojlund running in behind but it’s dealt with by the City defence. The hosts then happy to hold the ball in their own half before Rodri directs traffic and gets them moving forward. Doku fizzes a ball into the box towards Haaland but it’s cleared Luke Baker18 September 2025 20:04 KICK-OFF! Man City 0-0 Napoli And we’re off in Manchester. A big evening at the Etihad Luke Baker18 September 2025 20:02 ‘A familiar sound and a huge banner Our Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly is inside the Etihad Stadium tonight: “A familiar sound at the Etihad, a chant of “Oh, Kevin de Bruyne”. There was a huge banner celebrating “King Kev” too.” Richard Jolly at the Etihad18 September 2025 20:01 Man City v Napoli team news It’s almost kick-off time but a reminder of tonight’s team news first. Man City are unchanged from the weekend’s Manchester derby as Pep Guardiola opts for continuity, while City legend Kevin De Bruyne starts for Napoli as do ex-Man United pair Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund. Man City XI: Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Rodri, Silva, Reijnders; Foden, Haaland, Doku Napoli XI: Milinkovic-Savic; Di Lorenzo, Beukema, Buongiorno, Spinazzola; Lobotka; Politano, Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay; Hojlund Luke Baker18 September 2025 19:58 Joe Hart on Kevin De Bruyne TNT Sports pundit and ex-Man City goalkeeper Joe Hart has been talking about Kevin De Bruyne’s start to life at Napoli and how desperate he’ll be to prove a point against Man City Luke Baker18 September 2025 19:55
Ex-French Ligue 1 coach wants Kaizer Chiefs job
A French coach is reportedly eyeing a job at Kaizer Chiefs FC following the reported exit of Nasreddine Nabi. While the club are yet to confirm the departure of Nabi, the Tunisian himself confirmed he has left the club. Nabi took charge of the Glamour Boys at the beginning of last season, staying in South Africa for just over 13 months. French coach eyeing Kaizer Chiefs job According to the latest reports, French coach Jerome Arpinon is interested in leading the Amakhosi. Arpinon, 47-years-old, is currently unemployed after parting ways with Belgium third division side RE Virton late last year. Previously, he coached French Ligue 1 side Nîmes Olympique back in 2020/21. Nîmes picked up just four wins in 22 matches under him, and were subsequently relegated. “Jerome Arpinon is very interested in the Kaizer Chiefs job. His representatives are finalising things before officially sending his CV to the club,” an insider told Soccer Laduma. “They believe Amakhosi would be a perfect project for him, and he wants to be considered should there be a change in the technical team.” Ben Youssef and Kaze at the wheel Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze are reportedly leading the team for the immediate effect. It remains to be seen whether the duo will be trusted to coach the team going forward or whether a new head coach will indeed be roped in.
Is Man City vs Napoli on TV? Kick-off, channel and how to watch Champions League clash
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Kevin De Bruyne will turn from Manchester City friend to foe as his new side Napoli pay a visit to the Etihad Stadium in their Champions League opener. De Bruyne was pivotal to City’s success when they brought home the continent’s most coveted crown in 2023, beating another Serie A titan in Inter Milan to lift the title in Istanbul. However, the 34-year-old’s glittering decade-long spell in Manchester came to end in the summer when he joined the Italian champions at the end of his contract. Thursday night will mark his first return to his old stomping grounds as league leaders Napoli look to continue their fine form and thwart Pep Guardiola’s side, who have comparatively endured a mixed start to the new campaign. Here’s everything you need to know. When is Manchester City vs Napoli? Manchester City’s league phase clash with Napoli kicks off at 8pm BST on Thursday 18 September at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. How can I watch it? Viewers in the UK can watch the game on TNT Sports 2, with coverage starting at 7pm BST. Subscribers can also watch the game on discovery+. Team news Guardiola has a number of injuries to contend with going into his side’s Champions League opener, with quartet Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Mateo Kovacic all unavailable. Meanwhile, John Stones will be assessed ahead of kick-off as he nurses a minor muscle problem. On the Napoli front, all eyes will be on De Bruyne. He will be expected to start against his former club alongside former Manchester United star Scott McTominay in midfield, who has been a revelation in Serie A. Romelu Lukaku, however, is out with a long-term knee injury, with United loanee Rasmus Hojlund hoping to lead the line. Predicted line-ups Man City XI: Donnarumma; Lewis, Dias, Gvardiol, Ake; Rodri, Rodri; Savinho, Reijnders, Foden, Doku; Haaland Napoli XI: Milinkovic-Savic; Di Lorenzo, Beukema, Buongiorno, Spinazzola; Lobotka; Politano, Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay; Hojlund Odds Man City 8/13 Draw 14/5 Napoli 4/1 The Independent vets betting sites for useability, security and responsible gambling tools. You can claim free bets here to use across a range of sports. Please read the terms.
Doge to challenge proposed sanction – FBC News
file photo Flying Fijians prop, Mesake Doge, will challenge a proposed four-match sanction and may be reduced to three on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme after copping a red card in their Pacific Nations Cup clash against Canada on Monday. An Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) convened to consider the red cards issued to Doge and Samoa’s Tuna Tuitama during their respective PNC matches earlier this week. Doge was issued a red card following a review by the foul play review officer for a dangerous tackle. Article continues after advertisement Samoa’s Tuitama has accepted the proposed sanction of two games from the FPRC, which takes effect immediately. However, Fiji Water Flying Fijians prop Doge has not accepted the proposed sanction from the FPRC, and the matter will now be heard by a Disciplinary Committee tonight. According to World Rugby, in determining foul play, the FPRC found that Doge’s actions were reckless. The Committee found that he made direct head contact with Canada’s number eight, and his actions amounted to a high degree of danger and that no mitigation applied, the red card was therefore upheld. Based on all the evidence before them, the committee decided that the offense warranted the mandatory mid-range entry point of six matches for the offense, which occurs under the Head Contact Process. The committee did not award a full 50 per cent mitigation due to the non-acceptance of foul play by the player, but allowed a reduction of 2 games, resulting in a proposed final sanction of four matches, to be reduced to three on successful completion of the coaching intervention program, should the player wish to apply for it. It was therefore proposed that Doge is suspended for Fiji’s final PNC match against Japan on Sunday and three of his upcoming domestic matches.Doge didn’t accept the proposed sanction, and the matter will now be heard by a Disciplinary Committee tonight. “The Foul Player Review Committee (FPRC), chaired by Brian Conway (Canada), joined by Juan Pablo Spirandelli (Argentina) and Stefan Terblanche (South Africa), reviewed the cases and proposed a three-match sanction for Tuitama (reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme) and a four-match sanction for Doge (reduced to three on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme).” The FPRC has the power to issue a warning, offer the player a proposed sanction based on Appendix 1 of Regulation 17, refer the matter for a full hearing before a Disciplinary Committee, dismiss the red card and/or citings only in the case of mistaken identity. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.