Will Kaizer Chiefs allow on loan due to play against them?
Kaizer Chiefs will to return to league action when they take on Siwelele FC at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday. Chiefs will take on Siwelele in a Betway Premiership clash set for a 19:30 kickoff on their home turf. Chiefs welcome Siwelele in latest clash When Siwelele come to visit the FNB Stadium, they will do so boasting two Chiefs loanees in their ranks. Those being midfielder Samkelo Zwane and left wingback Happy Mashiane. The duo were loaned out to the PSL new boys on deadline day as they were both struggling to crack the Amakhosi matchday squad. Now while other clubs don’t allow their on loan players to play against them, that won’t be the case here. Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze confirmed both Zwane and Mashiane to play. Will Zwane and Mashiane play against them? “Contrary to other clubs who don’t allow their players to play against them, Happy (Mashiane) & Samkelo (Zwane) will play against us on Wednesday. We want to see their progress, that’s why we sent them on loan” – Kaze said on the on-loan Chiefs duo. The Chiefs website had also earlier hinted at the possibility of Mashiane and Zwane playing against them. This along other ex-Glamour Boys who are now part of the Siwelele ranks. “Siwelele will not be taken lightly as they have familiar faces to Amakhosi players and fans alike in their team. The side features former Chiefs forwards Tebogo Potsane and Christian Saile, along with loanees Samkelo Zwane and Happy Mashiane, who bring recent insider knowledge of the Amakhosi setup. The Chiefs coaching team anticipate a competitive encounter and are preparing accordingly.” The club wrote on their website. Thoughts on the decision Amakhosi? That will give Siwelele a big boost, but also Chiefs a chance to see the level of Mashiane and Zwane. Amakhosi fans, what are your thoughts on the decision to let the on-loan duo play? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
Theo Walcott on his shock at Jack Wilshere’s manager decision and why he might be next
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 Jack Wilshere was not destined for management. At least not in the eyes of his former Arsenal teammate Theo Walcott. “To be honest, I never thought Jack would be a manager,” he admits. It’s not an outrageous lack of foresight from a man who first shared a dressing room with Wilshere, three years his junior, when he was just a brazen 16-year-old – albeit one with stratospheric potential. A playing career that whet the appetite but never wholly fulfilled a craving, Wilshere’s emergence was as explosive as his decline felt instant. At 16, he was making his Gunners debut; at 19, he played metronome against arguably the greatest team of all time, Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona; at 26, his Arsenal dream was no more. Injuries proved defining, putting a lid on what he could achieve on the pitch. Walcott, the other Arsenal golden boy of the early 2010s, was there for all of it. The pair shared the limelight as their teenage fantasies played out, earning indispensable status only for both to be shipped out of the club before reaching 30. Walcott’s playing career did live on after Arsenal, racking up over 100 more appearances across spells at Everton and Southampton before his retirement in 2023. Wilshere’s, however, coughed and spluttered to its demise. When he hung up the boots in 2022 following fruitless stints at West Ham, Bournemouth and Danish outfit AGF, the overwhelming sense upon reflection was sadness rather than satisfaction. But Wilshere’s battle scars have not stopped him from staying in the game. His heedful journey into the world of coaching is no accident and after years of toil, it has led him to Kenilworth Road. “He hasn’t just dived into the deep end,” Walcott says of his ex-colleague, now 33 and in charge of Luton Town. “He’s really learned about himself, of what he wants from other people, and not to expect to be right at the top straight away. He really surprised me, but when you look at the work he’s done and in depth, it’s a different Jack Wilshere. I think he’s matured really well.” Wilshere’s first step into coaching saw him take charge of Arsenal Under-18s. He led a squad including Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri to the FA Youth Cup final, a match where he knows all to well from his prospect days. When Wilshere left the U18 job in the summer of 2024, he opted against going straight into management. Instead he took a backroom role as a coach for Norwich City, honing his craft under then Canaries boss Johannes Hoff Thorup as he finished his badges to earn his Uefa Pro License. He was intent on not rushing into managerial role – something he reiterated in his first interview as Luton boss. Walcott agrees that he’s put in his due diligence. “He’ll have that respect element. He’s not going to ask players to do something that he could do because he understands the levels.” open image in gallery Theo Walcott (left) and Jack Wilshere were Arsenal’s golden boys of the early 2010s (Getty) Considering the almighty job he faces, Wilshere cannot afford to be out of his depth. After back-to-back relegations, League One’s Luton are a team in crisis, a far cry from the side that competed in the Premier League just two seasons ago. His first game didn’t go to plan, with the team jeered off after a 2-0 home defeat to Mansfield on Saturday. Walcott says there is no shame in this – something another of his peers would testify to. “It’s a tough league,” he warns. “I saw Tom Cleverley (ex-Man United midfielder and current Plymouth Argyle manager) the other week when I went to go pick up my (England) legacy cap and he was saying, ‘when you’re trying to ask players to do something they can’t quite do, it’s now, right, we need to try and find a different way’. It’s going to open up his eyes. However, he’s got some good people around him. They’ll look after him well.” open image in gallery Wilshere’s first outing as Luton boss ended in defeat (PA) While his start in management comes on a lower rung of the ladder than many of his England counterparts like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney, Walcott thinks Wilshere is just the character Luton need to turn their fortunes around. “He’s really good with people,” he adds. “Because he’s young, a lot of the guys can relate to him. I think that’s really helpful for them. It’s the first games, new things happen and it’s never going to be easy for them. He’ll do well in time.” The renewed purpose of the former midfield maestro has reignited quandaries over Walcott’s own future. He is currently thriving as a pundit but he would be lying if professional coaching hadn’t crossed his mind. “I haven’t ruled it out,” reveals Walcott, whose burgeoning passion steps from managing both of his sons’ respective grassroots teams. “ I would potentially look into more academies,” he adds, insisting the
Tailevu Rugby celebrates Diwali spirit with message of unity – FBC News
[ Source: Tailevu Rugby Football Union / Facebook ] The Standard Concrete Tailevu Rugby Football Union has joined Fijians around the country in celebrating the spirit of Diwali, sharing a message that connects the festival’s meaning with the values of sport and community. Union President Joseph Rodan Snr says the Festival of Lights is a reminder of the strength that comes from unity, teamwork and resilience — qualities that continue to define the Tailevu Rugby family both on and off the field. “On behalf of the Standard Concrete Tailevu Rugby Football Union, I wish all our Hindu brothers and sisters a blessed and joyous Diwali. Your unwavering support and collaboration continue to strengthen the bond that unites our rugby community.” Article continues after advertisement The Union has long worked alongside members of the Hindu community who have contributed to its grassroots programs, player welfare and development initiatives. Rodan adds that as the lights of Diwali shine across Fiji, Tailevu Rugby remains committed to promoting inclusivity and togetherness as outlined in its 2025–2030 Business Plan — one that focuses on building strong community ties and sustainable rugby growth across the province. As celebrations continue, Tailevu Rugby’s Diwali message is simple yet powerful — standing together as one family, one province and one team. The side is currently preparing for the 2025 Skipper Cup semifinals that will be held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva this Saturday. They meet Naitasiri at 3pm and you can catch the LIVE action on FBC chanels. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Women’s World Cup 2031: Mexico, Costa Rica & Jamaica set to host matches alongside USA
Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica have joined the United States’ bid to stage the Women’s World Cup in 2031 and are set to host matches at the expanded 48-team tournament. Fifa president Gianni Infantino confirmed in April that the United States, along with “potentially some other Concacaf members”, had put forward the sole bid to host the competition. US Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone said of the joint bid:, external “Together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to host the biggest and most impactful Women’s World Cup in history, one that will inspire a new generation of fans and help grow the women’s game across our entire region and around the world. “We’re excited to drive lasting progress for women’s soccer by creating a legacy that reaches far beyond 2031 and sets a new global standard for the sport.” Concacaf is the confederation for football in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Its president and Fifa vice-president Victor Montagliani added: “Concacaf fully supports this four-nation bid, which embodies our One Concacaf philosophy. “Our confederation’s commitment to women’s football has never been stronger, and hosting the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2031 will build on this momentum, inspiring future generations of players and fans across North America, Central America and the Caribbean.”
Rangers appoint Danny Rohl as new head coach
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 Danny Rohl has been appointed Rangers head coach on a two-and-a-half-year deal. The 36-year-old had withdrawn from contention last week, when Kevin Muscat seemed poised to succeed Russell Martin, who was sacked earlier this month. But the former Sheffield Wednesday boss reportedly resumed talks with Rangers over the weekend and was confirmed as their new head coach on Monday afternoon. He told the club’s website: “It is a huge privilege to be taking on the role of head coach at such an incredible club, recognised around the world. “I know it has been a difficult start to the season, but there is still so much to play for in four competitions, and my staff and I will give it everything to reward the supporters and the club.” He added: “The expectations here are clear. “The fans want to see results now – my mentality and experience is to think in exactly the same way and I have belief in the players that we can achieve this. “We have no time to waste, we start straight away. I respect that trust is earned and understand we have to give the supporters confidence in what we are doing by showing it on the pitch from the start. open image in gallery Rohl will take charge of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Brann (Jessica Hornby/PA) “The expectations are huge and I love this challenge because I set high standards for myself and the team too. “Rangers is built on a tradition of hard work, unity and success – that is exactly what you will get from me and what I want my team to represent for all of you. “I’m looking forward to meeting the squad and getting down to work ahead of Thursday’s game away to Brann.” Chairman Andrew Cavenagh commented: “We’re very pleased to welcome Danny to Rangers. An ambitious coach who shares the club’s hunger for progress and success. “His experience at elite level, in high-pressure environments, makes him a strong fit for what we expect here. “We know the past few months have been challenging, but our focus has always been on getting the right person, who is ready to immediately embrace this football club and the demands that come with it. “Danny impressed us with his vision, his character and his understanding of what Rangers stands for. We believe he can help restore pride, momentum, and ultimately success.” Rangers face Norwegian side Brann in the Europa League on Thursday.
Rugby 360 could be big but Nadolo warns of risks – FBC News
Nemani Nadolo Former Fiji rep Nemani Nadolo has weighed in on the hotly debated Rugby 360 concept, offering a cautionary yet optimistic view for players and the Pacific rugby community. Speaking on Nesia Footy, he says the Rugby 360 initiative, fronted by former England centre Mike Tindall and set for a 2026 launch, has already attracted attention with its big-money offers for top players. While the financial incentives are appealing, Nadolo highlights the risks—especially for younger stars navigating medical, tax and eligibility issues. Article continues after advertisement “I think the biggest thing is it needs to be aligned properly. You can have any tournament, but when you’re throwing serious cash like that, you want guys like World Rugby on board. It can allow players to actually play in it without risking their careers.” Despite these warnings, he sees potential for the Pacific, particularly for players from Fiji and Tonga, who could earn significant money while still representing their nations. Nadolo suggested that Rugby 360 could even pave the way for a Pacific-based franchise. With major questions still unanswered about broadcast reach, player eligibility and long-term viability, Nadolo’s voice adds a grounded perspective to the growing debate. FIJI Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne says there’s nothing concrete at the moment about the new R360 rugby concept and understands it’s still in its early stages. He acknowledges that it sounds like an exciting idea but stresses the importance of keeping stakeholders informed of any new developments should they arise. “I think there’s nothing really concrete—there’s a lot of speculation. I think it sounds exciting, but at least it needs to fit in with everyone else in World Rugby. I saw the NRL has made a pretty big statement; they even said any agents discussing it with players could be barred for 10 years. I’m not sure there’s a place for it at the moment, to be fair, but it does sound like an exciting proposal.” While reports have stated that a lot of money is involved, Byrne stresses that this will require careful consideration if agents start scouting our local players. Meanwhile, R360 co-chief executive Mark Spoors says the new concept is about offering players “fresh opportunities”. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Troy Deeney’s team of the week: Erling Haaland, Harry Maguire, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Moises Caicedo
Jean-Philippe Mateta Star of the show in Saturday’s six-goal thriller at Selhurst Park was Jean-Philippe Mateta, with the in-form Frenchman scoring a hat-trick against Bournemouth which meant he hit the 50-goal involvement mark in the Premier League for the Eagles, courtesy of 43 goals and eight assists (51 in total). The striker has scored two of Palace’s three Premier League hat-tricks, while courtesy of his late penalty strike, he was the first player to have his third goal of the game come courtesy of a 90th-minute equaliser since Somen Tchoyi in May 2011 for West Bromwich Albion against Newcastle United. Alas, Mateta’s trio of goals was not enough to earn all three points for the hosts, thus becoming the first player to score a home Premier League hat-trick and not win since Andy Carroll in April 2016 in a 3-3 draw for West Ham against Arsenal. Overall Mateta had six big chances in the game (scoring three), the joint-most in a Premier League game on record (since 2010-11). Danny Welbeck He may be in the autumn of his career, but at 34 years old Danny Welbeck is showing no signs of slowing down. Against Newcastle on Saturday, Brighton’s veteran striker scored a match-winning double to make it four goals in his past three Premier League games, more than in his previous 15 appearances in the competition combined (three). The former Manchester United and Arsenal man’s recent goals have tended to be game-changers, with 12 of his past 13 top-flight strikes either putting the Seagulls ahead (nine, including two at the weekend) or drawing the game level (three), with five of those goals winners. Welbeck has Georginio Rutter to thank for setting up one of his goals against the Magpies, with four of the Dutchman’s five Premier League assists for Brighton coming for the former England striker, with all four putting Brighton ahead in the game. In an all-round superb display, Welbeck also set up a joint-game-high three goalscoring chances for team-mates. Erling Haaland It would not be a Premier League weekend without another tour de force display from Erling Haaland, with the unstoppable Manchester City striker among the goals again on Saturday against Everton. The Norwegian scored his 10th (and 11th) Premier League goals of the season, with this being the third earliest (MD8) a player has reached double figures in a campaign in the competition, with, you guessed it, Haaland himself also responsible for the other two (MD5 in 2022-23, MD6 in 2024-25). With 11 Premier League goals under his belt already, Haaland has, incredibly, scored as many or more goals than 12 of the other 19 sides in the competition this season. Haaland had Savinho to thank for setting up one of his goals on Saturday, with seven of the Brazilian’s 12 assists for Manchester City in all competitions coming for the Norwegian. Since the start of last season, only Jacob Murphy has assisted a specific team-mate more often among Premier League sides (nine, for Alexander Isak at Newcastle).
Maccabi Tel Aviv will decline any tickets offered to fans for Aston Villa match
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 Maccabi Tel Aviv has said it will decline any tickets offered to their fans for their Europa League fixture against Aston Villa next month. It comes as Keir Starmer’s government had been working with West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council to ensure fans from both sides could attend the fixture at Villa Park, Birmingham. In a statement released on Monday, the Israeli club said that a “toxic atmosphere” had put the safety of fans wanting to attend “very much in doubt”. It said: “The wellbeing and safety of our fans is paramount and from hard lessons learned, we have taken the decision to decline any allocation offered on behalf of away fans and our decision should be understood in that context. “We hope that circumstances will change and look forward to being able to play in Birmingham in a sporting environment in the near future.” open image in gallery Maccabi Tel Aviv said the club will not offer tickets to their fans for the Aston Villa fixture in November (Photo/Giannis Papanikos) Birmingham’s safety advisory group, the body responsible for issuing safety certificates for every match at Villa Park, last week said that no away fans will be allowed to watch. The Prime Minister then weighed in, calling the move to bar fans “wrong” and for it to be overturned. The government had been expecting West Midlands Police to set out this week what they would need to police the game safely with both sets of fans present. Downing Street said earlier on Monday that the UK Football Policing Unit was “reaching out” to Israeli authorities to understand why an Israeli Premier League match between rivals Hapoel and Maccabi was called off on Sunday. Trouble flared before kick-off in and around the Bloomfield Stadium, a venue shared by Hapoel and Maccabi, with violent clashes taking place between supporters. Maccabi’s statement came just hours after Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy vowed that resources would not be the determining factor as to whether their fans would be able to attend the game or not. open image in gallery Nandy had vowed that all options available would be ‘considered’ to ‘ensure’ both Aston Villa and Maccabi fans could attend the game (PA Wire) She confirmed the government was working alongside West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council to “consider all the options available” to “ensure fans” from both clubs could attend the game. “This decision was not made in a vacuum,” Ms Nandy told the Commons on Monday. “It is set against the backdrop of rising antisemitism here and across the world, and an attack on a synagogue in Manchester in which two innocent men were killed. “It has a real-world impact on a community who already feel excluded and afraid. “It is therefore completely legitimate to support the independence of the police to conduct that risk assessment and to question the conclusion that follows when it excludes the people at the heart of that risk. “Following the decision last week, the government has been working with West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council to support them to consider all the options available, and to tell us what resources are needed to manage the risks, to ensure fans from both teams can attend safely. “If the assessment is revised, the safety advisory group will meet again to discuss options.” Ayoub Khan, whose Birmingham Perry Barr constituency is home to the Villa Park Stadium, claimed MPs hoping to overturn the decision were playing “fast and loose with” community safety. While Labour MP for Liverpool Wavertree Paula Barker warned of a “slippery slope when safety concerns are ignored” at football stadiums, following the Hillsborough crowd crush in 1989.
Mjallby AIF: From turmoil to Swedish title winners in nine years
Mjallby were established in 1939 by the merging of two local teams, and have spent much of the subsequent 86 years outside the Swedish top flight. A coastal area closely tied with fishing and agriculture, the people of Solvesborg municipality are hard working and proud. They show up in numbers at their modest 6,500 capacity Strandvallen home in the small town of Hallevik, with average attendances more than four times the size of the local population. It’s by the sea, but a far cry from the vast arenas of Stockholm and Malmo as Mjallby try to make up for lost time. After a joint-best finish of fifth in the 2024 Allsvenskan, they have won 20 of their 27 league games this season and tasted defeat just once. Since May 2024, they have also gone 22 home league matches unbeaten. Mjallby have beaten title rivals Hammarby, currently in second place, home and away this season, despite having one of the smallest turnovers and budgets in the division. “When I arrived at the club before the 2023 season I saw pretty fast that we had a lot of potential, but I thought that the mental perspective in the club held us back,” 35-year-old defender Tom Pettersson told BBC Sport. “It’s something that we’ve been working on for a few years now. So it doesn’t feel like we don’t belong up there, top of the table, because we’ve been talking about this for a few years, that we have to stop using old excuses. “We can still win things, even though we don’t have a lot of money, even though we’re a small village and all that. “The group of players in the locker room, they’re amazing. Everyone brings in energy every day, there’s no egos at all, so we have a lot of fun as well.” Team-mate Elliot Stroud added: “It’s difficult to take it all in, it’s happened so fast.” The 23-year-old midfielder, Mjallby’s top goal contributor in the league with nine goals and five assists, is thriving in a high energy, high pressing attacking system, something only recently introduced at the club. “When people thought of Mjallby, they thought of long balls, long throws. We’ve always been strong defensively, but last season we brought in a new assistant coach who brought lots of great offensive ideas,” added Stroud.
French coach to lead National football team – FBC News
Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel (left), Newly appointed head coach Stephane Auvray. [Photo Credit: Fiji FA] The Fiji Football Association has appointed Frenchman Stephane Auvray as the new head coach of the national men’s team. The 44-year-old former professional midfielder carries technical understanding, having played for Major League Soccer side Kansas City Wizards and Brunei DPMM FC in the Singapore Premier League. Auvray also captained the Guadeloupe national team, where he was known for his calm leadership and strong presence in midfield. Article continues after advertisement After hanging up his boots, he coached the Saint Martin national team in 2019 before joining FIFA as a Talent Coach in 2023. His appointment is s a fresh start for Fiji Football as the side looks to lift its performance and build a stronger foundation ahead of 2026 football season. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.