Another Kaizer Chiefs big name player dropped from Spain trip

In addition to Thabo Cele’s dramatic exclusion from the Kaizer Chiefs trip to Spain, Lilepo has emerged as the second name.

The decision to exclude Lilepo from the travelling squad has further strengthened reports that his future lies away from Naturena. AS FAR Rabat and Al Ahly Benghazi are among the clubs pushing to secure his signature. newsbetting.cv

The 28-year-old remains under contract until 2027. Reports suggest Kaizer Chiefs are willing to listen to offers after receiving bids from clubs in North Africa.

According to FARPost journalist Mthokozisi Dube, the offers are higher than the R9.6 million Amakhosi paid Valenciennes to sign the winger in January 2025.

Lilepo enjoyed an encouraging start to life in Soweto, establishing himself as one of the club’s most dangerous attacking players. He helped Amakhosi finish third in the Betway Premiership while ranking among the league’s leading players for shots on goal.

NORTH AFRICAN INTEREST GROWS

Interest in the DR Congo international has continued to grow during the transfer window.

Reports claim AS FAR Rabat and Zamalek have monitored the winger, while Lilepo has reportedly rejected a new contract offer from Kaizer Chiefs. He has also removed the club-related content from his social media accounts, adding to speculation over his future.

KAIZER CHIEFS FACE BIG DECISION

Although Kaizer Chiefs still hold Lilepo’s contract until 2027, they must now decide whether to keep the winger or accept one of the offers on the table.

With clubs prepared to pay more than the fee Amakhosi spent to sign him, the club could choose to cash in before the transfer window closes.

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The 33-year-old has made 81 appearances for Kaizer Chiefs, scoring five goals and providing five assists since joining the club from Lamontville Golden Arrows on a free transfer in 2023.

According to FARPost journalist Mthokozisi Dube, Kaizer Chiefs decided to retain Mmodi despite his contract nearing its expiry.

Mmodi featured 25 times across all competitions last season, registering one goal and one assist. The decision also explains his inclusion in Amakhosi’s pre-season squad currently in Spain ahead of the new Betway Premiership campaign.

The veteran winger remains one of the most experienced members of the squad, with his versatility and professionalism continuing to earn the trust of the technical team.

KAIZER CHIEFS KEEP FAITH

Although his attacking numbers dipped last season, Amakhosi still value Mmodi’s ability to perform in different roles.

He enjoyed an outstanding first campaign after arriving from Lamontville Golden Arrows, scoring twice on his home debut against AmaZulu before adding a stunning long-range goal against Stellenbosch FC. He finished that season with four goals and four assists.

By activating the one-year option in his contract, Kaizer Chiefs have ensured Mmodi will remain at Naturena until June 2027.

NEW ERA AT NATURENA

Kaizer Chiefs have strengthened both their playing squad and technical team ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season as they look to compete for silverware on multiple fronts.

Amakhosi have already signed Thabo Moloisane from Stellenbosch FC, Renaldo Leaner from Sekhukhune United. Additionally, Kaizer Chiefs have also assembled a new-look technical team under French coach Fernando Da Cruz, who signed a two-year contract with the club.

He is joined by assistant coach Mahmoud Abbas, strength and conditioning coach Julien Le Heran, and goalkeeper coach Olivier Sorin.

The revamped squad is currently in Spain, where they are continuing their pre-season preparations. The camp is focused on improving fitness before the start of the Betway Premiership season.

Béziers tighthead prop Luqobo “Bibo” Makwedini has died at the age of 20.

Makwedini reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest during a training session with the French Pro D2 club at the Stade de la Gayonne on Friday. He was rushed to hospital and died a few hours later.

Makwedini, who attended Wynberg Boys’ High and represented SA U18, had joined Béziers’ academy ahead of the 2025-26 season. Regarded as one of the club’s brightest young prospects, he was expected to push for a place in the senior squad during the upcoming campaign.

Club president and former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad led the tributes.

“It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the tragic passing of our young player, Luqobo (Bibo) Makwedini, at the age of 20,” Skinstad said in a statement.

“Luqobo joined our training centre during the off-season and quickly became a valued member of the Red and Blue family. His commitment, kindness, and personal qualities deeply impressed everyone at the club.

“Today, the entire Red and Blue family is united in mourning and deeply shaken by this heartbreaking loss.

“We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to his family, loved ones, teammates, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Skinstad added that the club would support Makwedini’s family and teammates as they came to terms with the tragedy.

“During this time of immense sorrow, AS Béziers Hérault stands with his loved ones and offers them its full support.

“We respectfully request that the club, our players, and Bibo’s loved ones be given the time and privacy they need to grieve during this extremely difficult period. As a club, we are deeply saddened by his passing.”

This story was published on sarugbymag.co.za. It is republished here with permission.

South African coach Roger De Sa has confirmed that his time with Ghana’s national team has come to an end after his short-term contract expired following FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 61-year-old served as assistant coach to Carlos Queiroz during the tournament, but revealed that his agreement with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) covered only the Black Stars’ World Cup campaign.

“I was only contracted until the end of July, so that’s it,” De Sa told KickOff Magazine.

“My contract was just for the World Cup, and it ends on 31 July.”

Uncertainty over Carlos Queiroz’s future

Roger De Sa also addressed speculation surrounding the future of head coach Carlos Queiroz, saying he was unaware of any official decision regarding the veteran Portuguese tactician’s position.

Reports have suggested Queiroz could be set to leave the Black Stars, but De Sa said he had received no confirmation.

“I don’t know if that’s official that he has left; I have only seen it on social media. But I don’t think that is from him because he would have told me if that’s the case.”

Ghana’s World Cup campaign

Ghana’s World Cup journey ended in the Round of 32 after a 1-0 defeat to Colombia at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

The Black Stars had advanced from Group L as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams.

Their group-stage results included:

• A 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto
• A goalless draw with England in Boston
• A 2-1 defeat to Croatia in Philadelphia

Travel biggest challenge

Looking back on the tournament, Roger De Sa said the biggest obstacle facing the squad was not their opponents but the extensive travel required across the three host nations.

“If there was one difficulty, I think it was the travel. The cities were quite distant sometimes, different time zones. So, that does have an effect on all the teams. The travel is a bit taxing on the players.”

Focus shifts to AFCON qualifiers

With the World Cup now behind them, Ghana’s attention turns to qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Black Stars are scheduled to resume competitive action in September, when they take on continental rivals Ivory Coast in a crucial AFCON qualifier.

Ghana, Ivory Coast, Gambia and Somalia have been in Group C.

The top two sides following the qualifiers will reach AFCON 2027 to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from 19 June to 17 July 2027.

Meanwhile, Roger De Sa’s next coaching move remains uncertain following the conclusion of his World Cup assignment with the four-time African champions.