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. sports24.club

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.

“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?

New Rangers signing Olwethu Makhanya has described his move to the Scottish giants as a “dream come true”, expressing his excitement at joining one of Europe’s most historic clubs.

Makhanya arrives from Major League Soccer outfit Philadelphia Union, where he made 53 appearances and scored three goals during his time in the United States.

The 22-year-old has signed a four-year contract with Rangers, with the club holding the option to extend the deal by a further year.

The South African defender believes his experience in MLS with Philadelphia Union has prepared him for the challenge ahead, as he looks to build on his reputation as a composed, ball-playing centre-back and make an immediate impact at Ibrox.

“I can’t even explain how I am feeling right now, it is honestly a big honour and a huge blessing for me to join such a big club with so much history. I can’t wait to get started.

“For me, it has always been a dream to play football in Europe, ever since I was a kid, so to be here is a dream come true.

“Rangers are one of the biggest clubs in Scotland and has a lot of history of developing and producing really good players.”

He continued: “Leaving my country for the first time was a big one, being exposed to a different culture and a different environment. Having to adapt by myself in a different country was a big moment for me and a very important one for me to learn how to take care of myself.

“My time with Philadelphia Union was really important for my growth, I went through some challenges that made me the player I am today, so it was a really good experience.

“It is going to help me a lot because now I know what to expect, and I know how to take care of myself and handle such changes.”

“I like to describe myself as a composed centre-back, I like keeping the ball, I’m very comfortable on the ball, I’m quick, strong and I can be physical if the game demands that from me.

“I am really excited and I can’t wait to get start.”

The post Makhanya: Joining Rangers Is a Dream Come True appeared first on SportsClub.

The Stormers have made a late change to their match 23 ahead of Friday night’s clash against the All Blacks in Cape Town.

Tighthead prop Sazi Sandi has been ruled out with a hamstring injury and replaced on the bench by Herman Lubbe.

The All Blacks were forced to make changes to their starting XV on Thursday.

No 8 Wallace Sititi was ruled out to due to a mild illness, with Anton Segner coming into the team at openside flank and Peter Lakai moving to the back of the scrum.

ALSO: Nonu to tackle All Blacks

STORMERS – 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (c), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Connor Evans, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Vernon Matongo.
Bench: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Herman Lubbe, 19 Ruan Ackermann, 20 Keke Morabe, 21 Wandile Mlaba, 22 Dewaldt Duvenage, 23 Wandisile Simelane.

ALL BLACKS – 15 Josh Moorby, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Anton Segner, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 George Bower.
Bench: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Siale Lauaki, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Ethan Blackadder, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Caleb Clarke.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

The post Stormers suffer late setback appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

SA U18 thrashed France U18 in their opening match of the U18 International Series at Hoërskool Durbanville on Friday.

The hosts ran in eight tries to triumph 52-7, having led 21-7 at half-time.

BlogLucu: This Is Why We Play RugbyUnion Bordeaux Bègles defeated Stade Toulousain 30‑15 in the Champions Cup quarter‑final on 12 April 2026, earning the club its first semi‑final appearanceOuvrir →

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