Mofokeng exit, Ertugral insight and Ellis in Morocco – inside iDiski Times’ latest edition

A new-look Orlando Pirates without Relebohile Mofokeng, sage words from former Kaizer Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral, and Banyana Banyana’s WAFCON build-up in Morocco headline the latest edition of South African football newspaper iDiski Times.

The 265th issue of the weekly publication, released on Wednesday, promises a mix of in-depth features, exclusive interviews and historical reflections spanning both local and global football.

Life after Mofokeng at Orlando Pirates

With teenage star Relebohile Mofokeng having left Orlando Pirates, iDiski Times turns its focus to how the Soweto giants plan to adapt.

Journalist Matshelane Mamabolo sits down with former Buccaneers midfielder and coach Teboho Moloi to discuss the club’s future in the post-Mofokeng era at Mayfair, where Pirates are based.

Moloi reflects on “life after Captain Yama‐2000”, examining how the team can reshape its attacking identity and who might step into the creative void left by one of South African football’s brightest prospects.

The feature is positioned as a key read for supporters eager to understand what Mofokeng’s departure means for the club’s ambitions in the upcoming campaign.

Ertugral’s advice for Da Cruz at Kaizer Chiefs

Another major talking point is the situation at Kaizer Chiefs, where new head coach Fernando Da Cruz has taken charge of one of the most scrutinised roles in South African sport.

Veteran journalist Bra Jakes catches up with former Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral, who offers pointed guidance for the Frenchman stepping into the Amakhosi hot seat.

Ertugral, who has experienced both the pressure and expectations at Naturena, “shares sage advice for new coach Fernando Da Cruz”, drawing on his own time at the club and outlining what it takes to succeed in the Chiefs dugout.

The article promises a blend of tactical, cultural and psychological insight into managing one of Africa’s best-known clubs.

Ellis leads Banyana Banyana into WAFCON 2026

On the international front, iDiski Times follows Banyana Banyana as they arrive in Morocco ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which kicks off this weekend.

Reporter Lethabo Kganyago speaks to head coach Dr Desiree Ellis as the defending champions settle into North Africa and finalise preparations for their title defence.

The interview explores Ellis’s thoughts on the team’s readiness, the pressure of expectations after previous success, and the challenge of facing increasingly competitive opposition across the continent.

Inside Bafana’s World Cup and stars of 2026

Kganyago also turns her attention to Bafana Bafana’s recent global adventure, interviewing national team masseuse Amos Dhlomo about his experience at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Dhlomo gives a behind-the-scenes perspective on the physical and emotional demands of a World Cup campaign, offering detail on life in camp far from the cameras.

Complementing that piece is this week’s “iDiski’s Top Ten”, which ranks and analyses the ten standout performers from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The feature highlights the global stars who shaped the tournament and reflects on how their performances may influence the transfer market and tactical trends.

Jomo Sono at 71 and the latest transfer whispers

The edition also reaches back into South Africa’s football heritage with a special feature on Jomo Sono, who turned 71 last week.

In the “World & South Africa” section, iDiski Times revisits Sono’s career abroad, charting his impact as one of the country’s most iconic exports and his enduring legacy in the global game.

Alongside the historical piece, the newspaper’s “Rumour Mill” section gathers the latest transfer speculation and behind-the-scenes talk from clubs at home and abroad, catering to readers tracking potential moves in the market.

How to get iDiski Times for free

Readers are encouraged to subscribe to the publication’s free WhatsApp channel, where the full iDiski Times newspaper is distributed weekly at no cost.

The paper says fans can “reply with ‘subscribe’” after joining the channel to receive each new edition direct to their phones, before being invited to “sit back and enjoy the read”.