Kaizer Chiefs turmoil, Sundowns shake-up and a rising star: Inside Soccer Laduma’s new edition

Kaizer Chiefs’ midfield future, a major goalkeeping battle at Mamelodi Sundowns and the rapid rise of Stellenbosch FC’s Jayden Adams headline the latest issue of South African football weekly Soccer Laduma, released on Thursday, 23 July 2026.

The 1,484th edition of the publication lifts the lid on some of the biggest selection and transfer questions facing the country’s leading clubs, while also featuring an in-depth interview with a title‐winning Spanish coach and a reflective piece with Kaizer Chiefs legend Willard Katsande.

Chiefs face big call over Thabo Cele and midfield rebuild

Kaizer Chiefs appear to be drawing a line under Thabo Cele’s time at Naturena after the midfielder was omitted from the club’s pre-season tour to Spain.

Cele, who returned to South Africa for his first full campaign with Amakhosi last season, has slipped sharply down the pecking order and “does not appear to be in the plans of the team going forward”.

Soccer Laduma reports that his exclusion raises pressing questions about how Chiefs will structure their midfield for the coming campaign. The magazine examines whether the club can afford to part with a player of Cele’s technical quality and ball‐playing ability, and assesses how his potential departure could reshape the “engine room”.

The publication also looks at options already in the squad and new arrival Adolf Mtasingwa Bitekego, asking whether the recent signing provides enough depth for a long and demanding season, or if further reinforcements are needed before the transfer window closes.

From academy hopeful to African champion: the Jayden Adams story

Another key feature charts the rapid rise of Stellenbosch FC midfielder Jayden Adams, whose trajectory from local academy graduate to CAF Champions League winner has unfolded in under five years.

When Adams signed his first professional contract with Stellenbosch in 2020, the then 19‐year‐old became the first player to be promoted from the club’s academy to the senior team – a landmark moment in the Western Cape side’s development model.

His debut soon followed against Chippa United. Soccer Laduma’s feature traces how he progressed from that first appearance to continental glory, detailing the milestones, setbacks and breakthroughs that took him from promising youngster to title‐winning professional at the highest level of African club competition.

Sundowns’ goalkeeper battle as Ricardo Goss returns

In the “Siya Special” section, the magazine turns its focus to Mamelodi Sundowns, where the return of Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ricardo Goss has intensified competition in goal.

Goss, 32, has spent the past four seasons out on loan but has now been recalled and included in the Sundowns squad currently in Austria for pre-season – a move described as a clear signal that he forms part of the club’s plans for 2026‐27.

His reintroduction is said to “put a spanner in the works” for the other keepers at Chloorkop and gives established number one Ronwen Williams additional pressure and competition. Soccer Laduma explores what Goss’ comeback could mean for squad dynamics, selection decisions and Sundowns’ pursuit of domestic and continental trophies.

Spanish title-winner Franco Martin on Africa’s biggest clubs

The edition also carries an in‐depth interview with Spanish coach Pablo Franco Martin, who has just guided Maghreb Association Sportive de Fes to a historic Botola Pro League title – the club’s first Moroccan championship in 41 years.

The former Real Madrid assistant, who previously worked in South Africa with AmaZulu FC, shares his observations on the Betway Premiership and African football more broadly. He explains what separates league winners from title contenders, offers thoughts on Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, and reveals why he “rates Relebohile Mofokeng so highly”.

Franco Martin also outlines his ambitions for the next steps in his coaching career and reflects on the significance of ending MAS Fes’ four‐decade wait for a league crown.

Willard Katsande on management, South Africa v Zimbabwe and the future

On the international front, Part One of a two‐part interview with former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande revisits the club’s 2012‐13 double‐winning campaign under Stuart Baxter, when the Zimbabwean enforcer became a cornerstone of the side.

Katsande, who joined Chiefs from Ajax Cape Town in 2011 and spent a decade in Naturena, winning four major trophies, explains why he chose to move into football management after retiring.

He discusses the contrasts between his first two coaching jobs, compares the football environments in South Africa and Zimbabwe, and gives his view on what is needed for Zimbabwean football to grow and sustain development at grassroots and professional level.

World Cup views, transfer talk and fan favourites

Elsewhere in the magazine, former Jomo Cosmos midfielder Brian Sebapole shares his thoughts on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the “Revolving Column”.

The popular “Siyagobhoza” section carries the latest transfer news and dressing‐room insight, including:

– Orlando Pirates backing Dlamini despite outside interest – Options on the table for Tiwani – The possibility of Lilepo leaving Kaizer Chiefs

Soccer Laduma says the new issue will be available at outlets nationwide from Thursday, with readers promised extensive coverage of South African, African and international football ahead of the new season.