Soccer Laduma Issue 1488: Shalulile interview and Chiefs tactics take centre stage

Soccer Laduma’s 1,488th edition leads with an examination of Fernando Da Cruz’s early tactical work at Kaizer Chiefs, an interview with Peter Shalulile and a debate about player safety in the Betway Premiership and MTN8.

The latest issue will be available from outlets on Thursday, 20 August 2026, and also features interviews with Linda Mntambo, an international look at life in the English Premier League after Pep Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City, and a preview of the MTN8 semi-finals.

Chiefs under Da Cruz analysed

After four matches in the Fernando Da Cruz era, Kaizer Chiefs have recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat. Soccer Laduma examines what those results, and the performances behind them, reveal about the French coach’s methods.

Although Da Cruz has faced relatively few detailed tactical questions in press conferences, potentially because of the use of a translator, his team’s matches have offered clues about his preferred approach.

The issue considers whether Amakhosi are adopting a high-pressing game or sitting deep, and whether the full-backs are being encouraged to attack or are being given a primarily defensive role. It also reviews Da Cruz’s decision to alter his formation against Mamelodi Sundowns, asking whether the switch was an impressive tactical move or a decision influenced by injuries.

Shalulile explains Yanga move

Peter Shalulile departed Mamelodi Sundowns as the PSL’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 131 top-flight goals. He moved beyond Siyabonga Nomvethe’s previous record of 129 when he scored a penalty against Stellenbosch FC in August 2025.

The Namibia international also left Sundowns as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer and as a CAF Champions League winner, bringing to an end one of the most successful periods of his career.

Several clubs were interested in signing the striker, but Shalulile says his decision to join Young Africans SC was not driven by the biggest financial offer. He says he prayed, waited and followed the sense of peace he associated with Tanzania.

Now at Yanga, where he has already won the Community Shield, the 32-year-old is targeting a role in helping the club develop into another African powerhouse. In his Soccer Laduma interview, Shalulile discusses his departure from Sundowns, his reunion with coach Manqoba Mngqithi and his ambitions at Young Africans SC.

Concerns over heavy challenges

The opening weeks of the 2026/27 season have brought renewed scrutiny of the number of forceful tackles in the Betway Premiership and MTN8.

The debate is not centred on results, transfers or the title race, but on whether players are being sufficiently protected when challenges go beyond the acceptable limits of physical football.

Football will always involve injuries and contact, and the physical character of the sport should not be removed. However, incidents in recent weeks have raised concerns that some challenges are becoming more reckless, while the punishments imposed have not always reflected the potential seriousness of the tackles.

The high-profile meeting between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium was one example. Zitha Kwinika’s challenge on Tashreeq Matthews attracted widespread attention. Other incidents involving Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United have added to the discussion over whether the Premiership is becoming more dangerous, or whether inconsistent refereeing and game management are the greater issue.

More from Issue 1488

Linda Mntambo is featured after making a successful transition from playing into media and ambassadorial work. The former Orlando Pirates midfielder retired in June 2026 and soon appeared as an analyst for the public broadcaster, SABC. At the start of the new Betway Premiership season, he is also working as an MTN8 ambassador.

Mntambo tells Soccer Laduma why he deliberately built his public profile during his playing career and how that preparation has helped him in his life after football. Unlike players who avoid interviews or agree to them and then withdraw, Mntambo embraced the opportunity to develop his brand.

The international feature considers the uncertainty created by the absence of former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola from the English Premier League for the first time in a decade. Guardiola had set the standard during his time in the competition, with his tactical ideas frequently becoming a model for rival teams. His departure from the Etihad has created a power vacuum, with the question now being who can take control.

Former Bloemfontein Celtic striker Benjamin Reed provides the MTN8 semi-finals preview in the revolving column.

The Siyagobhoza section reports that Orlando Pirates are open to a Van Rooyen departure, that Petersen’s camp is becoming increasingly frustrated by Kaizer Chiefs’ delay in contract talks, and that Mamelodi Sundowns are set to receive R15m from Copenhagen.

The issue also carries listings dated 17 August 2026 in Bafana, Starting-XI-Previews and Players Abroad; 15 August 2026 in Players Abroad; 18 August 2026 in Kaizer-Chiefs; and 6 May 2026 in Kaizer-Chiefs, SA-Players-Abroad, Mamelodi-Sundowns, African Football and Fan Park.

Readers can buy Issue 1488 of Soccer Laduma from their nearest outlet.