Soccer Laduma 1495: Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns and Pirates’ ‘Baby Haaland’

The 1495th edition of Soccer Laduma, available on Thursday, 8th October 2026, examines Kaizer Chiefs’ demanding run of fixtures, Mamelodi Sundowns’ right-back competition and Sebastian Pedersen’s difficult start at Orlando Pirates.

Kaizer Chiefs face crucial run

Kaizer Chiefs return to action after more than three weeks without a match, with five important games scheduled across the three weeks before November’s FIFA break.

The club’s programme includes a vital CAF Confederation Cup qualifier and three challenging domestic fixtures, including one against a former Chiefs coach. The Carling Knockout begins late this month, leaving the Glamour Boys with little room for another early elimination as they seek silverware.

The latest edition assesses how the situation has changed since Chiefs’ previous match, which was their fourth draw in five games under Fernando Da Cruz. It also considers whether the international break has helped the team strengthen its patterns of play and improve fitness, while examining the possible return of two players who could have a significant impact.

Sundowns’ battle at right-back

Khuliso Mudau’s long-term injury, suffered early in the season, appears to have prompted Mamelodi Sundowns to strengthen their options at right-back.

Although Thapelo Morena and Zuko Mdunyelwa were available, Sundowns subsequently signed Deano van Rooyen as a free agent and recruited Thabang Matuludi from Polokwane City.

The arrivals of the two experienced players have created intense competition for the position. Mudau, who is recovering from a ruptured Achilles, will face a difficult challenge to reclaim his place in the starting XI once he is fully fit.

The issue looks at how each right-back may be used and what their roles could be within the Sundowns squad.

Pedersen yet to make impact

Orlando Pirates’ signing of Sebastian Pedersen from Norwegian club Sogndal Fotball in July 2026 was presented as a historic move. The 27-year-old became the first Norwegian to wear the Black and White jersey, arriving on a two-year contract.

However, three months into the 2026/27 campaign, the striker has played only 63 minutes in four substitute appearances. The player nicknamed “Baby Haaland” has therefore found himself on the fringes of a forward competition he was expected to challenge for.

The feature asks whether Pirates’ Scandinavian striker is a “square peg in a round hole” or simply experiencing the adjustment period required to adapt to African football.

More from issue 1495

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane has continued his coaching progress in the COSAFA region. After becoming assistant coach to Thabo Senong at Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League side FC Platinum in July, he took charge of Mochudi Centre Chiefs in Botswana.

Last season, Letsholonyane guided Matebele FC to 10th place before his one-year contract ended in May. He discusses his return to the Botswana Premier League and his decision to leave Senong at FC Platinum.

An international feature profiles seven young South African players making an impression abroad, from Scotland to Major League Soccer (MLS), with analysis from former Kaizer Chiefs development coach Farouk Khan. Former Bafana Bafana striker Patrick Mayo also gives his view on the MTN8 final.

The Siyagobhoza section reports that Nemtajela’s camp is not panicking, Zwane’s future at Chiefs is uncertain and Saudi interest in Mokoena is in doubt.