Soccer Laduma previews Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and South Africa’s rising stars

The 1,498th edition of Soccer Laduma, available from Thursday, 29th October 2026, examines the pressure facing Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz, the next chapter of former Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela’s career and the European interest in Relebohile Mofokeng.

Chiefs’ coaching cycle under scrutiny

Da Cruz was appointed with a long-term plan in mind, but that approach has also accompanied several of Kaizer Chiefs’ coaching appointments over the past decade. A number of respected local and international coaches were brought in to establish sustained success, yet few completed even one season, let alone their contracts.

Although the Sporting Director has publicly backed Da Cruz, the latest issue investigates the warning signs that could indicate another change in the dugout. It reviews the reasons behind the club’s last six sackings and considers how Kaizer Chiefs might avoid paying another substantial settlement to replace their current coach.

Maela builds life after football

Former Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has made a smooth transition into life after playing. He remains involved in the club’s activations with its sponsors while developing his personal brand through social media partnerships.

Speaking to Soccer Laduma at the screening of the finale of the Giants Documentary, Maela discussed the importance of footballers creating a strong brand before and after retirement. He also explained the significant role his wife plays in helping him remain appealing to potential sponsors as he continues to expand his commercial opportunities.

Mofokeng faces major career decision

The Siya Special focuses on 21-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng, whose performances have attracted scouts from some of Europe’s leading clubs only six months into his European career.

The Union Saint-Gilloise player must weigh continued development in Belgium against a move to one of the biggest stages in football. That decision recalls an earlier choice in his career, when he rejected Mamelodi Sundowns’ R15 000-a-month offer as a teenager to join Orlando Pirates on a monthly package of R6 000.

More from issue 1498

Menzi Chili reflects on Milford FC’s encouraging first season in the Betway Premiership. The KwaZulu-Natal club are fourth in the standings after nine matches, having adapted impressively to the top flight following promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season. Chili discusses the team’s unity, consistency and the impact of head coach Xanti Pupuma.

An international feature examines South Africa’s emerging talent, including Mofokeng in Belgium, Olwethu Makhanya at Rangers in Scotland, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi after his breakthrough World Cup campaign in the United States. Makhanya’s displays have reportedly drawn interest from Sunderland and Brentford, while Mbokazi has been linked with established English Premier League clubs.

Puso Dithejane is also profiled after breaking through at Chicago Fire FC in Major League Soccer. The winger scored on his Bafana Bafana debut and is competing for a regular place in Gregg Berhalter’s starting line-up.

The Revolving Column hears from former Kaizer Chiefs defender Mokete Tsotetsi on the Soweto Derby. Siyagobhoza covers Sundowns’ planning for Allende’s departure, a Chiefs youngster tipped for first-team promotion and Pirates’ interest in in-form Xulu.

The edition is also promoted as available at outlets tomorrow.