WATCH – McCarthy’s first words after leaving Chiefs
“Let’s get to work,” said Aiden McCarthy in a video posted by Azerbaijan side Sabah FC announcing his signing from Kaizer Chiefs.
McCarthy’s video
Sabah confirmed that McCarthy has joined in a three-year deal with an additional option to extend by one year. tr-sport.click
Kaizer Chiefs, meanwhile, also announced that McCarthy has left the club to join Sabah.
Chiefs’ Motaung – We know Aiden will fly the Amakhosi flag high
“We can confirm that we have agreed to release Aden after being approached by Sabah FK, we are proud that he will compete in the qualifying round of next season’s UEFA Champions League,” Chiefs Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr told the club’s official website.
“We know Aden will fly the Amakhosi flag high in Europe, and we are excited to see him grow on the world stage.”
The 22 year-old McCarthy made 31 appearances for Chiefs this season in all competitions, scoring two goals. He was used at both left back and centre back by Amakhosi.
Sabah won the 2025/26 Azerbaijan Premier League and will play in the qualifying rounds for the 2026/27 Uefa Champions League.
The draw for the first qualifying round will take place on June 16 with the qualifiers set to kick off on July 7.
Que sont devenus les migrants sud-américains expulsés par les États-Unis en RD Congo ?
Que sont devenus les migrants sud-américains expulsés des États-Unis vers la RD Congo ? Ils étaient arrivés mi-avril dans le cadre d’un dispositif américain controversé d’expulsion de ressortissants étrangers en situation irrégulière vers des pays tiers. La plupart d’entre eux ont été renvoyés dans leur pays d’origine, précisions d’Aurélie Bazzara-Kibangula, correspondante de France 24 à Kinshasa.
Pirates Bid Farewell To Sipho ‘Master Chefs’ Mbule
Orlando Pirates have officially bid farewell to midfielder maestro Sipho ‘Master Chefs’ Mbule.
The 28-year-old joined the club during the 2025-26 season after parting ways with Sekhukhune United.
Mbule went on to feature 23 times for the Buccaneers while scoring one goal in the process.
The midfielder maestro went on to help Pirates secure their first Betway Premiership title in 14 years while also claiming the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup trophy.
“Orlando Pirates Football Club bids farewell to Sipho Mbule, following the conclusion of his time with the Club. While the stay with the Buccaneers has only lasted only one season, what a season it was,” Piirates said in a statement.
“Affectionately known as “Master Chef”, the 2025/26 season truly dished out one hell of a dish.
“Starting with the MTN8 Cup at the beginning of the season, courtesy of a 3-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC. Then came the Carling Black Label Cup triumph against Marumo Gallants towards the end of 2025.
“The turn of 2026 saw a return to the South African national team and participation at the African Cup of Nations. The crowning achievement was contributing to Orlando Pirates securing the Betway Premiership title after a 14-year wait.
“As his journey with Orlando Pirates comes to an end, the Club would like to place on record its gratitude to Sipho Mbule for his contribution during the season.
“Thank you, Master Chef.”
The post Pirates Bid Farewell To Sipho ‘Master Chefs’ Mbule appeared first on SportsClub.
Transfer news: Released Orlando Pirates defender joins Stellenbosch FC
According to Unplayable, the 29-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Cape Winelands outfit, ending speculation over his future following his departure from the Buccaneers on Tuesday.
The move forms part of a player exchange between the two clubs, with midfielder Mthetheli Mthiyane heading to Orlando Pirates in a separate deal.
Also read: Kaizer Chiefs marketing boss comments on new coach announcement
Lebitso will now look to reignite his career under coach Gavin Hunt as Stellenbosch prepare for another demanding campaign in the Betway Premiership.
THABISO LEBITSO JOINS STELLENBOSCH FC AFTER ORLANDO PIRATES EXIT
The experienced wing-back arrives at Stellenbosch with plenty of top-flight experience and several major honours to his name.
Although his final season at Bucs was disrupted by injuries and limited opportunities, Lebitso leaves the Soweto giants as a domestic treble winner.
Also read: Transfer news: Kaizer Chiefs sell defender for R7 Million
He made 14 appearances across all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou before the club opted to part ways with him.
Lebitso initially joined Orlando Pirates in January 2024 during Jose Riveiro’s tenure and quickly earned the admiration of supporters through his energetic displays and commitment on the pitch.
One of the most memorable moments of his Pirates career came during his first Soweto Derby appearance. The defender announced himself in spectacular fashion by scoring a stunning long-range volley as Pirates defeated Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 in a thrilling encounter.
Despite suffering a broken collarbone and later battling knee injuries, Lebitso remained a respected figure within the squad and contributed whenever called upon.
FROM TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY TO THE PSL
Before earning his move to Orlando Pirates, Lebitso built his reputation during a successful spell at Chippa United.
The Sebokeng-born player joined the Chilli Boys in December 2019 and went on to make close to 100 appearances for the Eastern Cape club. His pace, work rate and attacking qualities made him one of the league’s most consistent performers in his position.
Operating primarily as an attacking winger during his time at Chippa, Lebitso attracted interest from several leading PSL clubs before Pirates eventually secured his signature.
His professional journey began in university football while representing Tshwane University of Technology. Strong performances for TUT opened the door to professional football and laid the foundation for a career that has now spanned several clubs and numerous memorable moments.
For Stellenbosch, the signing brings valuable experience and versatility to the squad, while Lebitso receives the opportunity for a fresh start and the regular game time he has been seeking.
With a three-year contract now secured, the former Orlando Pirates fan favourite will be hoping to make a major impact in the Western Cape and help Stellenbosch continue their rise in South African football.
Which Ndungane twin played more Tests for the Springboks?
The Ndungane twins remain one of the most unique success stories in South African rugby history, with both brothers going on to represent the Springboks at international level.
While identical twins Akona and Odwa Ndungane both enjoyed distinguished careers in the green and gold, it was Akona who finished with more Test appearances for South Africa.
Having long since hung up their boots, these days the twins are Hollywoodbets brand ambassadors.
Only Springboks
Born in Umtata on 20 February 1981, the pair attended Hudson Park High School. They remain the only two Springboks produced by the East London (now KuGompo City) school.
Akona earned 11 Test caps for the Springboks between 2006 and 2007 after making his international debut against Australia in Brisbane.
The former winger quickly established himself as a dangerous attacking threat and became a regular feature in the national squad during his brief Test career.
He is Springbok #774.
Renowned for his pace
His twin brother, Odwa, made his Springbok debut two years later in 2008 and went on to win nine Test caps between 2008 and 2011.
Like his brother, Odwa played on the wing and was renowned for his pace, finishing ability and work ethic.
He is Springbok #798.
First set of Springbok twins
Although Odwa enjoyed a longer professional career and became a fan favourite during his time with the Sharks, he fell just short of matching Akona’s Springbok tally.
However, Odwa did score more tries (two – against Australia and Wales) than Akona (one – against England) in the green and gold jersey.
The brothers made history as the first set of twins to represent the Springboks, adding a remarkable chapter to South African rugby folklore.
Both players overcame significant adversity on their journey to the top.
Raised in the Eastern Cape, the twins rose through the ranks to become professional rugby players before eventually earning the highest honour in South African rugby.
Factfile: Akona Ndungane
| Full names: Akona Zilindlovu Ndungane |
| Date of birth: 20 February 1981 |
| Place of birth: Umtata |
| School: Hudson Park High |
| Springbok #774 |
| Springbok debut province: Blue Bulls |
| Physical: 1.85m, 89kg |
| Current age: 45 |
| Test summary: Tests: 11 Tries: 1 |
| First Test: 15 July 2006 – Right wing against Australia at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane |
| Last Test: 24 November 2007 – Reserve against Wales at Principaility Stadium, Cardiff |
Factfile: Odwa Ndungane
| Full names: Odwa Nzuzo Ndungane |
| Date of birth: 20 February 1981 |
| Place of birth: Umtata |
| School: Hudson Park High |
| Springbok #798 |
| Springbok debut province: Sharks |
| Physical: 1.84m, 95kg |
| Current age: 45 |
| Test summary: Tests: 9 Tries: 2 |
| First Test: 21 June 2008 – Right wing against Italy at Newlands, Cape Town |
| Last Test: 17 September 2011- Left wing against Fiji at Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington |
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