29 July 2025 – Coach Molefi Ntseki is happy with the progress that his players have made as South Africa continues to prepare for next month’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) in the East of Africa.
The CHAN tournament will be held in East Africa in three countries – Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda – between 2-30 August 2025 and Ntseki’s charges played a training match against Angola (it ended in a 1-1 draw) behind closed doors at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Tuesday morning as part of their preparations.
They have been in camp in Johannesburg since last week and Ntseki said while getting the players he wanted for this tournament was a challenge, the personnel he has in camp with him have put their hands up.
“It has always been a challenge to select (CHAN squads) and this has been the case from our first (qualifier) against Egypt (in March) and then the game against Malawi (in May), but I think the players that were made available for selection are quality, and players that are very proud to be selected and to be part of this team. You can tell from the attitude and the work rate of the players that we have had since we started with the qualifiers and the game we played today,” he said.
“We have got 15 players (in the team) that are unattached, but it is not because of a lack of quality from their side. There are many other reasons why these players are not attached, and these are good quality players. They’ve been in the league for more than five and ten seasons, so you can’t go wrong if ever you have these types of players that are part of the team going into CHAN. So, I am very, very impressed and very happy to have this group.”
Keagan Dolly said he was excited when he received the call to join the CHAN-bound team.
“I couldn’t say no, and I didn’t even hesitate, you know, when the call-up came. Since Friday, the conversation (in the camp) is that we want to win it for ourselves as individuals and also for the country, you know, to make history,” he said.
“That’s what we’re doing. We’re focusing on now and just taking each day as it comes. I think this is our fourth day together, so I think we’re improving as a team and individuals. I’ll say it again, it’s always an honour and a privilege to wear these colours. You know, not a lot of people get the opportunity to represent their country, especially in a country that has many young boys who aspire to be professional footballers.
“Not a lot of people get this opportunity. So, when it came, I told you I didn’t hesitate. I always want to represent the country and no matter the level, you know. I always want to be there and try to achieve as an individual and, you know, just be a part of a special group like this who has the opportunity now to create history also.”
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Twinkle
The first rugby team to perform the Haka did so 1888 – The Haka, a traditional dance of Maori People, was first performed by New Zealand Rugby Team The Natives in 1888 to demonstrate their pride, strength, and unity. It has been performed before games ever since and has become a symbol of rugby for New Zealand. Whether you’re a Kiwi or not, it’s one of those spine-tingling moments when you know a big game is about to be played. The Haka is one of the most iconic moments in rugby
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