Dingizwe Gwala

Khothatso Leballo

Contributor

Biography: I initially wanted to study law but ended up doing journalism after failing to be admitted to law school. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I quickly fell in love with journalism and started my career in showbiz coverage before I was transferred to the sports desk where I focused on football, a game I grew up passionately following in the Free State.

My Football Story: Bloemfontein Celtic was a team I supported from a tender age and my whole family followed Phunya Sele Sele except my grandfather who tried converting me to be an Orlando Pirates fan.

Areas of Expertise: 

 - PSL

 - African football

Favourite football memory: Most afternoons and evenings at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium were crazy and that made me fall in love with football even more. I’ll always argue that Celtic fans are the most passionate in the PSL.

Articles by Khothatso Leballo
  1. Sukazi reveals why TS Galaxy turned down Sundowns' offer for Chiefs and Chicago Fire-linked Dithejane

    The 21-year-old winger has emerged as one of the most sought-after players on the transfer market, with a number of clubs jostling for his signature. Interest also includes a Major League Soccer side, which could see him link up with Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Chances are highly likely that he will secure a move during this January transfer window.

  2. Does De Jong arrival spell doom for Mbule and Maswanganyi? Former Pirates star explains

    With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, two Buccaneers attacking midfielders risk struggling for game time and missing out as competition for places intensifies within Abdeslam Ouaddou's squad. However, the New Zealander's arrival could spark some fierce competitiveness for the Soweto giants in the middle of the park. That added depth may also drive the Buccaneers side to mount a stronger push for the Premier Soccer League title.

  3. 'It's a Chiefs transfer strategy to mislead Sundowns and Pirates; Amakhosi will sign Zimbabwe's Ibwabwa'

    The PSL January transfer window is officially open, with clubs busy beefing up their squads ahead of the second half of the season. The Buccaneers and Masandawana have already announced new signings, while Amakhosi are yet to rope in any fresh acquisitions. It remains to be seen whether the Glamour Boys will bring in new faces before the transfer period closes.

  4. Motaung admits Chiefs want 'to move forward' amid Mokwena link as he issues Kaze and Ben Youssef update

    Kaizer Chiefs still have an opportunity to end the season with a treble, as the PSL title, Nedbank Cup and CAF Confederation Cup are all still within reach. Interestingly, the Soweto giants could also just as easily finish the campaign empty-handed if results do not go their way in the coming months. Their fate largely rests in the hands of the co-coaches entrusted with leading the team following the departure of Nasreddine Nabi.

  5. Cardoso sends cryptic message amid Mosimane's reported possible return to Sundowns

    The current Masandawana coach appears to be under immense pressure, with his team looking less convincing this season. That has sparked rumours that he might not see out the campaign as the club’s bosses are said to be weighing up bringing in a coach capable of rescuing their waning fortunes. Changes to the technical team at Chloorkop would not come as a surprise anytime soon.

  6. ‘Mudau is part of Saleng deal! Leaving Sundowns for Pirates will be a downgrade, Chiefs are watching’

    The 30-year-old pushed for a move away from Chloorkop during the last PSL transfer window amid rumours that he was a wanted man in Europe. He could now secure a transfer, but he is being linked with Masandawana's local rivals, the Buccaneers. If that happens, it would mark the end of the right-back's time with the Brazilians, where he has been since October 2020.

  7. Agent Makaab speaks on why Sundowns star will have loan stint in Portugal cut short

    The 26-year-old has become another Mamelodi Sundowns player to have his loan spell cut short, either because of limited game time or the parent club’s desire to have him back. This follows the release of fellow loanee Matías Esquivel by Greek side AE Kifisia after his stint abroad failed to gain momentum. Closer to home, Khulumani Ndamane is also reported to be on his way out of TS Galaxy, having been loaned out shortly after signing for Masandawana.

  1. 'Pirates have no ambitions to win the CAF and play at Club World Cup, Moremi just arrived & already complaining'

    The Soweto giants are fully focusing on domestic duties after failing to reach the group stage of Africa's premier club competition. Having already won the MTN8 and Carling Knockout so far this season, the Buccaneers have managed to pacify their fans and at least have something to cheer about as they witness traditional rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs playing continental football.

  2. Bafana Bafana Hugo Broos AFCON exit video

    Ex-Chiefs coach Ertugral leaps to the defence of Broos amid Mahlangu's lunge into ex-Pirates star Vilakazi

    South Africa exited the 2025 AFCON without managing to at least match their third-place finish from the previous edition in Ivory Coast. The 1996 African champions were less convincing this time around and looked a far cry from the side that charmed the continent in their last outing. Their early departure has sparked differing opinions about their Belgian coach and the team’s overall direction ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

  3. Makgopa to leave Pirates? Agent reacts amid reported interest in Bafana forward from England

    The 25-year-old lanky forward has earned the trust of his club coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and Bafana Bafana tactician Hugo Broos, becoming a regular figure in both setups. While he is not known for being a prolific goal-scorer, he continues to enjoy consistent game time for both club and country. That has kept him firmly in the spotlight and linked with a potential move from the Premier Soccer League to Europe.

  4. ‘There is something personal between Mahlangu and Vilakazi! Broos has shown us the middle finger this time’

    Bafana Bafana's exit from the 2025 AFCON has divided opinion about the team's coach and some former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates stars have sharply criticised the Belgian to the extent of calling for his head. This is despite the 2017 AFCON-winning coach being set to retire from his career in the dugout after the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be staged in North America.

  5. Ouaddou lauded by ex-Chiefs forward as 'simple but intelligent' and Pirates are told to 'worry about...'

    The Buccaneers replaced Jose Riveiro with the Moroccan coach before the start of the current season and have continued as a competitive unit. They have already lifted two trophies this term, underlining the team’s ability to remain successful despite the change on the bench. Even though they have fallen well short of Riveiro’s run of reaching last season's CAF Champions League final, the Soweto giants and their coach remain highly regarded.

  6. Sundowns, Chiefs and Stellenbosch's CAF group stage fixtures finalised

    South Africa has three clubs left in the continental competitions this season, all with realistic chances of winning silverware outside the domestic scene. The Brazilians are competing in the premier club tournament they last won in 2016 and eager to reclaim their place at the summit of African football. Meanwhile, Amakhosi and the Cape Winelands side are contesting the second-tier competition, offering the two clubs a genuine opportunity to end their continental droughts.

  7. ‘De Jong signing means trouble for Tito! This is Pirates and not Sundowns, Chiefs are still waiting for free agents’

    The Buccaneers confirmed their first signing of January after securing the signature of the New Zealand international midfielder from Stellenbosch FC. The Soweto giants are beefing up their squad as they try to maintain top spot in the Premier Soccer League, as well as winning the Nedbank Cup in a season they could finish with a quadruple after claiming the MTN8 and Carling Knockout.

  8. Ex-Pirates midfielder Timm dumps Sekhukhune and signs for CT City

    The 33-year-old has opted to step down to lower-division football after carving out a career in the Premier Soccer League over the years, including playing for the Buccaneers. With his vast experience, he is expected to add leadership and quality as the Citizens push for a return to the top-flight league. His signing could be City’s clearest statement of their intent to reclaim PSL status.