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. Chiefs legend wants Mthethwa in Bafana but 'Broos might not see what we see'

    The competition for places in the national side has gained steam as the 2025 AFCON finals draw closer. The coach is finding it increasingly difficult to satisfy everyone, with every squad announcement sparking fierce debate. High-performing players like Shandre Campbell, Thembinkosi Lorch, Siyabonga Ngezana, Grant Kekana and Gift Links have all been mentioned among those unlucky to be left out. It all underlines the immense pressure on the Belgian tactician who faces stern scrutiny with every choice he makes.

  2. 'PSL's best keeper Chaine doesn't start for Bafana! Doc Khumalo is marketing Chiefs players to play for SA’

    The Amakhosi goalkeeper has impressively kept seven clean sheets in 11 games this season, and he tops all other custodians in the PSL so far. Despite this form, he continues to be overlooked by the South Africa national team coach, Hugo Broos. Legend Doctor Khumalo is among those voicing strong support, insisting that Petersen fully deserves the national team nod.

  3. Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo scrutinises as 'questionable' Broos' decision to sideline in-form Lorch

    Competition for places in the South Africa squad ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is intensifying as the continental tournament draws closer. A number of players have recently emerged as strong contenders, widening the pool available to the coach. Their impressive performances at club level have sparked debates about who truly deserves a spot. One of them is a former Orlando Pirates star who has become a big subject of debate.

  4. Bafana's predicted XI to face Zambia: Will Broos start on-song Pirates star Moremi?

    South Africa are intensifying preparations for the 2025 AFCON finals with an international friendly match against Chipolopolo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. The 1996 African champions' coach is using the match to fine-tune his squad as he edges closer to finalising the group he will take to the continental tournament. With competition for AFCON places still open, the game against the Copper Bullets is expected to bring out fierce performances from players eager to impress the coach. This could also be the last chance for some players to convince the Belgian tactician that they deserve a seat on the plane to Morocco.

  5. Bafana's predicted XI to face Zambia: Will Broos start on-song Pirates star Moremi?

    South Africa are intensifying preparations for the 2025 AFCON finals with an international friendly match against Chipolopolo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. The 1996 African champions' coach is using the match to fine-tune his squad as he edges closer to finalising the group he will take to the continental tournament. With competition for AFCON places still open, the game against the Copper Bullets is expected to bring out fierce performances from players eager to impress the coach. This could also be the last chance for some players to convince the Belgian tactician that they deserve a seat on the plane to Morocco.

  6. Ndamane opens up on what stifled his progress at Chiefs and 'helped me grow' at TS Galaxy

    The 21-year-old centre-back is enjoying a rapid rise that mirrors the breakthroughs of his age-group peers like Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Mohau Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng. Just in his second season of playing Premier Soccer League football, his progress has now propelled him into becoming a full South Africa international. The player from KwaZulu-Natal is widely expected to achieve more in both domestic and international football.

  7. Osimhen brace powers Nigeria to crash Gabon and keep World Cup hopes alive

    After a valiant fight by the Panthers in regulation time, the Super Eagles ultimately emerged victorious from this 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-offs semi-final battle in neutral Morocco on Thursday. Eric Chelle's men needed extra time to win 4-1 at Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium with the Galatasaray forward grabbing a double. They remain in contention to go to the global competition but still have other hurdles to plain.

  1. Agent confirms 'interest from several European clubs' in Chiefs duo

    Amakhosi have been under pressure to produce young players capable of making a real impact on the South African football scene. In recent years, their rivals, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, have set the bar high by churning out prospects like Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Malibongwe Khoza. However, two Amakhosi youngsters appear to be nearing making big moves and play overseas.

  2. Ex-PSL exco member slams Khoza of being 'a dictator' & 'more powerful than Ramaphosa'

    The Buccaneers' head honcho has been at the helm of the league since 2003, steering domestic football through two decades of both progress and controversy. His long reign has seen both the league's commercial growth and debates about democratic governance issues. While some credit him for building a financially stable league, others argue that his extended stay has blocked fresh leadership and new ideas into the local game.

  3. Links 'flabbergasted' as agent accuses Broos of being 'disrespectful' after Bafana snub

    The former Cape Town City midfielder continues to be overlooked for national team selection despite his consistent performances in Denmark. The 27-year-old last featured for South Africa during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, early in the Belgian's tenure as coach of the 1996 African champions. Several new faces have been introduced in the national side, while his absence has fanned some debate.

  4. Chiefs goalkeeper undergoes shoulder surgery, expected to be out for two months

    The Amakhosi goalkeeping department and their backline appear to have improved this season. They have kept an impressive 10 clean sheets in 16 matches across all competitions to establish themselves as a solid defensive structure after seasons of being criticized for being leaky. This defensive solidity could be key for the Soweto giants this season and give them a competitive edge as they bid for trophies. However, one of their goalkeepers has now been injured.

  5. Ouaddou plays the long game and insists 'it's too soon to judge me'

    The 47-year-old arrived in South Africa in March 2025 and quickly made an impression during a brief three-month spell at Marumo Gallants. His move to the PSL came after years of building his coaching resume in Europe and Africa, beginning as a youth football coach in France before taking on a national team backroom role with Algeria. The former Morocco international defender was then thrust at the helm of MC Oujda in Algeria and had coaching stints in Benin and DR Congo. That diverse experience in different countries set the stage for impressing at Gallants before being lured by the Buccaneers.

  6. Pirates accused of employing time-wasting tactics in CKO semi-final against Richards Bay

    After a painful CAF Champions League exit, the Buccaneers quickly picked themselves up, turning their continental disappointment into domestic motivation. They managed to weather a stern challenge from the Natal Rich Boyz to storm into the final of the Beer Cup where they face the winner of the game between Golden Arrows and Marumo Gallants who clash in the other semi-final.

  7. Arrows vs Gallants: Preview, kick-off time, TV channel & squad news

    GOAL gives you the details to follow Abafana Bes'thende's hosting of Bahlabane ba Ntwa in a Carling Knockout semi-final tie at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday. Both teams have never won this competition before and want to give themselves a chance to lift the trophy. Sunday's winner will meet Orlando Pirates in the final after the Soweto giants beat Richards Bay on Saturday.

  8. ‘Da Silva is Osimhen from Temu! It’s like comparing a Fiat Uno to a Ferrari, but he is better than Mabasa’

    The former Portugal junior international has hit top form for Amakhosi and that has drawn comparisons with the Nigeria and Galatasaray forward. This comes after Da Silva has scored four goals in five Premier Soccer League games for Amakhosi. His goal-scoring exploits come as the Soweto giants have been looking for a prolific scorer, the type of player they have been struggling to find.

  9. Pirates legend convinced Williams 'is too overconfident, that might be our downfall at the World Cup'

    Despite never playing his club football outside South Africa, the Masandawana vice-captain has earned global recognition for his consistent performances between the sticks. His name now features among the world’s top goalkeepers, which is proof of his qualities. The custodian who hails from the Eastern Cape is part of the Brazilians squad that has players who helped the team participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

  10. Sundowns' Cardoso up against Luis Enrique, Arteta, Kompany, Inzaghi & others for Club Coach of the Year award

    Despite winning just one trophy in the almost full year he has been at Chloorkop, the Portuguese has found his name among the world's best coaches. His nomination could spark some debate given that he lifted only one trophy in almost a year he has been at the helm of Masandawana. Despite limited silverware, the former Esperance tactician has earned global recognition. Cardoso’s inclusion among elite names proves the growing influence of Premier Soccer League clubs on the African continent.