The bid to succeed Kaizer Chiefs as champions of this season’s top knockout competition will be contested between the Rockets and the Citizens. This follows the conclusion of the tournament’s last-four stage, which has now set up a decisive showdown. With the semi-finals settled, the stage is now firmly set for one of the two sides to be crowned the new Ke Yona champions.
The KwaZulu-Natal outfit remains on course to win their first major trophy after reaching the final of South Africa's biggest knockout competition. They now wait for the winner between TS Galaxy and Milford FC, who clash in another semi-final match.
The Rockets have experienced a season of sharp contrasts, swinging between impressive highs and disappointing lows. From stunningly knocking the Brazilians out of the top domestic competition to suffering a humiliating Premier Soccer League defeat at the hands of the Buccaneers, their campaign has been anything but predictable. As a result, opponents often struggle to know what version of the Rockets they will face.
The respected football stakeholder in South Africa insists that some club owners are so much into their teams that they want to dictate some critical aspects. The tactician argues that a section of coaches have no free hand in determining who should be fielded because the managements have their interest.
Casric Stars are dreaming of an unprecedented double as they prepare for their semi-final clash against Durban City. The Motsepe Foundation Championship side have already proven they can compete with the elite after a giant-killing run that has seen them dispatch some of the biggest names in South African football.
The Premier Soccer League clubs strengthened in the short January transfer window in their bid to realise their set objectives. While some players have settled and delivered for their respective teams, others have struggled to make an impact at their clubs.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have won the Ligue 1 title 12 times, more than any other club. Their first win was in 1986, and they claimed their record-breaking 12th title in 2023, surpassing AS Saint-Etienne.
How many teams are in the Ligue 1?
The Ligue 1 consists of 18 teams since the 2023-24 season, prior to which 20 teams took part in the league. The inaugural season of the French first division in 1932-33 also consisted of 20 teams, divided in two groups of 10 teams each.
Who has made the most Ligue 1 appearances ever?
Mickael Landreau holds the record for the most Ligue 1 appearances, with 618 matches as a goalkeeper. His career spanned nearly two decades, playing for clubs like Nantes, Paris Saint-Germain, Lille, and Bastia.
Who is the all-time top scorer of the Ligue 1?
Delio Onnis holds the record as the all-time top scorer in Ligue 1 with 299 goals. Playing as a centre-forward, his remarkable goal-scoring feats spanned the 1970s and 1980s, where he starred for clubs like AS Monaco and Reims, making him a legend in French football.
Who has the most assists in the history of the Ligue 1?
As of 2024, Dimitri Payet holds the record for the most assists in Ligue 1 history, with a total of 130 assists. The attacking midfielder achieved this milestone during his successful stints with several clubs, including Marseille and Lille.
Who is the oldest player ever in the Ligue 1 and how old was he?
Pierre Braine holds the record of being the oldest player in Ligue 1 history, aged almost 45 years in a Ligue 1 game in 1945.
Who is the youngest player ever in the Ligue 1 and how old was he?
At 15 years and 225 days, Kalman Gerencseri is the youngest player in Ligue 1 history. The Frenchman played for Lens against Monaco in a Ligue 1 game in 1960.
Which famous players have played in the Ligue 1?
Notable players who have graced Ligue 1 include legends like Zinedine Zidane, George Weah, Thierry Henry, David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe.
Which famous managers have managed in the Ligue 1?
Prominent managers in Ligue 1 include Arsene Wenger, Laurent Blanc, Carlo Ancelotti, Adi Hutter, Luis Enrique, etc.
What is the biggest stadium in the Ligue 1?
The Orange Velodrome in Marseille is the largest stadium in Ligue 1, with a capacity of 67,394 spectators. Home to Marseille since 1937, it is renowned for its electric atmosphere and hosting significant football events in France.
Who is the most expensive player in the history of the Ligue 1?
Neymar is indeed the most expensive player in Ligue 1 history. His transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 was valued at a record €222 million, which remains the highest transfer fee ever paid for a player.