[FM24] An Idiot Abroad - Pentagon edition

[mannojunior]

An Idiot Abroad - Pentagon edition

Meet Ciro Venturo, a 31-year-old Italian from Sorrento with absolutely zero coaching experience or badges. What is his aim? To progress up the ladder and win the Champions League in all five continents.

                                                         

Trophy Cabinet

Europe

None

Africa

(2023/2024) South Africa Championship Playoff winners - Venda FC

(2025/2026) DStv Premiership - SuperSport United

Asia

None

South America

None

North America 

None

                                                           

Clubs Managed

Venda FC (South Africa) - July 2023 to June 2025

SuperSport United (South Africa) - June 2025 to present

                                                           

Edited November 12, 2023 by mannojunior

[mannojunior]

An Idiot Abroad - Pentagon edition

The decision was made to head to South Africa or Asia to start our career. After various interviews with clubs in those continents, we finally settled on South Africa and joined Venda FC in the South African Championship. The club is expected to finish mid-table this season but finances are incredibly poor and the squad available on arrival was less than ideal to say the least. The appointment was early enough to allow me time to bring some players in and shape the team my way.

                                            

Transfers

Near enough impossible to clear any deadwood and free up wages. Made the decision to use the loan market and stretch the wage budget to live in the red. Needs must. Some quality signings came through the door throughout the season giving us a fighting chance in the league. Ryan De Jongh, Miguel Dias and Solly Khunyedi all represent steals for the Championship and massively improve the starting eleven.

                                            

Ryan De Jongh

*Free Transfer*

                                        

Miguel Dias

*Season-long loan from Sekhukhunde United*

                                           

Solly Khunyedi

*Free Transfer - joined January 2024*

                                                

Tactical Approach

We are at the lowest playable South African league in the vanilla database so things had to be simple. We settled on a 4-4-2 with two DM's and a focus on getting the ball out wide to our wingers. Yes, my centre back is wearing the number 1. Not impressed.

                                                            

Results

Wow. We certainly weren't expecting to be so good this season given the financial restrictions and the relatively small squad at our disposal. In truth, the league title would be wrapped up by now if we hadn't drawn so many games throughout the season. Our only two losses of the season so far have been against Black Leopards. Bogey side. Impressive to say the least and our ability to score goals has paved over the cracks in our defence.

                                            

Championship Table

Four games to go and it is all to play for. Teams finish second and third enter a playoff cup format with the team finishing second bottom in the Premier League. Winning the title remains the aim.

[marktonge]

A fantastic start to this save! Always enjoy a Pentagon and there is no better place to start than in South Africa! 

The question is, can you squeeze them across the line in this tight finish?!

[mannojunior]

On 24/10/2023 at 07:56, marktonge said:

A fantastic start to this save! Always enjoy a Pentagon and there is no better place to start than in South Africa! 

The question is, can you squeeze them across the line in this tight finish?!

The answer to that is, yes, yes we can!

[mannojunior]

An Idiot Abroad - Pentagon edition

                                  

Results

Capitulation at the final hurdle. Play-off mini league it is!

                              

Final Table

Full credit to Upington City, they went on an incredible winning run to clinch the title. It felt like trying to battle Manchester City when they just won't drop points.

                                    

Playoffs

Success. We breeze through the play-off stages and clinch promotion to the South African Premiership. What an incredible season. What a team.

                                

End of Season Review

Top average ratings

No shock to see the strike force leading the way with average ratings. Some real consistency up top. Only one defender above a 7 is concerning.

Top Scorers

Not prolific but decent returns. Khunyedi only joined in January so a very good return for him. Dias from Segundo Volante has popped up with some big goals.

Top Assists

Dinge leads the way for assists. A very good winger and rightly getting a decent output. 

                                       

Looking Ahead

Promotion has given our reputation a small boost but the club has continued to reject my requests to study for my National C licence. I will be keeping an eye out for any jobs available to help me take the next step but I'd like to stay in South Africa to try and tick off Africa at the start. I will begin to start the recruitment process for next season but with an incredibly tight budget a lot of the current squad will leave on a free and allow me funds to rebuild. 

We do however manage to extend the contracts of Dinge, Mudau and Khunyedi for next season.

Vuyolwethu Dinge

Sedzani Mudau

Solly Khunyedi

 

 

[CameronFM]

Great to get a promotion so early on in your career!

Hopefully things will turn for you in searching for a new job, would be good to land an established side in the top-flight and then build from there; be that with them or moving on again

[The Last Throw]

A fantastic first season! Start next season well, keep your ahead above the relegation zone and once a side with better resources sacks their manager off you pop! Obviously you won't be able to get a top side but mid table top flight side or even a relegation threatened side will probably have a better setup for you and its realistic you could get that job

[marktonge]

Brilliant work to get that promotion under your belt! Going to be a big job to get that team to challenge in the league above, but the man for the job is at the helm!

Any chance you can get me a 'De Jongh' shirt sent out? Big fan of him! Hopefully things will continue to go well next season!

[mannojunior]

19 hours ago, CameronFM said:

Great to get a promotion so early on in your career!

Hopefully things will turn for you in searching for a new job, would be good to land an established side in the top-flight and then build from there; be that with them or moving on again

Cheers mate! Busy prepping for next season with one eye on the job centre 👀

17 hours ago, The Last Throw said:

A fantastic first season! Start next season well, keep your ahead above the relegation zone and once a side with better resources sacks their manager off you pop! Obviously you won't be able to get a top side but mid table top flight side or even a relegation threatened side will probably have a better setup for you and its realistic you could get that job

Absolutely! Will be tough but I think with a good summer window we can try and avoid the drop.

7 hours ago, marktonge said:

Brilliant work to get that promotion under your belt! Going to be a big job to get that team to challenge in the league above, but the man for the job is at the helm!

Any chance you can get me a 'De Jongh' shirt sent out? Big fan of him! Hopefully things will continue to go well next season!

Leave it with me 🤣

[mannojunior]

An Idiot Abroad - Pentagon edition

                                     

Best of luck to Quinton. An opportunity missed perhaps.

                                      

2024/2025 Pre-season

The summer window has seen a substantial rebuild at the club. Most players left on a free transfer over the summer with only a handful of players remaining. This cleared the way for a new batch of players to join the project. I essentially had to construct a new squad from scratch and I feel that we now have two players for each position which will help with injuries. League restrictions mean we are limited to five foreign players but unlimited loans which has proved a massive win for us. I am particularly happy with the recruitment of Waylon Renecke on loan from Norwich, the free signing of Christian Brauzmann and our new number one, Thakasani Mbankwa.

                                  

                                  

                                      

                                         

August 2024 Results

It didn't start well and I did question whether we were cut out for the Premiership, however, a fantastic end to the month has changed that. A real mix of scorers so far and as the month has gone on it is clear to see that the team has started to gel. I'm not getting carried away as this will be a long season but getting that first win on the board was crucial.

                                      

League Table

7 points from five games is a great return for us. The aim remains to survive but this has been an encouraging start for sure.

Edited October 27, 2023 by mannojunior

[CameronFM]

Disappointing not to land the Orlando Pirates job, but slightly understandable, perhaps just too big too soon, but keep the faith! Season has started relatively strongly and having that 6 point cushion over 15th & 16th is massive at this stage!

Edited October 27, 2023 by CameronFM

[TheLutterworthFox]

The Venda bus is coming and everybody's jumping!

 

Enjoying the updates mate. A good start to the season, especially for a team expecting to battle relegation. You'll be battling the big boys in no time then the Pirates will realise they made a mistake in not taking you on!

Edited October 27, 2023 by TheLutterworthFox

[mannojunior]

12 hours ago, CameronFM said:

Disappointing not to land the Orlando Pirates job, but slightly understandable, perhaps just too big too soon, but keep the faith! Season has started relatively strongly and having that 6 point cushion over 15th & 16th is massive at this stage!

I think you’re right. Too big a job and too soon. I’d like to think it I keep us up this season I’ll have a chance at a bigger job. Last season 30 points was enough to survive so that’s the initial aim!

10 hours ago, TheLutterworthFox said:

The Venda bus is coming and everybody's jumping!

 

Enjoying the updates mate. A good start to the season, especially for a team expecting to battle relegation. You'll be battling the big boys in no time then the Pirates will realise they made a mistake in not taking you on!

We like to party is the official walkout music now 👀

[The Last Throw]

Waylon Renecke looks like a fantastic signing. Bide your time and the right job will come up

[mannojunior]

59 minutes ago, The Last Throw said:

Waylon Renecke looks like a fantastic signing. Bide your time and the right job will come up

Absolute gem for this league…although he’s out for 3 months after making one appearance 🤣

[The Last Throw]

7 minutes ago, mannojunior said:

Absolute gem for this league…although he’s out for 3 months after making one appearance 🤣

That is just sods law! 

[mannojunior]

An Idiot Abroad - Pentagon edition (September/October 2024 Update)

September and October have been and gone in the South African Premiership and things are getting tough. Cape Town City battered us 5-1 in September before we barely scraped a draw against basement boys, Richards Bay. A short month but September was definitely a poor month. We then picked ourselves up and stole three points against Cape Town Spurs with a last gasp winner from centre back Brauzmann. Pandemonium in the stands. Fresh off the back of a victory we slumped straight back to defeat in the Telkom Cup with defeat at home to SuperSport United. We then had the chance to bounce back with a league game against Upington City who have had a poor start to the season but after going 2-0 up we threw away three points with a dismal second half performance. Sundowns and SuperSport United then took full advantage of our poor form at the end of October. 

                                    

League Table

Our early season form has certainly helped us survive a poor two month spell. Richards Bay look like they will be rooted to the bottom of the table this season but things can change in football. I really don't want to get caught up in the relegation play-off and our aim now is to finish 14th or higher to avoid that. 30 points was enough in the Premiership last season for survival and that is what we will be looking to hit going forward. I do think we will need to improve defensively to progress and January may well be the time I look to strengthen. Renecke will return to action soon following his 3 month injury and he will no doubt shore up the backline.

 

[TheLutterworthFox]

A tough run mate but we all have faith you can turn it around. The first season after the promotion is always the hardest. You will survive and then push on next season.....I have faith!

[mannojunior]

2 hours ago, TheLutterworthFox said:

A tough run mate but we all have faith you can turn it around. The first season after the promotion is always the hardest. You will survive and then push on next season.....I have faith!

Survival is the main aim and I think it’s achievable!

[The Last Throw]

You've got this mate, just stick at it

[mannojunior]

November and December 2024

                                            

November 2024

A poor, poor month. Don't get me wrong, it was a month full of tough games but this is relegation form. We started the month with a home fixture against Orlando Pirates and we were unlucky to be on the wrong side of a 3-2 defeat. We then picked up a very respectable point away at Polokwane City with another goal from defensive midfielder, Brian Hlongwa. It was then back to back defeats against AmaZulu and Stellenbosch who dismantled us. 

                                                   

Tactical change

With a poor November it was clear to see that we needed to freshen up our tactical approach and I considered a five back but ultimately decided against it. I then looked at players underperforming and whether a change of shape/position/role could improve things and that is what I did. We have moved away from the fairly traditional 4-4-2 to a 4-2-1-2-1 of sorts.

The first player I looked at was 35 year old Mntambo, who on paper should offer so much more than he has done so far. Up until the tactical change he had been playing out in the right winger spot but given his lack of physicals I thought he would be a decent option in the CM(A) role and he has absolutely flourished in that position. He has 2 assists and a goal to his name in his two starts in central midfield. Another huge boost for us has been the return of central defender Renecke who has returned after 3 months out. I've now settled on a partnership of Renecke and Brauzmann at the back.

- - -

Linda Mntambo

- - -

Waylon Renecke

                                                  

December 2024

On the move? No thanks, I think I will steer clear of the side rock bottom of the division.

A very short December but a much improved month for us. The tactical change seems to have had an instant impact as we hold the high flying Swallows to a 1-1 draw courtesy of a Solly Khunyedi second half penalty.

We then hosted Sekhukhune in our final fixture of the year and boy what a performance that was. A thumping 4-0 win in convincing fashion. Renecke got us off to the best possible start as he headed home from a Mntambo corner. We soaked up an awful lot of pressure before turning on the style with two goals from substitute Mudau and Mntambo scoring a stunning free kick from around 30 yards out. This month has been a huge relief as I did think we were heading for a relegation scrap.

                                    

DSTV Premiership Table

Our December form has pulled us away from that relegation fight. Richards Bay and Chippa United seem firmly in contention to fill those two spots come the end of the season. Just over half the season has been played with 13 left to go and we now head into the winter break. The aim of this season was always survival and we have the 30 point marker in our sights. The change in tactic does seem to have helped us but I know all too well that the good times may not last too long. 

                                                

Personal Development

The first real bit of personal development news of this save. After multiple unsuccessful attempts, I have finally persuaded the board to fund my National C License. Onwards and upwards!

[TheLutterworthFox]

Don't let the bad results get you down, there were some seriously tough games in there, December was a great turnaround, even though you're near the bottom you have a massive gap to the bottom 2!

[The Last Throw]

Brilliant form in December, things are on the up!

[mannojunior]

February/March 2025 Update

                                                         

Nedbank Cup

Entering in the first round of the Nedbank Cup we were given a fairly straightforward tie as we dispatched of Glendene United 4-0 with a strong performance. 

Another favourable tie lay in wait for us in the Second Round of the Nedbank Cup and we scraped through, beating Pretoria Callies with a 2-1 scoreline. We really should have performed better given the quality of opposition and the early red card. Into the hat for the Quarter Final which is a huge boost.

This sets us up to face Cape Town Spurs in the quarter final stage.

                                                 

DStv Premiership

We started February with a tough trip to Kaizer Chiefs and although we put up a good fight, we were on the wrong end of a 3-1 defeat. We then hit back in impressive fashion as we dispatched of Golden Arrows 5-0. An exceptional performance from lone striker Sedzani Mudau who picked up a hat-trick. Goals from defenders Renecke and De Johng rounded off the scoring. A really strong performance to keep us moving forward. 

February finished in emphatic fashion as we dismantled Chippa Utd 7-2. I couldn't quite believe what I was seeing as we found ourselves 6-0 up at half time. A huge all round performance and one that really shows that we are more than good enough for this division. 

March was a tricky month in the league for us. We put up a terrific fight against Cape Town City and we thought we'd snatched a draw as Khunyedi scored at the death but it was ruled out for offside. Cruel. An end to end game followed at home to Richards Bay and we did just enough to come away with all three points. We rounded off the month in disappointing fashion as we were comfortably brushed aside by Cape Town Spurs in a game where we really should have put up more of a fight.

                                                   

DStv Premiership Table

Things are looking good at Venda. Our 30 point target is now firmly in our sights and with Chippa Utd, Upington City and Richards Bay all scrapping at the bottom of the table, it looks as though we will comfortably avoid the drop.

                                   

New Signing - Facundo Marin and 

With somewhat of an injury crisis brewing out on the flanks I decided to scope out the market for a new winger and I am delighted to pick up both Facundo Marin and Unam Rode who can play on either flank. 

                                                

Personal Development

Another approach, this time from Golden Arrows who sit below us in the league. I decided to interview for the job to see whether I would actually be offered the job and well, we didn't. Such is life.

 

[Coxie84]

Love the title name, love the series 

[marktonge]

You know what! You're improving year on year! Never easy going up a league, but you're dealing with that very well!

Interesting that Golden Arrows keep coming in for you! Are they in a better financial situation? Only reason I'd leave Venda.

[mannojunior]

5 hours ago, Coxie84 said:

Love the title name, love the series 

Cheers mate! Thanks for following 

 

4 hours ago, marktonge said:

You know what! You're improving year on year! Never easy going up a league, but you're dealing with that very well!

Interesting that Golden Arrows keep coming in for you! Are they in a better financial situation? Only reason I'd leave Venda.

Took me a while to realise that we are actually doing a decent job. Our value is £75k, which shows what a small club we are, financially.

Golden Arrows were in a lot of debt but had a bit more money. I think I will look to take advantage if a top half club sacks their manager towards the end of the season or at the end.

[The Last Throw]

Rode looks a great signing, only going to get better with game time

[mannojunior]

1 hour ago, The Last Throw said:

Rode looks a great signing, only going to get better with game time

You know what, he was awful for me!

[The Last Throw]

41 minutes ago, mannojunior said:

You know what, he was awful for me!

shows what I know 

[mannojunior]

End of 2024/2025 Season

                                     

Nedbank Cup

A huge chance blown as we go down 2-1 away at Cape Town Spurs in the Quarter Final of the Nedbank Cup.

In my opinion we were the better team throughout the game and I think we were hard done by. Ultimately we didn't take advantage of the chances we had. I thought Mudau had got us back into the game but 6 minutes later we were behind again as Faiz Abrahams sent Cape Town Spurs into the semi-final. A frustrating afternoon as we had a real shot at some silverware with this competition. 

                               

DStv Premiership - April 2025

A real mixed bag in April. We started with what should have been a relatively straightforward game at home to Upington City. Things did not go to plan and a first half strike from Salifu Colley salvaged a point but we really shouldn't have been dropped points there. A tricky tie followed as we travelled to Sundowns and we found ourselves 4-0 down within the first half. A strong second half saw us score twice through Salifu Colley but it wasn't enough to claim anything from the game. In honesty, our first half performance did not warrant anything. We rounded off the month with a terrific victory at home to SuperSport United thanks to an early header from central defender, Waylon Renecke. A superb result against the side that finished second last season.

                                           

Personal Development - Ciro Venturo

It is with a heavy heart that I have announced that I will be leaving the club at the end of the current season to take the vacant manager's role at SuperSport United. A huge move for us at this stage. SuperSport are having a relatively poor season after finishing second in the league last season. The club are one of the big three and it is a no brainer to accept their offer and assume the role following the conclusion of the current season with Venda. Excited to get started when the time comes.

Cheers then lads, not like I got you promoted and established in the Premiership...

                                   

DStv Premiership - May 2025

Following our win over SuperSport United at the end of April, our survival was confirmed as we opened up a 15 point gap from Chippa United with 4 games to play. A massive achievement for the club given our stature. Just like April, this was another mixed month. We started with two defeats as we faced Orlando Pirates and Polokwane City. Two disappointing performances in truth but given who we were up against we couldn't be too disheartened. We then started playing football again as we ended the season with a 1-1 away at AmaZulu with Miguel Dias scoring a thumping header from a corner. Our final game in charge of Venda saw us beat Swallows 2-1 in front of our home fans with a commanding performance. A great way to sign off our time at the club after two seasons at the helm. I've grown to really love this club but putting emotions aside, now is certainly the right time to move on.

A stellar performance in the league this season as we smash all expectations. The board wanted us to fight against relegation and we more than did that. 34 points in total and 16 clear of Chippa United who finish in 15th. It's hard to show just how small this club is in terms of finances and stature, which makes it even more of an achievement to have kept the club up and hopefully, we have set them up for success. I will be keeping an eye on the club and I certainly hope whoever takes over from me is able to keep the club in the top division and give the club the success it deserves. For now, it is time to sign off as Venda FC manager and step into my new role at SuperSport United.

 

[TheLutterworthFox]

A really good move for you to look forward to mate. They are a decent team and a big upgrade on the club your moving from. I smell a league title incoming!

[mannojunior]

14 minutes ago, TheLutterworthFox said:

A really good move for you to look forward to mate. They are a decent team and a big upgrade on the club your moving from. I smell a league title incoming!

Cheers mate! Feels like a really good step up and a club I can build something with. Hopefully they’ll give me my National B 🤣

[cerud]

A fun one to follow! Like the journeyman career with a twist 

[mannojunior]

1 hour ago, cerud said:

A fun one to follow! Like the journeyman career with a twist 

Thanks mate! Glad you are enjoying it.

[CameronFM]

A brilliant turn of events, particularly when the morale was low after a tough season or two of establishing yourself.

SuperSport is a massive move for you, but by the looks of things a big rebuild required!

[mannojunior]

11 hours ago, CameronFM said:

A brilliant turn of events, particularly when the morale was low after a tough season or two of establishing yourself.

SuperSport is a massive move for you, but by the looks of things a big rebuild required!

Cheers mate! Certainly a big turn around and things are on the up. 
 

A big rebuild in store and with only the champions getting a CL spot it may take a couple of seasons!

[mannojunior]

2025/2026 Season Preview

Our first move of the pentagon challenge has been made and we now have to adapt to life at Supersport United and prepare for a big season ahead. The club is a considerable upgrade in terms of stature and expectations but Ciro is ready for the challenge that lies ahead. For those that are unaware, it is only the side finishing top of the Premiership that qualifies for the African Champions League and given the poor performance last season, I think setting expectations to win the league is a little ambitious. Our aim this season will be to return to the top three and build the squad to try and win the title within the next couple of seasons. We certainly now have the club and finances to get into the Champions League, we just need to actually do it!

                                      

Staff

Our staff needed a big overhaul as I joined the club and I am happy with the progress we have made. We are up there in most departments and this will allow us to improve as a team.

                                        

Kits

In the absence of any downloadable kits for South Africa, I've gone ahead and kitted us out ready for the new season!

                                              

Transfers Out

A fair few departures as expected given the overhaul required. Gutted to lose our star man in Shandre Campbell who forced a move away from the club. On the bright side, a fee of £750k is not to be sniffed at and it does allow us to strengthen the rest of the squad and bring in a decent replacement for him. He was too good for us. Also disappointing to lose Kegan Johannes as he forced his way out following the poor season endured by the club. Again, another tidy fee received for him. 

What could have been if we kept hold of him!

                                          

Transfers In

Following the departures, this was a large influx of players join the club as we look to establish ourselves back amongst the South African elite. I had a plan in mind when looking for players and I didn't really want to break the current wage structure but given the players that we lost it was simply not possible to replace them under the current structure. Our wages have gone through the roof but there was simply no other option if we wanted to compete in the league this season. 

Jayden Adams joins on a free from current champions, Stellenbosch and he is an absolute steal given the season he had last year. Nyanga comes in to offer depth in central midfield. Jody February arrives as our new number one and he looks a solid player between the sticks. We are reunited with Waylon Renecke who joins me on a permanent basis this time as we agree a fee of £190k with Norwich for his transfer. I am really excited to see him progress and he will go straight in at centre back for us. Maela joins on a free to fill the left back role and Titus comes in as our new first choice right winger. Colley also joins me again on loan and I thought this was a no brainer given his form last season at Venda. Calvin Chibwe is certainly an interesting prospect for the future up top and he will be able to offer us something this season. 

Joel Kojo is arguably the biggest signing of the summer as he comes in to replace Campbell up top. He is incredibly quick and technically gifted. I have high hopes for him and I think he will score a lot of goals for us. We will look to train his passing to improve that area of his game. Pereira arrives from Uruguay to take the RB spot but upon joining he gets injured in training and we are without him for between 6 to 9 months. Great. This forces me to dip into the market again and we take El Tahir on a free who will be a decent option at RB. Inacio Miguel will provide cover at CB and RB. Juninho comes in as my only real 'panic buy' in this window. I need depth at CAM and he was the only option available to us with the money we had left. I have no doubt he will do a decent job when called upon.

Calvin Chibwe - joins from Orlando Pirates

Jody February - joins from Stellenbosch

Jayden Adams - joins on a free transfer

Joel Kojo - joins from Nasaf

Augustin Pereira - joins on a free transfer

Waylon Renecke - joins from Norwich City

                                            

Season Preview

Our summer rebuild has given us a season preview position of 4th in the league. If I am honest, I would bite your hand off for a fourth place finish this season. Rome wasn't built in a day and all that.

                                             

Squad

Here is our final squad as we enter the start of the 2025/2026 season here in South Africa. We have a big squad but frustratingly, I was unable to shift a lot of dead wood at the club. This leaves us with a lot of players but the quality of players is limited to maybe 15/16 players tops. There are some in this squad that are so far off the pace it is hard to understand how they are at the club on long deals. Nevertheless, I think I've done as best I can with the hand I was dealt. I'm happy with most areas but I do think we are light up top. If Kojo gets injured then we are reliant on either Chibwe who is raw or some very average strikers.

                              

Tactical Approach

With a move to a bigger club I have decided to be a tad more adventurous in our approach. I had a really successful save at Ajax in FM23 where I recreated a 'Total Football' tactic and used it to great success. I have copied this across and made some changes as it brought out some incredibly exciting football. Notable changes to the original tactic include a flat back 4 rather than a back 3 and no defensive midfielder. I think this suits us more and we are certainly no Ajax! Early predictions say this is going to create a lot of goals but I think we will concede a decent amount.

                                            

August and September results

I'd say that is a fairly positive start to our campaign. Just the one fixture in August as we beat Swallows 4-2 at home with debut goals for Jayden Adams and Maela. We then put in a shocking performance away at Cape Town City and I did wonder whether we had got the recuitment/tactics wrong. Concerns were put to bed following this as we drew 2-2 with Cape Town Spurs before smashing both Upington City and Golden Arrows. You can see that as we've gone on we've become more dominant and I hope the most recent wins will set us up for a good run moving into October.

Just the solitary goal for Joel Kojo which is a disappointing return for him but he needs time to settle in and I have no doubt he will be banging in the goals for us as the season progresses. 

                                          

DStv Premiership Table

 

 

[TheLutterworthFox]

Fantastic start mate and nice to see you sign Renecke, signed him in my save as well and he's really good

[The Last Throw]

Super start, hopefully you can beat the old side when you face them!

[mannojunior]

10 hours ago, The Last Throw said:

Super start, hopefully you can beat the old side when you face them!

Cheers mate! Not sure how I’ll feel when I face Venda.

[mannojunior]

October/November 2025 update

                                    

Telkom Knockout Cup

So it turns out that we are the current holders of the Telkom Knockout Cup. No pressure then!

We cruised through the first round as we dismantled Upington City 5-0 at home. Joel Kojo scored after a minute to settle the nerves and we went from strength to strength in the game. Kojo bagged a brace with a second in the 66th minute and Calvin Chibwe scored his first competitive goal for the club in added time as he came on from the bench. A professional performance and into the quarter final draw.

We were drawn in the quarter final against Cape Town City. Not the worst draw but I had my reservations given that they beat us in the second game of the league campaign. We raced into a 2-0 lead with goals from Joel Kojo and Promise Mkhuma and went into the break with that scoreline. A goal from Jayden Adams in the 68th minute looked to secure the win but Cape Town City put up a good fight and grabbed two late goals. We just about scraped over the line and put ourselves into the semi final. 

A favourable draw sees us travel to Polokwane City in the semi final. Is this our first chance at a piece of silverware in our career?!

                                    

DStv Premiership

Only the two matches in the league for us in October but 6 points taken from them. We comfortably beat Polokwane City 3-1 at home with another Kojo brace and a fine opener from centre back Renecke. Renecke and Kojo continued their fine form as we beat AmaZulu 4-2. You really wouldn't think Renecke was a defender from the amount of goals he is scoring!! Not all of them are headers either, the man is lethal on the edge of the box. 

November saw three games and it is yet another sea of green! We kicked things off against reigning champions Stellenbosch and wow, what a game. 

4-0 up against the reigning champions inside 20 minutes. Our front four all got in on the act as we were too much to handle in the opening encounters. We fell off a little after the opening 20 minutes but put in a professional performance to secure the three points. 

We followed that up with a trip to face Sekhukune United and it took late strikes from skipper Mthembu and our star man Joel Kojo to seal all three points. We were holding on for dear life at 2-2 but as we introduced substitutes to freshen things up we managed to find another gear and take charge of the match. We rounded off the month against TS Galaxy and we put in yet another fine display, with shadow striker Mkhuma grabbing a brace and that man Waylon Renecke bagging another goal from centre back. What a man!

Our fine run of forms leaves the table looking like this. We can extend our lead at the top of the table to 6 points if we win our game in hand.

                                     

Transfer News

Central defender Rushwin Dortley will leave the club in January after we agree a deal to sell him to Al-Gharafa for £150k. A decent young player but he wasn't making the bench and wanted more game time. Getting a decent fee seemed the best option for us. I have no doubt he would have got some game time for us this season but it would only have been limited unless we had a major injury crisis. 

                                    

Player Development

Unless you are lurking on the FMLibrary Discord, I completely forgot to introduce you to our star young prospect and captain, Lerato Mthembu. His is an absolute Rolls Royce of a defender for this league and with his Leadership and Teamwork it was a no brainer to make him captain, despite only being 17. He has already made 3 appearances for the South African national side and he is destined for big things. Frustratingly, he already wants to move on, although I am hoping if we continue our good form he will consider dropping his request to leave. No doubt he will be leaving us at some point in the future as he is simply too good for this division. 

I must also shout out our other central defender, Waylon Renecke who has been absolutely outstanding for us this season. A 7.47 average rating in the league and 6 goals and assists to his name already. 

                                 

Top Performers

No shocks to see Joel Kojo leading the way for goals with 10 in 11 appearances. The man is a machine and is going to be vital for us this season. As already discussed, Renecke is contributing from centre back and he has even scored a couple from the edge of the area. Shadow Striker Promise Mkhuma has slowly started to find his feet and he's picked up 6 goals from the number 10 role. 

An interesting split for assists. Devin Titus leads the way with 8 assists from the right wing. His pace and crossing ability has seen him shine this season and he is a joy to watch when he knocks the ball past his man. Central midfield Jayden Adams continues to impress in all departments and he has 6 assists and 3 goals to his name. Interestingly, left back Maela comes in third for assists. He is currently playing on Full Back (support), so not a naturally attacking role, but good to see him contributing nonetheless.

 

 

[The Last Throw]

wow, absolutely flying!

[mannojunior]

December 2025 Update

I don't usually like doing updates for only a single month but a lot has happened in December and we also reach the winter break so I thought it would be a good time to catch up on how things are going. 

                                

Telkom Knockout Cup

We started December with the Telkom Semi-Final and despite our best efforts to throw the game away, we made it through to the final thanks to two goals from substitute Juninho. We were coasting at half time, 2-0 up and the final in our sights. Polokwane had other ideas and forced us to extra time but we pulled through and got the chance to battle for our first piece of silverware.

WINNERS! Joel Kojo you beautiful man. We faced off against our big rivals, Sundowns in the final and boy did we put on a show. A comfortable win in the end, although Titus' red card in the 53rd minute did give me a minor heart attack but the referee soon levelled out the game as Sundown's Husseini was given his marching orders three minutes later for a horror tackle. Joel Kojo took home the man of the match trophy which two goals to his name in the final. Ciro Venturo picks up his first piece of silverware in his managerial career and is this the start of something special at SuperSport United?

                                 

DStv Premiership

With our ongoing participation in the Telkom Cup, we had just two league fixtures in December as we took on our old club, Venda FC and then Martizburg United. Another flawless month for us as the goals keep coming. We travelled to Venda in good spirits and we came away 4-0 victors with a brace from substitute Calvin Chibwe who scored his second and third goals of the campaign. A slightly bittersweet moment against our hold employer but the blue train keeps marching on. We then hosted Martizburg and another thumping win with a 5-1 scoreline this time and that man Joel Kojo added a further two goals to his tally.

We now enter the winter break and we have a 53 day rest from competitive action. Not a bad way to round off the year as we sit top of the pile and hold a 6 point lead at the top of the table. We must not get carried away as there are still 18 games to be played this season and Sundowns and Orlando Pirates will not give up the chase, that's for sure!

                                       

Player Spotlight

We have got to start our spotlight with this man. Another strong month for our number 10 and he now has 9 league goals to his name. 14 goals from 15 in all competitions. He just keeps getting better and better for us. He uses his lightning pace to great effect and his composure and finishing ability means he scores 9 times out of 10 in and around the box. 

Devin Titus continues to impress out on the right and he sits top of the pile for assists with 10 in all competitions. I wasn't quite sure what I was going to get from him when I signed him but he has certainly made an impact at the club. 

I feel like I should introduce you to another of our young prospects at the club and another central defender. Peter Ralenkoane is a very gifted player and has had a handful of chances in the first team so far this season, mainly coming when Mthembu has been on international duty. The young South African has put in some really good performances for us and he scored one hell of a goal against Venda as he volleyed into the top corner following a knock down. With enough game time I do think he will turn into a really valuable asset for us. 

                                   

Transfer News

As we enter the January transfer window, I have some big decisions to make. The biggest relates to our captain and star man, Lerato Mthembu. He is wanted by Manchester United and Benfica who are both set to come in with bids for him. PSG and Porto have also declared their interest in the media. Mthembu has his heart set on leaving and has 18 months left to run on his deal. Luckily for us there is no release clause which means I can attempt to get a fee to match his worth. I've set an asking price of £1 million for him and he has agreed that it is a fair price for him. Now we wait for the usual low ball offers!

 

 

[mannojunior]

February/March 2026 Update (Season 3)

Can we start dreaming of a Premiership title?!

                                               

Personal Development

Delighted to announce that I've now started my National B course. Further progress and development is only a good thing!

                                              

Nedbank Cup

Ah crumbs. Well I certainly didn't expect a first round exit in this competition and neither did the board. Safe to say they were not happy. We simply didn't show up and it we paid the price. Not good enough. 

                                         

DStv Premiership

February looked a difficult month on paper and it was a mixed bag. We opened up against Orlando Pirates and it produced an absolute snooze-fest and it rightly ended 0-0. This was followed by two huge wins as we smashed Kaizer Chiefs 4-1 courtesy of a Promise Mkhuma hat-trick and then a 5-1 thumping of Capte Town City, this time it was a Joel Kojo hat-trick! The month finished in poor fashion and our unbeaten run in the league came to an end as we fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Sundowns. We were miles off the pace and in the end we really didn't deserve to get anything out of the game. To rub salt into the wounds, our number 1 between the sticks, Jody February is ruled out for the entirety of March...

Two defeats in a row. Were the wheels starting to fall off? We really shouldn't be losing to Swallows and despite a goal from Joel Kojo, we were second best in a dismal display away from home. Despite this setback the boys really turned things around and we followed this with 3 consecutive 4-2 wins. Strange. The key theme from those three games was that we kept going ahead and then being pegged back and somehow found a way to win all three games. If we hadn't picked up 9 points from 9 in those three games I would have been very disappointed. Poor old Venda, I really have nothing against them! Kojo at the double and Renecke scoring again. Things you love to see!

The title race is hotting up! Our small wobble at the end of February and start of March has made things interesting. We are still clear at the top but Sundowns have 2 games in hand and can close the gap to 5 points. We can take a huge step towards the title if we have a flawless April where we face a lot of mid-table sides. May contains games against Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs so we must have a good April to set things up for a good finish. We've been top for so long that I really can't think of giving up that spot! 

                                    

Player Spotlight

I didn't quite realise how important February was for us until he missed a month out injured. He is an incredible shot stopper and it is very noticeable when he is out of the side. I am delighted to have him back available for the title run-in. Just 18 goals conceded in 16 games is an incredible return. Add to that the fact that his attributes don't standout as being the best keeper in the league but he is incredibly consistent and a fantastic penalty stopper!

We waited 6 months to see our new right back in action but I think it was worth the wait. You may remember from the transfer update that we did a lot over the summer to bring this man in and as soon as he joined he was ruled out for 6 months with a broken ankle. We've now been able to bed him in to the first team and he's contributed 2 assists and a goal going forward. He is a very aggressive full back and that will suit us given the amount of possession we have but he is capable of defending when needed.

[The Last Throw]

Biding your time for the right move rather than jumping from Venda straight away is proving to be a fantastic decision, looks like the titles coming your way! 

[mannojunior]

April/May 2026 Update (Season 3)

                                     

DStv Premiership

13 points from a possible 18 means that we haven't quite done enough to clinch the title with three games remaining. Two hugely frustrating games have cost us an early title lift. The 3-3 against Polokwane was absolutely unacceptable. We were 3-0 up and cruising at half time but we come out for the second half looking like a completely different side and we were lucky to hold on to a point in the end. Then a 7-5 defeat at home to Sekhukhune United and I really don't know where to start with this one. 3-0 down inside 20 minutes. A Juninho hat-trick looks to have dug us out of a hole, only for us to concede two late goals to come away with nothing from the game. If we concede 7 goals we absolutely do not deserve anything and I can't describe how angry I was after that defeat. Absolutely unacceptable at this stage of the season.

It's hotting up with three games to go. Realistically it is only Orlando Pirates who can catch us and that will require us to lose all three games.

Couldn't have asked for a nicer run-in, right? What a joke this is. Who scripted this? Regardless, being 8 points ahead with 3 games to go, forget who the opponents are, if we don't clinch the title from here then we really don't deserve it anyway.

[mannojunior]

                                                               

Wednesday 13th May 2026 - Orlando Pirates v SuperSport United 

It's D-Day at the Orlando Stadium. Ciro Venturo's SuperSport United know that if they pick up a point they will be crowned Premiership Champions with two games to spare. Quite the unthinkable achievement given last season's poor performance. Orlando Pirates know that they must win to keep their outside chance of a title push alive. The big team news is that SuperSport will be without their star man and captain, Lerate Mthembu who is ruled out through suspension. 

8' PENALTY!! Orlando Pirates have the change to take the lead from the spot.

8' GOAL!! The penalty is converted and Orlando Pirates take the lead, 1-0.

9' GOAL!! SuperSport hit back instantly. Jayden Adams hits one from the edge of the area and a wicked deflection sends the ball into the bottom corner. 1-1.

14' GOAL!! Orlando Pirates restore their lead. Dansin finds himself clear on goal and slots past Chigova. 2-1.

23' PENALTY!! It's all action here and SuperSport have a penalty. Joel Kojo has the chance to level the scores once again.

23' GOAL!! Joel Kojo smashes his penalty into the top corner. 2-2.

34' PENALTY!! A third penalty of the afternoon and it goes the way of SuperSport.

34' IT'S MISSED!! For some reason SuperSport's Joel Kojo opted not to take the penalty. Right back Augustin Pereira stepped up and blasts the ball wide. 2-2.

44' GOAL!! SuperSport take the lead for the first time in this game. Joel Kojo gets in down the left hand side and whips a low cross into the path of Juninho who taps home. 3-2.

51' GOAL!! Joel Kojo smashes in his 32nd goal of the season and his second in the game. SuperSport are taking control. 4-2.

80' Squeeky bum time. The game has calmed down and SuperSport are controlling the game and look to be heading to the league title.

83' GOAL!! It's a Kojo hat-trick and SuperSport are going to be lifting the trophy today. Sensational. 5-2.

88' GOAL!! SuperSport are cruising. Ndlovu fires home after pinball in the box. 6-2. (edited)

90' Full Time. Orlando Pirates 2-6 SuperSport United.

                                      

                                    

                                      

What an achievement. Words can't describe how proud I am of the boys for their work this season. After coming in off the back of a disastrous season, I thought a top 4 push would be a sensible starting point. The boys proved me wrong. Champions with two games to spare and I think it is going to be a win by some margin! Full season review to follow.

[Scribe]

Congrats on the title 

[TheLutterworthFox]

17 minutes ago, mannojunior said:

                                                               

Wednesday 13th May 2026 - Orlando Pirates v SuperSport United 

It's D-Day at the Orlando Stadium. Ciro Venturo's SuperSport United know that if they pick up a point they will be crowned Premiership Champions with two games to spare. Quite the unthinkable achievement given last season's poor performance. Orlando Pirates know that they must win to keep their outside chance of a title push alive. The big team news is that SuperSport will be without their star man and captain, Lerate Mthembu who is ruled out through suspension. 

8' PENALTY!! Orlando Pirates have the change to take the lead from the spot.

8' GOAL!! The penalty is converted and Orlando Pirates take the lead, 1-0.

9' GOAL!! SuperSport hit back instantly. Jayden Adams hits one from the edge of the area and a wicked deflection sends the ball into the bottom corner. 1-1.

14' GOAL!! Orlando Pirates restore their lead. Dansin finds himself clear on goal and slots past Chigova. 2-1.

23' PENALTY!! It's all action here and SuperSport have a penalty. Joel Kojo has the chance to level the scores once again.

23' GOAL!! Joel Kojo smashes his penalty into the top corner. 2-2.

34' PENALTY!! A third penalty of the afternoon and it goes the way of SuperSport.

34' IT'S MISSED!! For some reason SuperSport's Joel Kojo opted not to take the penalty. Right back Augustin Pereira stepped up and blasts the ball wide. 2-2.

44' GOAL!! SuperSport take the lead for the first time in this game. Joel Kojo gets in down the left hand side and whips a low cross into the path of Juninho who taps home. 3-2.

51' GOAL!! Joel Kojo smashes in his 32nd goal of the season and his second in the game. SuperSport are taking control. 4-2.

80' Squeeky bum time. The game has calmed down and SuperSport are controlling the game and look to be heading to the league title.

83' GOAL!! It's a Kojo hat-trick and SuperSport are going to be lifting the trophy today. Sensational. 5-2.

88' GOAL!! SuperSport are cruising. Ndlovu fires home after pinball in the box. 6-2. (edited)

90' Full Time. Orlando Pirates 2-6 SuperSport United.

                                      

                                    

                                      

What an achievement. Words can't describe how proud I am of the boys for their work this season. After coming in off the back of a disastrous season, I thought a top 4 push would be a sensible starting point. The boys proved me wrong. Champions with two games to spare and I think it is going to be a win by some margin! Full season review to follow.

Incredible win mate, congrats on the title now to smash the Champions League