We’re live from Mpumalanga , the place of the rising sun, in a province known for its agricultural strength, natural beauty and rising entrepreneurial prowess.
Today we're celebrating entrepreneurs with disabilities at the #SBInclusiveExcellenceAwards2026
🚨🎙INTERVIEWER: "Mr Thomas Tuchel, it's been over 3 years since you left the Chelsea job, but fans are still arguing about the reason you were sacked. Can you clear the air about that?"
🗣Tuchel: "Well, I'm not a social media type of person, so I haven't really seen some of those claims. But to answer your question, being sacked from my job back then came as a surprise to me as well. I wanted to build something different with Chelsea, to build a team capable enough to dominate Europe for a while, but unfortunately, that was cut short by the new owner".
"I wanted to have my says on signings because I alone can tell which player I want and which I don't. In building a strong team, you need to sign players that can fit in the team, not just sign every player available in the transfer market".
"The reason why the Chelsea team still struggles with big teams is that the team lacks experienced players. I understand they want to build with younger players, which will definitely help in the future, but you also need some experienced players in the team for the present while you look forward to the future".
"It's clear the owners wanted a 'Yes boss' type of coach, and with my age back then, I believe they knew it would be difficult for me to just agree to whatever terms. That's what I believe is the reason they sacked me. Looking at the managers they've appointed after me, I don't see any of them having a say in the players the board is signing for the team".
"All I can say now is that I wish them all the best going forward. Chelsea is a great club, they'll definitely keep winning more major trophies as time goes on. Thanks."
1/3) Deerosh Maharaj, Energy Infrastructure & Mining Executive, hosted a workshop focusing on the critical role of skills development in the Energy & Water subsectors. This session explored the private sector’s responsibility in capacity building, SME support & gender equality.