After signing more than 10 players in the offseason transfer window, the Bucs' squad expanded incredibly, and that meant some players were automatically going to struggle for game time. In the January window, more have been brought on board; consequently, some will be released, while others will be allowed to join other clubs, either permanently or on short-term deals.

Amakhosi rivals, particularly Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, have taken advantage of the short transfer window. But the Glamour Boys have not yet brought on board anyone, and there is a likelihood the technical bench will work with the players already available. Given that they are challenging on both domestic and continental fronts, Chiefs' coaches can only hope each and every player will play their part as required in order to achieve their season's ambitions.

The Tshwane giants bounced back to winning ways and reclaimed Premier Soccer League top spot right on their return from the 2025 AFCON break with a result stating their intentions in their bid for a ninth straight title. Their Portuguese coach started what looked like a second-string side before throwing in familiar names in the second half. But they still managed to see off the challenge of their visitors from Limpopo.

After failing to collect maximum points in their last two games before the Premier Soccer League took a break in December, Amakhosi resume the campaign with some pressure on their shoulders. On paper, their game against Chippa United was expected to be an easy one given the Chilli Boys' poor form this season; however, the Soweto giants were forced to share points after a goalless draw. The Glamour Boys dropped more points when they were held to another goalless draw by TS Galaxy.

The Soweto giants have been enduring contrasting fortunes this season, with Amakhosi part of the chasing pack in the Premier Soccer League title race. They are trailing their traditional rivals, who are touted as one of the favourites to be crowned PSL champions. A defender with first-hand experience playing for both teams has explained the gap between the two clubs, pointing to key differences.

The Glamour Boys have been blowing hot and cold in the South African top-flight, but they will be aiming to start the year on a high when they face Abafana Bes'thende on Tuesday. It will be a massive opportunity for the players to reward the supporters with a gift after an extended break owing to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The 29-year-old started the season in a promising manner and was being touted as a deserving player to be selected for Bafana Bafana duty, but fizzled out and was being frozen out by Buccaneers coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. That sparked transfer rumours and the forward has now moved to the Cape Winelands where he will try to pick up form and end the season on a high.

Erling Haaland has already conquered most Champions League records, but Manchester City's trip to Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday offers him a chance to break new ground by becoming the first Norwegian player to score against a Norwegian team in the competition's history. Even though Bodo is a 24-hour drive from Haaland's hometown of Bryn and way up in the Arctic circle, this is still a homecoming for the nation's most famous athlete.