Atletico Barinas Overview

The Glamour Boys are entering a brave new era under the guidance of Fernando da Cruz, and the message from the bench is loud and clear: silverware is the immediate priority. Assistant coach Dillon Sheppard believes the season-opening MTN8 represents the perfect springboard for the Soweto giants to reclaim their status as the kings of South African football.

Former Amakhosi player Junior Khanye has sensationally claimed that the talented midfielder could still end up in the Black and Gold despite his recent move abroad. The 28-year-old recently departed Orlando Pirates to join Iraqi side Zakho FC on a free transfer.

Shortly after news broke that the renowned coach was one of 80 applicants received by the South African Football Association (SAFA) for the soon-to-be vacant head coach role, he aired his views on South Africa's exit from the tournament on Smash Sports and broke down, in hindsight, what he would have done differently.

The defender has thrown his weight behind the national team head coach, calling on him to stay and lead South Africa into another chapter of their remarkable rise. Despite earlier indications that the global showpiece would mark his final assignment, the Belgian has earned the unwavering backing of the squad, who believe he can build on the foundations laid and drive the team to even greater heights on the continental stage.