Following a string of incidents in the mid-week fixtures various coaches have lashed out at the Premier Soccer League's officiating standards. With calls for VAR introduction reaching fever pitch, AmaZulu FC's Arthur Zwane has joined the growing chorus of dissatisfied tacticians clamouring for improvement.
The Pretoria side will be aiming to settle scores with Abafana Bes'thende in a clash that promises excitement, as the KwaZulu-Natal team looks to bounce back after a disappointing weekend draw, while Masandawana remain steadfast in their title defence mission. Downs will need to win this game because if they drop points, that means they would have ceded some ground to title race rivals, Orlando Pirates.
The Tshwane giants will be determined to claw their way back to the summit of the Premier Soccer League table, a task that promises to be anything but straightforward. Babina Noko, equally desperate, are battling for every available point as they look to solidify their place in the title race.
The Glamour Boys' supporters have grown increasingly restless, having initially given the co-coaches the benefit of the doubt after an early promise. Now, trust in those at the helm has worn thin. Ahead of the crucial Soweto Derby, one of Amakhosi coaches has openly stated that a victory would not only secure three points but also help appease their fans.
The 27-year-old last played a competitive football match in November 2025 while on loan at Orbit College from Orlando Pirates. He was apparently playing while carrying a thigh injury that flared up again after his shock move to Chloorkop in January. Now, as February draws to a close, rumours have started swirling about why the winger has yet to make an appearance in a match day squad at Masandawana.
The Sea Robbers joined giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs out of the competition after falling to minnows on Saturday. The second-tier outfit were inspired by their custodian, who was confident throughout the game, ensuring his defense didn't leak. The 25-year-old has explained his heroics against the Soweto giants.
Since the Conference League's inception in 2021, three teams have lifted the trophy: Roma, West Ham United, and the current champions, Olympiacos.
How many teams are in the Conference League?
The newest format, introduced ahead of the 2024-25 season, features 36 teams, four more than in the previous format.
Who has made the most Conference League appearances ever?
Mainz 05 midfielder Hong Hyun-seok and Gent captain Sven Kums have made 39 appearances each in the Conference League, making them the players with the most appearances in the competition.
Who is the all-time top scorer of the Conference League?
As for top goalscorers, Arthur Cabral leads the list with 21 goals to his name, including those scored in the qualifying phase. However, without taking into account goals scored in the qualifying phase, three players have scored the joint-most goals in Conference League with 12 each to their names: Arthur Cabral, Eran Zahavi, and Vangelis Pavlidis.
Who has the most assists in the history of the Conference League?
Darian Males, Gavriel Kanichowsky, and Cristiano Biraghi have the most assists in Conference League history, registering eight assists each.
Who is the oldest player ever in the Conference League and how old was he?
Veteran Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina, while playing for Villarreal in 2023, became the oldest player to feature in the Conference League at 40 years and 175 days.
Who is the youngest player ever in the Conference League and how old was he?
Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi holds the record as the Conference League's youngest-ever player at the tender age of 16 years and 3 days.
Which famous players have played in the Conference League?
Stars such as Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Tammy Abraham, Declan Rice, Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins,Co Mario Gotze, Kasper Schmeichel, Cody Gakpo, Stephan El Shaarawy, James Maddison, Jonathan David, and Edin Dzeko have played in the Conference League.
Which famous managers have managed in the Conference League?
Manuel Pellegrini, Jose Mourinho, Unai Emery, David Moyes, and Ange Postecoglou are among the most famous managers to have managed in the Conference League.