Celine Abrahams

The Premier Soccer League leaders marched into the final at New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, December 6, chasing a second trophy of the campaign, having already lifted the MTN8 earlier in the season. Standing in their way were Bahlabane ba Ntwa, determined to script history by claiming their first-ever piece of major silverware in the top-flight.

Amakhosi wrapped up a spirited outing in the United Kingdom on Saturday, December 6, having faced Manchester United, Leeds United and QPR. The young guns seized the chance to test themselves against overseas opposition, showing grit and hunger while soaking up valuable lessons. A tour that toughened their resolve and showed they can rise to grander occasions.

The Belgian mentor recently unveiled his final 25‑man squad set to carry South Africa’s hopes at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. With a blend of seasoned campaigners and rising talents, the group will aim to showcase resilience, unity and ambition on the continental stage as Bafana Bafana prepare to fly the national flag high in pursuit of glory.

The Carling Knockout final is more than a trophy chase. For the Buccaneers, it’s a farewell stage for 20-year-old centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who departs for Major League Soccer after this match. For Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, it’s a chance to etch their name into history. One night, two stories and a stadium braced for destiny.

Amakhosi endured a frustrating evening as they were held to a goalless stalemate by bottom‑placed Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Wednesday, December 3. Chiefs controlled large spells of possession and carved out chances but failed to convert, leaving them to settle for a single point in their Premier Soccer League away fixture.

The Glamour Boys made the trip to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Wednesday, December 3, locking horns with the struggling Chilli Boys in a crucial league clash. Having last featured in PSL action before the international break, Chiefs returned to domestic duty after balancing the demands of their ongoing CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

Five months into his tenure at the Bloemfontein outfit, Alexandre Lafitte has already driven the side to a major cup final. On Saturday, 6 December, the stage shifts to Polokwane where they clash with the mighty Buccaneers in the Carling Knockout Cup showdown - a battle for silverware and a shot at history.

The Cape Winelands side travelled to Zanzibar for their Group C clash against their Tanzanian opponents at Amaan Stadium on Sunday, 30 November. Having opened this phase of the tournament with a 1‑0 win over AS Otoho d’Oyo, Stellies were determined to build on that momentum and reclaim top spot in the pool, keeping their continental ambitions firmly alive.

The Buccaneers, three points clear of Masandawana at the summit, stretched their unbeaten league run to 10 matches with a decisive 2‑0 victory over Durban City. The clash, played on Saturday, 29 November, marked their final Premiership outing of 2025, sending Pirates into the Africa Cup of Nations break firmly in contention for the title.

The Glamour Boys remain in pursuit of their first maximum points in Group D, with the Soweto giants still battling to find their rhythm on the continental stage. After two matches played, Chiefs sit in third place with just a single point to their name, leaving plenty of work ahead if they are to climb the standings and keep their qualification hopes to the next round alive.

Amakhosi clawed their way back to earn a 1-1 draw against Egyptian giants Zamalek in their second CAF Confederation Cup Group D clash at New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, 29 November. Chiefs are currently sitting third in the group with just a single point from two matches, needing momentum to spark their campaign.

Amakhosi welcomed their Egyptian opponents to the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, 29 November, marking their first home clash in the continental competition’s group stages. The Soweto giants sought redemption after opening their campaign with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Al Masry last weekend.

The defending Premier Soccer League champions continued their continental journey on Friday, 28 November, travelling to Stade Ali Ammar Dit Ali La Ponite with the aim of extending their winning start in the CAF Champions League. The Brazilians had opened their group stage campaign in style last weekend, securing a 3-1 victory over Saint Eloi Lupopo at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

The former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns star continues to make his mark for the Moroccan club, once again proving influential as Wydad Casablanca powered to their second victory of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage on Friday, 28 November. His impact has kept the giants firmly in contention, underlining his growing importance on the continental stage.

The 27-year-old is still waiting to make his Amakhosi debut after joining in the off‑season. Signed from English side Port Vale and son of former Manning Rangers player Donovan Chislett, the midfielder’s absence has sparked growing questions among fans, who wonder why the Soweto giants have yet to unleash their new recruit.

The Belgian has opened a wide, ambitious window with his preliminary AFCON squad - an orchestra of veterans, disruptors and bold prospects that must be cut to 27. The selections signal a team designed for multiple tempos: patience when games tighten, speed when they fracture and enough nerve to suffer. This is not a list; it’s the architecture of how Bafana want to win.

Amakhosi’s CAF Confederation Cup journey began with heartbreak, as they suffered a late setback in their opening Group D clash against Al Masry at Suez Stadium on Sunday, 23 November. Despite moments of resilience and a spirited equaliser, defensive lapses proved costly in the closing stages, leaving the Glamour Boys empty-handed in Egypt.

Amakhosi kicked off their CAF Confederation Cup group stage campaign with a testing away fixture at Suez Stadium in Egypt on Sunday, 23 November. The Glamour Boys entered the continental spotlight determined to showcase resilience and ambition, setting the tone for a demanding journey where every point will prove vital in their pursuit of progress.