Khothatso Leballo

The Buccaneers continue with their ambitions to lift the quadruple as they lock horns with National First Division opposition in their latest assignment. A far sterner examination looms against familiar old foes, setting up a defining spell in their campaign. It marks a demanding period for the Moroccan coach and his men, who are still recovering from a bruising encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Relebohile Mofokeng’s new role as a playmaker has squeezed his Bafana Bafana teammate and the Kiwi out of regular minutes, limiting their opportunities to influence matches. With game time now harder to come by, both players risk ending the season on a low note. That situation could also hurt their national team prospects ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup if they continue struggling for consistent action.

After struggling for form earlier this season and slipping into a bit-part role at the Brazilians, the 24-year-old has picked himself up by forcing his way back into contention for regular football with some consistency and top performances. His resurgence could soon earn him a recall to the national team.

The Rockets had their hands tied in the market, leaving them unable to properly strengthen their squad. Their predicament was compounded by their status as a selling club, with key stars departing and no adequate replacements arriving. This left them vulnerable, but the problem has been fixed for them to add depth to their squad ahead of the more taxing part of the season.

The former Amakhosi development player joined the Rockets carrying high expectations after they conquered the reserve league last season. However, he has struggled to secure regular game time under the Bosnian coach. His limited opportunities have slowed the momentum many believed he would build on his promising rise.

A huge gap opened in the Buccaneers’ defence after the Bafana Bafana centre-back secured a move to Chicago Fire FC. Although the Soweto giants responded by signing Mpho Chabatsane, they remained reduced at the back following the exit of Olisa Ndah. That might have left coach Abdeslam Ouaddou needing a central defender.

The Buccaneers saw their Premier Soccer League lead trimmed after a tense clash with the Brazilians. Masandawana went into the match appearing to be losing ground in their title defence bid before producing a result when it mattered most. The outcome leaves the championship race wide open heading into the decisive stretch of the season.

South Africa return to the world stage at the global football competition, having last featured in the 2010 edition which they hosted. This time, they head to North America determined to make history beyond merely participating but progressing past the group stage for the first time in their history at the tournament.

The 22-year-old’s meteoric rise saw him pass through the development ranks of Kaizer Chiefs before sealing a move to TS Galaxy in July 2024. He is now with Masandwana at a time when he has cemented himself as a full Bafana Bafana international. The rapid progression has placed him on course for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Brazilians continue their bid to reclaim the Premier Soccer League summit as they push for a ninth consecutive title. They make a short trip across Gauteng to face the Buccaneers at FNB Stadium on Wednesday. The high-stakes clash could prove decisive in shaping the title race as both sides battle for the league crown.

The Soweto giants did not make any senior team signings during the PSL January transfer window. Attention is now expected to shift towards planning for next season as the club reassesses its squad needs. Several players have already been linked with potential moves to Naturena ahead of the new campaign.

For the first time in recent seasons, the Soweto giants look settled in the goalkeeping department, bringing a sense of calm at the back. This renewed stability marks a clear improvement in a once-problematic area of their squad, and it could prove decisive in their push for the Premier Soccer League title.

The Cape Winelands side and their opponents from Tanzania entered this last group game with their quarter-final hopes having already been extinguished. With nothing tangible left to fight for, the fixture effectively became a dead rubber. The chance to sign off in a respectable manner was all that remained at stake, but it turned out to be a disappointing evening for both teams.

After engaging in the Nedbank Cup campaign, teams turned their focus to the Premier Soccer League campaign. Orlando Pirates widened the gap at the top with a win over Marumo Gallants, while Babina Noko's result affected Amakhosi and Mamelodi Sundowns, who were focused on their respective CAF campaigns. At the other end of the table, the relegation battle is heating up.

The Soweto giants have been knocked out of continental competition and will now shift their full attention to domestic duties. Their exit means only one tournament remains to fight for this season after falling short in three major trophy bids. With continental ambitions over, the focus turns to salvaging pride and success on the local front.

Players from Amakhosi have found it increasingly difficult to break into the national team setup in recent years. Not a single player from the Soweto giants featured in the South Africa squad for the last two AFCON editions, underlining the widening gap between the club and their PSL rivals, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, who dominate Hugo Broos' side. That absence has raised concerns that performance standards at Amakhosi may have dipped compared to previous eras.

The Portuguese coach went into Saturday’s match with mounting pressure, staring at the embarrassing possibility of failing to steer the Brazilians into the tournament’s knockout rounds. However, Madsandawana rose to the occasion with a crucial victory that kept their campaign alive. The result allowed their tactician to breathe a huge sigh of relief as the immediate threat to his position appeared to have eased.

The Buccaneers opened a six-point gap at the summit of the Premier Soccer League standings after a 3-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. It was another productive outing for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side, who continue to build momentum in the title race. The Soweto giants are now 14 matches unbeaten across all competitions, with their last defeat dating back to October 2025.