Khothatso Leballo

South Africa coach Hugo Broos announced his squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals, and as expected, there were prominent names missing from the Belgian's selection. One of the players whose omission triggered debate is the Wydad Casablanca attacker. He did not even appear in the preliminary squad and has, over a period of time, not been considered for national duty.

The 24-year-old winger is one of the players who featured at the last edition of the continental tournament in Ivory Coast, even though he was used only sparingly at the time. Back then, he was still turning out for Polokwane City before securing a big move to the Buccaneers ahead of the current season. The national team coach has since highlighted the significant improvement shown by the Cape Town-born star.

South African political party, United Democratic Movement (UDM), has angrily reacted to the utterances made by the Belgian coach as he took aim at his defender and the player's agent who facilitated the transfer from the Buccaneers to North America. The political party has deemed the coach's remarks as inappropriate, leading to them approaching the Human Rights Commission with a complaint.

Amakhosi closed out 2025 on a frustrating note after failing to win their last four games, both domestically and on the continent. That slump saw them miss a golden chance to climb to second place on the PSL table, and they now head into the AFCON break sitting fourth. That means they return in 2026 with significant pressure to revive their form and stay in the league title race.

The former Morocco defender was captured in a moment of connection with his players after the Buccaneers beat Marumo Gallants 1-0 to win the Carling Knockout at Peter Mokaba Stadium last Sunday. The Soweto giants' coach sprinted on the pitch with his players in hot pursuit to shower him with champagne in celebration of their triumph and second major trophy of the season.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder has emerged as one of the Buccaneers’ standout performers this season, consistently delivering influential displays in the middle of the park. His impressive form has earned him the trust of both the Soweto giants’ technical team and the national team coach. At 27, he looks rejuvenated and is playing some of the best football of his career.

The Buccaneers winger was named as the best player on the pitch after they defeated Marumo Gallants 1-0 in the final of the Beer Cup at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. However, his award that comes with R100,000 sparked debate as some fans believed other players performed better than him as the Soweto giants claimed their second trophy of the season.

The 21-year-old has managed to reinvent himself after being discarded by Amakhosi, putting the Soweto giants under scrutiny for letting such a big talent slip away. While he has bounced back strongly from the Naturena setback, he is still chasing his major breakthrough on the international stage. Even though he earned a place in the preliminary squad for the 2025 AFCON, he has yet to firmly establish himself in the national team setup, but would be happy for the recognition.

The 26-year-old has been handed a lifeline in his international career as he heads to the continental competition with South Africa. He makes his return to the national team after a brief absence that followed his club switch and a dip in form. Now back on top of his game, his performances have convinced the technical team that he can add value to the national side again.

The Botswana Premier League is steadily emerging as an attractive destination for South African coaches and players seeking new opportunities. This could reflect how football in that country is growing. A clear sign of this progress is the Botswana national team, which has qualified for AFCON and is guided by South African coach Morena Ramoreboli. Now, a big-name coach in South African football is linked with a club in the Southern African nation.

GOAL gives you the details to follow the Soweto giants' clash with Bahlabane ba Ntwa in the Carling Knockout final at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. It is both teams' final game of 2025 and they would be keen on signing off the year on a high. For the Buccaneers, they will be on the hunt for a second trophy of the season after lifting the MTN8 earlier on. Their opponents are bidding for their first-ever piece of major silverware in the top-flight league.

The Soweto giants square off against Bahlabane ba Ntwa in the Carling Knockout final at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, aiming to end the season on a high after also being guaranteed to end the year as Premier Soccer League leaders. Having already lifted the MTN8 in October, the Buccaneers are chasing a second major trophy this term as they seek to continue as domestic football's Cup Kings.

South Africa find themselves in seemingly challenging Group B at the continental tournament alongside Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe. Navigating through this pool will be crucial if they are to reach the knockout rounds. They are determined to improve on their previous campaign, where they secured a bronze medal. However, doubts have surfaced after an experienced coach questioned the squad selected by the Belgian tactician. That scrutiny has added extra pressure on the team to prove their capabilities on the big stage.

The 20-year-old centre-back is on his way to North America despite widespread expectations that he would secure a move to Europe. His move has raised questions about how it could influence his international prospects as Bafana Bafana prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Looking at the bigger picture, he will be hoping the move does not jeopardise his chances of making Hugo Broos’ final squad for the global football competition.

The Buccaneers coach has applauded his players for dominating the South Africa final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament. The Soweto giants have provided nine players to Hugo Broos' 25-member selection that will head to the continental competition. This sees The Ghost taking over from the Brazilians who used to dominate the national side at the last edition.

GOAL gives you the details to follow Madandawana's visit to Bloemfontein to face Siwelele on Wednesday. The Brazilians will be at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium as they push to return to the top of the Premier Soccer League standings. Orlando Pirates currently occupy top spot but the Tshwane giants have an opportunity to end the year on a high with victory in Mangaung.

GOAL gives you the details to follow Amakhosi's Premier Soccer League trip to Gqeberha to face the Chilli Boys on Wednesday. Currently fifth on the table, the Soweto giants still have the chance to finish the year at the top of the table if they win their last two PSL games, but that is also dependent on how their nearest rivals perform. They come up against the relegation-haunted Chilli Boys, who are at the foot of the standings.

The Buccaneers continue to produce a high number of quality players through their developmental structures. While some of these youngsters have successfully broken into the first team, several others have been sent out on loan to gain valuable experience. However, one of their players has now left the club.