Khothatso Leballo

The two attackers were making their debuts at the continental football competition and instantly impressed. One grabbed South Africa's winning goal while the other had a strike disallowed for offside as they were a constant threat to the Palancas Negras. In the end, South Africa bagged maximum points and got their Group B campaign off to an encouraging start.

The former Super Eagles captain walked away from his national team career just as his side was getting ready for the continental football showpiece. It marked the end of the 10 years he was with Nigeria, having established himself as a reliable centre-back and entrusted with a leadership role as the team's skipper. The Buccaneers defender played with him and has taken time to pay tribute.

Expectations are high on South Africa to go all the way in this continental competition after settling for a bronze medal at the last edition. Having already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 1996 African champions will be eager to underline their progress on the African stage. The continental tournament offers them a chance to justify their status as a nation headed to the global football showpiece.

GOAL gives you the details to follow South Africa's Group B opener at the continental competition against the Palancas Negras at Stade de Marrakech on Monday. The 1996 African champions would be seeking to start their campaign on a high by claiming a morale-boosting victory against their COSAFA rivals. Coach Hugo and his men are on a mission to go a step further after finishing third the last time out.

The 29-year-old forward is enduring a frustrating campaign, having struggled for regular game time this season. Despite enjoying a brief spell in which he impressively found the back of the net, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has increasingly overlooked him in his selection. With the Buccaneers mentor showing little faith in the player, it remains to be seen whether the attacker will still be at the club next season.

The Chilli Boys custodian has long been linked with a move to Amakhosi, but the transfer has yet to materialise. Even at the peak of his career, he reportedly attracted interest from the English Championship, Scotland and the Middle East. However, he has remained in Gqeberha, with calls growing for the Soweto giants to still consider making a move for him.

The former Moroka Swallows coach has thrown his hat into the ring, insisting he is best suited to lead the Soweto giants and could be the solution to their problems. His comments come at a time when Amakhosi are being led by co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, who stepped in following the departure of Nasreddine Nabi. The current situation could pave the way for the Glamour Boys to appoint a substantive head coach at the end of the season.

The current AFCON break has seen exciting development in the technical set-up of the Cape Winelands side. The incoming coach is expected to use this pause in action to drill players in his philosophy and demands before competitive football resumes in January. Adding intrigue, a former Amakhosi tactician is already being strongly linked with the Western Cape outfit.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos took with him to the continental tournament forwards who have not been much prolific at their clubs. But he would be hoping his team will not face some attacking frailties in Morocco which could affect their campaign. The Belgian also banks on attacking midfielders and wingers who can cause problems for opponents on their day.

The Brazilians are staring at the grim prospect of ending the season empty-handed unless they mount a turnaround of their fortunes. To avert that outcome, Masandawana might need to pull their socks up in the PSL title race while also raising their game in the CAF Champions League and the Nedbank Cup. The pressure has intensified after the Tshwane giants already missed out on the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout this season.

South Africa have been drawn in Group B at AFCON, where they will renew COSAFA rivalries with Zimbabwe and Angola while also facing continental heavyweights Egypt. Navigating past this seemingly demanding pool would be crucial as South Africa chase a first AFCON title in 30 years.

Amakhosi are under a co-coaching arrangement between Cedric Kaze and Khalil ben Youssef following the departure of Nasreddine Nabi earlier this season. But with the Soweto giants struggling to challenge for trophies, some fans want the club to consider the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach for the top job at Naturena.

The departure of the 20-year-old centre-back to North America may have left a void that the Buccaneers will need to address. The Soweto giants have enjoyed a season built on being tight at the back and will be keen to ensure they do not suddenly become porous. Maintaining that defensive solidity will be key to their bid to add more silverware this season.

The national team coach acted swiftly to resolve an issue that had the potential to unsettle his camp to ensure his men remain focused on the upcoming continental tournament. He is now looking to lead a highly motivated squad to Morocco, determined to improve on the third-place finish they achieved at the previous edition.

The 21-year-old winger endured an unceremonious exit from Amakhosi but has since reinvented himself at TS Galaxy, emerging as one of the standout performers in the PSL. His exploits with the Rockets have placed him on the fringes of the Bafana Bafana setup and has a chance of featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His form has also sparked transfer speculation, linking him with a return to Amakhosi as well as interest from Mamelodi Sundowns and the Buccaneers.

The Buccaneers have already clinched two trophies this season and, despite their CAF Champions League elimination, they still have a chance to finish the campaign with four titles. Their new signings have emerged as genuine game-changers, injecting fresh energy and quality into the squad. Their influence could prove decisive as the Soweto giants push to achieve their silverware ambitions.

The 20-year-old has made a huge leap in his young career, sealing a major move just nine months after breaking into professional football. While he was widely tipped to take the European route, the defender has instead opted for a switch to America, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions. Two former Amakhosi midfielders have come out strongly in support of the move after his national team coach openly voiced his opposition.

The 27-year-old heads to AFCON with South Africa on the back of a rejuvenated season in which he rediscovered his best form with the Buccaneers. He last tasted international tournament football in 2017 at the Under-20 AFCON with Amajita, but now has the chance to showcase his talent on the big stage with the senior national team. Much is expected of him at the tournament in Morocco as he looks to repay coach Hugo Broos for the faith shown in him.