Khothatso Leballo

Since October 2024, the veteran midfielder has been battling persistent fitness issues that have severely limited his game time for both club and country. His latest injury struck just as he had recovered from a previous setback, adding to the frustration. The recurring problems have raised fears that he may now be injury-prone. With him spending more time on the sidelines than on the pitch, concerns continue to grow about the future of his career. These mounting worries have also sparked fresh fears that he might soon consider calling time on his career when he is needed by Masandawana and the national team.

Amakhosi are in Egypt for their CAF Confederation Cup Group D clash against Al Masry at Suez Stadium on Sunday. The Soweto giants' sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr acknowledges the tough challenge that awaits them in North Africa as they are chasing their first continental trophy since 2001, when they lifted the CAF Cup Winners' Cup.

There was drama during the Railmen’s last visit to South Africa to face Orlando Pirates, with their defender Dieumerci Mukoko earning himself suspension for his over-the-top antics. The Buccaneers fell right into their visitors' trap and drew CAF sanctions for spraying chemical substances near the opponents' dressing room. The drama became one of the talking points of that afternoon at Orlando Stadium. Sundowns are aware of that chaotic episode and their coach says they will be on high alert to avoid similar pitfalls.

Three Amakhosi players who were part of the club’s pre-season tour of the Netherlands had raised hopes they would become central figures in the first team this season. However, the players failing to play first-team football suggests they have taken steps back in their development after such early promise. It also casts doubt on whether the Soweto giants are nurturing quality talent as expected, highlighting concerns about how effectively the club transitions academy prospects into the first team. That might see Chiefs having to rethink their entire player development strategy.

The 2025 CAF Awards ceremony was held on Wednesday in Morocco, with a South African team and footballers being part of the final nominees. The glittering event drew the continent’s finest football personalities under one roof and the strong South African presence might highlight the country's influence and contribution to football on the continent.

Amakhosi have been under pressure to produce players who go on to take South African football by storm. A number of their players have come close to reaching that, while others are still on their way to becoming big. The likes of Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala are still on the rise, with a lot of promise in them. However, others like Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Wandile Duba cannot be ruled out from improving to fulfil the promise they showed.

Tuesday's defeat to the Teranga Lions might have left some Kenya fans and football pundits questioning if the Bafana Bafana legend is the right man for the job he is in. This was after the former FC Porto forward was in charge of the fourth-heaviest defeat ever suffered by the East Africans. The FKF boss was forced to immediately issue a statement apologising for the embarrassing result.

The 27-year-old is making waves in Spain with his impressive performances for his second-tier club. He has continued with his growing hunger to get into the goal-scoring mix and make his mark in the league. While the Golden Boot remains a distant dream, he is promising to get himself into the mix should he continue with consistent displays. After parting ways with Sundowns unceremoniously, the attacker is showing why he was so keen for a move away from Chloorkop.

The South African legend is in the headlines for grim reasons after overseeing what is now the worst result of his coaching career. The humbling defeat to the Teranga Lions has intensified scrutiny on him and left the former FC Porto forward facing a massive task of managing and repairing a dented reputation. Also pressing is the need to regain the trust of the Kenyan football public.

The Amakhosi midfielder has received some backing from a club legend who is strongly convinced that the player has enough quality to deserve a place in the national side. He argues that despite the central midfield being arguably the richest Bafana department in terms of depth, the former Stellenbosch star is international football material. The Soweto giants great insists the national team coach is failing to recognise what is good in a defensive linkman.

While other AFCON-bound teams have taken advantage of the current FIFA international break to play two friendly matches, South Africa opted to schedule only one. This might be seen as missing out on valuable match sharpness. However, the team will have an opportunity for more friendlies just before the continental tournament kicks off. That period could be crucial for the Belgian coach to further fine-tune combinations. The quality of opposition in the final preparation may determine how competitive the 1996 African champions will be at the continental showpiece.

The competition for places in the national side has gained steam as the 2025 AFCON finals draw closer. The coach is finding it increasingly difficult to satisfy everyone, with every squad announcement sparking fierce debate. High-performing players like Shandre Campbell, Thembinkosi Lorch, Siyabonga Ngezana, Grant Kekana and Gift Links have all been mentioned among those unlucky to be left out. It all underlines the immense pressure on the Belgian tactician who faces stern scrutiny with every choice he makes.

The Amakhosi goalkeeper has impressively kept seven clean sheets in 11 games this season, and he tops all other custodians in the PSL so far. Despite this form, he continues to be overlooked by the South Africa national team coach, Hugo Broos. Legend Doctor Khumalo is among those voicing strong support, insisting that Petersen fully deserves the national team nod.

Competition for places in the South Africa squad ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is intensifying as the continental tournament draws closer. A number of players have recently emerged as strong contenders, widening the pool available to the coach. Their impressive performances at club level have sparked debates about who truly deserves a spot. One of them is a former Orlando Pirates star who has become a big subject of debate.

GOAL gives you the details to follow Amajimbos' clash with the Samurai Blue in a Round of 32 match at Aspire Zone Pitch 3 on Saturday. This is the first time South Africa have reached the knockouts of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup and they are hoping to further progress in this tournament.

GOAL gives you the details to follow South Africa's international friendly match against Chipolopolo at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. It is their first match since qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in October. Now, Hugo Broos would be testing his men to see if they are the right material he needs at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

South Africa are intensifying preparations for the 2025 AFCON finals with an international friendly match against Chipolopolo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. The 1996 African champions' coach is using the match to fine-tune his squad as he edges closer to finalising the group he will take to the continental tournament. With competition for AFCON places still open, the game against the Copper Bullets is expected to bring out fierce performances from players eager to impress the coach. This could also be the last chance for some players to convince the Belgian tactician that they deserve a seat on the plane to Morocco.

South Africa are intensifying preparations for the 2025 AFCON finals with an international friendly match against Chipolopolo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. The 1996 African champions' coach is using the match to fine-tune his squad as he edges closer to finalising the group he will take to the continental tournament. With competition for AFCON places still open, the game against the Copper Bullets is expected to bring out fierce performances from players eager to impress the coach. This could also be the last chance for some players to convince the Belgian tactician that they deserve a seat on the plane to Morocco.