Khothatso Leballo

Players like Marks Maponyane, Dumisa Ngobe, Sizwe Motaung, Jimmy Tau and Lehlohonolo Majoro moved directly between Anmakhosi and the Buccaneers before. These transfers often attract intense scrutiny, highlighting the deep-rooted rivalry between the two traditional giants. Now, in the last Premier Soccer League transfer window, two full-backs crossed the great Soweto divide.

After a valiant fight by the Panthers in regulation time, the Super Eagles ultimately emerged victorious from this 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-offs semi-final battle in neutral Morocco on Thursday. Eric Chelle's men needed extra time to win 4-1 at Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium with the Galatasaray forward grabbing a double. They remain in contention to go to the global competition but still have other hurdles to plain.

Amakhosi have been under pressure to produce young players capable of making a real impact on the South African football scene. In recent years, their rivals, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, have set the bar high by churning out prospects like Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Malibongwe Khoza. However, two Amakhosi youngsters appear to be nearing making big moves and play overseas.

The Buccaneers' head honcho has been at the helm of the league since 2003, steering domestic football through two decades of both progress and controversy. His long reign has seen both the league's commercial growth and debates about democratic governance issues. While some credit him for building a financially stable league, others argue that his extended stay has blocked fresh leadership and new ideas into the local game.

The former Cape Town City midfielder continues to be overlooked for national team selection despite his consistent performances in Denmark. The 27-year-old last featured for South Africa during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, early in the Belgian's tenure as coach of the 1996 African champions. Several new faces have been introduced in the national side, while his absence has fanned some debate.

The Amakhosi goalkeeping department and their backline appear to have improved this season. They have kept an impressive 10 clean sheets in 16 matches across all competitions to establish themselves as a solid defensive structure after seasons of being criticized for being leaky. This defensive solidity could be key for the Soweto giants this season and give them a competitive edge as they bid for trophies. However, one of their goalkeepers has now been injured.

The 47-year-old arrived in South Africa in March 2025 and quickly made an impression during a brief three-month spell at Marumo Gallants. His move to the PSL came after years of building his coaching resume in Europe and Africa, beginning as a youth football coach in France before taking on a national team backroom role with Algeria. The former Morocco international defender was then thrust at the helm of MC Oujda in Algeria and had coaching stints in Benin and DR Congo. That diverse experience in different countries set the stage for impressing at Gallants before being lured by the Buccaneers.

After a painful CAF Champions League exit, the Buccaneers quickly picked themselves up, turning their continental disappointment into domestic motivation. They managed to weather a stern challenge from the Natal Rich Boyz to storm into the final of the Beer Cup where they face the winner of the game between Golden Arrows and Marumo Gallants who clash in the other semi-final.

GOAL gives you the details to follow Abafana Bes'thende's hosting of Bahlabane ba Ntwa in a Carling Knockout semi-final tie at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday. Both teams have never won this competition before and want to give themselves a chance to lift the trophy. Sunday's winner will meet Orlando Pirates in the final after the Soweto giants beat Richards Bay on Saturday.

Despite never playing his club football outside South Africa, the Masandawana vice-captain has earned global recognition for his consistent performances between the sticks. His name now features among the world’s top goalkeepers, which is proof of his qualities. The custodian who hails from the Eastern Cape is part of the Brazilians squad that has players who helped the team participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Despite winning just one trophy in the almost full year he has been at Chloorkop, the Portuguese has found his name among the world's best coaches. His nomination could spark some debate given that he lifted only one trophy in almost a year he has been at the helm of Masandawana. Despite limited silverware, the former Esperance tactician has earned global recognition. Cardoso’s inclusion among elite names proves the growing influence of Premier Soccer League clubs on the African continent.

GOAL gives you the details to follow the Soweto giants' Carling Knockout semi-final clash with the Natal Rich Boyz at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. The Buccaneers seem to have buried the disappointment of being knocked out of the CAF Champions League by posting positive results on the domestic scene. They come up against opponents from KwaZulu-Natal who are bidding to win their first-ever major trophy.

The Buccaneers coach continued with his rotation policy in Wednesday's Premier Soccer League clash against Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium. He opted to rest central defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who has been a regular starter since March. In his place, captain and experienced defender Nkosinathi Sibisi was handed a start. The coach has been trying to keep his squad fresh and competitive in a move that also underlines depth within the Buccaneers camp.

Over the years, Amakhosi have been struggling to find a prolific forward who can at least reach the 10-goal mark in the Premier Soccer League. Despite investing in new attacking options, currently with seven forwards in their squad, the goals do not match the personnel they have at their disposal. However, one striker has shown potential that he could fix the club’s problems in attack.

The Buccaneers lifted their first piece of silverware this season by clinching the MTN8 title for a fourth straight term. The triumph helped remove doubt about their Moroccan coach after a difficult start to their Premier Soccer League campaign. But there was little time to celebrate as the Buccaneers quickly switched their focus back to PSL duties, the CAF Champions League and the Carling Knockout, which could be their second trophy of this season. Juggling responsibilities between different competitions has been a test of the team’s depth.

From making his professional debut for the Buccaneers in March 2025 to earning his maiden Bafana Bafana call-up three months later, the 20-year-old from KwaZulu-Natal’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. The defender has dished out performances, and with the kind of maturity beyond his years. His rapid rise has become one of South Africa's feel-good football’s most exciting breakthroughs of 2025. But just as he enjoyed being at the top of his game, he has now found himself in hot water with the world football governing body.

The recognition of a South African footballer by the world football governing body, especially one plying his trade in the Premier Soccer League, proves the quality of the domestic league. Such acknowledgement could show how the PSL has earned respect on the global stage and reinforces the local league's case as one of Africa’s most competitive football competitions.

Since making his professional football debut for the Soweto giants in March 2025, the 20-year-old has established himself as a regular starter for the Buccaneers. His consistency in defence has made him one of the most trusted names on the Pirates team sheet. The rise of the player from KwaZulu-Natal has not gone unnoticed, earning him a regular place in the Bafana Bafana setup and becoming a key figure.