Khothatso Leballo

The Brazilian attacker left Mamelodi Sundowns unceremoniously to pursue a move to Spain. However, his stay in Leonesa could prove short-lived as his current club faces the real threat of relegation to the third tier. With the season nearing its end, he may soon be forced to consider another move in search of top-flight football.

Mamelodi Sundowns have reclaimed their dominance in the South African national team by contributing eight players to the national team. Orlando Pirates, who had recently enjoyed strong representation, now have six players in the squad. Both clubs are well represented, as South Africa are participating in international friendly matches against Panama.

Debate is already raging about who will succeed Lucas Ribeiro Costa as the Premier Soccer League’s best player. With the 2025/26 season approaching its conclusion, the league’s top performers are beginning to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. Their decisive contributions in the final stretch could ultimately determine who claims the honour.

Premier Soccer League action is currently on a pause due to the FIFA international break. The Buccaneers went into the break in high spirits after hammering TS Galaxy with half a dozen goals just before the stoppage. That emphatic victory is expected to give the Buccaneers renewed momentum when domestic football resumes.

The Moroccan has sometimes never hidden his disappointment when he fumes during post-match interviews after his players miss clear-cut chances. This has happened even in matches where the Buccaneers go on to win by a comfortable margin. Yet despite his frustration, the Soweto giants remain the highest-scoring side in the Premier Soccer League.

The Belgian tactician is in the process of building his team for June’s global football competition and used Friday's match to test fresh options at the heart of defence. It was an evening where he opted not to use Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Nkosinathi Sibisi, while Siyabonga Ngezana was not called up for this camp. The decisions highlighted the coach’s intention to assess new combinations as he shapes his squad for the tournament.

The veteran midfielder made his long-awaited return to the national team, featuring for the first time since October 2024. A series of injuries had kept him out of the national side for an extended period, forcing him to miss several international assignments. Now back in the fold, he is expected to play a key role as the team builds towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

South Africa are aiming to atone for their disappointing outing in Morocco by delivering a stronger performance on the global stage. They now have an opportunity to redeem themselves if they can reach the knockout stages of the global football competition in North America. Progressing beyond the group phase would help restore pride and show the team’s growth since the AFCON setback.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns star appeared to be on the rise after joining the Buccaneers before the start of this season. He even earned a place in the national team squad for the 2025 AFCON tournament. However, limited game time at the club level has seen him fall out of the national team picture, denting his chances of featuring at the global tournament in North America.

Following an unconvincing outing at the 2025 AFCON finals, South Africa is back in action. They host Panama in an international friendly match at Moses Mbahida Stadium on Friday as both teams prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 27-year-old joined Amakhosi on a season-long loan from Algerian side CR Belouizdad. With just two months left before the campaign concludes, uncertainty surrounds his future at Naturena. The Soweto giants hold an option to make the move permanent, but Bafana Bafana international suggests his stay could end when the loan expires.

The 48-year-old has been in charge of the East African state since March 2025, marking a year into his first role as a national team coach. He arrived in Nairobi fresh from a stint as Manchester United’s forwards coach. That pedigree raised expectations for him as he stepped into the international arena.

For a player who has not featured in competitive football for nearly five years, the road back is proving to be a steep one. Clubs appear hesitant to gamble on someone who has been out of the game for so long. Even teams in the lower tier appear reluctant to offer him a chance to revive his career.

The former Amakhosi tactician has outlined an ambitious vision that could see him wield significant influence in South African sport. Expanding his outlook beyond football, he is exploring a project that aims to impact several sporting codes. However, turning that vision into reality may require substantial financial backing and strong investment.

The Soweto giants have struggled up front this season, with their attacking problems evident even in matches they have managed to win. Despite collecting points, their finishing and overall cutting edge in the final third have often been questioned. However, one forward has caught the eye of the coach, who has waxed lyrical about his qualities and impact.

There has been criticism of SAFA for choosing Central American opponents for the upcoming international friendlies. The backlash has also focused on the decision to face the same team twice instead of arranging matches against different opponents.

South Africa will take on Panama in two international friendly matches as they prepare themselves for the more demanding global tournament, where they are in what appears to be a tricky group. Their Belgian coach has confirmed what they intend to achieve at this competition.

The Premier Soccer League campaign continues with a lot to play for among teams. At stake is winning the title race, earning a spot to play continental football next season, as well as avoiding the dreaded relegation at the end of the season.