Khothatso Leballo

After the Buccaneers were praised for their depth in central defence and midfield, another department has now emerged as equally well-stocked. The growing strength in this area highlights the squad’s balance and it follows the coach’s decision to assign new responsibilities to a Bafana Bafana midfielder.

The 28-year-old last featured in competitive action in September 2024, with persistent fitness issues playing a major role in his lengthy absence. Even after returning from injury, he struggled for game time amid stiff competition in the Buccaneers’ central defence. He eventually left the club in search of regular playing opportunities elsewhere.

The Soweto giants scored more than once in a match for the first time in 2026, marking what on paper looks like an attacking breakthrough. However, one of their goals has been strongly contested by their Egyptian visitors. The strike came from a controversial penalty decision that has sparked some debate.

The Maroons' veteran coach is finding the going difficult in the continental competition and has now presided over his side's elimination and it came in humiliating fashion. He now leads his men to fully focus on domestic duties.

The Natal Rich Boys join other clubs, including Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, in the next phase of a competition where a new champion is expected. Defending champions Kaizer Chiefs were eliminated as the remaining teams continue chasing the CAF Confederation Cup ticket by winning the annual competition.

The Soweto giants are now occupying Group D top spot after edging their Egyptian visitors 2-1 in a CAF Confederation Cup match at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday. It was a crucial victory for Amakhosi as they now go into the final group game against Zamalek with fate in their hands.

The Buccaneers gave themselves a strong chance to stay on course for a historic quadruple with a convincing victory over third-tier opponents. Despite the emphatic scoreline, their coach was far from being satisfied with the performance. His reaction underlined just how determined the Buccaneers are to lift this trophy.

The Soweto giants have come under growing criticism for their lack of cutting edge in front of goal. Much of the scrutiny has been aimed at both the forwards and midfielders, whose struggles to convert chances have raised concern. There are now fears that the continued bluntness in attack could derail their campaign and leave them empty-handed at the end of the season.

The midfielder finds himself in an Amakhosi side that has struggled to supply players to the South Africa national team, while teammates Inacio Miguel and Glody Lilepo have also lost their places in the Angola and DR Congo teams, respectively. However, the 22-year-old has remained in contention at international level under the watch of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.

GOAL gives you the details to follow the Soweto giants as they remain in Durban for clash with their opponents from Limpopo at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. They are keen to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2024 and missed out on an opportunity for a third straight title last season when they finished as runners-up. The Buccaneers are also bidding for this trophy for the 11th time and edge closer to Kaizer Chiefs who have won it 14 times.

After the disappointment of being runners-up last season and having their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs end their run of two successive triumphs in this competition, the Buccaneers are keen on reclaiming this trophy this season. They come up against their Limpopo opponents, who were the champions of this tournament in 2021.

The Soweto giants were eliminated from this prestigious knockout tournament right at the first attempt to defend it after they were crowned champions last season to end a decade-long trophy drought. To lift this premier knockout competition in South Africa last term, they had to eliminate Mamelodi Sundowns and then beat the Buccaneers in the final.

Pressure continues to mount on the Portuguese coach, whose future at Chloorkop appears increasingly uncertain. The Brazilians face the grim prospect of finishing the season empty-handed, yet they still have a chance to secure a treble if their performances improve. Even when they win, a section of the club’s supporters remains unconvinced by the manner in which the victories are posted.

Fresh from elimination in the prestigious domestic knockout competition, the Soweto giants now turn their focus to their continental assignment. They host their Egyptian opponents determined to pick themselves up from the domestic setback. A strong response on home soil would restore confidence and keep their ambitions in Africa alive.

The Uruguayan-South African winger has struggled to cement a starting place this season, a situation that seems to have worsened since Amakhosi returned from the 2025 AFCON break. At 34, he remains one of the most experienced figures in the Soweto giants’ squad. His limited game time has raised questions about his role and future at the club.

South Africa are already deep into planning for the global football tournament to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, lining up key preparation matches to sharpen themselves into a highly competitive outfit. Their choice of opponents could be something that might spark some fierce debate. They will be playing in this tournament for the first time since 2010 when they participated as hosts.

The 29-year-old won and calmly converted a penalty for Amakhosi against Stellenbosch FC, yet he still seems to struggle to convince a former Amajita winger. Having arrived at Naturena from Indonesia ahead of the current season, his ability was widely questioned from the outset. It is a challenge he continues to confront to win the hearts of the Soweto giants' fans.

The 22-year-old was guilty of spurning clear-cut opportunities, including one-on-one situations, as Amakhosi fell to the Cape Winelands side on Wednesday. His wastefulness in front of goal proved costly on a night when the Soweto giants had good chances to win the match. It was a display which left Amakhosi fans frustrated and aired their disapproval every time the midfielder missed opportunities.