Khothatso Leballo

Problems at Amakhosi have turned the club into a house on fire, with pressure mounting from all directions. The coaches are under intense scrutiny as poor results continue to frustrate supporters. At the same time, players are carrying part of the blame while management is being criticised for not doing enough to recruit the quality needed to lift Amakhosi back to the top.

Players from Masandawana dominated the South Africa national football team squad at the 2023 AFCON tournament, forming the backbone of coach Hugo Broos’ side. However, the most recent national team selections have seen stars from Orlando Pirates making up the majority of the squad. Still, the Brazilians’ players are gradually forcing their way back into the national team fold as they continue to impress at the club level.

The Bafana Bafana legend spent five seasons in the English Premier League but never realised his dream of turning out for one of the league’s heavyweights. A move to a so-called big club never materialised during his time in England despite an opportunity presenting itself. That missed chance hurt his chances of forcing his way into the South Africa squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup held on home soil.

GOAL gives you the details to follow the Soweto giants' hosting of the Natal Rich Boyz in a Premier Soccer League clash at Orlando Amstel Arena on Wednesday. After Mamelodi Sundowns went to the top of the PSL table on Tuesday evening, the Buccaneers are out to reclaim their place at the summit by boosting their goal difference and collecting maximum points from their visitors from KwaZulu-Natal.

The Brazilians have been balancing responsibilities between the Premier Soccer League and the CAF Champions League. That continental involvement gives Masandawana a heavier schedule than their domestic rivals, with frequent travel and high-intensity fixtures adding to their workload. Their coach has called on the league to give them more breathing space in the fixture schedule as they juggle both competitions. But there have not been positive responses from the PSL, and that has angered their Portuguese coach.

The deteriorating standards at Naturena have drawn the attention of an Amakhosi legend, who has delivered a brutal assessment of the players' current state. The former star did not hold back, as he also broadened the criticism to South African football in general, questioning the mindset and professionalism of local players.

The Brazilians shot to the top of the standings following a victory over the Mswenko Boys at Olympia Park Stadium on Tuesday. However, their rise to the summit could be short-lived if Orlando Pirates beat Richards Bay at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Wednesday.

Amakhosi will return to action 12 days after their last match, ending a period without competitive football. The Soweto giants will hope the break has given them time to address the issues that have contributed to their recent struggles. They now face the challenge of turning that time on the training ground into improved performances to ease the pressure on the players and coaches. But they will have to do so without key squad members due to suspension and injury.

The Burundian and the Tunisian have been enduring a barrage of criticism as the Soweto giants go through one of their worst runs of form. Calls for them to be sacked have grown louder amid mounting frustration from supporters. However, an unlikely figure has come to their corner, offering a rare note of sympathy during the difficult period.

The veteran midfielder has been out of the South Africa national football team for over a year. His experience was missed during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and could still be valuable as the team looks ahead to the global football tournament. However, he is yet to hit top form at Masandawana, with coach Miguel Cardoso carefully managing his minutes.

The Brazilians are the only PSL side still in CAF inter-club competitions this season. That means Masandawana will be trying to strike a balance between their continental ambitions and equally demanding domestic duties. Their workload becomes even heavier as they remain locked in a fierce Premier Soccer League title race with Orlando Pirates.

The 24-year-old forward arrived at the Soweto giants from Richards Bay before the start of the current season. Expectations on him to deliver are now weighing heavily on his shoulders from the ever-demanding Buccaneers fans. He has managed seven goals and three assists from 21 appearances in different competitions this season

As the situation at the Soweto giants continues to deteriorate, their supporters have taken their disappointment to the club’s headquarters to register their disapproval of what is happening with the team. The supporters staged a protest, demanding urgent action to turn around the club’s fortunes. As it stands, Amakhosi risk finishing the season outside the top eight for a third straight campaign.

Amakhosi have dominated football headlines in the past days following their Soweto Derby defeat to Orlando Pirates and a disappointing midweek loss to Richards Bay. The setbacks have sparked intense conversations about the club’s leadership and direction. Coaches and legends of the game have weighed in with differing views, offering advice and criticism, while supporters also continue to voice their frustration.

The 27-year-old appears to be going through a difficult phase at the Buccaneers, with injury now compounding his troubles. Even before the fitness setback, he had already lost his place in the team after Relebohile Mofokeng emerged as a star playmaker. With uncertainty over his role, questions are now emerging about what next season might hold for him.

The search for the source of Amakhosi’s problems continues as pressure mounts over their poor run of results. Fingers have been pointed at the tacticians and players, with both accused of failing to deliver when it matters most. Club management has also come under fire, with critics blaming questionable transfer decisions for the team’s struggles.

The 23-year-old secured a move from Stellenbosch FC to Europe in September 2024 and has since established himself as a key member of his team. His impressive performances have now earned him a new contract, extending his stay at the club where he also shares the dressing room with a former Kaizer Chiefs captain.

The 48-year-old has already had two coaching stints in Europe, although as a backroom staff member. He also built his coaching reputation through spells in the Premier Soccer League and is now in his first role as a national team head coach with Kenya.