Steve Blues

The South African Football Association (SAFA) have officially confirmed the dates and locations for their upcoming double-header in the March international break, and fans now know exactly where they can cheer on Hugo Broos’ men as they fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming quadrennial global tournament.

The biggest fixture on the South African football calendar is under the microscope as Stadium Management SA (SMSA) gears up for a high-stakes derby. Ahead of the clash between Amakhosi and the Buccaneers at FNB Stadium, CEO Bertie Grobbelaar has announced that an independent firm, Fan Services, has been recruited to handle ticket scanning following a series of technical embarrassments during recent high-profile matches.

The Amakhosi faithful finally got a glimpse of their summer recruit on Tuesday night, but his bright debut was marred by a familiar result as they fell 2-1 to Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium, continuing a miserable record against the Winelands side that has now seen them lose three times this season across various competitions.

The 27-year-old last played a competitive football match in November 2025 while on loan at Orbit College from Orlando Pirates. He was apparently playing while carrying a thigh injury that flared up again after his shock move to Chloorkop in January. Now, as February draws to a close, rumours have started swirling about why the winger has yet to make an appearance in a match day squad at Masandawana.

It was the same old story for Amakhosi as they fell to their third straight defeat at the hands of the Winelands club. They dominated possession and chances created, especially in the first half, but failed to take their opportunities before letting their opponents score twice from their three shots on target. Afterwards, the Glamour Boys co-coach faced the media repeating the same old message of missed chances to blame for another damaging defeat.

When the Glamour Boys announced the acquisition of the Nigerian attacker, there was excitement among fans, with the 24-year-old's proven track record in local football pointing to him scoring many goals in the Black and Gold. But injuries have left the striker unavailable for the bulk of Amakhosi's matches and in danger of producing his worst season goal tally of his career.

Just three months ago, the 27-year-old was enjoying the acclaim of his performances with the Five-Star Player of the Month Award for November and talk of a possible big move being mooted. Since then, his Spanish club have gone on a run of no wins in 10 games, which has seen them drop into the relegation zone and announce the sacking of coach Jose Ziganda, the man who brought the reigning PSL Player of the Year to the club.

During the Buccaneers Nedbank Cup exit at the hands of second-tier Casric Stars, a section of the home support started booing 'Tito'. Now, in the aftermath of the defeat and with the Derby just days away, Innocent Chikoya has slammed the fans who targeted the 27-year-old and reminded them that the attacker was their last-minute penalty hero against Amakhosi just a year ago.

The match had been an ill-tempered affair at the Mavuso Sports Centre when Nsingizini Hotspurs scored deep into stoppage time to lead 1-0. This incensed the home support then invaded the pitch and attacked the referee leading to disgraceful scenes of chaos that will surely draw severe penalties from the game's authorities.

The Buccaneers coach is refusing to hit the panic button ahead of Saturday's crucial Betway Premiership derby against Amakhosi, insisting his side can still win the Betway Premiership title despite a brutal week of defeats that saw them crash out of the Nedbank Cup and cede ground to league title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.

The 20-year-old started his first competitive match for his new club, but it did not go as planned. Despite taking the lead in the first half through Hugo Cuypers, Chicago succumbed to two second half goals to slump to their first defeat of the Eastern Conference season. Puso Dithejane also made his debut when he replaced his fellow countryman in the 88th minute.

During their time at Naturena, Ranga Chivaviro and Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana both failed to live up to their goal-scoring potential and were eventually shipped off as disappointed Amakhosi fans waved them away without too much thought. But the duo seem to have found their level and their goalscoring touch in the Middle East, if their exploits in this 2-2 draw are anything to go by...

Former Buccaneers fan favourite Aubrey Lekwane has jumped to the youngster's defence after his below-par showing in the 2-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday blew the Betway Premiership title race wide open. The perennial champions are now just three points behind the Soweto club, locked on the same goal difference and with a game in hand.

The Brazilians faced off against the Buccaneers in the unfamiliar role of slight underdogs at the iconic FNB Stadium on Wednesday night in a crucial Premier Soccer League outing. However, at the final whistle, it was the Pretoria-based team who walked away with maximum points against their hosts, who should have done better with a slew of chances, especially in the first half. Afterwards, the Portuguese tactician was glowing in his praise for his side and what the result does to their title ambitions.

The Abafana Bes'thende boss believes the 22-year-old winger has the talent, drive and dedication to improvement for a major transfer overseas and dismissed links to the league's big clubs as mere speculation that won't influence the player or his club as they consider his future.

Buccaneers icon Moeneeb Josephs insists the club should fear nothing ahead of their mouth-watering PSL showdown with The Brazilians, claiming the pressure lies squarely on the defending champions. However, with the title race having gathered steam, neither side can afford a slip-up. Every point has become crucial in this battle to secure top spot at the end of the season.

Kgaogelo Sekgota completed his rehabilitation process and is back on the pitch with Siwelele FC whose head coach Lehlohonolo Seema has praised the winger's progress and emphasised mental fitness as the priority in his ongoing recovery.

Buccaneers' coach has dismissed talk of sealing the Premier Soccer League title with wins over The Brazilians and Amakhosi in the next two weeks. Despite holding a six-point lead at the top the Moroccan tactician pointed out it will take a match-by-match approach while quoting a French proverb to prove his point.