CAF Confederations Cup news

The former TS Galaxy tactician saw his side register a crucial win that takes them closer to the knockout stage. For the Maroons, the loss has come just as they start a new journey under the former Amakhosi coach, who was recently appointed to steer the club after the departure of a long-time tactician.

The Soweto giants recovered from setbacks in their opening two group matches by grinding out a crucial away win in Zambia. While it is three vital points picked in Ndola, some fans were left unimpressed by the manner in which the team secured victory. The result reignited hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the competition from a group that has Zamalek and Al Masry as fierce competitors.

The Soweto giants picked their first maximum set of points in this CAF Confederation Cup Group D after edging Zega Mambo away at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Sunday. It was a crucial victory on the road which renewed Amakhosi's hopes of reaching the knockout stage of this continental competition.

After a long-awaited inclusion, the 23-year-old playmaker finally made his Kaizer Chiefs debut just before the Africa Cup of Nations break, slotting in seamlessly and making his presence felt immediately. For Velebayi, however, the road to that moment was mentally challenging — a true test of patience and resilience.

After a shaky start earlier in the week, Babina Noko held the Sea Robbers to a goalless draw on Saturday - a performance that earned praise from the 55-year-old tactician. However, he also flagged concerns over the team’s consistency.

Amakhosi make the trip to Zambia knowing there is no room for error as they look to revive their continental campaign and keep their hopes alive. The Soweto giants are staring at a must-win scenario, but the task ahead is far from straightforward. They will need to produce a disciplined, all-round performance to outmuscle a home side that is equally desperate for points and strengthened by a dominant record in previous meetings.

The Sea Robbers were in action against Babina Noko in the South African top-flight football on Saturday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. The Buccaneers have been in good form and were aiming to avenge the initial 1-0 defeat suffered. However, spoils were eventually shared as no team found the back of the net.

After resuming their Premier Soccer League campaign with a slim victory over Golden Arrows, Amakhosi turn their eyes on the continental competition. In two games in Group D, the Glamour Boys are third, and only a win away from home will help them boost their chances of reaching the knockout stage. However, the Zambian giants, although they are struggling this season, are expected to give them a challenge, especially since they will enjoy massive home support.

The Sea Robbers failed to collect maximum points against Sekhukhune United at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, which saw them fail to get on top of the Premier Soccer League table. It is a slow start to the year, which was not anticipated by their faithful owing to their strong run in domestic competitions before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) break.

Amakhosi landed in Ndola and are ready to take on their continental rivals in a game that carries high stakes for both sides. Amakhosi and Team ya Ziko are both winless after two games, and to increase their probability of reaching the knockout stage, points from this game will matter most. The Zambian outfit have already declared they are ready to inflict pain on Amakhosi, who travelled without key players.

Prior to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) break, the Sea Robbers were the most in-form team domestically. Under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, the Buccaneers had won the MTN8, Carling Knockout and the Carling Black Label Cup while their rivals struggled to deliver. The main challenge is to sustain their run in the second half of the season.

When it comes to the PSL title race, many pundits and soccer fanatics are always ready to bet on either Mamelodi Sundowns or Orlando Pirates winning it but not Amakhosi. Since 2015, the Glamour Boys have never won the league, and last season they finished outside the top eight. This season, they have shown improvements, but do they have quality players to help them end the league title drought?

Masandawana's quest to get maximum points against Blue Wave was unsuccessful as they ended up not capitalising on the home ground advantage. This was their second game in a row in Group C that they have failed to collect maximum points following their 0-0 draw with MC Alger of Rhulani Mokwena in Matchday two. The Brazilians have now managed a win and two draws in their pool.

The defending Premier Soccer League champions have been working hard to ensure they retain their quality players. Masandawana are hoping to retain their South African top-flight crown despite winning it for the last eight seasons in a row. Furthermore, the Brazilians hope to make a statement in the Nedbank Cup as well as the CAF Champions League.

The 21-year-old’s exit from Naturena might have come as a blessing in disguise, thrusting him into the limelight and opening doors to regular football at a time when some Amakhosi youngsters have struggled for Premier Soccer League opportunities. His spell at TS Galaxy provided the platform he needed to rebuild momentum and showcase his talent away from the intense pressure of the Soweto giants. That progress has now earned him a move abroad, with the youngster sealing a switch to Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire FC.

The experienced South African tactician has revisited his time with Al Ahly and said the African football governing body denied him a chance to make history with the Egyptian giants. The former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician led the Red Devils to three Champions League finals but lost the third one. Now he has pointed fingers at those he said are to blame.

The two-year tradition is set to end after the 2028 edition, and the decision to shift the continental tournament continues to attract criticism and applause almost in equal measure. For long, African football fans knew that the competition would be held biennially, and this wait will be prolonged given the recent decision made and announced by CAF's president, Patrice Motsepe. Now, one of Africa's most experienced and most respected coaches has shared his concerns, blasting the people in charge at CAF.