Despite playing away from home, Downs managed a huge victory that took them closer to the CAF Champions League group stage. However, the win has been described in sceptical terms, as the Nigerian club has been categorised as a weaker opponent for Masandawana.
The veteran midfielder was a rock for the Buccaneers last season, owing to his displays across all competitions. However, he has been out injured, which has prevented him from making any appearance across all competitions. The Soweto giants have now shared the latest on the 35-year-old.
The Belgian tactician is concerned that the Sea Robbers' winger has not been at his best since the reported move abroad did not materialise. The 73-year-old is concerned with the well-being of the player who is regarded as the future of South African football, alongside other cropping youngsters.
The Brazilians have been criticised when they putting below-par standards owing to the quality within their squad, which is made up of experienced members. The former Esperance coach insists it is not the right way to gauge the team since their rivals seem to get a soft landing.
Since winning the 2011/12 Premier Soccer League title, the Buccaneers have found it hard to lift this trophy. But their rivals Masandawana have clinched it for the last eight seasons in a row. That leaves the Soweto giants with a challenge to break the dominance of the Tshwane giants.
The Congolese side enjoys what looks like a healthy lead over the Buccaneers going into the second leg of this round that precedes the group stage of the continental competition. However, some damning claims have emerged against the Railmen, who have come out to respond to what was alleged.
After two weeks away from the pitch, Rayners is finally back in training. The 29-year-old suffered a medical scare that could have derailed his career; however, according to Miguel Cardoso, the issue was detected and addressed in time, allowing him to make a safe return.
The Buccaneers suffered their biggest defeat so far this season following the emphatic loss in the DR Congo. That leaves them with an insurmountable task to overturn that big defeat, a huge test of character for Abdeslam Ouaddou and his men.
The Sea Robbers recovered from a poor start to the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season to push for the title under the former Morocco international defender. Their recent triumph brought them close to the reigning champions, who have played two games more. However, the Bucs tactician has pointed out a concern that his team will work on.
The vice-captain has captured the hearts of the Sea Robbers faithful — and South African fans across the country — with his strength, skill, and fearless performances on the pitch. His consistency and commanding presence in every match have rightfully earned him recognition as one of Africa’s most promising young talents.
The Buccaneers edged past Polokwane City with a hard-fought 1-0 win on Wednesday, 22 October, climbing to third on the Premier Soccer League table. The Sea Robbers secured maximum points in a tense midweek clash as they build momentum ahead of Saturday’s crucial CAF Champions League second preliminary round return leg.
After failing to score in a CAF Confederation Cup against AS Simba, Amakhosi again have proved that they have quite a blunt striking force. Against Siwelele, they were not only ineffective up front but also looked vulnerable at the back.
By going down in the first leg of the second preliminary round, the Sea Robbers put themselves in a very complicated position. However, the club's legend has outlined how the challenge can be overcome in order for Bucs to advance.
The Buccaneers were dealt a heavy blow in the first leg of their second preliminary round clash, falling 3-0 to the Congolese side away at Stade Kibassa Maliba on Sunday, 19 October. With the deficit looming large, they now face a daunting task in Saturday’s decisive return leg in front of their home crowd at Orlando Stadium.
The midfielder's time with Soweto giants can be described as a success so far, given how he has gone on to stamp authority as a first-teamer. His hard work also attracted Hugo Broos' attention, and he was part of the national team that successfully qualified for the World Cup.
After the Soweto giants suffered a huge defeat, the tactician has pointed out what gives Bucs an advantage going into the return leg. Pirates fans were confident their team would come back home with a win, but what happened left the club's continental dream hanging on a thin thread.
The Buccaneers arrived in Lubumbashi with an impressive record of clean sheets in eight consecutive matches. But the Moroccan coach decided to tweak things at the back, and it backfired after what some might describe as trying to fix what was not broken. That left the Soweto giants with an insurmountable task of overturning the heavy defeat they suffered in the DR Congo.
The South African tactician is unbeaten in Algeria’s top flight and finally winning over fans and media. But this week brings a defining double-header: a league clash and a CAF Champions League decider. Two wins could elevate his comeback. Anything less, and his North African ambitions may be paused.
The Bucs coach made a comment that was not kindly taken by his rival, who has now clapped back. After a huge defeat in the first leg, the Sea Robbers now have a mountain to climb in order to keep their continental dream alive.
The Brazilians made a statement win in Abeokuta, making their intentions clear in the premier continental competition. After finishing as runner-up last season, Masandawana are back for another shot at the tournament they last won in 2016.
The Soweto giants suffered a shock 3-0 defeat to DR Congolese outfit Saint-Éloi Lupopo in the opening leg of their second preliminary round clash at Stade Kibassa Maliba on Sunday. Abdeslam Ouaddou’s charges now face an uphill climb in their quest to overturn the deficit and keep their dream of winning the competition alive.
Going by how they have performed on the domestic front, there were fears Masandawana could struggle. However, the Tshwane giants were in a class of their own, as they registered a huge first-leg win.
Mokwena's side were unable to secure a victory in the first-leg encounter. The results mean there is everything to fight for in the second-leg showdown set for October 26, as both sides hope to reach the next stage.
The Brazilians kicked off their CAF Champions League journey with a trip to M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium on Sunday, 19 October, for the second preliminary round of the continental showpiece. Ranked among Africa’s elite, the South African side received a first-round bye; a nod to last season’s run to the final, where they ultimately fell short against Egyptian giants Pyramids FC.
The Sea Robbers' hope of a win in the first leg of the second preliminary encounter was dealt a blow after conceding three goals to nil. The Soweto giants now stare at a possible elimination at the early stages of the continental competition.
The Buccaneers travelled to Stade Frédéric Kibassa Maliba on Sunday, 19 October, hoping to secure a first-leg advantage against the Railmen. But the hosts had other plans, showing no mercy and seizing a crucial home win that leaves the Sea Robbers with work to do in the return leg at Orlando Stadium.
GOAL gives you the details to follow Madandawana's first match in the CAF Champions League this season. They face their Nigerian hosts at MKO Abiola International Stadium on Sunday as they begin the quest to atone for last season's heartbreaking near-miss in the Champions League when they reached the final but lost to Egyptian moneybags Pyramids FC.
GOAL gives you the details to follow the Soweto giants' CAF Champions League second preliminary round, first leg match away at the Railmen on Sunday. The match at Stade Frederic Kibassa Maliba will see Pirates pushing to go into the second leg at home carrying an advantage.
Masandawana will be seeking redemption following their elimination from the domestic competition, the Carling Knockout Cup. After falling at the ultimate stage last season to Pyramids FC, Downs hope to win their second continental star this time around.
The duo has been missing in action for quite some time now, owing to injuries, but recent clips from Bucs have shown them actively training with the other first-team members. The Sea Robbers are set for the CAF inter-club outing this weekend, which begs a question on whether the two centre-backs will make their long-awaited return.
