When the Rockets revealed that their match against the Tshwane giants will be hosted at a ground situated about 73 km from Pretoria, there were murmurs. In a packed Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, the Mpumalanga-based outfit knocked out Masandawana. Consequently, Miguel Cardoso's side saw their dream of claiming a domestic Cup this season end after earlier setbacks in the Carling Knockout and MTN8.
The PSL big three have all exited the Nedbank Cup, shifting full focus onto the league title race. While Mamelodi Sundowns still have continental commitments, the spotlight now turns to the Soweto teams. A retired footballer believed the Glamour Boys still have a chance and that this is their opportunity to fight and be among Africa’s elite clubs.
Masandawana's inconsistency this season was exposed again after falling to the Rockets in a domestic knockout competition. After two consecutive morale-boosting wins against Orlando Pirates and MC Alger, many expected the Tshwane giants to sweep their cup rivals aside, but that was not the case. The elimination is set to add more pressure on the coach at a time the season is heading towards a vital period.
The goal-scoring struggles continue to haunt the Mayfair side, who, within the space of a week, suffered another defeat. Saturday’s loss ended their hopes of adding another cup, forcing them to refocus solely on the league; however, Ouaddou noted that such upsets are expected in cup competitions.
Abafana Bes’thende were meant to be celebrating their progression to the quarter-finals, but their victory was clouded by controversy and lingering “what if” questions over a contentious incident. Despite his side being on the favourable end of the decision, the former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor maintained that the league urgently needs VAR to keep pace with the speed of the modern game.
The Premier Soccer League takes a break this weekend as clubs chase a slot in the last eight of the annual domestic competition. After holders Amakhosi were knocked out by the Cape Winelands side, it is interesting to see who takes over. Top dogs Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have also both been eliminated.
The Sea Robbers have been creating chances in matches but struggled to take them despite having experienced players at their disposal. Questions have been asked about the ability of the club realising their ambition of winning all the available domestic trophies. So far, they have secured the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout.
The Brazilians had hoped to continue with their recent run both in the CAF Champions League, where they made the quarter-final stage, as well as the Premier Soccer League after beating Orlando Pirates to reduce the gap to three points. However, they were humbled by the Rockets, who are now dreaming big following their triumph.
The Buccaneers are out of the Nedbank Cup after being knocked out by their National First Division opponents, via a penalty shootout, at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. It was a second successive defeat for the Soweto giants after losing 2-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns in a Premier Soccer League match on Wednesday.
The Brazilians had no answers as the Rockets outplayed them in the domestic Cup tournament played at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium. The technical team rotated the team, but the plan didn't work as Masandawana now joined the Glamour Boys in the cold, paving the way for the Sea Robbers to go all the way and reclaim the crown.
Before the Africa Cup of Nations finals, the 27-year-old was a prominent starter for the Soweto giants. However, since returning from Morocco, he has been a peripheral figure at a time when the Sea Robbers are hunting crucial points. His absence has raised numerous questions, and now a club legend has hinted there could be a problem between the midfielder and his coach.
As the season nears its end, football fans, former players, and coaches have their predictions, but a former Bafana Bafana international believes every team still has a chance, noting that the goals flowing in the 2025/26 season have not gone unnoticed. The traditional Big Three are in the title race mix, but who will have the last laugh when the campaign concludes?
The 20-year-old made a surprising exit to the Major Soccer League after making his name in South Africa while turning out for the Sea Robbers. There was reported interest from Europe, where some top teams were linked with the Bafana Bafana international. However, the centre-back and his representatives opted to go to the United States.
A Champions League knockout phase play-off encounter in Lisbon between Benfica and Los Blancos had to take an unplanned 15-minute break. Reason? The Brazilian and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni exchanged words, with the former alleging he was racially abused, delaying the match in the process. The 'Special One' has found himself on the receiving end of heavy criticism when he failed to condemn his player at the centre of the alleged racial abuse controversy.
The South African tactician had an ambition of having a successful debut campaign with the Algerian giants. However, one of his targets will not be achieved after the Algiers-based outfit was eliminated from the continental inter-club competition. After suffering the CAF setback, upon resumption of the domestic duty, Mokwena's club was handed another one.
The Soweto giants began the campaign on a promising note but have since fallen short in their pursuit of silverware, leaving the league title as their only realistic shot at redemption. However, their struggles in front of the goal have continued to haunt them, limiting their options and stalling momentum throughout the season. And according to the ex-Chiefs marksman, the revolving door approach in the starting XI has done more harm than good.
The move made by the Bafana Bafana defender to switch from the Premier Soccer League to Major League Soccer remains one of the most controversial transfer stories in recent history. One of the high-profile figures to oppose it was Hugo Broos, and the coach's comments almost rocked the national team camp as it prepared for the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco. While some argued the move was made in haste, others felt it could end up opening the window for the defender to Europe eventually.
The Sea Robbers are up against a lower division team again in South Africa's premier knockout competition. They are out to reclaim a trophy they last won in 2024 under Jose Riveiro. The Soweto giants would also want to atone for being this competition's losing finalists last season after rivals Kaizer Chiefs denied them a chance to shine on the podium.
The Buccaneers continue with their ambitions to lift the quadruple as they lock horns with National First Division opposition in their latest assignment. A far sterner examination looms against familiar old foes, setting up a defining spell in their campaign. It marks a demanding period for the Moroccan coach and his men, who are still recovering from a bruising encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers are still hoping to become the only side in South Africa to win all the available major trophies on the domestic front in a season. After winning the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout, the Soweto giants are now targeting a place in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals as they host the lower-tier outfit at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday in the Round of 16.
The Brazilians are chasing a treble this season after missing out on the MTN8 and Carling Knockout. Masandawana players are full of motivation thanks to their recent massive results in both the CAF Champions League and the Premier Soccer League. They will be going for nothing less than a win on Saturday against the Rockets.
Relebohile Mofokeng’s new role as a playmaker has squeezed his Bafana Bafana teammate and the Kiwi out of regular minutes, limiting their opportunities to influence matches. With game time now harder to come by, both players risk ending the season on a low note. That situation could also hurt their national team prospects ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup if they continue struggling for consistent action.
The Brazilians are seemingly back to their best if recent results are anything to consider. Masandawana will be back in action in the domestic assignment this weekend when they face the Rockets at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium. Victory will be vital for the Tshwane giants, who are chasing three crowns this edition.
After struggling for form earlier this season and slipping into a bit-part role at the Brazilians, the 24-year-old has picked himself up by forcing his way back into contention for regular football with some consistency and top performances. His resurgence could soon earn him a recall to the national team.
As Amakhosi and Bucs focus only on domestic trophies, Masandawana are set for a very demanding calendar. Downs are not only juggling both continental and domestic assignments but are also facing considerable pressure from the Soweto giants in the league title race. Amid unrelenting challenge from their rivals, the million-dollar question remains whether the Brazilians can withstand the storm and maintain their top-flight dominance.
In recent matches, the defender appeared to be struggling with knocks, raising fears of his fitness level. The 30-year-old has a troubling history with injuries, but the Bucs' tactician has allayed fears of a fresh injury. With the season heading towards a decisive homestretch, the Sea Robbers cannot afford to lose more players to injuries.
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 experienced midfield maestro spent much of his time with clubs in France, Denmark, and Turkey. However, when he came back to the country, his ambition was to pen a deal with the Naturena heavyweights, but it did not happen. He ended up signing for Amakhosi's rivals in the Premier Soccer League.
The Rockets had their hands tied in the market, leaving them unable to properly strengthen their squad. Their predicament was compounded by their status as a selling club, with key stars departing and no adequate replacements arriving. This left them vulnerable, but the problem has been fixed for them to add depth to their squad ahead of the more taxing part of the season.
The Soweto giants' forward was loaned out to the Cape Winelands side after he fell down the pecking order under Abdeslam Ouaddou and he looks to revive himself. On the other hand, the former Buccaneers defender is likely to miss the next few games for the Maroons, who are in dire need of positive results to save their season. The Nigerian defender joined the club after his shock exit from the Sea Robbers.
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