After the disappointment of being runners-up last season and having their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs end their run of two successive triumphs in this competition, the Buccaneers are keen on reclaiming this trophy this season. They come up against their Limpopo opponents, who were the champions of this tournament in 2021.
Teams in the Premier Soccer League are chasing the CAF Confederation Cup ticket for the 2026/27 edition by virtue of winning the annual competition. It is promising to be a competitive assignment as top dogs are also hoping to win the cash prize as well as the glory associated with the competition. In the last three editions, the tournament has been won by the Soweto giants.
The Soweto giants were eliminated from this prestigious knockout tournament right at the first attempt to defend it after they were crowned champions last season to end a decade-long trophy drought. To lift this premier knockout competition in South Africa last term, they had to eliminate Mamelodi Sundowns and then beat the Buccaneers in the final.
The Glamour Boys have so far failed to make an impact in the two South African cup competitions played. It is a blow to the supporters, technical team, and all the stakeholders associated with the Soweto giants, especially after the heavy investment in the off-season transfer window. The management now hopes the team will rise and deliver in the remaining assignments.
The versatile midfielder has had a tough week in the wake of Amakhosi's elimination from the domestic annual competition. The Bafana Bafana international had some massive opportunities to put his name on the score sheet but failed to capitalise on them. However, his compatriot has stood firm in his defence, insisting it is common in football.
Fresh from elimination in the prestigious domestic knockout competition, the Soweto giants now turn their focus to their continental assignment. They host their Egyptian opponents determined to pick themselves up from the domestic setback. A strong response on home soil would restore confidence and keep their ambitions in Africa alive.
So far in the season, the Sea Robbers are the most successful side after winning two domestic trophies. Now their focus is on two more as they compete in the Premier Soccer League and the Nedbank Cup. There is a huge possibility that the Soweto giants might lift four titles at the end of the season, something that will make their season more memorable.
When Amakhosi lifted the cup last season, it helped them end a decade-long wait for a trophy. However, their journey this season came to an end after they were beaten by Stellenbosch in a Round 32 game. Now, their win over Bucs to lift the Nedbank Cup has been questioned, with the team's management blamed for the loss.
The Moroccan coach faces the high standards set by his predecessor, Jose Riveiro, who won the Nedbank Cup twice during his time at the Soweto giants. Ouaddou has already collected silverware since his arrival, proving his impact in a short period, but it would be a historic achievement if he adds this trophy to his haul as well.
The 22-year-old was guilty of spurning clear-cut opportunities, including one-on-one situations, as Amakhosi fell to the Cape Winelands side on Wednesday. His wastefulness in front of goal proved costly on a night when the Soweto giants had good chances to win the match. It was a display which left Amakhosi fans frustrated and aired their disapproval every time the midfielder missed opportunities.
Following an unexpected but amicable parting between the Sea Robbers and the Nigerian defender, many questions arose about the reasons behind the decision, while many eagerly awaited to see where the centre-back would head next.
The former Premier League outfit Fulham and Morocco defender has been giving players chances to prove their worth at the Sea Robbers. However, he has also made some daring calls like letting the South Africa international striker leave in the recent transfer window. The 47-year-old tactician has now justified his decision.
The Brazilians narrowly beat Gomora United to keep their Nedbank Cup hopes alive, providing a timely boost for Cardoso after days of mounting pressure and supporter criticism. While the victory was the highlight of the night, the 53-year-old also revealed that a suspicious photo had landed in his hands, reiterating the need for VAR in the domestic league as a way to safeguard the integrity of the game.
The official Premier Soccer League transfer window is closed, but clubs have an opportunity to sign free agents throughout the year. It explains why the Glamour Boys and other teams can consider having the international player who has featured in top matches across all competitions on the continent.
The Glamour Boys became the first defending champions to be eliminated in the Round of 32 when they fell at the DHL Stadium on Wednesday. It was an unanticipated result for the Amakhosi faithful, who have seen their team rise, especially this season, across all competitions. Stellies are now hoping to continue with their adventure under new coach Gavin Hunt.
Amakhosi's undisputed number one clashed with a supporter who appeared to throw water at the goalkeeper while he was interacting with the crowd following the defending champions' 2-1 Nedbank Cup loss to Stellenbosch FC at DHL Stadium on Wednesday.
The fixture between the Glamour Boys and the Stellies was definitely going to be an entertaining one, thanks to the recent rivalry. Neither team had won once in the previous two meetings this season, but it was the Soweto giants who came into the match as favourites owing to their good run across all competitions.
Although Miguel Cardoso fielded what can be described as a second-tier lineup, their overall performance was not convincing. This performance will only put the head coach under more pressure given that the Pretoria heavyweights dropped crucial points in the CAF Champions League.
Going by how teams are fighting, it can easily be predicted that Masandawana's dominance in the top flight could come to an end this time around. Bucs pushed the Tshwane giants in the last three seasons but failed to dethrone them. Now, apart from the 'Big Three', even fourth-placed AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United in fifth place are mathematically firmly in the title race.
The Glamour Boys have been doing quite well this season, as players continue proving their doubters wrong. Bafana Bafana are among the teams that will feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Amakhosi players hope to be considered for the global tournament.
What is on the minds of most South African goalkeepers now is whether their performance will earn them Bafana Bafana slots for the World Cup finals. Amakhosi's goalkeeper has been sensational so far in the season, and Hugo Broos could be watching at a distance with some interest. Players from the Glamour Boys have been snubbed by the Belgian tactician at times, but maybe things could change in the near future when the next Bafana squad is named.
Bafana Bafana's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations finals was dominated by players from the Soweto giants. Even though South Africa were eliminated in the Round of 16, lessons learnt in the continental competition have been linked to the current form shown by the Sea Robbers.
Relebohile Mofokeng struggled for form earlier this season and was at some point frozen out of the first team as he appeared frustrated and lonely after Mohau Nkota had left the Buccaneers for Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq. However, in recent games, the Bafana Bafana star has picked himself up with some top performances that made him a trademark name in South African football in the last two seasons.
Only five points separate the top team, Orlando Pirates, and the Glamour Boys, who are third in the log, thanks to their consistency. The defending Nedbank Cup champions have won their last five games in a row across all competitions, and have kept six clean sheets in as many recent outings. However, some feel the club will struggle to match its rivals.
The 30-year-old joined South African footballers and coaches trekking to Tanzania in a recent new trend. Signed by Fadlu Davids at Wekundu wa Msimbazi, the midfielder is now playing under Steve Barker who replaced the former Maritzburg United coach. Rushwin de Reuck is his teammate at a club that also has former PSL players like Ismael Toure and Anicet Oura.
GOAL gives you the details to follow Masandawana's hosting of their National First Division opponents in this Cup clash on Wednesday. The Tshwane giants are out to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2022 and have lifted six times overall. They are the third most successful team in this competition after defending champions Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
GOAL gives you the details to follow Amakhosi's trip to the Mother City to face the Cape Winelands outfit in this knockout game on Wednesday. The Soweto giants are bidding to defend the most prestigious Cup tournament in South African football after being crowned champions last season to end a 10-year trophy drought. They will be at Cape Town Stadium to face their wounded opponents.
After a disappointing show in the CAF Champions League, Masandawana now focus on a domestic tournament. On paper, it is easy to predict a win for the Pretoria giants, but upsets always have a way of writing themselves in such encounters. This is a cup that has eluded the Premier Soccer League giants for some time now, and Downs would be keen to end the poor run that has stretched for three seasons.
Although it is a slim win, the points are enough for Bucs to widen the gap at the top with Mamelodi Sundowns. After dropping points against Sekhukhune United, the Sea Robbers returned to winning ways, adding new impetus to their title ambition. For Arthur Zwane, the loss is a lost chance for his side to go above Kaizer Chiefs on the log.
The walking style of the Saint-Eloi Lupopo star became a major talking point after the DR Congo outfit eliminated Bucs from the CAF Champions League. As the Sea Robbers' fans were still nursing broken hearts from the elimination, Amakhosi progressed in the CAF Confederation Cup after beating Simba. In an attempt to create the Mukoko style, the Chiefs star infuriated fans and was consequently attacked.
