Cup news

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.

After a short and controversial stint and eventual exit, it seems all is not well between the Spaniard and the Egyptian giants. After what was initially thought to be an ambitious move, the 50-year-old coach only lasted three months. A poor run of games, coupled with pressure from fans and the club's legends, saw the African giants dismiss the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup winner.

A huge gap opened in the Buccaneers’ defence after the Bafana Bafana centre-back secured a move to Chicago Fire FC. Although the Soweto giants responded by signing Mpho Chabatsane, they remained reduced at the back following the exit of Olisa Ndah. That might have left coach Abdeslam Ouaddou needing a central defender.

The Colombian forward is turning out to be a massive signing for the Tshwane giants. In key games, the striker has risen to the occasion and lifted the Brazilians when it mattered the most. He played a crucial role again as the Pretoria heavyweights outclassed their PSL title race rivals.

The Buccaneers saw their Premier Soccer League lead trimmed after a tense clash with the Brazilians. Masandawana went into the match appearing to be losing ground in their title defence bid before producing a result when it mattered most. The outcome leaves the championship race wide open heading into the decisive stretch of the season.

As the Buccaneers fought but conceded defeat to their title rivals, one of their key players was unable to complete 90 minutes. The speedster was limited by injury last year, and his return has been overshadowed by fears that he could be sidelined again. Already, the Sea Robbers are operating with a limited squad, as four of their regular starters are battling injuries.

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 53-year-old former Esperance tactician is seemingly getting it right at Masandawana after a heavy storm in the initial games. After just two outings in five days across all competitions, the Brazilians are in the CAF Champions League quarter-final and are now just three points behind the Buccaneers in the Premier Soccer League title race with a game in hand.