Cup news

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.

The Soweto giants hosted the Brazilians at the iconic FNB Stadium on Wednesday night in the Premier Soccer League outing. However, despite coming into the game as favourites, the Sea Robbers failed to take their chances and were eventually punished 2-1. The result reduced the gap between the teams to just three points.

The possible return of the experienced gaffer to Chloorkop has been quite a hot topic over the recent weeks. With Miguel Cardoso struggling to steady the ship, reports have linked the former Al Ahly tactician to his former club. The three-time CAF Champions League winner has responded to the rumours and revealed the team he would like to coach next.

The Premier Soccer League newbies have been unstable, especially in the technical team, where they have been making frequent changes. The South African top-tier outfit are currently without a head coach owing to the recent decision to part ways with the ex-Chippa United tactician after just three weeks in charge.

When Masandawana and Bucs meet, individual brilliance combined with general team output will matter most. The Sea Robbers will be keen to win and extend the gap, and Downs will try not to let that happen because if it does, they would have ceded more ground in the title race. Now, the Soweto giants have been given a hint on how to beat their midweek visitors.

The Abafana Bes'thende boss believes the 22-year-old winger has the talent, drive and dedication to improvement for a major transfer overseas and dismissed links to the league's big clubs as mere speculation that won't influence the player or his club as they consider his future.

Kgaogelo Sekgota completed his rehabilitation process and is back on the pitch with Siwelele FC whose head coach Lehlohonolo Seema has praised the winger's progress and emphasised mental fitness as the priority in his ongoing recovery.

When Andre De Jong moved from Stellenbosch to the Buccaneers he promised to help them win the Premier Soccer League crown. Now, on the eve of their crucial showdown with current champions Mamelodi Sundowns, the 29-year-old has revealed an extra motivation for joining the club.

It did not take long for the 32-year-old attacker to start paying back his reputed $75,000 (R1.2 million) transfer fee as he scored to help his new club progress to the next round of the domestic cup competition.

Babina Noko goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner has come out with a bold statement of intent that his Limpopo-based side are looking to 'win all our remaining games' and put their hands on, not one, but both of the domestic trophies still available to them.

For the second successive match in this competition, the Buccaneers have been drawn against lower-division opposition. They are aiming to reclaim the trophy they last lifted in 2024 before being dethroned by Kaizer Chiefs last season. The Sea Robbers have been cautioned against the opponents they will be coming up against.

South Africa’s most prestigious knockout competition rolls on as teams gear up for the next phase. The remaining contenders have now discovered the opponents standing between them and a place in the quarter-finals. With the stakes rising, the battle for silverware promises even greater intensity in the rounds ahead.

Amakhosi's team manager has addressed fan frustrations with the club's lack of activity in the mid-season transfer window by claiming they needed to protect team harmony and pointing out they have off-season transfer recruits who are yet to feature in the Black and Gold.

Following an unexpected but amicable parting between the Sea Robbers and the Nigerian defender, speculation was rife on where the centre-back would head next. Now it appears that the 28-year-old will remain in South Africa's top flight despite rumours of options in North Africa.