Knockout Cup news

The Buccaneers are riding high after climbing to the top of the Premier Soccer League standings, three points clear of defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Their rise was sealed from a decisive 2‑0 victory over Durban City at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 29 November, a result that confirmed Pirates’ place at the summit.

By picking up yet another win, the Sea Robbers are building up perfect momentum for the Carling Knockout Cup final against Marumo Gallants. Against Durban City, players showed individual brilliance and team brilliance, a testament that Abdeslam Ouadou's rotation policy could be working. Although they started the season struggling, the Sea Robbers have made their way to the top of the Premier Soccer League standings and are now sending a clear signal that they are serious title contenders.

As Bucs eye yet another trophy this season, they might chase the domestic glory without players who have been phenomenal for them. It largely depends on how head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will play his cards in regard to the players in danger of missing the cup final. Their opponents are also not safe, as they could also miss equally crucial players for the final.

The Soweto giants are steadily taking over the South African national team by sheer demand, and it comes as no surprise — their form and squad depth speak for themselves. They became the first side in the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season to lift a trophy. Despite the CAF Champions League setback, they are already chasing more success as they prepare to feature in the Carling Knockout Cup final next month. They also sit level on 25 points with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns on the league table, separated only by goal difference.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach was full of praise for the current state of South Africa’s displays on the bigger stages. Bafana Bafana recently reaped the rewards of their hard work by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will next month take the stage at the Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, Amajimbos bowed out of the FIFA U-17 World Cup earlier this month, and the senior women’s national team is busy preparing for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations [WAFCON].

This was the remaining crucial piece of information regarding the domestic competition whose ultimate duel will go down on December 6 in Polokwane. The organisers of the tournament had already announced that Peter Mokaba Stadium would host the final game involving the PSL clubs. Now, it is all systems go as football fanatics await to see who will be crowned the winner as Bucs eye their second domestic trophy.

Apart from the aforementioned duo, the Sea Robbers are missing the services of Thabiso Sesane, who made his name with the club under Jose Riveiro. The Soweto giants have shared some encouraging news as the Buccaneers continue their chase for top domestic honours, a couple of weeks after elimination from the CAF Champions League.

The former Bucs coach is in South Africa as a brand advocate for Carling Black Label, the sponsors of the Carling Knockout Cup, and spoke to the media about his time at the Sowetan giants and his desire to see the club be successful.

The 28-year-old midfielder has had quite a journey through the football ranks, having first made a name for himself at the now-defunct Bidvest Wits before joining Al Ahly and later being loaned to Masandawana, where he won the hearts of the South African football community. His rise continued, but his dream was short-lived due to alleged off-field issues. However, he now finds himself at the mercy of the Mpumalanga side, where he will have to convince the technical team that he is worthy of another chance on the field, having been spotted training with the club on Thursday morning.

The Sea Robbers and Bahlabane Ba Ntwa are set to fight for the bragging rights of the domestic competition on December 6. Riveiro, who did not win the trophy while in charge of Bucs, has revealed his expectation for the ultimate clash between the Premier Soccer League sides. The Buccaneers will be looking to win their second domestic trophy after defending the MTN8 earlier in the season.

The 50-year-old tactician enjoyed a relatively successful campaign with the Sea Robbers during his time with them before leaving for the Red Devils. He has since explained his decision to leave the Buccaneers, who needed him to stay, owing to the relationship they had built in the three years of association.

'Master Chef' has done his thing in several kitchens across the Premier Soccer League, but never really settled anywhere long enough to make a lasting impression. We all know the talent is there, but is the former South Africa youth international able to put in the hard yards to produce the consistent performances needed for club and country in a critical year for South African football?

The Soweto giants played a role in raising awareness on a critical medical issue that reportedly affects around 4.2 million South Africans. The Buccaneers participated in World Diabetes Day, during which assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi also took a moment to brief the media on the upcoming Carling Knockout Cup, set to take place on December 6 against Marumo Gallants.

The ‘Master Chef’, as the Buccaneers star is fondly known, delivered a masterful display in Bafana Bafana’s 3–1 triumph over Chipolopolo at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, November 15. Pulling the strings in midfield, he supplied two crucial assists and showcased vision, creativity, and influence in a commanding team performance that thrilled an energetic home crowd in Gqeberha.

The 30-year-old defender has stressed that the team is determined to follow Hugo Broos’ directives to the letter in their upcoming friendly against Zambia. Sibisi emphasised that every player understands the importance of the fixture, despite it being labeled a friendly, and that there is no room for complacency. The South African senior men’s team is focused on building momentum, sharpening their tactics, and taking decisive steps forward as they prepare for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

The 29-year-old forward has once again been left out of coach Hugo Broos’ final squad for the clash against Zambia on Saturday afternoon at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Despite consistently making his presence felt whenever he dons the Soweto giants’ jersey, the Belgian coach appears reluctant to place his trust in him. The repeated snubs have understandably left the striker frustrated, as he openly expresses the pain of being overlooked.

The former Polokwane City winger joined the Buccaneers in July and has quickly established himself as one of the club’s standout performers. With his pace, creativity and consistency, he has impressed both fans and the technical team, making a strong impact in the Pirates’ attacking setup and proving to be a valuable addition to their squad.