Knockout Cup news

Since making his professional football debut for the Soweto giants in March 2025, the 20-year-old has established himself as a regular starter for the Buccaneers. His consistency in defence has made him one of the most trusted names on the Pirates team sheet. The rise of the player from KwaZulu-Natal has not gone unnoticed, earning him a regular place in the Bafana Bafana setup and becoming a key figure.

The Buccaneers appear to be the complete package in 2025/26, boasting a superb defensive spine, top-quality options off the bench in all positions, and tactical versatility. The new Moroccan boss has also shown an ability to juggle his resources effectively as the fixtures come thick and fast.

The Buccaneers reached the semi-final of the annual prestigious continental club competition last season before falling to the eventual champions, Pyramids, who beat the Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the final. However, things didn't work out in their favour as they were undone in the last preliminary round and crashed out.

The 21-year-old attacker has struggled with form and fitness this season but was back on the bench for Bucs 3-1 win over Golden Arrows, coming on to provide his first assist of the campaign.

The 20-year-old has been nothing short of a breath of fresh air in Mzansi football, taking everyone by surprise with his rapid rise in such a short span of his professional career. Mbokazi has continued to display remarkable composure and fearlessness — not only for the Soweto giants but also in his appearances for the South African men’s national team, where his commanding presence and confident communication have earned him the admiration of his teammates.

The Soweto giants proved on Wednesday that they mean business with another impressive display at the King Zwelithini Stadium against Abafana Bes'thende. It was a massive result that ensured they stay just three points behind the defending Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played two more games.

Masandawana were forced to sweat for three points by determined TS Galaxy, who were led by a Kaizer Chiefs academy product. Although it is another win for Downs, Miguel Cardoso's tactics have yet again come under scrutiny, given the display his players showed against the visitors. Struggling against PSL rivals now raises questions on whether the Tshwane giants are indeed ready for the CAF Champions League's gruelling campaign ahead.

A sold-out crowd packed into King Zwelithini Stadium on a buzzing Wednesday night, with anticipation crackling in the air as Abafana Bes’thende welcomed the Buccaneers for a much-anticipated midweek league showdown. The stands were a sea of colour and noise, with fans from both camps in full voice, creating a charged atmosphere under the floodlights.

Fresh off weekend wins, both teams arrived at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night brimming with confidence. Amakhosi edged Durban City 1-0 away last Friday, while the Umswenko Boys beat Magesi 3-1 on Saturday. With momentum building, both sides were locked in on one goal: bagging maximum points under the midweek lights.

The Umzimkhulu-born coach returned to KwaZulu-Natal for a third stint after parting ways with Masandawana in December 2024. He spent a decade with the Tshwane giants, first joining as Pitso Mosimane’s assistant in 2014. Before rejoining Abafana Bes’thende, he was reportedly eyed by North African clubs and now, it has been revealed that there was also interest from the clubs in Soweto.

The Soweto giants have unveiled their third kit, which they are using in the ongoing campaign across all competitions. They used the new jersey in the midweek assignment against Dikwena Tsa Meetse in the domestic competition, where they did well to seal their semi-final ticket.

The Beer Cup is edging closer to the deciding match and the remaining four teams now know who they will meet. The Buccaneers, Richards Bay, Golden Arrows and Marumo Arrows complete the list of teams that are still in contention to lift this piece of silverware.

The diminutive midfielder struck twice and combined well with his former Pirates teammate in one of his goals as Bahlabane ba Ntwa romped to a 4-0 victory over the Maroons in a Beer Cup quarter-final match at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday. It was a rain-drenched evening as the Cape Winelands side suffered their biggest defeat of the season.

The Buccaneers' faithful feel their team is ready to dominate the South African football scene owing to the quality within their squad and reaching yet another cup semi final this week. However, they have been advised things might not go as anticipated since the Sea Robbers are still working on their combinations and players who can deliver consistently.

The South African League Cup will have new kings after the defending champions were eliminated by the Sea Robbers. Although Bucs are seen as favourites, the Soweto giants are not immune to the surprising results and upsets always associated with domestic competitions.

The tactician has revealed what disappointed him during their match against Magesi and warns that it should not happen again. The theatrics that caught his attention happened just days after Bucs were left heartbroken after elimination from the CAF Champions League.

To reach the quarter-finals, Stellies defeated Kaizer Chiefs after winning a post-match penalty shootout. Bahlabane Ba Ntwa also overcame a formidable opposition in the Round of 16, beating Mamelodi Sundowns in a dramatic penalty shootout.