Knockout Cup news

Orlando Pirates will welcome defending champions Magesi FC to Orlando Stadium, with plenty on the line for the Soweto giants. The Buccaneers are eager to restore faith among their supporters after falling short in the CAF Champions League preliminary round — a thrilling 3(4)-3(5) encounter against FC Saint Eloi Lupopo that dashed their continental aspirations. Now, with their focus back on domestic fronts, the Sea Robbers will be determined to chase silverware through the Premier Soccer League and the Carling Black Label Cup, aiming to remind fans that their hunger for success remains as fierce as ever.

Although they showed strong character and a spirited fight, the Sea Robbers were eliminated from the continental competition. After their continental campaign ended, even after coming so close last season, it means Bucs will only be chasing domestic titles in 2025-26.

There is not much time to rest for the Sea Robbers, as they are back in action for a domestic clash against their Premier Soccer League opponents. After elimination from the CAF Champions League despite fighting hard in the second leg of the preliminary round, it is now time to face another rival in another competition.

The Soweto giants are coming up against the defending champions on Tuesday in the last eight fixture that will be staged at the Orlando Stadium. The Sea Robbers were eliminated by the Dikwena Tsa Meetse in the 2024/25 edition, explaining why the mid-week fixture will be exciting. A recent CAF Champions League defeat will be a motivation for the home team.

There is a chance that the Premier Soccer League sides might find themselves in the same group. Unlike last season, the Maroons will seek to advance further after they were eliminated at the semi-final by Tanzania's Simba SC, then under Fadlu Davids.

The South African's side was made to sweat by their second preliminary round continental rivals, who proved to be a very stubborn opponent. However, in the end, it is Mokwena's team that had the last laugh.

South African teams were in action this weekend in the second leg of the preliminary rounds of both the Champions League and the Confederation Cup. Pirates and Sundowns did action in the continent’s premier competition - the CAF Champions League - while Chiefs and Stellies were playing in the Confederation Cup.

Abafana Bes'thende have now joined Richards Bay in the semi-finals as the domestic competition heads towards its conclusion. The win is a boost for the ex-Masandawana tactician, who is hopeful of winning at least a title this season.

The Cape Winelands side returned to Athlone Stadium on Sunday, 26 October, aiming to break the deadlock after a goalless first leg played in tough conditions in Equatorial Guinea. With home support behind them, they looked to seize control and book their place in the next round with a decisive performance.

The former Simba SC tactician has had a rather good start to his reign with the Moroccan outfit. Davids left the Tanzanian heavyweights for a return to North Africa, where he hopes to enjoy some success.

The Sea Robbers were already under pressure after losing the first leg of the second preliminary round, leaving their continental hopes hanging in a thread. However, they can take heart from how they fought at home but fell short of what they needed to progress.

The Buccaneers were hard done by on Saturday afternoon as they were eliminated by St Eloi Lupopo from the CAF Champions League. They fought from a 3-0 loss in the first leg of the final preliminary round to a 3-3 aggregate draw before eventually bowing out 5-4 in the penalty shootout.

Despite conceding first, the Natal Rich Boy remained determined, fought on, and in the end won the showdown. After the hard-fought victory, they will now wait to learn who their next opponent will be once the other games are played.

The veteran midfielder was a rock for the Buccaneers last season, owing to his displays across all competitions. However, he has been out injured, which has prevented him from making any appearance across all competitions. The Soweto giants have now shared the latest on the 35-year-old.

The Belgian tactician is concerned that the Sea Robbers' winger has not been at his best since the reported move abroad did not materialise. The 73-year-old is concerned with the well-being of the player who is regarded as the future of South African football, alongside other cropping youngsters.

The Western Cape outfit came out guns blazing in their league encounter, treating fans to an exciting contest packed with goals at Athlone Stadium against a resilient Arrows side that refused to back down until the final whistle. Despite their uneven form in the PSL, Stellies looked rejuvenated — and it wouldn’t be far-fetched to suggest that their recent CAF Club of the Year nomination provided the extra spark needed to clinch their second league win of the campaign.

The 36-year-old grew up with The Brazilians' midfielder and believes their respective skill sets would have complimented each other perfectly.