With a slot in the quarter-finals looking possible, it means Amakhosi will deal with a more congested calendar going forward. The Glamour Boys are also firmly in the Premier Soccer League title race, meaning their focus is divided as the season hits a crucial stage. The Nedbank Cup campaign also awaits the Soweto giants later, and it is a competition they will not want to lose, but can they withstand the pressure that comes with congested fixtures?
The Glamour Boys have confirmed the exit of the goalkeeper at a time their fans are waiting to see if a new player will be signed for the first team. Unlike Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, Amakhosi have not yet strengthened the first team, which sends a signal that they are satisfied with the current playing unit. Meanwhile, there is stiff competition in the goalkeeping department at Chiefs currently, with Brandon Petersen the number one choice given his performance.
With the emerging keepers at Naturena, the Amakhosi senior team is expected not to struggle for top stars in that department. However, the challenge for the Soweto giants is to produce dependable goalkeepers who can match or go above Itumeleng Khune in terms of performance and longevity. Replacing the former Bafana Bafana custodian has been a mission that Chiefs have not successfully accomplished since Khune left in 2024.
As the season gathers momentum after a brief break owing to the Africa Cup of Nations finals, Amakhosi will be in league action again just days after facing ZESCO United. The CAF Confederation Cup result against the struggling Zambian giants saw the Glamour Boys register back-to-back wins across competitions. Against Gallants, they face a side that last registered a league win in mid-October last year.
The Soweto giants have enjoyed an encouraging start to 2026 and would want to maintain their form when they visit Bahlabane ba Ntwa for Wednesday's Premier Soccer League clash at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium. Having recorded slim 1-0 wins in their last two games against Golden Arrows and ZESCO United, Amakhosi might want to see improvement upfront, and three forwards could start.
The Soweto giants have been one of the Premier Soccer League teams that have not been active in strengthening their squad. However, they have made a vital decision that will see them continue pushing for the major honors as well as set a strong foundation for the new campaign. Apart from the domestic competitions, Amakhosi are chasing the CAF Confederation Cup.
After resuming their Premier Soccer League campaign with a slim victory over Golden Arrows, Amakhosi turn their eyes on the continental competition. In two games in Group D, the Glamour Boys are third, and only a win away from home will help them boost their chances of reaching the knockout stage. However, the Zambian giants, although they are struggling this season, are expected to give them a challenge, especially since they will enjoy massive home support.
The Glamour Boys have been blowing hot and cold in the South African top-flight, but they will be aiming to start the year on a high when they face Abafana Bes'thende on Tuesday. It will be a massive opportunity for the players to reward the supporters with a gift after an extended break owing to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
After failing to collect maximum points in their last two games before the Premier Soccer League took a break in December, Amakhosi resume the campaign with some pressure on their shoulders. On paper, their game against Chippa United was expected to be an easy one given the Chilli Boys' poor form this season; however, the Soweto giants were forced to share points after a goalless draw. The Glamour Boys dropped more points when they were held to another goalless draw by TS Galaxy.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, who arguably have quality players as opposed to Amakhosi, have already added a few new faces to their squads, as opposed to the Glamour Boys, who are seemingly happy with the playing unit. Their skipper is convinced the available men have what it takes to do the job effectively.
There have been questions about the future of South Africa in terms of the goalkeeping department, which has, in recent years, relied on the Mamelodi Sundowns star, who has a couple of years left before calling it a day in the national team. The likes of Sipho Chaine have been tipped to take over, but he sometimes struggles for consistency.
One of the key components in any team setup is a competitive goalkeeping department. In most cases, the best, usually the most experienced one, is always the number one choice, and in the case of Bafana, Mamelodi Sundowns' captain has been the undisputed choice. With his age advancing and no young successor in the picture already, a goalkeeping problem for the national team has been predicted.
In a season where they are hoping to win at least a trophy, Amakhosi are expected to keep the players who are deemed pivotal in the campaign. One of the stars that has been outstanding in the season will have his contract expire in a matter of months, and there have been questions on whether it will be extended or not. The agent has now cleared the air and revealed what the situation is like.
Amakhosi's goalkeeping department has arguably been the most improved area this season, delivering greater consistency and confidence at the back. Strong performances between the posts by their captain have played a key role in stabilising the team in a campaign where they are left with the PSL title, Nedbank Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup to fight for. However, with two of the club’s senior goalkeepers set to see their contracts expire in June, the Soweto giants are facing important decisions that could shape their plans for next season.
The Chilli Boys custodian has long been linked with a move to Amakhosi, but the transfer has yet to materialise. Even at the peak of his career, he reportedly attracted interest from the English Championship, Scotland and the Middle East. However, he has remained in Gqeberha, with calls growing for the Soweto giants to still consider making a move for him.
The Naturena-based outfit has, over the past few seasons, struggled to fully demonstrate its big club status in the Premier Soccer League, consistently falling short and finishing the campaign outside the top eight. However, despite their struggles last season, they managed to break their long-standing trophy drought by being crowned champions of the Nedbank Cup, a moment widely viewed as the start of new beginnings. That success appears to have carried into the 2025/26 season, with the club opening the campaign on a high note and delivering performances strong enough to position themselves among the recognised league title chasers.
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