The Brazilians legend Teko Modise has issued a clear challenge to the 29-year-old, insisting the defender must find greater consistency to cement his place in the starting line-up. After a quiet debut season at Chloorkop, the former Stellenbosch man has finally been given a run of games at the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign.
Masandawana has made a definitive decision regarding the future of one of their stars as the 2026/27 campaign approaches. The South Africa international has completed a move to Stellenbosch FC on a season-long loan, bringing an end to the speculation surrounding his role in the Pretoria club's squad.
The Brazilians legend has sent a clear message to the loanee, who is preparing to settle his future ahead of the new season. The former Masandawana captain believes the left-back must prioritise playing time over the prestige of returning to Chloorkop.
It has now been revealed that the Soweto giants were keen to sign the fullback but were beaten by their rivals from Pretoria. After establishing himself as a top defender at his former club, the South African talent became a subject of intense transfer pursuit from big clubs. He finally moved to the Tshwane Giants, where he is yet to become a regular starter.
After a frustrating draw at home against Al Hilal in the CAF Champions League, Masandawana have an opportunity to return to winning ways. The Tshwane giants are only at the top of the table courtesy of a superior goal difference over Orlando Pirates and cannot afford to drop points at this stage if they are not to complicate their chances of defending the league title. Already, the pressure is building up on head coach Miguel Cardoso, and rumours linking Pitso Mosimane with a return only add more uncertainty over his future at the club.
The defending champions will be playing Babina Noko for the first time this season at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. This is a massive game for Masandawana, who are aware that Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are also in the race for the title. Eric Tinkler's men have been doing well in the league as well.
The 19-year-old burst onto the big stage impressively and has underlined Masandawana’s depth at left-back. His presence and performances could pose a huge challenge to more established players, including Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos’ first-choice option and Divine Lunga. With Fawaaz Basadien and Asekho Tiwani also in the mix, competition for a regular place in that position is set to intensify at Chloorkop.
With new players joining the Chloorkop outfit at the start of the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season, the Brazilians unveiled three midfield additions and one defensive recruit. Despite an unimpressive start to the campaign by their standards, the players have shown encouraging glimpses of being a perfect fit for the Tshwane side.
The Brazilians have been dominating the South African top-flight for a decade, winning nine out of the possible 10 top-tier crowns, with a now-defunct Bidvest Wits the only team to have stopped them from achieving the feat. As a matter of fact, they have won the last eight crowns consecutively, but it seems the Soweto giants are determined to stop them.
After making only four signings at the start of the 2025/26 season, Fawaaz Basadien, Tsiki Ntsabeleng on loan from FC Dallas, Nuno Santos and Miguel Reisinho, one feels Masandawana are still searching for the perfect balance to sustain their dominance. The Brazilians remain strong contenders, but the Premier Soccer League CAF Champions League demands more depth and fresh energy.
Masandawana’s depth is the envy of the continent - a squad stacked with internationals, specialists and system players built for dominance across competitions. But that strength comes with a cost: talented footballers slipping down the pecking order, roles shrinking, confidence fading and careers stalling under the weight of relentless competition in a team designed to win everything.
When the Belgian announced his 23-man squad headed to Morocco for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON], there were some surprises. The 73-year-old tactician left tongues wagging with some of his choices, leaving out some big names and experienced campaigners. Broos also included a couple of youngsters, some of whom will be in the senior national team setup for the very first time.
PSL's top three clubs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, are naturally monitoring the talented player's situation, having raided the Winelands side for stars over the years. The highly rated forward will see his contract expire at the end of the season, and this means he is free to sign a pre-contract with a club of his choice from January 1.
The Bafana full-back has struggled to break into Masandawana's first team despite the ambitious move he made before the season began. At Chloorkop, Basadien is facing stiff competition from Zimbabwean star Divine Lunga and Aubrey Modiba. His situation at the Pretoria giants has complicated his chances of making it into the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad.
Masandawana are often accused of ‘killing the competition’ by hoovering up the best talent their money can buy. However, highlighted by Cardoso, the latest batch of new signings like Fawaaz Basadien, Katlego ‘Tsiki’ Ntsabeleng, and Asekho Tiwani are still to prove themselves worthy at the reigning champions.
On Sunday, South African defending league champions Mamelodi Sundowns booked their place in the CAF Champions League group stages with a commanding 7–1 aggregate win over Nigeria’s Remo Stars. The result underlines Masandawana’s continental ambitions as they continue their pursuit of a second CAF Champions League star.
