After a goalless draw with Zimbabwe last Friday night, South Africa needed a win over Amavubi in Mbombela and hoped Nigeria would beat Benin in Uyo. Fate smiled on Hugo Broos’ side. The Belgian coach led Bafana Bafana to the global showpiece, marking their first successful World Cup qualifying campaign in 24 years.
The Amakhosi goalkeeper, who created a storm when he refused to be substituted recently, has been backed and described in glowing terms. The Soweto giants have been asked to make a choice over the Rwandan because he either must play or leave, according to his coach.
The Soweto giants have left fans scrutinising the state of their dressing after one of their goalkeepers defied orders from co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, as well as goalkeeper trainer Ilyes Mzoughi. It is a much-talked-about incident as the Soweto giants went on to lose and miss out on the chance for a first major trophy of the season.
The Soweto giants currently do not have a substantive coach as Nabi is on his way out of the club, leaving his assistants Cedric Kaze and Khalil ben Youssef in charge on interim basis. However, the two coaches' control of the dressing room is being scrutinised after a goalkeeper defied one of their decisions.
The Amavubi star has been the talk of the country since Sunday after his decision to defy the Amakhosi technical bench and refuse to be replaced by his rival.
The 26-year-old had a good game, but his antics of not listening to the coach's substitution instructions cancelled that. Amakhosi went on to lose the penalty shootout as their campaign in the domestic competition ended dramatically.
Amakhosi are out of the Carling Knockout following a first-round loss to the Cape Winelands outfit. After a 0-0 draw, penalties were needed to decide the team that goes through to the quarter-finals and the Soweto giants lost 5-4.
The Rwanda international was struggling for game time this season, even after some impressive showings between the sticks for the Wasps in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, especially against Nigeria. But on Sunday he got his chance at club level to prove to the coaches that he deserves to be the first-choice goalkeeper.
After a tightly fought encounter within regulation time, Amakhosi and the Maroons proceeded to extra time after failing to score. This was yet another dramatic game where the winner had to be decided from the spot kick after a goalless draw, just like the Mamelodi Sundowns and Marumo Gallants duel on Saturday.
Just after suffering a setback in the CAF Confederation Cup, Amakhosi's return to league action has not alleviated pressure, but it has added more after a draw against Marumo Gallants. Although crucial points have been dropped, it will remain a memorable day for Khanyisa Mayo, who scored his debut goal.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
