The Masandawana coach has issued a grim warning regarding the fitness of his squad and the potential knock-on effect for the national team. Following a frustrating goalless draw against Richards Bay, the Portuguese tactician highlighted how a relentless fixture pile-up is systematically breaking down his key players.

GOAL gives you the details to follow the Brazilians' Premier Soccer League trip to KwaZulu-Natal to face the Natal Rich Boyz at Umhlathuze Sports Complex on Sunday. Masandawana are pushing to reclaim top spot, but that is dependent on how log leaders Orlando Pirates fare against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby.

The Brazilians are in desperate need of maximum points as they face the Natal Rich Boys this weekend in a must-win game. In the midweek assignment against Stellenbosch, at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, it ended 1-1, explaining why the defending champions can't afford to drop more points.

If there is a greater wish Miguel Cardoso has now, it is to have all his players available for selection. Downs are in a critical juncture of their season; they hope to fight and defend the league title as well as win the Champions League marathon. Currently, a number of players are sidelined, and they are in a race against time to be fit and available for the crucial games ahead.

The arrival of the off-season signing was greeted with a lot of fanfare, as fans expected much from the Portuguese international. However, unlike Nuno Santos, who was signed at the same time, Reisinho has not quite settled. Against Marumo Gallants, he was withdrawn at halftime, raising questions about whether the coach is losing trust in him.

The Portuguese star is fast settling with the Tshwane giants and has made vital contributions, especially in the CAF Champions League. Given that this is his first season in the Premier Soccer League, the playmaker is still in the process of familiarising himself with the terrain of the competition. Despite what he has shown, some have criticised the 27-year-old, but he has answered them.