As Bucs eye yet another trophy this season, they might chase the domestic glory without players who have been phenomenal for them. It largely depends on how head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will play his cards in regard to the players in danger of missing the cup final. Their opponents are also not safe, as they could also miss equally crucial players for the final.

The Soweto giants are steadily taking over the South African national team by sheer demand, and it comes as no surprise — their form and squad depth speak for themselves. They became the first side in the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season to lift a trophy. Despite the CAF Champions League setback, they are already chasing more success as they prepare to feature in the Carling Knockout Cup final next month. They also sit level on 25 points with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns on the league table, separated only by goal difference.

The Belgian has opened a wide, ambitious window with his preliminary AFCON squad - an orchestra of veterans, disruptors and bold prospects that must be cut to 27. The selections signal a team designed for multiple tempos: patience when games tighten, speed when they fracture and enough nerve to suffer. This is not a list; it’s the architecture of how Bafana want to win.

After the FIFA international break, the Buccaneers are back at Orlando Stadium to entertain the Chilli Boys, knowing a win might put them on top of the table, depending on the number of goals they score. The Sea Robbers are chasing a double, having claimed a 3-0 win in their previous meeting staged at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Since October 2024, the veteran midfielder has been battling persistent fitness issues that have severely limited his game time for both club and country. His latest injury struck just as he had recovered from a previous setback, adding to the frustration. The recurring problems have raised fears that he may now be injury-prone. With him spending more time on the sidelines than on the pitch, concerns continue to grow about the future of his career. These mounting worries have also sparked fresh fears that he might soon consider calling time on his career when he is needed by Masandawana and the national team.