The Brazilians usually kick off their season in high gear, setting the tone to defend their league title. However, the 2025/26 campaign has lacked authority, even though the team tops the log with just three points. The man at the helm did not shy away from laying his cards on the table, acknowledging how this form has created an uneasy atmosphere within the club.
The 20-year-old has been nothing short of a breath of fresh air in Mzansi football, taking everyone by surprise with his rapid rise in such a short span of his professional career. Mbokazi has continued to display remarkable composure and fearlessness — not only for the Soweto giants but also in his appearances for the South African men’s national team, where his commanding presence and confident communication have earned him the admiration of his teammates.
A Kaizer Chiefs product was again brilliant against Masandawana, only for Ronwen Williams to be alert and keep him at bay with brilliant saves. Although they were defeated, Galaxy challenged Bafana Ba Style but were guilty of failing to convert their chances into goals. The Tshwane giants now lead with a two-point gap ahead of Orlando Pirates, while Kaizer Chiefs are third.
The 20-year-old brought Masandawana’s flawless home run to a halt, as the defending Premier Soccer League champions dropped points for the first time this season. Saturday’s one-all draw wasn’t just a result, it was a statement, as the youngster’s impact left the crowd stunned and three points still separating the two clubs.
South African players and teams have made their way into different categories to be recognised as the best on the African continent. In coming up with the nominees, the continental football governing body considered top performers for the period between January 6 and October 15.
Going by how they have performed on the domestic front, there were fears Masandawana could struggle. However, the Tshwane giants were in a class of their own, as they registered a huge first-leg win.
The Brazilians kicked off their CAF Champions League journey with a trip to M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium on Sunday, 19 October, for the second preliminary round of the continental showpiece. Ranked among Africa’s elite, the South African side received a first-round bye; a nod to last season’s run to the final, where they ultimately fell short against Egyptian giants Pyramids FC.
South Africa will be part of the global competition once again for the first time since 2010, when they hosted it. However, this achievement came against some odds, as Mzansi were faced with what appeared like an insurmountable challenge, which, in the end, they overcame.
South Africa enter a very important phase of their quest to qualify for the World Cup with another do-or-die match against Amavubi. On Friday, Hugo Broos' men were held to a goalless draw by the Warriors of Zimbabwe. On Tuesday, they play the Eastern African nation, knowing they can't afford another slip-up in their quest to compete with the best in the world.
The Super Eagles are in a tight spot in their quest to play in the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. However, their win over the Cheetahs on Tuesday might be what Mzansi need to get their ticket; but of course, they need victory against the Eastern African nation in another Group C fixture scheduled for the same day.
South Africa made qualifying for the global football fiesta a mammoth task after dropping two points against a team already out of contention in this campaign. That leaves Hugo Broos' side depending on their rivals to help them secure an automatic ticket to USA/Canada/Mexico.
South Africa enter a very important phase of their quest to qualify for the World Cup with two do-or-die matches against the Warriors and Rwanda. But for now, their focus is on their northern neighbours whom they face at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday. It is a match that the coach cannot afford to make mistakes in his selection of his lineup.
The Tshwane giants have recovered from the setback suffered at the hands of Marumo Gallants to return to winning ways in a convincing manner. Despite conceding first, the league's defending champions fought to ensure they collected three more points in the season.
Masandawana are under the microscope after dropping crucial points to Marumo Gallants in a tense midweek Premier Soccer League showdown, raising questions about form, tactics and their grip on the early title race.
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