South Africa are intensifying preparations for the 2025 AFCON finals with an international friendly match against Chipolopolo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. The 1996 African champions' coach is using the match to fine-tune his squad as he edges closer to finalising the group he will take to the continental tournament. With competition for AFCON places still open, the game against the Copper Bullets is expected to bring out fierce performances from players eager to impress the coach. This could also be the last chance for some players to convince the Belgian tactician that they deserve a seat on the plane to Morocco.
South Africa are intensifying preparations for the 2025 AFCON finals with an international friendly match against Chipolopolo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. The 1996 African champions' coach is using the match to fine-tune his squad as he edges closer to finalising the group he will take to the continental tournament. With competition for AFCON places still open, the game against the Copper Bullets is expected to bring out fierce performances from players eager to impress the coach. This could also be the last chance for some players to convince the Belgian tactician that they deserve a seat on the plane to Morocco.
Broos yet again found himself on the receiving end of intense criticism after he named his final squad to take on Chipolopolo in an international friendly game. The Belgian failed to include a single player from Naturena, even though some Amakhosi players have been doing well in the current season. Khumalo, a Bafana legend, has named a star he believes deserved a call-up because he says the player has been outstanding.
South Africa has a wealth of talent, with each player boasting their own blend of abilities. Some are fast, or technically gifted, or have a creative vision that can split a defence apart. Others are more athletic and can put in a crunching tackle or two. No matter what their skillsets are, there is one thing they all have in common: the price a football club is willing to pay for their services.
Despite never playing his club football outside South Africa, the Masandawana vice-captain has earned global recognition for his consistent performances between the sticks. His name now features among the world’s top goalkeepers, which is proof of his qualities. The custodian who hails from the Eastern Cape is part of the Brazilians squad that has players who helped the team participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The recognition of a South African footballer by the world football governing body, especially one plying his trade in the Premier Soccer League, proves the quality of the domestic league. Such acknowledgement could show how the PSL has earned respect on the global stage and reinforces the local league's case as one of Africa’s most competitive football competitions.
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.
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