The Bloemfontein outfit was held to a draw by the Rockets, who fought back to earn a point. In another encounter, Rise and Shine edged the Natal Rich Boys to get their campaign off to a winning start and secure maximum points. Meanwhile, Cedric Kaze claimed the early bragging rights over Khalil Ben Youssef in the reunion of the former Amakhosi co-coaches. AmaZulu secured all three points against Steliies. Elsewhere, Abafana Bes'thende and the Chilli Boys were forced to settle for a goalless stalemate.
The opening day of the Premier Soccer League got underway without the goal rush many had expected, as teams struggled to find the back of the net. Cedric Kaze wins first round against Khalil Ben Youssef in the Amakhosi reunion. A second-half penalty proved decisive for Usuthu, while Abafana Bes'thende and the Chilli Boys had to settle for a share of the spoils after playing out a draw. Elsewhere, Richards Bay, Polokwane City, Siwelele and TS Galaxy will all be eager to kick off their campaigns on a positive note as they battle for valuable opening-day points.
The opening day of the Premier Soccer League got underway without the goal rush many had expected, as teams struggled to find the back of the net. A second-half penalty proved decisive for Usuthu, while Abafana Bes'thende and the Chilli Boys had to settle for a share of the spoils after playing out a draw. Attention now turns to another intriguing fixture, where former Kaizer Chiefs co-coaches will go head-to-head from opposite sides of the touchline. Elsewhere, Richards Bay, Polokwane City, Siwelele and TS Galaxy will all be eager to kick off their campaigns on a positive note as they battle for valuable first match points.
Looking to sharpen their cutting edge in the final third, the Western Cape outfit has secured the permanent services of former Sea Robbers forward Sinoxolo Kwayiba from Chippa United ahead of the new Premier Soccer League season.
The battle at the bottom remains unpredictable as the Mswenko Boys settled for a point in Bloemfontein. Meanwhile, Rise and Shine salvaged a late point against Chilli Boys, and Babina Noko’s Limpopo derby win reignited hopes of a strong finish following a winless run. Arrows also bounced back to collect all three points, as Usuthu were once again stalled in their push for CAF qualification.
Rise and Shine salvaged a late point against Chilli Boys after a penalty drama, while Babina Noko’s Limpopo derby win reignited hopes of a strong finish following a winless run. Arrows bounced back to secure all three points, as Usuthu were once again stalled in their push for CAF spot qualification, with the battle between Gallants and Orbit still wide open in the relegation zone.
Polokwane salvaged a late point against Chippa after a penalty drama, while Babina Noko’s Limpopo derby win reignited hopes of a strong finish following a winless run. Arrows bounced back to secure all three points, as Usuthu were once again stalled in their push for CAF spot qualification, with the battle between Gallants and Orbit still wide open in the relegation zone.
Masandawana needed the win in order to go top of the Premier Soccer League table and at least widen the gap between them and Orlando Pirates. However, the title race remains tight, given that both contenders are only separated by two points as the campaign enters the home stretch. For the Chilli Boys, the defeat is a big blow in their bid to climb up the ladder and avoid a relegation fight.
After engaging in the Nedbank Cup campaign, teams turned their focus to the Premier Soccer League campaign. Orlando Pirates widened the gap at the top with a win over Marumo Gallants, while Babina Noko's result affected Amakhosi and Mamelodi Sundowns, who were focused on their respective CAF campaigns. At the other end of the table, the relegation battle is heating up.
The Chilli Boys boosted their chances of survival after they recorded their back-to-back league victory. In a four-goal thriller, Orbit College and Polokwane City shared points in a match where a record in the league was also broken. Babina Noko recovered to keep themselves in a title mix by beating the Rockets after a difficult start to the year 2026.
Clubs in the Premier Soccer League have resumed their domestic assignment after a couple of weeks on break owing to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Usuthu's bid to finish in the top eight again received a huge boost after their win, as Polokwane suffered a defeat after a four-match unbeaten streak.
It’s no secret that pulling on the jersey of one of the Premier Soccer League's big three clubs is every player’s fast track to bigger dreams, complete with the perks, pressure, and glory that come with those famous badges; however, not everyone survives the ride. Some crash, some thrive. For the 25-year-old Bucs star, it’s been a winning journey, with the move to the Sea Robbers bringing a major boost both on and off the pitch.
In a bid to create space for probably more new signings, the Soweto giants have confirmed the permanent exit of the star. Signed after impressing in his former Premier Soccer League side, the 25-year-old found it hard to settle and become a key player for the MTN8 champions. Faced with stiff competition, he had limited involvement in the ongoing season, as the club is focused on winning more local trophies after the CAF Champions League elimination.
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.
Expectations were high when the Sea Robbers unveiled the signing of the 25‑year‑old at the start of the 2025/26 season, with many believing he could add fresh energy to the Buccaneers’ attacking midfield. Yet only a few months into his tenure, sections of the Ghost faithful have voiced criticism, questioning his impact and consistency as he works to settle into life at Pirates.
The Sea Robbers will be taking part in their second cup final this season after defending the MTN8 earlier. Reaching the ultimate stage of the domestic competition also means Ouaddou is in a prime position to win a second trophy in his debut season with the Soweto giants. However, elimination from the CAF Champions League at the preliminary stage will always be cited by his critics.
