After the disappointment of being runners-up last season and having their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs end their run of two successive triumphs in this competition, the Buccaneers are keen on reclaiming this trophy this season. They come up against their Limpopo opponents, who were the champions of this tournament in 2021.

Relebohile Mofokeng struggled for form earlier this season and was at some point frozen out of the first team as he appeared frustrated and lonely after Mohau Nkota had left the Buccaneers for Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq. However, in recent games, the Bafana Bafana star has picked himself up with some top performances that made him a trademark name in South African football in the last two seasons.

After they started the group stage campaign with a loss, Amakhosi managed back-to-back victories, massively boosting their chances of reaching the knockout stage. The Glamour Boys completed a double over their continental rivals from Zambia after their last victory in Ndola. For Zega Mambo, the struggle continues as they remain winless, pointless and rooted at the bottom of the group.

The Buccaneers coach is enjoying the luxury of leaving out certain players from his matchday squad, underlining the impressive depth within his first-team group. Winning convincingly without several key figures, who were deliberately omitted, highlighted just how strong his squad has become. It paints the picture of a coach spoilt for choice when it comes to team selection.

The Sea Robbers reasserted their dominance after beginning the year with a setback, as a ruthless display against Dikwena tša Meetse reignited their Premier Soccer League title ambitions. Despite unsettling Bucs supporters by releasing trusted defenders in a single transfer window, the backline has shown no signs of weakness under Ouaddou, who instead highlighted his side’s failure to fully capitalise on their chances in front of goal.