Things have rapidly deteriorated for the 22-year-old who was only in November 2023 crowned African Football League Most Valuable Player and finished as the tournament’s joint top scorer. He was part of Bafana Bafana’s squad at the 2023 AFCON and even started the opening match against Mali, underlining how highly he was rated at the time. However, injury struck, triggering a painful downhill slide that has stalled what once looked like a soaring career.

Masandawana’s depth is the envy of the continent - a squad stacked with internationals, specialists and system players built for dominance across competitions. But that strength comes with a cost: talented footballers slipping down the pecking order, roles shrinking, confidence fading and careers stalling under the weight of relentless competition in a team designed to win everything.

GOAL gives you the details to follow Madandawana's visit to Bloemfontein to face Siwelele on Wednesday. The Brazilians will be at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium as they push to return to the top of the Premier Soccer League standings. Orlando Pirates currently occupy top spot but the Tshwane giants have an opportunity to end the year on a high with victory in Mangaung.

Following their victory in the initial Group D CAF Champions League assignment against the Democratic Republic of Congo's Saint Eloi Lupopo, Masandawana want to make it two wins in a row away to Algeria against the People's Club on Friday. The Algerian outfit are aiming at bouncing back from their opening defeat in the pool to avoid possible elimination.