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.
Masandawana return to action, hoping to win and widen the gap at the top over fierce rivals, Orlando Pirates. Currently, the Premier Soccer League leading sides have the same points - 44 - with the Sea Robbers leading by a slim goal difference. Should the Brazilians win, Bucs will have a chance to close the gap when they play Richards Bay a day later.
Babina Noko will be paying a visit to the Tshwane outfit, setting up a clash that promises intensity. The last meeting between these sides saw Sundowns claim maximum points with a 2-0 win over a resilient Limpopo side. This time, both teams head into the fixture in need of points, with their eyes firmly set on the league title, currently a tightly contested race among the top four.
Brazilians returned to the top of the Premier Soccer League table after edging Usuthu 1-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday. As the match appeared to be headed for a goalless draw, the Chilean rose from the bench to grab the only goal of the match and spark wild celebrations from Masandawana, who were staring at another humiliating outing following the Nedbank Cup exit.
The Brazilians were shocked by the Rockets in their Nedbank Cup Round of 16 after falling 2-0. They now need to bounce back against Arthur Zwane's Usuthu in the Premier Soccer League fixture to be staged at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Tuesday. A win will send them to the top of the table after their latest victory over Orlando Pirates.
The Brazilians are seemingly back to their best if recent results are anything to consider. Masandawana will be back in action in the domestic assignment this weekend when they face the Rockets at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium. Victory will be vital for the Tshwane giants, who are chasing three crowns this edition.
The Brazilians continue their bid to reclaim the Premier Soccer League summit as they push for a ninth consecutive title. They make a short trip across Gauteng to face the Buccaneers at FNB Stadium on Wednesday. The high-stakes clash could prove decisive in shaping the title race as both sides battle for the league crown.
The winger's move from the Soweto giants to the Pretoria heavyweights was the biggest shocking move reported in the January transfer window. Given that some fans had seen the 27-year-old as an outcast after he was ostracised at Bucs, Masandawana still went on to sign him in an attempt to bolster their attacking department. The bigger question now is if the South African international can succeed with the defending league champions.
The defending Premier Soccer League champions host the Rhulani Mokwena side at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, desperate for maximum points in Group D. The Saturday outing in Mzansi might be the final game for under-fire coach Miguel Cardoso, who is struggling for consistency. Anything but a win will lead to Masandawana's elimination.
Masandawana could register a double against their continental rivals as they are set to clash on Sunday for their fifth game in the group. The first encounter between the two ended in a 3-1 win over the Premier Soccer League giants, who recently dropped points against Al Hilal. Given that the four teams in Group C all have fairly high chances of reaching the knockout stage, it makes the match even more crucial for both sides.
When the two teams meet in Rwanda, there will be two critical factors to play for: three points and the top position of the group. Both the Sudanese giants and Masandawana have five points, and a winner of the encounter will massively boost their chances of reaching the knockout phase.
After a frustrating draw at home against Al Hilal in the CAF Champions League, Masandawana have an opportunity to return to winning ways. The Tshwane giants are only at the top of the table courtesy of a superior goal difference over Orlando Pirates and cannot afford to drop points at this stage if they are not to complicate their chances of defending the league title. Already, the pressure is building up on head coach Miguel Cardoso, and rumours linking Pitso Mosimane with a return only add more uncertainty over his future at the club.
The defending champions will be playing Babina Noko for the first time this season at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. This is a massive game for Masandawana, who are aware that Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are also in the race for the title. Eric Tinkler's men have been doing well in the league as well.
GOAL digs deep into the stats and numbers to find which players have performed the best in their positions in the league season so far, as we reach the halfway stage of the campaign for most of the Premier Soccer League teams. It is safe to say, though, that there are a few surprises in this list as several fan favourites miss out.
Mamelodi Sundowns return to Premier Soccer League action after nearly a month after making way following the Carling Knockout semi-finals, the FIFA break and then focusing on CAF Champions League commitments. The Brazilians were knocked off the PSL top spot by Orlando Pirates last weekend. However, they can reclaim top position with a win over Siwelele FC at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday and head into the AFCON break firmly in control of the title race.
The defending Premier Soccer League champions continued their continental journey on Friday, 28 November, travelling to Stade Ali Ammar Dit Ali La Ponite with the aim of extending their winning start in the CAF Champions League. The Brazilians had opened their group stage campaign in style last weekend, securing a 3-1 victory over Saint Eloi Lupopo at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
