The forward struggled while in Germany but has found his footing since he made the unexpected move after several stints abroad. He is not only a regular starter under Miguel Cardoso but also plays a critical role as a creative brain in the club's attacking adventures. Now, he has been tipped as the next big thing for Bafana Bafana, given the progress he has made.
Since lifting their first CAF Champions League crown in 2016, the Brazilians have been haunted by the elusive second star. Every season, the ambition burns brighter, yet heartbreak follows. Now, as they gear up to host Lupopo, Masandawana’s quest feels renewed - armed with depth, tactical clarity and continental hunger, this campaign could finally deliver the prize they covet most.
After being held back by Orlando Pirates through Cemran Dansin's spectacular strike, Masandawana are back in action, looking for a return to winning ways. The Tshwane giants hope to win and keep the top position as Bucs, Chiefs, and Sekhukhune United pile pressure on them. In pursuit of a win, Downs will be without Miguel Reisinho, who is suspended, but Teboho Mokoena is back.
The quality of Masandawana players has received some backing after some of their players received some glowing ratings on a reputable platform. That gives thumbs up to the Brazilians' transfer business as they seek to dominate the African continent, having already proven their supremacy at home.
The Belgian tactician has started preparations for the biennial continental competition to be played in Morocco from December 21 to January 18. The 73-year-old named his preliminary squad for the forthcoming international break in November, where he is expected to try some tactics and have a look at some new call-ups in his bid to expand the team's depth.
The Tshwane giants head into the game confident, given the kind of results they registered away from home. The technical bench must be mulling over whether to deploy their usual first teamers or deploy other players who have not been regularly used in order to prove themselves.
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.
Masandawana will be seeking redemption following their elimination from the domestic competition, the Carling Knockout Cup. After falling at the ultimate stage last season to Pyramids FC, Downs hope to win their second continental star this time around.
GOAL digs deep into the stats and numbers to find which players have performed the best in their positions in the nascent league season and it is safe to say there were some surprises we were not expecting across the pitch.
Mamelodi Sundowns have already played a third of their league games (10) this season, with most other clubs not far behind. This means there is more than enough data to look at which players top the charts for various key attacking and defensive categories across the league. And as you will discover, there are plenty of surprise Top Dogs in the PSL this season.
Masandawana surged to the top of the PSL standings following an emphatic win over Richards Bay. Tashreeq Matthews led the charge with a brace, while Malibongwe Khoza and Iqraam Rayners also found the back of the net to cap off a dominant performance.
The defending league champions returned to winning ways in domestic action with a commanding performance against the Natal Rich Boys at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday night. The victory secured maximum points for Masandawana, propelling them to the summit of the Premier Soccer League standings, one point clear of Sekhukhune United.
The defending Premier Soccer League champions are keen on getting another vital win in the midweek assignment when they travel to King Zwelithini Stadium to face Manqoba Mngqithi's outfit on Wednesday. It will be crucial for Masandawana to get a positive outcome against Abafana Bes'thende.
Masandawana rallied from behind to claim all three points against the KwaZulu-Natal side at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday night. The win keeps Sundowns within striking distance of Premier Soccer League leaders Sekhukhune United as the title race heats up.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
