Al Hilal Omdurman news

The Brazilians are back to continue with their bid to be crowned African champions for the first time since 2016 and they welcome their Sudanese opponents to Loftus Versfeld on Friday. Important for Masandawana is maintaining their Group C lead as they host a team they are tied on four points with, as goal difference separates the two sides.

In a bid to allow some of their players to leave and get playtime, Bucs have released the two to their stars' league rivals. In the off-season transfer window, the Sea Robbers signed more than 10 players, and their strengthening mission has also continued in the mid-season window. With a huge playing squad, it is natural that some players will play more than others, and the fringe ones have been sent out on short-term deals.

After selling their prized asset, the Rockets managed a convincing win in their first game without the South African player. The attacker left the club and signed for Chicago Fire in the Major Soccer League, and his former team looked solid despite missing his vital services. The challenge for Galaxy now is whether they can keep the tempo or they will falter on the road and miss Dithejane's creativity in the final third.

The Western Cape team picked up crucial points on Tuesday evening with a victory over Sekhukhune United on their home turf, slowly moving themselves out of the relegation danger zone. The result marked former Kaizer Chiefs coach's first win in charge and a positive start to his tenure, although he was quick to raise fitness concerns regarding the players from Tshwane.

Since he was a teenager, the forward showed the potential of developing into a top player. Now, just 21, after making his presence felt in the Premier Soccer League, the South African star is set for an entirely new challenge after signing for Chicago Fire. Even before he was signed by the Major Soccer League side, he was a subject of intense interest from PSL giants Amakhosi and Masandawana.

The Citizens have introduced new additions to the KwaZulu-Natal team on a loan from Babina Noko, aiming to inject new energy into their attack. With the team hoping to make an impression of finishing inside the top eight, all eyes will be on the duo to see if they can hit the ground running and help Sinethemba Badela' side to make a statement in Mzansi’s top flight.

The winger completed a surprise move to the Brazilians from the Soweto giants, catching many off guard, including Masandawana players and Orbit College FC where he was on loan. The transfer was finalised while Orbit College heavily relied on him as a key figure in the team in their bid to maintain their Premier Soccer League status for next season. However, he will have to wait a bit longer before making his Masandawana debut.

The 19-year-old burst onto the big stage impressively and has underlined Masandawana’s depth at left-back. His presence and performances could pose a huge challenge to more established players, including Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos’ first-choice option and Divine Lunga. With Fawaaz Basadien and Asekho Tiwani also in the mix, competition for a regular place in that position is set to intensify at Chloorkop.

The former Orlando Pirates coach has gone on to create history beyond Mzansi borders, with the 39-year-old tactician once again underlining his pedigree. Having already shown his capability during his spells at Mayfair and Chloorkop, the latest cup triumph with his current side came as no surprise to Pitso Mosimane, who had long foreseen Mokwena’s success and publicly backed him when he appointed him as his assistant at Sundowns.

Masandawana have developed the habit of strengthening their squad by entering the South American market looking for the best talent. This mission to South America has seen them get, sometimes, good players, but at times, the signed stars flopped. The best talent from South America that has served Sundowns impeccably includes Lucas Ribeiro, but some have struggled and left without making indelible marks.

After an unfortunate turn of events at Portuguese Primeira Liga side, Masandawana winger is now set to find a fresh start for the remainder of the season. His agent has confirmed that the 26-year-old can be expected to settle into his new club by next week, as plans for his move seem to be promising.

The Brazilians have been active in the transfer window with Monnapule Saleng and Brayan Leon already announced. But this fan's major concern is securing a replacement for 'Mshishi' and he thinks TS Galaxy's 21-year-old sensation would be the perfect candidate.

By strengthening their playing unit, the Brazilians are sending a clear message to their rivals that they mean business. So far, the Tshwane giants have confirmed the signing of Brayan Leon from Colombia and Monnapule Saleng from Orlando Pirates. The signing of the Bafana defender means there will be no void left in the defensive department after Lucas Suarez's exit.