The Soweto giants have come under growing criticism for their lack of cutting edge in front of goal. Much of the scrutiny has been aimed at both the forwards and midfielders, whose struggles to convert chances have raised concern. There are now fears that the continued bluntness in attack could derail their campaign and leave them empty-handed at the end of the season.
The journey has come to an end for the 2020/21 Nedbank Cup winners, as the third-tier outfit failed to cause an upset against the Sea Robbers. For the Buccaneers, the journey to a season quadruple is alive as they now chase the cup lost to bitter rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, last season and the Premier Soccer League title. Amakhosi, the defending champions, were knocked out of the competition by Stellenbosch.
The midfielder finds himself in an Amakhosi side that has struggled to supply players to the South Africa national team, while teammates Inacio Miguel and Glody Lilepo have also lost their places in the Angola and DR Congo teams, respectively. However, the 22-year-old has remained in contention at international level under the watch of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.
The Soweto giants appear to boast improved defences this season, with their shot-stoppers also earning praise for being solid between the sticks. Their performances have inevitably sparked debate over who stands out as the best so far this term. A legendary former goalkeeper has now weighed in with his view which could also further fuel the debate.
The Soweto giants were eliminated from this prestigious knockout tournament right at the first attempt to defend it after they were crowned champions last season to end a decade-long trophy drought. To lift this premier knockout competition in South Africa last term, they had to eliminate Mamelodi Sundowns and then beat the Buccaneers in the final.
The Glamour Boys have so far failed to make an impact in the two South African cup competitions played. It is a blow to the supporters, technical team, and all the stakeholders associated with the Soweto giants, especially after the heavy investment in the off-season transfer window. The management now hopes the team will rise and deliver in the remaining assignments.
The versatile midfielder has had a tough week in the wake of Amakhosi's elimination from the domestic annual competition. The Bafana Bafana international had some massive opportunities to put his name on the score sheet but failed to capitalise on them. However, his compatriot has stood firm in his defence, insisting it is common in football.
Fresh from elimination in the prestigious domestic knockout competition, the Soweto giants now turn their focus to their continental assignment. They host their Egyptian opponents determined to pick themselves up from the domestic setback. A strong response on home soil would restore confidence and keep their ambitions in Africa alive.
In a shocking twist of events, the Nigerian goalkeeper left the Chilli Boys after an impressive outing with the Super Eagles in the Africa Cup of Nations finals. Since he signed for Chippa from Katsina United in 2022, the goalkeeper has gone on to become a fan favourite. That explains why his exit was greeted with shock, as it was an unexpected move at all.
When Amakhosi lifted the cup last season, it helped them end a decade-long wait for a trophy. However, their journey this season came to an end after they were beaten by Stellenbosch in a Round 32 game. Now, their win over Bucs to lift the Nedbank Cup has been questioned, with the team's management blamed for the loss.
The Uruguayan-South African winger has struggled to cement a starting place this season, a situation that seems to have worsened since Amakhosi returned from the 2025 AFCON break. At 34, he remains one of the most experienced figures in the Soweto giants’ squad. His limited game time has raised questions about his role and future at the club.
The 29-year-old won and calmly converted a penalty for Amakhosi against Stellenbosch FC, yet he still seems to struggle to convince a former Amajita winger. Having arrived at Naturena from Indonesia ahead of the current season, his ability was widely questioned from the outset. It is a challenge he continues to confront to win the hearts of the Soweto giants' fans.
The 22-year-old was guilty of spurning clear-cut opportunities, including one-on-one situations, as Amakhosi fell to the Cape Winelands side on Wednesday. His wastefulness in front of goal proved costly on a night when the Soweto giants had good chances to win the match. It was a display which left Amakhosi fans frustrated and aired their disapproval every time the midfielder missed opportunities.
The official Premier Soccer League transfer window is closed, but clubs have an opportunity to sign free agents throughout the year. It explains why the Glamour Boys and other teams can consider having the international player who has featured in top matches across all competitions on the continent.
The Glamour Boys became the first defending champions to be eliminated in the Round of 32 when they fell at the DHL Stadium on Wednesday. It was an unanticipated result for the Amakhosi faithful, who have seen their team rise, especially this season, across all competitions. Stellies are now hoping to continue with their adventure under new coach Gavin Hunt.
Amakhosi's undisputed number one clashed with a supporter who appeared to throw water at the goalkeeper while he was interacting with the crowd following the defending champions' 2-1 Nedbank Cup loss to Stellenbosch FC at DHL Stadium on Wednesday.
What is on the minds of most South African goalkeepers now is whether their performance will earn them Bafana Bafana slots for the World Cup finals. Amakhosi's goalkeeper has been sensational so far in the season, and Hugo Broos could be watching at a distance with some interest. Players from the Glamour Boys have been snubbed by the Belgian tactician at times, but maybe things could change in the near future when the next Bafana squad is named.
Although it is a slim win, the points are enough for Bucs to widen the gap at the top with Mamelodi Sundowns. After dropping points against Sekhukhune United, the Sea Robbers returned to winning ways, adding new impetus to their title ambition. For Arthur Zwane, the loss is a lost chance for his side to go above Kaizer Chiefs on the log.
The walking style of the Saint-Eloi Lupopo star became a major talking point after the DR Congo outfit eliminated Bucs from the CAF Champions League. As the Sea Robbers' fans were still nursing broken hearts from the elimination, Amakhosi progressed in the CAF Confederation Cup after beating Simba. In an attempt to create the Mukoko style, the Chiefs star infuriated fans and was consequently attacked.
It has emerged that the experienced goalkeeper is not only a leader on the pitch but also plays a crucial role behind the scenes. Being a leader demands a lot, and sometimes one is forced to play a role that those under them will not like. The Amakhosi coach has now revealed how the former Ajax Cape Town goalkeeper helps in keeping discipline among his teammates.
The Soweto giants are currently on a good run across all competitions, having won four games in a row without conceding. Amakhosi have now been tipped to go all the way and challenge for not only the Premier Soccer League, but the Nedbank Cup and CAF Confederation Cup as well. It explains why the technical team is working hard to get it right on the pitch.
Team Ya Ziko remain winless in their pool after four losses in a row in the annual CAF inter-club competition. The Zambian heavyweights lost twice to an opponent from Egypt before losing both home and away against the Glamour Boys to crash out of the tournament. The Soweto giants have a massive chance to make the knockout phase.
The duo have been criticised since they took over, following the departure of Nasreddine Nabi. However, Kaze and Ben Youssef have steadied the Amakhosi ship and the team looks like PSL title contenders. A Chiefs icon has praised the two tacticians following back-to-back wins over ZECO United.
Although Amakhosi have been winning recent games, their goal output has been incredibly low. This is an issue that the technical bench has noted, and now one of the coaches has addressed how it is being solved as the season proceeds. Chasing the Premier Soccer League, the CAF Confederation Cup and the Nedbank Cup trophies will require a solid team overall but, most importantly, a sharper attacking department.
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 Soweto giants face a crucial encounter that could send a strong message in their continental return. Having struggled against this opponent in the past, securing two victories would mark a significant step forward in their campaign.
Al Masry SC
