Experienced tactician Luc Eymael has offered a glowing assessment of the PSL as the South African top flight celebrates its 30th anniversary. The Belgian coach believes the division is now operating at a level that rivals major European leagues in almost every department.
Babina Noko and the Rockets became the third fixture of the weekend to end in a draw, following the Chilli Boys and the Stallions, who were also forced to settle for a point each after neither side could find the net, while Gallants shared the spoils with Rise and Shine. Meanwhile, Usuthu leapfrogged Kaizer Chiefs into third place as their Zimbabwean striker found the back of the net yet again.
The per 90 stats in football measure a player's output scaled to a full 90-minute match, allowing fair comparisons between players with different playing times and allowing us to see who are the genuine best performing players in the league this season so far. The format works by taking a player's total for any metric (eg: goals, tackles, passes, etc) and divides it by their total minutes played, then multiplies by 90 so a regular substitute who plays 15-to-20 minutes a week can be accurately compared to the impact of a starter who plays the full match every week.
The Portuguese mentor has lifted the lid on his thinking behind the changes to the Brazilians’ starting XI for Wednesday’s victory. Teboho Mokoena was one of the notable names left on the bench as the Tshwane giants were made to work for a 2-0 victory over the newly promoted KwaZulu-Natal outfit.
The 33-year-old midfielder has broken his silence regarding his surprise move to the Indian Super League. Despite significant interest from teams in the South African top flight, the veteran playmaker has opted for a fresh start in Asia with Kerala-based side Malappuram.
GOAL gives you all the details to follow the Brazilians' cup fixture at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi against Abafana Bes'thende. The Pretoria club will need to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg if they are to put five years of heartbreak in the Wafa Wafa tournament behind them.
Abafana Bes'thende stand on the precipice of a historic cup final as they prepare to defend their slender lead against the Chloorkop-based outfit. After a stunning first-leg victory, the Durban-based side holds all the cards, but the looming threat of a wounded Tshwane giant ensures the second leg will be a high-stakes tactical battle.
The Brazilians’ defeat to Golden Arrows left a sour taste among the Masandawana faithful, particularly after dropping points on home soil. The result prompted sections of the support base to question the Portuguese coach's tactics and selection, with some fans feeling the 54-year-old did not field his strongest possible XI and therefore lacked a clear intent to take control of the tie. Cardoso, however, has addressed the criticism, suggesting that the supporters need to show more faith and trust in the reigning African champions as they look to overturn the deficit in the second leg.
Masandawana coach has come out in defence of the 25-year-old, rejecting suggestions that the winger receives preferential treatment in his starting line-up. The Portuguese tactician insisted that every selection decision is based strictly on training-ground performances rather than personal relationships.
The Brazilians' mentor has launched a scathing attack on the standard of officiating in the Premier Soccer League, claiming his side is being unfairly targeted by referees. The Portuguese tactician expressed his disbelief at the high volume of cautions handed to his players despite their dominant, possession-based style of play.
Downs bounced back from their MTN8 setback after securing a victory in a seven-goal thriller against the Durban-based side. The victory sent Masandawana to 10 points, level with log leaders Orlando Pirates.
The Natal Rich Boys were hoping to finally snap their winless streak, but the Soweto giants were equally determined to preserve their unbeaten Betway Premiership run. Both sides produced an entertaining and hard-fought display, trading blows in a four-goal thriller before ultimately settling for a share of the spoils.
Masandawana have reportedly offloaded Jody February, with the goalkeeper joining the Bloemfontein-based club on a season-long loan deal. The 30-year-old shot-stopper heads out in search of regular first-team football after falling down the pecking order and enduring a frustrating period on the sidelines at Chloorkop.
GOAL gives you all the details to follow the Brazilians' Premier Soccer League fixture at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria against Usuthu. With Orlando Pirates winning on Tuesday night both sides will be looking for maximum points to maintain the pace at the top of the table.
Downs' mentor has lauded the immediate impact of the highly-rated attacker following the forward’s return to Chloorkop. The South African international has hit the ground running in his second stint with the Brazilians, proving that home is truly where the heart is after a difficult period abroad.
The Brazilians defender believes the Tshwane giants have surmounted their MTN8 setback against Golden Arrows and have turned their attention towards the midweek Premier Soccer League fixture against AmaZulu. The 31-year-old player is upbeat ahead of the home meeting, claiming his side do not concede defeats back-to-back.
CAF Champions League-winning coach Miguel Cardoso has acknowledged the challenges facing the experienced forward, backing the striker to rediscover his clinical touch despite a difficult start with the Brazilians. The 30-year-old has struggled for regular minutes and goals since arriving, but his coach remains confident that his breakthrough is close.
Former Brazilians defender Japie Motale has exhorted the club’s fans to focus on the long-term vision of head coach Miguel Cardoso at Chloorkop and not only see the team’s early results of the new campaign. The Tshwane giants recorded their first defeat of the season on Sunday, in the MTN 8 semi-finals, prompting murmurs from many supporters online.
The Masandawana head coach has issued a staunch defence of the Portuguese playmaker following his unconvincing start to the season. The 54-year-old tactician pointed to the ongoing transfer window as a major distraction, suggesting the uncertainty surrounding the market is taking its toll on several members of his star-studded Tshwane squad.
The minister has launched a blistering attack on the South African Football Association regarding the stalled implementation of Video Assistant Referee technology. Despite significant financial backing from the government, the PSL remains without the technology, prompting the Minister to demand a full refund of state funds.
The South African coach's side opened their campaign with a 3-0 trouncing of Ghazl El Mahalla and already top the table after just one match. It was enough for former Zamalek star Tarik Yahya to declare the trophy is theirs to lose.
In the wake of his side's 1-0 loss to Golden Arrows the Brazilians' coach refused to be drawn on the rumours they are in the market for a right back to fill the void left by the 31-year-old player's long term injury.
The Chloorkop-based outfit were dealt a blow on Sunday afternoon in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final against a resilient Durban side under the guidance of Pitso Dladla, who had already masterminded Kaizer Chiefs’ elimination in the quarter-finals. The Tshwane giants’ head coach has reflected on the result, highlighting where things went wrong.
The hunt for the elusive MTN8 trophy continues to prove a hurdle for the Brazilians, who fell short in their own backyard against Abafana Bes’thende in the first leg of the semi-final. The Tshwane giants will now travel to Durban for the second leg, hoping to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.
Masandawana coach has delivered a sobering assessment of the club’s young attacker's recent struggles, citing a lack of consistency as the primary reason for his reduced role. The Portuguese tactician is now determined to ensure that the new arrival does not fall into the same trap as he adapts to life at Chloorkop.
AmaZulu FC
