'Master Chef' has done his thing in several kitchens across the Premier Soccer League, but never really settled anywhere long enough to make a lasting impression. We all know the talent is there, but is the former South Africa youth international able to put in the hard yards to produce the consistent performances needed for club and country in a critical year for South African football?
To boost the level of refereeing in the league, calls for the urgent implementation of VAR have intensified. The government's stance comes a day after the South African Football Association's new project leader for the VAR management team, Daniel Bennett, cautioned against VAR lite. SA lags behind in the implementation of this project, as countries like Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia have adopted the full VAR systems for their competitions.
Lorch has been an outstanding player for Wydad Casablanca, and in the last five games across all competitions alone, he has scored four goals. However, Broos insists he does not see any reason to have Nyoso, as the forward is known, in his squad. Lorch's omission has put Broos under criticism, although some have sided with him.
The Soweto giants played a role in raising awareness on a critical medical issue that reportedly affects around 4.2 million South Africans. The Buccaneers participated in World Diabetes Day, during which assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi also took a moment to brief the media on the upcoming Carling Knockout Cup, set to take place on December 6 against Marumo Gallants.
The South African players are giving their best to stand a chance of competing in Morocco as the senior men's national team features against some top sides in Africa. The Belgian has an idea on who he will consider in his squad but some can still force their way in before the final squad is named in the next couple of weeks.
The Super Eagles saw their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico fade away after losing 4-3 to the Leopards on penalties at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday night. The encounter ended in a 1-1 draw, with a tired-looking Nigeria side, who had played 180 minutes against Gabon in midweek, taking their foot off the pedal after making a promising start to the game, and Congo capitalising to take the match to extra-time before eventually winning on penalties.
The Bafana Bafana coach has previously revealed that he knows approximately 75-80% of his squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco. This means that there are some players who have not been Bafana regulars over the past few months who stand a chance of making the final squad.
Broos has been scratching his head over the injury crisis that has sidelined the Masandawana star. But now, his fears may fade away as he believes the stylish midfielder will offer him what he missed when Zwane is not available. The former Cameroon coach handed the Mzansi star a second chance, and the midfielder has not disappointed.
Daniel Bennett’s warning comes after observing advanced VAR technology in Spain, where full systems are already integrated into top leagues. He believes South Africa must follow suit, stressing that credibility and consistency depend on proper investment. The next step is working through the financial model to make it viable.
This is a double blow for Bucs, who needed to win and extend their lead at the top of the table, and losing to their traditional rivals is something that they did not wish for. The loss means they have piled more pressure on themselves, especially with Sundowns lurking behind. Although the DDC champions have been struggling quite a bit, the win against Bucs is set to boost their morale as they fight to defend the title.
Expectations were high when the Sea Robbers unveiled the signing of the 25‑year‑old at the start of the 2025/26 season, with many believing he could add fresh energy to the Buccaneers’ attacking midfield. Yet only a few months into his tenure, sections of the Ghost faithful have voiced criticism, questioning his impact and consistency as he works to settle into life at Pirates.
The ‘Master Chef’, as the Buccaneers star is fondly known, delivered a masterful display in Bafana Bafana’s 3–1 triumph over Chipolopolo at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, November 15. Pulling the strings in midfield, he supplied two crucial assists and showcased vision, creativity, and influence in a commanding team performance that thrilled an energetic home crowd in Gqeberha.
The Sea Robber was yet again given another start for Bafana Bafana, which is an indication that the coach has developed near total belief in him. With the AFCON finals drawing closer each day, this is good news for the defender who has faced stiff competition at club level. To succeed in AFCON, Broos will need a solid backline, and the larger pool of options means he has the luxury of picking the best.
Competition for places in the South Africa squad ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is intensifying as the continental tournament draws closer. A number of players have recently emerged as strong contenders, widening the pool available to the coach. Their impressive performances at club level have sparked debates about who truly deserves a spot. One of them is a former Orlando Pirates star who has become a big subject of debate.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician believes the Bucs star is a type of player that can help the national team. However, he has stated that the Sea Robber must be paired with a specific player in order to make him become even more effective. The number 10 position has been giving Broos some headaches, given that his reliable players for that role have been battling injuries.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos has been subjected to pressure from some coaches, fans, and even former players to consider having ex-Mamelodi Sundowns and the Buccaneers attacker in his team for future assignments. The 32-year-old has been consistently delivering for the Botola Pro League outfit, Wydad Casablanca.
Players like Marks Maponyane, Dumisa Ngobe, Sizwe Motaung, Jimmy Tau and Lehlohonolo Majoro moved directly between Anmakhosi and the Buccaneers before. These transfers often attract intense scrutiny, highlighting the deep-rooted rivalry between the two traditional giants. Now, in the last Premier Soccer League transfer window, two full-backs crossed the great Soweto divide.
The 30-year-old defender has stressed that the team is determined to follow Hugo Broos’ directives to the letter in their upcoming friendly against Zambia. Sibisi emphasised that every player understands the importance of the fixture, despite it being labeled a friendly, and that there is no room for complacency.
The South African senior men’s team is focused on building momentum, sharpening their tactics, and taking decisive steps forward as they prepare for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Amakhosi have been under pressure to produce young players capable of making a real impact on the South African football scene. In recent years, their rivals, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, have set the bar high by churning out prospects like Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Malibongwe Khoza. However, two Amakhosi youngsters appear to be nearing making big moves and play overseas.
The 29-year-old forward has once again been left out of coach Hugo Broos’ final squad for the clash against Zambia on Saturday afternoon at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Despite consistently making his presence felt whenever he dons the Soweto giants’ jersey, the Belgian coach appears reluctant to place his trust in him. The repeated snubs have understandably left the striker frustrated, as he openly expresses the pain of being overlooked.
The Buccaneers' head honcho has been at the helm of the league since 2003, steering domestic football through two decades of both progress and controversy. His long reign has seen both the league's commercial growth and debates about democratic governance issues. While some credit him for building a financially stable league, others argue that his extended stay has blocked fresh leadership and new ideas into the local game.
The Midnight Express has been identified as the right man to replace one of Bafana's greatest coaches when he steps down next year. The 56-year-old has enrolled for a coaching course and upon completion, will be eligible to take charge of an African senior national team.
Mabviravira have made history in Zimbabwe in their maiden season in the top flight, becoming the first team in 41 years to achieve such a feat. The club enjoyed an impressive campaign, winning 17 games, drawing 10, and losing just five across 32 matches. Their remarkable performance earned them a reward of millions of rands from businessman Wicknell Chivhayo.
The versatile attacker is dazzling the fans with his skills and technique, which has seen him go top of the table as far as goal-scoring is concerned. In just 10 games, he has been directly involved in 10 goals for his club, who are six points from the top. The former defender now hopes the Soweto giants can give him a chance.
Although the DR Congo outfit advanced to the group stage of the CAF Champions League, they remain on tenterhooks as the case filed by Pirates has not yet been determined. Lupopo are in Group C and will face Mamelodi Sundowns, Rhulani Mokwena's MC Alger and Al Hilal. That means they will make another trip south to face the Tshwane giants after eliminating Bucs at the preliminary stage.
Although he recently defended his policy of rotating players, the former Marumo Gallants tactician has hinted that the same may not apply to the goalkeeping department. Despite having options, the Moroccan has regularly trusted the experienced goalkeeper week in, week out. With a cup final coming up in December, Ouaddou is expected to stick with Chaine again as Bucs chase another domestic trophy.
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