Stellies' coach has laid bare the selection dilemma facing his side following a frantic end to the transfer window. Despite securing high-profile additions to bolster the squad, the veteran tactician admitted that a lack of pre-season conditioning has left his new stars trailing behind the rest of the group.
The Soweto giants are being backed to finally end their long wait for continental glory and add a second star to their badge. A former Buccaneers midfielder believes the Sea Robbers have what it takes to emulate the recent African success of rivals, the Tshwane giants.
Hot on the heels of the news that Evidence Makgopa has been ruled out for two months with a knee injury, comes the reveal that Thalente Mbatha also has a knee injury that will, according to medical experts, probably require surgery and an extended period of rehabilitation.
Check out the latest transfer news and rumours from Amakhosi, Buccaneers, Masandawana, the rest of the PSL teams and South African players and coaches plying their trade abroad.
The Bloemfontein outfit was held to a draw by the Rockets, who fought back to earn a point. In another encounter, Rise and Shine edged the Natal Rich Boys to get their campaign off to a winning start and secure maximum points. Meanwhile, Cedric Kaze claimed the early bragging rights over Khalil Ben Youssef in the reunion of the former Amakhosi co-coaches. AmaZulu secured all three points against Steliies. Elsewhere, Abafana Bes'thende and the Chilli Boys were forced to settle for a goalless stalemate.
The opening day of the Premier Soccer League got underway without the goal rush many had expected, as teams struggled to find the back of the net. Cedric Kaze wins first round against Khalil Ben Youssef in the Amakhosi reunion. A second-half penalty proved decisive for Usuthu, while Abafana Bes'thende and the Chilli Boys had to settle for a share of the spoils after playing out a draw. Elsewhere, Richards Bay, Polokwane City, Siwelele and TS Galaxy will all be eager to kick off their campaigns on a positive note as they battle for valuable opening-day points.
The opening day of the Premier Soccer League got underway without the goal rush many had expected, as teams struggled to find the back of the net. A second-half penalty proved decisive for Usuthu, while Abafana Bes'thende and the Chilli Boys had to settle for a share of the spoils after playing out a draw. Attention now turns to another intriguing fixture, where former Kaizer Chiefs co-coaches will go head-to-head from opposite sides of the touchline. Elsewhere, Richards Bay, Polokwane City, Siwelele and TS Galaxy will all be eager to kick off their campaigns on a positive note as they battle for valuable first match points.
The 26-year-old has officially ended his tenure with the Soweto giants after sealing a permanent switch to a coastal club. Despite attracting interest from several rival Premier Soccer League outfits, the Buccaneers midfielder opted for familiar surroundings as he looks to reignite his career and rediscover his best form.
The former Chippa United coach believes that his side’s upcoming invitation to face South African giants is the ultimate validation of their recent progress. The Zimbabwean outfit is set to test itself against Amakhosi in the 2026 Toyota Cup, marking a significant milestone for a club only formed three years ago.
The Amakhosi playmaker believes the upcoming Toyota Cup fixture will serve as the ultimate barometer for the squad's adaptation to the coach’s tactical blueprint. Following a rigorous pre-season tour in Spain, the Soweto giants are looking to demonstrate that they have fully grasped the French tactician’s new philosophy.
Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has expressed his delight at seeing the 30-year-old return to club football with the Chilli Boys, but he has coupled his praise with a stern warning. While the move offers the former Enyimba star a chance to rebuild his career, Akpeyi insists that reclaiming Nigeria national team’s number one shirt will be a significant challenge given the competition from Europe-based stars.
Manqoba Mngqithi' successor has officially laid out his blueprint for a new era at Abafana Bes'thende. The former Durban City mentor is eager to build on his cup success by starting with maximising his squad's potential in the Premier Soccer League.
The former Buccaneers star has offered a fascinating insight into the tactical flexibility of the Spanish coach during his trophy-laden spell in South Africa. The midfielder revealed how the Spaniard's willingness to adapt and move away from his preferred footballing philosophy proved to be the turning point in the Sea Robbers' success.
The Bethanie-based side have officially confirmed the departure of two key stars to the Betway Premiership as the club continues to establish itself as a talent factory. Coach Tshepo Maphari revealed that the duo have secured moves to the Chilli Boys and The Rockets following an impressive campaign in the second tier.
Nigeria's goalkeeper has finally returned to the Eastern Cape-based outfit, but the reason behind his February departure from the Chilli Boys has only now been revealed. His representative has opened up about the immense emotional toll the shot-stopper endured before opting to leave the club and spend months on the sidelines without a team.
Former Amakhosi goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has weighed in on the 30-year-old’s surprising decision to return to the Chilli Boys for the upcoming season. After appearing to be on the verge of a high-profile move following his heroics for Nigeria during the last AFCON finals, the shot-stopper has instead opted for familiar surroundings in the Eastern Cape.
Despite recent media reports stating Nigerian international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was on the verge of joining a Saudi Pro League side, his former club Chippa United have announced he has been welcomed back into the Chilli Boys fold.
The veteran tactician has raised serious concerns regarding the future of leadership within the South African Football Association. As the countdown to the elective congress begins, the veteran coach believes the country is facing a significant shortage of qualified candidates capable of taking the reins from the incumbent.
With the fixtures available each of the 'Big Three' title rivals can now start plotting their route to the trophy. As always, there will be goals, drama, twists and turns before we reach the gripping conclusion in May 2027 when the winner will be presented with the Betway Premiership trophy.
The veteran tactician has enjoyed a decorated journeyman career across the African continent, but has a very specific reason for avoiding the dugout in his home country. The former Free State Stars and Bloemfontein Celtic mentor has now opened up on the financial realities that make the Premier Soccer League a far more attractive destination than the Belgian Pro League.
Looking to sharpen their cutting edge in the final third, the Western Cape outfit has secured the permanent services of former Sea Robbers forward Sinoxolo Kwayiba from Chippa United ahead of the new Premier Soccer League season.
The 34-year-old has opened up about his high-profile move from the Bucaneers to The Maroons, highlighting the major influence of his new club's head coach. The versatile wingback arrives in the Winelands with a wealth of experience, having secured multiple trophies during his successful stint at the Orlando Stadium.
The Chilli Boys once again defied the odds to retain their Premier Soccer League status, sealing survival with a crucial final-day win over the Soweto giants to avoid the relegation/promotion playoffs. In typical fashion, chairman Siviwe 'Chippa' Mpengesi made a daring late-season call by appointing Brandon Truter just a week before the decisive clash, a move that proved inspired as the Eastern Cape outfit completed another remarkable escape.
The former Buccaneers defender has officially brought the curtain down on his time with the Sea Robbers to embark on a fresh chapter in the Western Cape. The move to Stellenbosch is being hailed as a defining moment for the versatile star as he looks to reinvent himself away from Soweto.
Former Amakhosi and Nigeria international goalkeeper has officially announced his retirement from professional football, bringing the curtain down on an influential decade-long stint in the South African top flight. The 39-year-old shot-stopper confirmed his decision as he prepares to transition into a new chapter of his career away from the pitch.
The Glamour Boys have officially confirmed the departure of rising star Aden McCarthy, who has secured a high-profile move to European football. The 22-year-old defender has finalised a permanent transfer to Azerbaijan Premier League champions Sabah FK.
Chippa United
