Clubs have in the past suffered for failing to honour agreements with either the technical staff or a member of the playing unit. Another South African top-tier outfit is in black books with the world football governing body for not settling the dues of their former coach, who left a couple of months ago.
The loss is a big blow to the Rockets, who are in desperate need of a victory in order to avoid sliding down towards the relegation zone. After the international break, teams are now focused on their league duties, with some fighting against possible relegation as Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns engage in the title race.
A well-travelled European tactician has claimed that the South African top flight stands alone as the premier domestic competition on the continent. Having managed in numerous African nations, the 66-year-old coach believes the infrastructure and professional standards in Mzansi far outstrip those of its rivals.
The Portuguese coach praised Masandawana’s tactical flexibility and squad depth after their emphatic 4-1 victory over Chilli Boys on Friday night at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, a result that sees the Brazilians reclaim top spot in the Premier Soccer League standings.
Masandawana needed the win in order to go top of the Premier Soccer League table and at least widen the gap between them and Orlando Pirates. However, the title race remains tight, given that both contenders are only separated by two points as the campaign enters the home stretch. For the Chilli Boys, the defeat is a big blow in their bid to climb up the ladder and avoid a relegation fight.
Masandawana are the only team carrying South Africa's flag on the continental stage after Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch FC were eliminated. After losing in the final of Africa's top-tier club competition last season, Downs are confident that they will win their second continental star this time around.
The duo worked together at the Premier Soccer League giants, but their relationship deteriorated in the last stages of their stay at the club. While the midfielder insists that he had fun moments with the tactician at first, there are things he would not have accepted from the coach.
The Rockets have experienced a season of sharp contrasts, swinging between impressive highs and disappointing lows. From stunningly knocking the Brazilians out of the top domestic competition to suffering a humiliating Premier Soccer League defeat at the hands of the Buccaneers, their campaign has been anything but predictable. As a result, opponents often struggle to know what version of the Rockets they will face.
After the international break, full focus is now on the club's competitions, and the league race is expected to dominate the headlines again. The Sea Robbers and the Tshwane giants are in a tight marathon, and pundits are now discussing who has the advantage in the entertaining race.
Hugo Broos sees the Sea Robbers' youngster as a creative player who can have a major impact behind the strikers, a role Mshishi has been playing for South Africa. The 21-year-old has made an impact for the Soweto giants when being placed centrally as opposed to wide areas.
South Africa struggled to take their chances in the recent two international friendly outings against Panama, where they drew 1-1 and lost 2-1 respectively. Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa were not convincing just two months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The respected football stakeholder in South Africa insists that some club owners are so much into their teams that they want to dictate some critical aspects. The tactician argues that a section of coaches have no free hand in determining who should be fielded because the managements have their interest.
The defending Premier Soccer League champions will be in action on Friday night, hoping to get maximum points against the relegation-threatened Chilli Boys. Three points will put them above the current leaders, Orlando Pirates, who have played a game more. However, they might not get it easy versus their hosts, who are desperate to avoid the axe.
The Brazilians are back to resume their push for the Premier Soccer League title. They know that a win over the Chilli Boys at Loftus Versfeld on Friday will take them to the top of the table. Their coach will be hoping that most of his players returned from national duty fully fit.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns star has issued a stark warning to the Buccaneers midfielder, saying the playmaker risks becoming a permanent 'what if' in South African football. Despite his natural talent, Mbule has struggled for consistency and has recently been left out of Hugo Broos’ national team plans.
The Masandawana netminder has reportedly committed his future to the Tshwane club by signing a new contract extension. The shot-stopper is back in training following a lengthy injury layoff and is ready to challenge for a starting berth in the coach's lineup.
Masandawana star has underlined the importance of relentless consistency as the Brazilians look to reclaim their place at the summit of the Premier Soccer League. With a high-stakes encounter against Chili Boys looming on Friday evening, the forward believes that maintaining their winning streak is the only way to ensure domestic dominance.
The Premier Soccer League campaign continues with a lot to play for among teams. At stake is winning the title race, earning a spot to play continental football next season, as well as avoiding the dreaded relegation at the end of the season.
The ex-Kaizer Chiefs coach has explained the tactical decision to deploy the former Buccaneers defender in midfield. The Nigerian international made his debut for the Cape Winelands side during their 2-1 victory over Chippa United on Saturday.
The duo made the move from Gauteng to the Cape Winelands outfit during the January transfer window in pursuit of regular minutes, and have since settled into Gavin Hunt’s setup. Tiwane, in particular, has established himself as a key figure at the heart of the defence. Addressing their long-term prospects, CEO Rob Benadie has since commented on the club’s interest.
South African football fans will have to wait at least another 12 months before Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is officially introduced to the domestic game. Despite the government fulfilling its promise to provide the necessary funding, high-ranking officials have urged patience as the technical rollout begins.
The 29-year-old has addressed the persistent rumours linking him with a move to Naturena. The Nigerian international has been a free agent since his exit from Chippa United, which was confirmed in early February. The former Chilli Boys netminder has been linked with Amakhosi for quite some time, and after leaving the Eastern Cape side, he once again became a topic of discussion as the Soweto giants continue to rely solely on Brandon Petersen.
As the Premier Soccer League entered matchday 21, the title race is intensifying with contenders pushing hard to gain an advantage. At the other end of the table, several sides are locked in a tense fight to avoid the drop as the pressure of relegation looms large. Meanwhile, attention is also fixed on the crowded midtable, where teams are battling to secure places in next season’s MTN8.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa are fighting hard for points that will take them out of the danger zone. A never-surrender fighting spirit saw them mount a comeback after going down and eventually win, piling pressure on the equally struggling Chilli Boys.
There have been questions raised about some decisions made in the South African top tier, some of which have cost teams trophies as well as points. SAFA, alongside the Premier Soccer League management, has been working in conjunction with the government to improve the situation of football in the country.
Bahlabane ba Ntwa have announced the immediate suspension of their head coach. The decision comes in the wake of a catastrophic slump in form that has seen the club suffer seven consecutive defeats across all competitions, leaving their top-flight status hanging by a thread as they slide into a desperate relegation scrap.
Chippa United
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