The Belgian tactician is in the process of building his team for June’s global football competition and used Friday's match to test fresh options at the heart of defence. It was an evening where he opted not to use Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Nkosinathi Sibisi, while Siyabonga Ngezana was not called up for this camp. The decisions highlighted the coach’s intention to assess new combinations as he shapes his squad for the tournament.
The veteran midfielder made his long-awaited return to the national team, featuring for the first time since October 2024. A series of injuries had kept him out of the national side for an extended period, forcing him to miss several international assignments. Now back in the fold, he is expected to play a key role as the team builds towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 38-year-old opted to leave Algerian outfit MC Alger after just eight months, hoping to help them dominate locally and in the CAF inter-club competitions. This is the third team he is coaching in North Africa after his controversial exit from Premier Soccer League heavyweights Masandawana.
Cardoso has received acclaim as he nears a high-end conclusion of the season at Chloorkop. With the domestic title within reach and a massive continental semi-final on the horizon, the Portuguese tactician is proving that he has what it takes to lead the Tshwane giants.
South Africa are aiming to atone for their disappointing outing in Morocco by delivering a stronger performance on the global stage. They now have an opportunity to redeem themselves if they can reach the knockout stages of the global football competition in North America. Progressing beyond the group phase would help restore pride and show the team’s growth since the AFCON setback.
The Masandawana star has been an undisputed number one choice under Hugo Broos. After a generally underwhelming campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, eyes will be keen to see whether the Belgian will go for another goalkeeper. Apart from Williams, other custodians have had an impressive run in the season so far, expecting to attract the Belgians' attention.
The South Africa international has been excellent on the pitch in recent outings, where he has been directly involved in his club's 10 league goals in the last 10 outings. Meanwhile, the former Esperance tactician had a good month where he managed to turn Masandawana's fortunes around both domestically and in Africa.
For a player who has not featured in competitive football for nearly five years, the road back is proving to be a steep one. Clubs appear hesitant to gamble on someone who has been out of the game for so long. Even teams in the lower tier appear reluctant to offer him a chance to revive his career.
The Sea Robbers have not been getting enough goals when compared to the chances that they have been creating, as Yanela Mbuthuma and Evidence Makgopa have not been clinical enough. The Buccaneers have been asked to consider an experienced forward who has won everything in South African football.
The Premier Soccer League clubs strengthened in the short January transfer window in their bid to realise their set objectives. While some players have settled and delivered for their respective teams, others have struggled to make an impact at their clubs.
The Sea Robbers have been consistent for the most part of the season domestically, where they have already won the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout. They are now chasing the South African top-flight crown a couple of months after a heartbreaking elimination from the Nedbank Cup by surprise package Casric Stars.
The 24-year-old has been excellent for the defending Premier Soccer League champions this season after initial struggles. With the national team preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the former Stellenbosch player is seen as an individual who can help Mzansi deliver. However, he has to prove he is ready for that in international friendlies.
Despite an away loss in Bamako, Downs managed to book a ticket in the semi-final of the inter-club competition. A healthy cushion achieved in the first leg was enough to propel the Pretoria heavyweights, whose continental dreams remain alive. Masandawana now focus on the next opponent amid pressure from Orlando Pirates at home.
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.
Masandawana booked a place in the next phase of the competition despite going down in Bamako. This means the Premier Soccer League heavyweights' dream of a second continental star lives on. However, their inconsistency will make their ability to go all the way and conquer Africa questionable.
Just like in the Premier Soccer League, the Sea Robbers and Masandawana are in a tight race for the trophy in the reserve competition. Defending champions Amakhosi face an uphill task of reclaiming the title won in a historic landmark last season, as they are far behind the leading sides. After winning their respective matches, the Soweto giants are heading into the highly anticipated derby clash next weekend.
The CAF Champions League landscape has been blown wide open following a night of high drama in Cairo that saw heavyweights Al Ahly and defending champions Pyramids FC crash out. The Brazilians will now face Miguel Cardoso's former side, Esperance, in the last hurdle before the final.
The Tshwane giants will be aiming to finish the job they started at Loftus Versfeld Stadium a week ago and book their place in the semi-finals. However, it’s far from a foregone conclusion, with the Malian outfit banking on home advantage to mount a spirited comeback.
The Brazilians are in West Africa as they continue their quest to lift the continental trophy for the first time since 2016. After finishing as losing finalists in this competition last season, they are determined to go one step further this time around. With that painful memory still fresh, they are pushing hard to turn last year’s disappointment into continental glory.
The Masandawana star is starting to play week in and week out again after he was sidelined by a lengthy injury before. The few minutes he has been given by the Downs' technical bench saw the attacking midfielder return to the national team fold. The big concern now is whether the 36-year-old will be fit beyond the season and play in the World Cup finals.
The Tshwane giants will be aiming to finish the job they started at Loftus Versfeld Stadium a week ago and book their place in the semi-finals. However, it’s far from a foregone conclusion, with the Malian outfit banking on home advantage to mount a spirited comeback.
The Masandawana mentor has issued a stern warning to his squad, insisting that their three-goal advantage is no guarantee of safety in the Champions League. Despite a dominant first-leg display, Cardoso remains wary of the unpredictable nature of continental knockout football as they head into a challenging atmosphere in Bamako.
South Africa has been leaking at the back in recent outings, especially in the concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Morocco. With the global competitions about three months away, the Belgian tactician has been advised to consider an experienced defender who is currently struggling with fitness.
A photo finish could be on the cards in this season’s bid for the Premier Soccer League crown, with the battle likely to go down to the wire. Masandawana and the Soweto giants are locked in a tight race, constantly exchanging top spot as they push for supremacy. As things stand, it remains too close to call, with no clear favourite emerging between the two heavyweights.
In search of a new challenge, the South African tactician moved from Algeria to Libya. In Tripoli, he will be in charge of an iconic club in the North African country, where he is expected to guide them back to glory. The 39-year-old tactician was in charge of MC Alger for just eight months, and in that period, he lifted the Algerian Super Cup.
The arrival of the off-season signing was greeted with a lot of fanfare, as fans expected much from the Portuguese international. However, unlike Nuno Santos, who was signed at the same time, Reisinho has not quite settled. Against Marumo Gallants, he was withdrawn at halftime, raising questions about whether the coach is losing trust in him.
Durban City
