Durban City news

Despite inconsistent performance, the Tshwane giants have progressed to the last eight of the inter-club competition. The Brazilians have another chance to add a second continental star after coming so close last season. What now remains is to see whether Miguel Cardoso can successfully guide his team this time around, especially when his coaching abilities have been questioned.

Mamelodi Sundowns have reclaimed their dominance in the South African national team by contributing eight players to the national team. Orlando Pirates, who had recently enjoyed strong representation, now have six players in the squad. Both clubs are well represented, as South Africa are participating in international friendly matches against Panama.

The Masandawana star is shining again and returned to the national setup after one year in the cold. Hugo Broos kept snubbing the midfielder after a fallout when the star was called up but turned up late for national team duties. Should he continue with his current form, then his chances of playing in the World Cup are high.

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.