The two regional rivals are set to meet again on the continental platform on Monday, whereby Hugo Broos' men come into the match as favourites. In the recent five meetings across all competitions, Palancas Negras have managed three wins and two draws, while South Africa have secured three victories as well, but in the 10 meetings in all tournaments.
The defender has been excellent since his move to the Romanian heavyweights two seasons ago, winning the top tier and other domestic cups. The South Africa international has also been competing with the best in Europe, as his exploits continue to attract suitors who want to acquire his services to bolster their squads.
South Africa are set to leave the country for Morocco to take part in the biennial continental competition that will run from December 21 to January 18. A total of 24 teams will be competing for the crown, where the Belgian's men are aiming at going all the way for the first time since 1996 when they hosted it.
The attacker, who has also been linked with Kaizer Chiefs, has seen a rapid rise in the Premier Soccer League. With the short transfer window approaching, he is set to be linked with more clubs, but Bucs have been told to sign him since he has a profile that fits their needs. The Pirates' linked star has also been tipped as a future prized asset for the national team, Bafana Bafana.
In a match that was expected to help Bafana prepare adequately for AFCON, it ended up bringing an unexpected fear. A key player is now in a race against time to be fit just before the finals begin in Morocco. Should Oswin Appollis' injury fears be confirmed to be serious, Hugo Broos will be forced to look at his reserve list and pick a replacement.
It was not an easy match for the AFCON-bound Bafana, and it took them close to one hour to break the deadlock. It took a magical move by Orlando Pirates star Sipho Mbule for South Africa to find a way past the Black Galaxies. Ghana's game strategy has been hailed as working perfectly and helped expose Bafana's weaknesses ahead of the Morocco finals.
Football lovers in the country are hopeful their team can deliver as anticipated in the forthcoming biennial competition that will be staged in North Africa. In the initial campaign in Ivory Coast, the 73-year-old Belgian tactician defied the odds to help the country finish in podium positions. It explains the high expectations in the forthcoming campaign.
For South Africa, the duel carried more weight, as it is their final friendly game before heading to Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations. For Ghana, who will not be part of the AFCON competition, the match was meant to sharpen them for the African Nations Championship qualifiers. With some players not available yet, Hugo Broos gave stars like Ricardo Goss and Khulumani Ndamane starting chances.
As days progress towards the continental finals, the Bafana camp has been hit with a number of issues, mainly off-pitch ones. Hugo Broos has also had to prepare for AFCON with a squad without all players summoned because they are still attached to their clubs. However, the Mamelodi Sundowns star is confident Bafana will overcome all these issues and fully concentrate on the job ahead.
As the experienced tactician is preparing his players for the continental finals, his selections continue to be placed under scrutiny. There was noise when players like Thembinkosi Lorch were snubbed, but Broos has always defended his decision. Now, his squad has been described as unbalanced and a disgrace to the country just days before the finals begin in Morocco.
The forward's efforts in recent games have been recognised by being given an award just days before the continental games begin in Morocco. The youngster beat his equally in-form teammate to the club's prestigious award. Both Bucs' stars are in the Bafana camp, where their AFCON preparations have intensified.
The experienced tactician has revealed what his players must try to avoid in order not to complicate their AFCON campaign. The Belgian has explained why Angola poses a great danger to Bafana, who hope to progress further this time around. He has also admitted he has never had a keen interest in Angola and had to research them after they were drawn in the same group as South Africa.
South Africa’s brightest young talent, Mbokazi, finds himself in the bad books of the no-nonsense Bafana Bafana coach and needs to work his way out to keep his dream of playing in the AFCON as well as the World Cup. Broos was left fuming after Mbekezeli Mbokazi, fresh from leading the Buccaneers to yet another cup triumph, arrived late for the national team camp in preparation for the upcoming AFCON.
The in‑form forward has linked up with Bafana Bafana as the squad sharpens its plans for the Nations Cup in Morocco, scheduled for the December to January window. His inclusion comes after a strong opening to the 2025/26 season, where his early impact earned him a deserved call into the national setup once again.
The 73-year-old former Kaizer Chiefs tactician has raised a similar concern to what Hugo Broos highlighted as he prepares Bafana for the Africa Cup of Nations. Bafana have been training without players who are still attached to their clubs in Europe. According to Broos, it is only possible for those stars to link up with the rest a few days before the tournament begins in Morocco.
Arne Slot says there is "no issue to resolve" with Mohamed Salah after the Liverpool forward returned to the fold in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Brighton. The Egypt star was left out of Tuesday’s Champions League win over Inter Milan after an explosive interview in which he accused the club of "throwing me under the bus" and saying his relationship with the Reds boss had broken down.
In an attempt to clear himself of the allegations made against him, the Bafana tactician has broken his silence over the matter. The experienced coach has been under fire since he called out the defender for reporting late to the camp. A frustrated Broos criticised the Chicago Fire's new signing and his agent, as well as Orlando Pirates.
As Broos deals with the storm, his comments on the Chicago Fire defender generated, he has singled out what he will not tell the Bafana Bafana players before and during the AFCON finals. The Belgian has also revealed the pressure he gets from the fans, who are hopeful that Mzansi will do well in Morocco. After reaching the semi-finals in the last edition, Bafana are seen as among the pre-tournament favourites.
Broos' attack on the Bafana defender continues to dominate the headlines as South Africa focus on the Africa Cup of Nations finals. The Chicago Fire's new signing reported to the camp late, disappointing his head coach, who made controversial comments against the player and his agent. The Belgian also attacked Bucs and claimed the MTN8 and Carling Knockout champions were defending the player.
The Brazilians were in terrific form in the tournament, showcasing their class. They first swept past their semi-final opponents to storm into the final, setting the tone for a dominant tournament decider. Their opponents had narrowly edged TAFIC 1-0 to book a spot in the final, but were then humiliated by the Tshane giants in the final. Overall, Masandawana underlined their superiority throughout the tournament.
As South Africa prepare to grace the Africa Cup of Nations, Broos found himself dealing with a storm generated by his comments on the Chicago Fire defender. While explaining his disappointment over the MTN8 and Carling Knockout champion, the Belgian used words that have put him under intensive scrutiny. Now, a top government official has waded into the debate and revealed what he is waiting for in regard to what Broos said.
As Bafana look forward to their participation in the continental finals again, their camp has been hit with a controversy involving head coach Hugo Broos' comments. Mohamed Salah, on the other hand, is also heading to the AFCON finals after an explosive tirade against his Premier League club. Both these off-pitch incidents are expected to add more spotlight to Egypt's and South Africa's campaigns.
The Warriors are among the 24 nations on the continent that will be in action in the next couple of days, hoping to make a statement in North Africa. However, they will have to do without former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns winger, alongside a Premier Soccer League midfielder who insists he was ready to represent his country.
The South African national team will head into the final stages of their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations, as they prepare to face Ghana in their last international friendly before stepping onto the big stage against Angola in their opening match on December 22, where they look to break more boundaries while raising the Mzansi flag high.
When the Belgian announced his 23-man squad headed to Morocco for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON], there were some surprises. The 73-year-old tactician left tongues wagging with some of his choices, leaving out some big names and experienced campaigners. Broos also included a couple of youngsters, some of whom will be in the senior national team setup for the very first time.
Egypt
