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 31-year-old midfielder has urged his teammates to keep raising their standards if they hope to turn their season around. Amakhosi moved closer to a top-three finish with a hard-fought win over Magesi FC on Saturday evening.
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.
Chiefs rising star Vilakazi has been told exactly what he needs to do to become a permanent fixture in the starting line-up at Naturena. Despite his growing influence on the pitch, the Amakhosi technical team believes there is still another level for the youngster to reach through physical development.
The Glamour Boys co-coach has heaped praise on the 21-year-old forward after the academy graduate finally ended his goal drought in Saturday’s league clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Kaze believes the striker’s return to form could spark a strong finish to the season as the race for the top three intensifies.
The Amakhosi co-coach is adamant that his team is on an upward trajectory following their clinical 2-0 victory over Magesi FC on Saturday night. Goals from youngsters Wandile Duba and Mfundo Vilakazi ensured the Soweto giants secured back-to-back wins, moving them up to fourth in the Premier Soccer League standings. Despite the positive result, Kaze insists there is still plenty of room for improvement as the club chases a top-three finish.
In recent weeks, Amakhosi were under immense pressure following elimination from two competitions and a four-match losing run. Bowing out of the CAF Confederation Cup and the Nedbank Cup, plus Premier Soccer League losses, shattered their ambitions to end the season with at least one piece of silverware. While their chances of claiming a PSL title are slim, what is certainly reachable is a top-three finish.
The 27-year-old centre-back has been with the Cape Winelands outfit since July 2023 and has now attracted interest from the Soweto giants. However, a move to Naturena will depend on whether Amakhosi decide to reinforce their central defence after recently facing a crisis in that department.
The ex-star has delivered a sharp critique of the Burundian, insisting that the club’s fan base and former players are weary of statistics while the team continues to struggle on the pitch. Amakhosi have endured a disappointing spell lately, grappling with inconsistent results, finishing the season trophyless, and battling to secure a top-eight finish.
The versatile midfielder has been doing well for the Glamour Boys since getting promoted to the senior team a couple of seasons ago. However, in the ongoing campaign, he has been under sharp criticism for failing to deliver as expected, especially in the final third. 'Mdu' has been guilty of missing some big chances, and Amakhosi end up paying the price.
The former Cape Town City attacker has previously played under the Belgian coach when he featured for South Africa in September 2021 in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe. But despite the good form he has been enjoying this season, the 27-year-old is being ignored as he comes in with versatility, offering back-up as a left attacking player or left-back.
After ending a four-match losing streak with victory over Durban City last weekend, the Soweto giants will be eager to follow up on that when they face Magesi FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. They know backing up that result is crucial as they look to reassert themselves in the closing stages of the season. Another win would significantly boost their hopes of finishing in the top three and securing rights to play continental football next term.
The 22-year-old Amakhosi star carried huge expectations on him when he burst onto the scene from the club’s development ranks, tipped as a future star. However, his growth has stalled, with performances failing to match the early hype. There are now growing concerns that he might not improve, with little indication of meaningful progress.
The relationship between the Tunisian tactician and the Glamour Boys lasted barely a year despite the former delivering the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup ticket. In his absence, Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef took over as co-coaches at least until the end of the ongoing 2025/26 campaign.
The goalkeeping position in the national team will be up for grabs in the next couple of years. Top custodians in South Africa are now hoping to take over from the legendary Mamelodi Sundowns star, who has been consistent for Mzansi. The Belgian tactician has further explained the reasons for snubbing Amakhosi's shot-stopper.
The Glamour Boys centre-back has broken his silence on the club's revised ambitions as the Premier Soccer League title race begins to disappear into the distance. Following a testing period in Naturena, the 22-year-old has revealed the necessity of giving something an exciting target to cling to.
South Africa are set for an international friendly game with the Canal Men in the next couple of days. The first game will be staged in Durban at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, while the second one will be at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town. Some top names were omitted from the team as Hugo Broos named his squad to kickstart preparations for the global competition.
The Egyptian giants have escalated their legal battle with their former head coach by filing an official appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The move comes after FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber ordered the club to pay the Spaniard a significant compensation package following his brief stint in Cairo.
The Soweto giants' faithful are frustrated owing to the recent disappointing results posted by their team, and the reality that Amakhosi will end the campaign trophyless. The scenario has been almost the same at Old Trafford, where the Red Devils have not been at their best, prompting regular changes in the technical team.
The Soweto giants have been struggling to get it right this season, despite a blistering start across all competitions. Currently, they are at risk of missing out on competing with the best on the continent in the CAF inter-club tournament. One of the influential players has been urged to improve his game or face the axe.
Both Abafana Bes'thende and Stellies came into the match hoping to collect a positive result in their bid to qualify for the 2026/27 MTN8. Interestingly, before the game, it was just goal difference that separated the two sides, having managed to collect 24 points each from the 20 games they had played.
The South African top tier is growing every day, which has attracted investors and quality players at large. The technical teams in clubs are also giving their best to the playing unit in a bid to outshine their colleagues. This explains the stiff competition we have seen in the ongoing campaign, especially at the top of the table.
The Soweto giants are hoping to collect maximum points in the remaining 11 games in the South African top-flight football to stand a chance of playing international matches. They will be in action this weekend, away at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, to play Dikwena Tsa Meetse. Victory will bring them closer to their target.
The 27-year-old custodian has been in South Africa since February 2021, initially turning out for JDR Stars as he began his journey in the country. He has since featured at AFCON with his national team, significantly raising his profile on the continental stage. However, despite that pedigree, he is yet to play top-flight league football in South Africa, an opportunity his growing status appears to demand.
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.
A former Chiefs captain has added to the ongoing debate regarding the current quality of the Amakhosi squad, suggesting the club has lost its way. The retired defender believes a departure from long-standing traditions has allowed rivals to pull ahead in the Premier Soccer League race.
Kaizer Chiefs
