The New Zealander is now with the Buccaneers, determined to nail down a regular starting spot at the Soweto giants. His high-profile switch from Stellenbosch FC was viewed as a major step in his career and a platform to elevate his game. The move is also expected to boost his chances of going to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the All Whites.
The 20-year-old was one of the standout performers for the South Africa national U20 football team at the 2025 edition of the age-group global tournament. His displays raised hopes that he could return to Amakhosi and become a regular as the Soweto giants chase their season ambitions. However, he has found it difficult to cement a consistent place in the starting line-up.
The Sea Robbers and the Tshwane giants recently met in a high-profile and high-stakes league encounter. In the end, Masandawana managed a win which helped them close in on the Soweto giants as the title race gathers momentum. Although the defending league champions won, they have been warned, as the Sea Robbers are said to enjoy an advantage in the race.
After a disappointing week for the Sea Robbers, the much-anticipated Soweto derby, one of the biggest fixtures in the domestic calendar, will be about more than just bragging rights. The Buccaneers will be under immense pressure to respond to their back-to-back defeats, something the left winger has reassured supporters that they are ready to address with a strong performance.
The 29-year-old has been with the Buccaneers since July 2019, when he joined the Soweto giants from Bloemfontein Celtic. However, this season has arguably been the toughest of his time at the club, with increased competition in midfield and limited opportunities. The difficult spell has fuelled speculation about his future under the current coach and whether he still features in the long-term plans.
The PSL big three have all exited the Nedbank Cup, shifting full focus onto the league title race. While Mamelodi Sundowns still have continental commitments, the spotlight now turns to the Soweto teams. A retired footballer believed the Glamour Boys still have a chance and that this is their opportunity to fight and be among Africa’s elite clubs.
The goal-scoring struggles continue to haunt the Mayfair side, who, within the space of a week, suffered another defeat. Saturday’s loss ended their hopes of adding another cup, forcing them to refocus solely on the league; however, Ouaddou noted that such upsets are expected in cup competitions.
Abafana Bes’thende were meant to be celebrating their progression to the quarter-finals, but their victory was clouded by controversy and lingering “what if” questions over a contentious incident. Despite his side being on the favourable end of the decision, the former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor maintained that the league urgently needs VAR to keep pace with the speed of the modern game.
The Soweto giants have shown some improvements in other departments this season, but their attack remains a huge concern. This is despite Amakhosi having eight forwards in their squad, but they are still unconvincing upfront. That has forced the technical team to formulate means to get the goals in, as Amakhosi still have chances of winning the Premier Soccer League title.
The Sea Robbers have been creating chances in matches but struggled to take them despite having experienced players at their disposal. Questions have been asked about the ability of the club realising their ambition of winning all the available domestic trophies. So far, they have secured the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout.
The Buccaneers are out of the Nedbank Cup after being knocked out by their National First Division opponents, via a penalty shootout, at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. It was a second successive defeat for the Soweto giants after losing 2-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns in a Premier Soccer League match on Wednesday.
The Brazilians had no answers as the Rockets outplayed them in the domestic Cup tournament played at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium. The technical team rotated the team, but the plan didn't work as Masandawana now joined the Glamour Boys in the cold, paving the way for the Sea Robbers to go all the way and reclaim the crown.
Before the Africa Cup of Nations finals, the 27-year-old was a prominent starter for the Soweto giants. However, since returning from Morocco, he has been a peripheral figure at a time when the Sea Robbers are hunting crucial points. His absence has raised numerous questions, and now a club legend has hinted there could be a problem between the midfielder and his coach.
As the season nears its end, football fans, former players, and coaches have their predictions, but a former Bafana Bafana international believes every team still has a chance, noting that the goals flowing in the 2025/26 season have not gone unnoticed. The traditional Big Three are in the title race mix, but who will have the last laugh when the campaign concludes?
The Brazilians remain in contention to lift the trophy they last won a decade ago. However, their unconvincing displays in the group phase have raised questions about their authority in the competition. With that vulnerability exposed, their opponents now fancy their chances of getting past the PSL heavyweights in the knockout stage.
The 20-year-old made a surprising exit to the Major Soccer League after making his name in South Africa while turning out for the Sea Robbers. There was reported interest from Europe, where some top teams were linked with the Bafana Bafana international. However, the centre-back and his representatives opted to go to the United States.
A Champions League knockout phase play-off encounter in Lisbon between Benfica and Los Blancos had to take an unplanned 15-minute break. Reason? The Brazilian and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni exchanged words, with the former alleging he was racially abused, delaying the match in the process. The 'Special One' has found himself on the receiving end of heavy criticism when he failed to condemn his player at the centre of the alleged racial abuse controversy.
The Soweto giants began the campaign on a promising note but have since fallen short in their pursuit of silverware, leaving the league title as their only realistic shot at redemption. However, their struggles in front of the goal have continued to haunt them, limiting their options and stalling momentum throughout the season. And according to the ex-Chiefs marksman, the revolving door approach in the starting XI has done more harm than good.
The move made by the Bafana Bafana defender to switch from the Premier Soccer League to Major League Soccer remains one of the most controversial transfer stories in recent history. One of the high-profile figures to oppose it was Hugo Broos, and the coach's comments almost rocked the national team camp as it prepared for the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco. While some argued the move was made in haste, others felt it could end up opening the window for the defender to Europe eventually.
The Sea Robbers are up against a lower division team again in South Africa's premier knockout competition. They are out to reclaim a trophy they last won in 2024 under Jose Riveiro. The Soweto giants would also want to atone for being this competition's losing finalists last season after rivals Kaizer Chiefs denied them a chance to shine on the podium.
The Buccaneers continue with their ambitions to lift the quadruple as they lock horns with National First Division opposition in their latest assignment. A far sterner examination looms against familiar old foes, setting up a defining spell in their campaign. It marks a demanding period for the Moroccan coach and his men, who are still recovering from a bruising encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers are still hoping to become the only side in South Africa to win all the available major trophies on the domestic front in a season. After winning the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout, the Soweto giants are now targeting a place in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals as they host the lower-tier outfit at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday in the Round of 16.
Relebohile Mofokeng’s new role as a playmaker has squeezed his Bafana Bafana teammate and the Kiwi out of regular minutes, limiting their opportunities to influence matches. With game time now harder to come by, both players risk ending the season on a low note. That situation could also hurt their national team prospects ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup if they continue struggling for consistent action.
The Glamour Boys' co-coaches started the season with promise as their tactics seemed to work. However, the last two weeks have exposed them as Amakhosi remain at risk of ending the campaign without silverware. They are out of the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup, which could see them concluding the season empty-handed.
As Amakhosi and Bucs focus only on domestic trophies, Masandawana are set for a very demanding calendar. Downs are not only juggling both continental and domestic assignments but are also facing considerable pressure from the Soweto giants in the league title race. Amid unrelenting challenge from their rivals, the million-dollar question remains whether the Brazilians can withstand the storm and maintain their top-flight dominance.
During their time at Naturena, Ranga Chivaviro and Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana both failed to live up to their goal-scoring potential and were eventually shipped off as disappointed Amakhosi fans waved them away without too much thought. But the duo seem to have found their level and their goalscoring touch in the Middle East, if their exploits in this 2-2 draw are anything to go by...
Kaizer Chiefs
