Unrelenting Masandawana grinded yet another positive outcome as they try as hard as possible to close in on their title rivals. As Downs registered another victory, it was another good day for a South African star who is in good scoring form. With Pirates and Sundowns engaged in a tight battle for the title, the defending champions, Kaizer Chiefs, languish in the fifth position.
The Soweto giants have come under growing criticism for their lack of cutting edge in front of goal. Much of the scrutiny has been aimed at both the forwards and midfielders, whose struggles to convert chances have raised concern. There are now fears that the continued bluntness in attack could derail their campaign and leave them empty-handed at the end of the season.
The journey has come to an end for the 2020/21 Nedbank Cup winners, as the third-tier outfit failed to cause an upset against the Sea Robbers. For the Buccaneers, the journey to a season quadruple is alive as they now chase the cup lost to bitter rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, last season and the Premier Soccer League title. Amakhosi, the defending champions, were knocked out of the competition by Stellenbosch.
The midfielder finds himself in an Amakhosi side that has struggled to supply players to the South Africa national team, while teammates Inacio Miguel and Glody Lilepo have also lost their places in the Angola and DR Congo teams, respectively. However, the 22-year-old has remained in contention at international level under the watch of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.
The Soweto giants appear to boast improved defences this season, with their shot-stoppers also earning praise for being solid between the sticks. Their performances have inevitably sparked debate over who stands out as the best so far this term. A legendary former goalkeeper has now weighed in with his view which could also further fuel the debate.
Teams in the Premier Soccer League are chasing the CAF Confederation Cup ticket for the 2026/27 edition by virtue of winning the annual competition. It is promising to be a competitive assignment as top dogs are also hoping to win the cash prize as well as the glory associated with the competition. In the last three editions, the tournament has been won by the Soweto giants.
The Soweto giants were eliminated from this prestigious knockout tournament right at the first attempt to defend it after they were crowned champions last season to end a decade-long trophy drought. To lift this premier knockout competition in South Africa last term, they had to eliminate Mamelodi Sundowns and then beat the Buccaneers in the final.
The Glamour Boys have so far failed to make an impact in the two South African cup competitions played. It is a blow to the supporters, technical team, and all the stakeholders associated with the Soweto giants, especially after the heavy investment in the off-season transfer window. The management now hopes the team will rise and deliver in the remaining assignments.
The versatile midfielder has had a tough week in the wake of Amakhosi's elimination from the domestic annual competition. The Bafana Bafana international had some massive opportunities to put his name on the score sheet but failed to capitalise on them. However, his compatriot has stood firm in his defence, insisting it is common in football.
Fresh from elimination in the prestigious domestic knockout competition, the Soweto giants now turn their focus to their continental assignment. They host their Egyptian opponents determined to pick themselves up from the domestic setback. A strong response on home soil would restore confidence and keep their ambitions in Africa alive.
In a shocking twist of events, the Nigerian goalkeeper left the Chilli Boys after an impressive outing with the Super Eagles in the Africa Cup of Nations finals. Since he signed for Chippa from Katsina United in 2022, the goalkeeper has gone on to become a fan favourite. That explains why his exit was greeted with shock, as it was an unexpected move at all.
When Amakhosi lifted the cup last season, it helped them end a decade-long wait for a trophy. However, their journey this season came to an end after they were beaten by Stellenbosch in a Round 32 game. Now, their win over Bucs to lift the Nedbank Cup has been questioned, with the team's management blamed for the loss.
The Uruguayan-South African winger has struggled to cement a starting place this season, a situation that seems to have worsened since Amakhosi returned from the 2025 AFCON break. At 34, he remains one of the most experienced figures in the Soweto giants’ squad. His limited game time has raised questions about his role and future at the club.
The 29-year-old won and calmly converted a penalty for Amakhosi against Stellenbosch FC, yet he still seems to struggle to convince a former Amajita winger. Having arrived at Naturena from Indonesia ahead of the current season, his ability was widely questioned from the outset. It is a challenge he continues to confront to win the hearts of the Soweto giants' fans.
The Moroccan coach faces the high standards set by his predecessor, Jose Riveiro, who won the Nedbank Cup twice during his time at the Soweto giants. Ouaddou has already collected silverware since his arrival, proving his impact in a short period, but it would be a historic achievement if he adds this trophy to his haul as well.
The 22-year-old was guilty of spurning clear-cut opportunities, including one-on-one situations, as Amakhosi fell to the Cape Winelands side on Wednesday. His wastefulness in front of goal proved costly on a night when the Soweto giants had good chances to win the match. It was a display which left Amakhosi fans frustrated and aired their disapproval every time the midfielder missed opportunities.
The official Premier Soccer League transfer window is closed, but clubs have an opportunity to sign free agents throughout the year. It explains why the Glamour Boys and other teams can consider having the international player who has featured in top matches across all competitions on the continent.
The Glamour Boys became the first defending champions to be eliminated in the Round of 32 when they fell at the DHL Stadium on Wednesday. It was an unanticipated result for the Amakhosi faithful, who have seen their team rise, especially this season, across all competitions. Stellies are now hoping to continue with their adventure under new coach Gavin Hunt.
Amakhosi's undisputed number one clashed with a supporter who appeared to throw water at the goalkeeper while he was interacting with the crowd following the defending champions' 2-1 Nedbank Cup loss to Stellenbosch FC at DHL Stadium on Wednesday.
The fixture between the Glamour Boys and the Stellies was definitely going to be an entertaining one, thanks to the recent rivalry. Neither team had won once in the previous two meetings this season, but it was the Soweto giants who came into the match as favourites owing to their good run across all competitions.
Although Miguel Cardoso fielded what can be described as a second-tier lineup, their overall performance was not convincing. This performance will only put the head coach under more pressure given that the Pretoria heavyweights dropped crucial points in the CAF Champions League.
Going by how teams are fighting, it can easily be predicted that Masandawana's dominance in the top flight could come to an end this time around. Bucs pushed the Tshwane giants in the last three seasons but failed to dethrone them. Now, apart from the 'Big Three', even fourth-placed AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United in fifth place are mathematically firmly in the title race.
The Glamour Boys have been doing quite well this season, as players continue proving their doubters wrong. Bafana Bafana are among the teams that will feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Amakhosi players hope to be considered for the global tournament.
What is on the minds of most South African goalkeepers now is whether their performance will earn them Bafana Bafana slots for the World Cup finals. Amakhosi's goalkeeper has been sensational so far in the season, and Hugo Broos could be watching at a distance with some interest. Players from the Glamour Boys have been snubbed by the Belgian tactician at times, but maybe things could change in the near future when the next Bafana squad is named.
Only five points separate the top team, Orlando Pirates, and the Glamour Boys, who are third in the log, thanks to their consistency. The defending Nedbank Cup champions have won their last five games in a row across all competitions, and have kept six clean sheets in as many recent outings. However, some feel the club will struggle to match its rivals.
GOAL gives you the details to follow Amakhosi's trip to the Mother City to face the Cape Winelands outfit in this knockout game on Wednesday. The Soweto giants are bidding to defend the most prestigious Cup tournament in South African football after being crowned champions last season to end a 10-year trophy drought. They will be at Cape Town Stadium to face their wounded opponents.
Kaizer Chiefs
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