Bucs' intention of clinching the title from their arch-rivals becomes clearer each matchday as they keep widening the gap from their closest challengers. As the Sea Robbers' winning run continues, the defending champions' campaign gets even more complicated after dropping more points in a second straight game.
The Glamour Boys are in action on Sunday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium against the Zambian outfit, aware that they need maximum points. The Soweto giants' faithful have every reason to be optimistic about their team, which is in good form. Victory will increase their chance of making the knockout phase.
After the Africa Cup of Nations finals, where, arguably, there was unanimous national support for Bafana Bafana, fans have now turned their focus on their individual clubs. With the Premier Soccer League gaining momentum after the AFCON break, the title chase is shaping up with the 'Big Three' tightly in the race. Mamelodi Sundowns are looking to defend the title; Pirates are hoping to end Masandawana's dominance after coming so close in the past few seasons, but can Amakhosi sustain the chase?
Before the Premier Soccer League went into the break to allow players to represent their countries in the Africa Cup of Nations finals, Bucs were at the top of the PSL standings. The Sea Robbers had also registered a five-match winning streak across all competitions before that break. However, they resumed the campaign with a goalless draw against Sekhukhune United, meaning they dropped points and saw their winning run halted.
The 2024/25 finalists and one-time champions were not convincing at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday night in the CAF inter-club competition. They struggled against the Sudanese outfit despite the massive quality that they had on the pitch. The result put Miguel Cardoso under pressure since he had the needed resources to succeed.
In the PSL mid-season transfer, clubs get another chance to strengthen their squads ahead of another gruelling remainder of the campaign. Although many clubs bought new players before the season began, the mid-season window gave them a chance to get the right players to strengthen further until Thursday, January 29, when it came to a close.
The race for the South African top-tier crown is interesting as the top dogs continue to get positive results. Apart from the Brazilians, who have won the last eight editions, the Buccaneers are determined to beat them to the prize in this edition. However, the Glamour Boys and Babina Nko have shown they can also win it.
The Glamour Boys are rebuilding this season, but have not been that busy as opposed to their rivals. Despite ending their trophy drought in the 2024/25 season, it seems Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will benefit as they lead the race for the title. It is interesting to see how Amakhosi will deal with the current gap.
The 27-year-old arrived at Amakhosi amid huge expectations to help end the Soweto giants’ long-standing attacking problems. Despite having a squad packed with eight forwards, the Glamour Boys have continued to struggle for goals, placing the spotlight firmly on their strikers' shoulders. The former Cape Town City star is still expected to become the prolific scorer Amakhosi desperately need as they chase the Premier Soccer League title, the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Glamour Boys have confirmed the exit of the goalkeeper at a time their fans are waiting to see if a new player will be signed for the first team. Unlike Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, Amakhosi have not yet strengthened the first team, which sends a signal that they are satisfied with the current playing unit. Meanwhile, there is stiff competition in the goalkeeping department at Chiefs currently, with Brandon Petersen the number one choice given his performance.
The 29-year-old has been based in Europe since 2016, building a solid career abroad. During his decade overseas, his journey has taken him through Sweden, Portugal and Israel, before settling in Cyprus over the past four years. He now joins a club soaked in success, having been crowned champions of Cyprus on 21 occasions.
The Soweto giants boast a strikeforce that has eight forwards in their squad, yet they continue to struggle with glaring shortcomings in front of goal. The attacking frailties could come back to haunt them as they enter a crucial phase of the season, including the bid to defend the Nedbank Cup. A former Amakhosi striker has weighed in, pinpointing what he believes is holding the club’s forwards back from being consistently prolific.
The 28-year-old has been struggling to get regular playing time at the Buccaneers despite recovering from a long term injury. The competition has been stiff, with those preferred by coach Abdeslam Ouaddou delivering as expected, explaining why the Super Eagles defender wasn't going to easily fit in. The Nigerian has now left the team, a couple of weeks after Mbekezeli Mbokazi left for Chicago Fire.
The current campaign for the Soweto giants has shown significant improvement. After ending their trophy drought last season—a success that marked a new dawn for Amakhosi, their league form had been below par, finishing last season only two points higher than where they are now halfway through this campaign. According to co-coach Kaze, the team’s performance this season represents a notable step forward.
The Sea Robbers have had a strong run in domestic competitions this season, winning the two tournaments - MTN8 and the Carling Knockout, respectively. The Buccaneers are still determined to win the top-tier crown as well as the Nedbank Cup since they have what they need to go all the way. However, the supporters have been warned that nothing is guaranteed.
The Glamour Boys are showing their hunger to deliver the South African top-tier crown in the 2025/26 campaign. Despite being regarded as the dark horses, Amakhosi are proving to be serious title contenders with critical wins against some tricky teams. They are just two points behind the defending champions.
The Soweto giants leapt one place up the Premier Soccer League ladder to position two just behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. This followed the victory over Bahlabane Ba Ntwa at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday. It was a result that keeps Amakhosi firmly in contention for the league title.
The Buccaneers have been doing quite well for the last three seasons, during which they have won seven major trophies. This season, the Soweto giants have been tipped to win all the available domestic trophies owing to their impressive form at home. It explains why even investors want a piece of the cake since it will increase their products' visibility.
With the emerging keepers at Naturena, the Amakhosi senior team is expected not to struggle for top stars in that department. However, the challenge for the Soweto giants is to produce dependable goalkeepers who can match or go above Itumeleng Khune in terms of performance and longevity. Replacing the former Bafana Bafana custodian has been a mission that Chiefs have not successfully accomplished since Khune left in 2024.
The tactician is unhappy that he was illegally dismissed before being asked to go back, but as an assistant to an ex-Manchester City star who had taken over. The South African believes the ex-club has a case to answer, explaining the reason for seeking legal redress. He is unhappy that he was lied to when he had already signed a contract with them.
In a bid to get a constant supply of future stars, the Sea Robbers have added two upcoming youngsters into their ranks. Considered promising talents that could be the next big names in the South African football circles, Bucs have moved with speed to ensure they belong to them. In recent times, the Soweto giants have produced top stars who have ended up making their names at relatively young ages.
The win over Babina Noko came at a crucial time for the coach, who has been under immense pressure lately. The fans have expressed their dissatisfaction sometimes through protest and chants, and the club responded by issuing threats against such conduct. Although the performance in the Premier Soccer League has been positive, the manner in which the Brazilians win has raised questions, with some saying they are not as dominant as they were before, especially under Mosimane.
As the season gathers momentum after a brief break owing to the Africa Cup of Nations finals, Amakhosi will be in league action again just days after facing ZESCO United. The CAF Confederation Cup result against the struggling Zambian giants saw the Glamour Boys register back-to-back wins across competitions. Against Gallants, they face a side that last registered a league win in mid-October last year.
The Glamour Boys haven't been active in the January transfer window as opposed to the Brazilians and the Sea Robbers. The former have sharpened their defense and attack, while the Buccaneers have ensured they strengthen every department. It is not the same for Amakhosi, who haven't signed any experienced players to help them push for the top honours.
The Brazilians left it late to deny their hosts at least a point and break the hearts of Orlando Pirates fans who had hoped to see their team go top of the table with a win this weekend. However, it left a lot to be desired as the defending champions struggled to break Eric Tinkler's men at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. The win opened a three-point gap ahead of second-placed Bucs.
The old rivals are set for another crunch meeting that will see legends rub shoulders in the next couple of days. This is a game that will see the victor get an opportunity to face a team from abroad in April. Furthermore, the fans will have a massive opportunity to engage and witness their favourites.
Kaizer Chiefs
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