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...
In recent matches, the defender appeared to be struggling with knocks, raising fears of his fitness level. The 30-year-old has a troubling history with injuries, but the Bucs' tactician has allayed fears of a fresh injury. With the season heading towards a decisive homestretch, the Sea Robbers cannot afford to lose more players to injuries.
Former Buccaneers fan favourite Aubrey Lekwane has jumped to the youngster's defence after his below-par showing in the 2-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday blew the Betway Premiership title race wide open. The perennial champions are now just three points behind the Soweto club, locked on the same goal difference and with a game in hand.
The experienced midfield maestro spent much of his time with clubs in France, Denmark, and Turkey. However, when he came back to the country, his ambition was to pen a deal with the Naturena heavyweights, but it did not happen. He ended up signing for Amakhosi's rivals in the Premier Soccer League.
The Soweto giants' forward was loaned out to the Cape Winelands side after he fell down the pecking order under Abdeslam Ouaddou and he looks to revive himself. On the other hand, the former Buccaneers defender is likely to miss the next few games for the Maroons, who are in dire need of positive results to save their season. The Nigerian defender joined the club after his shock exit from the Sea Robbers.
The former Amakhosi development player joined the Rockets carrying high expectations after they conquered the reserve league last season. However, he has struggled to secure regular game time under the Bosnian coach. His limited opportunities have slowed the momentum many believed he would build on his promising rise.
After a short and controversial stint and eventual exit, it seems all is not well between the Spaniard and the Egyptian giants. After what was initially thought to be an ambitious move, the 50-year-old coach only lasted three months. A poor run of games, coupled with pressure from fans and the club's legends, saw the African giants dismiss the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup winner.
A huge gap opened in the Buccaneers’ defence after the Bafana Bafana centre-back secured a move to Chicago Fire FC. Although the Soweto giants responded by signing Mpho Chabatsane, they remained reduced at the back following the exit of Olisa Ndah. That might have left coach Abdeslam Ouaddou needing a central defender.
The Buccaneers saw their Premier Soccer League lead trimmed after a tense clash with the Brazilians. Masandawana went into the match appearing to be losing ground in their title defence bid before producing a result when it mattered most. The outcome leaves the championship race wide open heading into the decisive stretch of the season.
As the Buccaneers fought but conceded defeat to their title rivals, one of their key players was unable to complete 90 minutes. The speedster was limited by injury last year, and his return has been overshadowed by fears that he could be sidelined again. Already, the Sea Robbers are operating with a limited squad, as four of their regular starters are battling injuries.
The duo was given a chance to take the team forward following the changes that had been made by the management in the early 2025/26 campaign. The tacticians' future at the Glamour Boys hangs in the balance since the Soweto giants refused to confirm them beyond the current edition, insisting that it will be discussed once it concludes.
After back-to-back continental assignments, the Maroons turned their focus to the league duties. Their bid to climb up the ladder was hit by a blow as struggling Dikwena Tsa Meetse frustrated them on their own turf. Stellies' last league victory came against Sekhukhune United, and the relegation-threatened outfit denied them a second straight win in the competition.
The experienced star's performance is one of the reasons why Amakhosi have been solid at the back. However, his impressive run has been overshadowed by rumours surrounding his future, but now reports emerge that the club is keen to tie him down for a longer deal. Although the Glamour Boys exited two competitions in a span of days, the player has been a standout figure for the club.
The Premier Soccer League newbies have been unstable, especially in the technical team, where they have been making frequent changes. The South African top-tier outfit are currently without a head coach owing to the recent decision to part ways with the ex-Chippa United tactician after just three weeks in charge.
Buccaneers icon Moeneeb Josephs insists the club should fear nothing ahead of their mouth-watering PSL showdown with The Brazilians, claiming the pressure lies squarely on the defending champions. However, with the title race having gathered steam, neither side can afford a slip-up. Every point has become crucial in this battle to secure top spot at the end of the season.
Kgaogelo Sekgota completed his rehabilitation process and is back on the pitch with Siwelele FC whose head coach Lehlohonolo Seema has praised the winger's progress and emphasised mental fitness as the priority in his ongoing recovery.
The Soweto giants did not make any senior team signings during the PSL January transfer window. Attention is now expected to shift towards planning for next season as the club reassesses its squad needs. Several players have already been linked with potential moves to Naturena ahead of the new campaign.
The Super Eagles defender had been tipped to leave the Premier Soccer League following his exit from the Buccaneers. The 28-year-old was linked with a move to North Africa as well as the Middle East, before his move to the Cape Winelands side was confirmed. It is a massive boost for the centre-back who was desperate for play time.
The Super Eagles star ended his association with the Buccaneers a couple of weeks ago on mutual consent. Initially, there were reports that the experienced centre-back was on his way to the Middle East, but his agent played down the heavy speculation. The towering defender will now remain in Mzansi!