As Amakhosi continue to chase continental glory, their bitter traditional rivals focus on domestic competitions only. The Glamour Boys will have to contend with a congested calendar, and according to the coach, there is a need to ease the burden on them. Before February ends, Chiefs would have played four games - including the Soweto derby - all in a span of days.
The Maroons' veteran coach is finding the going difficult in the continental competition and has now presided over his side's elimination and it came in humiliating fashion. He now leads his men to fully focus on domestic duties.
The Natal Rich Boys join other clubs, including Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, in the next phase of a competition where a new champion is expected. Defending champions Kaizer Chiefs were eliminated as the remaining teams continue chasing the CAF Confederation Cup ticket by winning the annual competition.
The Soweto giants are now occupying Group D top spot after edging their Egyptian visitors 2-1 in a CAF Confederation Cup match at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday. It was a crucial victory for Amakhosi as they now go into the final group game against Zamalek with fate in their hands.
The Soweto outfits ended the week on the back foot following disappointing results in their respective Sunday morning fixtures. The Buccaneers were forced to settle for a single point, while Amakhosi suffered a heavy defeat in a five-goal encounter that compounded their struggles.
The Glamour Boys are looking for a win that will seal their ticket to the CAF inter-club competition quarter-final phase when they host the Egyptian outfit on Sunday. Having fallen in the initial meeting away, the Soweto giants are aiming at avenging the loss as well. This is the first time the Green Eagles will be playing in Mzansi.
The Glamour Boys host the Green Eagles in South Africa, aware that a win will give them a massive chance to make the knockout phase. The Soweto giants have won four out of the last five games across all competitions, and will be aiming at making it three in a row in Group D of the annual CAF inter-club competition.
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.
Kaizer Chiefs
