The 33-year-old has not found the going easy since leaving for the Middle East as a free agent after being released by the Glamour Boys after struggling for goals over two seasons at the club. The striker had made his name while with Marumo Gallants where he scored 17 goals in 30 appearances in his final year with them.
The 1996 winners endured tough opposition from the Palancas Negras in Marrakesh to get maximum points. South Africa had not beaten their fellow COSAFA rivals in the last five games across all competitons but that changed when it mattered most as Hugo Broos' men hope to go all the way in the ongoing edition.
There have been changes in several Premier Soccer League matches, especially on coaching department, where those who are seemingly not delivering have been replaced by tacticians who might be having what is needed. With the league set to resume in mid-January after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) break, some teams will have new faces on the touchline.
The Glamour Boys are expected to have minimal movement in the forthcoming short window after the massive signings made prior to the beginning of the 2025/26 season, when they brought in 11 players to bolster their squad. While nine have made their debut, Nkanyiso Shinga and Ethan Chislett are waiting to get their chance.
Bucs' key players dominate the Bafana squad that is in Morocco chasing the Africa Cup of Nations glory. Back home, the two Premier Soccer League giants have shown real intent of winning the league title at the halfway mark. The PSL title race is already taking shape, and when the competition resumes, no one will want to sleep and cede ground.
After spending big and making several signings at the beginning of the current season, one feels the Soweto giants aren’t a million miles away from becoming solid challengers for the Premier Soccer League title. And that was evident when they started the campaign like a house on fire, putting together a solid run that saw them mentioned among the early contenders.
The 29-year-old forward is enduring a frustrating campaign, having struggled for regular game time this season. Despite enjoying a brief spell in which he impressively found the back of the net, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has increasingly overlooked him in his selection. With the Buccaneers mentor showing little faith in the player, it remains to be seen whether the attacker will still be at the club next season.
As the experienced striker faces an uncertain future with the Soweto giants, his club rival has been described as one of the best strikers. Mabasa has fallen down the pecking order under Abdeslam Ouaddou, as either Evidence Makgopa, Boitumelo Radiopane, or Yanela Mbuthuma has been preferred to him in most cases. Now, he has been told to consider a move to Amakhosi, but is the new sensation in town his replacement?
The Chilli Boys custodian has long been linked with a move to Amakhosi, but the transfer has yet to materialise. Even at the peak of his career, he reportedly attracted interest from the English Championship, Scotland and the Middle East. However, he has remained in Gqeberha, with calls growing for the Soweto giants to still consider making a move for him.
After making only four signings at the start of the 2025/26 season, Fawaaz Basadien, Tsiki Ntsabeleng on loan from FC Dallas, Nuno Santos and Miguel Reisinho, one feels Masandawana are still searching for the perfect balance to sustain their dominance. The Brazilians remain strong contenders, but the Premier Soccer League CAF Champions League demands more depth and fresh energy.
The Glamour Boys have started the season quite well, having managed to stay in touch with the Premier Soccer League favourites, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite their impressive run in the South African top-flight football, Amakhosi have been accused of not showing the needed hunger that will push them to titles.
The former Moroka Swallows coach has thrown his hat into the ring, insisting he is best suited to lead the Soweto giants and could be the solution to their problems. His comments come at a time when Amakhosi are being led by co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, who stepped in following the departure of Nasreddine Nabi. The current situation could pave the way for the Glamour Boys to appoint a substantive head coach at the end of the season.
The current AFCON break has seen exciting development in the technical set-up of the Cape Winelands side. The incoming coach is expected to use this pause in action to drill players in his philosophy and demands before competitive football resumes in January. Adding intrigue, a former Amakhosi tactician is already being strongly linked with the Western Cape outfit.
The Glamour Boys have been rebuilding since last season after going for a decade without any major silverware across all competitions. In the ongoing campaign, the Soweto giants have been doing quite well despite having young players in their squad who are still learning to deliver in top-flight football domestically and abroad.
The 57-year-old, who played for Wits University Football Club and SuperSport United, has been coaching in South Africa since 2008, but will now be plying trade outside Mzansi after accepting an offer from African heavyweights. It is a massive blow for Stellies, who have been struggling to push for top positions in the country's top-flight football.
With mounting questions surrounding the capabilities of the Chiefs' co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, and growing frustration among the Naturena faithful, the Soweto giants have once again found themselves at the centre of intense debate. Discontent continues to ripple through the fan base as uncertainty lingers over the team's direction, reigniting widespread discussions about who would be the right fit to take charge as head coach and steer the club back toward stability and success.
The 31-year-old playmaker had been without a club for the past six months following his departure from the Naturena-based side. During his stint with the Soweto giants, which began in 2023, he scored five goals and provided two assists, contributing to the team’s efforts on the pitch. He was also part of the squad that lifted the Nedbank Cup, helping Amakhosi end their 10-year trophy drought, although his impact was more supportive than decisive due to recurring injury setbacks.
After a few seasons of the Soweto giants showing flashes of being a dangerous outfit only to fall short at crucial moments, the Sea Robbers have produced a commendable run of form, signaling their intent to go for everything in the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season. The Bucs have already lifted three trophies before the halfway mark of the campaign — the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, and Carling Black Label Cup — while also sitting top of the league table, underlining their growing authority and consistency.
The 27-year-old, on loan at Amakhosi from Algerian side CR Belouizdad with a possible permanent deal in play, is still working to make his mark. With just one goal in six matches so far, Mayo is continuing to search for rhythm and consistency as he adapts to the Chiefs setup amid growing outside interest in his future.
South Africa did well to finish third in the 2023 edition despite coming into the competition against the odds owing to their initial struggles. However, things are seemingly working in their favour ahead of the 2025 campaign to be staged in North Africa, where Hugo Broos' men have been tipped to have a say on the title race.
The Amakhosi youngster has been previously compared to Premier Soccer League legend Themba Zwane as well as Thembinkosi Lorch. Although he is tipped to become a key player for the Soweto giants, being played out of his natural position has been cited as impeding his development. Despite competition from more experienced rivals, he has been able to become a regular starter.
The defender has been excellent since his move to the Romanian heavyweights two seasons ago, winning the top tier and other domestic cups. The South Africa international has also been competing with the best in Europe, as his exploits continue to attract suitors who want to acquire his services to bolster their squads.
The 32-year-old attacking midfielder enjoyed a highly credible spell with the Sea Robbers, where he played a pivotal role in helping Orlando Pirates lift three MTN8 Cups. He also tasted success in domestic cup football, contributing to the club’s Nedbank Cup triumph. Beyond the local scene, Makaringe had the privilege of showcasing his talents on the continental stage, featuring in the CAF Champions League and testing himself against some of Africa’s top clubs. Known for his creativity, vision, and knack for key moments, he established himself as a respected and influential figure during his time at Mayfair.
The Soweto giants have come under scrutiny despite their efforts to end a 10-year trophy drought a year ago. While the team shows promise, a significant gap remains. Current co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze are still struggling to settle on their trusted starting eleven, and some questionable selections have impacted results. Much of the disappointment, however, can be traced back to the club’s struggles in goal poaching.
In a match that was expected to help Bafana prepare adequately for AFCON, it ended up bringing an unexpected fear. A key player is now in a race against time to be fit just before the finals begin in Morocco. Should Oswin Appollis' injury fears be confirmed to be serious, Hugo Broos will be forced to look at his reserve list and pick a replacement.
The Amakhosi player is considered one of the promising stars in the country, and he has now attracted interest from another Premier Soccer League rival. Given the competition from more experienced options at the club, the youngster has been unable to break into the first team, and a move to another top-flight outfit could give him the necessary exposure. With the January window set to open, eyes will be keen to see whether Chiefs will consider selling or loaning the star.
Kaizer Chiefs
