The senior men's national team has been on the rise for the past few years as the Belgian tactician continues to tick the right boxes. The 73-year-old has a wide pool of players to make his squad for international competitions, with just a few guaranteed their place ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for December.
All of the Premier Soccer League's Big Three won in Round 12 of the season, with the two Soweto clubs putting in statement wins that will have the Chloorkop faithful starting to worry about their ninth league title in a row. There were standout performers in those matches and across the other mid-week fixtures in the final domestic league games before the international break.
The Soweto giants proved on Wednesday that they mean business with another impressive display at the King Zwelithini Stadium against Abafana Bes'thende. It was a massive result that ensured they stay just three points behind the defending Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played two more games.
The Sea Robbers made the journey down to KwaZulu-Natal for a midweek league clash against Abafana Bes’thende, with King Zwelithini Stadium serving as the battleground under the floodlit skies. In a contest that carried weight and expectation, it was the Soweto giants who rose to the occasion, delivering a composed and clinical performance.
A former Kaizer Chiefs head coach masterminded a slim win for his side courtesy of a goal struck by an ex-Mamelodi Sundowns star. It was also good news for the Bucs' legend, whose side registered a win and a clean sheet against their rivals. For Barker, the loss will leave him in a more precarious situation, even though he has guided the Maroons to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
A Kaizer Chiefs product was again brilliant against Masandawana, only for Ronwen Williams to be alert and keep him at bay with brilliant saves. Although they were defeated, Galaxy challenged Bafana Ba Style but were guilty of failing to convert their chances into goals. The Tshwane giants now lead with a two-point gap ahead of Orlando Pirates, while Kaizer Chiefs are third.
Amakhosi dazzled under the FNB Stadium lights on Tuesday evening, delivering a 4-1 masterclass against top-flight newcomers, the Mswenko Boys. The emphatic win thrilled home fans and catapulted the Glamour Boys to second on the Premier Soccer League table, sitting joint-top with leaders and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns on 22 points apiece.
After playing for the Bafana Bafana B team at the 2024 African Nations Championship, the former Bloemfontein Celtic star was expected to remain in the Premier Soccer League. But he surprisingly opted for a challenge in East Africa, joining one of the continent’s most ambitious clubs. His arrival is expected to bolster Simba’s creative options as they chase domestic and continental success.
The signing of the 19-year-old forward has sparked both excitement and caution among Amakhosi fans. The attacker’s arrival at the Soweto giants is seen as part of the Soweto giants' long-term rebuild, yet questions linger about whether the club has learned from past transfer blunders. In recent seasons, Amakhosi have been criticised for bringing in players who failed to make a lasting impact. Now, all eyes are on Baartman to see if he can break that cycle and live up to expectations. Chiefs’ technical team will be under scrutiny to ensure this deal marks a turning point rather than another false dawn.
The Glamour Boys were in devastating form as they claimed a huge win against the Mswenko Boys in their Premier Soccer League assignment staged at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday night. It was a third consecutive victory for the Soweto giants across all competitions after an initial five-match struggle domestically that saw them record no victories.
Amakhosi recorded their biggest win this season as they outclassed PSL debutants who enjoyed the services of Orlando Pirates' loanee Monnapule Saleng. The win propelled the Glamour Boys to the second position with the same points as Mamelodi Sundowns and three more than arch-rivals Bucs. The victory brought back memories of how Chiefs started the season before they started struggling amid uncertainty around Nasreddine Nabi's future.
Fresh off weekend wins, both teams arrived at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night brimming with confidence. Amakhosi edged Durban City 1-0 away last Friday, while the Umswenko Boys beat Magesi 3-1 on Saturday. With momentum building, both sides were locked in on one goal: bagging maximum points under the midweek lights.
The Umzimkhulu-born coach returned to KwaZulu-Natal for a third stint after parting ways with Masandawana in December 2024. He spent a decade with the Tshwane giants, first joining as Pitso Mosimane’s assistant in 2014. Before rejoining Abafana Bes’thende, he was reportedly eyed by North African clubs and now, it has been revealed that there was also interest from the clubs in Soweto.
The Soweto giants are determined to pile pressure on PSL log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns as the title race begins to heat up. The Buccaneers are eyeing a long-awaited league triumph, having last been crowned champions in 2012. Abdeslam Ouaddou's men are showing intent by staying within striking distance of the defending champions who lead them by three points and have played two more games.
Amakhosi were drawn against three sides that all have history with the Soweto club. Egypt's Zamalek and Al Masry, and Zambia's ZESCO all have historical links to matches in the past which still rankle and offer an opportunity for revenge.
The Glamour Boys' supporters had anticipated seeing their team stage some of their CAF inter-club group assignments at the venue since it gives them another feeling. However, that might not be possible, at least not now, as the Soweto giants have explained why their games will be staged at the usual FNB Stadium.
The Glamour Boys are hoping to get their third successive win across all competitions after their initial struggles, especially in domestic matches, where they went five games in all tournaments without a win. It will be a tough outing against the Mswenko Boys, who are seemingly getting it right following their initial struggles in the South African top-tier.
After returning to winning ways, Amakhosi are keen to keep the run going since they must ensure they are not lagging far behind their title rivals. However, Monnapule Saleng's Orbit College, who have won their last two league games, are expected to give them a challenge. Amakhosi will be forced to make changes with one of their key players suspended.
The former Black Leopards star has established himself as Amakhosi's first-choice midfielder under co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef. His consistent displays have earned him three Man of the Match accolades. Therefore, Mthethwa's performances have become the main talking point in recent weeks.
The Soweto giants were drawn in Group D in the continental competition alongside two-time champions Zamalek SC, Al Masry, and ZESCO United. The draw took place on Monday afternoon in Randburg. A Chiefs official has reacted to the draw, indicating that they will be on a revenge mission.
It has been claimed that some players could be enjoying favourable treatment under the recently elevated coaches at Naturena. Amakhosi are also said to be not ready and are still far behind Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns football-wise.
Although they were denied a number of goal-scoring chances by the Bolivian goalkeeper, the African representatives were clinical and ensured they picked up maximum points from their opening game. The South Africans performed well despite playing for more than one hour with 10 men after one of them had been sent off late in the first half.
Orlando Pirates were eliminated from the annual top-tier competition on the continent. However, the Glamour Boys, the Brazilians, and Stellies are set to represent Mzansi in the ongoing CAF inter-club tournaments, hoping to go to the latter stages and probably win the crown despite the anticipated stiff competition from other teams.
Over the past few Premier Soccer League seasons, the Soweto giants have struggled to find a consistent and reliable figure between the posts. Goalkeeping has arguably been their second major weakness, right after the striking department. However, with just over ten league matches played, the 31-year-old has stepped up impressively. Although he insists that personal accolades and statistics are not his main focus at the moment.
The Glamour Boys are set for another Premier Soccer League test on Wednesday against the Mswenko Boys, who are seemingly getting their footing following a poor start to the ongoing edition. Co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef are aware they can't keep dropping points if they are to finish inside the top positions.
After 11 rounds of games, the Premier Soccer League title race is still wide open, with the leading pack yet to separate themselves much from the chasing sides. Just four points are the difference between log leaders Masandawana and fifth-placed AmaZulu, who have played a game fewer than the reigning champions.
Kaizer Chiefs
