This is a double blow for Bucs, who needed to win and extend their lead at the top of the table, and losing to their traditional rivals is something that they did not wish for. The loss means they have piled more pressure on themselves, especially with Sundowns lurking behind. Although the DDC champions have been struggling quite a bit, the win against Bucs is set to boost their morale as they fight to defend the title.
The Amakhosi midfielder has received some backing from a club legend who is strongly convinced that the player has enough quality to deserve a place in the national side. He argues that despite the central midfield being arguably the richest Bafana department in terms of depth, the former Stellenbosch star is international football material. The Soweto giants great insists the national team coach is failing to recognise what is good in a defensive linkman.
The ‘Master Chef’, as the Buccaneers star is fondly known, delivered a masterful display in Bafana Bafana’s 3–1 triumph over Chipolopolo at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, November 15. Pulling the strings in midfield, he supplied two crucial assists and showcased vision, creativity, and influence in a commanding team performance that thrilled an energetic home crowd in Gqeberha.
The competition for places in the national side has gained steam as the 2025 AFCON finals draw closer. The coach is finding it increasingly difficult to satisfy everyone, with every squad announcement sparking fierce debate. High-performing players like Shandre Campbell, Thembinkosi Lorch, Siyabonga Ngezana, Grant Kekana and Gift Links have all been mentioned among those unlucky to be left out. It all underlines the immense pressure on the Belgian tactician who faces stern scrutiny with every choice he makes.
As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals draw closer, Bafana Bafana managed a morale-boosting victory against Zambia during a friendly match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. South Africa's win comes just days after head coach Hugo Broos found himself in yet another storm following his player selection. The Belgian overlooked in-form Thembinkosi Lorch and Amakhosi stars who have been brilliant in the season, but the win is set to cushion him from the pressure he has been dealing with.
Although the goalkeeper rose to the occasion when he was needed most, he could not proceed as he was injured minutes into the second half. After fighting hard to keep the Japanese at bay in the first half, Amajimbos fell early in the second half when they conceded the goals. Despite the result, the youngsters managed to create a sense of national pride after advancing to the knockout stage of the global competition for the first time in their history.
The Amakhosi goalkeeper has impressively kept seven clean sheets in 11 games this season, and he tops all other custodians in the PSL so far. Despite this form, he continues to be overlooked by the South Africa national team coach, Hugo Broos. Legend Doctor Khumalo is among those voicing strong support, insisting that Petersen fully deserves the national team nod.
Competition for places in the South Africa squad ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is intensifying as the continental tournament draws closer. A number of players have recently emerged as strong contenders, widening the pool available to the coach. Their impressive performances at club level have sparked debates about who truly deserves a spot. One of them is a former Orlando Pirates star who has become a big subject of debate.
The FIFA U17 World Cup Round of 32 delivers a clash of destiny: Japan’s precision and tactical mastery against South Africa’s fearless Amajimbos, who have already made history by reaching the knockouts for the first time. With Vela Khumalo’s side brimming with belief and Japan chasing consistency, this duel promises drama, skill, and a legacy beyond the scoreline.
Broos yet again found himself on the receiving end of intense criticism after he named his final squad to take on Chipolopolo in an international friendly game. The Belgian failed to include a single player from Naturena, even though some Amakhosi players have been doing well in the current season. Khumalo, a Bafana legend, has named a star he believes deserved a call-up because he says the player has been outstanding.
The 21-year-old centre-back is enjoying a rapid rise that mirrors the breakthroughs of his age-group peers like Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Mohau Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng. Just in his second season of playing Premier Soccer League football, his progress has now propelled him into becoming a full South Africa international. The player from KwaZulu-Natal is widely expected to achieve more in both domestic and international football.
Players like Marks Maponyane, Dumisa Ngobe, Sizwe Motaung, Jimmy Tau and Lehlohonolo Majoro moved directly between Anmakhosi and the Buccaneers before. These transfers often attract intense scrutiny, highlighting the deep-rooted rivalry between the two traditional giants. Now, in the last Premier Soccer League transfer window, two full-backs crossed the great Soweto divide.
The versatile, pacy attacker has not been enjoying a good relationship with a section of the Glamour Boys fans owing to his costly misses in vital matches. He recently failed to convert a sitter in the CAF inter-club competition against a Democratic Republic of Congo outfit, AS Simba, in Lubumbashi, which invited online backlash.
Amakhosi have been under pressure to produce young players capable of making a real impact on the South African football scene. In recent years, their rivals, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, have set the bar high by churning out prospects like Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Malibongwe Khoza. However, two Amakhosi youngsters appear to be nearing making big moves and play overseas.
The two tacticians have been at the helm of the Glamour Boys in most matches this season domestically and abroad as the Soweto giants work their way back to the top. Despite their arguably impressive performance, the club's executive management has not confirmed whether the duo will stay beyond the current campaign.
South Africa’s current head coach, Hugo Broos, is set to retire from professional coaching after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. His departure will mark the end of his tenure with Bafana Bafana, closing a defining chapter and opening the door for the search for a new tactician to guide the national team forward.
The former Polokwane City winger joined the Buccaneers in July and has quickly established himself as one of the club’s standout performers. With his pace, creativity and consistency, he has impressed both fans and the technical team, making a strong impact in the Pirates’ attacking setup and proving to be a valuable addition to their squad.
The Glamour Boys, under the guidance of co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, have been placed in Group D of the CAF Confederation Cup. They’ll face tough competition from Zambian outfit ZESCO United and Egyptian giants Zamalek SC and Al Masry SC as they aim to make a strong impression in the group stages.
The Glamour Boys have not enjoyed a good relationship with the national team's technical team, who have overlooked their players in competitive assignments, citing a lack of quality in the Soweto giants squad. However, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have been enjoying a lion's share of the playing unit in Hugo Broos' squad.
There have been questions to the National Team's technical team led by the Belgian on why Nyoso didn't make the squad preparing to play the Chipolopolo of Zambia on Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates versatile attacker has been on song in Morocco.
The Amakhosi goalkeeping department and their backline appear to have improved this season. They have kept an impressive 10 clean sheets in 16 matches across all competitions to establish themselves as a solid defensive structure after seasons of being criticized for being leaky. This defensive solidity could be key for the Soweto giants this season and give them a competitive edge as they bid for trophies. However, one of their goalkeepers has now been injured.
The Midnight Express has been identified as the right man to replace one of Bafana's greatest coaches when he steps down next year. The 56-year-old has enrolled for a coaching course and upon completion, will be eligible to take charge of an African senior national team.
South Africa has a wealth of talent, with each player boasting their own blend of abilities. Some are fast, or technically gifted, or have a creative vision that can split a defence apart. Others are more athletic and can put in a crunching tackle or two. No matter what their skillsets are, there is one thing they all have in common: the price a football club is willing to pay for their services.
The 48-year-old former South Africa international has spent most of his time in Europe, where he has played and coached some top teams in several countries. This is the first time he is coaching a national team, albeit as an assistant, hoping to soon get the necessary experience to manage the top teams in the world
Mabviravira have made history in Zimbabwe in their maiden season in the top flight, becoming the first team in 41 years to achieve such a feat. The club enjoyed an impressive campaign, winning 17 games, drawing 10, and losing just five across 32 matches. Their remarkable performance earned them a reward of millions of rands from businessman Wicknell Chivhayo.
South Africa are set to play the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions, Chipolopolo of Zambia, in an international friendly to be staged at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. The 73-year-old opted against including some names the supporters felt deserved to be in the list for the forthcoming assignment.
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