Masandawana surged to the top of the PSL standings following an emphatic win over Richards Bay. Tashreeq Matthews led the charge with a brace, while Malibongwe Khoza and Iqraam Rayners also found the back of the net to cap off a dominant performance.
Amakhosi did their continental assignment without some of their players, but in the end, they managed to see off their rivals to advance. The Burundian tactician is now hopeful that when the missing stars are available, it will give the team the necessary boost.
The Glamour Boys fought back in the second leg of their first preliminary round clash against Angolan side Kabuscorp, in front of their home crowd at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 27 September.
After a 1-0 defeat in the first leg, Amakhosi faced a rather tough challenge at home, but the Premier Soccer League side managed to surmount the hurdle and progress. Brandon Petersen was the Glamour Boys' hero as he made a decisive save during the shootouts.
The winner of this contest had to be determined from the spot kicks after a 1-1 aggregate draw in regulation time. Whereas Kabuscorp stunned Amakhosi at their own turf, the Glamour Boys fought back at the FNB Stadium, leaving matters at par, and the victor was decided from the spot.
The 29-year-old Amakhosi forward is determined to help the Soweto giants get back to the top of Mzansi football as opposed to meeting his own objectives.
The transfer window may be closed, but there are free agents who could add their flair to any PSL club. Experience, hunger and tactical versatility are waiting on the sidelines - ready to be called upon when clubs need a timely boost.
The Soweto giants are facing what could be their biggest assignment so far this season and failure to win against the Angolan side will see them reel out of the continental competition. It is a stern test of character for Amakhosi who are trying to recover from a three-match winless streak. But they now go into battle without some of their key players.
The former Cape Town City forward is among the 11 players the Glamour Boys signed for the 2025/26 season where they will be competing domestically and abroad.
The Brazilians' Premier Soccer League title is under serious threat as Babina Noko lead the race for glory while Bucs and Amakhosi are on the hunt. Downs’ grip on the league title is starting to feel less certain as Sekhukhune have taken the spotlight, leading the pack from the very beginning of the season.
Amakhosi were presented with an opportunity to collect maximum points against their visitors from Bloemfontein but threw away that chance. That saw the Soweto giants going three games without tasting victory, a situation which threatens to demoralise their players after starting the season on a promising note.
The 23-year-old, together with Happy Mashiane, were sent to spend the rest of the season with Lehlohonolo Seema' side after struggling for playing opportunities at Amakhosi. It is the first time in his professional career to play for another Premier Soccer League team, having known only the Soweto giants as his home.
Amakhosi's difficult run of form continued as they are now winless in three successive games after being restricted to a draw at home by a team that is outside the top eight. This comes as fears mount among the Soweto giants' fans that their team could return to being that strugglling side they have witnessed in recent seasons.
Although it is yet to be officially confirmed, the coach has revealed his time with Amakhosi is over, and the club's legend believes he should have stayed longer. The Tunisian tactician has not been available for the last two games.
Durban City now have the same points as Orlando Pirates after a goalless draw against Stellenbosch, while Chilli Boys collected a point that took them above Siwelele FC, although they remain in the relegation zone.
Just after suffering a setback in the CAF Confederation Cup, Amakhosi's return to league action has not alleviated pressure, but it has added more after a draw against Marumo Gallants. Although crucial points have been dropped, it will remain a memorable day for Khanyisa Mayo, who scored his debut goal.
The former CR Belouizdad striker made an instant impact with a debut goal, but the Glamour Boys couldn’t hold onto their lead in midweek Premier Soccer League action at FNB Stadium.
The striker gave Amakhosi the early edge in their midweek Premier Soccer League showdown against Gallants, marking his debut with a well-taken goal. But the celebration was short-lived as Jaisen Clifford’s second-half rocket ensured the points were split.
Masandawana were frustrated and ended up dropping points that may cost them big at the end of the season. Being the defending champions and a dominant force in the last eight seasons, much was expected from them, but they look far from convincing.
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