After starting 2026 by dropping two points in the 0-0 draw with Sekhukhune United last week, the Buccaneers are out to pick themselves up when they host Premier Soccer League bottom-placed Dikwena tsa Meetse at the renamed Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. This is a match the Soweto giants cannot afford to lose points, but they are in a tricky situation, facing a desperate side stranded at the foot of the table.
The 22-year-old central defender is in his third season playing Premier Soccer League football and is enjoying his maiden campaign with the Buccaneers after joining the club ahead of the current season. He wasted no time in cementing his place in the starting line-up, delivering impressive performances at the back. His rise even saw Nkosinathi Sibisi relegated to the bench as he struck up a solid centre-back partnership with Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Although Bucs have made some significant signings, two exits have defined their transfer business in the January window. The exit of Monnapule Saleng to Mamelodi Sundowns and Ndah's contract termination grabbed headlines. Now, after the centre-back's exit from Bucs was confirmed, he has been linked with a move to Masandawana.
The 28-year-old has been struggling to get regular playing time at the Buccaneers despite recovering from a long term injury. The competition has been stiff, with those preferred by coach Abdeslam Ouaddou delivering as expected, explaining why the Super Eagles defender wasn't going to easily fit in. The Nigerian has now left the team, a couple of weeks after Mbekezeli Mbokazi left for Chicago Fire.
The Colombian forward joined the Tshwane giants earlier in January, and since his arrival, he has made an immediate impact on the pitch, reassuring Masandawana fans that they have secured a genuine goal-poacher. While it can sometimes take players a while to settle, the 25-year-old has beaten the odds. The Sundowns coach noted that his smooth adaptation has been made possible by the 'friendly' and supportive environment at Chloorkop.
The Soweto giants have been balancing their books in the wake of the wholesale purchases they made in both the offseason and the current transfer window. However, the recent decision was to part ways with one of the influential figures in the Buccaneers dressing room. It will also raise questions regarding the team's PSL ambition.
The current campaign for the Soweto giants has shown significant improvement. After ending their trophy drought last season—a success that marked a new dawn for Amakhosi, their league form had been below par, finishing last season only two points higher than where they are now halfway through this campaign. According to co-coach Kaze, the team’s performance this season represents a notable step forward.
The Sea Robbers have had a strong run in domestic competitions this season, winning the two tournaments - MTN8 and the Carling Knockout, respectively. The Buccaneers are still determined to win the top-tier crown as well as the Nedbank Cup since they have what they need to go all the way. However, the supporters have been warned that nothing is guaranteed.
The Buccaneers have been doing quite well for the last three seasons, during which they have won seven major trophies. This season, the Soweto giants have been tipped to win all the available domestic trophies owing to their impressive form at home. It explains why even investors want a piece of the cake since it will increase their products' visibility.
The Buccaneers have launched a serious challenge for the Premier Soccer League crown, mounting a credible threat to dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns, who are chasing a record-extending ninth straight title. Although the campaign is only at the halfway mark and the road ahead remains long, the Soweto giants have already put themselves in a strong position to sustain a genuine title bid. That momentum has left one of the Buccaneers’ key players brimming with confidence that this could finally be the season they go all the way.
The Soweto giants are firmly chasing their first Premier Soccer League title since 2012, with their sights set on ending a long domestic drought. While the PSL crown remains the main focus, the Buccaneers could still finish the season with as many as four domestic trophies in their cabinet. This comes despite having already missed out on CAF Champions League glory in the qualifying rounds, a competition in which their run ended at the semi-final stage last term.
The Stellies are determined to get back into the top positions on the Premier Soccer League table. In the off-season transfer window, they lost some big names to top teams in the country, something that weakened them. It got worse when coach Steve Barker dumped them for Tanzanian Premier League heavyweights Simba SC.
The tactician is unhappy that he was illegally dismissed before being asked to go back, but as an assistant to an ex-Manchester City star who had taken over. The South African believes the ex-club has a case to answer, explaining the reason for seeking legal redress. He is unhappy that he was lied to when he had already signed a contract with them.
In a bid to get a constant supply of future stars, the Sea Robbers have added two upcoming youngsters into their ranks. Considered promising talents that could be the next big names in the South African football circles, Bucs have moved with speed to ensure they belong to them. In recent times, the Soweto giants have produced top stars who have ended up making their names at relatively young ages.
The win over Babina Noko came at a crucial time for the coach, who has been under immense pressure lately. The fans have expressed their dissatisfaction sometimes through protest and chants, and the club responded by issuing threats against such conduct. Although the performance in the Premier Soccer League has been positive, the manner in which the Brazilians win has raised questions, with some saying they are not as dominant as they were before, especially under Mosimane.
As the season gathers momentum after a brief break owing to the Africa Cup of Nations finals, Amakhosi will be in league action again just days after facing ZESCO United. The CAF Confederation Cup result against the struggling Zambian giants saw the Glamour Boys register back-to-back wins across competitions. Against Gallants, they face a side that last registered a league win in mid-October last year.
The Glamour Boys haven't been active in the January transfer window as opposed to the Brazilians and the Sea Robbers. The former have sharpened their defense and attack, while the Buccaneers have ensured they strengthen every department. It is not the same for Amakhosi, who haven't signed any experienced players to help them push for the top honours.
The Brazilians left it late to deny their hosts at least a point and break the hearts of Orlando Pirates fans who had hoped to see their team go top of the table with a win this weekend. However, it left a lot to be desired as the defending champions struggled to break Eric Tinkler's men at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. The win opened a three-point gap ahead of second-placed Bucs.
The old rivals are set for another crunch meeting that will see legends rub shoulders in the next couple of days. This is a game that will see the victor get an opportunity to face a team from abroad in April. Furthermore, the fans will have a massive opportunity to engage and witness their favourites.
The first round of South Africa's premier knockout competition is set to kick-off on February 4, with some interesting match-ups on the cards. Defending champions Amakhosi and other participants now know when their fixtures are and the venues where they will play their games. This is a prestigious competition that comes with a ticket to play CAF Confederation Cup football next season.
As the Buccaneers have just entered the second half of the season with a squad that already looked balanced, the coach still appears to be searching for solutions in certain areas. That pursuit has seen him bring in a New Zealand attacking midfielder, a forward, and a left-back who can also operate as a central defender. What remains to be seen now is whether those signings prove to be the right choices.
There is no doubt that President Yama 2000 is a top player for the Sea Robbers despite his young age. In recent times, the Soweto giants have produced very promising young talents in South Africa, and some have already left for greener pastures. Mofokeng had been linked with an overseas move, especially in the off-season transfer window, but nothing materialised in the end.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Benson Mhlongo has hit out at fans demanding the Portuguese coach's head after their 2-2 draw with Al Hilal in the CAF Champions League, insisting a mid-season switch would spell disaster.
Clubs have a couple of days to get the players they need in the short January transfer window after the resumption of club football. The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament led to domestic competitions' break, to allow players represent their respective countries. With a couple of months remaining to end the campaign, teams are desperate to meet their targets.
The versatile midfielder was Amakhosi's transfer target before, but Masandawana decided to keep him although he has been struggling for game time. The Tshwane giants made sure they kept their quality stars in order to maintain their competitive edge and avoid strengthening their rivals by releasing their players to them. The Pretoria heavyweights have now been praised for keeping the midfielder by handing him a contract extension.
Although they lost one of their top and young defenders, the Sea Robbers quickly went back to the market and bought his replacement. The new signing has been described as a perfect player for the Soweto giants, and the only challenge for him is to try and meet the bar set by his predecessor. The three new faces were brought on board at a critical juncture as the Buccaneers chase the league title after bagging two domestic trophies.
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