Mamelodi Sundowns FC news

GOAL brings you the details to follow the Brazilians' mission in Tunisia where they face the Blood and Gold at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi on Sunday. It is a semi-final, first leg match of the CAF Champions League and Miguel Cardoso's men would be keen on claiming an advantage going into next week's home leg in Tshwane.

After the result from the Richards Bay game, many Bucs fans were left frustrated and wondering whether it is another season where they came so close to winning the title but failed again. The Soweto giants have been waiting to end the league trophy drought for over a decade, and in the past three seasons, they gave Downs a run of their money only for the Tshwane giants to prevail in the end.

The Buccaneers’ push for the Premier Soccer League title is no longer entirely in their control. They now need results elsewhere to swing in their favour as the race tightens. That means relying on their closest rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns, to drop crucial points along the way.

The South African heavyweights are hoping to put aside their disappointment and go a step further to win the prestigious continental club competition. They have a massive task against the North African outfit, who have been doing well in the annual tournament.

The 28-year-old former Buccaneer made a surprising move to Masandawana in the January transfer window as the Brazilians strengthened to push for the South African domestic title. The Bafana Bafana international has been effective, but recently, the winger has been out of action for the Mzansi heavyweights.

The Sea Robbers failed to capitalise on Mamelodi Sundowns' absence by failing to secure maximum points on Friday night against Richards Bay at uMhlathuze Sports Complex. What this basically means is that the defending champions just need six wins and a draw to get their ninth crown in a row, regardless of Bucs' results.

Despite his controversial exit, it is undeniable that the Brazilian attacking midfielder left an indelible mark in the Premier Soccer League. The 2024/25 Player of the Season and the Golden Boot winner was a key figure as Masandawana went on to defend the league for the eighth time in a row. However, his exit drew a lot of attention as he forced his way out while Downs wanted to keep him longer.

As Amakhosi's winning run continues, the supporters surely have something to celebrate. The three-match winning run follows a poor string where the Glamour Boys lost four games in a row. With the season heading towards the end, the Soweto giants are setting their eyes on a position that will give them a continental ticket.

The Bucs sensation has been urged to block out the external noise as his reputation continues to skyrocket in the Premier Soccer League. The 21-year-old Buccaneers star has become the talk of South African football following a string of top-drawer performances, earning comparisons to established figures, including Themba Zwane and the recently retired Andile Jali.

The Buccaneers and Masandawana are locked in a fiercely contested battle for the Premier Soccer League title. The two giants have been pushing each other all the way, refusing to give an inch in a kind of gripping title duel that the league has not witnessed in recent years.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician is currently in the North African nation, hoping to help his new team go all the way domestically and abroad. The 39-year-old's first assignment was in Morocco with Wydad Athletic Club before leaving for Algeria to take over the reins at MC Alger, where he served for eight months.

As Mzansi's focus turns to the upcoming global showpiece, coach Hugo Broos is a man that is expected to be under an enormous spotlight. This is because the tactician will name his squad, and as usual, the fans and pundits alike will debate who should have been picked and who should not. But the Belgian is a bold tactician who is never afraid of antagonising people regardless of what they say about his selection.

The Masandawana star's career has seen an incredible rebirth despite initial struggle. His contribution to the team has been highlighted, and why he stands out among the rest is explained. Many also expect him to be part of the Bafana Bafana squad that will take part in the World Cup finals.