Mamelodi Sundowns FC news

After winning two domestic trophies, Bucs' focus is now firmly on the Premier Soccer League title. However, they face a real challenge from defending champions Masandawana, who have put themselves in a strong position to extend their dominance in the top flight. Just like the previous seasons, the race is turning out to be a two-horse race as Downs and the Soweto giants engage in a tight battle for the title.

Masandawana are the only Premier Soccer League side left juggling both domestic and continental commitments this season. After missing out on three major trophies so far, the Tshwane giants face the risk of ending the campaign empty-handed, and at the same time, they could still turn their season around by finishing with two pieces of silverware.

The Portuguese star is fast settling with the Tshwane giants and has made vital contributions, especially in the CAF Champions League. Given that this is his first season in the Premier Soccer League, the playmaker is still in the process of familiarising himself with the terrain of the competition. Despite what he has shown, some have criticised the 27-year-old, but he has answered them.

The Tshwane giants have set the tone for the second leg after putting a healthy number of goals past their opponents at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday night, but the Malian outfit mentor remains confident that they can turn the tie around when they host the return fixture in Bamako.

The Brazilians delivered a masterclass on Friday evening in the Champions League clash against Stade Malien, leaving their opponents with no answers as Masandawana dominated proceedings in their own backyard. However, VAR stole the spotlight on the night, with Cardoso praising the technology for helping officials make the right decisions.

To boost their chances of reaching the semi-finals, Kabo Yellow needed a huge victory at home before focusing on the second leg. The Tshwane giants fought and claimed a win and a clean sheet, meaning they are on the right course to reach the last four. However, the battle is not over, as the Brazilians will travel to Mali for the second leg, a crucial battle where the Bamako-based side will be keen on pulling off a miracle.

The veteran midfielder remains one player the South Africa national football team could need at the global football tournament if he rediscovers his authority in the middle of the park. Currently used sparingly by Masandawana, he has yet to reach the top form that made him a dominant force in midfield. That has created anticipation over whether he can rise again and reclaim the midfield-king status he once enjoyed.

With Amakhosi's form on a downward spiral, much of the blame has focused on their co-coaches, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze. This has led to speculation around who is next for the Naturena hotseat. One of those names belongs to the 46-year-old Bosnian who is remembered in South Africa for his stint at TS Galaxy and his feud with Rhulani Mokwena.

The Masandawana defender has insisted that his omission from the Bafana squad in their past few camps is not a concern for him as he focuses on helping his club achieve its targets. The defender has developed into one of the most reliable figures in Miguel Cardoso’s set-up this season, battling back from an injury-hit spell to re-establish himself at the core of Sundowns’ defensive unit.

In perhaps the most predictable outburst, The Brazilians coach has lashed out at the way in which South Africa's domestic league is scheduling fixtures around continental matches. This comes only hours after the PSL announced that 'Downs would have to play Marumo Gallants on Tuesday, March 17 at Loftus Versfeld, in between their two legged quarter finals clash with Stade Malien.

How to watch the CAF Champions League match between Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Stade Malien, as well as kick-off time and team news

The Brazilians would be hoping the knockouts of this continental competition will not be as difficult as the group stage, where they went for a four-match winless streak at some point. It is a fresh chapter of this season's campaign as they bid to improve on last term's run, where they ended up as the losing finalists.

After engaging in the Premier Soccer League game just days ago, Masandawana have regrouped and are fully focused on the CAF Champions League. The Tshwane giants needed a win in their last group match to reach the quarter-finals and now begin their campaign in the knockout phase. Given that they will host the continental rivals, Downs must make sure they take full advantage of home support.