After engaging in the Nedbank Cup campaign, teams turned their focus to the Premier Soccer League campaign. Orlando Pirates widened the gap at the top with a win over Marumo Gallants, while Babina Noko's result affected Amakhosi and Mamelodi Sundowns, who were focused on their respective CAF campaigns. At the other end of the table, the relegation battle is heating up.
The Buccaneers' bid to win the title received a massive boost after their closest rivals suffered a defeat. On the other hand, the Glamour Boys' dream of defending it was hit with a blow after yet another defeat. With the title race campaign gaining momentum, the Sea Robbers enjoy a five-point advantage as rivals sweat trying to catch up.
Players from Amakhosi have found it increasingly difficult to break into the national team setup in recent years. Not a single player from the Soweto giants featured in the South Africa squad for the last two AFCON editions, underlining the widening gap between the club and their PSL rivals, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, who dominate Hugo Broos' side. That absence has raised concerns that performance standards at Amakhosi may have dipped compared to previous eras.
The South African tactician made an emotional return to the country to face his former side, a club that gave him a platform to become a top coach and a team he won a number of titles with. His mission to South Africa was a high-stakes encounter against Masandawana in search of at least a draw that was enough to send his team to the knockout phase. However, his former side was too strong for the Algerian outfit, who eventually crashed out of the continental competition.
The tension surrounding the much-anticipated clash escalated on match day, with further drama on the touchline. While the Tshwane giants progressed in their CAF Champions League campaign, both technical teams were involved in a heated confrontation that drew attention from officials.
The Moroccan mentor has repeatedly expressed concerns over his players’ finishing struggles in recent weeks. Even while winning their matches with convincing scorelines, Ouaddou’s warning-based statistics remain evident. Once again, the team failed to show real improvement, leaving the coach’s frustrations unaddressed.
The Portuguese coach went into Saturday’s match with mounting pressure, staring at the embarrassing possibility of failing to steer the Brazilians into the tournament’s knockout rounds. However, Madsandawana rose to the occasion with a crucial victory that kept their campaign alive. The result allowed their tactician to breathe a huge sigh of relief as the immediate threat to his position appeared to have eased.
The Buccaneers opened a six-point gap at the summit of the Premier Soccer League standings after a 3-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. It was another productive outing for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side, who continue to build momentum in the title race. The Soweto giants are now 14 matches unbeaten across all competitions, with their last defeat dating back to October 2025.
It was a game of intense tension for both teams and their supporters, since neither could afford defeat in their bid to make the knockout phase. The Brazilians needed maximum points to make the last eight, while the People's Club could afford a draw at Loftus Versfeld Stadium thanks to the recent results in Group C.
The 20-year-old sealed an overseas deal less than a year after making his first appearance for the Buccaneers’ senior side. His swift progression underlines a meteoric rise that few would have predicted when he broke into the Soweto giants' first team in March 2025. The transfer is widely expected to open the doors to even more competitive leagues in Europe.
The battle for the number one spot continues to heat up, with the Soweto side holding the advantage while Masandawana juggle their CAF Champions League commitments. The man who once starred for the Bucs has shared insights into what sets this season apart for the Mayfair side, explaining why his former team could be strong contenders to clinch the PSL title.
As Amakhosi players chase titles on the pitch, their supporters have been reminded of their cardinal role and warned against following what others do. The Bafana Bafana legend has explained why the fans should not be so negative against the players and said the fans need to be responsible.
The winger's move from the Soweto giants to the Pretoria heavyweights was the biggest shocking move reported in the January transfer window. Given that some fans had seen the 27-year-old as an outcast after he was ostracised at Bucs, Masandawana still went on to sign him in an attempt to bolster their attacking department. The bigger question now is if the South African international can succeed with the defending league champions.
The defending Premier Soccer League champions host the Rhulani Mokwena side at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, desperate for maximum points in Group D. The Saturday outing in Mzansi might be the final game for under-fire coach Miguel Cardoso, who is struggling for consistency. Anything but a win will lead to Masandawana's elimination.
The Buccaneers are set for yet another top-flight test as Bahlabane Ba Ntwa visit. The league leaders enjoy a 13-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, and this is a testament to how solid they have become since they last lost a game. Indeed, their last defeat came in the CAF Champions League when Saint-Eloi Lupopo eliminated them in a post-match penalty shootout contest in October 2025.
This is a massive game for the Brazilians as they hope to go all the way and win their second CAF inter-club competition star. However, it might also determine the future of coach Miguel Cardoso, who has been blowing hot and cold across all competitions. Any slip-up will lead to the elimination of the defending Premier Soccer League champions.
The highly anticipated fixture this weekend at Loftus Versfeld Stadium will see either Masandawana or People's Club miss out on the last eight of the CAF Inter-Club competition. The game comes in the wake of recent allegations involving the home team about one of their own sharing the club's strategy with the rivals.
Babina Noko goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner has come out with a bold statement of intent that his Limpopo-based side are looking to 'win all our remaining games' and put their hands on, not one, but both of the domestic trophies still available to them.
The Brazilians' camp has been on fire this week after damning allegations against one of the technical team members. The saga comes as the team prepares for a crucial CAF Champions League game, at a time the coach would be avoiding any distractions affecting his players. A senior player has responded to the saga rocking Chloorkop.
It has now been revealed that the Soweto giants were keen to sign the fullback but were beaten by their rivals from Pretoria. After establishing himself as a top defender at his former club, the South African talent became a subject of intense transfer pursuit from big clubs. He finally moved to the Tshwane Giants, where he is yet to become a regular starter.
The Brazilians have unusually failed to win their last four continental games, plunging them into a swim-or-sink situation ahead of hosting the Algerian giants in a Valentine's Day fixture at Loftus Versfeld. While facing such a big assignment and trying to stay focused, a scandal has exploded in the Masandawana camp.
The renewal of the long-standing deal signifies mutual trust between the two parties and a willingness to continue working together. According to the Soweto giants, the deal has been renewed following wide consultations, and they are hopeful it will help them grow as a brand on the global stage. The development comes at a time when the Sea Robbers are chasing two more titles this season after already winning two.
Ahead of a highly anticipated fixture at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium this weekend, the official has been temporarily sent home. It is claimed he shared the Brazilians' secrets with the opponents ahead of the crucial game in the annual CAF inter-club tournament.
The Dikwena Tša Meetse skipper has likened his side's league woes to slumps in form and fortune, endured by some of the biggest clubs in world football, but is confident that if they continue to put in the hard work off the pitch, then the results on it will come.
South Africa’s most prestigious knockout competition rolls on as teams gear up for the next phase. The remaining contenders have now discovered the opponents standing between them and a place in the quarter-finals. With the stakes rising, the battle for silverware promises even greater intensity in the rounds ahead.
The Mswenko Boys have moved in to sign an experienced player as the fight against relegation from the Premier Soccer League. High expectations are on the new player to assist a team that lost a top performer like Monnapule Saleng midseason. They hope the new addition willbring them closer to their objective in their debut campaign.
Mamelodi Sundowns FC
