The South African contingent in South East Asia continues to shrink following the shock news that former Masandawana star has been released by Nam Dinh FC. The veteran forward becomes the second high-profile Mzansi star to leave the club in as many days, following hot on the heels of a former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder.
The Army coach Alexandre Santos has insisted that the continental crown is still within reach for his side despite their 1-0 disadvantage after the first leg at Loftus Versfeld. As they take the Pretoria side back to Rabat, he has a simple message for his team as they seek their first African trophy since 1985.
The Bafana Bafana international did not hold back in clarifying what the future would look like if it were entirely up to him, but the final decision rests with the Chloorkop hierarchy regarding his next step, as his loan spell edges towards its conclusion after a stellar campaign away from his parent club.
The Chloorkop outfit are within touching distance of continental immortality, but the Raja Club Athletic coach has cautioned the South African side that the real battle is only just beginning. While Masandawana head into the second leg brimming with confidence after their first-leg win at Loftus Versfeld, they must now endure a baptism of fire in North Africa if they are to cross the finish line and complete the job.
With all eyes on the final second-leg clash against AS FAR in Morocco and history within reach, the Tshwane giants are not only chasing continental glory but looking to push beyond Africa after securing a narrow first-leg lead, determined to finish the job and secure their place at the top table of global club football.
Masandawana have reportedly finally departed for Morocco after a tense 24-hour delay over landing permit issues threatened to disrupt their CAF Champions League final preparations, with the squad initially stranded at OR Tambo International Airport before clearance was eventually secured.
Former Masandawana star Thabo Nthethe has sent a firm warning to the Portuguese coach ahead of the club's high-stakes Champions League final second leg against AS FAR. Despite the veteran centre-back returning from suspension, the legendary defender believes disrupting the current backline partnership would be a fatal mistake for the Brazilians.
The Brazilians midfielder has sent a clear message of intent ahead of the decisive second leg of the CAF Champions League final. Following a narrow 1-0 victory over the Moroccan side in the opening encounter, the Chilean star insists the South African giants possess the psychological edge required to secure continental glory.
The Brazilians midfielder has revealed how they meticulously planned to target a specific mobility issue in the Moroccan side's backline that allowed the hosts to dominate the proceedings at Loftus Versfeld and will hopefully carry that same tactical advantage into the second leg.
The private charter travel arrangements the Pretoria club had made to travel to the CAF Champions League second leg in Rabat were delayed by 24 hours after North African authorities failed to grant permission for plane to land.
The Brazilians boss has thrown his full support behind his defender, insisting the 28-year-old is ready for the international stage. With coach Hugo Broos set to name his squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup next week, the timing of Cardoso’s endorsement could not be more significant.
Former Kaizer Chiefs mentor believes a changing of the guard is finally sweeping through South African football as the domestic season races towards a dramatic climax. The experienced tactician insists the Sea Robbers are well-positioned to land the league title and end years of dominance from their rivals at Chloorkop, although he warns it will be anything but straightforward, with a tough challenge awaiting them on the final day of the campaign.
The Brazilians legend has sent a clear message to the loanee, who is preparing to settle his future ahead of the new season. The former Masandawana captain believes the left-back must prioritise playing time over the prestige of returning to Chloorkop.
The former Premier Soccer League coach has thrown his weight behind the Tshwane giants as they look to conquer Africa this weekend. The veteran tactician believes the Brazilians have what it takes to navigate a treacherous second-leg trip to Morocco and finally add a second star to their crest.
The Tshwane giants stand on the cusp of continental immortality, and a towering figure from the club’s golden era has thrown his weight behind the cause. After grinding out a slender first-leg advantage, the current Portuguese mentor expressed heartfelt appreciation for the backing of the legendary former Masandawana coach.
The ambitious Libyan giants are apparently not content with luring Thembinkosi Lorch and Stephane Aziz Ki to Tripoli and have set their sights on two Masandawana players to bolster the South African coach's squad.
The Sea Robbers star has opened up on the frustration felt within the Buccaneers camp following a damaging goalless draw against the Durban-based outfit. The Soweto giants missed a massive opportunity to tighten their grip on the Premier Soccer League title race in front of a packed Orlando Amstel Arena.
Masandawana star has admitted that hope has been restored at Chloorkop following the Soweto giants' recent slip-up in the Premier Soccer League title race. After the Buccaneers failed to capitalise on their chance to move into pole position, the Bafana Bafana international is crossing his fingers for one final twist on the concluding day of the campaign.
The Masandawana head coach has earmarked the 20-year-old for greatness after a composed showing in the first leg of the Champions League final. Despite the weight of a continental showdown, the winger delivered a performance beyond his years as the Brazilians secured a vital 1-0 advantage over Moroccan giants AS FAR.
The Buccaneers tactician has been forced to defend his tactical choices after a frustrating 0-0 draw with the KZN-based side that dealt a massive blow to the club’s title ambitions. The decision to hand the youngster a shock start in such a high-stakes environment has raised eyebrows across the South African football landscape.
The Brazilians will take a slender lead to Morocco for the second leg of the CAF Champions League final, but defender Keanu Cupido is under no illusions about the hostile atmosphere awaiting the South African giants in Rabat that will test their resolve to the limit.
The Al-Zaeem boss has refused to throw in the towel after his side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to the South African side in the first leg of the continental showpiece. Despite the setback at Loftus Versfeld, the Portuguese tactician believes the tie is far from over as the Moroccans prepare for the return leg on home soil.
The Chloorkop side is just one step away from making history as the first Premier Soccer League team to lift the Champions League trophy twice. Following their narrow home victory on Sunday afternoon, the Brazilians head into the decisive second leg with a slender one-goal advantage. While the margin leaves little room for error and calls for caution away from home, the Portuguese tactician remains confident his charges have what it takes to finish the job in Morocco and seal a historic triumph.
The Tshwane side arrived with ambitions of pushing for a second star and making amends for last season’s CAF Champions League final heartbreak, but they were met by a Moroccan outfit equally determined to make history of their own. As Miguel Cardoso had planned, Sundowns managed to get the result while also keeping a clean sheet. Although the narrow scoreline may not be enough to feel fully comfortable, the second leg will ultimately determine whether the South African giants have done enough to put one hand on the trophy.
The KZN-born coach has delivered a stinging assessment of the Sea Robbers' attacking prowess after his side held the Soweto giants to a frustrating 0-0 draw on Saturday. The result leaves the Buccaneers' title charge in serious jeopardy, with the interim coach insisting his side felt comfortable throughout the encounter at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
The Amakhosi co-coach has offered a candid assessment of the club’s season, insisting the Glamour Boys were genuine title contenders for large parts of the campaign. He believes Chiefs consistently pushed the log leaders and remained firmly in the mix until a late-season dip slowed their momentum. Despite that setback, the Burundian tactician feels there is plenty to take forward, highlighting there's lessons picked and how they can be done differently going forward as the team looks to mount a stronger and more sustained challenge at the summit in the future.
Mamelodi Sundowns FC
