The Glamour Boys will be in the market to bring on board quality players to help them chase top honours in the 2026/27 campaign. However, they might not find it easy to land an experienced South Africa star who has been linked with the Buccaneers and the Brazilians as well.
Mshishi was part of the South Africa squad that played Panama on Friday in an international friendly staged at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. It was a massive return for the 36-year-old, who is hoping to make the final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
There have been questions about the future of the South American who had two successful seasons in the Premier Soccer League with Masandawana before his controversial exit. The versatile attacker's future is not guaranteed since he has just a couple of months before his current deal with Spanish lower-league outfit Cultural Leonesa.
The Burnley star led Bafana Bafana's attacking line against Panama on Friday but failed to deliver. He was one of the players who were highly criticised, especially because of the chances he wasted. After the friendly encounter, doubts arise whether the 25-year-old striker is capable of delivering for Mzansi in the World Cup.
The Soweto giants have been missing an effective player to help the team in tight matches that need individual brilliance. However, that can be solved if the Glamour Boys can secure a high-profile signing of an experienced player who has already delivered in Mzansi when he was playing for the Brazilians two seasons ago.
Despite inconsistent performance, the Tshwane giants have progressed to the last eight of the inter-club competition. The Brazilians have another chance to add a second continental star after coming so close last season. What now remains is to see whether Miguel Cardoso can successfully guide his team this time around, especially when his coaching abilities have been questioned.
Mamelodi Sundowns have reclaimed their dominance in the South African national team by contributing eight players to the national team. Orlando Pirates, who had recently enjoyed strong representation, now have six players in the squad. Both clubs are well represented, as South Africa are participating in international friendly matches against Panama.
Hugo Broos has always trusted the Masandawana keeper as his first choice even when he has other viable options. Going into the global showpiece, the Belgian is not expected to tinker with his goalkeeping department. However, those he will pick to deputise the Downs skipper is expected to be a hot topic in the debates.
The Masandawana star is shining again and returned to the national setup after one year in the cold. Hugo Broos kept snubbing the midfielder after a fallout when the star was called up but turned up late for national team duties. Should he continue with his current form, then his chances of playing in the World Cup are high.
Premier Soccer League action is currently on a pause due to the FIFA international break. The Buccaneers went into the break in high spirits after hammering TS Galaxy with half a dozen goals just before the stoppage. That emphatic victory is expected to give the Buccaneers renewed momentum when domestic football resumes.
The Belgian tactician is in the process of building his team for June’s global football competition and used Friday's match to test fresh options at the heart of defence. It was an evening where he opted not to use Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Nkosinathi Sibisi, while Siyabonga Ngezana was not called up for this camp. The decisions highlighted the coach’s intention to assess new combinations as he shapes his squad for the tournament.
The veteran midfielder made his long-awaited return to the national team, featuring for the first time since October 2024. A series of injuries had kept him out of the national side for an extended period, forcing him to miss several international assignments. Now back in the fold, he is expected to play a key role as the team builds towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 38-year-old opted to leave Algerian outfit MC Alger after just eight months, hoping to help them dominate locally and in the CAF inter-club competitions. This is the third team he is coaching in North Africa after his controversial exit from Premier Soccer League heavyweights Masandawana.
Cardoso has received acclaim as he nears a high-end conclusion of the season at Chloorkop. With the domestic title within reach and a massive continental semi-final on the horizon, the Portuguese tactician is proving that he has what it takes to lead the Tshwane giants.
South Africa are aiming to atone for their disappointing outing in Morocco by delivering a stronger performance on the global stage. They now have an opportunity to redeem themselves if they can reach the knockout stages of the global football competition in North America. Progressing beyond the group phase would help restore pride and show the team’s growth since the AFCON setback.
The Masandawana star has been an undisputed number one choice under Hugo Broos. After a generally underwhelming campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, eyes will be keen to see whether the Belgian will go for another goalkeeper. Apart from Williams, other custodians have had an impressive run in the season so far, expecting to attract the Belgians' attention.
The South Africa international has been excellent on the pitch in recent outings, where he has been directly involved in his club's 10 league goals in the last 10 outings. Meanwhile, the former Esperance tactician had a good month where he managed to turn Masandawana's fortunes around both domestically and in Africa.
For a player who has not featured in competitive football for nearly five years, the road back is proving to be a steep one. Clubs appear hesitant to gamble on someone who has been out of the game for so long. Even teams in the lower tier appear reluctant to offer him a chance to revive his career.
The Sea Robbers have not been getting enough goals when compared to the chances that they have been creating, as Yanela Mbuthuma and Evidence Makgopa have not been clinical enough. The Buccaneers have been asked to consider an experienced forward who has won everything in South African football.
The Premier Soccer League clubs strengthened in the short January transfer window in their bid to realise their set objectives. While some players have settled and delivered for their respective teams, others have struggled to make an impact at their clubs.
The Sea Robbers have been consistent for the most part of the season domestically, where they have already won the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout. They are now chasing the South African top-flight crown a couple of months after a heartbreaking elimination from the Nedbank Cup by surprise package Casric Stars.
The Bucs' coaching unit welcomes a new face following the arrival of the experienced analyst who also worked in the recruitment department in his former club. After bagging two domestic trophies, the Sea Robbers hope to win the Premier Soccer League title this season and even more glory in the future. To write more success, the playing unit and the technical bench need figures who can help the club achieve the set ambitions.
The 24-year-old has been excellent for the defending Premier Soccer League champions this season after initial struggles. With the national team preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the former Stellenbosch player is seen as an individual who can help Mzansi deliver. However, he has to prove he is ready for that in international friendlies.
Despite an away loss in Bamako, Downs managed to book a ticket in the semi-final of the inter-club competition. A healthy cushion achieved in the first leg was enough to propel the Pretoria heavyweights, whose continental dreams remain alive. Masandawana now focus on the next opponent amid pressure from Orlando Pirates at home.
Masandawana booked a place in the next phase of the competition despite going down in Bamako. This means the Premier Soccer League heavyweights' dream of a second continental star lives on. However, their inconsistency will make their ability to go all the way and conquer Africa questionable.
Just like in the Premier Soccer League, the Sea Robbers and Masandawana are in a tight race for the trophy in the reserve competition. Defending champions Amakhosi face an uphill task of reclaiming the title won in a historic landmark last season, as they are far behind the leading sides. After winning their respective matches, the Soweto giants are heading into the highly anticipated derby clash next weekend.
Mamelodi Sundowns FC
