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.
The CAF Champions League landscape has been blown wide open following a night of high drama in Cairo that saw heavyweights Al Ahly and defending champions Pyramids FC crash out. The Brazilians will now face Miguel Cardoso's former side, Esperance, in the last hurdle before the final.
The Tshwane giants will be aiming to finish the job they started at Loftus Versfeld Stadium a week ago and book their place in the semi-finals. However, it’s far from a foregone conclusion, with the Malian outfit banking on home advantage to mount a spirited comeback.
The Brazilians are in West Africa as they continue their quest to lift the continental trophy for the first time since 2016. After finishing as losing finalists in this competition last season, they are determined to go one step further this time around. With that painful memory still fresh, they are pushing hard to turn last year’s disappointment into continental glory.
The Masandawana star is starting to play week in and week out again after he was sidelined by a lengthy injury before. The few minutes he has been given by the Downs' technical bench saw the attacking midfielder return to the national team fold. The big concern now is whether the 36-year-old will be fit beyond the season and play in the World Cup finals.
The Tshwane giants will be aiming to finish the job they started at Loftus Versfeld Stadium a week ago and book their place in the semi-finals. However, it’s far from a foregone conclusion, with the Malian outfit banking on home advantage to mount a spirited comeback.
The Masandawana mentor has issued a stern warning to his squad, insisting that their three-goal advantage is no guarantee of safety in the Champions League. Despite a dominant first-leg display, Cardoso remains wary of the unpredictable nature of continental knockout football as they head into a challenging atmosphere in Bamako.
South Africa has been leaking at the back in recent outings, especially in the concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Morocco. With the global competitions about three months away, the Belgian tactician has been advised to consider an experienced defender who is currently struggling with fitness.
The duo made the move from Gauteng to the Cape Winelands outfit during the January transfer window in pursuit of regular minutes, and have since settled into Gavin Hunt’s setup. Tiwane, in particular, has established himself as a key figure at the heart of the defence. Addressing their long-term prospects, CEO Rob Benadie has since commented on the club’s interest.
The Masandawana skipper has battled serious injuries in the recent past, and given his advanced age, there were fears that he might not fully recover. The 36-year-old last played for the national team in 2024, and he has a chance of wearing the national team colours again this month. South Africa coach has expressed his delight that the playmaker is back after being sidelined for a very long time.
The national team coach has come out swinging in defence of Makgopa after naming the Orlando Pirates striker in his latest Bafana squad. Despite facing intense criticism from supporters and falling down the pecking order at club level, the Bucs man remains a fundamental part of the Belgian’s plans for the upcoming international break.
A photo finish could be on the cards in this season’s bid for the Premier Soccer League crown, with the battle likely to go down to the wire. Masandawana and the Soweto giants are locked in a tight race, constantly exchanging top spot as they push for supremacy. As things stand, it remains too close to call, with no clear favourite emerging between the two heavyweights.
In search of a new challenge, the South African tactician moved from Algeria to Libya. In Tripoli, he will be in charge of an iconic club in the North African country, where he is expected to guide them back to glory. The 39-year-old tactician was in charge of MC Alger for just eight months, and in that period, he lifted the Algerian Super Cup.
The arrival of the off-season signing was greeted with a lot of fanfare, as fans expected much from the Portuguese international. However, unlike Nuno Santos, who was signed at the same time, Reisinho has not quite settled. Against Marumo Gallants, he was withdrawn at halftime, raising questions about whether the coach is losing trust in him.
The Brazilians' recruitment of talent from overseas has largely proven to be spot-on in recent years, with players like Marcelo Allende, Brayan Leon, Arthur Sales, Nuno Santos, Miguel Reisinho and former forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa making a strong impact. Their success in identifying and integrating foreign quality has strengthened the Brazilians’ dominance domestically and making themselves a continental powerhouse. However, the club has also faced criticism for overlooking a high-performing Portugal-based talent who, some believe, could have added more value to the squad.
Going by the current standings and form, the Premier Soccer League is a two-horse race between Masandawana and the Sea Robbers. Naturally, Bucs' supporters would wish the Brazilians would drop points and vice versa, as each set of fans would want their team to lift the title in the end.
The South African coach has broken his silence on the shock decision to trade Algerian giants MC Alger for Libyan side Al Ittihad. The 39-year-old tactician, who leaves his former club at the top of the table, insists that his motivations were rooted in a long-term sporting project rather than a massive payday.
The 24-year-old has rediscovered his top form, staking a strong claim for a return to regular national team call-ups like in the past, and he has opened up on his rejuvenation. Now firmly re-established as a key figure for the Brazilians, with just three months to go to the global football tournament.
South African football fans will have to wait at least another 12 months before Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is officially introduced to the domestic game. Despite the government fulfilling its promise to provide the necessary funding, high-ranking officials have urged patience as the technical rollout begins.
Although he is yet to rediscover his best form, the 28-year-old has already made his presence felt in the Masandawana dressing room. He has shaken off a nagging thigh injury and is showing he has adapted to the Portuguese coach’s system of play.
The Brazilians moved to the summit of the Betway Premiership table following a 3-1 victory over Marumo Gallants on Tuesday night. However, their Portuguese head coach was far from pleased with the lack of intensity shown by his side during a disjointed opening period.
The Libyan giants had expressed their interest in the South African tactician, and finally, they have landed their man. The Premier Soccer League title winner has left the Algerian side mid-season following his appointment before the current campaign began. After leaving the Algiers-based outfit, with whom he won the Algerian Super Cup, he embraces a new challenge in Libya.
The title race continues to intensify as Bafana Ba Style collected a hard-fought three points against a resilient Bahlabane Ba Ntwa in their midweek league encounter, moving above Orlando Pirates on the Premier Soccer League table. The Brazilians were pushed all the way, but their persistence ensured they maintained momentum in the race for the top spot.
Masandawana tactician has admitted that January signing Ndamane is already causing him a 'positive headache' in selection. The 22-year-old has made a seamless transition to the Brazilians since joining from TS Galaxy.
A former Chiefs captain has added to the ongoing debate regarding the current quality of the Amakhosi squad, suggesting the club has lost its way. The retired defender believes a departure from long-standing traditions has allowed rivals to pull ahead in the Premier Soccer League race.
Although club football dominates headlines currently, South Africans are also looking ahead as Bafana are set to take part in the upcoming global bonanza. The Sea Robbers and Masandawana are in a tight battle to win the Premier Soccer League title, the same teams that are expected to contribute the majority of players to the national team.
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