Mamelodi Sundowns FC news

There have been calls for Bafana to play against the so-called top nations as part of the preparations for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Local football's governing body has managed to secure a mouthwatering match against one of the teams that will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America as the final preparatory game for Hugo Broos' side. 

The Moroccan-French tactician opened up about their biggest rivals' chances of winning the most coveted trophy in the country following the Buccaneers' Carling Knockout success in Polokwane. Ouaddou, who won the September-October PSL Coach of the Month accolade, also discussed the department which needs strengthening with one of Bucs' players likely to leave the club next month. 

The Sea Robbers continue to celebrate their majority presence in the national team squad that is heading to Morocco. Out of the 25 players named for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, nine are from the Soweto giants, although Mbekezeli Mbokazi has signed for Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer. Until recently, Masandawana dominated Bafana, but the Sea Robbers have displaced them as the majority contributor.

PSL's top three clubs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, are naturally monitoring the talented player's situation, having raided the Winelands side for stars over the years. The highly rated forward will see his contract expire at the end of the season, and this means he is free to sign a pre-contract with a club of his choice from January 1.

The January Transfer window is a couple of weeks ago, meaning the Premier Soccer League teams have already started identifying players to reinforce their respective squads ahead of the second half of the campaign. Usuthu and the Mswenko Boys are among the South African top-tier outfits expected to strengthen.

While he was in charge of the Saudi Pro League side, the tactician said he was interested in signing the South African star. However, due to challenges, the move did not materialise in the end. The experienced tactician also revealed that he is impressed by how Bucs have managed to sign deals with clubs from the Middle East despite the difficulties involved.

The Buccaneers waited until late in the second half of the extra time to find a way past Marumo Gallants to secure their second crown in domestic football. The former Morocco international had helped the Sea Robbers win the MTN8 title early in the season with a victory over Stellenbosch, who were determined to spoil the party.

In what is expected to be a nostalgic reunion, South Africa and Mexico will meet to relive the emotional moments experienced in 2010. Bafana and El Tri met in the opening game then, and although the North Americans fought back to earn a draw, the noise that followed the goal scored by Siphiwe Tshabalala still rings in the ears of the many African football fans. It was not only a classic long-range strike, but it was also the first World Cup goal scored on African soil.

The Belgian mentor recently unveiled his final 25‑man squad set to carry South Africa’s hopes at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. With a blend of seasoned campaigners and rising talents, the group will aim to showcase resilience, unity and ambition on the continental stage as Bafana Bafana prepare to fly the national flag high in pursuit of glory.

With the Premier Soccer League campaign taking shape, the title favourites can now be deduced based on how teams have fared so far. Usual competitors, the Sea Robbers and the Brazilians, are the leading contenders, pointing to another possibility that there will be a tight run between them again.

The Botswana Premier League is steadily emerging as an attractive destination for South African coaches and players seeking new opportunities. This could reflect how football in that country is growing. A clear sign of this progress is the Botswana national team, which has qualified for AFCON and is guided by South African coach Morena Ramoreboli. Now, a big-name coach in South African football is linked with a club in the Southern African nation.

The Premier Soccer League giants are set to sharpen themselves with opponents outside the country as the season takes a break. The league will go into a break to allow players to represent their respective countries in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco. Five of the Masandawana stars will be part of Hugo Broos' team, but the rest will not have as much rest, as they are scheduled to participate in the tournament.

The defending Premier Soccer League champions, Masandawana, are getting stiff competition from the Soweto giants, the Buccaneers, who have been consistent in their bid to win the South African top-flight football. The Brazilians have been dominating the top tier for almost a decade, where they have been crowned nine times.