It’s no secret that pulling on the jersey of one of the Premier Soccer League's big three clubs is every player’s fast track to bigger dreams, complete with the perks, pressure, and glory that come with those famous badges; however, not everyone survives the ride. Some crash, some thrive. For the 25-year-old Bucs star, it’s been a winning journey, with the move to the Sea Robbers bringing a major boost both on and off the pitch.
The legendary South African midfielder has been playing for Masandawana since 2011, delivering consistently across all competitions for both the Premier Soccer League heavyweights and the national team. Despite being 36, 'Mshishi' as he is commonly referred to, remains a vital player not only for Masandawana but for Hugo Broos' men.
Following a disappointing end to the Africa Cup of Nations for the Mzansi side, a flood of opinions, what ifs, and should-haves has dominated discussions, as the football community continues to digest the outcome of the campaign. With emotions still raw, supporters and pundits alike have begun dissecting every decision, selection, and moment that may have altered Bafana’s fate, turning the post-tournament period into a space of reflection, debate, and renewed expectations for what lies ahead.
As many try to wrap their heads around Bafana's elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations, some have pointed out what contributed to the poor show in Morocco. Despite starting the campaign with a win, South Africa's struggles were visible in games against Zimbabwe and Egypt. They were then exposed and beaten by Cameroon, who claimed a vital victory that propelled them to the quarter-finals.
In an attempt to ensure that South Africa remain in Morocco, the Belgian came up with what looked like a strange matchday plan, and also his team formation was not what he used to deploy. He made four changes to the squad that faced Cameroon and got eliminated. In the end, the strategy failed as Bafana saw their journey come to an end and the Indomitable Lions progressed to the last eight.
In a bid to create space for probably more new signings, the Soweto giants have confirmed the permanent exit of the star. Signed after impressing in his former Premier Soccer League side, the 25-year-old found it hard to settle and become a key player for the MTN8 champions. Faced with stiff competition, he had limited involvement in the ongoing season, as the club is focused on winning more local trophies after the CAF Champions League elimination.
The Buccaneers confirmed their first signing of January after securing the signature of the New Zealand international midfielder from Stellenbosch FC. The Soweto giants are beefing up their squad as they try to maintain top spot in the Premier Soccer League, as well as winning the Nedbank Cup in a season they could finish with a quadruple after claiming the MTN8 and Carling Knockout.
The 1996 winners failed to find a way past the five-time champions, the Indomitable Lions, in the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ongoing in the North African country of Morocco. South Africa were punished for an inconsistent start against a determined opponent who will now be hoping to go all the way.
The 31-year-old Belgian-Bosnian forward lasted just five months at Iranian Pro League side Zob Ahan after moving to Asia amid reported interest from some of the PSL’s big clubs. At the time, he had also openly expressed his desire to play for the PSL's traditional giants, fuelling speculation about a high-profile local move. However, he is now back in South Africa and has opted to restart his career in the National First Division.
The reigning Premier Soccer League champions have once again decided to break the bank and get a player they feel will help them meet their target for the season after losing a key player at the beginning of the 2025/26 season. Apart from the South African top flight, the Brazilians are hoping to challenge for the CAF Champions League crown.
In a bid to return stronger and sharper for the second round of the Premier Soccer League campaign, Masandawana have added another arsenal to their striking department. After the departure of Lucas Ribeiro, there were fears Sundowns would struggle to get another equally capable goal-scoring machine, but the Brazilians could prove doubters wrong, given who they signed in the last transfer window. Even before the new signings fully settle, the league's defending champions are set to add another star from South America.
The Africa Cup of Nations has reached a critical juncture where there are no second chances. Given that South Africa struggled against 10-man Egypt and were given a run for their money by Zimbabwe, there are suggestions that it is time for Hugo Broos to tweak his lineups. But can the Belgian tactician afford to massively tweak his lineup when South Africa need to win to remain competing in Morocco?
The 24-year-old is a natural centre-back who is also comfortable at right-back, but that versatility has ironically not counted in his favour in his bid to become a regular at Masandawana. Despite limited opportunities, he continues to be linked with a move away from Chloorkop amid growing speculation about his future. However, his representative has stepped in to clear the air and set the record straight on where the defender stands.
Things have rapidly deteriorated for the 22-year-old who was only in November 2023 crowned African Football League Most Valuable Player and finished as the tournament’s joint top scorer. He was part of Bafana Bafana’s squad at the 2023 AFCON and even started the opening match against Mali, underlining how highly he was rated at the time. However, injury struck, triggering a painful downhill slide that has stalled what once looked like a soaring career.
The 2023/24 Carling Knockout champions have once again lost an influential figure in the dressing room amid their struggles in the Premier Soccer League, where they have been posting inconsistent results this season. Former Amakhosi coach Gavin Hunt, who took over from Steve Barker, will have to find a suitable replacement before club football resumes.
With the transfer market taking centre stage regarding players’ futures, the midfielder has admitted his interest in returning to the Premier Soccer League. The experienced player is hoping for “an opportunity somewhere else” after South Africa’s campaign in the African Cup of Nations. He also admitted that he would love to play for Amakhosi.
With new players joining the Chloorkop outfit at the start of the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season, the Brazilians unveiled three midfield additions and one defensive recruit. Despite an unimpressive start to the campaign by their standards, the players have shown encouraging glimpses of being a perfect fit for the Tshwane side.
The Premier Soccer League title winner left the top-flight side under unclear circumstances, and it looks like they have already secured his replacement. Under a former Amakhosi tactician, the club is pushing to finish in the top eight again, and to achieve that, they need a reliable midfield machine, which the incoming youngster promises to give.
In a bid to end Simba's struggle, the experienced South African tactician has roped in figures he trusts will help him in the mission. After making his name with Stellenbosch, it is time to test himself in a different environment, which comes with pressure given the ambition of the Kariokor giants season in and season out.
Although he arrived at Chloorkop with the expectation that he would turn into a big star, that has yet to be realised, as he has been sent to clubs on loan deals since then. His R46 million signing continues to be a gamble that is yet to pay off, as he could be out again in January, as Masandawana look somewhat like a solidly working unit, especially the attacking department.
It has been a memorable year in South African football, marked by plenty of excitement and several major achievements. Bafana Bafana qualified for both the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The junior national teams played in major international tournaments and flew the country’s flag high.
The Super Eagles showed their class with a near-perfect display against the East African nation on Tuesday night in the final pool outing to make three wins in a row. However, it was not a good outing for Paul Put's men, who were eliminated without tasting a win. They lost two games and drew once from the three fixtures.
Mokwena's journey with the Algerian side has been impressive so far, and they are likely to lift more trophies in his maiden season. Judging by how the journey is going, the South African tactician could have a far more successful season after struggling with Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca. This is the second time that the Premier Soccer League-winning tactician has been praised by an opponent who faced his team.
The 61-year-old parted ways with the Premier Soccer League newbies, Durban City, a couple of weeks ago after falling out with the management. He has now been given another massive assignment with the Western Cape Province-outfit who have not had a good start to the ongoing 2025/26 campaign. They are currently struggling for consistency.
The tournament is one of the best-attended events in December, drawing spectators from far and wide every year. The tournament in question is one of the oldest in the country, but this year's edition was rocked by a controversial incident that forced one match to be abandoned. This is another incident that has been reported after a football administrator was killed in another annual tournament in Limpopo.
The national team laboured to a narrow win over COSAFA rivals, the Warriors in a closely contested Group B outing staged at the Marrakesh Stadium on Monday evening. It was a massive result for the 1996 winners, who will, potentially, play Cameroon or the defending champions Ivory Coast, in the next phase.
Mamelodi Sundowns FC
