The Belgian has opened a wide, ambitious window with his preliminary AFCON squad - an orchestra of veterans, disruptors and bold prospects that must be cut to 27. The selections signal a team designed for multiple tempos: patience when games tighten, speed when they fracture and enough nerve to suffer. This is not a list; it’s the architecture of how Bafana want to win.
Ever since he went to North Africa, starting with a stint at Wydad Casablanca and now in Algeria, the youthful coach has never met his former employers, Masandawana. The only time he came up against the Brazilians was when he was at Orlando Pirates as an assistant after leaving the Tshwane giants. Now a battle looms between Rhulani Mokwena and Mamelodi Sundowns.
The forward struggled while in Germany but has found his footing since he made the unexpected move after several stints abroad. He is not only a regular starter under Miguel Cardoso but also plays a critical role as a creative brain in the club's attacking adventures. Now, he has been tipped as the next big thing for Bafana Bafana, given the progress he has made.
Masandawana attacking midfielder Nuno Santos shared his reasons for joining the lethal Sundowns squad in the Premier Soccer League, following their three–one triumph over FC Saint Eloi Lupopo — the same side that knocked out the mighty Orlando Pirates — in Saturday’s CAF Champions League group-stage clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The midfielder made a powerful statement, netting two goals and providing an assist for the Tshwane giants while donning the famous No. 10 jersey, with the third goal finished off by Marcelo Allende.
The Western Cape side pulled out all the tricks in the book when they took their Congolese opponents, AS Otohô to Polokwane due to stadium unavailability in the Mother City. The move ultimately worked in Stellies’ favour, as they walked away with maximum points at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, securing a one-nil victory in the dying minutes. It was the perfect start to their continental campaign, especially after falling short in the semi-finals of the previous competition.
It was almost the perfect weekend for Mzansi sides in continental football. Mamelodi Sundowns were in CAF Champions League action on Saturday, while Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs did duty in the Confederation Cup on Sunday. Downs, although slightly underwhelming, managed to beat Orlando Pirates slayers Saint Eloi-Lupopo at home. Stellies, meanwhile, left it late to see off Otoho d’Oyo. It was then over to Amakhosi to ensure South African teams completed a perfect outing in the CAF interclub competition, but they disappointed.
With the playmaker experiencing limited playtime for the Glamour Boys, debate on whether he should be released or his contract extended has been intensifying. With Chiefs engaging in the CAF Confederation campaign this season, one would think Sirino's presence will give the Soweto giants a competitive edge in terms of experience. But with stiff competition for starting slots in the club, it could be hard for the former Mamelodi Sundowns star to be guaranteed regular minutes.
Masandawana have been termed as one of the biggest teams in Africa, and their rivals have been told to be aware of how dangerous they are. Saint-Eloi Lupopo are one of the recent victims to suffer at the hands of the Pretoria heavyweights. After the 3-1 win against the DR Congo outfit, the Brazilians have been compared to European clubs.
The Masandawana tactician has revealed how he is viewing their Champions League second Group C game. The coach has also said that the Brazilians are planning to beat Mokwena's side when they meet on Friday for yet another crucial game. While the Tshwane giants will be determined to win and consolidate their position at the top of the table, MC Alger will be desperate to register their victory.
The DR Congo international drew significant attention in October after his dramatic showing at Orlando Pirates’ stadium. His display even caught the interest of Kaizer Chiefs players Bruce Bvuma and George Matlou, who video-called him in a light-hearted jab at their Soweto rivals. Adding to that, popular Amakhosi supporter Papa Wawa presented the defender with a special gift upon his return to South Africa last week. That has all heightened the buzz around the player’s growing profile.
The South African tactician is set for an emotional reunion with a club he won multiple titles with while he was in charge of the Premier Soccer League giants. Mokwena's MC Alger and Sundowns will clash in the group stage, and each will aggressively fight for the crucial points. Meanwhile, Modiba says even though there is respect between them and their former mentor, that will not deter them from going for a win against MC Alger.
Masandawana were relatively quiet in the last transfer window, opting for minimal activity in the market. Of the four signings they made, the arrival of two Portuguese midfielders has generated the most anticipation and scrutiny. Both are expected to deliver at a higher level than their former Brazilian star who departed for Spain.
Although their display was not entirely convincing, Masandawana managed to collect crucial points in their CAF Champions League campaign. Starting with three points in a group that has heavyweights like Rhulani Mokwena's MC Alger and Sudanese giants Al Hilal should be considered an early achievement for Downs, who hope to go all the way to the final again. Nuno Santos, who is having a good start to life with the Tshwane giants, keeps proving why he was signed by the Brazilians, who wanted a player who would bring the X factor.
Amakhosi cruised past Chippa United, delivering a commanding performance. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers tightened their grip on the summit, opening a five‑point cushion after overcoming Richards Bay. Saturday’s results underline the growing intensity of the title race, with both giants finding form at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Masandawana managed to outclass their first group stage opponents by securing a win in an end-to-end encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday. Considered a group of death, Downs have collected their first three points after dispatching the Sea Robbers' tormentors. The home win is a morale boost for the Tshwane giants, who will face their former head coach, Rhulani Mokwena, in their next continental game.
The 38-year-old tactician did not have a good start to the CAF Inter-Club Group D assignment after falling against a Sudanese outfit on Friday. It was a massive blow to the former Masandawana coach, who is desperate to win the prestigious continental annual club competition after reaching the quarter-final and semi-final in the initial editions with the South African heavyweights.
The Democratic Republic of Congo outfit will be at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday, hoping to cause an upset against the defending Premier Soccer League champions in the CAF Inter-Club competition. This is the first-ever meeting between the teams across all tournaments, which makes the game even more entertaining.
The defending Premier Soccer League champions Masandawana are set for another massive challenge in the continental outing when they host the Chaminots at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday. A win for the Brazilians will be needed for them to avoid the pressure of making it out of the pool in their bid to go all the way and win the elusive second star.
Since lifting their first CAF Champions League crown in 2016, the Brazilians have been haunted by the elusive second star. Every season, the ambition burns brighter, yet heartbreak follows. Now, as they gear up to host Lupopo, Masandawana’s quest feels renewed - armed with depth, tactical clarity and continental hunger, this campaign could finally deliver the prize they covet most.
Masandawana host the Railmen at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday as they begin their CAF Champions League Group C campaign. They are keen on making a strong statement, knowing a win would help them stay at par or overtake Al Hilal, who occupy top spot after edging MC Alger on Friday. With home advantage and high expectations on them after last season's near-miss in this tournament, the Tshwane giants will be pushing to seize early control of the group.
The Bafana full-back has struggled to break into Masandawana's first team despite the ambitious move he made before the season began. At Chloorkop, Basadien is facing stiff competition from Zimbabwean star Divine Lunga and Aubrey Modiba. His situation at the Pretoria giants has complicated his chances of making it into the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad.
The Algerian champions began their group campaign on a sour note after suffering a 2-1 defeat to the Sudanese giants at Al Hilal's temporary home ground, Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday. It was a disappointing outing in which they struggled to impose themselves despite some periods of promise. For The Doyen’s South African coach, it was a forgettable game as his side could not make use of their numerical advantage late in the match.
The 38-year-old enjoyed a great career with both South Africa's Bafana Bafana and the Glamour Boys at large before he was forced to retire at the end of the 2023/24 season. The legendary custodian has now advised fringe custodians at Masandawana and the Buccaneers on what to do to be successful in their careers.
Since October 2024, the veteran midfielder has been battling persistent fitness issues that have severely limited his game time for both club and country. His latest injury struck just as he had recovered from a previous setback, adding to the frustration. The recurring problems have raised fears that he may now be injury-prone. With him spending more time on the sidelines than on the pitch, concerns continue to grow about the future of his career. These mounting worries have also sparked fresh fears that he might soon consider calling time on his career when he is needed by Masandawana and the national team.
The defending Premier Soccer League champions are known for their untamed appetite for good and quality players to continue challenging for top honours domestically and abroad. They have recently been linked to the Bafana Bafana centre-back, who has been growing from strength to strength since leaving the Glamour Boys.
There was drama during the Railmen’s last visit to South Africa to face Orlando Pirates, with their defender Dieumerci Mukoko earning himself suspension for his over-the-top antics. The Buccaneers fell right into their visitors' trap and drew CAF sanctions for spraying chemical substances near the opponents' dressing room. The drama became one of the talking points of that afternoon at Orlando Stadium. Sundowns are aware of that chaotic episode and their coach says they will be on high alert to avoid similar pitfalls.
Mamelodi Sundowns FC
