The defending Premier Soccer League champions are keen on getting another vital win in the midweek assignment when they travel to King Zwelithini Stadium to face Manqoba Mngqithi's outfit on Wednesday. It will be crucial for Masandawana to get a positive outcome against Abafana Bes'thende.
The former Esperance coach is in his second season at Masandawana who have been dominating the South African footballing scene. However, a club legend is unhappy with what the Portuguese tactician is implementing at the club which he believes is foreign and doesn't align with the team's tradition.
Who is truly the biggest, greatest club in South African football? Do the trophies won count more than the number of fans, and what about being the favourite club of Nelson Mandela?
From blockbuster arrivals to messy departures, the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League transfer window had it all. Amakhosi made a statement, the Buccaneers reloaded and Masandawana were rocked by the Ribeiro saga.
Masandawana have finally confirmed the replacement for the Brazilian who severed ties with the club in a controversial manner as he forced an exit. The new signing arrives on the transfer deadline day amid high expectations from Downs' supporters.
The domestic knockout competition is promising to offer entertainment given how teams have been paired in the initial round. After flopping last season, giants will have to navigate past their PSL rivals if they have to win the trophy in December.
The 28-year-old is struggling to be involved consistently at Masandawana after a bold move before the start of the season. The South Africa international has made a couple of appearances for the Brazilians, finishing the game just once in the process.
The South African heavyweights are desperate to get a valuable addition to their team especially in the attacking department following the exit of their star midfielder Lucas Ribeiro a couple of weeks ago. Masandawana have been struggling to create scoring opportunities in most of the matches played in the ongoing campaign.
The Brazilians are understood to have agreed terms with the player's current club, and he is expected to arrive in South Africa to complete the transfer. Downs should race against time in order to beat the PSL deadline day for the transfer to materialise.
The Masandawana tactician has come in to hype one of his players he believes is not receiving the credit he deserves. The coach feels his player, who is a midfielder, is not appreciated the way he should and spells out the qualities he sees in him as the quality of Sundowns' squad is under scrutiny following little activity in the transfer market.
The 27-year-old appeared on course to destroy his career but the Buccaneers took him in when other teams appeared not wanting anything to do with the midfielder. But he has picked himself up and has been making headlines for the right reasons as he seems to be enjoying a new lease of life at the Soweto giants.
Masandawana rallied from behind to claim all three points against the KwaZulu-Natal side at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday night. The win keeps Sundowns within striking distance of Premier Soccer League leaders Sekhukhune United as the title race heats up.
The Tshwane giants have recovered from the setback suffered at the hands of Marumo Gallants to return to winning ways in a convincing manner. Despite conceding first, the league's defending champions fought to ensure they collected three more points in the season.
The Buccaneers cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Lioli FC in a CAF Champions League first preliminary round, first leg match at Free State Stadium on Saturday. It was a big win for the Soweto giants, who now host the Lesotho Champions, enjoying three away goals. The result also saw the PSL heavyweights sealing a 3-0 win on the trot in all competitions.
The tactician has complained saying Downs can only play good football under South African coaches. He also said the current technical bench is not convincing, as they make a lot of mistakes.
The 30-year-old featured in his first match of the season when he came on as a second half substitute as the Brazilians were held to a draw by Bahlabane ba Ntwa. He played the last 20 minutes of the game and is now assured to be with Masandawa this season for now unless he moves in January. But he will have a lot to do to reclaim his starting berth for the Tshwane giants.
Mzansi might be forced to win their last two Group C games to get their ticket after the World Football Governing Body opened a case against Hugo Broos' side.
Masandawana are under the microscope after dropping crucial points to Marumo Gallants in a tense midweek Premier Soccer League showdown, raising questions about form, tactics and their grip on the early title race.
Wednesday night’s clash at Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium delivered high drama as the hosts dug deep to frustrate the defending PSL champions, holding them to a hard-fought draw in a fiercely contested encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Mamelodi Sundowns FC
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
