The Brazilians have shipped out on permanent basis or on loan at least 12 players and have confirmed just two new signings which could compromise the depth they have been enjoying over the seasons. They now face a worrisome fitness situation in their camp which they hope will not affect their performances as they try to strike a balance between domestic and continental responsibilities.
Mamelodi Sundowns have identified the Brazilian attacker as a possible replacement for Lucas Ribeiro, who recently left the PSL champions. The Tshwane giants have been in talks with a Portuguese club over one of their players.
The Super Eagles and the Cheetahs have been banking on the world football governing body to punish the Southern African nation for a massive blunder made in the qualifiers.
The experienced right back is yet to feature for Masandawana but has started training with his teammates as he waits for his contractual situation to be fully resolved.
Fitness issues are haunting the 36-year-old midfielder amid fears the latest setback could affect his season. Age seems to be catching up with South Africa's deputy skipper who spent the better part of last season on the sidelines battling to recover from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
The Brazilians seized control of the Premier Soccer League standings following a convincing victory over their visitors from Limpopo and they are now on top of Amakhosi and Sekhukhune United who were above them. After collecting maximum points, Masandawana set themselves up to defend the league title for a record-extending eighth consecutive time.
The 26-year-old has finally confirmed his exit from the Tshwane giants, a club he has described in glowing terms despite the transfer saga that pitted him against the PSL heavyweights.
The former Amakhosi star has compared himself with the record-breaking Namibian striker and stated why he thinks he is better in some aspects than the Masandawana forward.
Masandawana's message to the South Americans has generated an online spark, given that they displayed one star and overlooked the other amid the ongoing transfer saga.
The Brazilians have been a class above the Soweto giants and all South African top-tier teams, but their former defender has predicted a tough season for them.
The Belgian tactician has already started to plan for the two major tournaments that the senior national team will be taking part in from late this year.
The former Esperance tactician has pegged his hopes on Masandawana's resilience to overcome the struggle and get their campaign on track despite what people say.
It was another exciting weekend where top-flight teams were aiming at keeping their position at the summit while those struggling had another chance to deliver.
After struggling for over an hour against Abafana Bes'thende, Amakhosi's new signing came on with the magic strike and scored his debut goal that handed the Glamour Boys a win.
To get their season firmly on the right track and avoid being beaten to the league title by Amakhosi and Bucs, Masandawana have been advised on what to do by their legend.
The Namibian has entered the history books not only as the league's top scorer but also as a legend for a Masandawana side that has been very dominant during his time with the Tshwane giants.
Marumo Gallants
