The Soweto giants leapt one place up the Premier Soccer League ladder to position two just behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. This followed the victory over Bahlabane Ba Ntwa at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday. It was a result that keeps Amakhosi firmly in contention for the league title.
The Buccaneers have been doing quite well for the last three seasons, during which they have won seven major trophies. This season, the Soweto giants have been tipped to win all the available domestic trophies owing to their impressive form at home. It explains why even investors want a piece of the cake since it will increase their products' visibility.
With the emerging keepers at Naturena, the Amakhosi senior team is expected not to struggle for top stars in that department. However, the challenge for the Soweto giants is to produce dependable goalkeepers who can match or go above Itumeleng Khune in terms of performance and longevity. Replacing the former Bafana Bafana custodian has been a mission that Chiefs have not successfully accomplished since Khune left in 2024.
The tactician is unhappy that he was illegally dismissed before being asked to go back, but as an assistant to an ex-Manchester City star who had taken over. The South African believes the ex-club has a case to answer, explaining the reason for seeking legal redress. He is unhappy that he was lied to when he had already signed a contract with them.
The win over Babina Noko came at a crucial time for the coach, who has been under immense pressure lately. The fans have expressed their dissatisfaction sometimes through protest and chants, and the club responded by issuing threats against such conduct. Although the performance in the Premier Soccer League has been positive, the manner in which the Brazilians win has raised questions, with some saying they are not as dominant as they were before, especially under Mosimane.
As the season gathers momentum after a brief break owing to the Africa Cup of Nations finals, Amakhosi will be in league action again just days after facing ZESCO United. The CAF Confederation Cup result against the struggling Zambian giants saw the Glamour Boys register back-to-back wins across competitions. Against Gallants, they face a side that last registered a league win in mid-October last year.
The Glamour Boys haven't been active in the January transfer window as opposed to the Brazilians and the Sea Robbers. The former have sharpened their defense and attack, while the Buccaneers have ensured they strengthen every department. It is not the same for Amakhosi, who haven't signed any experienced players to help them push for the top honours.
The Brazilians left it late to deny their hosts at least a point and break the hearts of Orlando Pirates fans who had hoped to see their team go top of the table with a win this weekend. However, it left a lot to be desired as the defending champions struggled to break Eric Tinkler's men at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. The win opened a three-point gap ahead of second-placed Bucs.
The old rivals are set for another crunch meeting that will see legends rub shoulders in the next couple of days. This is a game that will see the victor get an opportunity to face a team from abroad in April. Furthermore, the fans will have a massive opportunity to engage and witness their favourites.
The first round of South Africa's premier knockout competition is set to kick-off on February 4, with some interesting match-ups on the cards. Defending champions Amakhosi and other participants now know when their fixtures are and the venues where they will play their games. This is a prestigious competition that comes with a ticket to play CAF Confederation Cup football next season.
The defending Premier Soccer League champions are known for their appetite for fine and quality players. They usually fight to retain those who add value to their squad hoping to continue dominating domestic football. The Brazilians are also determined to deliver on the continental assignments this season.
The Soweto giants have enjoyed an encouraging start to 2026 and would want to maintain their form when they visit Bahlabane ba Ntwa for Wednesday's Premier Soccer League clash at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium. Having recorded slim 1-0 wins in their last two games against Golden Arrows and ZESCO United, Amakhosi might want to see improvement upfront, and three forwards could start.
The 36-year-old has enjoyed a career spanning close to two decades, rising from a youngster in the Premier Soccer League to a seasoned veteran of the game. His time at Naturena was arguably the epitome of his playing career. That spell with the Soweto giants was complemented by representing Bafana Bafana on the international stage.
Clubs have a couple of days to get the players they need in the short January transfer window after the resumption of club football. The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament led to domestic competitions' break, to allow players represent their respective countries. With a couple of months remaining to end the campaign, teams are desperate to meet their targets.
The Soweto giants have been one of the Premier Soccer League teams that have not been active in strengthening their squad. However, they have made a vital decision that will see them continue pushing for the major honors as well as set a strong foundation for the new campaign. Apart from the domestic competitions, Amakhosi are chasing the CAF Confederation Cup.
Although Amakhosi won, their coach was not satisfied with the standard of the pitch, a concern he did not shy away from expressing. Now, he has been answered by his ZESCO United counterpart, who has said that is an excuse by the Soweto giants. Excuse or not, the temperatures are set to rise significantly before the two teams meet again in a week's time for another high-stakes game.
The versatile midfielder was Amakhosi's transfer target before, but Masandawana decided to keep him although he has been struggling for game time. The Tshwane giants made sure they kept their quality stars in order to maintain their competitive edge and avoid strengthening their rivals by releasing their players to them. The Pretoria heavyweights have now been praised for keeping the midfielder by handing him a contract extension.
The Soweto giants recovered from setbacks in their opening two group matches by grinding out a crucial away win in Zambia. While it is three vital points picked in Ndola, some fans were left unimpressed by the manner in which the team secured victory. The result reignited hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the competition from a group that has Zamalek and Al Masry as fierce competitors.
Clubs in the Premier Soccer League have resumed their domestic assignment after a couple of weeks on break owing to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Usuthu's bid to finish in the top eight again received a huge boost after their win, as Polokwane suffered a defeat after a four-match unbeaten streak.
The league is taking an interesting turn as Masandawana try hard to close the gap between them and runaway Bucs. On the other hand, Amakhosi suffered a huge setback after they suffered a defeat after a rather long period of point collection.
After a long-awaited inclusion, the 23-year-old playmaker finally made his Kaizer Chiefs debut just before the Africa Cup of Nations break, slotting in seamlessly and making his presence felt immediately. For Velebayi, however, the road to that moment was mentally challenging — a true test of patience and resilience.
Amakhosi make the trip to Zambia knowing there is no room for error as they look to revive their continental campaign and keep their hopes alive. The Soweto giants are staring at a must-win scenario, but the task ahead is far from straightforward. They will need to produce a disciplined, all-round performance to outmuscle a home side that is equally desperate for points and strengthened by a dominant record in previous meetings.
After resuming their Premier Soccer League campaign with a slim victory over Golden Arrows, Amakhosi turn their eyes on the continental competition. In two games in Group D, the Glamour Boys are third, and only a win away from home will help them boost their chances of reaching the knockout stage. However, the Zambian giants, although they are struggling this season, are expected to give them a challenge, especially since they will enjoy massive home support.
Amakhosi landed in Ndola and are ready to take on their continental rivals in a game that carries high stakes for both sides. Amakhosi and Team ya Ziko are both winless after two games, and to increase their probability of reaching the knockout stage, points from this game will matter most. The Zambian outfit have already declared they are ready to inflict pain on Amakhosi, who travelled without key players.
When it comes to the PSL title race, many pundits and soccer fanatics are always ready to bet on either Mamelodi Sundowns or Orlando Pirates winning it but not Amakhosi. Since 2015, the Glamour Boys have never won the league, and last season they finished outside the top eight. This season, they have shown improvements, but do they have quality players to help them end the league title drought?
The 21-year-old’s exit from Naturena might have come as a blessing in disguise, thrusting him into the limelight and opening doors to regular football at a time when some Amakhosi youngsters have struggled for Premier Soccer League opportunities. His spell at TS Galaxy provided the platform he needed to rebuild momentum and showcase his talent away from the intense pressure of the Soweto giants. That progress has now earned him a move abroad, with the youngster sealing a switch to Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire FC.
Marumo Gallants
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