The Soweto giants are on course to end the 2025/26 campaign with four major trophies in their cabinet. This comes after an impressive first half of the season, despite a setback in the CAF Champions League. The Buccaneers are now conducting their transfer business as they look to assemble a stronger squad for the remainder of the season.
The Zimbabwe international has lost his place in the Masandawana starting line-up, with coach Miguel Cardoso now preferring Aubrey Modiba. This comes despite the former Golden Arrows man being the first-choice left-back at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Amid expectations that he would continue in that role, he has instead slipped down the pecking order.
Masandawana have made statement signings, sending a clear signal to rivals that they should expect a stronger team. Monnapule Saleng and Brayan Leon are top stars that have been brought on board to strengthen the striking department that already has record breaker Peter Shalulile and Iqraam Rayners, last season's second-best league scorer. But who exactly is influencing these signings? A question has been posed.
The Premier Soccer League relegation candidates could struggle to find a suitable replacement for Masandawana's new signing as they fight to avoid the chop from top-flight football. Securing a player of the calibre of their former vice-captain is likely to prove difficult in the current January transfer window. It is a test the Mswenko Boys were not prepared for, according to their coach.
The Buccaneers have been making quality signings in the short January transfer window as the management and the technical team are working harder to ensure they have enough arsenal to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns and Co. for the Premier Soccer League title in the ongoing 2025/2026 campaign after going for more than a decade without one.
The 21-year-old has been a target for the defending Premier Soccer League champions, Masandawana, and the reigning Nedbank Cup winners, Amakhosi, owing to his strong display while with TS Galaxy, a team he joined three seasons ago. However, the duo has missed out after the Major League Soccer side acted swiftly to seal the deal.
The Polokwane City head coach reveals his tactical philosophy and the inspirations behind that which has seen him establish Rise and Shines as a Top Eight Premier Soccer League side.
The 21-year-old has been a hot cake in the transfer market owing to his exploits for the Rockets since his unceremonious move from the Glamour Boys a couple of years ago. Apart from Masandawana and Amakhosi, the creative South African international has been linked with a move to Europe, where speculations have it that several clubs have interest in his services.
The reigning Premier Soccer League champions have secured the services of three top players - Monnapule Saleng, Brayan Leon, and Khulumani Ndamane. They are working on regaining their position on top of the South African top-flight table. Then go all the way and win their ninth crown in as many seasons.
The Brazilians have been active in the transfer window with Monnapule Saleng and Brayan Leon already announced. But this fan's major concern is securing a replacement for 'Mshishi' and he thinks TS Galaxy's 21-year-old sensation would be the perfect candidate.
The forward's move from one Premier Soccer League title contender to another remains the biggest move so far in the January transfer window. After an impressive outing for Orbit College in the first round of the campaign, Saleng will have to prove himself in another club, bigger and more competitive than the PSL debutants. His signing comes at a time when there are rumours Masandawana are set to make changes to their technical bench.
The Tshwane giants have confirmed a new signing just days after a shocking transfer that saw them bring on board Monnapule Saleng from Orlando Pirates. The South American star is a 20-goal contribution forward, and this is a statement signing by the Premier Soccer League giants. This is another asset added to Masandawana's attacking department as they chase more titles.
As debate on who should take over Bafana Bafana when Broos' era comes to an end rages, some names have been suggested. From the experienced Pitso Mosimane to the emerging Rhulani Mokwena and Broos' current assistant, Helman Mkhalele, pundits have been analysing who is the best-suited tactician to handle the national side.
The forward had moved to Portugal in search of more game time, but that ambition was not achieved. Last season, he faced the same challenge at the Pretoria giants, and he could face the same problem upon returning. Downs have beefed up their attacking department with the signing of Monnapule Saleng, and that means there will be even stiffer competition for playtime.
The right-sided player has attracted the interest of Premier Soccer League heavyweights after a sensational performance for TS Galaxy. Now, a twist in the player's future has emerged, as it has now been revealed that Amakhosi have contacted his camp for a possible deal. Given the profile of the player, the race to sign Dithejane is expected to be a battle between the top clubs in the country.
The current Masandawana coach appears to be under immense pressure, with his team looking less convincing this season. That has sparked rumours that he might not see out the campaign as the club’s bosses are said to be weighing up bringing in a coach capable of rescuing their waning fortunes. Changes to the technical team at Chloorkop would not come as a surprise anytime soon.
With the possible reunion between the experienced tactician and the dominant Premier Soccer League outfit driving the rumour mill, a possible conflict between the two parties has been identified. Mosimane is clubless, and Sundowns have struggled to impose themselves under Miguel Cardoso; many believe a reunion will be the best move for both parties.
The 26-year-old has become another Mamelodi Sundowns player to have his loan spell cut short, either because of limited game time or the parent club’s desire to have him back. This follows the release of fellow loanee Matías Esquivel by Greek side AE Kifisia after his stint abroad failed to gain momentum. Closer to home, Khulumani Ndamane is also reported to be on his way out of TS Galaxy, having been loaned out shortly after signing for Masandawana.
In what will be seen as a surprising transfer of the January window, the Bucs star has completed a move to their Premier Soccer League rivals. As they fight to retain the league title, the Pretoria giants hope to get massive service from the left-footed forward, who is known for his pace and skilful movements. After he was frozen out at the Sea Robbers, Saleng sought refuge at Orbit College, where he became a regular starter.
With the teams strengthening in January for the final push in the season, the Sea Robbers have not been left behind. Already, they have signed a highly rated star who is expected to strengthen the midfield-attacking department. That would mean Sipho Mbule could be redeployed when the season begins after impressive moments for the Soweto giants.
Should the two parties reunite, it will represent one of the biggest sporting reunions in the country's history. It is the South African tactician that helped the Pretoria giants develop into one of the most successful outfits, but their separation was a controversial one. However, going by reports, it seems the two parties are ready to bury the hatchet and work together again.
Although South Africa's campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations was underwhelming, one of their players has already been linked with a big move. The Masandawana star has been a consistent figure in the national team, and that has helped raise his profile as a player. After winning multiple titles with the Tshwane giants, many believe he is among the players who should venture outside the country now.
After South Africa failed to reach the last eight, several factors have been cited as contributing reasons for the poor showing in Morocco. But Broos has been mainly blamed for his tactics and changes to the line-up. Following the struggle, questions are now raised on whether Bafana will indeed manage to mount a better campaign during the upcoming global showpiece.
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.
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.
Orbit College
