The Sea Robbers have been consistent for the most part of the season domestically, where they have already won the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout. They are now chasing the South African top-flight crown a couple of months after a heartbreaking elimination from the Nedbank Cup by surprise package Casric Stars.
The Bucs' coaching unit welcomes a new face following the arrival of the experienced analyst who also worked in the recruitment department in his former club. After bagging two domestic trophies, the Sea Robbers hope to win the Premier Soccer League title this season and even more glory in the future. To write more success, the playing unit and the technical bench need figures who can help the club achieve the set ambitions.
The towering Buccaneer was a shock signing for Stellies in the January transfer window following his struggles with the Soweto giants. Abdeslam Ouaddou had opted to use the likes of Yanela Mbuthuma and Evidence Makgopa, who he felt were more valuable. The Bafana Bafana international has seemingly managed to regain his form.
The attacker's impressive form has come at a critical time, especially for Orlando Pirates, who are chasing the Premier Soccer League title. For Bafana Bafana, the focus is currently on the upcoming friendlies, but in a few months, full energy will be directed to the World Cup finals. The youngster is expected to shine for the national team during the global showpiece.
The 20-year-old has been one of the youngsters who have made tremendous progress within a year of introduction to top-flight football by the then Sea Robbers coach Jose Riveiro. He is currently a key player for South Africa and hopes to be part of the 2026 World Cup squad in the next two months.
As the Soweto giants eye the league title, the 21-year-old is expected to be one of the vital figures in that mission. Despite his relatively young age, President Yama 2000 has contributed immensely to the campaign, playing impressively wherever he is deployed on the frontline.
The spotlight again is on the Belgian tactician since he named his final squad to take on Panama during the international break. The raging debate is who should have been called up and who should have been left out. The games lined up later this month are expected to give the 73-year-old a glimpse of how fit his players are before the World Cup finals.
The Sea Robbers have been doing quite well this season in the South African top tier, hoping to stop Mamelodi Sundowns from making it nine triumphs in a row. The Soweto giants are currently leading the race with 51 points, one more than the defending champions, who were away in Mali for the CAF inter-club outing.
In a bid to strengthen their off-field structures, the Soweto giants are expected to bring on board the tactician from their league opponents. The tactician is said to have already bid farewell to Stellies ahead of his move to join the Sea Robbers. Should the move see the light of day, it will reinforce a trend where the top-flight rivals have exchanged talents in recent times.
There have been questions about the best position for the versatile attacker, who has been excellent for the Buccaneers since getting his chance late in the 2022/23 campaign under the then-coach Jose Riveiro. He is an established South Africa international expected to lead the nation in the 2026 World Cup.
The Bafana Bafana star was on fire as the Sea Robbers registered their biggest win of the season so far. As the Buccaneers collected points from an emphatic victory and boosted their title chances, President Yama 2000 made history. Now, Mofokeng will shift focus to national duties with a boosted morale.
The Premier Soccer League campaign continues with a lot to play for among teams. At stake is winning the title race, earning a spot to play continental football next season, as well as avoiding the dreaded relegation at the end of the season.
The Buccaneers ran riot to register their biggest winning margin of the season so far. It was a commanding display that underlined their intentions at a crucial stage of the campaign. The emphatic victory could also give title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns plenty to reflect on as the race for the Premier Soccer League crown has intensified.
After dropping points against Siwelele, the Buccaneers have responded in a convincing manner by dispatching 10-man Galaxy. By the end of the first half, the Sea Robbers had fully utilised their dominance, as the scoreline reflected what was happening on the pitch. The result thrusts the Ghost back to the top of the table, but Mamelodi Sundowns have a game in hand.
Just like in the Premier Soccer League, the Sea Robbers and Masandawana are in a tight race for the trophy in the reserve competition. Defending champions Amakhosi face an uphill task of reclaiming the title won in a historic landmark last season, as they are far behind the leading sides. After winning their respective matches, the Soweto giants are heading into the highly anticipated derby clash next weekend.
The ex-Kaizer Chiefs coach has explained the tactical decision to deploy the former Buccaneers defender in midfield. The Nigerian international made his debut for the Cape Winelands side during their 2-1 victory over Chippa United on Saturday.
The race up the standings heats up as the Premier Soccer League edges towards its conclusion. The Mpumalanga outfit will host a wounded Pirates side desperate to reclaim top spot, while the Rockets will be aiming to return to league-winning ways in their push for a top-eight finish.
The former Masandawana star was a crucial figure for the Sea Robbers in the first round of the season. However, after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations finals, his playtime reduced. Part of the reason why the 27-year-old has sparingly featured for the Soweto giants is because the midfielder was recovering from an injury.
The Sea Robbers desperately need to bounce back from the 1-1 draw against Siwelele when they face the Rockets on Sunday at the Mbombela Stadium. With Mamelodi Sundowns on CAF Champions League duties, victory for the Soweto giants will send them to the top of the Premier League table with 51 points, one more than the defending champions.
The duo made the move from Gauteng to the Cape Winelands outfit during the January transfer window in pursuit of regular minutes, and have since settled into Gavin Hunt’s setup. Tiwane, in particular, has established himself as a key figure at the heart of the defence. Addressing their long-term prospects, CEO Rob Benadie has since commented on the club’s interest.
The centre-back has been having mixed reactions from football lovers in South Africa. The fans are divided about the quality of the 30-year-old, who has been a regular feature for the Soweto giants, especially after the exit of Mbekezeli Mbokazi to the Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire early in December.
The former Bucs captain has sounded a clear call to arms to Sibisi, challenging the centre-back to elevate his leadership as expectations intensify. The Buccaneers now find themselves in a tightening title race, with pressure mounting to reassert control at the top after a costly stalemate against Siwelele FC handed the momentum to Mamelodi Sundowns.
The national team coach has come out swinging in defence of Makgopa after naming the Orlando Pirates striker in his latest Bafana squad. Despite facing intense criticism from supporters and falling down the pecking order at club level, the Bucs man remains a fundamental part of the Belgian’s plans for the upcoming international break.
The goalkeeping position in the national team will be up for grabs in the next couple of years. Top custodians in South Africa are now hoping to take over from the legendary Mamelodi Sundowns star, who has been consistent for Mzansi. The Belgian tactician has further explained the reasons for snubbing Amakhosi's shot-stopper.
The Belgian recently confirmed his squad for the forthcoming international friendly outing in Durban and Cape Town. The fixture against Panama will be massive for the technical team in their bid to get a strong team to represent the country and Africa at large. Mexico, Canada, and the United States will co-host the Global competition.
The South Africa coach is making bold decisions as he shapes his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Belgian tactician has made a few surprise omissions from his squad and has explained that his selections are based on form as he tries to build a competitive team for the global football tournament.
Orlando Pirates
