In a tightly contested title race, the side from Mayfair knows better than most how valuable every goal and point can be. However, Ouaddou has defended his players after they settled for a draw against Siwelele on Saturday afternoon. The Moroccan mentor has been vocal about the need for a 'killer instinct' in front of goal, but he insists on focusing on the positives from the performance and remains hopeful for improvement in the remaining fixtures.
Former Bucs striker Andries Sebola did not hold back in his assessment of the current forward line following the stalemate at Orlando Amstel Arena and believes the lack of clinical finishing is threatening their title aspirations, specifically singling out their 24-year-old striker for criticism and questioning Abdeslam Ouaddou's tactics and substitutions.
The Glamour Boys are under incredible pressure to turn the tide after four consecutive losses. Against the Premier Soccer League debutants, they enjoy a home advantage, but playing in front of their fans will put them under more pressure. Another loss, or even a draw, will only act to jeopardise their position, with more ground ceded in the league's title race.
The former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns coach had been going through what appeared to be a difficult spell in Algeria. His time at the capital city club ends less than 24 hours after he guided them to a 2-0 league victory over Paradou AC that put them five points clear at the top of the Algerian Ligue 1 with several games in hand. The sudden exit adds another twist to what had already been a turbulent period for the tactician.
After winning two domestic trophies, Bucs' focus is now firmly on the Premier Soccer League title. However, they face a real challenge from defending champions Masandawana, who have put themselves in a strong position to extend their dominance in the top flight. Just like the previous seasons, the race is turning out to be a two-horse race as Downs and the Soweto giants engage in a tight battle for the title.
To boost their chances of reaching the semi-finals, Kabo Yellow needed a huge victory at home before focusing on the second leg. The Tshwane giants fought and claimed a win and a clean sheet, meaning they are on the right course to reach the last four. However, the battle is not over, as the Brazilians will travel to Mali for the second leg, a crucial battle where the Bamako-based side will be keen on pulling off a miracle.
GOAL gives you the details to follow the Soweto giants' second consecutive Premier Soccer League home match, and this time they host Bloemfontein-based opponents at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. The target remains the same for Pirates to protect their lead on a weekend when their closest league rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns, are focusing on a CAF Champions League assignment.
The Sea Robbers return to action after a midweek victory that propelled them to the top of the Premier Soccer League table. The hard-fought win over Richards Bay ensured that the Buccaneers maintained a close gap with Mamelodi Sundowns, although an insignificant goal difference separates the two rivals. As Masandawana focus on the CAF Champions League, the Soweto giants are hunting for league points over the weekend.
The 21-year-old South African attacker has not enjoyed much playing time of late but that does not seem to have affected his valuation, nor foreign clubs appetite for the former Orlando Pirates star's services. His agent has been talking up both factors and also assured worried fans that the player is safe as the Middle East conflict spreads around the region.
After engaging in the Premier Soccer League game just days ago, Masandawana have regrouped and are fully focused on the CAF Champions League. The Tshwane giants needed a win in their last group match to reach the quarter-finals and now begin their campaign in the knockout phase. Given that they will host the continental rivals, Downs must make sure they take full advantage of home support.
As part of their post-season schedule, the Sea Robbers will engage in a tournament that will be held outside the country. Apart from becoming the first team from the continent to take part in the competition, Bucs will fight to win the millions in prize money. However, currently, the focus is on the Premier Soccer League title.
The 21-year-old centre-back has struggled for regular minutes at Usuthu but continues to attract interest from the Buccaneers. His coach has stepped in to highlight the defender’s qualities, but the tactician stopped short of excessive praise, keeping his assessment measured, especially after the player was compared to an overseas-based Bafana Bafana star.
The Premier Soccer League title race is intensifying each matchday as the Sea Robbers and Mamelodi Sundowns engage in a neck-and-neck battle. After a 2-0 win over Richards Bay matched The Brazilians' result the previous night against Orbit College, the Bucs tactician made a promise to the club's fans.
The Premier Soccer League title race is intensifying each matchday as the Sea Robbers and Masandawana engage in a neck-and-neck battle. None of the leading sides are ready to relent, as each keeps amassing points, which means the gap at the top is so close, making the race a high-intensity marathon.
Ezimnyama Ngenkani were found responsible for causing problems in the annual tournament against their top-tier rivals recently. They have now been fined thousands of Rand, as well as being eliminated from the competition. It is a massive blow for the management and fans who had hoped to go all the way.
The 20-year-old has been training at Naturena, and back in his mind, he is eyeing a professional deal with the Soweto giants. After a signing spree in the off-season window, Amakhosi did not sign any player for the senior team in the mid-season. Although the focus is now firmly on the remaining matches of the season, the scouting departments of teams should be busy in the market trying to find players who they hope will strengthen their squads.
The Bafana Bafana legend spent five seasons in the English Premier League but never realised his dream of turning out for one of the league’s heavyweights. A move to a so-called big club never materialised during his time in England despite an opportunity presenting itself. That missed chance hurt his chances of forcing his way into the South Africa squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup held on home soil.
The Brazilians were back to their dominant best in beating the Mswenko Boys in a PSL clash on Tuesday, despite resting several players ahead of their CAF Champions League quarterfinal on Friday. The regulation 2-0 win moved former Amakhosi winger and now vocal pundit Junior Khanye to declare the title race with the Buccaneers was as good as over before they even kicked a ball in their own mid-week league assignment against Richards Bay.
GOAL gives you the details to follow the Soweto giants' hosting of the Natal Rich Boyz in a Premier Soccer League clash at Orlando Amstel Arena on Wednesday. After Mamelodi Sundowns went to the top of the PSL table on Tuesday evening, the Buccaneers are out to reclaim their place at the summit by boosting their goal difference and collecting maximum points from their visitors from KwaZulu-Natal.
The Sporting Director's interview with 947's MSW has seen a steady drip of headlines hit the media. From defending the money spent on transfers, to learning lessons from arch rivals Orlando Pirates, the 44-year-old has covered a lot of ground. However, the most eye-catching statement so far has come in the form of his acceptance of accountability for results on the pitch.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United midfielder has, in the past, been associated with indiscipline issues. A section of the Buccaneers supporters were afraid the problem had recurred with baseless rumours surfacing on Social Media that he is suspended by the club.
The Super Eagles and Bolton Wanderers icon has sparked debate by suggesting that Mzansi footballers are held back by a lack of ambition to ply their trade in the world's biggest leagues. The midfield maestro, who enjoyed a glittering 20-year career across Germany, Turkey, France, and England, suggested that the talent in the PSL often stays stagnant because players are unwilling to leave the comfort of their surroundings.
The arrival of the 27-year-old at Soweto was seen as a revival of his career following a disappointing spell in Pretoria, and the Bucs faithful quickly took to him. But recently he has struggled to live up to the promising glimpses he once showed. Injuries have also played a part in his setbacks. With his one-year contract soon expiring, time is running out for the playmaker, and fans, along with former players, are beginning to debate whether he has done enough to earn a long-term stay at Mayfair.
Masandawana are the only team from Mzansi in the ongoing CAF inter-club competition following the elimination of the Glamour Boys, the Sea Robbers, and Stellenbosch. The Brazilians will reap big, as confirmed by the organisers, but they should go all the way and bring the most coveted trophy home. Last season, they reached the final but fell to Pyramids.
In what could infuriate the Amakhosi fan base again, the national team head coach has not named a single player from the club. However, the Sea Robbers enjoy a high representation, followed by their close Premier Soccer League rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns. Thembinkosi Lorch, who has enjoyed an impressive run, has not been called up again.
Over the years, some high-profile strikers have come out of Mzansi, but recently, the upcoming ones have struggled to reach the standards set by their predecessors. As Hugo Broos looks forward to naming his World Cup squad, he should be scratching his head on whether the available centre-forwards will deliver. Before then, though, a retired striker has shared lessons for the current crop.
Orlando Pirates
