The custodian was in impressive form as he helped his Premier Soccer League team frustrate the Sea Robbers. With match-winning saves, the Bafana keeper was the star of the game as he forced Bucs to drop crucial points. Although he was a standout player, he has been cautioned not to think he will get an automatic ticket to the global bonanza that will take place mid-year.
The 38-year-old former Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Athletic Club tactician is in trouble with the Algerian authorities, a couple of days after leaving the People's Club. The Kaizer Chiefs-linked coach has been tipped to join South African attacker Thembinkosi Lorch, who is currently contracted to Libyan outfit Al-Ittihad.
The North African side have moved quickly to replace the South African tactician who quit over the weekend. And, in a twist of fate rarely seen in football, it looks like the two coaches are basically 'swapping' clubs.
The battle for the Premier Soccer League crown has turned into a brutal duel between the Buccaneers and Masandawana. With the margins so tight, the closeness of the race is setting up a dramatic photo finish to the season.
The Belgian tactician has named his preliminary squad ahead of the friendly games against Panama later in March. The games have been lined up as part of Bafana's preparations for the global football bonanza in the middle of this year. Already, the coach's preliminary squad has been analysed, and questions have arisen on who should be in and who does not deserve a place in it.
The Buccaneers coach was expected to show frustration at the opponent’s goalkeeper for denying the Soweto giants a chance to widen their lead in the Premier Soccer League. Instead, the former Marumo Gallants tactician praised the custodian for his heroic performance. In a moment of admiration, he described the goalkeeper’s display by offering one of the most spiritual applauses for the match-saving efforts.
Despite settling for a single point in Saturday’s encounter, finishing chances were scarce, and the situation could have turned far more disastrous for the title-chasing Sea Robbers. However, a timely half-time talk from the Bucs’ tactical team proved crucial, as Ouaddou explained that his side intensified their efforts and were rightfully rewarded with a goal.
Even though the Premier Soccer League title has entered a critical juncture, the Sea Robbers could not beat Siwelele and ended up dropping points. The Buccaneers were not lethal in front of goal and wasted many goal-scoring opportunities, with blame placed squarely on their strikers. But according to their legend, all is not lost, and Pirates still have a high chance of winning the title.
Referees play a critical role in any football competition but a long line of controversial decisions in South African football are undermining the integrity of the officials. Virtually all of the PSL's coaches have pointed out various refereeing mistakes during the season but, as the 33-year-old former Mamelodi Sundowns player points out, the officals who make these mistakes rarely, if ever, are punished for their errors.
The veteran coach has made his feelings crystal clear as more and more technology enters into elite sport. In his view, digital innovations cannot replace the knowledge and experience of learning your coaching skills on the training pitch and in matches themselves.
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.
Orlando Pirates
