Orlando Pirates news

The coach's explanation of why South Africa failed to make it past the Round of 16 continues to attract responses. The experienced tactician claimed the level of the domestic league could have played a major role in their elimination. But the German coach has offered a different perspective, stating that Broos could be wrong and laying down what must be done to make Mzansi players become even better.

South Africa exited the 2025 AFCON without managing to at least match their third-place finish from the previous edition in Ivory Coast. The 1996 African champions were less convincing this time around and looked a far cry from the side that charmed the continent in their last outing. Their early departure has sparked differing opinions about their Belgian coach and the team’s overall direction ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Football lovers in Mzansi are still reeling from the pain of failing to make the latter stages of the biennial competition ongoing in the North African nation of Morocco after falling to the five-time champions, the Indomitable Lions, in the initial knockout phase round. However, the style of play caught the attention of an experienced tactician.

The 25-year-old lanky forward has earned the trust of his club coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and Bafana Bafana tactician Hugo Broos, becoming a regular figure in both setups. While he is not known for being a prolific goal-scorer, he continues to enjoy consistent game time for both club and country. That has kept him firmly in the spotlight and linked with a potential move from the Premier Soccer League to Europe.

The former Morocco and Fulham defender is flying high with the Sea Robbers after joining them from Marumo Gallants in the off-season transfer window, where he replaced the Spaniard tactician. He has so far won the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout and is hoping to win the Premier Soccer League and the Nedbank Cup as well.

The Buccaneers replaced Jose Riveiro with the Moroccan coach before the start of the current season and have continued as a competitive unit. They have already lifted two trophies this term, underlining the team’s ability to remain successful despite the change on the bench. Even though they have fallen well short of Riveiro’s run of reaching last season's CAF Champions League final, the Soweto giants and their coach remain highly regarded.

The 20-year-old South African international has won millions of supporters' hearts owing to his resolute defending for both his former club, the Buccaneers, and the national team. A Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire have secured his services from the Soweto giants, hoping the youngster will continue delivering consistently.

After Bafana Bafana's elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), coach Hugo Broos has been trending in Mzansi. Some have been showing immense support for the veteran tactician, while a section is not satisfied with the exploits in Morocco, where they feel South Africa could have done better.

South Africa's national team failed to deliver the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as the majority of their supporters had anticipated after getting eliminated in the Round of 16 by the five-time champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. The preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have now begun.

The Belgian tactician insists the national team lacks players who have been exposed to top leagues in Europe as opposed to their opponents on the continent. Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the 73-year-old has hinted Mzansi should not expect miracles unless more of his potential squad play regularly in 'tough' overseas divisions.

The Premier Soccer League teams are strengthening their teams as the South African top tier enters a critical stage in the next couple of weeks following the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) break that allowed Bafana Bafana to prepare and compete in the biennial competition. Clubs have limited times to sign players they need.

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.

It’s no secret that pulling on the jersey of one of the Premier Soccer League's big three clubs is every player’s fast track to bigger dreams, complete with the perks, pressure, and glory that come with those famous badges; however, not everyone survives the ride. Some crash, some thrive. For the 25-year-old Bucs star, it’s been a winning journey, with the move to the Sea Robbers bringing a major boost both on and off the pitch.