So far in the season, the Sea Robbers are the most successful side after winning two domestic trophies. Now their focus is on two more as they compete in the Premier Soccer League and the Nedbank Cup. There is a huge possibility that the Soweto giants might lift four titles at the end of the season, something that will make their season more memorable.
When Amakhosi lifted the cup last season, it helped them end a decade-long wait for a trophy. However, their journey this season came to an end after they were beaten by Stellenbosch in a Round 32 game. Now, their win over Bucs to lift the Nedbank Cup has been questioned, with the team's management blamed for the loss.
Masandawana will visit the DR Congo outfit for a crucial match that could determine their fate in the continental competition. The Downs' tactician is aware of how the Sea Robbers fell at the TP Mazembe Stadium and is keen for his charges to avoid the same pitfall. Lupopo are expected to give Sundowns a tough challenge, as they are also in the hunt for points to boost the odds of reaching the next phase of the competition.
The Moroccan coach faces the high standards set by his predecessor, Jose Riveiro, who won the Nedbank Cup twice during his time at the Soweto giants. Ouaddou has already collected silverware since his arrival, proving his impact in a short period, but it would be a historic achievement if he adds this trophy to his haul as well.
Following an unexpected but amicable parting between the Sea Robbers and the Nigerian defender, many questions arose about the reasons behind the decision, while many eagerly awaited to see where the centre-back would head next.
The former Premier League outfit Fulham and Morocco defender has been giving players chances to prove their worth at the Sea Robbers. However, he has also made some daring calls like letting the South Africa international striker leave in the recent transfer window. The 47-year-old tactician has now justified his decision.
The Brazilians narrowly beat Gomora United to keep their Nedbank Cup hopes alive, providing a timely boost for Cardoso after days of mounting pressure and supporter criticism. While the victory was the highlight of the night, the 53-year-old also revealed that a suspicious photo had landed in his hands, reiterating the need for VAR in the domestic league as a way to safeguard the integrity of the game.
Although Miguel Cardoso fielded what can be described as a second-tier lineup, their overall performance was not convincing. This performance will only put the head coach under more pressure given that the Pretoria heavyweights dropped crucial points in the CAF Champions League.
Going by how teams are fighting, it can easily be predicted that Masandawana's dominance in the top flight could come to an end this time around. Bucs pushed the Tshwane giants in the last three seasons but failed to dethrone them. Now, apart from the 'Big Three', even fourth-placed AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United in fifth place are mathematically firmly in the title race.
Bafana Bafana's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations finals was dominated by players from the Soweto giants. Even though South Africa were eliminated in the Round of 16, lessons learnt in the continental competition have been linked to the current form shown by the Sea Robbers.
Relebohile Mofokeng struggled for form earlier this season and was at some point frozen out of the first team as he appeared frustrated and lonely after Mohau Nkota had left the Buccaneers for Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq. However, in recent games, the Bafana Bafana star has picked himself up with some top performances that made him a trademark name in South African football in the last two seasons.
Only five points separate the top team, Orlando Pirates, and the Glamour Boys, who are third in the log, thanks to their consistency. The defending Nedbank Cup champions have won their last five games in a row across all competitions, and have kept six clean sheets in as many recent outings. However, some feel the club will struggle to match its rivals.
Although it is a slim win, the points are enough for Bucs to widen the gap at the top with Mamelodi Sundowns. After dropping points against Sekhukhune United, the Sea Robbers returned to winning ways, adding new impetus to their title ambition. For Arthur Zwane, the loss is a lost chance for his side to go above Kaizer Chiefs on the log.
The walking style of the Saint-Eloi Lupopo star became a major talking point after the DR Congo outfit eliminated Bucs from the CAF Champions League. As the Sea Robbers' fans were still nursing broken hearts from the elimination, Amakhosi progressed in the CAF Confederation Cup after beating Simba. In an attempt to create the Mukoko style, the Chiefs star infuriated fans and was consequently attacked.
The football lovers were set to watch their favourite players clash for the bragging rights at stake. However, the organisers have had to make changes, meaning the country will have no option but to wait a little longer. The winner will have a massive chance to face an international team in the next couple of months.
The Buccaneers are set for the Premier Soccer League's mid-week test as they play Usuthu on Tuesday in Durban. Interestingly, the Arthur Zwane-led team have been doing quite well this season and a victory for them will take them to the top of the table with 33 points. However, the Soweto giants are aware they can't let that happen if they are to stand a chance of winning the league.
Trouble continues to build at Chloorkop, unsettling a fanbase that once knew nothing but dominance and trophies. A club that ruled South African football and consistently pushed the limits now finds itself stuck in a worrying decline. As uncertainty grows and pressure mounts, the former Liberian international has stepped forward to point out what he believes is the real cause of the slump and to suggest a clear way forward.
The Sea Robbers are set for a top-of-the-table clash with Arthur Zwane's Usuthu on Tuesday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. A win for either side takes them to the top of the league standings. We have a look at how Abdeslam Ouaddou might line up his men, hoping to get maximum points.
In a bid to make themselves a competitive outfit in PSL and in Africa, Masandawana have always crossed the borders to bring on board players. Whereas some have come and left an impact, others have flopped despite high expectations that came with their arrival. In the off-season and mid-season transfer windows, Downs have followed the same script as they aim to collect more trophies.
Mokwena's charges registered their first win in the group to close in on Masandawana, who dropped points against Al Hilal. The Sudanese giants lead by a sizeable margin, but for Downs, MC Alger and Lupopo, the race to win the quarter-final ticket remains a tight affair.
The Buccaneers head honcho’s leadership of the league has divided opinion, with some accusing him of being a strongman who instils fear in his colleagues. However, others have come to his defence, describing him as more accommodating in his approach to issues.
The 22-year-old midfielder clocked 100 official matches for the Soweto giants when they edged ZESCO United 1-0 in a CAF Confederation Cup tie at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday. He came on as a second-half substitute to play the last 32 minutes, but could not score or provide an assist on his career special day. He reached the century milestone when his Orlando Pirates opposite number is now on 108 appearances for the Buccaneers with 20 goals and 26 assists.
Masandawana are playing catch-up, trying hard to close the gap between them and in-form Bucs. Meanwhile, inconsistent Amakhosi are staring at the prospect of losing the trophy, which was historically won last season.
After they started the group stage campaign with a loss, Amakhosi managed back-to-back victories, massively boosting their chances of reaching the knockout stage. The Glamour Boys completed a double over their continental rivals from Zambia after their last victory in Ndola. For Zega Mambo, the struggle continues as they remain winless, pointless and rooted at the bottom of the group.
The Buccaneers faithful have witnessed the value of having a game in hand. After the Mayfair-based side was ridiculed and tipped to drop points following their opening fixture, the Soweto outfit responded emphatically on Saturday evening, producing a commanding display to secure a convincing three points.
The Buccaneers coach is enjoying the luxury of leaving out certain players from his matchday squad, underlining the impressive depth within his first-team group. Winning convincingly without several key figures, who were deliberately omitted, highlighted just how strong his squad has become. It paints the picture of a coach spoilt for choice when it comes to team selection.
Orlando Pirates
