Bucs' intention of clinching the title from their arch-rivals becomes clearer each matchday as they keep widening the gap from their closest challengers. As the Sea Robbers' winning run continues, the defending champions' campaign gets even more complicated after dropping more points in a second straight game.
The Nigeria international defender is now a free agent after officially leaving the Buccaneers on Thursday, meaning he can sign for any club outside the transfer window. His exit brings an end to a long and frustrating spell on the sidelines at the Soweto giants. He last played competitive football back in September 2024, with injuries also contributing to his time out.
After the Africa Cup of Nations finals, where, arguably, there was unanimous national support for Bafana Bafana, fans have now turned their focus on their individual clubs. With the Premier Soccer League gaining momentum after the AFCON break, the title chase is shaping up with the 'Big Three' tightly in the race. Mamelodi Sundowns are looking to defend the title; Pirates are hoping to end Masandawana's dominance after coming so close in the past few seasons, but can Amakhosi sustain the chase?
Before the Premier Soccer League went into the break to allow players to represent their countries in the Africa Cup of Nations finals, Bucs were at the top of the PSL standings. The Sea Robbers had also registered a five-match winning streak across all competitions before that break. However, they resumed the campaign with a goalless draw against Sekhukhune United, meaning they dropped points and saw their winning run halted.
GOAL gives you the details to follow the Soweto giants' hosting of Dikwena tsa Meetse in a Premier Soccer League clash at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. The Buccaneers are still pushing to reclaim top spot after Mamelodi Sundowns took the lead recently. Victory for Abdeslam Ouaddou's side will see them level on points with the Brazilians in this race that is already a tight contest.
The 2024/25 finalists and one-time champions were not convincing at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday night in the CAF inter-club competition. They struggled against the Sudanese outfit despite the massive quality that they had on the pitch. The result put Miguel Cardoso under pressure since he had the needed resources to succeed.
In the PSL mid-season transfer, clubs get another chance to strengthen their squads ahead of another gruelling remainder of the campaign. Although many clubs bought new players before the season began, the mid-season window gave them a chance to get the right players to strengthen further until Thursday, January 29, when it came to a close.
The race for the South African top-tier crown is interesting as the top dogs continue to get positive results. Apart from the Brazilians, who have won the last eight editions, the Buccaneers are determined to beat them to the prize in this edition. However, the Glamour Boys and Babina Nko have shown they can also win it.
After starting 2026 by dropping two points in the 0-0 draw with Sekhukhune United last week, the Buccaneers are out to pick themselves up when they host Premier Soccer League bottom-placed Dikwena tsa Meetse at the renamed Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. This is a match the Soweto giants cannot afford to lose points, but they are in a tricky situation, facing a desperate side stranded at the foot of the table.
The 22-year-old central defender is in his third season playing Premier Soccer League football and is enjoying his maiden campaign with the Buccaneers after joining the club ahead of the current season. He wasted no time in cementing his place in the starting line-up, delivering impressive performances at the back. His rise even saw Nkosinathi Sibisi relegated to the bench as he struck up a solid centre-back partnership with Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Although Bucs have made some significant signings, two exits have defined their transfer business in the January window. The exit of Monnapule Saleng to Mamelodi Sundowns and Ndah's contract termination grabbed headlines. Now, after the centre-back's exit from Bucs was confirmed, he has been linked with a move to Masandawana.
The 28-year-old has been struggling to get regular playing time at the Buccaneers despite recovering from a long term injury. The competition has been stiff, with those preferred by coach Abdeslam Ouaddou delivering as expected, explaining why the Super Eagles defender wasn't going to easily fit in. The Nigerian has now left the team, a couple of weeks after Mbekezeli Mbokazi left for Chicago Fire.
The Colombian forward joined the Tshwane giants earlier in January, and since his arrival, he has made an immediate impact on the pitch, reassuring Masandawana fans that they have secured a genuine goal-poacher. While it can sometimes take players a while to settle, the 25-year-old has beaten the odds. The Sundowns coach noted that his smooth adaptation has been made possible by the 'friendly' and supportive environment at Chloorkop.
The Soweto giants have been balancing their books in the wake of the wholesale purchases they made in both the offseason and the current transfer window. However, the recent decision was to part ways with one of the influential figures in the Buccaneers dressing room. It will also raise questions regarding the team's PSL ambition.
The current campaign for the Soweto giants has shown significant improvement. After ending their trophy drought last season—a success that marked a new dawn for Amakhosi, their league form had been below par, finishing last season only two points higher than where they are now halfway through this campaign. According to co-coach Kaze, the team’s performance this season represents a notable step forward.
The Sea Robbers have had a strong run in domestic competitions this season, winning the two tournaments - MTN8 and the Carling Knockout, respectively. The Buccaneers are still determined to win the top-tier crown as well as the Nedbank Cup since they have what they need to go all the way. However, the supporters have been warned that nothing is guaranteed.
The Buccaneers have been doing quite well for the last three seasons, during which they have won seven major trophies. This season, the Soweto giants have been tipped to win all the available domestic trophies owing to their impressive form at home. It explains why even investors want a piece of the cake since it will increase their products' visibility.
The Buccaneers have launched a serious challenge for the Premier Soccer League crown, mounting a credible threat to dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns, who are chasing a record-extending ninth straight title. Although the campaign is only at the halfway mark and the road ahead remains long, the Soweto giants have already put themselves in a strong position to sustain a genuine title bid. That momentum has left one of the Buccaneers’ key players brimming with confidence that this could finally be the season they go all the way.
The Soweto giants are firmly chasing their first Premier Soccer League title since 2012, with their sights set on ending a long domestic drought. While the PSL crown remains the main focus, the Buccaneers could still finish the season with as many as four domestic trophies in their cabinet. This comes despite having already missed out on CAF Champions League glory in the qualifying rounds, a competition in which their run ended at the semi-final stage last term.
The Stellies are determined to get back into the top positions on the Premier Soccer League table. In the off-season transfer window, they lost some big names to top teams in the country, something that weakened them. It got worse when coach Steve Barker dumped them for Tanzanian Premier League heavyweights Simba SC.
With the emerging keepers at Naturena, the Amakhosi senior team is expected not to struggle for top stars in that department. However, the challenge for the Soweto giants is to produce dependable goalkeepers who can match or go above Itumeleng Khune in terms of performance and longevity. Replacing the former Bafana Bafana custodian has been a mission that Chiefs have not successfully accomplished since Khune left in 2024.
The tactician is unhappy that he was illegally dismissed before being asked to go back, but as an assistant to an ex-Manchester City star who had taken over. The South African believes the ex-club has a case to answer, explaining the reason for seeking legal redress. He is unhappy that he was lied to when he had already signed a contract with them.
In a bid to get a constant supply of future stars, the Sea Robbers have added two upcoming youngsters into their ranks. Considered promising talents that could be the next big names in the South African football circles, Bucs have moved with speed to ensure they belong to them. In recent times, the Soweto giants have produced top stars who have ended up making their names at relatively young ages.
The win over Babina Noko came at a crucial time for the coach, who has been under immense pressure lately. The fans have expressed their dissatisfaction sometimes through protest and chants, and the club responded by issuing threats against such conduct. Although the performance in the Premier Soccer League has been positive, the manner in which the Brazilians win has raised questions, with some saying they are not as dominant as they were before, especially under Mosimane.
As the season gathers momentum after a brief break owing to the Africa Cup of Nations finals, Amakhosi will be in league action again just days after facing ZESCO United. The CAF Confederation Cup result against the struggling Zambian giants saw the Glamour Boys register back-to-back wins across competitions. Against Gallants, they face a side that last registered a league win in mid-October last year.
The Glamour Boys haven't been active in the January transfer window as opposed to the Brazilians and the Sea Robbers. The former have sharpened their defense and attack, while the Buccaneers have ensured they strengthen every department. It is not the same for Amakhosi, who haven't signed any experienced players to help them push for the top honours.
Orlando Pirates
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