The 21-year-old has been recognised just five months after signing for Al Ettifaq from the Buccaneers, underlining the promise he has already shown and hinting at even bigger contributions in the months ahead. The award is a timely reward that could also serve as a major confidence boost at the ongoing AFCON finals, inspiring him to perform at a higher level and emerge as one of the tournament’s standout players.
The Buccaneers are revamping their squad as the PSL transfer window looms, with two players having left the club. The PSL log leaders are also set to bring in a new attacker to reinforce a squad bidding to complete a quadruple this season, after their MTN8 and Carling Knockout success. A rapid attacker was not short of admirers after becoming a free agent following his Bucs exit and GOAL has been exclusively been informed that he has signed a long-term deal at a PSL rival.
The Buccaneers went for this current international break leading the PSL table and relegating Sundowns to second place. The Soweto giants enjoy two points clear at the top, having played a game less than the Brazilians. That gives them a crucial edge ahead of the resumption of league action in January.
The coach is in Morocco, where the Mzansi star has established chemistry with a huge section of the fans who support Wydad Casablanca. Despite the forward's impressive outing with the Moroccan heavyweights, he was snubbed for the AFCON finals. Many believe the 32-year-old is still a national asset, but Broos does not think that is the right position.
The 1996 winners endured tough opposition from the Palancas Negras in Marrakesh to get maximum points. South Africa had not beaten their fellow COSAFA rivals in the last five games across all competitons but that changed when it mattered most as Hugo Broos' men hope to go all the way in the ongoing edition.
Bucs' key players dominate the Bafana squad that is in Morocco chasing the Africa Cup of Nations glory. Back home, the two Premier Soccer League giants have shown real intent of winning the league title at the halfway mark. The PSL title race is already taking shape, and when the competition resumes, no one will want to sleep and cede ground.
The former Super Eagles captain walked away from his national team career just as his side was getting ready for the continental football showpiece. It marked the end of the 10 years he was with Nigeria, having established himself as a reliable centre-back and entrusted with a leadership role as the team's skipper. The Buccaneers defender played with him and has taken time to pay tribute.
Few players have faced as much scrutiny as the 25‑year‑old lanky forward. Critics highlight flaws, but his six goals and two assists for Bafana Bafana show undeniable value. His performances at club and national level reveal a striker who thrives under pressure, turning doubt into fuel for his rise.
Given their performance in Ivory Coast in the last AFCON edition, Bafana go into the upcoming finals as pre-tournament favourites. The North Africans, on the other hand, are the record champions and, in addition to the kind of players they have, are automatically tipped as favourites too. Coincidentally, both are in Group B, and football fans will be treated to a high-stakes encounter at the preliminary stage.
In recent months, Orlando Pirates have sold two of their gems, and another has been tipped to follow in their footsteps soon. Despite the fact he is one of the most promising South African stars, Mofokeng is yet to seal a big move. It started with Nkota before Mbokazi followed suit, but what is holding back President Yama 2000 has been explained.
The 29-year-old forward is enduring a frustrating campaign, having struggled for regular game time this season. Despite enjoying a brief spell in which he impressively found the back of the net, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has increasingly overlooked him in his selection. With the Buccaneers mentor showing little faith in the player, it remains to be seen whether the attacker will still be at the club next season.
The subject of whether the Bafana Bafana defender should have waited to play in AFCON first before choosing his next club has been quite a hot topic. Broos was the first one to publicly question the move to the Major Soccer League. According to the experienced tactician, Mbokazi should have at least waited to play in the AFCON and World Cup finals before considering a move.
As the experienced striker faces an uncertain future with the Soweto giants, his club rival has been described as one of the best strikers. Mabasa has fallen down the pecking order under Abdeslam Ouaddou, as either Evidence Makgopa, Boitumelo Radiopane, or Yanela Mbuthuma has been preferred to him in most cases. Now, he has been told to consider a move to Amakhosi, but is the new sensation in town his replacement?
After making only four signings at the start of the 2025/26 season, Fawaaz Basadien, Tsiki Ntsabeleng on loan from FC Dallas, Nuno Santos and Miguel Reisinho, one feels Masandawana are still searching for the perfect balance to sustain their dominance. The Brazilians remain strong contenders, but the Premier Soccer League CAF Champions League demands more depth and fresh energy.
The Glamour Boys have started the season quite well, having managed to stay in touch with the Premier Soccer League favourites, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite their impressive run in the South African top-flight football, Amakhosi have been accused of not showing the needed hunger that will push them to titles.
The Sea Robbers produced nine players for Hugo Broos' arsenal set to compete for the continental crown starting this weekend in the North African nation. It was a massive reward for Abdeslam Ouaddou's men, who have been excellent in domestic assignments where they have won two competitive trophies and one that is unofficial.
The 57-year-old, who played for Wits University Football Club and SuperSport United, has been coaching in South Africa since 2008, but will now be plying trade outside Mzansi after accepting an offer from African heavyweights. It is a massive blow for Stellies, who have been struggling to push for top positions in the country's top-flight football.
With mounting questions surrounding the capabilities of the Chiefs' co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, and growing frustration among the Naturena faithful, the Soweto giants have once again found themselves at the centre of intense debate. Discontent continues to ripple through the fan base as uncertainty lingers over the team's direction, reigniting widespread discussions about who would be the right fit to take charge as head coach and steer the club back toward stability and success.
The Buccaneers’ Christmas wishlist indicates to just some fine-tuning rather than a major overhaul as they head into the January player transfer window. While the Soweto giants look well stocked in all departments, they are still expected to into the market to add extra quality and depth. This is driven by the fact that they remain in the hunt for the PSL title and the Nedbank Cup.
After a few seasons of the Soweto giants showing flashes of being a dangerous outfit only to fall short at crucial moments, the Sea Robbers have produced a commendable run of form, signaling their intent to go for everything in the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season. The Bucs have already lifted three trophies before the halfway mark of the campaign — the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, and Carling Black Label Cup — while also sitting top of the league table, underlining their growing authority and consistency.
The 44‑year‑old coach took charge of Raja in September and has since collected 15 points from seven Botola Pro matches, lifting the club into fourth place. With Raja sitting five points behind leaders Wydad Athletic Club but holding a game in hand, Davids now turns his focus to the January window to strengthen his squad.
Pirates have a large and settled squad, but a little sprinkling of extra quality over January could be just the ticket and take them over the line in what promises to be a tight title race with champions Sundowns. Which players can take them there?
The 25-year-old has continued to face questions over whether he can truly lead South Africa’s attack at the continental competition out in Morocco. Makgopa remains among the top scorers for Pirates this season, yet his inconsistent form at international level has left sections of supporters uncertain about his impact.
The Premier Soccer League title race is taking shape, and there is an indication that, just like the previous three seasons, it will be a battle between the Soweto giants and the Pretoria heavyweights. Past the halfway mark, Pirates sit at the top with two more points than Downs, meaning it is easy to predict a neck-to-neck title showdown once again.
The Soweto giants, Bucs, have been doing well domestically, where they have already won three trophies across all competitions in the last couple of months. It explains why they produced a large number of players for the national team ahead of the biennial competition in Morocco. While the Sea Robbers' tactician is happy with his stars in national colours, he has shared his concern too.
In the absence of Mamelodi Sundowns' legendary midfielder Themba Zwane, questions have been asked about who among the two Orlando Pirates players can effectively play in the creative role behind the strikers. While a section feels Master Chef is suited for the job, others feel the 21-year-old versatile attacker should be given the opportunity.
Orlando Pirates
