The 32-year-old attacking midfielder enjoyed a highly credible spell with the Sea Robbers, where he played a pivotal role in helping Orlando Pirates lift three MTN8 Cups. He also tasted success in domestic cup football, contributing to the club’s Nedbank Cup triumph. Beyond the local scene, Makaringe had the privilege of showcasing his talents on the continental stage, featuring in the CAF Champions League and testing himself against some of Africa’s top clubs. Known for his creativity, vision, and knack for key moments, he established himself as a respected and influential figure during his time at Mayfair.
The attacker, who has also been linked with Kaizer Chiefs, has seen a rapid rise in the Premier Soccer League. With the short transfer window approaching, he is set to be linked with more clubs, but Bucs have been told to sign him since he has a profile that fits their needs. The Pirates' linked star has also been tipped as a future prized asset for the national team, Bafana Bafana.
In a match that was expected to help Bafana prepare adequately for AFCON, it ended up bringing an unexpected fear. A key player is now in a race against time to be fit just before the finals begin in Morocco. Should Oswin Appollis' injury fears be confirmed to be serious, Hugo Broos will be forced to look at his reserve list and pick a replacement.
It is always refreshing to hear some Premier Soccer League [PSL] players being linked with overseas clubs, especially big European leagues. In recent times, young players in South Africa have been getting their big moves to Europe or the USA, with the latest being talented former Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Bronze winners played their final build-up game against the West African nation on Tuesday evening, where they laboured to a morale-boosting victory. The team will now leave for Morocco on Wednesday, December 17, with hopes of bringing glory back to Mzansi for the second time in their history.
The 21-year-old versatile attacker has been a factor in the Premier Soccer League, where he has consistently delivered for the Rockets, who gave him a chance following his unceremonious exit from the Glamour Boys' junior team two seasons ago. He has been linked with several top teams in the country and abroad.
For South Africa, the duel carried more weight, as it is their final friendly game before heading to Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations. For Ghana, who will not be part of the AFCON competition, the match was meant to sharpen them for the African Nations Championship qualifiers. With some players not available yet, Hugo Broos gave stars like Ricardo Goss and Khulumani Ndamane starting chances.
With Masandawana struggling to find a winning consistency that is always associated with them, pressure has been piling on the tactician. The Premier Soccer League title race is expected to be a tough one, and with that in mind, the big question for the Pretoria giants is whether to stick with or sack their coach. However, Downs have been advised that parting ways with the former Esperance head coach would be a risky move.
The departure of the 20-year-old centre-back to North America may have left a void that the Buccaneers will need to address. The Soweto giants have enjoyed a season built on being tight at the back and will be keen to ensure they do not suddenly become porous. Maintaining that defensive solidity will be key to their bid to add more silverware this season.
As the experienced tactician is preparing his players for the continental finals, his selections continue to be placed under scrutiny. There was noise when players like Thembinkosi Lorch were snubbed, but Broos has always defended his decision. Now, his squad has been described as unbalanced and a disgrace to the country just days before the finals begin in Morocco.
The national team coach acted swiftly to resolve an issue that had the potential to unsettle his camp to ensure his men remain focused on the upcoming continental tournament. He is now looking to lead a highly motivated squad to Morocco, determined to improve on the third-place finish they achieved at the previous edition.
The 73-year-old Belgian rubbed a majority of the fans in South Africa the wrong way, and despite the South African Federation Association, SAFA, clarifying the matter, the former Cameroon coach has apologised. He insists his sentiments were blown out of proportion, and what he meant is different from what was perceived.
The forward's efforts in recent games have been recognised by being given an award just days before the continental games begin in Morocco. The youngster beat his equally in-form teammate to the club's prestigious award. Both Bucs' stars are in the Bafana camp, where their AFCON preparations have intensified.
The Sea Robbers have been performing well defensively, thanks to the talented players who have been outstanding in the last couple of seasons, including the current campaign. The Nigeria international and his colleague from South Africa have been on the sidelines nursing injuries for an extended period, but they are now ready to deliver for the Soweto giants.
The 21-year-old winger endured an unceremonious exit from Amakhosi but has since reinvented himself at TS Galaxy, emerging as one of the standout performers in the PSL. His exploits with the Rockets have placed him on the fringes of the Bafana Bafana setup and has a chance of featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His form has also sparked transfer speculation, linking him with a return to Amakhosi as well as interest from Mamelodi Sundowns and the Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers have already clinched two trophies this season and, despite their CAF Champions League elimination, they still have a chance to finish the campaign with four titles. Their new signings have emerged as genuine game-changers, injecting fresh energy and quality into the squad. Their influence could prove decisive as the Soweto giants push to achieve their silverware ambitions.
The 20-year-old has made a huge leap in his young career, sealing a major move just nine months after breaking into professional football. While he was widely tipped to take the European route, the defender has instead opted for a switch to America, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions. Two former Amakhosi midfielders have come out strongly in support of the move after his national team coach openly voiced his opposition.
South Africa’s brightest young talent, Mbokazi, finds himself in the bad books of the no-nonsense Bafana Bafana coach and needs to work his way out to keep his dream of playing in the AFCON as well as the World Cup. Broos was left fuming after Mbekezeli Mbokazi, fresh from leading the Buccaneers to yet another cup triumph, arrived late for the national team camp in preparation for the upcoming AFCON.
Despite being overlooked by Bafana Bafana for the Africa Cup of Nations, the former Platinum Stars player has maintained his impressive club form, delivering influential performances and playing a key role in driving his side into the next round of the cup competition as his momentum continues to build.
The in‑form forward has linked up with Bafana Bafana as the squad sharpens its plans for the Nations Cup in Morocco, scheduled for the December to January window. His inclusion comes after a strong opening to the 2025/26 season, where his early impact earned him a deserved call into the national setup once again.
The South African tactician continues to make waves in North Africa, guiding MC Alger with a calm authority and a growing sense of purpose. Mokwena’s unbeaten run has injected belief into the squad and heightened expectations among supporters as the club pushes deeper into the Algerian Cup and edges closer to silverware.
The 27-year-old heads to AFCON with South Africa on the back of a rejuvenated season in which he rediscovered his best form with the Buccaneers. He last tasted international tournament football in 2017 at the Under-20 AFCON with Amajita, but now has the chance to showcase his talent on the big stage with the senior national team. Much is expected of him at the tournament in Morocco as he looks to repay coach Hugo Broos for the faith shown in him.
The Buccaneers sit at the pinnacle of South African football, having already lifted the MTN8, Carling Knockout and Carling Cup at the halfway mark of the 2025/26 season. Pirates also lead the Premier Soccer League standings, placing them firmly in the race for a historic league title when domestic action resumes in January, with momentum clearly on their side.
The 73-year-old former Kaizer Chiefs tactician has raised a similar concern to what Hugo Broos highlighted as he prepares Bafana for the Africa Cup of Nations. Bafana have been training without players who are still attached to their clubs in Europe. According to Broos, it is only possible for those stars to link up with the rest a few days before the tournament begins in Morocco.
Despite bringing in 11 new faces to Naturena in the last PSL transfer window, the Soweto giants are still expected to go into the market to address issues in creativity and their inconsistent scoring. More transfer activity could help fix those problematic departments in a team that has, however, shown clear improvement in defence and goalkeeping this season. A former Amakhosi player has already recommended an in-form PSL star as the club’s ideal next signing.
The Sea Robbers have had quite an impressive Premier Soccer League campaign so far and rightfully top the standings. A coach who won the PSL title with Masandawana has warned that teams have cracked Bucs' success code and will frustrate them when the season resumes. The tactician has, however, pointed out that the Buccaneers have the capacity and ability to withstand the frustrations expected.
Orlando Pirates
