Richards Bay news

GOAL gives you the details to follow the Soweto giants' hosting of the Natal Rich Boyz in a Premier Soccer League clash at Orlando Amstel Arena on Wednesday. After Mamelodi Sundowns went to the top of the PSL table on Tuesday evening, the Buccaneers are out to reclaim their place at the summit by boosting their goal difference and collecting maximum points from their visitors from KwaZulu-Natal.

The Sporting Director's interview with 947's MSW has seen a steady drip of headlines hit the media. From defending the money spent on transfers, to learning lessons from arch rivals Orlando Pirates, the 44-year-old has covered a lot of ground. However, the most eye-catching statement so far has come in the form of his acceptance of accountability for results on the pitch.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United midfielder has, in the past, been associated with indiscipline issues. A section of the Buccaneers supporters were afraid the problem had recurred with baseless rumours surfacing on Social Media that he is suspended by the club.

The Super Eagles and Bolton Wanderers icon has sparked debate by suggesting that Mzansi footballers are held back by a lack of ambition to ply their trade in the world's biggest leagues. The midfield maestro, who enjoyed a glittering 20-year career across Germany, Turkey, France, and England, suggested that the talent in the PSL often stays stagnant because players are unwilling to leave the comfort of their surroundings.

The arrival of the 27-year-old at Soweto was seen as a revival of his career following a disappointing spell in Pretoria, and the Bucs faithful quickly took to him. But recently he has struggled to live up to the promising glimpses he once showed. Injuries have also played a part in his setbacks. With his one-year contract soon expiring, time is running out for the playmaker, and fans, along with former players, are beginning to debate whether he has done enough to earn a long-term stay at Mayfair.

Masandawana are the only team from Mzansi in the ongoing CAF inter-club competition following the elimination of the Glamour Boys, the Sea Robbers, and Stellenbosch. The Brazilians will reap big, as confirmed by the organisers, but they should go all the way and bring the most coveted trophy home. Last season, they reached the final but fell to Pyramids.

In what could infuriate the Amakhosi fan base again, the national team head coach has not named a single player from the club. However, the Sea Robbers enjoy a high representation, followed by their close Premier Soccer League rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns. Thembinkosi Lorch, who has enjoyed an impressive run, has not been called up again.

Referees play critical roles in any football competitions but are always on the verge of a severe dressing-down if they make decisions considered biased. The coaches have always expressed their dissatisfaction openly when they feel decisions made were against their teams. Although freedom of expression is allowed, an experienced tactician has cautined his colleagues against public condemnation of the match officials.

The Masandawana chairman has embraced the Downs-Pirates rivalry, revealing that the heated battle in the Premier Soccer League has also fired up their Champions League ambitions. The two teams have been swapping the top spot in the league almost with every kick of the ball in recent weeks and the title race looks like going down to the wire.

The dream of lifting silverware for Usuthu may be over, but for the ambitious coach ‘10111’, as he’s affectionately known by the fans, there’s still one last mission to cement the club’s name among the elite.

The former Amakhosi star has raised fresh doubts about the club’s chances of qualifying for MTN8 following their recent dip in league form. The Naturena-based club have lost their last three league matches, a disappointing run that has dashed their hopes of the league title. The slump has allowed newcomers Durban City to leapfrog them into fourth place, while AmaZulu sit fifth with a one-point advantage over the Glamour Boys.

The former AmaKhosi goalkeeper has opened up on the transformative impact he and the late Orlando Pirates goal-minder had on local football, claiming the pair helped make goalkeeping 'fashionable' in the country. Both shot-stoppers rose through the ranks of the nation’s fiercest rivals, the Soweto giants, and shared a bond that went beyond club loyalties.

The Brazilians are the only PSL side still in CAF inter-club competitions this season. That means Masandawana will be trying to strike a balance between their continental ambitions and equally demanding domestic duties. Their workload becomes even heavier as they remain locked in a fierce Premier Soccer League title race with Orlando Pirates.