The South African tactician explains why MC Alger feels disappointed after managing to get a point against Masandawana during their second group game at Ali La Pointe Stadium. The 38-year-old coach has explained which side between MC Alger and his former team deserved the win on Friday. The game gave Mokwena's team their first group point this season after an initial loss to Al Hilal.
While Sundowns dropped points for the first time at the group stage, MC Alger gained a point after an initial loss to Al Hilal. This was a crucial match for both Downs and Mokwena, as they met for the first time since parting ways over one year ago. Masandawana remain at the top of the table, but that could change depending on the result of the other group games.
The Tshwane giants travel to Algeria, where they will battle it out at the Ali La Pointe Stadium on Friday evening against their former coach Rhulani Mokwena, whose side is wounded after a disappointing start to the CAF Champions League group stage. Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns supporters remain divided — some still yearning for Mokwena’s return due to dissatisfaction with current coach Miguel Cardoso, while others hope this clash will prove that the former Orlando Pirates mentor was not necessarily the ideal candidate either.
However, once the whistle blows, all off-field debates fall aside, as both teams will be equally tested in their pursuit of crucial group-stage points.
Masandawana attacking midfielder Nuno Santos shared his reasons for joining the lethal Sundowns squad in the Premier Soccer League, following their three–one triumph over FC Saint Eloi Lupopo — the same side that knocked out the mighty Orlando Pirates — in Saturday’s CAF Champions League group-stage clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The midfielder made a powerful statement, netting two goals and providing an assist for the Tshwane giants while donning the famous No. 10 jersey, with the third goal finished off by Marcelo Allende.
It was almost the perfect weekend for Mzansi sides in continental football. Mamelodi Sundowns were in CAF Champions League action on Saturday, while Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs did duty in the Confederation Cup on Sunday. Downs, although slightly underwhelming, managed to beat Orlando Pirates slayers Saint Eloi-Lupopo at home. Stellies, meanwhile, left it late to see off Otoho d’Oyo. It was then over to Amakhosi to ensure South African teams completed a perfect outing in the CAF interclub competition, but they disappointed.
The DR Congo international drew significant attention in October after his dramatic showing at Orlando Pirates’ stadium. His display even caught the interest of Kaizer Chiefs players Bruce Bvuma and George Matlou, who video-called him in a light-hearted jab at their Soweto rivals. Adding to that, popular Amakhosi supporter Papa Wawa presented the defender with a special gift upon his return to South Africa last week. That has all heightened the buzz around the player’s growing profile.
Although their display was not entirely convincing, Masandawana managed to collect crucial points in their CAF Champions League campaign. Starting with three points in a group that has heavyweights like Rhulani Mokwena's MC Alger and Sudanese giants Al Hilal should be considered an early achievement for Downs, who hope to go all the way to the final again. Nuno Santos, who is having a good start to life with the Tshwane giants, keeps proving why he was signed by the Brazilians, who wanted a player who would bring the X factor.
Masandawana managed to outclass their first group stage opponents by securing a win in an end-to-end encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday. Considered a group of death, Downs have collected their first three points after dispatching the Sea Robbers' tormentors. The home win is a morale boost for the Tshwane giants, who will face their former head coach, Rhulani Mokwena, in their next continental game.
The Democratic Republic of Congo outfit will be at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday, hoping to cause an upset against the defending Premier Soccer League champions in the CAF Inter-Club competition. This is the first-ever meeting between the teams across all tournaments, which makes the game even more entertaining.
The defending Premier Soccer League champions Masandawana are set for another massive challenge in the continental outing when they host the Chaminots at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday. A win for the Brazilians will be needed for them to avoid the pressure of making it out of the pool in their bid to go all the way and win the elusive second star.
Since lifting their first CAF Champions League crown in 2016, the Brazilians have been haunted by the elusive second star. Every season, the ambition burns brighter, yet heartbreak follows. Now, as they gear up to host Lupopo, Masandawana’s quest feels renewed - armed with depth, tactical clarity and continental hunger, this campaign could finally deliver the prize they covet most.
Masandawana host the Railmen at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday as they begin their CAF Champions League Group C campaign. They are keen on making a strong statement, knowing a win would help them stay at par or overtake Al Hilal, who occupy top spot after edging MC Alger on Friday. With home advantage and high expectations on them after last season's near-miss in this tournament, the Tshwane giants will be pushing to seize early control of the group.
The 38-year-old enjoyed a great career with both South Africa's Bafana Bafana and the Glamour Boys at large before he was forced to retire at the end of the 2023/24 season. The legendary custodian has now advised fringe custodians at Masandawana and the Buccaneers on what to do to be successful in their careers.
Since October 2024, the veteran midfielder has been battling persistent fitness issues that have severely limited his game time for both club and country. His latest injury struck just as he had recovered from a previous setback, adding to the frustration. The recurring problems have raised fears that he may now be injury-prone. With him spending more time on the sidelines than on the pitch, concerns continue to grow about the future of his career. These mounting worries have also sparked fresh fears that he might soon consider calling time on his career when he is needed by Masandawana and the national team.
The defending Premier Soccer League champions are known for their untamed appetite for good and quality players to continue challenging for top honours domestically and abroad. They have recently been linked to the Bafana Bafana centre-back, who has been growing from strength to strength since leaving the Glamour Boys.
There was drama during the Railmen’s last visit to South Africa to face Orlando Pirates, with their defender Dieumerci Mukoko earning himself suspension for his over-the-top antics. The Buccaneers fell right into their visitors' trap and drew CAF sanctions for spraying chemical substances near the opponents' dressing room. The drama became one of the talking points of that afternoon at Orlando Stadium. Sundowns are aware of that chaotic episode and their coach says they will be on high alert to avoid similar pitfalls.
It's been 13 long years since the Sea Robbers were crowned champions of South Africa. However, there's a growing feeling that 2025/26 can spell the end of that long league title drought as Ouaddou's charges look fresh, relatively injury-free and with their eyes firmly focused on the prize they desperately crave.
The Soweto giants' dream of competing in the CAF Inter-Club competition and probably going all the way was crushed by Saint Eloi Lupopo, who stood up to the Orlando Stadium supporters' pressure to make the group stage. The Buccaneers alleged anomalies from the Chaminots, but the ruling didn't favour them as anticipated.
The 2025 CAF Awards ceremony was held on Wednesday in Morocco, with a South African team and footballers being part of the final nominees. The glittering event drew the continent’s finest football personalities under one roof and the strong South African presence might highlight the country's influence and contribution to football on the continent.
There’s no doubt, Mzansi football is on the up. One just needs to take one look at the performances of Bafana Bafana over the last few years. Since Hugo Broos took charge, the national team has improved significantly, and the recent nominations of SA players at the CAF Awards were a testament to that fact.
After they were eliminated, the Soweto giants complained to the continental governing body. At the centre of the Bucs' complaints was the ineligibility question of two Saint-Eloi players and their head coach, Guy Bukasa. With the judgement out, the DR Congo can now fully focus on their next game against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Premier Soccer League has acknowledged the efforts to introduce the technology-aided officiating system, but has raised fundamental questions. The funding model remains a key issue of concern for the league, and according to Khoza, PSL cannot make any contribution on the matter at this juncture. PSL's stance comes at a time when there is a raging debate on what VAR model to implement and when to do it.
The Democratic Republic of Congo outfit got past the Buccaneers in the second preliminary round to make the next phase of the annual continental club competition. They have now been pooled with the defending Premier Soccer League champions, hoping to finish in the top two positions and make the knockout hurdle.
The 27-year-old is making waves in Spain with his impressive performances for his second-tier club. He has continued with his growing hunger to get into the goal-scoring mix and make his mark in the league. While the Golden Boot remains a distant dream, he is promising to get himself into the mix should he continue with consistent displays. After parting ways with Sundowns unceremoniously, the attacker is showing why he was so keen for a move away from Chloorkop.
The Premier Soccer League side has found itself in FIFA's hot soup after failing to pay their all-time leading scorer, whom they controversially parted ways with in May. This is a huge blow for the club because the ban will deny them a chance to sign new players and strengthen in order to remain competitive. However, they have a chance of cleaning up the mess if they settle the money owed to the Zimbabwean star.
Due to the Mokoena suspension case, FIFA deducted Bafana's three points, putting their World Cup qualification in a very precarious position. However, South Africa eventually qualified despite the sanction coming in September, just before South Africa's final two critical fixtures. The star, who was at the centre of the controversy, has now opened up on how the issue affected him and his family.
Saint-Eloi Lupopo
