Saint-Eloi Lupopo news

The Buccaneers faithful have witnessed the value of having a game in hand. After the Mayfair-based side was ridiculed and tipped to drop points following their opening fixture, the Soweto outfit responded emphatically on Saturday evening, producing a commanding display to secure a convincing three points.

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.

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.

The Brazilians' situation is growing increasingly tense, with mounting pressure that could cost coach Miguel Cardoso his job. The Tshwane giants have made continental glory their top priority, but they have been far from convincing in that competition this season after reaching the final last term. Those stuttering performances have only intensified scrutiny on Cardoso as patience begins to wear thin at Chloorkop.

When the two teams meet in Rwanda, there will be two critical factors to play for: three points and the top position of the group. Both the Sudanese giants and Masandawana have five points, and a winner of the encounter will massively boost their chances of reaching the knockout phase.

Mokwena's trophy dream faced a new storm after a second loss in the continental competition. Now with just a point, MC Alger's ambition of reaching the knockout stage is uncertain after dropping points once again. According to the South African tactician, his side did not challenge their rivals, whom he says were simply the better team on the day.

The blow has come at a time when the South African's multiple-title dream was boosted by a domestic trophy won a few days ago. Although Mokwena's campaign on the domestic front looks promising, he has struggled to find good form in the continental competition. Now, his side is facing what looks like an imminent elimination from Africa's premier inter-club competition.

The West African player, who made his name at Young Africans in Tanzania before he moved north, could be on his way out after another North African club is reported to be ready to sign him. Despite making a reported big money transfer from Tanzania to Morocco, the forward has not quite settled with the Moroccan heavyweights.

The former Orlando Pirates coach has gone on to create history beyond Mzansi borders, with the 39-year-old tactician once again underlining his pedigree. Having already shown his capability during his spells at Mayfair and Chloorkop, the latest cup triumph with his current side came as no surprise to Pitso Mosimane, who had long foreseen Mokwena’s success and publicly backed him when he appointed him as his assistant at Sundowns.