The football-loving fans in South Africa are anxiously waiting for the experienced, veteran tactician to unveil his squad for the prestigious global competition. After struggles in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), it is interesting to see who will be considered.
The Soweto giants were undone in Bloemfontein on Wednesday night in the Premier Soccer League assignment. Despite coming into the match as clear favourites, Amakhosi returned home empty-handed; they have now gone three games without victory.
The Glamour Boys were expected to collect their first-ever victory over the Premier Soccer League debutants, but things took an unexpected turn. The Soweto giants were undone by their hosts, ending their recent run of seven league outings without defeat.
Fresh from their hard-fought Soweto Derby draw, Amakhosi were brought crashing back to earth as the Bloemfontein outfit swiftly punctured their renewed confidence. Lehlohonolo Seema’s side took another significant step away from the relegation zone with a performance full of purpose and conviction. The defeat not only snapped the Naturena side’s unbeaten run and dented their hopes of securing a stable top-three finish, but also tested the growing faith they had begun to place in the tactical approach of co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef.
The South Africa legend has been a keen follower of his former team Amakhosi, whom he represented for 25 years before his exit two seasons ago. The Glamour Boys have been doing well in the last seven games, where they have collected 17 points from a possible 21.
The Glamour Boys have collected 17 points from a possible 21 from their last seven Premier Soccer League outings to strengthen their bid to finish in the top three to qualify for the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup. Phunya Sele Sele are aware that a win will bring them closer to the top-eight finish, which will give them an MTN8 ticket.
When a player leaves a club, it is mostly news that is not well-received by the fans, especially if he was a dependable figure. In most cases, such moves put the players at the receiving end of intense criticism from the club's faithful. This is exactly a situation a former Amakhosi forward found himself in when he decided to pursue greener pastures elsewhere.
As Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns size each as far as the league title is concerned, Amakhosi and Usuthu are fighting for the CAF Confederation ticket next season. At the bottom, there is another fervent fight for survival as the likes of Orbit College, Marumo Gallants, Magesi, Chippa United and TS Galaxy hope to avoid dropping to the second tier.
Although eyes are firmly on the Premier Soccer League title race between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, there are other stakes to be fought for by other teams across the table. Kaizer Chiefs are eyeing a top-three finish that will hand them a CAF Confederation Cup ticket as other teams battle for top-eight finishes.
Sekhukhune United looked well on course for a top-three finish and a place in continental football for much of the season. However, a disappointing second half of the campaign has seen Babina Noko lose momentum at the worst possible time, putting their CAF Confederation Cup ambitions under serious threat. The slump ultimately prompted a change in the dugout, and the new man at the helm has openly acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge as he looks to steady the ship.
The Ghana international star Edwin Gyimah has successfully reclaimed his home after a harrowing period of homelessness. Despite the breakthrough, the veteran defender remains in a precarious position as he searches for a way to rebuild his career and support his family.
As the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League hurtles toward a nail-biting finale, the race for the best possible finish and survival is reaching a boiling point. Dikwena tša Meetse delivered a statement performance, blowing City away to ease the heat on their top-flight status. Meanwhile, the Rockets’ slump rolls on with wins hard to come by, while the Natal Rich Boys keep knocking on the door, determined to muscle their way into the top-eight conversation.
As the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season races toward a tense finale, the battle for the best position and survival is hitting a fever pitch. The Rockets’ struggles continue as wins prove elusive, while the Natal Rich Boys keep pushing to force their way into the top-eight conversation. At the other end, concern is growing for Magesi and the Mswenko Boys as the pressure at the bottom intensifies.
As the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League hurtles toward a nail-biting finale, the race for the best possible finish and survival is reaching a boiling point. Dikwena tša Meetse delivered a statement performance, blowing City away to ease the heat on their top-flight status. Meanwhile, the Rockets’ slump rolls on with wins hard to come by, while the Natal Rich Boys keep knocking on the door, determined to muscle their way into the top-eight conversation.
As the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season hurtles toward its dramatic finale, the battle lines are sharply drawn across the table. Stellies' victory on Friday night did little to shift the standings, as Gavin Hunt’s charges remain level on points with Golden Arrows, who stay ahead on goal difference. The race to muscle into the coveted top eight is reaching a boiling point, while down in the trenches, sides like Marumo Gallants, Orbit College, and Magesi FC remain locked in a gritty scrap to dodge the drop.
The Soweto giants are expected to appoint a new coach at the end of the season, with Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef likely to make way. A number of names have already been thrown into the mix as speculation over the next appointment intensifies.
The former 29-year-old Masandawana star has finally made his long-awaited return to the pitch, making his debut in the Premier Soccer League clash on Saturday evening after a lengthy period as a free agent. Following a successful first outing, the head coach has opened up on how he plans to utilise the ex-Sundowns man’s unique skill set.
The battle at the bottom remains unpredictable as the Mswenko Boys settled for a point in Bloemfontein. Meanwhile, Rise and Shine salvaged a late point against Chilli Boys, and Babina Noko’s Limpopo derby win reignited hopes of a strong finish following a winless run. Arrows also bounced back to collect all three points, as Usuthu were once again stalled in their push for CAF qualification.
Rise and Shine salvaged a late point against Chilli Boys after a penalty drama, while Babina Noko’s Limpopo derby win reignited hopes of a strong finish following a winless run. Arrows bounced back to secure all three points, as Usuthu were once again stalled in their push for CAF spot qualification, with the battle between Gallants and Orbit still wide open in the relegation zone.
Polokwane salvaged a late point against Chippa after a penalty drama, while Babina Noko’s Limpopo derby win reignited hopes of a strong finish following a winless run. Arrows bounced back to secure all three points, as Usuthu were once again stalled in their push for CAF spot qualification, with the battle between Gallants and Orbit still wide open in the relegation zone.
Babina Noko’s Limpopo derby win has reignited hopes of a strong finish to the season. Arrows also bounced back, securing all three points against City. Usuthu were once again stalled in their push for CAF Confederation Cup qualification, while the Chilli Boys continue to fight clear of the relegation scrap. The battle between Gallants and Orbit remains wide open.
The 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season is into its final stretch, where teams in South Africa are working hard to realise their objectives set at the beginning of the campaign. Despite failing to get it right, as the supporters anticipated, the Glamour Boys are still expecting to qualify for continental inter-club competitions, but they have been told it will not be a walk in the park, despite having an advantage.
The loss is a big blow to the Rockets, who are in desperate need of a victory in order to avoid sliding down towards the relegation zone. After the international break, teams are now focused on their league duties, with some fighting against possible relegation as Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns engage in the title race.
Amakhosi make a trip to Port Elizabeth on Monday to face relegation-threatened Mswenko Boys in the South African top-flight football. The Soweto giants need maximum points in their bid to return to continental football in the 2026/27 edition. Any lapses might see them fail to realise their objective.
The Sekhukhune United goalkeeper endured a tough introduction as South Africa fell to defeat in a recent international friendly at the DHL Cape Town Stadium. The shot-stopper has come under fire for his role in the loss, but former Premier Soccer League goalkeeper Amon Phophi believes the blame lies elsewhere.
The ex-Masandwana defensive midfielder is reportedly on the verge of returning to professional football with Babina Noko after a period in the wilderness. The 29-year-old, whose immense talent has frequently been overshadowed by persistent fitness struggles, has been reported to be training with the Limpopo team.
Sekhukhune United
