Sekhukhune United news

The Buccaneers’ Christmas wishlist indicates to just some fine-tuning rather than a major overhaul as they head into the January player transfer window. While the Soweto giants look well stocked in all departments, they are still expected to into the market to add extra quality and depth. This is driven by the fact that they remain in the hunt for the PSL title and the Nedbank Cup.

After a few seasons of the Soweto giants showing flashes of being a dangerous outfit only to fall short at crucial moments, the Sea Robbers have produced a commendable run of form, signaling their intent to go for everything in the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season. The Bucs have already lifted three trophies before the halfway mark of the campaign — the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, and Carling Black Label Cup — while also sitting top of the league table, underlining their growing authority and consistency.

The Soweto giants, Bucs, have been doing well domestically, where they have already won three trophies across all competitions in the last couple of months. It explains why they produced a large number of players for the national team ahead of the biennial competition in Morocco. While the Sea Robbers' tactician is happy with his stars in national colours, he has shared his concern too.

In the absence of Mamelodi Sundowns' legendary midfielder Themba Zwane, questions have been asked about who among the two Orlando Pirates players can effectively play in the creative role behind the strikers. While a section feels Master Chef is suited for the job, others feel the 21-year-old versatile attacker should be given the opportunity.

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.

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.

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.