The Brazilians kicked off their CAF Champions League journey with a trip to M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium on Sunday, 19 October, for the second preliminary round of the continental showpiece. Ranked among Africa’s elite, the South African side received a first-round bye; a nod to last season’s run to the final, where they ultimately fell short against Egyptian giants Pyramids FC.
Masandawana will be seeking redemption following their elimination from the domestic competition, the Carling Knockout Cup. After falling at the ultimate stage last season to Pyramids FC, Downs hope to win their second continental star this time around.
GOAL gives you the details to follow Amakhosi's CAF Confederation Cup trip to Lubumbashi to face their Congolese opponents on Saturday. They will be at TP Mazembe Stadium in this second preliminary round, first leg match, seeking to hand themselves a big advantage ahead of the return leg at Dobsonville Stadium next week.
The two Masandawana stars were not involved in the later stages of the qualifiers as South Africa withstood pressure to qualify for the global showpiece. To be part of the World Cup-going squad, the duo has been told what to do.
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The Bafana Bafana star left Amakhosi for their PSL rivals, and now the move has been described as a mistake on the part of the Glamour Boys. After just one season with his current club, he is tipped to be the next top defender for the national team.
South Africa will be part of the global competition once again for the first time since 2010, when they hosted it. However, this achievement came against some odds, as Mzansi were faced with what appeared like an insurmountable challenge, which, in the end, they overcame.
The new signing has been tipped to shine even more when he fully settles at the Chloorkop-based heavyweights. However, the midfielder's good start with his new club comes at a time when Masandawana are shaky and have just been eliminated from another competition.
As Bafana prepare to take on Rwanda's Amavubi, a new player has been called up by Hugo Broos. This is a crucial game for Mzansi, but they will face their rivals without key stars, and this complicates their situation even more.
Amakhosi's bid to defend their title received another setback after they dropped points as their rivals, including Bucs, keep winning. Masandawana, on the other hand, were impressive as they outsmarted Usuthu to go just behind the Sea Robbers.
The Sea Robbers' winning run was facing a real threat, but a late goal ensured they kept it and collected three more points as the season picks up speed. The victory saw them widen the gap with second-placed Richards Bay.
The Tshwane giants are far from what they have been associated with before: a lethal force that dismantled opponents with ease. Their dream of winning more titles this season was dealt a huge blow after elimination from the Carling Knockout Cup and MTN8.
After being frustrated by the Warriors, Bafana's hopes now largely depend on the results from Nigeria and Benin. The Super Eagles will host their West African counterparts in a match that carries a lot of stakes in determining the winner of the group.
The experienced goalkeeper has joined a growing list of players from Masandawana who have found homes at the lower league club. His place in the squad that will head to the AFCON finals is now doubtful, given that he is also injured.
The former defender has compared the PSL's Big Three and said the Glamour Boys have some ground to cover in order to be at the same level with the other two. Amakhosi and Bucs started the season on different trajectories, but the fortunes have flipped as the former struggle and the latter are enjoying a positive run.
The duo are understood to be among many trainees who have enrolled for the course that is expected to run for more than one week. The Masandawana chair already possesses a CAF D licence, which he trained for over two years ago.
Despite losing their group opening game, South Africa rose from what looked like their ruins to register back-to-back victories and reach the knockout stage. The African champions also scored eight goals and only conceded three, showing how resilient they have been in the global showpiece.
The Portuguese star was sent off in the 85th minute for a rough challenge on his opponent, handing Marumo Gallants a numerical advantage in a tightly contested and dramatic encounter. Bahlabane Ba Ntwa eventually prevailed as Downs were hit with another season setback.
Masandawana have suffered yet another setback in the season after Bahlabane Ba Ntwa progressed at their expense in the Carling Knockout Cup. Unable to score within regulation time, the Tshwane giants were pushed all the way to extra time and a penalty shootout, where their opponents prevailed.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa managed to keep the PSL heavyweights at bay for 120 minutes, forcing the match winner to be decided from the spot kicks. Generally, the game summed up Sundowns' struggle so far this term: disjointed and unable to create enough chances and even score from the few they get; a team that pales in comparison to what they were in previous seasons.
The South African tactician took over the Algerian side before the season began, and he hopes to have a successful debut season with them. MC Alger offered him a chance to work in North Africa again after a rather unsuccessful stint with Morocco's Wydad Casablanca.
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