The Premier Soccer League chairman has lifted the lid on the immense financial sacrifices made by the Soweto clubs to ensure the survival of professional football in South Africa. As the league celebrates its 30th anniversary, the man known as the 'Iron Duke' detailed the private meetings and difficult decisions that transformed the domestic game into Africa's most successful competition.
Thuso Phala has moved to silence growing speculation regarding a potential rift between the club's established academy stars and marquee signing Langelihle Phili. The talk of friction emerged following recent performances where fans questioned the chemistry between the young trio after instances where passes were overlooked.
Amakhosi have received significant backing following their impressive performance against Mamelodi Sundowns, with a former Masandawana player suggesting the Naturena outfit are set to become a major force this term. The tactical shift under the new technical team has caught the eye of observers across the South African football landscape.
The Rockets and Abafana Bes'thende could not be separated as they settled for a share of the spoils after a goalless draw. The battle of the promoted teams ended with Milford getting their first three points, while Ben Youssef's team dropped points again. Kaze walked away with three points against Rise and Shine; elsewhere, Usuthu claimed a crucial victory over the Lehlohonolo Seema-coached team in Durban on Saturday. Gavin Hunt's side collected their first three points of the 2026/27 campaign after a debutant, Quwan Plaatjies, scored a hat-trick in his first-ever professional match.
The Soweto giants' defender has expressed his immense satisfaction with the club's decision to recruit a Bafana Bafana centre-back during the recent transfer window. The Angolan international believes his new teammate possesses the specific qualities required to help Amakhosi reclaim their former glory under Fernando da Cruz.
The Nigeria international has reclaimed his place at the Chilli Boys following a period of uncertainty regarding his future. The Super Eagles goalkeeper is now determined to lead the club to a successful season under the guidance of chairman Siviwe Mpengesi.
The Usuthu forward has reached out to the Buccaneers midfielder to offer a sincere apology following a controversial incident during their recent league clash. The striker was involved in a heavy tackle that has left the South African football community concerned over the health of the Soweto giants’ star.
The veteran coach has made a massive declaration regarding the Bucs' latest defensive acquisition following his high-profile move to the Soweto giants. The Stellenbosch FC manager, who previously worked with the youngster, believes the Soweto club have secured a generational talent who can dominate the left-back position for years to come.
Usuthu's coach has sent a shockwave through the Premier Soccer League by publicly lambasting his star striker despite his heroics against the Sea Robbers. The former Kaizer Chiefs tactician made it clear that goal-scoring alone will not guarantee a place in his starting XI if the work rate is missing.
The Sea Robbers’ wasteful attack once again proved costly as they were held to a draw by a Durban outfit that has shown vulnerability at the back. Both sides were looking to maintain their winning momentum at the start of the Premier Soccer League campaign, with Usuthu aiming to bounce back from their MTN8 Cup setback over the weekend.
It was raining goals at Seshego Stadium as Rise and Shine went toe-to-toe with Stellies in an entertaining encounter that ended in a 3-3 draw. The Chilli Boys also played out a draw with the Natal Rich Boys, while Gallants and Kruger United settled for a goalless stalemate. Meanwhile, in the KwaZulu-Natal derby, Durban City and Arrows drew 0-0 while newly promoted Milford got their first ever top flight points against Siwelele.
The talented goalkeeper looks set to head for the exit door as his representative seeks a temporary solution to his lack of playing time. The shot-stopper has found himself down the pecking order at Chloorkop, and a fresh start now appears to be the only viable path for the former junior international.
Check out the latest transfer news and rumours from Amakhosi, Buccaneers, Masandawana, the rest of the PSL teams and South African players and coaches plying their trade abroad.
The Stallions' tactician has insisted that his side did not embarrass themselves during their season-opening clash with the Buccaneers on Saturday. Despite the loss, the coach was full of praise for his players' efforts against the reigning champions.
The Bloemfontein outfit was held to a draw by the Rockets, who fought back to earn a point. In another encounter, Rise and Shine edged the Natal Rich Boys to get their campaign off to a winning start and secure maximum points. Meanwhile, Cedric Kaze claimed the early bragging rights over Khalil Ben Youssef in the reunion of the former Amakhosi co-coaches. AmaZulu secured all three points against Steliies. Elsewhere, Abafana Bes'thende and the Chilli Boys were forced to settle for a goalless stalemate.
The opening day of the Premier Soccer League got underway without the goal rush many had expected, as teams struggled to find the back of the net. Cedric Kaze wins first round against Khalil Ben Youssef in the Amakhosi reunion. A second-half penalty proved decisive for Usuthu, while Abafana Bes'thende and the Chilli Boys had to settle for a share of the spoils after playing out a draw. Elsewhere, Richards Bay, Polokwane City, Siwelele and TS Galaxy will all be eager to kick off their campaigns on a positive note as they battle for valuable opening-day points.
The opening day of the Premier Soccer League got underway without the goal rush many had expected, as teams struggled to find the back of the net. A second-half penalty proved decisive for Usuthu, while Abafana Bes'thende and the Chilli Boys had to settle for a share of the spoils after playing out a draw. Attention now turns to another intriguing fixture, where former Kaizer Chiefs co-coaches will go head-to-head from opposite sides of the touchline. Elsewhere, Richards Bay, Polokwane City, Siwelele and TS Galaxy will all be eager to kick off their campaigns on a positive note as they battle for valuable first match points.
The veteran coach has lifted the lid on the club's decision to pass on the opportunity to sign a former Kaizer Chiefs defender. Despite the player's pedigree and long-standing history at Naturena, the Winelands outfit opted against a permanent deal following a trial period.
The tactician has sent a defiant message to his critics following a massive overhaul of his playing squad this winter. Despite the departure of several high-profile stars, he insists that his current group is actually stronger than the one that competed during the previous campaign.
The Bloemfontein-based outfit has intensified their squad overhaul by securing the signatures of a former Amakhosi defender and an experienced midfielder from Golden Arrows. The duo arrives as part of an ambitious revamp under head coach Lehlohonolo Seema as the club looks to usher in a new era following a period of significant transition.
The 46-year-old coach has opened up about the Bloemfontein outfit's acquisition of two former Sea Robbers players as part of the club's sweeping squad overhaul. However, Seema has urged patience, remaining cautious about expectations ahead of the new Premier Soccer League season.
With the fixtures available each of the 'Big Three' title rivals can now start plotting their route to the trophy. As always, there will be goals, drama, twists and turns before we reach the gripping conclusion in May 2027 when the winner will be presented with the Betway Premiership trophy.
The exclusion of Mamelodi Sundowns captain from the PSL Goalkeeper of the Season nominees has sparked a heated debate across the country’s football community. Former South Africa goalkeeping coach Alex Heredia has led the calls of disbelief, labelling the decision to leave out the national team’s number one as completely nonsensical.
The 26-year-old has officially brought the curtain down on his nearly decade-long association with the Buccaneers, completing a permanent move to Siwelele FC. The talented defender, who rose through the ranks at Mayfair, penned a moving tribute to the club he has called home for the past nine years.
With a Premier Soccer League title defence and a top tier continental campaign to fight, the Buccaneers have started re-shaping their squad to prepare for the upcoming season. The latest announcement follows the already reported exits of Relebohile Mofokeng, Bandile Shandu, Sipho Mbule, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Karim Kimvuidi and Gilberto, meaning an astonishing 13 players from their treble-winning squad have left before the new season begins.
Siwelele
