Stade Malien news

The veteran midfielder remains one player the South Africa national football team could need at the global football tournament if he rediscovers his authority in the middle of the park. Currently used sparingly by Masandawana, he has yet to reach the top form that made him a dominant force in midfield. That has created anticipation over whether he can rise again and reclaim the midfield-king status he once enjoyed.

The Masandawana defender has insisted that his omission from the Bafana squad in their past few camps is not a concern for him as he focuses on helping his club achieve its targets. The defender has developed into one of the most reliable figures in Miguel Cardoso’s set-up this season, battling back from an injury-hit spell to re-establish himself at the core of Sundowns’ defensive unit.

In perhaps the most predictable outburst, The Brazilians coach has lashed out at the way in which South Africa's domestic league is scheduling fixtures around continental matches. This comes only hours after the PSL announced that 'Downs would have to play Marumo Gallants on Tuesday, March 17 at Loftus Versfeld, in between their two legged quarter finals clash with Stade Malien.

How to watch the CAF Champions League match between Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Stade Malien, as well as kick-off time and team news

The Brazilians would be hoping the knockouts of this continental competition will not be as difficult as the group stage, where they went for a four-match winless streak at some point. It is a fresh chapter of this season's campaign as they bid to improve on last term's run, where they ended up as the losing finalists.

After engaging in the Premier Soccer League game just days ago, Masandawana have regrouped and are fully focused on the CAF Champions League. The Tshwane giants needed a win in their last group match to reach the quarter-finals and now begin their campaign in the knockout phase. Given that they will host the continental rivals, Downs must make sure they take full advantage of home support.

As part of their post-season schedule, the Sea Robbers will engage in a tournament that will be held outside the country. Apart from becoming the first team from the continent to take part in the competition, Bucs will fight to win the millions in prize money. However, currently, the focus is on the Premier Soccer League title.

The Brazilians have been balancing responsibilities between the Premier Soccer League title race and the CAF Champions League which gives Masandawana a much heavier schedule than their title rivals Orlando Pirates. Their coach has called on the league to give them more breathing space in the fixture schedule as they juggle both competitions but these pleas have been ignored by the PSL, which has clearly angered the Portuguese coach. And now, with the latest rescheduling announced he is not going to be happy at all.

Die Roten Bullen have lifted the lid on their upcoming Re Kaofela Tour to South Africa, revealing that their clash with The Brazilians is far more than just a post-season exhibition match. The German outfit are heading to Mzansi with a clear objective: to identify the next generation of South African superstars and establish a permanent scouting foothold in the domestic league market.

The Premier Soccer League title race is intensifying each matchday as the Sea Robbers and Masandawana engage in a neck-and-neck battle. None of the leading sides are ready to relent, as each keeps amassing points, which means the gap at the top is so close, making the race a high-intensity marathon.

Players from Masandawana dominated the South Africa national football team squad at the 2023 AFCON tournament, forming the backbone of coach Hugo Broos’ side. However, the most recent national team selections have seen stars from Orlando Pirates making up the majority of the squad. Still, the Brazilians’ players are gradually forcing their way back into the national team fold as they continue to impress at the club level.

The 20-year-old has been training at Naturena, and back in his mind, he is eyeing a professional deal with the Soweto giants. After a signing spree in the off-season window, Amakhosi did not sign any player for the senior team in the mid-season. Although the focus is now firmly on the remaining matches of the season, the scouting departments of teams should be busy in the market trying to find players who they hope will strengthen their squads.

The Brazilians were back to their dominant best in beating the Mswenko Boys in a PSL clash on Tuesday, despite resting several players ahead of their CAF Champions League quarterfinal on Friday. The regulation 2-0 win moved former Amakhosi winger and now vocal pundit Junior Khanye to declare the title race with the Buccaneers was as good as over before they even kicked a ball in their own mid-week league assignment against Richards Bay.