Stade Malien news

As the Amakhosi boat struggles to stabilise, blame games have been the order of the day. The coaches, the players and the management have all been blamed for a poor run that has seen the club lose four consecutive games across all competitions. As the season enters a decisive stretch, the Glamour Boys are fighting internal and external pressure as their traditional rivals focus on winning titles.

Although the Soweto giants are considered part of the country's Big Three, their trajectories have been different. Bucs continue to challenge for honours, while Amakhosi are a pale shadow of their former selves. In fact, this season, the Sea Robbers are champions of two domestic competitions, while Amakhosi were eliminated from a contest they were the defending champions of, the Nedbank Cup.

After a run of poor results left the South African tactician under immense pressure, his players have responded by registering a huge win. Mokwena has recently suffered two big setbacks after the Algiers-based side were knocked out of the CAF Champions League and the Algerian Cup. The win has come after it emerged a club from Libya was keen to appoint the Mzansi tactician as their head coach.

The Downs tactician continues to attract criticism as the Tshwane giants chase two trophies at a time; they are seen as the pale shadows of their former selves. Already, there is pressure for him to succeed in both races, and it shows that even though he might defend the league title, a section of the club's supporters will not be fully satisfied. As the season moves fast towards the decisive homestretch, the former Esperance tactician finds himself in a difficult dilemma.

The Portuguese tactician has endured a tough campaign with the defending Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions both domestically and abroad. However, it seems the former Esperance coach has finally managed to turn his fortune around. The 53-year-old is hopeful of ending his first full season on a high.

The 23-year-old secured a move from Stellenbosch FC to Europe in September 2024 and has since established himself as a key member of his team. His impressive performances have now earned him a new contract, extending his stay at the club where he also shares the dressing room with a former Kaizer Chiefs captain.

The Premier Soccer League title race is fast turning into a two-horse race between the Buccaneers and Mamelodi Sundowns. But even then, some are ready to put their money on Masandawana winning the race again despite the Ghost showing a strong interest in the title. One of those who is sceptical about the Sea Robbers winning the league is the Polokwane City coach, and he has his reasons.

The South African tactician is feeling the heat as the Algiers-based side struggles. The Algerian league champions are winless in the last four games: a draw and three defeats, which puts the 38-year-old under immeasurable pressure. Eyes are now on him to see how quickly he will arrest the poor run and help the club return to winning ways.

Both Masandawana and the Sea Robbers have been doing well in the race for the league crown, where they are both on 44 points from the 19 games played so far. Some stakeholders feel this is the time when the Buccaneers can beat the Brazilians to the title and end their decade-long dominance, where they have been crowned eight times in a row.

The former Esperance tactician believes the lack of modern technology in South African top-flight football, which, he insists, has hurt the Brazilians and the other teams. Masandawana are chasing the Premier Soccer League crown for the ninth time in a row, but face stiff competition from leaders Orlando Pirates.

As the Premier Soccer League title race intensifies, each point becomes precious, and none of the rivals at the top of the table would like to drop any. With Orlando Pirates also unrelenting in their own pursuit of the title, Downs must ensure they are as effective as possible in order to boost their chances of extending their dominance of the top tier to a ninth consecutive season.

The PSL has officially confirmed the first set of its Monthly Awards winners for the second half of the season. The Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Orlando Pirates sensation, and Kaizer Chiefs forward have all been recognised for their outstanding contributions during the January–February period.

Going forward, Masandawana will be the busiest side among the Premier Soccer League sides. The Tshwane giants are the only club from the country with additional continental duties. That means the technical bench must come with a strategy that will make use of every player as they juggle the busy calendar.