The Moroccan coach faces the high standards set by his predecessor, Jose Riveiro, who won the Nedbank Cup twice during his time at the Soweto giants. Ouaddou has already collected silverware since his arrival, proving his impact in a short period, but it would be a historic achievement if he adds this trophy to his haul as well.
The 22-year-old was guilty of spurning clear-cut opportunities, including one-on-one situations, as Amakhosi fell to the Cape Winelands side on Wednesday. His wastefulness in front of goal proved costly on a night when the Soweto giants had good chances to win the match. It was a display which left Amakhosi fans frustrated and aired their disapproval every time the midfielder missed opportunities.
The former Premier League outfit Fulham and Morocco defender has been giving players chances to prove their worth at the Sea Robbers. However, he has also made some daring calls like letting the South Africa international striker leave in the recent transfer window. The 47-year-old tactician has now justified his decision.
The Glamour Boys became the first defending champions to be eliminated in the Round of 32 when they fell at the DHL Stadium on Wednesday. It was an unanticipated result for the Amakhosi faithful, who have seen their team rise, especially this season, across all competitions. Stellies are now hoping to continue with their adventure under new coach Gavin Hunt.
Amakhosi's undisputed number one clashed with a supporter who appeared to throw water at the goalkeeper while he was interacting with the crowd following the defending champions' 2-1 Nedbank Cup loss to Stellenbosch FC at DHL Stadium on Wednesday.
The fixture between the Glamour Boys and the Stellies was definitely going to be an entertaining one, thanks to the recent rivalry. Neither team had won once in the previous two meetings this season, but it was the Soweto giants who came into the match as favourites owing to their good run across all competitions.
Although Miguel Cardoso fielded what can be described as a second-tier lineup, their overall performance was not convincing. This performance will only put the head coach under more pressure given that the Pretoria heavyweights dropped crucial points in the CAF Champions League.
Going by how teams are fighting, it can easily be predicted that Masandawana's dominance in the top flight could come to an end this time around. Bucs pushed the Tshwane giants in the last three seasons but failed to dethrone them. Now, apart from the 'Big Three', even fourth-placed AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United in fifth place are mathematically firmly in the title race.
The Glamour Boys have been doing quite well this season, as players continue proving their doubters wrong. Bafana Bafana are among the teams that will feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Amakhosi players hope to be considered for the global tournament.
What is on the minds of most South African goalkeepers now is whether their performance will earn them Bafana Bafana slots for the World Cup finals. Amakhosi's goalkeeper has been sensational so far in the season, and Hugo Broos could be watching at a distance with some interest. Players from the Glamour Boys have been snubbed by the Belgian tactician at times, but maybe things could change in the near future when the next Bafana squad is named.
Only five points separate the top team, Orlando Pirates, and the Glamour Boys, who are third in the log, thanks to their consistency. The defending Nedbank Cup champions have won their last five games in a row across all competitions, and have kept six clean sheets in as many recent outings. However, some feel the club will struggle to match its rivals.
GOAL gives you the details to follow Amakhosi's trip to the Mother City to face the Cape Winelands outfit in this knockout game on Wednesday. The Soweto giants are bidding to defend the most prestigious Cup tournament in South African football after being crowned champions last season to end a 10-year trophy drought. They will be at Cape Town Stadium to face their wounded opponents.
The walking style of the Saint-Eloi Lupopo star became a major talking point after the DR Congo outfit eliminated Bucs from the CAF Champions League. As the Sea Robbers' fans were still nursing broken hearts from the elimination, Amakhosi progressed in the CAF Confederation Cup after beating Simba. In an attempt to create the Mukoko style, the Chiefs star infuriated fans and was consequently attacked.
The Soweto giants set the ball rolling in their quest to defend the most prestigious knockout competition in South African football. They come up against the Cape Winelands side, who booted them out of the Carling Knockout in October 2025 and would want to avoid another upset at the hands of the same opponents when the two teams meet on Wednesday.
It has emerged that the experienced goalkeeper is not only a leader on the pitch but also plays a crucial role behind the scenes. Being a leader demands a lot, and sometimes one is forced to play a role that those under them will not like. The Amakhosi coach has now revealed how the former Ajax Cape Town goalkeeper helps in keeping discipline among his teammates.
Despite boasting eight forwards in their squad, Amakhosi have still been found wanting when it comes to putting the ball in the back of the net. Alarm bells have rung that, with a truly prolific scorer, the Soweto giants might be much further ahead in their season. Their coach has since responded to the growing concerns over the club’s goalscoring woes.
The Soweto giants are currently on a good run across all competitions, having won four games in a row without conceding. Amakhosi have now been tipped to go all the way and challenge for not only the Premier Soccer League, but the Nedbank Cup and CAF Confederation Cup as well. It explains why the technical team is working hard to get it right on the pitch.
Amakhosi now face the same opponents who knocked them out of the Carling Knockout four months ago. That tightly contested encounter was decided by penalties as both teams struggled to separate each other after extra time. The two teams now meet again in another Cup showdown, with plenty at stake as both have entered a crucial stage of the season.
The Glamour Boys are known for their appetite for youngsters whom they develop and ensure they fit into their system. Amakhosi have been excellent, as opposed to the recent seasons, and are keen to deliver in the Premier Soccer League, the CAF Confederation Cup, as well as the Nedbank Cup. Players from their youth structure have been doing well in helping the club perform.
The football lovers were set to watch their favourite players clash for the bragging rights at stake. However, the organisers have had to make changes, meaning the country will have no option but to wait a little longer. The winner will have a massive chance to face an international team in the next couple of months.
Team Ya Ziko remain winless in their pool after four losses in a row in the annual CAF inter-club competition. The Zambian heavyweights lost twice to an opponent from Egypt before losing both home and away against the Glamour Boys to crash out of the tournament. The Soweto giants have a massive chance to make the knockout phase.
The duo have been criticised since they took over, following the departure of Nasreddine Nabi. However, Kaze and Ben Youssef have steadied the Amakhosi ship and the team looks like PSL title contenders. A Chiefs icon has praised the two tacticians following back-to-back wins over ZECO United.
The Sea Robbers are set for a top-of-the-table clash with Arthur Zwane's Usuthu on Tuesday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. A win for either side takes them to the top of the league standings. We have a look at how Abdeslam Ouaddou might line up his men, hoping to get maximum points.
The 38-year-old has had a relatively good time in Algeria with the People's Club, especially in domestic competitions. However, in his recent interview with the media, the former Masandawana tactician has conceded that something is amiss. He argues that some of his requests to the management were not met.
Although Amakhosi have been winning recent games, their goal output has been incredibly low. This is an issue that the technical bench has noted, and now one of the coaches has addressed how it is being solved as the season proceeds. Chasing the Premier Soccer League, the CAF Confederation Cup and the Nedbank Cup trophies will require a solid team overall but, most importantly, a sharper attacking department.
The player reportedly lost his life on Sunday, throwing the football family into a sombre mood. The defender joined Stellies following the relegation of Cape Town Spurs. His club is, however, yet to comment on the tragic incident that is reported to have occurred in Cape Town.
Stellenbosch FC
