The midfield star played crucial roles as Bucs went on to defend the MTN8 and later win the Carling Knockout. Before the injury, he was a trusted starter, and his game improved incredibly under the current coach. But he is now set to sit out the remaining part of the season as the Sea Robbers chase the PSL title.
After the result from the Richards Bay game, many Bucs fans were left frustrated and wondering whether it is another season where they came so close to winning the title but failed again. The Soweto giants have been waiting to end the league trophy drought for over a decade, and in the past three seasons, they gave Downs a run of their money only for the Tshwane giants to prevail in the end.
The South African heavyweights are hoping to put aside their disappointment and go a step further to win the prestigious continental club competition. They have a massive task against the North African outfit, who have been doing well in the annual tournament.
The loss is a big blow to the Rockets, who are in desperate need of a victory in order to avoid sliding down towards the relegation zone. After the international break, teams are now focused on their league duties, with some fighting against possible relegation as Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns engage in the title race.
The Brazilians head coach has offered a glass-half-full assessment of South Africa’s chances at the upcoming quadrennial tournament. As Hugo Broos' men prepare to return to the global stage in North America, the Portuguese tactician believes the national team has the quality to progress beyond the opening round.
The Masandawana star is at the sunset of his career, while the Bucs' forward has just begun his career. There has been a raging debate on who will eventually succeed Mshishi given how the experienced playmaker has been influential, especially for his club. President Yama 2000 has shown signs he is ready to step up, but is the debate on who is better coming at the right time?
The Bafana Bafana international was seen as surplus to requirements by the Buccaneers' coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who prefers Yanela Mbuthuma and Evidence Makgopa. However, under the former Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt, the forward is enjoying his game once again, hoping to steer Stellies to finish in the top eight.
The Bucs' coaching unit welcomes a new face following the arrival of the experienced analyst who also worked in the recruitment department in his former club. After bagging two domestic trophies, the Sea Robbers hope to win the Premier Soccer League title this season and even more glory in the future. To write more success, the playing unit and the technical bench need figures who can help the club achieve the set ambitions.
The towering Buccaneer was a shock signing for Stellies in the January transfer window following his struggles with the Soweto giants. Abdeslam Ouaddou had opted to use the likes of Yanela Mbuthuma and Evidence Makgopa, who he felt were more valuable. The Bafana Bafana international has seemingly managed to regain his form.
Despite an away loss in Bamako, Downs managed to book a ticket in the semi-final of the inter-club competition. A healthy cushion achieved in the first leg was enough to propel the Pretoria heavyweights, whose continental dreams remain alive. Masandawana now focus on the next opponent amid pressure from Orlando Pirates at home.
In a bid to strengthen their off-field structures, the Soweto giants are expected to bring on board the tactician from their league opponents. The tactician is said to have already bid farewell to Stellies ahead of his move to join the Sea Robbers. Should the move see the light of day, it will reinforce a trend where the top-flight rivals have exchanged talents in recent times.
The Premier Soccer League campaign continues with a lot to play for among teams. At stake is winning the title race, earning a spot to play continental football next season, as well as avoiding the dreaded relegation at the end of the season.
Masandawana booked a place in the next phase of the competition despite going down in Bamako. This means the Premier Soccer League heavyweights' dream of a second continental star lives on. However, their inconsistency will make their ability to go all the way and conquer Africa questionable.
The ex-Kaizer Chiefs coach has explained the tactical decision to deploy the former Buccaneers defender in midfield. The Nigerian international made his debut for the Cape Winelands side during their 2-1 victory over Chippa United on Saturday.
The 27-year-old centre-back has been with the Cape Winelands outfit since July 2023 and has now attracted interest from the Soweto giants. However, a move to Naturena will depend on whether Amakhosi decide to reinforce their central defence after recently facing a crisis in that department.
South Africa has been leaking at the back in recent outings, especially in the concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Morocco. With the global competitions about three months away, the Belgian tactician has been advised to consider an experienced defender who is currently struggling with fitness.
The duo made the move from Gauteng to the Cape Winelands outfit during the January transfer window in pursuit of regular minutes, and have since settled into Gavin Hunt’s setup. Tiwane, in particular, has established himself as a key figure at the heart of the defence. Addressing their long-term prospects, CEO Rob Benadie has since commented on the club’s interest.
A photo finish could be on the cards in this season’s bid for the Premier Soccer League crown, with the battle likely to go down to the wire. Masandawana and the Soweto giants are locked in a tight race, constantly exchanging top spot as they push for supremacy. As things stand, it remains too close to call, with no clear favourite emerging between the two heavyweights.
Both Abafana Bes'thende and Stellies came into the match hoping to collect a positive result in their bid to qualify for the 2026/27 MTN8. Interestingly, before the game, it was just goal difference that separated the two sides, having managed to collect 24 points each from the 20 games they had played.
The arrival of the off-season signing was greeted with a lot of fanfare, as fans expected much from the Portuguese international. However, unlike Nuno Santos, who was signed at the same time, Reisinho has not quite settled. Against Marumo Gallants, he was withdrawn at halftime, raising questions about whether the coach is losing trust in him.
South African football fans will have to wait at least another 12 months before Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is officially introduced to the domestic game. Despite the government fulfilling its promise to provide the necessary funding, high-ranking officials have urged patience as the technical rollout begins.
The Brazilians moved to the summit of the Betway Premiership table following a 3-1 victory over Marumo Gallants on Tuesday night. However, their Portuguese head coach was far from pleased with the lack of intensity shown by his side during a disjointed opening period.
The Nigeria international has not played competitive football since September 2024. After completing his move to the Maroons in February, he has been forced to wait longer than expected to make his maiden appearance. His continued absence from matchday squads has now been clarified.
The 29-year-old has addressed the persistent rumours linking him with a move to Naturena. The Nigerian international has been a free agent since his exit from Chippa United, which was confirmed in early February. The former Chilli Boys netminder has been linked with Amakhosi for quite some time, and after leaving the Eastern Cape side, he once again became a topic of discussion as the Soweto giants continue to rely solely on Brandon Petersen.
The veteran coach has made his feelings crystal clear as more and more technology enters into elite sport. In his view, digital innovations cannot replace the knowledge and experience of learning your coaching skills on the training pitch and in matches themselves.
As the Premier Soccer League entered matchday 21, the title race is intensifying with contenders pushing hard to gain an advantage. At the other end of the table, several sides are locked in a tense fight to avoid the drop as the pressure of relegation looms large. Meanwhile, attention is also fixed on the crowded midtable, where teams are battling to secure places in next season’s MTN8.
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