The former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns coach had been going through what appeared to be a difficult spell in Algeria. His time at the capital city club ends less than 24 hours after he guided them to a 2-0 league victory over Paradou AC that put them five points clear at the top of the Algerian Ligue 1 with several games in hand. The sudden exit adds another twist to what had already been a turbulent period for the tactician.
After winning two domestic trophies, Bucs' focus is now firmly on the Premier Soccer League title. However, they face a real challenge from defending champions Masandawana, who have put themselves in a strong position to extend their dominance in the top flight. Just like the previous seasons, the race is turning out to be a two-horse race as Downs and the Soweto giants engage in a tight battle for the title.
GOAL gives you the details to follow the Soweto giants' second consecutive Premier Soccer League home match, and this time they host Bloemfontein-based opponents at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. The target remains the same for Pirates to protect their lead on a weekend when their closest league rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns, are focusing on a CAF Champions League assignment.
The Premier Soccer League title race is intensifying each matchday as the Sea Robbers and Mamelodi Sundowns engage in a neck-and-neck battle. After a 2-0 win over Richards Bay matched The Brazilians' result the previous night against Orbit College, the Bucs tactician made a promise to the club's fans.
The Super Eagles and Bolton Wanderers icon has sparked debate by suggesting that Mzansi footballers are held back by a lack of ambition to ply their trade in the world's biggest leagues. The midfield maestro, who enjoyed a glittering 20-year career across Germany, Turkey, France, and England, suggested that the talent in the PSL often stays stagnant because players are unwilling to leave the comfort of their surroundings.
Masandawana return to action, hoping to win and widen the gap at the top over fierce rivals, Orlando Pirates. Currently, the Premier Soccer League leading sides have the same points - 44 - with the Sea Robbers leading by a slim goal difference. Should the Brazilians win, Bucs will have a chance to close the gap when they play Richards Bay a day later.
The Mpumalanga side overpowered Spears to become the first Goliath into the semi-finals, joining Casric and Milford in the last four. Meanwhile, tension is building ahead of the KwaZulu-Natal derby, with just one spot left to claim.
The final four teams are officially confirmed as City secured a hard-fought penalty shootout victory over Abafana Bes'thende to join the Rockets, as well as lower-division sides Casric Stars and Milford FC in the last-four.
The Mpumalanga side overpowered their visitors from the Northern Cape to become the first top-flight league side into the semi-finals, joining Casric Stars and Milford FC in the last four. Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal derby between Golden Arrows and Durban City will determine who takes up one spot left to claim.
Without a doubt, the Ke Yona Cup has been nothing short of full of surprises this campaign, with all three Premier Soccer League giants already eliminated. However, for the Mpumalanga side, who will be up against a third-tier opponent, Parker and his team will be hoping to avoid any slip-ups as they look to follow in the footsteps of their 2019 triumph.
There have been questions about the availability and fitness of the 'Master Chef' who has been used sparingly by the Sea Robbers after the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Bafana Bafana. The Buccaneers have been relying on other players in midfield despite the quality of the former Mamelodi Sundowns star who joined the club at the beginning of the season.
The Buccaneers striker has been set a daunting challenge to find his shooting boots in the PSL title run in, with a club legend suggesting a traditional intervention is required. Since arriving from Richards Bay FC at the start of the current campaign, the 24-year-old has found himself under the microscope as he attempts to lead the line for one of Africa’s most demanding fanbases. While his return of seven goals and three assists from 21 appearances is respectable, the standard at the Buccaneers remains sky-high.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa are fighting hard for points that will take them out of the danger zone. A never-surrender fighting spirit saw them mount a comeback after going down and eventually win, piling pressure on the equally struggling Chilli Boys.
There have been questions raised about some decisions made in the South African top tier, some of which have cost teams trophies as well as points. SAFA, alongside the Premier Soccer League management, has been working in conjunction with the government to improve the situation of football in the country.
Premier Soccer League action continued this weekend as the campaign rolled into matchday 19, with teams jostling for crucial points in the race for honours and survival. While the Soweto Derby featuring Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates understandably hogged the limelight, other teams were also in action, quietly shaping the standings and adding fresh twists to an increasingly competitive season.
A legal battle could be looming as the forward accuses the two football bodies of failure to enforce an order by FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Since the world governing body ordered that the former Amakhosi star be paid his dues, that has not happened. Now, the two football administrative bodies find themselves in a difficult position given the new steps taken by the player.
The 21-year-old has been on a steady rise in recent years, transforming his career. From being an Amakhosi discard, he rebuilt his reputation to become one of the standout performers in the Premier Soccer League while turning out for TS Galaxy. He is now forging a club career overseas as he looks to scale even greater heights, including in international football.
The 27-year-old last played a competitive football match in November 2025 while on loan at Orbit College from Orlando Pirates. He was apparently playing while carrying a thigh injury that flared up again after his shock move to Chloorkop in January. Now, as February draws to a close, rumours have started swirling about why the winger has yet to make an appearance in a match day squad at Masandawana.
The Brazilians were shocked by the Rockets in their Nedbank Cup Round of 16 after falling 2-0. They now need to bounce back against Arthur Zwane's Usuthu in the Premier Soccer League fixture to be staged at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Tuesday. A win will send them to the top of the table after their latest victory over Orlando Pirates.
The Brazilians went into their Nedbank Cup Round of 16 tie against TS Galxy brimming with confidence after qualifying for the CAF Champions League quarter finals, and beating league title rivals Orlando Pirates 2-1. But the coach fielded a side full of fringe players who were undone by the Rockets to crash out of the Nedbank Cup. Now Sello Mahlangu has lashed out at the coach and his decision making.
The domestic competition is set to have a new winner after the defending champions, Kaizer Chiefs, were eliminated. The Round of 16 matches concluded on Sunday with more teams booking their places in the quarter-final. Babina Noko, who are also mathematically in the Premier Soccer League title race, progressed in this knockout competition.
When the Rockets revealed that their match against the Tshwane giants will be hosted at a ground situated about 73 km from Pretoria, there were murmurs. In a packed Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, the Mpumalanga-based outfit knocked out Masandawana. Consequently, Miguel Cardoso's side saw their dream of claiming a domestic Cup this season end after earlier setbacks in the Carling Knockout and MTN8.
The PSL big three have all exited the Nedbank Cup, shifting full focus onto the league title race. While Mamelodi Sundowns still have continental commitments, the spotlight now turns to the Soweto teams. A retired footballer believed the Glamour Boys still have a chance and that this is their opportunity to fight and be among Africa’s elite clubs.
Masandawana's inconsistency this season was exposed again after falling to the Rockets in a domestic knockout competition. After two consecutive morale-boosting wins against Orlando Pirates and MC Alger, many expected the Tshwane giants to sweep their cup rivals aside, but that was not the case. The elimination is set to add more pressure on the coach at a time the season is heading towards a vital period.
The Premier Soccer League takes a break this weekend as clubs chase a slot in the last eight of the annual domestic competition. After holders Amakhosi were knocked out by the Cape Winelands side, it is interesting to see who takes over. Top dogs Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have also both been eliminated.
The Brazilians had hoped to continue with their recent run both in the CAF Champions League, where they made the quarter-final stage, as well as the Premier Soccer League after beating Orlando Pirates to reduce the gap to three points. However, they were humbled by the Rockets, who are now dreaming big following their triumph.
TS Galaxy
