PIRATES VS SUNDOWNS & THE SOWETO DERBY! South African football fans, get ready! 🇿🇦⚽ October brings two blockbuster fixtures that could define the early part of the 2026/27 season: the MTN8 Final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, followed by the highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs.
SuperSport United have built a reputation for developing talented South African footballers, with several players associated with the club going on to represent Bafana Bafana on the international stage. From Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena to Thalente Mbatha and Oswin Appollis, the club’s development story highlights the importance of nurturing local talent
Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender Khulumani Ndamane has reportedly attracted interest from Portuguese clubs Sporting Braga and FC FamalicĂŁo, with a potential move during the January transfer window being monitored. No formal transfer bid has been confirmed at this stage
Mamelodi Sundowns are preparing for a demanding run of five Betway Premiership matches, beginning with an away trip to Richards Bay on 13 October 2026. The reigning champions will then face Durban City, Kruger United, Polokwane City and Sekhukhune United. The official PSL fixture list confirms the dates and venues
The road to the CAF Champions League group stage is taking shape, with Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates facing potentially challenging continental battles. The defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns are set to face Wiliete SC of Angola, while Orlando Pirates are scheduled to meet African Stars of Namibia, according to the fixture graphic. CAF's official draw initially listed these as conditional pairings, with the first-round results determining the opponents. Wiliete have since advanced after defeating Foresters, confirming their meeting with Sundowns
The road to the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stage is taking shape, with South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates facing challenging second preliminary-round ties. Defending champions Sundowns will meet Wiliete SC of Angola, while Pirates are set to face African Stars of Namibia after both teams progressed from the opening round. The second preliminary-round first legs are scheduled for 16–18 October, with return legs from 23–25 October 2026
Orlando Pirates have agreed to send Daniel Msendami and Abdoulaye Mariko to Marumo Gallants on loan. The move forms part of the transfer arrangement that also saw Bheki Mabuza make a permanent switch from Gallants to Pirates. The two players will now have an opportunity to gain valuable first-team experience while helping Gallants strengthen their squad
Ethan Brooks has sparked excitement among football and fashion fans after teasing a potential collaboration with major eyewear brand Oakley. The Durban City midfielder, who has represented Bafana Bafana, appears set to add another dimension to his growing profile away from the football pitch. The nature and details of the collaboration have not yet been fully revealed
Kaizer Chiefs have been linked with a move for Elias Mokwana, the talented Bafana Bafana winger who recently parted ways with Tunisian giants Espérance de Tunis. The 27-year-old is now assessing his options as he searches for the next chapter of his career. Although Chiefs have been linked with the player, an official announcement confirming his signing has yet to be made
Percy Tau is once again being linked with a return to the Premier Soccer League, with Kaizer Chiefs reportedly among the clubs interested in the experienced forward. However, the viral claim that Tau has just terminated his contract with Qatar SC and has already agreed to a two-year Chiefs deal should be treated cautiously. Recent reports indicate that Tau became a free agent after leaving Vietnamese club Thep Xanh Nam Dinh, while there is no confirmed announcement from Kaizer Chiefs that a two-year contract has been signed.
Orlando Pirates have completed the signing of 23-year-old Bheki Mabuza from Marumo Gallants. The versatile player returns to the Buccaneers after previously being part of the club’s setup. Pirates have also confirmed that Daniel Msendami and Abdoulaye Mariko will join Gallants on season-long loan deals
Mamelodi Sundowns have reportedly agreed terms with former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele, who became a free agent after mutually terminating his contract with Amakhosi. Reports indicate that the 29-year-old midfielder has undergone a medical and is expected to join the reigning African champions on a two-year deal with an option to extend