Sundowns and Barcelona clash officially confirmed

One of the most anticipated matches to close off the 2017/18 footballing, Sundowns-Barcelona scheduled to take place on the 16th of May, had been subjected to speculation of it not happening at all. The speculation was fuelled by Barcelona not officially announcing the fixture after the Brazilians had done so and also concerns that the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) would not approve the match since it falls within the domestic season. Forget all of that, it’s going down in Johannesburg on May 16 at 4 pm GMT.  Both Mamelodi Sundowns and FC Barcelona have released communications confirming the showdown.

"Mamelodi Sundowns and the Motsepe Foundation are partnering with the Inter-Ministerial committee of the South African government that is responsible for the Nelson Mandela Centenary Celebrations, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, SAFA and La Liga. Mamelodi Sundowns is grateful to the PSL for having approved the match and to CAF for having moved the Mamelodi Sundowns match against Horoya AC in Guinea Conakry." - Mamelodi Sundowns

"FC Barcelona has always professed its admiration for Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest figures of the 20th century, who after 27 years in prison went on to become the first democratically elected president of post-apartheid South Africa from 1994 to 1999. Mandela represented the struggle for freedom and equality in the country and played a huge role in unifying the racially divided society. It is precisely this kind of spirit with which FC Barcelona has always been identified." - FC Barcelona’s Official Website

La Liga president, Javier Tebas, was also quick to give the match a thumbs up:

"We are delighted that FC Barcelona, the champions of the best competition in the world, will be playing in South Africa. This is a historic event and we are very proud that local fans will get to enjoy the stars and the quality of La Liga close up."

The South African Stadium Management boss, Jacques Grobbelaar announced on Twitter that ticket sales would commence on Thursday morning with prices ranging from (USD) $3.25 to $45 which is R40 to R550.

PSL South Africa: Chiefs lose again

Kaizer Chiefs’ woe continues to escalate after Golden Arrows beat them 3-1 in an Absa Premiership match that took place on Tuesday night. Amakhosi’s last chance at some silverware went begging after Free State Stars dumped them out of the Nedbank Cup semifinal on Saturday. After the match, some Chiefs took it onto the pitch to level matters by instigating violence which injured eighteen people. As if that was not enough, the Soweto club’s coach resigned.

Tuesday was a chance for the club to influence some positive vibes but Lerato Lamola’s fourth-minute goal did the exact opposite. The speedy Arrows forward dribbled past Tsepo Marisela and beat the acclaimed Itumeleng Khune to slot the ball home. To add insult to injury, Chiefs’ Leonardo Castro was red carded in the 10th minute. Somehow, Amakhosi managed to limit Arrows to only one goal before they equalized through Parker on the stroke of half-time. Three minutes in the second half, Abafana Bes’thende (The BackHeel Boys)  found their mojo back and Lamola bagged his second for the night. Clinton Larsen’s men became then became fairly comfortable with sitting in before Ndwandwe grabbed a third goal for the Arrows in stoppage time. The win moved Arrows up to ninth on the log whilst Chiefs remain in fourth.

In other Absa matches played on Tuesday, Bloemfontein Celtic and Chippa United played out to a goalless draw while Ajax Cape Town eased relegation fears by edging Baroka FC, 1-0.

PSL South Africa: Pirates coach reveals focus as title chances fade away

The Sea Robbers boss, Milutin Sredojevic has revealed that the club has met their 2017/18 season goals adding that their priority is now securing CAF Champions League automatic qualification. Orlando Pirates continued their unbeaten run by beating AmaZulu 2-1 on Sunday, reducing the gap between themselves and table-topping Sundowns to just 3 points who happen to have a game in hand. With three matches left for Pirates and Sundowns needing just 6 points from possible 12 to win the PSL title, it is almost game over for Pirates. Next up, the Buccaneers face the challenge of Bidvest Wits who are the latest victims of Bafana BaStyle’s predatory season. Mamelodi Sundowns capitalized on Wits’ mistake over the weekend to claim a comfortable 2-0 victory with Sibusiso Vilakazi and Themba Zwane getting on the scoresheet while Percy Tau was at the center of the slick build ups that led to the goals.

Amabhakabhaka are seven points ahead of third and fourth-placed Maritzburg United and fellow Sowetonians, Kaizer Chiefs. A win against the Clever Boys will secure second place and ensure they feature in next year’s continental showpiece, the CAF Champions League.

“We shall see. We are only thinking about the next match. We’ve no right to talk about anything else. So this is the target we are looking to achieve and stability in building the team to make supporters happy by playing good football. Next match is for the CAF Champions League.”

— Milutin “Coach Micho” Sredojevic, Orlando Pirates Coach

PSL South Africa: Pirates hit a roadblock in pursuit of Sundowns

On Wednesday night, the Buccaneers face the challenge of the relegation troubled, SuperSport United, with the match ending in an agonizingly 0-0 draw. It was a chance for the Orlando Pirates to close in on league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who were four points above the Soweto boys at the start of the match. As would be expected, the Trendsetters otherwise known as Matsatsantsha were never going to be pushovers. The match started off brightly for the boys in black and white as Zambian forward, Justin Shonga had his effort going narrowingly wide, moments just after he has struck the woodwork from a free kick.

Still, in the opening half, Mpho Makolo was next in line to try and open the scoring, shooting from 25 yards only for the woodwork to deny him as well. The second half had a different complexion, with no consistent rhythm. The best chance of the half fell to Pirates’ Luvuyo Memela who forced a nice save off goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, tipping the ball just above the post for a corner kick. The 0-0 result means that Pirates are now three points behind Sundowns with four games to play until the end of the season while the Bafana BaStyle has got five.

In other fixtures, Ajax Cape Town boosted their survival chances by overcoming Champions, Bidvest Wits, 1-0.

Absa PSL Awards: The “March Criminals” are all from Orlando

The South African Premier Soccer League awards for the month of March have been decided and the boys in black and white are looking good. The former Ugandan national team coach who now calls the Orlando part of Soweto, home, walked away with the manager of the season award for the second time this season. Coach Micho has revitalized Orlando Pirates’ goalscoring form in a “water into wine” fashion after a slow start to the 2017/18 campaign. The Buccaneers have now scored five times and registered two wins out two in the month of March. His team. Pirates have won their last five PSL matches and currently occupy the second spot on the log, a point behind Mamelodi Sundowns, though they have played one more game.

Coach Micho’s boys are not only following his instructions on the pitch but also to the podium. The 30-year-old Musa Nyatama won the player of the month award, recognized for his Kevin De Bruyne-esque performances, playing defense-splitting passes, giving assists and nonchalance defending. The guys command the midfield like no man or woman’s business. His Zambian teammate, Justin Shonga grabbed the goal of the month award for his stoppage time thunderbolt against Chippa United. Shonga’s goal will be in contention to win the Absal-lutely goal with the season together with the best goals of other months.

The player and coach of the month awards were decided by a panel of judges made up of the broadcast media and football analysts while the goal was voted for by the fans.

PSL Midweek Round-Up: Sundowns and Pirates keep their feet on the pedal

It is almost set and stone that the ABSA premiership title race down to the flamboyant duo of Masandawana and Amabhakabhaka. On match day 25, Mamelodi Sundowns comfortably beat Chippa United 2-0 at home while Orlando Pirates narrowly got past Bloemfontein Celtic, 2-1. Sundowns were not as slick they usually are against the Chilli boys but two goals from the SA POTY award favorite, Percy Tau and Zimbabwean playmaker, Khama Billiat settled the Brazilians nerves for the meantime, who have Pirates breathing down their neck on the standings. Zambia’s Augustine Mulenga wonder goal was the match winner for Pirates who have now played one more game than Sundowns.

In other fixtures, Kaizer Chiefs climbed up to third with a 1-0 win over Free State Stars courtesy of Teenage Hadebe’s injury time strike. Champions, Bidvest Wits, who were rock bottom for the greater part of the season continued their march to safety with a 2-1 win over fourth placed Maritzburg United. Benni McCarthy’s Cape Town City were stunned 1-0 at home by Golden Arrows and Matsatsantsha’s (SuperSport United) struggles continued they succumbed to a 1-0 loss against Polokwane City with the PSL top scorer, Rodney Ramagelela adding a goal to his tally.

Only five games remain. Who will win the title? Who will face the axe? Feel free to share your thoughts below.

South Africa: Sundowns and Pirates continue their title charge

We are spoiled with appetizing Absa premiership matches on the night of the 4th of April. Mamelodi looking to extend their unbeaten run, Orlando Pirates seeking to extend their winning streak and both sides running towards claiming the ultimate prize, PSL league title. Sundowns (Masandawana) return to league action since the second of the match and will be looking to add more breathing space at the top of the standing when they face the challenge of the Chilli boys (Chippa United) whom they have never lost to in 9 league matches, since the 2012/13 season. Masandawana are currently a point above the Buccaneers (Orlando Pirates) with a game in hand advantage. Chippa are currently 11 on the table and most people would fancy Masandawana to get the three points

Amabhakabhaka are tackling Bloemfontein Celtic, who they beat 1-0 in their last time out at Celtic. Pirates will be keen to keep the pressure on the Sundowns especially now that only five games remain in the season. They will be feeling pretty confident, having won seven of their last nine games. The most recent win being a 3-1 victory against their bitter rivals, Kaizer Chiefs. However, Punye Sele Sele can prove to be a stubborn team on their day, having frustrated Chiefs to a 0-0 draw in their last match. They currently occupy the ninth spot on the league table.