Kingsley Kobo

Simba SC coach Steve Barker credits Pitso Mosimane’s success at Al Ahly with changing perceptions of South African coaching talent and helping open opportunities at major African clubs. Barker points to the achievements of Rulani Mokwena and Fadlu Davids as part of the same trend. The 2026/27 CAF Champions League will feature Barker facing fellow South African coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who leads Young Africans, creating competitive on-field encounters alongside mutual respect off the field. Simba SC will face Malawi’s Mighty Wanderers, while Young Africans meet Botswana’s Gaborone United in the preliminary rounds.

Mental performance expert Jordan Byrne has urged Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African Football Association to provide professional counsellors or sports psychologists for Monnapule Saleng and other players. Following coach Miguel Cardoso’s disclosure that Saleng had been separated from the first-team group, Byrne argued that unresolved trauma, lifestyle changes, financial responsibilities and the pressures of being a professional footballer can affect players’ conduct and performance. He said clubs and football authorities, rather than individual players alone, must take responsibility for integrating mental-health support into the sport, as European clubs increasingly do.

TS Galaxy host Mamelodi Sundowns at Mbombela Stadium on 11 August 2026 in the opening match of Sundowns’ 2026/27 PSL campaign. Galaxy drew 2-2 with Siwelele FC in their opener and will be without suspended goalkeeper Sipho Maseti, while Sundowns enter after a 3-2 extra-time MTN8 win over Polokwane City and the postponement of their league opener following Jayden Adams’ death. Sundowns dominate the overall head-to-head record, but Galaxy have won three and drawn one of their last four home meetings with the Brazilians. The preview provides probable lineups, kickoff details and DStv/SuperSport viewing information.

Mamelodi Sundowns host Polokwane City at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on 8 August 2026 for an MTN8 quarterfinal. Sundowns are pursuing their fifth title and begin their season after a postponed PSL opener, while Polokwane arrive after a 2–1 win over Richards Bay and are targeting a top-four league finish, continental qualification and a domestic cup. Arthur Sales is doubtful for Sundowns, with new signings Antonio van Wyk and Siyanda Ndlovu expected to feature. Thabang Matuludi, Ndamulelo Maphangule and Tidimalo Molokwane are expected to play for Polokwane. The match will be available on DStv.com, the DStv Now app and SuperSport TV’s PSL Channel 202.

Given Msimango has explained his move from Kaizer Chiefs to Stellenbosch FC as part of a cash-plus-player exchange involving Ashley Du Preez and Langelihle Phili. After three seasons and 53 appearances for Chiefs, the central defender said he was attracted by Stellenbosch’s management, coaching environment and ambition to win trophies. He aims to deliver consistent performances, support the team and help it return to CAF competition, while the transfer also reflects Fernando Da Cruz’s broader rebuilding of the Chiefs squad around younger talent.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz says Rushwin Dortley’s return will be managed cautiously after the defender missed 18 months and 55 matches, underwent two surgeries and experienced complications. Dortley has resumed individual and team training, but the club’s coaching and medical staff are monitoring his workload week by week to prevent another injury. Da Cruz believes the 24-year-old’s quality will benefit Kaizer Chiefs once he is fully fit, though he stressed that the defender must be given time to reach 100% readiness ahead of the new domestic season.

Neil Tovey has endorsed Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns for holding pre-season camps in Europe, arguing that exposure to stronger opposition, better facilities and different football environments gives them a domestic competitive advantage. The tours also help South African players prepare for international football, but the financial disparity means smaller Premier Soccer League clubs cannot afford similar overseas preparation, widening the gap within the league.