Steve Blues

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz says all five players capable of playing at left-back—Nkanyiso Shinga, Paseka Mako, Bradley Cross, Kabelo Nkgwesa and Reeve Frosler—are injured. The crisis forced Chiefs to use an improvised defensive formation against Mamelodi Sundowns, earning a 1-1 draw despite limited possession in the first half. Da Cruz said the setup was designed to limit Sundowns’ attacking space while preserving an attacking intent, and rejected comparisons between the teams because Sundowns’ squad has played together for years while his technical team arrived only a month earlier. Chiefs have 10 days to recover before facing Richards Bay on August 26.

Relebohile Mofokeng scored four minutes after coming off the bench in the 64th minute as Royale Union Saint-Gilloise defeated Westerlo 5-1 in the Belgian Pro League. The South African forward had been an unused substitute against Norway’s Bodø/Glimt and had also scored the winning penalty in the previous week’s Belgian Super Cup shootout, strengthening his case for a role in the club’s Champions League return leg.

Peter Shalulile explained that he chose to join Tanzanian club Young Africans after praying about the decision and following his personal connection with club president Hersi Ally Said. Although rival clubs offered more money, Shalulile was persuaded by Young Africans’ long-term project, environment and ambitions. His reunion with coach Manqoba Mngqithi was another important factor, while Said highlighted the club’s increasingly rigorous training and tactical preparation as evidence of a new era for the team.

South Africa face Burkina Faso in their final WAFCON Group B match at Casablanca's Moulay Rachid Stadium on 4 August 2026. After losing to Tanzania and drawing with Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa need a victory to reach the knockout stages, while Burkina Faso can advance with either a win or a draw. Desiree Ellis and goalkeeper Kaylin Swart emphasize South Africa's resilience, while Burkina Faso coach Issa Balbone and defender Alimata Belem express confidence after the team's first tournament victory. The match is available via the DStv app, SABC Plus and SuperSport Channel 205.

FC Dallas confirmed that midfielder Katlego Ntsabeleng has joined Mamelodi Sundowns permanently after the South African club exercised its purchase option following a season-long loan. The 28-year-old made 14 appearances for Sundowns, scoring twice and providing one assist, while recording 92 appearances, two goals and seven assists for FC Dallas across four seasons. Ntsabeleng, a Johannesburg native and 2022 MLS SuperDraft selection from Oregon State, made his professional debut for Dallas in 2022.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised the club's tradition of developing young South African talent, citing Relebohile Mofokeng and Mbekezeli Mbokazi as examples. He believes new signing Neo Rapoo and Nkosikhona Ndaba can follow a similar path to international prominence. Ouaddou highlighted Rapoo's work rate, attacking ability, crossing, set-piece quality and professionalism, while also praising the senior players for mentoring younger teammates.】【。

Orlando Pirates confirmed the signing of 23-year-old Stellenbosch midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi on a three-year contract ahead of the new Betway Premiership campaign. Mokobodi, who made 28 appearances across all competitions last season, will wear the number 33 shirt and said he was eager to join the squad and make a meaningful contribution.

Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral has warned incoming manager Fernando Da Cruz that tactical ability alone will not be enough to succeed at the high-pressure Soweto club. Ertugral says Da Cruz must understand the cultural and psychological nuances of working with South African players, manage expectations during losing runs and make sound decisions when pressure intensifies. He also notes that limited major transfer activity may leave Da Cruz reliant on improving the existing squad during the 2026/27 campaign.