Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs unexpectedly lost their respective Friday CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup second preliminary round ties, but both have the chance to convert disappointment into blessings in disguise.

Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates all picked up wins in their last 16 Carling Knockout ties.

South Africa's Carling Knockout Cup will kick off on Saturday, with all 16 Premiership teams playing their first matches in this edition of the single-leg knockout tournament between then and Wednesday.

Mosimane has made several changes from his first preliminary squad, which he announced almost immediately after taking charge at the beginning of September.

Mamelodi Sundowns will kick off their CAF Champions League title defence with a trip to Angola to face Wiliete in Lubango on Sunday in the second qualifying round.

Miguel Cardoso's Mamelodi Sundowns are MTN8 champions after beating Orlando Pirates 2-0 thanks to goals from Iqraam Rayners and Teboho Mokoena and a key penalty save from Ronwen Williams.

Orlando Pirates seek a fifth successive MTN8 title, but face strong opposition as they take on African champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday in Durban.

South Africa returned to the FIFA World Cup in 2026 after a 16-year absence, and since their round of 32 exit at the hands of Canada, Bafana Bafana players have secured several noteworthy moves abroad.

African champions Mamelodi Sundowns will host Saudi Pro League giants and Asian champions Al-Ahli at Loftus Versfeld in a FIFA Intercontinental Cup clash on Saturday.

The second leg of the MTN8 semi-finals will see Orlando Pirates look to defend their 1-0 lead at home to Sekhukhune United on Saturday, and Mamelodi Sundowns look to overturn a 1-0 deficit away to Golden Arrows.