INEXT SPORT

Former Pitso Mosimane has confirmed that he is open to a return to the PSL and would welcome the opportunity to coach Bafana Bafana again in the future. Speaking on Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh’s SMWX podcast on Wednesday, Mosimane revealed that he still has unfinished business in South African football, both at club and national level.

Mosimane previously served as Bafana Bafana head coach after the 2010 FIFA World Cup, having been promoted from assistant under Carlos Alberto Parreira. Although his tenure ended following failure to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, he says the experience shaped his understanding of the pressures and expectations that come with leading the national team.

Before leaving South Africa, Mosimane enjoyed a hugely successful eight-year spell at Mamelodi Sundowns, winning five league titles and the CAF Champions League. His reputation only grew abroad, where he claimed two further Champions League crowns with Al Ahly. Now currently unattached, he has been linked with a return to Sundowns, while his name has also surfaced in discussions involving Kaizer Chiefs.

Mosimane admitted that winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Bafana Bafana remains his ultimate goal. With current national team coach Hugo Broos set to step down after the World Cup, Mosimane believes the timing and current generation of players could align perfectly for South Africa to challenge for continental honours.

Kaizer Chiefs have taken a key step in securing the future of captain Brandon Petersen after exercising the option in his contract, extending his stay at Naturena until June 2027. The move gives the club breathing space as discussions continue with the goalkeeper’s representatives over a longer-term deal beyond the current extension.

Petersen has enjoyed an outstanding season, featuring in 26 matches across all competitions, conceding just 16 goals and registering an impressive 15 clean sheets. His consistency and leadership have been central to Chiefs’ campaign and played a major role in his elevation to club captain, reflecting the trust placed in him by the technical team.

Despite Amakhosi’s elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup following defeat to Zamalek, Petersen’s individual performances have remained a standout in an otherwise challenging season. Since joining Chiefs in 2021 from Bidvest Wits, the 31-year-old has established himself as a reliable presence between the posts.

Talks over a long-term contract are understood to be progressing calmly, with no urgency or tension from either side. Petersen is settled in his leadership role, and Chiefs are keen to reward both his loyalty and form by finalising improved personal terms to secure his long-term future at Naturena.

Orlando Pirates missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership after suffering a 2–1 home defeat to defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.

The Buccaneers started brightly and created early chances through Deon Hotto and Yanela Mbuthuma, but were repeatedly denied by an inspired Ronwen Williams. Sundowns absorbed the pressure before striking late in the first half, with Colombian forward Brayan Leon scoring twice in quick succession to give the visitors a commanding 2–0 halftime lead.

Leon opened the scoring after receiving a precise pass from Nuno Santos, calmly finishing past Sipho Chaine for his third league goal in as many matches. Just three minutes later, Aubrey Modiba released Leon again, and the striker showed composure to double Sundowns’ advantage and stun the home crowd.

Pirates responded immediately after the break as Patrick Maswanganyi pulled one back with a deflected effort inside the opening minute of the second half. Despite sustained pressure and attacking intent from the hosts, Sundowns’ defensive discipline and Williams’ earlier heroics proved decisive as the Brazilians held on for a crucial away victory.

Orlando Pirates FC has officially renewed its long-standing partnership with global sportswear giant adidas for another five years, marking three decades of collaboration since the relationship began in 1996. The deal ensures that players, staff, and supporters will continue to benefit from adidas’ high-performance kits, cutting-edge innovation, and premium merchandise.

Club Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza described the renewal as more than a typical sponsorship: “Our relationship with adidas transcends that of a traditional sponsor. It is a partnership built on mutual trust, shared values, and a collective ambition to grow the Orlando Pirates brand beyond borders. Reaching 30 years together is a rare achievement in world sport, and this renewal reflects our confidence in continuing this journey side by side.”

The partnership will also see deeper collaboration across performance wear, retail expansion, supporter engagement, and lifestyle collections, celebrating the rich heritage and culture of the Club. Adidas’ role has been pivotal in some of the Buccaneers’ most iconic moments over the past three decades, making this renewal a significant milestone in African football.

On the pitch, Orlando Pirates now turn their focus to the Nedbank Cup Round of 16, where they will host ABC Motsepe League Championship side Casric Stars at Orlando Amstel Arena. The Buccaneers progressed past Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 4-1 in the Last 32, while Casric Stars are fresh off a 3-0 victory over Army Rockets. The fixture marks the first-ever meeting between the two sides, with Pirates aiming for their 11th Nedbank Cup title and Casric chasing a historic upset.

The Round of 16 matches kick off on Saturday, 21 February, with further scheduling details to be confirmed. Pirates will be looking to continue their impressive form in domestic knockout competitions while celebrating a landmark 30-year partnership with adidas.

A dispute has emerged between South Africa national team coach Hugo Broos and QT Sports director Basia Michaels over the transfer of Orlando Pirates defender Mbokazi to MLS side Chicago Fire. Broos publicly criticised the move, claiming the league wasn’t of a high enough standard and warning that the young defender could struggle “alone in a big city.”

Michaels has hit back, describing Broos’ comments as “out of line and unfair,” even going so far as to label them sexist. She stressed that Mbokazi is confident in his ability to succeed in the MLS, and insisted that the national team coach’s personal opinion about the league should not undermine the player’s prospects.

Addressing claims about Mbokazi being destined for Chicago Fire’s reserve squad, Michaels clarified that the player received offers from Europe following AFCON, but they were not deemed worth pursuing. She explained that the Chicago move was pre-arranged and represented a legitimate career step for Mbokazi, despite Broos’ public reservations.

Michaels also noted her disappointment over the lack of an apology from Broos, asserting that his success with Bafana Bafana doesn’t give him the right to make disparaging remarks about players, agents, or clubs involved.

The row highlights tensions between player development, agent negotiations, and public commentary from national team figures, with Mbokazi now tasked with proving himself in Major League Soccer amid scrutiny from his home country.

Kaizer Chiefs’ Football Manager Bobby Motaung has defended the decision to retain assistant coaches Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze following Nasreddine Nabi’s departure. Since stepping up in September, the duo have led Amakhosi in both the Betway Premiership and CAF Confederation Cup campaigns, providing stability and continuity during a transitional period.

Motaung emphasized that maintaining the existing technical staff was key to sustaining squad consistency and nurturing a young generation of players. “It’s a young generation, and they need to be given time and competition. Keeping the technical staff was more important,” he explained. While Chiefs haven’t made major transfers recently, the focus on internal growth and tactical cohesion has underpinned their campaign.

On the continental stage, Chiefs stand to earn up to R31.8 million if they lift the CAF Confederation Cup trophy. Progressing through the tournament has already earned the club significant prize money, with group-stage qualification netting USD150,000 (~R2.4m) and a quarter-final berth set to increase earnings to USD550,000 (~R8.7m). The semi-finals and final carry even larger rewards, culminating in USD2 million (~R31.8m) for the champions.

Currently third in the Premiership and undefeated in recent Confederation Cup group matches, Chiefs have momentum on their side. A win over Zamalek could secure top spot in the group and set them up for a favourable quarter-final draw. With rivals Mamelodi Sundowns potentially exiting continental competition, Amakhosi are poised to become one of Africa’s biggest beneficiaries this season.

The big question remains: Can Kaizer Chiefs go all the way and lift the Confederation Cup, bringing both glory and the lucrative R31.8 million prize home to Naturena?