Absa Premiership starts on a high note

From the Telkom Charity Cup to the MTN 8, The new PSL season is starting with a bang and it promises to be an exciting one.

The PSL has unveiled a new trophy after SuperSport United won the league for the past three seasons, which means they will keep the one they’ve been winning. That is a great achievement for Matsatsantsa a Pitori, but they have a huge challenge when it comes to defending their title this time around.

Three teams have put themselves as firm favourites to challenge SuperSport United for the league title — Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Orlando Pirates have a much stronger team this time around. The arrival of players like Daine Klate, Tlou Segolela, Mike Mayambela, Chiukepo Msowoya and Patrick Malokase will be a major boost for them in attack. If Pirates can solve their goal-scoring problems they will be difficult to beat this season. Their performance on Sunday against Santos in the MTN 8 quarter-final showed much promise. The Bucs were well-organised and they played some good football, their defence was not that convincing though and they must improve on that. Pirates are back on song and they will definitely put up a strong challenge for the league title.

Kaizer Chiefs are also strong contenders. The glamour boys have a strong and well-balanced team of talented youngsters mixed with the experience of Bafana stars in Itumeleng Khune, Simphiwe Tshabalala, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Sthembiso Ngcobo. The return of Tinashe Nengomashe is a major boost for the Amakhosi midfield. Kaizer Chief’s quick attacking football combined with some lethal finishing from the likes of Knowledge Musona upfront will make Chiefs difficult to contain. But like Pirates, Chiefs will need to show that they work on their defence, which can be suspect sometimes.

As for Mamelodi Sundowns, it’s difficult to say what to expect from them. Almost every season the Brazilians start as firm favourites because of the quality players in their team, but they always end the season with disappointment. Last season they came so close but they crumbled at a crucial moment when they had to keep their nerve. What is encouraging though about Sundowns is the fact that they have managed to keep the backbone of the team that performed so well last season. They will be much stronger this season because of consistency. Their coach was Hristo Stoichkov’s assistant so he will know exactly what he is up against. Sundowns really need to perform this time around, hopefully Katlego Mphela will be around enough to keep scoring those goals for the team.

Looking at SuperSport United, you can bet your last rand that they will once again put up a strong fight to defend their title, they have signed good players who will ensure the team try its best to defend its title. The likes of Kermit Erasmus will add to an already strong SuperSport United attack.

This is really going to be one exciting season, we must also remember that there are no longer small teams, so each and every game will be competitive.