A new DStv Premiership season is upon us, but the most important question heading into the campaign remains the same as it has been for the last five years: can anyone unseat Mamelodi Sundowns as South African champions?
The Brazilians romped to a record-extending sixth successive title last term, establishing a level of dominance that is unprecedented in the professional era. Their squad depth, technical knowledge and sheer unbending confidence makes Sundowns the clear favourite to rack up seven titles in a row.
And their quest to do so begins on Friday evening when they tackle Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in the season opener, with coach Rulani Mokwena noting that the team in yellow and blue has enjoyed a thorough preparation for the upcoming campaign.
“We experienced a very good pre-season that gave us good facilities, good oppositions. It’s a good platform to prepare for what is going to be a difficult season,” said the Brazilians’ boss.
Saturday’s action is headlined by a KwaZulu-Natal derby between Royal AM and AmaZulu, which will be played at the Harry Gwala Stadium, as well as Stellenbosch FC hosting the team that many pick as Sundowns’ most likely threat: Orlando Pirates.
The Buccaneers were (distant) runners-up to ‘Downs last term but also won two trophies (the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup) under the guidance of coach Jose Riveiro, who says he is satisfied with their work in the transfer market thus far.
“I’m happy with the group in general, I think it’s normal after every season players are coming and going, loans, etc,” said the Spaniard. “I think overall we managed to keep all our key players with us, it’s important to have continuity to not start from [scratch] this season and if we lose one or two players it’s part of the process.”
Sunday sees the return to the top-flight of Polokwane City and Cape Town Spurs (known as Ajax Cape Town when they were last in the Premiership), who take on Cape Town City and TS Galaxy respectively, while Kaizer Chiefs – under the guidance of former Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki – face Chippa United at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Chilli Boys boss Morgan Mammila believes his side will give Ntseki a nightmare start to his tenure in charge of the Amakhosi: “Very easy team to play against, very easy… you know them, we all know them, we know their advantages and disadvantages. If they don’t get what they want in the first ten minutes, they get frustrated and that’s what we want to do.”
The weekend’s action will then be followed by a midweek round on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 (public holiday) August, with the highlight being a clash between Sundowns and Chiefs at Loftus Stadium.
DStv Premiership weekend fixtures Times CAT
Friday 4 August
19:30: Sekhukhune United v Mamelodi Sundowns
Saturday 5 August
15:00: Golden Arrows v Moroka Swallows
15:00: SuperSport United v Richards Bay
17:30: Royal AM v AmaZulu
20:00: Stellenbosch FC v Orlando Pirates
Sunday 6 August
15:00: Kaizer Chiefs v Chippa United
15:00: TS Galaxy v Cape Town Spurs
17:30: Cape Town City v Polokwane City
