Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky, BackpagePix
THE BETWAY Premiership season finally kicks off on Saturday when Royal AM face Cape Town City (3pm start) at Harry Gwala Stadium.
We choose who we think will finish in positions one to four in the league ...
Where home is at: Orlando Stadium
The man in the hot seat: Jose Riveiro
Riveiro has endeared himself as a ‘cup specialist’ in local football, having won four trophies – two MTN8s and Nedbank Cups – in his first two seasons.
But such is the pressure that’s on him this season, he’s expected to challenge for everything this season, especially the coveted Premiership title.
Star player: Relebohile Mofokeng
Pirates were their own worst enemies in the past two seasons. They dropped points that they were expected to collect with ease due to inconsistencies in the league.
But despite their shortcomings as they sought to knock Mamelodi Sundowns off their perch in the past two seasons, there’s been a breath of fresh air at the club.
Patrick Maswanganyi has made ‘The Ghost’ happy people again, waving his magic wand whenever he takes the pitch, while they chant his nickname: “Tito! Tito! Tito!”
However, the spotlight is expected to be on Mofokeng this season. The 19-year-old has been a sensation for both club and country.
Mofokeng has been the driving force behind the team’s bright start to the season – they have already reached the MT8 final and second round of the CAF Champions League preliminaries.
The Vaal-born footballer is expected to play a key role in guiding the Sea Robbers to the pinnacle of Africa – a stage that has eluded them since 2012.
Last season: Second
Best finish: Champions (2011/12 season)
Prediction: Champions!
Where home is at: Loftus Versfeld Stadium/Lucas Moripe Stadium
The man in the hot seat: Manqoba Mngqithi
Mngqithi is in his 10th season at the club. He has amassed success as the assistant coach and co-coach, having won 15 trophies.
He’s been promoted to the hot seat this season and therefore expectations are on him to deliver more trophies to the club’s cabinet.
Star player: Teboho Mokoena
Sundowns have enjoyed unprecedented success in the past seven seasons, winning seven Premiership titles on the trot.
Their run has boasted collective and individual contributions, with Peter Shalulile winning back-to-back Footballer of the Seasons awards at some point.
However, all eyes this season will be on Mokoena to continue with his impressive outings in the middle of the park.
But while Mokoena might ace his role, he can’t do it alone – the rest of his teammates need to buy into the idea and philosophy of their new head coach.
Mngqithi’s philosophy might take a while before it takes root, given that some players might still be attached to the philosophy of former mentor Rulani Mokwena.
And having been booted out of the MTN8, following the loss to Stellenbosch, Sundowns have a lot of catching up to do in the next few months.
Last season: Champions
Best finish: Champions (past seven seasons)
Prediction: Second
Where home is at: Danie Craven Stadium
The man in the hot seat: Steve Barker
The 56-year-old coach led an impressive Stellies side last season that won their first major trophy in top-flight football, while they also qualified for their first continental competition after their third-place finish in the league.
Star player: Lehlohonolo Mojela
A target of the top PSL clubs, the 27-year-old forward has been a perfect fit in the PSL after he joined TS Galaxy from Motsepe Foundation side Casric Stars for the 2023/24 season.
His exploits helped the Rockets reach their highest PSL finish, and with interest from all over the country, Mojela chose to toast to the Cape Winelands with the aim of winning his first silverware with the Stellenbosch side.
Stellies have consistently offloaded their star players, who have gained attraction at the bigger clubs in the league, and this season was no different, with Iqraam Rayners switching from the hot, dry summers and wet Cape winters for the rich history and culture of Sundowns.
The Carling Cup champions have also landed a few telling blows in the transfer market, with Sanele Barns set to link up with an already exciting midfield, while Brian Onyango will bring his physicality and presence at the back with the club set to play a lot more matches.
Last season: Third
Best finish: Third
Prediction: Third
Where home is at: Tshwane University of Technology Soccer Ground
The man in the hot seat: Gavin Hunt
The 60-year-old mentor has coached nine teams in his career, including his current club. He has won four Premier Soccer League titles in a managerial career that is approaching 30 years.
Known for his eye for finer detail, Hunt will have a bit more experience heading into the 2024/25 season after leading out a young side last season.
Star player: Vincent Pule
The 32-year-old former Pirates winger will bring much-needed experience to a young side that fell just one point short of the top five in the league.
His exposure to top-class football in the colours of the Sea Robbers could have an effect on and off the field, and help turn the 11 drawn matches into three-pointers.
Hunt’s immediate task will be to get a team that once again suffered from the sale of too many key players – young talent Shandre Campbell has left for Club Brugge’s youth academy side Club NXT – to gel.
Incoming signings include exciting midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpoel and defender Pogiso Sanoka.
Last season: Sixth
Best finish: Champions 2009/10
Prediction: Fourth
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