31 July 2019, by: Leonard Solms

PSL 2019/20 SEASON PREVIEW: PIRATES TO STEAL SUNDOWNS’ CROWN

Saturday 3 August sees Mamelodi Sundowns begin their quest to become the first team in a decade to lift a third successive PSL crown.

Having pipped Orlando Pirates to the PSL title in back-to-back campaigns, the Brazilians face an even tougher test this season against a team rejuvenated by a successful transfer window.

Pirates are tipped to pip Sundowns to the title this time with Kaizer Chiefs once again predicted to miss out on continental football.

1. Orlando Pirates

The Buccaneers closed the gap to the top from five points to two last season, taking the title race to the wire. That should now be bridged following the signings of Fortune Makaringe, Siphesihle Ndlovu and Joris Delle.

Add the acquisitions of Bongani Sam, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Kabelo Dlamini, Gabadinho Mhango, Tebogo Tlolane and Austin Muwowo and you have a squad with the depth to match Masandawana. 

In addition, a Pirates team made up almost entirely of established players at the club breezed past Kaizer Chiefs 2-0 in the Carling Black Label Cup. Ezikamagebhula looked like an outfit in which everyone wanted to fight for their places.

The wizardry of winger Thembinkosi Lorch will be a key ingredient as Pirates go all out to reclaim the title they last lifted in 2012.

2. Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns have had an uncharacteristically quiet off-season after a second successive title win. At the time of writing, Mauricio Affonso has been their only signing despite speculation linking them with a reunion with Kaizer Chiefs’ Khama Billiat.

Masandawana played in two separate CAF Champions League tournaments during last season’s Absa Premiership campaign. With the format of Africa’s premier club competition now having changed, Sundowns should have less juggling to do.

This will count in their favour, but when matched up against an Orlando Pirates team full of fresh blood and energy, the Brazilians are predicted to just come up short.

3. Cape Town City

Smart recruitment and a winning mentality took Benni McCarthy’s men to MTN8 glory last season. This term, they are backed to reclaim their CAF Confederation Cup spot.

City were easily the most improved attacking outfit in the Absa Premiership last season, going from 26 goals in 2017/18 to 47 — more than any other team in the division.

They still have yet to find a perfect balance, but they have consistently adapted following departures of top players. Having brought Abbubaker Mobara and Tashreeq Morris in ahead of this campaign, City have also held onto their core contingent.

With Mpho Makola and potentially more signings seemingly on the way, expect the team from the Mother City to be up there amongst South Africa’s top dogs.

 

Baroka FC

Baroka narrowly survived the drop in 2018/19 and have taken a gamble in the transfer window. Although they have brought in a host of new signings, they haven’t added much in the way of Absa Premiership experience.

Bakgaga may have lifted the Telkom Knockout Cup last season, but they weren’t able to perform week-in, week-out. There have been ominous signs galore over the past two campaigns that all is not well in the camp.

Former coach Kgoloko Thobejane and key players Olaleng Shaku and Oscarine Masuluke were shown the door for drinking on the team bus early last year. During 2018/19, current coach Wedson Nyirenda repeatedly decried a lack of professionalism amongst his players.

It all looks set to spill over this season unless Bakgaga’s squad overhaul changes the mentality at the club.

Chippa United

The Chilli Boys have hired and fired coaches with no hesitation under the ownership of Siviwe Mpengesi. The likes of Teboho Moloi, Vladislav Herić, Dan Malesela, Eric Tinkler and Joel Masutha have all parted ways with the club in the last year and a half.

Clinton Larsen has steadied the ship to some degree following Masutha’s departure, but it would be naïve to assume that his job is secure.

Chippa have made some solid signings on paper, notably Diamond Thopola and Patrick Tignyemb. However, instability at the club has consistently prevented them from reaching their full potential. The Eastern Cape team was fortunate to avoid the drop last season and will likely be in a survival scrap once more.

Thembinkosi Lorch

Last season’s Absa Premiership Player of the Season steadily improved as the campaign progressed. Lorch finished behind only Mwape Musonda last term, and knowing his mentality, he will no doubt have considered methods to add more goals to his game.

Having been on target for Bafana Bafana against Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, Lorch more recently scored a stunner for Orlando Pirates against Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Black Label Cup.

Fans of the Absa Premiership are blessed to still have such a tremendous talent on South African shores. Don’t be surprised if Lorch draws interest from elsewhere in the world this season. For now, all we can do is enjoy him while he’s here.

MORE SOCCER