Much has changed since Mamelodi Sundowns won a record seventh consecutive league title in 2023-24 and with the new season kicking off in just over one week on September 14, we look at a handful of compelling reasons to follow the action in the Betway Premiership on a weekly basis.
Cracks appearing in Sundowns’ armor
The most surprising change in the off-season saw Rulani Mokwena depart Mamelodi Sundowns due to a difference of opinion with sporting director Flemming Berg. Mokwena had broken numerous records during his time at the helm and came within one game of going unbeaten throughout an entire league season in 2023-24, ultimately losing 1-0 to Cape Town City on the final day. Manqoba Mngqithi’s reign has gotten off to a bumpy start after his side crashed out of the 2024 MTN 8 at the hands of Stellenbosch in the semi-finals. The Brazilians lost 1-0 in both legs which was the first time in 10 months they had suffered back-to-back defeats. It is still early days, but the likes of Orlando Pirates, Stellies, City, SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs are sensing an opportunity to break Sundowns’ stranglehold on the league.
The Nasreddine Nabi effect
Kaizer Chiefs finally got their man when Nasreddine Nabi was appointed head coach in July, having failed to lure him to Naturena one year ago. Amakhosi eventually settled on Molefi Ntseki, who quickly lost the faith of the supporters and he was gone by October. Cavin Johnson was handed the reins on an interim basis, but he too failed to get the best out of the players as Chiefs limped to a disappointing 10th-placed finish. Nabi has a wealth of experience after working in Libya, Sudan, Egypt, Tanzania and Morocco before heading to South Africa. The Tunisian won back-to-back titles with Tanzanian giants Young Africans and narrowly missed out on winning the Botola Pro League with AS FAR last term, while also finishing runners-up in the Moroccan Throne Cup.
New kids on the block
Limpopo have another representative in the Betway Premiership with Magesi set to make their debut at the highest level of South African football. Also, Clinton Larsen is back in the big time after he guided Dikwena tsa Meetse to the Motsepe Foundation Championship title at the second attempt in 2023-24, winning two promotions in the space of three years. It is the first time a new club will be making their bow in the top flight since Richards Bay earned promotion in 2021-22. Larsen’s side won 16 of their 30 games last season to finish eight points clear of University of Pretoria, and they could surprise many of the more established teams in the upper echelons come the new campaign.
Pirates showing consistency under Riveiro
Jose Riveiro has a firmer grasp of South African football after two successful seasons at Mayfair. The Spaniard won the MTN 8 and the Nedbank Cup in his first year with Orlando Pirates and repeated the feat in 2023-24 as they defended both titles. The Buccaneers turned on the style in the closing stages of the league campaign to pip Stellenbosch to the final CAF Champions League berth after winning five of their last 10 games, including a 7-1 rout of Golden Arrows. The next step is for Riveiro’s side to show that same consistency in the Betway Premiership as they look to bring home the coveted trophy for the first time since 2011-12.
Stellenbosch keep getting stronger
Steve Barker has done a remarkable job at Stellenbosch since replacing Sammy Troughton at the helm in June 2017, earning promotion to the top tier in his second season. The Maroons narrowly avoided relegation in 2020-21, but have made steady progress in the subsequent three campaigns by securing top-eight finishes. Barker’s side also saw their reputation grow in the cup competitions and they won their maiden silverware in December 2023 after beating TS Galaxy on penalties in the Carling Knockout final. Stellies made it five consecutive cup semi-final appearances when they overcame the Rockets in the opening round of the 2024 MTN 8 and booked another final date with Pirates after sending Sundowns packing in the last four.