Before the kickoff on Saturday, September 14, SuperSport.com examines the 16 teams that will compete in the top division this season and asks all the pertinent questions.
AmaZulu
Can Usuthu get back into the top half?
Even though AmaZulu had a strong squad last season, they finished in a disappointing 11th place. They were in contention for a top eight finish until the last weeks of the season, but only won two of their last seven league games. In light of his past LaLiga experience, Pablo Franco is under pressure to perform much better this season.
In Augustine Chidi Kwem's departure to Vietnam and Victor Letsoalo's departure to TS Galaxy, Usuthu will turn to new loanees from Mamelodi Sundowns - Etiosa Ighodaro and Luvuyo Phewa - for attack leadership. On September 25, AmaZulu will play at Polokwane City, followed by a thrilling match against Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium. They hope a positive result sets the tone for an improved season.
Last season finish: 11th
Best finish: Champions in 1972 (then known as Zulu Royals)
Opening game: Saturday, September 14 away at Polokwane City
Cape Town City
Will the Citizens challenge at the top?
At the end of last season, the Cape Town club admitted that their squad was bare, and its chairman John Comitis had already announced seven new additions. Since then, he has recruited 11 new players, leaving coach Eric Tinkler exhilarated over their potential and happily complaining he now has a lot of selection problems.
According to the coach, this is the strongest squad the club has had since their debut season in 2016-17. Sadly, star midfielder Carlinhos from Angola suffered a major knee injury before the season began. However, the team's midfield has been bolstered by new additions Haashem Domingo, Fortune Makaringe, and Kamohelo Mokgotjo. All eyes will be on late arrival Amadou Soukouna from France as he steps into the shoes of recently departed striker Khanyisa Mayo who was sold to Algeria. Soukouna will lead the team's attack for the upcoming season.
Last Season: 5th
Best finish: Runners-up in 2021/22
Opening game: Saturday, September 14 away at Royal AM
Chippa United
Can the Chilli Boys improve this season?
Kwanele Kopo has landed his first head coaching position in the Betway Premiership, a well-deserved opportunity after serving as an assistant to notable coaches such as Stuart Baxter, Gavin Hunt, and Pitso Mosimane at SuoerSport United. He also gained experience as a coach at Pretoria Callies in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Last season, Kopo shared the Chippa job with Thabo September, but he now takes full control and is aware that time is of the essence, considering the high turnover rate of coaches at this Eastern Cape-based club.
It is ironic that it is the 34-year-old Andile Jali who could prove to be the driving force for the club after Kopo culled the squad in order to fit his tactical plans. Only once in their 11 seasons in the top flight have they finished in the top eight – in 2016 when they finished sixth.
Last Season: 12th
Best finish: 6th in 2015/16
Opening game: Wednesday, September 18 away at Orlando Pirates
Kaizer Chiefs
Can AmaKhosi end their trophy drought?
It has been nine seasons since Chiefs last won the league... or any other competition... and every year the pressure mounts to end the drought. Their hopes of a revival have been boosted by the arrival of Belgian-Tunisian Nasreddine Nabi, who has also revamped other aspects of the club. However, supporters are more optimistic than hopeful.
Nabi's extensive CV in African football will be put to the test in the unpredictable world of South African club soccer. To thrive, he'll have to rely on his street smarts. In a first for their club, Chiefs have allowed Nabi to bring on his own support staff. They're counting on a return on investment, having also recruited Ignacio Miguel from Angola and Gaston Sirino. One upside for the new coach is that it can't get any worse than last season's 10th place finish, an all-time low for Chiefs.
Last Season: 10th
Best finish: Champions in 1974, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1984, 1989, 1991, 1992, 2003/04,
2004/05, 2012/13, 2014/15 (12 times)
Opening game: Saturday, September 14 away at Marumo Gallants
Lamontville Golden Arrows
Will Arrows kick on from last season?
Arrows suffered a setback at the beginning of their pre-season when Steve Komphela, who had only been in charge for a short period, departed to rejoin Mamelodi Sundowns. Rather than appoint a replacement, the club has opted to give Mabhuti Khenyeza another opportunity as head coach, six months after he was replaced by Komphela following a string of 11 consecutive defeats. This time around, Arrows are taking a risk by placing their trust in the former striker's capabilities on the sidelines. While Arrows have often lost talented players due to being a "selling club", this season they have only bid farewell to left back Bradley Cross who joined Kaizer Chiefs for several million despite having previously been on trial with them two years ago. Despite having the opportunity to sign Cross for free upon his return from Europe, Chiefs did not do so and he subsequently joined Arrows.
Last Season: 9th
Best finish: 4th in 2020/21
Opening game: Wednesday, September 18 away at Stellenbosch
Magesi
Will the new boys be able to survive?
The new faces in the Betway Premiership this season were dominant champions of the Motsepe Foundation Championship last year, but are aware of the higher level of competition they will face. With a wealth of experience from his time at Bloemfontein Celtic, Chippa United, Lamontville Golden Arrows, Maritzburg United and Polokwane City, coach Clinton Larsen has worked to bolster his team with players who have previously played in the top league. Notably, former Malawi captain Limbikani Mzava and ex-Mamelodi Sundowns striker Gift Motupa will enhance their prospects. While management may have high goals for them, Larsen has cautioned that their primary aim should be to maintain their status in the league this season ... any additional success would be a bonus.
Last Season: Winners of Motsepe Foundation Championship
Best finish: First season in Betway Premiership
Opening game: Wednesday, September 18 away at Sekhukhune United
Mamelodi Sundowns
Can somebody finally catch the Brazilians?
Sundowns have already dominated most of the important records in domestic football and, with their substantial financial backing, appear poised to remain at the top for an extended period. They are heavily favored to secure an eighth consecutive championship by the end of the season and increase their total number of titles to 18. However, rival supporters continue to hold out hope that someone will seriously challenge their dominant position each year. In the previous season, Sundowns finished with a record-breaking 23-point lead over second-place Orlando Pirates and came incredibly close to completing a full unbeaten league campaign - yet another first in domestic football. This season sees Manqoba Mngqithi taking over as coach from Rulani Mokwena and the club has also announced new additions to their squad including winger Kobamela Kodisang, Brazilian Arthur Sales, defender Kegan Johannes, teenager Asekho Tiwani, and Bafana Bafana striker Iqraam Rayners.
Last Season: Winners
Best finish: Champions in 1988, 1990, 1993, 1997/98, 1998/99, 1999/2000, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2013/14, 2015/16, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24 (17 times)
Opening game: Tuesday, September 17 home to SuperSport United
Marumo Gallants
Can Bloemfontein’s new boys prove a force ?
Marumo Gallants have regained their top flight status by acquiring the Moroka Swallows club and relocating it to the Free State capital. With the recent fall of Bloemfontein Celtic, they are looking to satisfy fans' desire for more consistent football. Despite reaching the semifinals of the African Confederation Cup, owner Abram Sello's team was relegated two seasons ago. This resulted in several key players leaving due to alleged interference from management. As a result, newly appointed coach Dylan Kerr left just weeks after taking on the role in June. Dan Malesela has been brought in as a replacement, bringing with him experience and previous success as a cup winner. Notable signings include fullback Mbhazima Rikhotso, known for his tough tackles, and midfielder Phathutshedzo Nange, who has played for Stellenbosch, Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United in the past.
Last Season: 11th in Motsepe Foundation Championship
Best finish: 10th in 2021/22
Opening game: Saturday, September 14 home to Kaizer Chiefs
Orlando Pirates
Will the Sea Robbers move up from second place?
Despite Orlando Pirates' frequent appearances as runners-up in the title race, finishing second behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the previous Premier Soccer League season marked their eighth time in this position. To bolster their squad, the addition of Angola international Gilberto and Stellenbosch skipper Deano van Rooyen has addressed their ongoing issues at right back. With familiar players under the guidance of coach Jose Riveiro, this could be a positive step towards challenging Sundowns for the title. However, as shown by past inconsistencies, management and supporters expect a strong performance but are aware that Pirates may struggle with inconsistency. Their push for domestic silverware will also be put to test should they advance to the group phase of the African Champions League.
Last Season: 2nd
Best finish: Champions in 1971, 1973, 1975, 1976, 1994, 2000/01, 2002/03, 2010/11, 2011/12 (9 times)
Opening game: Wednesday, September 18 home at Chippa United
Polokwane City
A flash in the pan or are City the real deal?
After earning promotion last season, Polokwane City made few moves in the transfer market to boost their squad for the challenges of top tier football. This prompted many to believe they would be relegated just as quickly as they were promoted. However, their performance took a surprising turn as they finished with an impressive unbeaten streak in their last five games, securing an eighth place finish. Coach Phuti Mohafe's consistently positive approach and the team's formidable gameplay made them a tough opponent for other clubs. As they prepare for the new campaign, Polokwane City has not been very active in the transfer market, although the acquisition of Brian Bwire from Kenya could prove to be a valuable addition. On the other hand, they have released some of their older players including Lucky Baloyi, Ndumiso Mabena, and last season's captain Given Mashikinya. It remains to be seen if this decision will have any impact on their upcoming season.
Last Season: 8th
Best finish: 5th (2018/19)
Opening game: Saturday, September 14 home to AmaZulu
Richards Bay
Can the nomads survive the drop?
Last season, Richards Bay managed to maintain their top-flight position by participating in the end-of-season promotion-relegation playoffs. Now, there is much speculation surrounding their future as they enter their third consecutive season playing away from their home base on the northern KwaZulu-Natal coast. Despite this setback, the team remains hopeful as they strive to upgrade their home ground to meet PSL standards, allowing them to finally play at home. In the meantime, they will once again have to utilize Durban as their home base, after having used both Chatsworth Stadium and Umlazi last season. The team has also faced some changes in leadership, with Vusimusi Vilakazi initially taking charge of pre-season preparations before leaving midway through the process. He was then replaced by Brandon Truter, who had previously coached the team during their National First Division days in 2018-19.
Last Season: 15th
Best finish: 13th (2022/23)
Opening game: Sunday, September 15 home to TS Galaxy
Royal AM
Will the Fifa ban see Royal AM fade away?
As Royal AM enters their second season, they will once again be without any new players. This is due to a ban imposed by Fifa for not complying with their orders to pay former players Samir Nurkovic and Ricardo Nascimento. The club had violated contracts with these players and will continue to be banned from bringing in new signings until the owed monies are paid. Last season, they were able to overcome this obstacle by utilizing their strong squad and promoting players from the DStv Diski Challenge. However, this time around it will prove much more challenging to mask their issues. After experiencing the highs of playing in African club competition two years ago, Royal AM's performance declined drastically last season and they narrowly avoided relegation. Unfortunately, it seems as though they may face the same fate this campaign. In addition, there has been an exit of Menzi Masuku and Shaune Mogaila, both wide attackers whose contracts have expired.
Last Season: 13th
Best finish: 3rd (2020/21)
Opening game: Saturday, September 14 home to Cape Town City
Sekhukhune United
Is this a force to be reckoned with?
Sekhukhune United hit the ground running upon their promotion to the Betway Premiership and have since qualified for continental club competition in both of their last two seasons. Despite undergoing two coaching changes in the previous campaign, they still managed to secure a commendable fourth place finish. Initially, Brandon Truter was dismissed from his position and later on, with only two matches remaining, Lehlohonolo Seema was also let go due to a disagreement with management. McDonald Makhubedu took over as interim coach for the remainder of the season. It's worth noting that these changes did not seem to affect the players negatively. This was fortunate because there was further disruption during the pre-season when they appointed German coach Peter Hyballa, known for his unpredictable behavior. However, he ended up leaving even before managing a single official game and now Seema has returned to take charge once again.
Last Season: 4th
Best finish: 4th (2023/24)
Opening game: Wednesday, September 18 home to Magesi
Stellenbosch
Can the Winelands club keep up their progress?
Stellenbosch FC has a bigger vision than simply developing players and selling them for profit. However, they are facing challenges in retaining their top players as the temptation to join the 'big three' in Gauteng remains strong. Despite their efforts to keep the team united, they have had to bid farewell to key players such as Ashley du Preez and Junior Mendieta in previous seasons, followed by captain Dean van Rooyen (who joined Orlando Pirates) and top scorer Iqraam Rayners (who moved to Mamelodi Sundowns). This has put pressure on the club's management, who are working hard to persuade other players not to request transfers. Stellenbosch FC aims to become a formidable force in football but currently finds itself at a crossroads, still far from reaching the same level of success as the major clubs. They are determined to get there, as evidenced by their strong performance last season when they were in contention for second place until they faltered in the final five fixtures.
Last Season: 3rd
Best finish: 3rd (2023/24)
Opening game: Wednesday, September 18 home to Lamontville Golden Arrows
SuperSport United
Will there be a return to the glory days?
SuperSport United clinched their third consecutive league title under coach Gavin Hunt's guidance in 2010. After a 14-year hiatus, the 60-year-old coach has returned for his third season with the club. The question now is whether he can recreate their former dominance. In the past, Hunt's shrewd player acquisitions played a crucial role in their success. And once again, there is a promising pool of players at the club. Interestingly, last season saw Hunt handing debuts to fifteen young prospects in hopes of bolstering the team's roster. However, it remains to be seen if this new generation is ready to step up and achieve success. To prepare for the upcoming season, SuperSport United has made some noteworthy signings including Nyiko Mobbie at right back, Brooklyn Poggenpoel in midfield, Vincent Pule on the wing, and last season's dependable central defender for TS Galaxy, Pogisho Sanoka.
Last Season: 7th
Best finish: Champions in 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10 (3 times)
Opening game: Tuesday, September 17 away to Mamelodi Sundowns
TS Galaxy
Can they keep up the momentum?
During their final game of the previous league season, TS Galaxy had a shot at securing fourth place in the Betway Premiership standings at halftime. However, they ultimately lost to Polokwane City and ended up in sixth place. This was still their best finish to date and marked their first time placing within the top eight. These achievements are a testament to owner Tim Sukazi and coach Saed Ramovic, who have worked wonders with limited resources. Despite facing numerous departures of key players in recent years, they managed to build a competitive squad that was in contention for a spot in African club competition. The challenge now lies in maintaining this momentum after the loss of captain Pogisho Sanoka, as well as Lehlohonolo Mojela and first choice goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari. TS Galaxy's new signings include Ivory Coast goalkeeper Ira Tape, who has earned two caps for his country, as well as two players from Liberia.
Last Season: 6th
Best finish: 3rd (2023/24)
Opening game: Sunday, September 15 away to Richards Bahy
