A huge battle between Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United will serve as the headline clash on the opening day of the league season after the Premiership fixtures were released.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) will begin their lucrative partnership with betting tycoon Betway on Saturday, September 14, with several eye-catching clashes to look out for.
Defending league champions Sundowns, led by coach Manqoba Mngqithi, will work towards their ambitions to claim an historic eighth consecutive title when they welcome Gavin Hunt’s Matsatsantsa to Loftus Versfeld.
Meetings between these two well-coached teams have not always been one-sided despite the Brazilians’ dominance, and given their draw last time out, anything can be expected in this tricky part of the season.
Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will also navigate somewhat tricky encounters, although in different aspects.
The Buccaneers will welcome Chippa United to the Orlando Stadium with huge expectations placed on them this season following a campaign that reaped excellent trophy success last term.
The Sea Robbers are again the side tipped to topple Sundowns in their league dominance, and a good start to the season will need to see them snatch all three points on the opening day.
Both players and coach Jose Riveiro have already expressed their desire to fly out of the blocks this season, but Kwanele Kopo’s Chilli Boys are not expected to make it an easy day out.
☠️ Player Announcement 📢
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) August 12, 2024
Orlando Pirates Football Club Is pleased to announce the signing of @van_deano from @StellenboschFC on a 3 year contract ,Welcome to Orlando Pirates Deano! Full
💻 Full Details 👉🏾 https://t.co/nU6qXGJu8i
⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#OnceAlways#OrlandoPirates pic.twitter.com/YcRIWfPY8u
There was notable improvement in the playing style and performance of Chippa under Kopo last season, a factor he will be expected to improve on in the new season.
For Amakhosi, a hugely anticipated trip to Bloemfontein awaits new coach Nasreddine Nabi and his charges, with the returning Marumo Gallants the opponents.
It will be a match of the unexpected, with Chiefs’ ‘new-look’ group still providing their fans unwanted anxiety following their pre-season drubbing by Tanzanian side Yanga SC.
Welcome to the Kaizer Chiefs Family, Sirino! #Amakhosi4Life #AlwaysHome pic.twitter.com/9n1uIU1PLu
With another month to further infuse his playing style with the Naturena outfit, Nabi will hope to have completed all of his signings and established a strong enough starting line-up to claim three points on the day.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, on the other hand, are still trimming down their squad after taking on players from Moroka Swallows, whose status they bought to return to the top flight.
With Dan Malesela now in charge, Gallants are expected to be one of the most entertaining clubs to watch this season.
Opening Premiership Fixtures
Saturday, September 14: Royal AM v Cape Town City, Harry Gwala Stadium, 3pm; Orlando Pirates v Chippa United, Orlando Stadium, 5.30pm; Marumo Gallants v Kaizer Chiefs, Free State Stadium, 5.30pm; Polokwane City v AmaZulu, Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, 8pm
Sunday, September 15: Richards Bay FC v TS Galaxy, King Zwelithini Stadium, 3pm; Stellenbosch FC v Golden Arrows, Danie Craven Stadium, 5.30pm
Tuesday, September 17: Mamelodi Sundowns v SuperSport United, Loftus Versfeld, 7.30pm
Wednesday, September 18: Sekhukhune United v Magesi FC, 7.30pm, Old Peter Mokaba Stadium