Mamelodi Sundowns reign as defending DStv Premiership Champions for the fifth successive season. Now, the rest of the PSL have all made major structural changes as well as numerous on-field personnel switches. The fight is set to begin again for those top eight spots, as well as the battle to compete for CAF football get’s even hotter.
Mamelodi Sundowns 11/10
Kaizer Chiefs 5/1
Orlando Pirates 6/1
Cape Town City 18/1
Royal AM 14/1
AmaZulu 25/1
It’s no doubt that Mamelodi Sundowns will retain their DStv Premiership crown for the 2022/23 season. The Brazilians have been dominant in the Premier Soccer League and I am very confident that they will keep their title for a sixth time in a row. This is a team that has an abundance of quality players in every position so expect them to easily walk away with the league. Orlando Pirates have quietly made some decent signings, but I don’t see them meeting the standard of Downs with the new technical staff coming in. I see the Buccaneers finishing in the second spot ahead of Cape Town City who haven’t made any big changes to their squad despite the fact that they’ll also be playing in the CAF Champions League. Gavin Hunt returning to SuperSport United will surely see Matsatsantsa taking the fourth position with the players that the coach has brought to the club, most of which share a good relationship with him having played under the ex-Chippa United boss before.
Banele Pikwa says:
Mamelodi Sundowns – 11/10
Tipping a PSL outright winner is easier than tipping on the Bundesliga. Mamelodi Sundowns are miles ahead of their opponents in the league. This is a team that has only lost four league matches in the last two seasons – a club that won every domestic trophy in the previous campaign. Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates’ transfer window has been decent, but the reality is that Masandawana signed the better players in Sipho Mbule, Ronwen Williams, Abubeker Nassir and Chilean international Marcelo Allende. Royal AM and Cape Town City’s depth will be tested as they have CAF commitments. I foresee another easy win for Sundowns, they can even win the league unbeaten and be the first South African side to go invincible.
Mamelodi Sundowns exude confidence, talent and a healthy bank account, but what goes under the radar is the hard work and hours put in to get the club functioning at the highest standard. With CAF Champions League the goal for Masandawana, it seems to me aiming high secures domestic silverware and they will pick up another PSL title, but I’ve stopped counting. The DStv Premiership is building up to be one of the most exciting yet as Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu change the face of their dressing rooms from top to bottom. Royal AM and Cape Town City continue to grow from strength to strength but traveling abroad in Africa is no joke, taking huge amounts of energy and effort. The continent’s best league will be tightly contested (from position two down) this year and we, the fans, get to witness it live and in person yet again – see you there.
The most straightforward outright pick in world football. Yes, the Bayern Munich of South Africa. Mamelodi Sundowns have surpassed any team in Mzansi tenfold and should wrap up their sixth successive DStv Premiership title. They’re ridiculously good, while the likes of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates still have a mountain to climb and will likely compete with the likes of Royal AM and Cape Town City. At 11/10, Sundowns look like the best bet of the century, while I would even go as far as saying they’re overpriced. In terms of a surprise package, keep an eye on AmaZulu.
Despite Manqoba Mngqithi purposely leaving out Kaizer Chiefs when counting teams that will make it hard for Mamelodi Sundowns this coming season, I can’t help but feel like Amakhosi will be back to their best this campaign. New coach Arthur Zwane did well enough to be given the coaching reins at Chiefs after being handed the caretaker position with Dillon Sheppard, now his assistant. Zwane knows the ‘Kaizer Chiefs way’ like the back of his hand, being a legend of the club, and has a clear vision for development with his MDC background. This means Chiefs now have a coach who is well informed on players with great potential, such as Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Mduduzi Shabalala, who are a part of the first-team setup. Zwane has been supported by management with signings too, which has been rare at the club, which is now famous for offering contracts to free agents. Chiefs have strengthened in all areas and could have the depth they’ve lacked in the last few seasons to challenge Sundowns, who will be busy trying to claim their second CAF Champions League title that has eluded them since 2016. Fans being back in full at stadiums will also be an added boost for Chiefs, who feel at home everywhere they travel.
My 2022/23 season predictions.
Dstv Prem: Sundowns
MTN8: Sundowns
Nedbank: Sundowns
Playoff: Chippa
Relegation: GallantsYours please… 🎙 https://t.co/xdoiVgM8n6
— Pro Philani (@prophilani) July 31, 2022