Mamelodi Sundowns get their 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign underway against Chippa United on Saturday.
The Brazilians strolled to an eighth successive top-flight title last time around under new head coach Miguel Cardoso with a 12 point gap over second-placed Orlando Pirates.
Only time will tell if their pre-season trip to compete in the Club World Cup in the United States will have an impact on a squad only bolstered with the signing of left-back Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch.
They have started the new season in fine form, though with a one-sided 4-0 defeat of Richards Bay in the quarter finals of the MTN8.
Chippa, meanwhile, have been quietly reinforcing a squad that secured 11th place on the standings last season under Thabo September, who has since been released and replaced with Sinethemba Badela.
The new head coach is in his first top-flight appointment after working as an assistant to Rulani Mokwena at Wydad AC last term.
The Chilli Boys have made some shrewd signings, with the capture of Orlando Pirates’ Goodman Mosele on loan, for the second season, and teammate Azola Tshobeni on a permanent deal, while fellow new players include Sammy Seabi, Khanya Mfecane, Thulani Mini, Thamsanqa Magwaza and Elson Ayanda Sithole.
Ahead of the game, Badela said in Sunday World: “We have to prepare our players well and give them the necessary confidence to be able to compete because this will be a tough opening game against the champions.
“Also, because I spent time at the club [Sundowns], I know a thing or two that I used to make most of the plans that I have for the game.
“However, we are expecting a very difficult game because Sundowns are a strong team, and we must try our best to compete with them to the best of our abilities for 90 minutes.”
Cardoso added, “I told the players that it is very important to deliver a statement in the first match of the new league season.
“Chippa United have been playing some friendly matches here in Johannesburg, but we do not know what to expect. I hope that after the match on Saturday, the new Chippa United coach goes on to have a successful career.”