The defending champions AmaZulu have been pitted against their DStv Premiership rivals Lamontville Golden Arrows in the opening match of this year’s Premier’s Cup which is set to give us a taste of the state of readiness for the 2024/25 season for KwaZulu-Natal top-tier teams having had a lacklustre 2023/24 season which saw them fail to attain a top eight finish.
Two National First Division sides have been invited to the competition and will aim to shine at their provincial counterparts’ expense. Giant slayers Milford FC will be looking to cut down Royal AM to size while Maritzburg United will be out to knock out last year’s finalists Richards Bay FC.
This year’s tournament is scheduled to take place on the weekend of 27 and 28 July at the Prince Mangosuthu Regional Sports Complex in Ulundi.
Here’s a preview and betting odds for the 2024 KZN Premier’s Cup:
Saturday, 27 July
16/10 AmaZulu | Draw 2/1 | Golden Arrows 16/10
Usuthu are heading to this match with redemption on their minds having suffered a 3-1 hammering in their last match against Arrows. Augustine Chidi Kwem scored the consolation goal for Usuthu. Hendrick Ekstein who had an incredible 2023/2024 season with AmaZulu is expected to lead Pablo Franco’s side to a success in defending their trophy. They have kept their cards close to their chest with regards to new signings, it will be interesting to see if they will feature any new faces in this match.
Abafana Bes’thende recently lost their head coach Steve Komphela who returned to Mamelodi Sundowns and Mabhuti Khenyeza is expected to take over the helm. They recently strengthened their squad with Namibian goalkeeper Edward Maova, centre-forward Lwanda Mbanjwa from Moroka Swallows and JDR Stars striker Bongani Cele.
This is expected to be a match that will be blessed with goals. Eleven goals were scored in the last three meetings between these two teams. Bet on AmaZulu to win.
13/10 Royal AM | Draw 2/1 | Milford FC 2/1
Thwihli Thwahla were three points away from relegation and will need to pull up their socks and remain consistent to stand a chance of surviving the drop this season. They face an unpredictable second-tier side that shocked the South African football communities when they knocked out Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup.
Milford FC who are underdogs in this tournament will be aiming to make their name at the expense of their provincial rivals Royal AM when they meet in the tournament’s second match. They managed to close off their 2023/24 season with a 2-1 win against Pretoria Callies and retained their Motsepe Foundation Championship status. A win in this clash will be a major boost ahead of the start of the new season. I see this clash being settled on penalties, bet on a draw.
Sunday, 28 July
11/10 Richards Bay |Draw 2/1| Maritzburg United 5/2
The Natal Rich Boys are hitting the ground running in preparation for the new season having secured a sponsorship deal worth over R100 million coupled with the unveiling of six new signings including Siyethemba Sithebe, Keagan Allan, Fezile Gcaba, Sbani Mntungwa, Tlakusani Mthethwa and Thabiso Kutumela. They will be aiming to avoid another relegation scare following surviving the promotion/relegation play-offs last season.
The Team of Choice were a point away from qualifying for the playoffs and will be aiming to start the season strong in a bid to return to the top-flight league. They finished the season strong suffering one defeat in their 10 closing matches. Zipho Dlangalala’s side will face their toughest test before the start of the new season. A lot has changed since their last clash which ended 1-1 during the 2022/2023 season and we look to see if United can pull an upset as one of the two First Division sides that are partaking in this tournament. Back Richards Bay to win.
Written by @siphesihlesoni.