It’s been a nervy start to the new DStv Premiership season for a few clubs in the middle of the table. How can they make the most of this international break? Mlu Mdletshe explores the possibilities.
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED
Babina Noko have had a mixed start to the new season – winning two and losing two matches so far. They have a busy campaign ahead, and will be taking part in this year’s CAF Confederation Cup after finishing as runners up to Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup last season.
Earlier on in the week, news broke that Thabo Senong had departed the club after tendering his resignation. At the time of his resignation, Senong was the head of development; the position he occupied from November 2022.
TS GALAXY
The Rockets made a bold statement when they overcame Kaizer Chiefs by 1-0, but have since fallen off their momentum and gone on to lose their last two league encounters against KZN sides Royal AM and AmaZulu. They return to action with a home game against SuperSport United who they beat 2-0 at home before losing 2-0 in the second round. Galaxy have also confirmed the signing of former Kaizer Chiefs and Royal AM striker Samir Nurkovic who was released by the KZN outfit in October last year. With two goals scored from their five games played, there is certainly some work to be done by Saed Ramovic and his technical team during the break.
ROYAL AM
After a terrible start to the campaign, Royal AM have gotten off the mark with crucial victories over TS Galaxy and Chippa United. They were tipped to get stuck in the relegation scrap come the end of the season, but John Maduka’s tactics are tied and tested in the SPL, with his experience the key to succeeding with the KSN side. Having made no signings in the off-season, Thwihli Thwahla have also parted ways with former Kaizer Chiefs striker Samir Nurkovic who has signed for TS Galaxy.
POLOKWANE CITY
Newly-promoted Polokwane City will be pleased with their return of their first five games where they won twice and lost three times. They have the second -weakest defence behind Cape Town City with nine goals conceded so far, but their main target will be improving on their attack which has netted seven goals.
STELLENBOSCH
The youthful Stellies have also had a mixed start to the new season, highlighted by their triumph over SuperSport United to knock them out of the MTN8 in the quarterfinals. In the league, they upset the Buccaneers in the opening game of the season before going down to newcomers Polokwane City. They then gave their best performance so far with a 3-1 win over Royal AM but Gavin Hunt’s men ended their celebrations by beating them 2-1 a week later. Second-placed Golden Arrows wait for them on the other side of this international break, with the game set to be played at the Mpumalanga Stadium.
CHIPPA UNITED
Chippa United have announced the appointment of former Golden Arrows co-head coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi as their new head technical director just a day after he left the Durban Club. We have often seen (particularly in SA) thatwhen a club hires a technical advisor or the like, chances are that they are on standby to take over when the incumbent coach does not produce results. Mammila himself occupied this role at Chippa before he was tasked with barking orders in the dugout.