Mamelodi Sundowns are surely running away with the title, right? Their biggest opposition by name are finding form and really doing all that they can in my opinion. Last season, Luvuyo Memela scored against Golden Arrows to put AmaZulu two points clear atop the PSL, but the games Sundowns had in hand quickly turned to points in hand.
Seasons before, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates had their chance, but both fell three points short of claiming a title. Now, the season has just swung by the halfway point and Masandwa are seemingly out of sight. Where are we in the DStv Prem? And if any, who can stop Mamelodi Sundowns?
The Sea Robbers in murky waters.
It all started in rather murky waters for the Buccaneers, with PSL stalwart Mandla Ncikazi making his way to a big club, but things remained unclear surrounding his role at the Soweto giants leaving everything up for discussion.
Only for Joseph Zinnbauer to hand in his resignation papers one fixture into the season. We could argue that Pirates have had a good season to this point losing just three fixtures two of which came at the hands of the log leaders, but too many draws have taken a hold of the team. After hopes were held high, the 4-1 defeat to Sundowns just highlights how far behind the Bucs are.
Fadlu Davids has hinted that processes for the club are in their infancy with big targets for the January transfer window including long term plans to get the club where they belong in his post-match interview. Five losses to Sundowns in a single year, 17 goals conceded from one club scoring just two against the champions means Orlando Pirates are not the team to challenge.
Love and Peace are in turmoil or finding a new path?
You could make an argument that chiefs are on the right path claiming more than half of last season’s points tally already. An unfortunate outbreak of Covid-19 stunted the progress of Amakhosi, and the PSL have yet to decide the fate of those unhonoured fixtures, but short a single point with a game in hand means Chiefs are on the cusp of Champions League football yet again.
It seems like the path for Kaizer Chiefs is clearing, but Baxter could be standing in the way of success (just give Arthur Zwane a chance) leaving that ever present gap between Sundowns and the rest of the PSL.
What about the other teams?
AmaZulu were tipped to make an impression atop the table this season but have been plagued by draws – the most in a single PSL season for Usuthu.
Stellenbosch got off to a flying start going unbeaten alongside Sundowns, but recent form found them dropping off the pace in quick fashion.
A surprise top of the table contender for the season are newcomers Royal AM, looking to finish second on the log before the season kicks off again next year.
SuperSport United despite the quality of players they possess are nowhere near their full potential.
Having said all that, it’s Christmas, we are more than halfway through the DStv Premiership season, and there is no denying Mamelodi Sundowns their fifth successive PSL title.
At the time of writing, Masandawa are 17 points clear of Royal AM and Stellenbosch. A total annihilation and proper football schooling of Orlando Pirates, a comprehensive victory over Kaizer Chiefs, and having already played SuperSport United twice collecting four points it leaves arguably no doubt…