MIDTABLE WARRIORS

POLOKWANE CITY

HOW THEY SHAPE UP: The fact that they hired a new coach seems to suggest that they are aiming a little higher than their normal mid-to-bottom of the table finish. But not much will change as Polokwane will Rise and Shine on occasions with victories over the big guns and then go back to being ordinary to finish just outside the top 10.

Coach: Jozef Vukusic Another east European for a South African club. What is it with our clubs’ love for these men who are more physical trainers than they are coaches? Vukusic is not a newbie to South African football though as he joins the Limpopo outfit having previously had a spell with NFD side FC Cape Town from 2010 to 2012. He has been coaching for 23 years and was previously in charge of Slovakia’s Under-21 national team.

Key player: Jabulani Maluleke The skipper will once again carry the club’s hopes as he has done for many years. Maluleke is one of those players that you can compare to wine – for the older he gets, the better he becomes. Expect to see him dictating play for Polokwane, playing the role of fetcher, carrier and distributor of the ball with aplomb while pitching in with goals, often from set pieces. One of SA’s most underrated players.

Key Arrivals: Msekeli Mvalo and Mohammed Anas Key departures: Thabiso Semenya, Thapelo Tshilo, and Rendani Ndou Position in previous three seasons: 12th 6th 13th

CHIPPA UNITED

How they shape up for the season In as much as Chippa have improved over the years, the club is never too far from controversy; it is attracted to it like a moth to light. Again, in the build-up to this season, instead of the focus being on the fact that Chippa had lured six-time title-winner Daine Klate back to his hometown in Port Elizabeth, it was, as usual, the off-field issues which dominated; like the now-cancelled loan deal of Orlando Pirates midfielders Bernard Morrison and Thabo Matlaba – and the subsequent demand by Chippa that Morrison pay back money that had been given to him. Overall the club has punched above its weight.

Coach With Dan Malesela back as head coach, Chippa know what they’re going to get. He never deviates from his philosophy of passing, entertaining football. Results are important, yes, but Malesela doesn’t allow the pressure to win sacrifice the way he wants the game to be played. So, as always, expect that Chippa will play swift, intelligent football that is good on the eye.

Key player Daniel Akpeyi has been brilliant for Chippa. In fact, so crucial have his performances been for the PE-based side that the goalkeeper was a member of Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup squad. This season should be no different: if Chippa go on to make an impression on the PSL, then, rest assured, Akpeyi will have played an influential role.

Positions in previous three seasons 2015-16: 6th. 2016-17: 13th 2017-18: 10th Key arrivals Jabulani Shongwe, Thabo Nthethe, Thamsanqa Sangweni and Botswana internationals Thatoyaone Kgamanyane and Kabelo Seakanyeng. Key departures Paseka Mako and Gift Motupa

GOLDEN ARROWS

How they shape up Arrows have been quite in this transfer market though they roped in Mamelodi Sundowns defender Siyanda Zwane on loan. He is experienced and knows the culture of the team having spent nine years at Arrows before moving to Sundowns in 2016. Abafana Bes’thende struggled at the right back position last season and ended up using centreback Limbikani Mzava there. Arrows still need to bolster their squad. They need a left back to replace the departed Lehlohonolo Nonyane and an attacking midfielder who will fill in the void left by Kudakwashe Mahachi. If they can fill those two positions with top quality players, they will finish in the Top 8 again.

Coach: Clinton Larsen may not always grab the headlines, but he is a solid coach whose clubs always punch above their weight. He loves to have his team play an effective counter-attacking game due to their quick pace while being defensively tight. on counter-attacks and defensively tight. Bet on him to unleash yet another youngster.

Key Player: Siphelele Magubane is immensely talented, possesses an educated left foot and is full of pace, energy and has a bagful of tricks that help him leave the opposition for dead. And he can bang them in too. He just needs to play at a consistently high level and he will be the talk of the PSL and a toast of Arrows fans. The club will rely heavily on him now that Mahachi is gone. Key arrival: Siyanda Zwane

Key departures: Kudakwashe Mahachi, Jabulani Shongwe and Lehlohonolo Nonyane. Position in previous three seasons: 8th, 8th, 9th

BAROKA FC

How they shape up for the season Bakgaga normally talk a good game but struggle to back it up because they simple aren’t good enough for their lofty ambitions. But in the coach they have hired, Wedson Nyirenda, they have a man who can help them play good football and also punch above their waist – just as long as he is properly supported by management. Baroka is made up of players who are hungry to make a name for themselves which bodes well for the plucky side.

Coach: Wedson Nyirenda The Zambian coach is a master of producing miracles with limited resources. He broke records in his stints in Zambia and Mozambique. He gave Zesco United and Ferroviario da Beira their first league titles when they weren’t even expecting them. If given time, he will give Baroka FC their first trophy in the Premier Division.

Key Player: Talent Chawapiwa The Zimbabwean winger was reportedly on the wanted list of Kaizer Chiefs. Holding onto him is a huge achievement for Baroka who want to finish in the top eight. He is explosive and skilful on the wings with a big engine and a bigger heart. Chawapiwa has a high work rate. Key Arrivals: Ranga Chivaviro and Emmanuel Letlotlo Key Departures: Gift Motupa Previous Positions: 14, 15 and 1 in NFD