Downs and Chiefs in mouth watering opener

A HUMDINGER of a curtain raiser awaits in the inaugural Dstv Premiership season on October 24 as champions Mamelodi Sundowns are set to begin their title defence against the team they pipped for the crown on the final day of last season, Kaizer Chiefs.

As Sundowns won the championship on the last day of the season, that marked their record 10th Premiership title since the installation of the NSL in 1996 – they became the first team in the top- flight to add a star below their crest.

Sundowns’ championship last season also marked their historic third title in a row and fifth for former coach Pitso Mosimane during his seven and a half reign at the club

However, a new era awaits for the Brazilians as they’ll be without Mosimane from next season, with the 56- year- old having resigned to take over the reins at Africa Club of the Century, Al Ahly SC, two weeks ago.

Club president Patrice Motsepe has made swift strides in ensuring that the winning legacy that Mosimane has built over the years doesn’t go up in smoke, having appointed Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena, who were Jingles’ right- hand men, as joint coaches. They will be hoping to continue with the club’s culture of winning in style when they meet Bloemfontein Celtic, the team Sundowns defeated in the Nedbank Cup final 1- 0, in the MTN8 quarter- finals on October 18.

Amakhosi, after that poor ending, are also turning over a new leaf, having appointed coach Gavin Hunt.

Hunt’s job is cut out for him as he might have to structure his team for next season around the current crop of players.

He has to hit the ground running in the MTN8 against Maritzburg United on October 18 and Premiership opener against the Brazilians on October 24 at home, FNB Stadium ( 3: 30pm kick- off).