CRYSTAL BALL LOOK AT NEW SEASON
WHY THESE THREE TEAMS
WILL BE THE TITLE CONTENDERS Kaizer Chiefs:
Coach Gavin Hunt knows what it takes to win the league – he has done it four times with two different clubs with limited resources.
At Chiefs, he has improved material and it’s just a matter of moulding a championship team.
Orlando Pirates:
In last week’s MTN8 match, Pirates produced spells of play that caused pundits to take notice. Josef Zinnbauer feels that with time, his team will be serious title contenders, especially once newcomers fit into their playing patterns. Mamelodi Sundowns:
Sundowns have the strongest squad with some of South Africa’s finest players. All that remains is for the coaches to sustain what the previous coach has been doing.
WHO WILL BE THE COACH OF THE SEASON?
Gavin Hunt started his tenure as Chiefs coach hamstrung by a FIFA ban on the club signing new players. Nevertheless, he has a positive attitude and feels he can create a team capable of winning titles with the players at his disposal. Hunt will spare no effort to end Chiefs’ trophy drought.
WHO WILL BE THE PLAYER OF THE SEASON?
It is hard to look past last season’s triple winner Themba Zwane. The Sundowns playmaker will again be at heartbeat of everything the Brazilians wish to achieve this season. He will be aiming to become the first player to achieve the feat in successive seasons since Teko Modise
WHY THESE THREE TEAMS WILL BE THE RELEGATION CANDIDATES
Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM): The problems facing TTM were highlighted when they pitched up with only 14 players last Saturday.
Black Leopards:
Another tough campaign awaits Leopards after just managing to survive relegation last season via the playoffs. Baroka FC:
They remain in turmoil with coach Dylan Kerr still serving an internal suspension.
WHY THESE THREE TEAMS WILL BE THE SURPRISE PACKAGES OF THE SEASON
TS Galaxy:
Chairman Tim Sukazi will know that his team has to compete week in and week out in order to stay afloat after acquiring the status of Highlands Park. But with an astute coach in Dan Malesela they shouldn’t have problems in reaching their targets.
Maritzburg United:
Having done little to chop and change this season, expect the Team of Choice to build-on from last season. The departure of club captain Richard Ofori is something that shouldn’t deter the team’s plan, after being replaced by Zambian No. 1 Sebastian Mwange. Amazulu:
Usuthu president Sandile Zungu has thrown a curveball at his team, urging them to, at least, finish in the top four. That may border on over-optimism for a team that keeps fighting relegation. But do expect a respectable finish.
WHO WILL BE THE TEAM OF THE SEASON?
Once Sundowns start to gel as a team, with newbies finding their feet at the club, they should not have problems with being the most eye-catching team in the top division.
WHO WILL BE THE MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
THIS SEASON?
At 25, Xoki has all the attributes required to become a top defender in the PSL. Xoki is heading into his seventh season with Amazulu. He will reach the peak of his career in another two years. This season will be the perfect time for him to truly establish himself as a standout player.
WHO WILL BE THE BEST GOALKEEPER OF THE SEASON?
At 28, Ronwen Williams has now entered his prime. He is Bafana Bafana’s firstchoice goalkeeper currently.
The battle for the Bafana Bafana firstchoice goalkeeping role as well as the Supersport United captaincy should elevate Williams game to another level.
WHO WILL BE THE BAD BOY OF THE SEASON AND GIVE AWAY THE MOST PENALTIES?
Madisha endured a turbulent ending to the campaign in the bio-bubble last season. But as a way of shutting up his detractors, he’ll be out to show that he deserved the nomination for the Defender of the Season. But at times, playing to prove a point results in unintended consequences.
WHO WILL SPORT THE BEST HAIRCUT OF THE SEASON?
The Ghanaian’s taste for mohawk remains unchallenged. He’s modified it over the years but he’s been more loyal to the straightened haircut that starts from his forehead all the way to the tip of his neck.