Takeaways from PSL matchday one after some interesting results and performances
The PSL is up and running and after the first round of matches, holders Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are among the seven teams who recorded maximum points.
It might be too early but the first week is already providing an indication on how the 2024-25 season is likely to shape up.
Afrik-Foot looks at the 10 things learnt from the first week of South Africa’s top flight.
Sundowns still the team to beat
Mamelodi Sundowns might have had a shaky start to the season but their performance against SuperSport United suggest it will still be business as usual.
SuperSport restricted their Tshwane rivals from scoring in the first half but could not contain them after the break, especially with the introduction of Themba Zwane, as new signing Iqraam Rayners and Lucas Ribeiro Costa scored to give them a 2-0 win.
The Brazilians were hardly troubled by Matsatsantsa and when they turned on the style, their rivals could not contain them.
Pirates with some work to do
Orlando Pirates won their opening match but it was far from flawless as they were made to work hard for their 2-1 victory against Chippa United.
Pirates’ first goal came from a controversial penalty and it was not until the final moments of the clash that Monnapule Saleng headed in the second to break Chippa’s hearts.
The Buccaneers had been frustrated and threatened by the Chilli Boys and will need to greatly improve if they want to contest for the PSL title with Mamelodi Sundowns.
‘Nabi ball’ taking shape at Kaizer Chiefs
Nasreddine Nabi would not have wished for a better start as the coach of Kaizer Chiefs when his team secured a 2-1 win against Marumo Gallants.
Youngsters Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi were on target for Nabi’s men but there was a lot to be impressed with especially the performance of new signings Bradley Cross and Gaston Sirino.
Chiefs are still a work in progress but Amakhosi supporters have every reason to be excited after their team did not just win but did so while playing some exciting football.
Deano van Rooyen settling in well at Pirates
Orlando Pirates fans must have been excited by the performance of new signing Deano van Rooyen who was immense at right-back in their game against Chippa United.
The defender was solid at the back and also gave the Bucs so much going forward as he linked up well with the forwards while bringing in beautiful crosses.
The former Stellenbosch FC defender will add another dimension to Pirates’ game and with Deon Hotto on the left side, Pirates’ full-backs will be a menace for their opponents.
Bradley Cross makes instant impact
Kaizer Chiefs’ new signing Bradley Cross was another of the new faces that had an impressive matchday one.
The left-back provided an assist and also looked solid in defence as Chiefs imposed themselves against Marumo Gallants.
Cross was not afraid to make forward runs, getting into dangerous areas to deliver crosses, and the Amakhosi forwards must be delighted that he is playing with them.
The Themba Zwane conundrum
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has said that the club must protect their 34-year-old but Themba Zwane’s performance against SuperSport United suggest he may have to play him more.
Zwane has turned into a super sub this season but fans will be forgiven if they demand that he starts more often given his impressive numbers when on the pitch.
Zwane was instrumental in the win against SuperSport, his linkup play with the forwards proving too much for the Mtsatsantsa defence, and the question now is should he start or continue coming from the bench?
Stellenbosch feeling impact of key departures?
Stellenbosch FC recorded the surprise result of the opening week when they lost 2-0 at home to Golden Arrows.
The Stellies had no answers for their hungrier rivals which left observers questioning if they have been left exposed by the departure of some of their key players.
It might be too early to panic, given Stellenbosch had won all their six games before the match against Arrows, but losing Antonio van Wyk, Deano van Royen, Iqraam Rayners and Anicet Oura, who left for greener pastures, cannot easily be wished away.
Veli Mothwa needs to find his confidence
AmaZulu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa is among players who had a bad opening week after his high-profile error handed Polokwane City a 2-1 win.
Mothwa had come into the game on the back of another mistake while on international duty after failing to deal with an easy ball as Bafana Bafana drew 2-2 with Uganda and instead of quieting the noise, he made it louder.
The goalkeeper failed to deal with an aerial ball and saw it drop down when not under pressure. Thabang Matuludi was there to score a winner for Polokwane deep in injury time.
Mothwa has been a subject of criticism for the second week running and he must find his confidence quickly to get his critics off his back.
Chippa United the team to watch?
Chippa United might have lost against Orlando Pirates but the early signs suggest it might not be a season of struggle.
Coach Kwanele Kopo has drilled his side well and it was evident as the Pirates midfield pivot of Thalente Mbatha and Makhehlene Makhaula struggled to cope with the rhythm of the game.
Former Pirates man Andile Jali showed his class in midfield for Chippa, before scoring a stunning goal, but his withdrawal through a hamstring injury, saw the tide turn.
Kopo will hope that the experienced midfielder is not out for long but even so, his team still look good enough to challenge for the top 10, if not top eight.
Cape Town City with work to do
Cape Town City are among teams that have made mass signings but coach Eric Tinkler is yet to have them producing the goods.
This was the Citizens’ fourth match of the season but still found the going tough against a Royal AM side that is yet to make any signing, owing to their transfer ban.
The match ended 1-1 and for Cape Town City, it looked like two points dropped, given what they have at their disposal.
Tinkler has said that a top five and a trophy are what he is targeting this season and more work on the training ground is still needed to get his charges playing the way he wants.
