Kaizer Chiefs will be among teams in action on the opening day
The long wait is finally over as the Betway Premiership officially kicks off on September 14 with three matches lined up on the opening day.
Nasreddine Nabi’s credentials at Kaizer Chiefs will come under test when they begin their season away to Marumo Gallants while Orlando Pirates and holders Mamelodi Sundowns are not involved this weekend owing to their CAF Champions League commitments.
Ahead of the opening weekend of the 2024-25 season, Afrik-Foot brings you the match-by-match guide for Week 1.
SATURDAY, 14 SEPTEMBER 2024
Royal AM vs Cape Town City Preview
Royal AM and Cape Town City come into the match in contrasting fashion with the former unable to sign any player due to their FIFA ban while the latter have been the busiest in the transfer market.
Cape Town have brought in 12 players as they look to improve on last season’s fifth place finish with Erik Tinkler under pressure to deliver after such a huge outlay.
Royal AM, who finished 13th last season, beat Cape Town 2-0 at home, having lost by the same margin away, and will be confident of getting a positive result on Saturday.
Marumo Gallants vs Kaizer Chiefs Preview
Nasreddine Nabi will be under the spotlight as he begins his Kaizer Chiefs reign with an away clash at Gallants who returned to the top flight after buying Swallows’ status.
Gallants coach Dan “Dance” Malesela has promised to make Chiefs suffer and it will be interesting to see if he lives up to the promise.
Nabi, meanwhile, cannot afford a bad result as it will set the tone on how Chiefs perform for the rest of the season. There is also pressure from supporters after making major signings with the hope of improving on their 10th place of last season.
Polokwane City vs AmaZulu Preview
Polokwane City had an impressive season in 2023-24 when they managed eighth place and will be looking to start brightly this time around.
They face an AmaZulu side that have brought in five new players but they could be playing without one of their key players in winger Oswin Apppollis, who is a subject of transfer interest from Kaizer Chiefs.
Both teams played out goalless draws in their two meetings last season but they will be looking forward to a different outcome.
SUNDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER 2024
Richards Bay vs TS Galaxy Preview
Richards Bay survived relegation after winning the playoff and will hope to avoid another difficult season.
They start their season against a TS Galaxy side that finished sixth last season and have big ambitions especially after holding onto coach Sead Ramovic.
Both sides have been busy in the market but after a 1-1 draw and a goalless stalemate in their two meetings last season, the approach is likely to be the same from the Natal Rich Boys.
TUESDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER 2024
Mamelodi Sundowns vs SuperSport United Preview
Champions Mamelodi Sundowns have a tricky home game against SuperSport United as they begin their quest for an eighth straight title.
The Brazilians have not had a great start to the season but there are expectations that they will rise to the occasion against their Tshwane rivals on Tuesday.
Sundowns started last season with a 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United before they went on a seven-match winning run. They did not lose to SuperSport, winning 2-0 away before a 1-1 draw in the return leg, and this should give them confidence on Tuesday.
WEDNESDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER 2024
Orlando Pirates vs Chippa United Preview
Orlando Pirates are among teams that have played more games already this season and they are yet to taste defeat after three wins and two draws in the MTN8 and CAF Champions League.
Jose Riveiro’s men are seen as the main challengers for Sundowns and will want to make a statement of intent against Chippa United, who finished 12th last season.
Pirates, who started with a 1-0 loss to Stellenbosch FC last season, are looking for a winning start and face a Chippa United team that they played three times in 2023-24, winning twice and drawing once, having eliminated the Chilli Boys from the Nedbank Cup semi-final, before they went on to win it.
Stellenbosch vs Golden Arrows Preview
Stellenbosch FC finished third last season and have started the 2024-25 campaign brightly despite losing a host of key players.
The Stellies made their first MTN8 final where they will play Pirates on October 5, but it is in the league where they will be judged more.
Steve Barker has lost the spine of the team that made them so hard to beat with Deano van Rooyen (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Anicet Oura (Muaither SC, Qatar) and Antonio Van Wyk (SV Ried, Austria) leaving the club.
The early signs look good but Golden Arrows will put them to the test although a goalless draw, followed by a 3-0 victory against them last season, should be cause for optimism.
Sekhukhune United vs Magesi FC Preview
New boys Magesi FC come under a huge test when they face Sekhukhune on matchday one.
Babina Noko were one of the most impressive teams last season and have made 10 signings so far with a view to maintaining their climb up the table.
Sekhukhune were rocked with the departure of German coach Peter Hyballa, two months after joining the club, but the return of Lehlohonolo Seema, the man who led them to fourth place last season, gives fans hope.
Where and how to watch
All the matches will be broadcast on SuperSport TV and their digital platforms, DStv Stream and Showmax Premier League. Selected matches will be broadcast on SABC TV and radio.
Tickets can be purchased at TicketPro.
