The 2024/25 Betway Premiership season kicks off this weekend, and we can expect plenty of surprises. Here are 10 things to look out for.
- Gaston Sirino’s debut for Kaizer Chiefs?
It will undoubtedly be somewhat unusual to see Sirino donning the Gold and Black colors after spending nearly seven years in the yellow and blue of Mamelodi Sundowns.
He joined Chiefs as a free agent following his departure from the Brazilians during the off-season. Having trained with the team for a considerable period, he is certainly prepared to feature in their upcoming match against Marumo Gallants on Saturday afternoon.
- Nasreddine Nabi’s ball in the PSL
That Toyota Cup friendly was not enough for one to make conclusions on Nabi’s approach at Chiefs. Amakhosi lost 4-0 to Nabi’s former employers Young Africans at Free State Stadium.
Interestingly, his first Betway Premiership will take place at the same venue.
While he has not yet reinforced the squad in all desired areas, it is evident that he has had ample time during training to ready the team with the resources available to him.
- Number one goalkeeper for Chiefs
Last season, Bruce Bvuma was the favored choice for Chiefs under the guidance of interim coach Cavin Johnson.
Fiacre Ntwari appears to hold a competitive edge, given his commendable performances at TS Galaxy last season and his international experience.
- Learn how Nabi will utilise Blom? (Right back/midfield)
Njabulo Blom recently made a shock come back to Kaizer Chiefs on a season-long loan from St. Louis City SC.
He is capable of playing both as a right back and a defensive midfielder, although he has primarily occupied a midfield role recently. With Nabi now at the helm as the new coach of Chiefs, it remains to be seen where he will elect to use him.
- Another strong small team after Stellenbosch?
Stellenbosch FC have grown in leaps and bounds in the past two seasons. They are no longer regarded as a small team because of how they go about their business.
However, is there another team that might emerge as a dark horse contender? Perhaps this weekend gets to show us that.
- Arrows – Khenyeza's losing streak to continue?
Golden Arrows lost 11 games under the interim leadership of Mabhuti Khanyeza last season before he was demoted and the club appointed Steve Komphela.
Now, with Komphela gone, Khenyeza has taken over again. A loss in his first match would extend the losing streak to 12 games for Arrows under his guidance, further complicating his position.
- Royal AM struggles due to inability of registering players
This was their third transfer window not signing players because of the transfer ban imposed on them.
Last season, the team began to experience difficulties in achieving the desired results, and with the departure of additional key players, Royal AM may continue to encounter struggles.
- Any replacement for Fernando Da Cruz at Chiefs?
The French tactician recently left Amakhosi after accepting a role in the Moroccan Football Federation.
With Kaizer Motaung Jr having ruled out the return of Arthur Zwane to the first team, it remains to be seen whether there will be someone sitting on the bench as the second assistant.
- Which striker will be entrusted with responsibility of scoring goals at Chiefs?
It’s no secret Chiefs have been looking for a striker for some time. They have been linked with the likes of Fiston Mayele and Fagrie Lakay.
Nabi has to utilise whatever he has at his disposal. It will be revealed on Saturday who will be entrusted with the responsibility of scoring goals for the Glamour Boys.
- Veli Mothwa or Olwethu Mzimela?
Last season, at some point, Mzimela held the starting position at AmaZulu for a time, while Mothwa remained on the bench.
In light of Mothwa's recent error while playing for Bafana Bafana, it is possible that Pablo Franco Martin may choose to set Mothwa aside to allow him to recover mentally.
