It’s the final day before the much-awaited return of Mzansi’s top-flight division! Our writers have shared their views on who they think will be crowned champions of the 2023/24 PSL season.
Joshua Gaillard says:
Mamelodi Sundowns – 4/10
As a DStv Premiership viewer, it would be extremely disingenuous of me to even consider any club other than Mamelodi Sundowns being crowned South African topflight champions yet again. No other Premiership side has shown the hard work, high standards, and ambition that Masandawana have put on display in recent years, leaving a lot to be desired even if you are a fan of any other team. The two clubs who will be adding to the foundations established last season to possibly consider an attempt at dethroning the giants are Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United. The Spaniard Jose Riveiro has been entrusted to further his project at AmaBuccaneers, and after finishing 19 points off the champions last season, Gavin Hunt is speaking of ways in which to challenge for the title. Unfortunately, for Kaizer Chiefs faithful, they are grouped in a long list of teams making coaching changes as well as a host of new player rotation leaving the future less predictable.
Top Eight
- Mamelodi Sundowns
- SuperSport
- Orlando Pirates
- Stellenbosch
- Swallows
- Kaizer Chiefs
- AmaZulu
- Sekhukhune
Play-offs: Royal AM
Relegation: Chippa United
Chad Nagel says:
Mamelodi Sundowns – 4/10
Boring, I know, but I simply can’t see any other team winning the title. Masandawana lost only two games last season, winning the league at a canter by 16 points. The Pretoria-based side have bolstered their squad with six new and exciting recruits, and I’m expecting another stellar campaign for the Brazilians. After claiming six PSL titles on the spin, Mamelodi Sundowns have been the most dominant team South African football has ever seen. Back them to successfully defend their title.
Top Eight
- Mamelodi Sundowns
- Orlando Pirates
- SuperSport
- Kaizer Chiefs
- Cape Town City
- Swallows
- Sekhukhune
- AmaZulu
Play-offs: Cape Town Spurs
Relegation: Polokwane City
Marc Strydom says:
Orlando Pirates – 6/1
I am backing Orlando Pirates to win the DStv Premiership this season despite falling behind by 16 points last season. The Buccaneers showed a lot of growth and character throughout the season and believed in the work that Jose Riveiro put in and was later rewarded with two trophies to end the season with, and a place back in CAF Champions League. The culture of the club has done a full 360 with everybody on board with the same goals and ambitions, which could take the team all the way. The recruitment this offseason for Pirates has been nothing less than great as every player that comes through the door has a role to play and adds huge value to the team and depth to compete every match and competition going forward. We all know the quality Mamelodi Sundowns have and shown all these years, but I believe Pirates have closed the gap coming into this season and will pip them to the title.
Top Eight
- Orlando Pirates
- Mamelodi Sundowns
- SuperSport
- Cape Town City
- Swallows
- Kaizer Chiefs
- AmaZulu
- Sekhukhune
Play-offs: Polokwane City
Relegation: Chippa United
Mlu Mdletshe says:
Orlando Pirates – 6/1
Arguably the most improved team in the league last season, Orlando Pirates appointed Spaniard Jose Riveiro as head coach and immediately began reaping the rewards. Riveiro won the MTN8 as well as the Nedbank Cup in his first season in South Africa. In addition, Pirates secured a CAF Champions League spot by finishing second in the DStv Premiership under the tactician. Now, with a massive new season ahead, the Sea Robbers have also enjoyed an impressive transfer business period – welcoming Karim Kimvuidi, Lesedi Kapinga, Siphelo Baloni, Katlego Otladisa, Melusi Buthelezi and Patrick Maswanganyi to a squad expected to be firing on all cylinders with a string of domestic and continental encounters in their path. The Buccaneers ended their tour of Spain with no defeats where they faced high quality opponents in Marbella. Ezikamagebhula beat both Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ecuador’s Independiente Del Valle while drawing against LaLiga’s Las Palmas in their final encounter.
Top Eight
- Orlando Pirates
- Mamelodi Sundowns
- SuperSport
- Cape Town City
- Kaizer Chiefs
- Swallows
- AmaZulu
- Stellenbosch
Play-offs: Chippa United
Relegation: Polokwane City
Desh Parthab says:
Orlando Pirates – 6/1
Even the most ardent of critics would have to raise their glass to Jose Riveiro. The Spaniard has delivered the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup to the Bucs faithful and I believe the PSL trophy will follow suite. The current Pirates squad is brimming with talent and the hunger that they’ve shown point to another trophy laden season. Mamelodi Sundowns have won a record-extending sixth consecutive league championship. Despite this era of local dominance, I anticipate their pursuit of continental glory this time around to derail their domestic progress.
Top Eight
- Orlando Pirates
- Mamelodi Sundowns
- SuperSport
- Cape Town City
- Sekhukhune
- Kaizer Chiefs
- Stellenbosch
- Royal AM
Play-offs: Richards Bay
Relegation: Polokwane City
Ayanda Vezi says:
Orlando Pirates – 6/1
The 2023/24 DStv Premiership season is about to start, and Orlando Pirates will set their sights on dethroning the current champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Jose Riveiro has made some good signings to show that their mandate is to win the league this season. The Buccaneers finished the previous campaign on a high note, collecting 35 points in 15 games. Killing off the so-called lesser sides has been a problem for the Soweto giants, but I see that changing this time around. I truly trust that Riveiro will make happy people smile again. And looking at the relationship he has with his players, there’s no doubt they will give their all for him when the season begins. Pirates’ pre-season was very positive as they never lost a game. As for Sundowns, I don’t see them defending their title also because I think their main focus will be to win the CAF Champions League and CAF Super League.
Top Eight
- Orlando Pirates
- Mamelodi Sundowns
- SuperSport
- Cape Town City
- Kaizer Chiefs
- Swallows
- Stellenbosch
- Golden Arrows
Play-offs: Chippa United
Relegation: Polokwane City
