The Premier Soccer League kicked off in dramatic fashion with Mamelodi Sundowns redeeming themselves ffollowing the MTN8 defeat by beating SuperSport United 2-0. Orlando Pirates, under the tutelage of their new mentor, Milutin Sredojević also got off their season to a winning start. Can we read too much into those results? Here are the teams that I think you should be backing tonight.
Baroka FC 22/10 | Draw 22/10 | Orlando Pirates 11/10
Baroka will be buoyed by the signing of the former Black Leopards captain, Siphelele Ntshangase who is expected to give them that extra creativity in the final third. In their opener, they played to a goalless draw against Polokwane City. One must also mention that the team’s tactical approach is expected to be better structured now that they have a quality Technical Director in Doctor Khumalo who was officially unveiled last week.
The Mighty Buccaneers have just revealed that their last season’s top scorer, Tendai Ndoro is on the cusp of joining Saudi Arabian outfit, Al Faisaly FC and will not feature tonight. Newly-signed midfield kingpin, Thamsanqa Sangweni is out injured and that will pave way for out of favour Issa Sarr to start. I think Pirates are better in quality and they will triumph tonight.
Chippa United 14/10 | Draw 39/20 | AmaZulu FC 21/10
Chippa United’s patient passing game has proved counter-productive against team who apply low defensive blocks and they keep going sideways and backwards the whole game. They lost 1-0 to Orlando Pirates in the first match of the season and they will be hoping to return to winning ways at home.
On the other hand, AmaZulu showed a great deal of resilience and fighting spirit in their first match, scoring and winning 1-0 against Free State Stars despite being reduced to 10 men in the first half. Usuthu are without Sedate Ouro-Akoriko who got sent off in the match in question but newly-appointed coach Cavin Johnson seems to have found a winning formula. I’m backing a victory for AmaZulu.
Mamelodi Sundowns 9/20 | Draw 32/10| Polokwane City 57/10
After crashing out of the MTN8, Sundowns returned to winning ways against SuperSport United, courtesy of a 2-0 victory. The Brazilians are without Khama Billiat and Lucky Mohomi who are battling with flu and Themba Zwane will undergo a late fitness test.
After finishing last season on a high note, Polokwane City have started the new campaign in contrasting fashion. They lost 1-0 to Cape Town City in the MTN8 and played to a goalless draw against Baroka FC in the league. Rise And Shine have lost three and drawn two of their last five games against Sundowns. I’m tipping Sundowns for a comfortable victory, back them on the (-1) handicap at 5/4.
