Champions Mamelodi Sundowns kick of their 2023/24 DStv Premiership campaign with an intriguing clash away to Sekhukhune United on Friday evening.
While the Brazilians cruised to a sixth successive top-flight title under the sole guidance of Rulani Mokwena last time out, Sekhukhune were renewed for the second half of their season following the appointment of Brandon Truter.
The former Swallows boss led Babina Noko to a seventh-placed finish and a runners-up spot in the Nedbank Cup, in what was just their third consecutive season in the Premiership.
Both teams have delved into the transfer market with Sundowns making a number of shrewd signings, namely Thapelo Maseko (SuperSport United), Junior Mendieta (Stellenbosch), Lesiba Nku (Marumo Gallants), Lucas Ribeiro Costa (SK Beveren), and Bathusi Aubaas (TS Galaxy).
Truter’s side have, meanwhile, snapped up Jamie Webber (SuperSport United), Renaldo Leaner (Maritzburg United) and Siphesihle Mkhize (from Sundowns) while also promoting Thabo Nkwana and Vincent Mashego from the club’s development structures.
The day before matchday! 🏃👆
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 3, 2023
Who is ready for the new season to start? 🧏♂ #Sundowns pic.twitter.com/NlVai8DRws
Former Downs star Sibusisio Vilakazi is also a key player in the United team and ahead of the eagerly-anticipated encounter at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Mokwena said that his players will face a difficult challenge to defend their dominance this time around.
He explained in the Sowetan: “We are excited because we understand how difficult it will be. All the games will be tough. It is going to be a season where we are definitely going to be tested.
“We are hunted this season. Everyone wants to beat us. We are looking forward to defending our Premiership and showing as the defending champions every single match with a lot of consistency and a lot of quality in our performances, so we can once again defend our title.”
Truter added: “It’s a good test for us, Sundowns have raised the bar yet again with the results and coming off the pre-season camp in Europe, it’s massive and it augurs well for SA football as well.
“But they keep on raising the bar and as other clubs, we want to close it. I’ve got a good squad this season and I’m very excited to get started and to get a test against Sundowns.
“We will know exactly where we are, but it is a difficult game and an interesting one but also a match that will set the season for us.”
Sekhukhune are yet to win a game against Sundowns in the league, with the two sides meeting on four previous occasions.
Kick off is at 19:30.
