Former Orlando Pirates skipper Happy Jele predicts a tight battle for the league in the upcoming season and backs the Sea Robbers to finally clinch silverware.
The Betway Premiership gets underway on September 14 with the defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns set to welcome Tshwane rivals SuperSport United at Loftus Versfeld at 15:00.
Sundowns have been dominating the Premier Soccer League (PSL), winning the league title for an unprecedented seven consecutive times.
With the coaching changes at Masandawana that saw Rulani Mokwena being sacked and Manqoba Mngqithi being installed as the head coach, some feel it might unsettle the club and open a way for another club to take the crown.
Speaking to the Arena Sports Show, Jele said he’s been impressed by some clubs he saw playing in the MTN8 quarter-finals.
Jele, a solid centre-back in his playing days, feels Cape Town City, SuperSport United and Stellenbosch FC will cause havoc in the league.
The former skipper believes these clubs have done smart business in the transfer market and should be able to stage a proper fight for the top honours.
“To be honest, it’s going to be a different season,” Jele said.
“I’m looking at Cape Town City and the way they played. I’m looking at SuperSport, the way they played against Pirates, and they are going to be a dangerous team.
“Stellies have been developing in these previous seasons and are consistent about the results,” he said.
“Sundowns, yes they have had a change of coaches but the players are still there. It’s the same players and we can’t judge them now and say they won’t win the league but obviously, we want the change.
“The change needs to happen, it’s been a while since Sundowns have dominated the league.”
Magents, as Jele is affectionately known, picks Pirates, who will kick off their campaign against Chippa United at home on the opening day, as the team that will be crowned champions.
“I think Pirates is capable of taking the league this season,” Jele said.
“I was so impressed with the way they played in the first game of the season and the pre-season in Spain, I have been watching their games.
“There’s a little bit of change and improvements from last season at Pirates. They have got a couple of players that they have signed which are good players and will help the team.”
Though the Buccaneers have done well in knockout competitions over the years, especially under current coach Jose Riveiro, they have not been able to win the league for more than a decade.
The last time the Soweto Giants clinched the league title was in 2012.
Pirates will kick off their CAF Champions League campaign when they travel to Madagascar to face CNaPS Sport in the first leg of the preliminary round on Sunday.
