The wait is over and the DStv Premiership is back with plenty action to look out for as the opening fixtures get underway after a much-needed pre-season of demanding work and players finding their feet to prove themselves for their respective clubs.
Friday 4 August
Sekhukhune United 9/2 | Draw 24/10 | Mamelodi Sundowns 6/10
Peter Mokaba Stadium – 19:30
Sekhukhune finished the season off very well after the appointment of Brandon Truter despite losing the Nedbank Cup final to Pirates. The Limpopo-based side will be hoping for a positive start to the campaign but face a difficult test when they host champions Mamelodi Sundowns in their opening fixture.
Masandawana, being the serial winners they are, will come out seeking to continue where they left off last season as they look to put their first three points on the table in their first away game of the season. Having won all three of their friendlies against Dutch sides, Sundowns are confidently tipped to win.
NEXT MATCH:
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🏆2023/24 #DStvPrem MD01
🎽Sekhukhune Utd vs Sundowns
🗓Friday: 04 August ⌚19:30
🏟Peter Mokaba Stadium
🎟Computicket - R60
📺SS 202#Sundowns #SkyIsTheLimit #KaBoYellow #Masandawana #DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/dWxftX66iP
Saturday 5 August
Golden Arrows 12/10 | Draw 2/1 | Moroka Swallows 22/10
Mpumalanga Stadium – 15:00
Having completed a league double over Moroka Swallows last season, Golden Arrows will be confident of starting their campaign on a winning note when they face the Dube Birds at their new home ground for the season, the Mpumalanga Stadium.
Moroka Swallows put in a huge fight to maintain their status in the top-flight after a difficult season but now have a fresh start and new beginnings with a new coach on board and fresh faces walking through the door, it could be the start of something good as the first three points are on the line. I’m expecting a close affair but I’m backing Golden Arrows to come out on top.
SuperSport United 6/10 | Draw 24/10 | Richards Bay 9/2
Peter Mokaba Stadium – 15:00
Gavin Hunt and his team just missed out on second place last season but knowing Hunt and what a well drilled team he has, he will be determined to get the boys going and off to a good start with a win in front of their home faithful.
Richards Bay had a season to forget last season with all that happened within the club but managed to survive the drop and now have a clean slate to put last season’s disappointment behind them. However, SuperSport will be too strong for them and should secure all three points.
Royal AM 13/10 | Draw 2/1 | AmaZulu 2/1
Harry Gwala Stadium – 17:30
Royal AM underperformed last season, not living up to their usual standards, and the club made headlines for all the wrong reasons. It will be interesting to see how they overcome their issues and move forward, but John Maduka knows the boys best and would have put in the work over the pre-season and will be ready to take on their local rivals on the first day for bragging rights.
AmaZulu managed to escape relegation by the skin of their teeth last season. But it is a new season with a new coach leading the line and what a better way to introduce yourself and your philosophy against local rivals Royal AM in the first fixture. But more importantly, leave a good first impression on all Usuthu fans. I’m expecting an entertaining game that will probably result in a share of the spoils.
Stellenbosch 22/10 | Draw 2/1 | Orlando Pirates 12/10
Danie Craven Stadium – 20:00
Stellenbosch finished sixth last season, credit to the work Steve Barker and his backroom staff put into the team. The message will be clear from coach Steve. He will want the boys to come out and express themselves against Orlando Pirates and capitalise on the chances created.
Orlando Pirates had a superb campaign last season, finishing second and a place back in CAF, Africa’s prestigious continental tournament. Jose Riveiro has had a strong impact on the club, changing the culture of the team and building a new identity, style of play and will want to hit the ground running after an impressive pre-season. The Bucs will fancy their chances of challenging for the league title this term and will want to make sure they collect the first three points on offer. Back the away win.
Sunday 6 August
Kaizer Chiefs 13/20 | Draw 23/10 | Chippa United 4/1
Moses Mabhida Stadium – 15:00
The Glamour Boys had a disappointing finish to the season which left many Amakhosi fans upset with the club and the direction its going. Now, frustrations have only increased with the appointment of Molefi Ntseki as head coach. Chiefs have had an underwhelming pre-season with Ntseki in the dugout, and the only way for the former Bafana Bafana coach to silence his critics will be to win matches. Maximum points will be priority as Amakhosi look to get off to a good start and a real confidence booster going forward.
After surviving the drop last season, Chippa United will head into the new season with new objectives and goals. The Chilli Boys will fancy their chances of an upset. But Chiefs should put them to the sword.
“Very easy team to play against, very easy… you know them, we all know them."
— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) July 28, 2023
Chippa United head coach Morgan Mammila says they will look to frustrate Kaizer Chiefs in their season opener next week. https://t.co/b0DY0lwdik pic.twitter.com/L1JhYp0inT
TS Galaxy 6/10 | Draw 24/10 | Cape Town Spurs 9/2
Mbombela Stadium – 15:00
TS Galaxy must use this fresh start to lay the foundation for the new season and stay focused and determined to play at this elevated level and compete in every game with everybody on board as this first three points will set the tone going forward.
New boys on the block and a big congratulations to Shaun Bartlet and Cape Town Spurs for making the promotion into the DStv Premiership; they are an exciting team and good addition to the league. A win will give Spurs a massive boost of confidence and belief as they try to make this debut a memorable one. I see this game going the way of the home team though, Galaxy for the win.
Cape Town City 5/10 | Draw 5/2 | Polokwane City 11/2
Athlone Stadium – 17:30
Eric Tinkler has been the perfect man to drive this team forward and has put their name in the hat as a strong competitor in the league after just missing out on the opportunity to play in Africa. City will be eager to kick-start their season off with a win and get back to business in the right way.
Polokwane City have made the return to the DStv Premiership after a long demanding season in the National First Division. Polokwane have the experience of playing in the top-flight and must stick to the basics, taking it one game at a time, making every situation count to give the team the best possible chance heading into the season. Back Cape Town City to show their superiority and get the win at home.
