The much-anticipated start to the new season gets underway this weekend with the opening round of the 2022/23 DStv Premiership.
The mandate is straightforward and simple. Its mission catch Sundowns as the Brazilians go in search of their sixth successive title this term.
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will hope to bring back some of the glory of yesteryear, but an uphill task lies ahead as they still have Royal AM, Cape Town City and SuperSport United to compete with, who welcomed back the return of Gavin Hunt as head coach.
Friday 5 August
28/10 Cape Town City | Draw 2/1 | Sundowns 12/10 (19:30)
The DStv Premiership kicks off with a glorious tie between last year’s top two teams in the division in champions, Mamelodi Sunowns, who travel to the Western Cape to face runners-up, Cape Town City. The two teams played out to two goalless draws last term and three stalemates in total if you count the MTN8.
Sundowns are well-clear of any other team in South Africa, but City do have a way of getting their fair share of results over them. I’m backing the champions to get their campaign underway with just a single point against a fierce and fiery City side.
Saturday 6 August
19/20 Golden Arrows | Draw 47/20 | Richards Bay 32/10 (15:00)
The first KZN derby of the season gets underway at the Princess Magogo Stadium where Golden Arrows entertain new boys on the block, Richards Bay.
Arrows are certainly weaker in defence this season, but up front is where much of the onus will be on Ryan Moon to find his feet on local soil once again. The former Kaizer Chiefs striker comes with a point to prove after an unsuccessful spell in Sweden. I’m expecting a difficult season for Arrows this term, so my money will be on a share of the spoils here.
6/10 Orlando Pirates | Draw 51/20 | Swallows 58/10 (15:00)
The “original Soweto derby” takes centre stage this Saturday with Orlando Pirates and Swallows locking horns at Esigodini Sikamaminzela.
All eyes will be on Pirates this season as they enter the Jose Riveiro era as head coach. They’ve strengthened by adding Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki, Bienvenu Eva Nga, Evidence Makgopa, Azola Matrose and Miguel Timm.
Swallows survived relegation last season via the play-offs and could be in for another long season. Back the Bucs and include in all multiples.
7/4 Marumo Gallants | Draw 22/10 | Stellenbosch 33/20 (15:00)
Marumo Gallants and Stellenbosch were the surprise packages last season as the hosts finished comfortably above the relegation places, while Stellenbosch finished just short of a CAF spot, missing out on third place on goal difference.
Gallants drew 10 of their 15 home games last season and proved tough to break down in the city of Polokwane. Stellenbosch, somehow, continue to defy the odds, therefore, I’ll include them in my multiples over the weekend.
7/4 Royal AM | Draw 22/10 | Kaizer Chiefs 33/20 (17:30)
The blockbuster tie of the weekend and the match that is likely to have the most eyes glued to it in the first round of action is the tie between the people’s favourite club, Royal AM, who meet the most supported club in the land in Kaizer Chiefs.
Amakhosi have spoken and sound like an ambitious team building up to the new campaign, but its Royal AM’s spot they have to get back before even thinking of competing with Sundowns.
The hosts have bolstered their attack with Ruzaigh Gamildien and former Glamour Boy, Samir Nurkovic. I fancy Royal AM here.
31/20 Maritzburg United | Draw 22/10 | Sekhukhune United 19/10 (20:00)
There’s just something about an evening kick-off at the Harry Gwala Stadium and that is exactly how Maritzburg United start off their season. They host Sekhukhune United, hoping for a positive start, especially in front of their ferocious home support.
The visitors have strengthened well, signing Daniel Cardoso, ‘Figo’ Mntambo and Victor Letsoalo among others. Sekhukhune United could be in the top eight this term quite comfortably. This is undoubtedly the toughest game to call with Under 2.5 goals expected here – perhaps a market to look at closer to kick-off.
Sunday 7 August
43/20 TS Galaxy | Draw 2/1 | AmaZulu 29/20 (15:00)
TS Galaxy were in a relegation dogfight for most of the season last term and will be hoping their fortunes will be turned around here.
They face an AmaZulu side who dropped off towards the back end of last season, but showed on more than one occasion what they’re truly capable of.
Usuthu should be one of the leading contenders this campaign after recruiting George Maluleka, Dumisani Zuma, Gabadinho Mhango and Ethan Brooks. Mark my words, AmaZulu will finish the season up there with the likes of Royal AM and Cape Town City. Back Usuthu here with confidence.
19/20 SuperSport United | Draw 47/20 | Chippa United 32/10 (17:30)
The ultimate banker of the round comes in the final match of the weekend as SuperSport United take on Chippa United.
Gavin Hunt’s charges lost two huge components of their squad in Sipho Mbule and Ronwen Williams, but getting Ricardo Goss and Grant Margeman in return could prove to be just as worthy.
Matsatsantsa have also acquired the services of Thulani Hlatshwayo from Orlando Pirates.
Chippa United don’t give me much confidence going into the new season and could be in for another long campaign under a number of coaches, as usual. Include the hosts in all weekend bets.
TREBLE @ 13/2
Orlando Pirates Win 6/10
AmaZulu Win 29/20
SuperSport United Win 19/20
