The DStv Premiership returns this Tuesday. Desh Parthab takes a look at some of the players to keep an eye on including rejuvenated Nduduzo Sibiya and Kaizer Chiefs’ Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana.
It’s been just over a fortnight since the last kick of a PSL ball and the anticipation has reached boiling point!
On transfer deadline day, Orlando Pirates confirmed the signings of Ndlondlo (formerly of Gallants) and Chaine (formerly of Chippa United) as they look to put an end to Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance. Cape Town City re-signed Lyle Lakay on a season-long loan deal from Masandawana, with Terence Mashego going the other way.
The MTN8 semi-finals got underway which has given the South African heavyweights a chance to do battle in knockout football. Whilst both ties ended in draws, there were a few stars who caught my eye. Further to this, Amazulu are now winless in their previous 4 league matches and currently sit 6th on the log.
There seems to be a turn in the tides at Amakhosi, who followed up back-to-back league draws with a 2-1 win against Supersport United. With that being said, here are a few players that you should keep your eye on when the PSL resumes tonight!
Cape Town City have turned their defensive woes around
Despite languishing in the bottom half of the log, Cape Town City have turned their defensive woes around. Darren Keet has had more than a hand in that. The 33-year-old has conceded just a single goal across his previous 5 appearances, across all competitions.
The Citizens are winless across their previous 3 league outings but will look to take all 3 points in their bout with Golden Arrows this time out, before being involved in continental football action.
“I agreed to it, I said yes, I wasn’t forced. I could’ve stayed."
— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) September 28, 2022
Lyle Lakay has clarified some points about his loan move from Mamelodi Sundowns to Cape Town City, insisting he was not forced out of the club. Story by @Makonco_M ✍️ https://t.co/6ciLSkRQLH pic.twitter.com/m4H4ULnCga
Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana
Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana has returned 2 goals across his previous 3 league appearances for Kaizer Chiefs.
The Burundian international has attempted 6 shots and created 3 chances for The Glamour Boys during that period.
Head coach Arthur Zwane appears to have found his striker and gave Bimenyimana his first full 90 in their bout against Amazulu in the MTN 8.
The forward is expected to start when Chiefs come up against a Swallows side who have shipped 14 league goals this term – the most from all top-flight clubs.
Chiefs draw level!
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) September 17, 2022
Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana finishes from close range and it's all square again 🤝
📺 Stream #DStvPrem live: https://t.co/Tg69y0EeUL pic.twitter.com/pPD2zxI2Hb
Red hot Nduduzo Sibiya
Knox Mutizwa could open his account for the season when Arrows host Cape Town City FC. Across his previous 3 league appearances, Mutiwa has attempted 4 shots and created 3 chances.
He does have an assist to show for his efforts and did win a penalty, which was successfully dispatched by teammate Nduduzo Sibiya Indeed, the KZN outfit were the highest scorers in September, netting at least 3 more league goals than any other topflight club.
⚽️ 𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋 ⚽️
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) September 3, 2022
Nduduzo Sibiya extended Abafana Bes'thende's lead after converting from the penalty spot.
Golden Arrows 🆚 Chippa United
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📻 SABC Radio Stations
#SABCSportFootball #DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/ut9s5GgDgp
Stellenbosch vs Maritzburg United
Whilst Dean Van Rooyen is yet to provide his first attacking return (in the league), he can’t be very far away. The Stellies wing-back has got nothing to show for his 9 chances created across his previous 3 league outings, indicative that a hitman may be on their shopping list in the next window.
Van Rooyen was fouled 5 times in that spell and did register a shot on target, which tells me he isn’t afraid to take matters into his own hands!
𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝘿𝙖𝙮 -1
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) October 3, 2022
Final prep for tomorrow’s clash ✅
Do you have your ticket yet, #stelliesfamily? #StellenboschFC #ProudlyStellenbosch 🍇 #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/LE1QqY171c
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa’s leading marksman in the previous edition of the South African topflight is now a Buccaneer.
Former Marumo Gallants dangerman Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo has opened his account for the season, but went the whole of September without finding the back of the net.
Despite this, his performances were enough to convince the Orlando Pirates hierarchy that he should lead the line for them and was snatched up on transfer deadline day.
Ndlondlo has attempted 6 shots and created 7 chances across his previous 3 league outings for Gallants and could make his league debut for Pirates when they take on Sekhukhune United.
🏆 Man of the Match:
— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) October 1, 2022
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo
𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘖𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰 𝘗𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴, 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘔𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩. #MTN8 pic.twitter.com/9OiBBLK15z
