Our writers make their DStv Premiership predictions for the 2021/22 season, including who will win the league, who finishes in the top eight and who gets relegated.
Jesse Nagel says:
Kaizer Chiefs (4/1)
Off the back of where Kaizer Chiefs finished last season, it seems absurd to suggest that the Glamour Boys can mount anything close to a title challenge. AmaKhosi have, however, addressed all of their problems and more, bringing in Stuart Baxter at the back end of last term, while they have also utilized the transfer market to form a squad worthy of our respect. Now, without the interruption of continental football, less travel, less games and a team 100 times better, Kaizer Chiefs should be the first horse past the finish line. Mamelodi Sundowns haven’t had the best of CAF Champions League campaigns, particularly in the knockout stages, so after winning the DStv Premiership title for the last four years in succession, perhaps their focus could lie on their CAF duties when it comes to the business end of the season.
Top Eight
1. Kaizer Chiefs
2. Mamelodi Sundowns
3. Orlando Pirates
4. AmaZulu
5. Cape Town City
6. SuperSport United
7. Maritzburg United
8. Swallows FC
Play-offs: Marumo Gallants
Relegated: Baroka FC
Banele Pikwa says:
Mamelodi Sundowns (12/10)
Mamelodi Sundowns are not showing any signs of slowing down. The Brazilians have once again bossed the transfer window, roping in Bloemfontein Celtic duo Neo Maema and Sifiso Ngobeni, Divine Lunga and Pavol Safronko to name a few. These players are joining a star-studded side that won the DStv Premiership four time in succession and are one of the favourites to win the CAF Champions League. As far as other contenders are concerned, Kaizer Chiefs are expected to be the closest to challenge Sundowns as they’ve done some good business in the transfer window and they will be a well-rested side as they will only participate in the DStv Premiership and Nedbank Cup. I expect Orlando Pirates to struggle once again this season as they didn’t address their problems from last term. KZN sides AmaZulu and Golden Arrows were tough nuts to crack in the previous campaign, but to be honest, I expect them to be nowhere near that kind of form this season. Eric Tinkler and his Cape Town City side will be much closer to the top.
Top Eight
1. Mamelodi Sundowns
2. Kaizer Chiefs
3. Cape Town City
4. Orlando Pirates
5. Swallows
6. SuperSport United
7. AmaZulu
8. Maritzburg United
Play offs: Baroka
Relegated: Marumo Gallants
Pro Philani says:
Mamelodi Sundowns (12/10)
Mamelodi Sundowns will successfully defend their league title and make it five times in a row because of continuity. They’ve maintained the core of the squad which has done it four times in a row, and also recruited talented players whom I believe suit their style and give them depth and an embarrassment of riches. The technical team has refreshed the squad by also adding younger players with abundance of talent and have also allowed more senior-aged players to leave, creating a new group of leaders to make history.
Top Eight
1. Mamelodi Sundowns
2. Orlando Pirates
3. Kaizer Chiefs
4. AmaZulu
5. SuperSport United
6. Cape Town City
7. Baroka
8. Chippa United
Play offs: Stellenbosch
Relegated: Marumo Gallants
Chad Nagel says:
Kaizer Chiefs (4/1)
Runners up in the 2019/20 season, Kaizer Chiefs, now led by serial winner Stuart Baxter, are second favourites for the league title, and while they scraped a top-eight finish last season, the Glamour Boys will carry a lot of positives from reaching the CAF Champions League final into the new campaign. AmaKhosi will be determined to improve on last season’s finish, and a shot at the DStv Premiership trophy wouldn’t be too far-fetched in my opinion. The quality of Samir Nurkovic, Leonardo Castro, Khama Billiat and Reeve Frosler with the additions of Keagan Dolly and Cole Alexander is enough to mount a serious title challenge. Chiefs will also benefit from not playing in Africa’s club competitions, allowing them enough rest and preparation time heading into matches. Wrestling the league trophy away from Sundowns this season will take something special, but AmaKhosi have enough quality to try and make the impossible, possible.
Top Eight
1. Kaizer Chiefs
2. Mamelodi Sundowns
3. AmaZulu
4. Orlando Pirates
5. SuperSport United
6. Cape Town City
7. Swallows
8. Golden Arrows
Play offs: Stellenbosch
Relegated: Marumo Gallants
Joshua Gaillard says:
Mamelodi Sundowns (12/10)
Mamelodi Sundowns have pressed on in preparation for their record-extending fifth straight PSL title defense. After making big signings last season, the Brazilians have been busy again in the transfer market as any big club does to maintain their lead over the rest. When top rivals Kaizer Chiefs announced six new arrivals, Bafana Ba Style did it in style, confirming four players on the same day in Divine Lunga, Pavol Safranko, Grant Kekana and Neo Maema, and just a few days later Thabiso Kutumela became the fifth followed by Sifiso Ngobeni. All key players from their previous clubs which in return weakens their opposition. Although Masandawana are definite favourites and I back them because of their quality of play and technical understanding instilled by the coaches, I do not expect a runaway this season, but rather a push from Kaizer Chiefs with their sole focus being the league, having added quality and experienced winners after the transfer ban.
Top Eight
1. Mamelodi Sundowns
2. Kaizer Chiefs
3. Orlando Pirates
4. Cape Town City
5. AmaZulu
6. Swallows
7. SuperSport United
8. Maritzburg United
Play offs: Marumo Gallants
Relegated: Baroka
Bryan Naicker says:
Orlando Pirates (5/1)
With Josef Zinnbauer resigning as head coach, Orlando Pirates possess an immensely talented squad that are capable of challenging Sundowns for league honours. With the right captain at the wheel of the ‘Ghost Ship’, the Bucs can return to glory days. I’ve closely watched and admired Mandla Ncikazi’s work at Golden Arrows and believe he is the coach to awaken the sleeping giant. Striker Tshegofatso Mabaso needs to become a regular starter in my personal opinion, while Thulani Hlatshwayo needs to prove that he is a better defender than displayed in his first season under the questionable tactics of ‘Zinnbauer-ball’.
Top Eight
1. Orlando Pirates
2. Kaizer Chiefs
3. Mamelodi Sundowns
4. Cape Town City
5. SuperSport United
6. AmaZulu
7. Maritzburg United
8. Swallows FC
Play offs – Golden Arrows
Relegation – Royal AM
