PSL teams expect to challenge Sundowns

Most Betway Premiership coaches say their teams are ready to start the 2024/2025 Premier Soccer League season. Many teams expect a more taxing and demanding season than the previous one due to a one-month delay.

Defending PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns are still the favourites to win their eighth league title in a row. But some say, the likes of Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch FC, and SuperSport United are more than capable of challenging for the league title this season.

Sundowns looked unstoppable in the past seven seasons. The Brazilians have won seven league titles in a row breaking several records. Last season, they set a new record for the most points accumulated in a PSL season. They collected 73 points, and also enjoyed the longest unbeaten run under former coach Rhulani Mokwena.

Sundowns’ dream of becoming the first team to finish the season unbeaten was dashed on the final day by Cape Town City. Coach Manqoba Mngqithi says they are aiming high again this season, and their spirit will not be dampened by their performance in the MTN8.

“Mamelodi Sundowns will compete as always to finish top of the log again. I’m urging our supporters not to start pressing the panic buttons following our performance in the MTN8.”

Like in the past few seasons, many football fans expect Orlando Pirates to give Sundowns a run for their money. Pirates have won four trophies in the past two seasons, and coach Jose Riveiro says the league title is now their main target.

“We’ve been performing consistently over the past two seasons by finishing as runner’s up but now it’s the time to up the tempo and fight for the league title.”

New kids on the block, Stellenbosch FC have also set their own targets. Stellies coach Steve Barker says they want to improve on their third-place finish last season.

“We were unlucky not to finish as runner’s up in the league last season, and that is clear proof that we’ve got all what it takes to compete for the league title. We will fight to the bitter end for the league title this year,”

SuperSport United, who won three league titles in a row between 2008 and 2010, cannot be written off either. According to coach Gavin Hunt, they have what it takes to compete against the best.

“We have a quality side to perform better than last season. SuperSport United is a club that must consistently participate in the CAF inter-club competition and the only way to ensure we realise that dream is to finish in the top three,”

The 2024/2025 PSL season kicks off on the 14th of September with a total of four matches. Pirates will host Chippa United, and Kaizer Chiefs will be away to Marumo Gallants on the same day. Sundowns open their account against neighbours SuperSport United in the Tshwane derby the following Tuesday.