Sundowns Are The Team To Beat, Pirates Might Do It

Sundowns Are Still The Team To Beat

Chasing their own 'La Decima', coined by coach Pitso Mosimane, Mamelodi Sundowns will not relinquish their Absa Premier League title without a big fight. It's not ideal starting off a league campaign with a derby, and Masandawana were put through the wringer by SuperSport United at the Lucas "Masterpieces" Moripe Stadium. However, they continued their recent domination of Matsatsantsa, sounding a warning to challengers Orlando Pirates that the latter has a job on their hands if the want to win the league for the first time since 2012. The depth from which Mosimane can choose is enough to frighten anyone.

Buccaneers Will Push Sundowns Hard Again

While heaping praise on Sundowns, one cannot forget how they pipped Orlando Pirates to consecutive league titles on the final day of each season. The Sea Robbers look to have the bit between their teeth once again, coming off a dominant win in the Carling Black Label Cup against Kaizer Chiefs, followed by a powerful victory over their hoodoo team, Bloemfontein Celtic. The manner in which Milutin Sredojevic transformed a hopeless bunch of losers - the worst in a generation - makes him the best coach in the league, as far as I'm concerned. He might have rebuffed an approach by Egyptian giants Zamalek, but this is a recognition of his ability, being courted by such a club. If Pirates hopes to break Sundowns' stranglehold on the league, they will have to sharpen up in defence, which made rumours about them approaching Thulani Hlatshwayo all the more exciting because of what he'd bring to the backline. Upfront, they are blessed with firepower for days, so they should have no problem scoring goals, though they'll need a lot more ruthlessness.

The Jury Is Still Out On Kaizer Chiefs

There is no guarantee of a win in local football, and it was no different as Amakhosi had to sweat buckets to claim a 3-2 win at a difficult venue in Makhulong Stadium against pesky Highlands Park. However, they were very fortunate to leave with all three points via a deflected goal from a seemingly harmless Mulomowandau Mathoho shot. At various junctures in the match, Park were thoroughly outplaying Chiefs, so perhaps credit must be given to the latter for showing the character to win. It was something they horribly lacked during last season's disastrous campaign, and should they show more of it this time around, they club will redeem itself in the eyes of its demanding supporters. Samir Nurkovic and Lebogang Manyama might prove to be a potent combination upfront, and if they can guarantee Amakhosi at least eight goals each - backed by their team mates - then they might just be a handful. I still feel that Stuart Baxter, who is now jobless, is the perfect candidate for the managerial post, as someone like Ernst Middendorp is no longer relevant in the modern game. There: I said it!

Watch Out For Cape Town City

They might have contrived to blow a 2-0 lead against Baroka FC, but Cape Town City is a well-coached outfit with Benni McCarthy at the helm. Furthermore, they appear to sign very well, with the addition of Abbubaker Mobara and Mpho Makola sure to add some steel and flair to their midfield. What is notable about their acquisitions is how they appear to receive a a second wind in the Mother City - think of Teko Modise, Kermit Erasmus and Riyaad Norodien - which is why the club continues to challenge for trophies even after being established only in 2016.  If City can add onto their formidable home form with important results away - which is what made their draw in Polokwane all the more disappointing - they might just be there and thereabouts next May when the league title is up for grabs.