The 2023/24 DStv Premiership season is set to kick off on Friday, and there is plenty of contenders for the title. Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to defend their crown but will face stiff competition from Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United, and Kaizer Chiefs.
Sundowns have been the dominant force in South African football in the last decade, winning six successive league titles.
They have a strong squad with a mix of experience and quality additions, and the likes of Peter Shalulile, Themba Zwane, and Teboho Mokoena will lead them.
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The Brazilians have also added Samba Boy, Lucas Ribeiro, Argentinian Junior Mendieta, Lesiba Nku, Thapelo Maseko and Bathusi Aubaas.
Pirates are also a strong team after making several quality additions to their squad. Patrick Maswanganyi, Katlego Otladisa, Lesedi Kapinga, Karim Kimvuidi, Melusi Buthelezi and Siphelo Baloni all joined them.
Pirates hope to end their league title drought this season, and coach Jose Riveiro will lead them. The Spaniard delivered two trophies – MTN8 and Nedbank – in his first season at the helm, but now is the time to go for the big prize.
He will have to play the balancing act as they also play in the CAF Champions League after finishing second.
SuperSport United are another team to watch in the upcoming season. They have done some excellent business in the transfer market. Coach Gavin Hunt has Siphesihle Ndlovu and Grant Margeman permanently.
Etiosa Ighodaro and Terrence Dzvukamanja replace Thamsanqa Gabuza, who has joined TS Galaxy. With the CAF Confederation Cup on their schedule, they have brought in veteran Zimbabwean goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
Tanzanian defender Abdurazak Hamza also joined them alongside Ronald Pfumbidzayi and Phathutshedzo Nange.
Kaizer Chiefs are the most successful team in South African football history, but they have not won the league title since 2015. Chiefs have made some big signings in the transfer window, including Edson Castillo, Given Msimango, Ranga Chivaviro and Pule Mmodi.
Tebogo Potsane, Thatayaone DItlhokwe and Mduduzi Mdantsane complete their signings for the new season. Chiefs will be hoping to challenge for the title this season, and coach Molefi Ntseki will lead them.
It is too early to say who will win the 2023/24 DStv Premiership, but it will surely be a competitive season. Sundowns will be the favourites, but SuperSport, Pirates, and Chiefs will all be hoping to challenge for the title.
Here is my prediction for the top four teams in the 2023/24 DStv Premiership:
- Mamelodi Sundowns
- SuperSport United
- Orlando Pirates
- Kaizer Chiefs
I think Sundowns will be too strong for the rest of the competition and will retain their title. SuperSport will be the closest challenger, but I think they will miss out on the title. Pirates will finish in third place, with Kaizer Chiefs finishing in fourth place.
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