Five DStv Premiership teams that have impressed in the first round
DStv Premiership teams are back in training as they prepare for the resumption of action after the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup break.
Most teams have played 13 games, while some have played 12. This is due to postponements of league games as some clubs are involved in CAF interclub competitions.
However, a lot has happened since August. There have been surprises and there are teams that have ridiculously been below par.
Tlalane Phahla looks at teams that impressed so far this season.
RICHARDS BAY
It’s only fair to start with the newcomers, who have taken the league by storm.
At some point, Richards Bay were at the summit of the DStv Premiership table, something nobody could have predicted. Usually, teams from the Motsepe Championship Foundation struggle to keep up with the level and competition in South Africa’s topflight.
However the KwaZulu Natal-based side have been unfazed so far.
With 23 points from 13 games, The Natal Rich Boyz have pretty much guaranteed their safety in the elite.
On average for a team to survive relegation, 30 points or so is deemed sufficient in the league. It would take something unimaginable for Richards Bay not to get seven points from their remaining 17 games.
They are second on the log and just five points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
CHIPPA UNITED
The Chilli Boys are up to sixth position on the log, with 18 points from 13 games. This is not the sight fans are used to.
Chippa are usually at the bottom of the league, fighting relegation with club’s trigger-happy owner, firing coaches left, right and centre clinging onto dear life to stay up.
Of course, Chippa Mpengesi has already fired a coach this season, Daine Klate. When the decision was made it looked all rushed as it is always the case with Mpengesi but no one can question that now.
Morgan Mammila took over and in his five games, he recorded three wins, one draw and one defeat. An impressive run that could have potentially changed the Chilli Boys trajectory this season.
Chippa may as well dream of top 8 finish.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
The champions made changes to their coaching staff, assigning new roles for the three coaches after the 3-0 loss to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8.
Rhulani Mokwena was promoted to head coach, he has taken a more authoritative role over the team.
Pundits have tipped Sundowns to retain their title and although it is too early to give them the crown either, it is difficult to see any other team over taking them, that’s good they are.
In 12 games they have played so far, they have won nine which includes the 4-0 drubbing of Kaizer Chiefs, drew one and lost two.
On December 30, they will have a chance to avenge for losing the MTN8 semi-final against Orlando Pirates. These two teams have always put a spectacle whenever they meet each other and it is not expected to be any different this time around.
SUPERSPORT UNITED
In terms whether their football is pleasing on the eyes it’s something else but they have been picking up results since Gavin Hunt returned.
On the other hand, SuperSport have been underperformers recently and they seem to have now woken from the dead and are making strides in the league.
They do not look like title contenders but staying near the top could earn them a place in the CAF competitions.
ORLANDO PIRATES
The Soweto giants have been playing good football but statistics suggest that they are still underperforming in the league.
One victory in their last five games, two draws and two defeats is not good enough, especially for a team that wants to challenge for the title. Pirates are fifth on the log, nine points adrift of leaders, Sundowns.
However, they have won the MTN8 title, a big achievement for the club under thenew coach for coach Jose Riveiro.
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