The DStv Premiership is set to return on 30 December after the conclusion of the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup on Sunday, which saw Argentina being crowned champions.
Argentina defeated defending champions France on penalties to end a 36-year wait for World Cup glory.
During the global showpiece event, some DStv Premiership teams were on a break, while some were hard at training.
FARPost writer Otis Ntshangase looks at what the clubs were up to during the one-month break.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
The Tshwane giants received a major boost during the break.
Sundowns welcomed back their talisman Peter Shalulile from injury amongst other injured stars.
After resuming training, Masandawana went to Polokwane for a one week training camp.
And on Tuesday they arranged to play two friendly matches against Sekhukhune United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in preparation for the resumption of the domestic season.
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED
Babina Noko were one of the clubs to resume training early. This was soon after the appointment of Brandon Truter and Johan Abselon as the new head coach and goalkeeper coach respectively in November.
During the break, Sekhukhune have bolstered their squad bringing in three new faces. Given Mashikinya, Philani Zulu and Mzwanele Mahashe.
CAPE TOWN CITY
The Citizens signed two new faces during the break, the duo of Lorenzo Gordinho and Juan Zapata to improve their squad.
CT City also participated in the SAS Cup friendly tournament last weekend alongside rivals Stellenbosch and Cape Town Spurs ensure that they are ready for league action.
MARITZBURG UNITED
The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) outfit re-appointed Fladlu Davids as their head coach to take over John Maduka.
The Team of Choice played two friendly matches against their crosstown rivals Royal AM and Golden Arrows during the break.
The first match ended in a one all draw, whilst against Arrows, Maritzburg won 3-0.
ORLANDO PIRATES
The Soweto giants confirmed two acquisitions during the break.
Veteran striker Ndumiso Mabena returned to Pirates after months of training with the club. Craig Martin was another addition to the club, he was signed from Cape Town City.
KAIZER CHIEFS
During the break, Amakhosi were based in Gauteng as their training sessions were held at Naturena.
Last week they played a friendly match against University of Pretoria. The match was however abandoned 30 minutes into the game due to heavy rain.
Earlier this week, this publication revealed that Chiefs are assessing a Congolese striker Christian Saile in an effort to bolster their attack.
STELLENBOSCH
Stellies also participated in SAS Cup Friendly tournament last week which was later won by Cape Town Spurs.
The club confirmed two to departures during the break.
Judas Moseamedi’s contract was terminated and skipper Rafiq De Goede left the club after a transfer offer was accepted from a PSL club. It is rumoured to be Maritzburg United, but the club has not made an official announcement.
AMAZULU
Usuthu returned to training on the first week of December. They played a friendly match against neighbours Uthongathi, who play in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
TS GALAXY
The Rockets became the first South African club to hold a training camp overseas.
They departed to Turkey on the first week of December.
The Mbombela outfit played four matches against Giresunspor, Sampdoria, Albatin FC and Dreden. They drew two and lost two.
GOLDEN ARROWS
The KZN outfit held their training camp locally.
Abafana Bes’thende played a friendly matches against SuperSport United and Maritzburg United. They lost both matches 2-1 and 3-0 respectively.
SUPERSPORT UNITED
The Tshwane outfit took their training camp to Durban for one week. In KZN, they played against Golden Arrows and they emerged 2-1 winners.
Last week SuperSport announced their new kit sponsor Jonsson Workwear on a three-year deal.
RICHARDS BAY
The Rich Natal BoyZ organised a friendly match against Uthongathi FC earlier this week.
They also bolstered their squad with the signing of Kenya forward Ovella Ochieng.
SWALLOWS FC
The Soweto side was based in Gauteng during the break preparing for the second half of the season.
The Dube Birds announced former Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp as their new head coach on a three-year contract.
He replaced Musa Nyatama who was in charge on interim basis.
CHIPPA UNITED
The Chilli Boys, the club was based in Gqeberha during the break.
Their coach Morgan Mammila obtained a CAF C Licence.
MARUMO GALLANTS AND ROYAL AM
There wasn’t much activity amongst the two clubs.
They held their training camp at their respective cities in preparation for the resumption of the DStv Premiership.
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