Ntuthuko Maphumulo
We are just a few weeks into the Premier Soccer League (PSL) season but already some patterns are beginning to emerge. Disputes have arisen, in particular a disciplinary hearing on the alleged intimidation of the referee by Orlando Pirates players that led to the abandonment of their match against Ajax Cape Town.
The newcomers have had differing fortunes. Black Leopards were finally brought down from cloud nine by Moroka Swallows 3-1 after holding the top spot in the league for three weeks. Black Leopards had got off to an illustrious start after winning three consecutive matches, beating Free State Stars 1-0, Hellenic 2-1 and thrashing Classic 3-0.
But AmaZulu seem not to have learnt any lessons from their previous sojourn in the top flight. The earlier you start losing the geater the likelihood of being relegated, and coach Ngcebo Sibiya has already sounded the warning bells. He told his players: “If you can’t handle the pressure of playing for a team like Amazulu then we will have to find those who are capable.”
Amazulu have had two losses and a draw, while Hellenic prop up the table having lost both their games.
Wits University failed to collect three points on Wednesday in a lacklustre 1-1 draw against Golden Arrows.
Manning Rangers moved back up a gear after falling 2-0 to Swallows in their second game. On Wednesday night Rangers were back in the form they displayed in their opening match a 7-1 thrashing of Hellenic as they handed Classic a 5-1 hiding.
Two of the big three are off to a good start. Kaizer Chiefs have registered two wins, against Ria Stars and Wits University; Orlando Pirates have won one game against Bush Bucks and await the outcome of the disciplinary hearing. Sundowns have yet to play a league game because they are involved in the African Champion’s League and BP Top 8 final.
l The South African under-17 team have qualified for the Council of Southern African Football Association finals and now wait to see who they will meet in the final.