The world looks beautiful from the summit of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and champions Kaizer Chiefs, who clinched last season’s title after 12 barren years, will be going all out to become the only club other than Sundowns to defend the championship.
But, with 15 clubs determined to dethrone them and a no big signings in the off-season, Chiefs do not look capable of retaining the title. The lack of talented strikers continues to haunt the team, as shown in their failure to win in regulation time any of the off-season tournaments in which they participated. With Brian Baloyi now at Sundowns, their goalkeeping resources were also not up to scratch in penalty shootouts.
The rumour that Chiefs are set to sign 31-year-old Zimbabwean Peter Ndlovu from Sheffield United might come to nothing as Sundowns are also seeking the striker’s services.
Pretoria-based Sundowns have made some high-profile signings and their reemergence as a force in the domestic game was clear when they beat both Chiefs and Orlando Pirates to lift the charity cup last weekend.
Sundowns are in the hunt not only for silverware but also for Raphael Chukwu, who has been on the books of Italian first division club Bari. Chukwu, a lethal striker, is keen to sign for his former club after no agreement was reached between him and Chiefs. All the player is now waiting for is his clearance from Bari.
Orlando Pirates are the other realistic challengers for the title. They have finally decided to get a coach, Yugoslav Kosta Papic, have signed three Nigerians who won the African champions league with Enyimba, and have a clutch of youngsters, including Lebogang Mokoena, who are beginning to find their footing in the team.
The pretenders to the crown are the usual suspects. Supersport United went from being runners-up twice to third position last season, proving that the final hurdle is just too difficult to cross.
Wits University have lost so many players in the off season that the club has to rebuild once again. Moroka Swallows are yet to fly to the dizzy heights of the past and Ajax Cape Town do not have the muscle that got them second spot last season, despite their recent signings of Zimbabweans Norman Mapeza and Bukassa Kasunga, who have been campaigning in the Russian league.
Newcomers Bloemfontein Celtic bring to the PSL much-needed crowds and credibility, while Bush Bucks hope former Zimbabwe national coach Sunday Marimo can keep them in the elite this season.
The rest of the premiership teams will just be making up the numbers, despite the odd upset.
The PSL should also brace itself this season for more foreign players after the league amended some of its rules, allowing five foreign players to be registered and fielded in a game.
The other notable rule change is that players who celebrate a goal by taking off their shirts will now be cautioned.