The PSL has officially released the fixtures for the 2023/24 season and it has been confirmed that the league will begin on August 04 with the defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns visiting Sekhukhune United at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Orlando Pirates, who finished in second place last season, will visit Stellenbosch FC the following day at the Danie Craven Stadium, while Kaizer Chiefs and Chippa United will play at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on August 6 in one of the opening round fixtures.
In the meantime, all the clubs are finalising their pre-season preparations, with player movements still being the focal point for some.
For Chiefs, Given Msimango is one of the confirmed new signings along with Mduduzi Mdantsane, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Ranga Chvaviro, Pule Mmodi, Edson Daniel Castillo Garcia and Tebogo Potsane.
Pirates have singed Melusi Buthelezi, Katlego Otladisa, Patrick Maswanganyi and Siphelo Baloni.
Sundowns have brought in the likes of Junior Mendieta, Lesiba Nku, Thapelo Maseko and Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
In other notable movements, Phathutshedzo Nange has gone to SuperSport United after leaving Chiefs and is joined by the likes of Terrence Dzvukamanja and Siphesihle Ndlovu from Pirates, among others.
Ex-Sundowns midfielder Andile Jali is one of the notable signings for Swallows, along with Dumisani Zuma and Lantshene Phalane.
Former Pirates stars Craig Martin, Augustine Mulenga and Luvuyo Memela are among the signings for Chippa United.
In predicting what is likely to happen in the new season, former Baroka FC assistant coach Fani Mthethwa has discussed the movements and made his predictions.
The Good
Chiefs
"Msimango is going to help Chiefs a lot in their defence as they needed some who can really take control in that department and he is capable. I think he and Ditlhokwe will make a good combination, so those are good singing for the club. Coming to Mdantsane, he is deadly around the box and he is always moving around. If the ball is around the box, you will find him there and he is capable of putting it away and if it is in the middle he is also there. That's the good thing about him, he is very flexible when it comes to those situations. With regards to Ranga, he is a typical number nine, and that you should know. He is very dangerous around the box and he's got power, he can shoot the ball and he's good with the crosses and he can turn. I think this season, Chiefs will do well, I'm telling you," said Mthethwa.
Pirates
"Pirates have signed capable players like the goalkeeper from TS Galaxy (Buthelezi) and he is a top goalkeeper. That boy is very good. I believe they didn't lose a lot of players from last season and therefore I think they will continue from where they left off. I think Pirates will be the best team in the league this season. They might even finish number one, according to my observation. I saw them gelling well towards the end of last season and if they continue from where they left off, I see them winning the league," he added.
Sundowns
"Of course, they have signed quality but it's a matter of them gelling with the rest of the players that were there last season. They might change a lot and that could end up disrupting the team a bit, but I think they might do well in the second round. In the beginning, they might struggle a bit in trying to understand what the coach is trying to do," said the mentor.
The Bad
On the Molefi Ntseki as Chiefs head coach
"There is no one you can say is a good or bad choice before he can start on the job so that people can see what he can do. Everyone when they get appointed, and it doesn't matter of you come with your CV of winning 15 trophies, it doesn't mean that you will succeed. Let's give him a chance, I believe that he is a highly qualified coach and it's a matter of him being given a chance and I believe that he will succeed. I trust him and I believe he will do well. We have this mentality of believing in people from outside the country who never even coached at the highest level in their own countries, and we discredit our own. Let's give him a chance and I think he will do well," he said.
The Ugly
On Rulani Mokwena and Sundowns
"I see Sundowns finishing in third place this season. I see Pirates winning the league and maybe Chiefs coming in second place but not Sundowns. I understand that Rulani is trying to change the way Sundowns is playing and it might be a problem for them for the first 10 games or so and by the time they understand the new system it might already be in the second round and it could be too late," concluded Mthethwa.
Will Downs finally be pipped to the number one spot?
