The new season is about to kick off and there is no better time to make predictions, after seeing what PSL clubs have been up to during the pre-season.
It's been a busy window period already, with the top clubs going out into the market to ensure they have enough to compete for honours this term. Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have taken things up a notch by going to Europe for pre-season and only time will tell how much these trips will help them once the campaign gets underway. No matter what happens, it's sure to be an exciting season.
Here, I make predictions on who I think will win the DStv Premiership, as well as the three knockout competitions, and I've certainly got a big surprise for you.
DStv Premiership champions: SuperSport United
You probably fell off your chair with with this prediction. Many would probably expect me to go with Mamelodi Sundowns or Orlando Pirates for this one, but there is something deep inside me that tells me that SuperSport are the team that's finally going to end the dominance of their Tshwane rivals. After making some good additions in the transfer window, they certainly have a squad capable of challenging and winning the title. There is a good balance of youth and experience and then there's coach Gavin Hunt who's done it all before. Hunt has always been someone who plays winning football and it's not always about how pretty it looks. A victory is important and with the experience he has gained in the four league titles he has won in his career, I believe he definitely has what it takes to guide Matsatsantsa to a fourth championship in the PSL era. Players such as Thulani Hlatshwayo, Siyanda Xulu, Ricardo Goss and Terrence Dzvukamanja will be important for the side in the coming season.
MTN8 champions: Orlando Pirates
The Buccaneers will go into the competition as defending champions and all the other seven clubs will be determined to dethrone them. Following a good pre-season tour of Spain, the Soweto giants will go into the new season on a high and this is likely to spur them on to defend the title they won last season with head coach Jose Riveiro. Like SuperSport, Pirates have done well in the market and I feel that their squad is good enough to finish the season with at least a trophy. The key is stamping their authority early on in the season, which could be the start of something good again for the Soweto giants again this term.
Carling Knockout Cup: Orlando Pirates
Starting the season with a knockout competition can sometimes spur a team on to even more success and that's what could happen with the Buccaneers this season, should they commence the campaign by defending their MTN8 title. Winning the MTN8 has the potential to lead them to the Carling Knockout Cup. Head coach Riveiro is building something solid at Pirates and they have an ability to repeat the feat of winning two knockout competitions in back-to-back seasons. The Buccaneers showed last season that they have strong character in knockout competition matches and I feel it will take them all the way in this one. Nedbank Cup: Mamelodi Sundowns
While I think they might miss out on the Premiership in the coming season, Sundowns have the ability to win a knockout competition and the Nedbank Cup is one they've had a good relationship with over the last few seasons. Sundowns are always out to fight for a title and chances are they will get one in the bag, though supporters would definitely not be happy to just have a Nedbank Cup title in the bag. Sundowns supporters will be expecting the club to get their hands on the Premiership and also go as far as possible in the CAF Champions League.
