Tshwane derby headlines first round of Betway Premiership action

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Sep 13, 2024. 15:00

A Tshwane derby between Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United headlined the first round of South Africa’s new-look Betway Premiership, with fixtures running from Saturday 14 to Wednesday 18 September 2024.

The extended span for the first block of fixtures is due to several clubs participating in the qualifying rounds of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup this weekend.

That includes champions Sundowns, who will have to wait until next Tuesday to begin the defence of their seven-year title reign with a Tshwane derby at home to SuperSport United.

The Brazilians remain the favourites to win the Premiership again, but there are signs of cracks in their armour: the departure of coach Rhulani Mokwena to Wydad Casablanca and a 2-0 aggregate defeat at the hands of Stellenbosch FC in the semifinals of the MTN8 suggest that Sundowns’ aura of invincibility is fading.

Yet SuperSport themselves come into the match under something of a cloud, as admitted by coach Gavin Hunt: “We have to bring in too many [players], we’ve got nothing here and we’re struggling. We lost [Etiosa] Ighodaro and Bradley [Grobler] which is a big blow.”

The league kicks-off on Saturday afternoon at the Harry Gwala Stadium, with Royal AM hosting Cape Town City.

The day also features Polokwane City tackling AmaZulu FC, but most focus will fall on heavyweights Kaizer Chiefs, who open their campaign in the late afternoon at the Free State Stadium against newly-promoted Marumo Gallants.

The Amakhosi are desperate to end a near-decade dry spell in terms of major trophies won, but first they just need to improve on a nightmare 2023-24 league season in which they came in 10th place – the storied club’s worst finish in the PSL era.

They have brought in Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi (who enjoyed significant success with Tanzanian giants Young Africans from 2021 to 2024), and he has already asked for patience from supporters.

“If you respect Kaizer Chiefs and the fans of Kaizer Chiefs, you will understand that patience is key. I know there is a challenge,” said Nabi. “I love my club. I love my fans. My staff and I will give 200 percent, and I know the direction I am taking.”

Sunday’s lone game sees Richards Bay hosting TS Galaxy, while the round will close out next Wednesday with a trio of evening matches: the rising force that is Stellenbosch FC will host Golden Arrows; Premiership debutants Magesi FC will be away to Sekhukhune United in a Limpopo derby; and Orlando Pirates (the team regarded by most pundits as the best-placed to dethrone Sundowns) will welcome Chippa United to Soweto.

Betway Premiership fixtures, 14-18 September

Times CAT

Saturday 14 September

15:00: Royal AM v Cape Town City

17:30: Marumo Gallants v Kaizer Chiefs

20:00: Polokwane City v AmaZulu

Sunday 15 September

15:00: Richards Bay v TS Galaxy

Tuesday 17 September

19:30: Mamelodi Sundowns v SuperSport United

Wednesday 18 September

19:30: Orlando Pirates v Chippa United

19:30: Stellenbosch FC v Golden Arrows

19:30: Sekhukhune United v Magesi FC