NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
Are Masandawana and Orlando Pirates a class above the rest?
Who’s your money on to walk away with the title this season? Masandawana, Bucanners, Clever Boys, City, Amakhosi, Matsatsantsa or someone else? The ABSA Premiership is back!
Preseason is over, signings have been made, teams have been strengthened, and the time has come once again for teams to leave it all out on the field. In short, the ABSA Premiership is finally here! Africa’s most exciting league has returned to full force, and saw some exciting matches kicking off the new campaign. Being a new season, a lot of teams have reinforced their squads in a bid to become competitive in the new season. Unsurprisingly, a couple of teams have already been earmarked as prospective title challengers. These include defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, closely followed by Orlando Pirates. In what is a similar story to that which unfolded in the English Premier League last season between Manchester City and Liverpool. Pirates will be looking to avenge last season’s misfortunes and salvage some silverware for the mighty Buccaneers faithful. Reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns kicked off their 2019/20 campaign with a convincing victory over cross-town rivals SuperSport United. While Pirates are looking quite good, defending PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns will again be the team to chase, while Bidvest Wits, Chiefs, SuperSport United and Cape Town City will be in the mix as well.
“Chiefs have been one of the active teams in the transfer market, look to have been squeezed out of the local market and so are banking on four untested foreigners to turn around their fortunes. But whether Lazarous Kambole (Zambia)‚ James Kotei (Ghana)‚ Samir Nurkovic (Serbia) or Kearyn Baccus (South African-born Australian) are the panacea to four trophyless seasons of bitter disappointment remains to be seen.”
Mamelodi Sundowns
Title favourites. They have easily become the “Manchester City” of Mzansi. They have it all, the money to buy any player they want, a seasoned coach in Pitso Mosimane, and boast of experience on the biggest football stages. Those reasons are enough to warrant Masandawana as title favourites even in the new season. Sundowns have the strongest team in the league in terms of depth. Further to this, the team have experienced players in the likes of Hlompho Kekana and Dennis Onyango who have experienced CAF Champions League glory and it is such attributes that sets the team apart from the rest. Do not be surprised come end of season if you should hear that they have won the league for the third consecutive time.
Fans during the Carling Black Label Champion Cup match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on July 29, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa. At least two people have been reported to have been killed and several injured in a crush during the game at South Africa's biggest stadium.
(July 28, 2017 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
Kaizer Chiefs
Chiefs are desperate to make up for a disappointing ninth place finish last term, add the fact that the club is celebrating their 50th anniversary. They have signed five players, but they released about ten, so they may lack the numbers and the depth needed to successfully challenge for the league. Worth noting is the absence of club captain Itumeleng Khune, whose presence and leadership has been sorely missed on the pitch as fans have witnessed a number of goalkeeping howlers during his time on the sidelines. Unsurprisingly, it seems a majority of the club’s fans are also not entirely convinced that coach Ernst Middendorp is the right man to lead the mighty Amakhosi. It therefore comes as no surprise that the club has been heavily linked with the possibility of acquiring the services of former coach Stuart Baxter who recently resigned from his Bafana Bafana job. Since Baxter left the team, it’s fair to say Amakhosi seemed to lose their playing style and since then, have struggled to adopt a new and clear way of playing.
In terms of strengthening the side, Chiefs have been one of the active teams in the transfer market, look to have been squeezed out of the local market and so are banking on four untested foreigners to turn around their fortunes. But whether Lazarous Kambole (Zambia)‚ James Kotei (Ghana)‚ Samir Nurkovic (Serbia) or Kearyn Baccus (South African-born Australian) are the panacea to four trophyless seasons of bitter disappointment remains to be seen. Khama Billiat is also a question mark‚ being heavily linked with a move away from the club; potentially back to Sundowns, a move that may surely weaken the glamour boys’ attacking prowess should it materialize. Though fan support at stadiums has dropped, the pedigree that Chiefs have is second to none, therefore they cannot be overlooked for one bit. Even in the new season the club will remain favorites though realistically, Amakhosi might have to wait a bit longer before they can “reclaim the glory”.
Orlando Pirates celebrate winning the Absa Premiership Final match against Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium on May 21, 2011 in Soweto, South Africa.
(May 20, 2011 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
Pirates
Orlando Pirates have finished runners-up in the last two seasons and blew the title race in 2018-19 when it was theirs for the taking. Having finished runners-up in the last two seasons, the Buccaneers are determined to go one better. With Coach Micho Sredojevic’s mandate very clear, the squad has been considerably strengthened ahead of what will be an intriguing campaign indeed.
Pirates have made a host of changes in the off-season‚ looking to intensify the pressure on rivals Sundowns in order to come out tops at the end of the season. Coach “Micho” will be looking to finally earn his first silverware for the Bucs since joining the club two seasons back. Pirates certainly look to be the biggest threat to Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance. From face value, Pirates have bought well‚ though there are also quite a few “squad fillers” in there who are unlikely to push for a first team place.
From the past and current season, Pirates have been playing with great structure and a burst of speed up-front with the likes of Vincent Pule‚ Thembinkosi Lorch and Justin Shonga able to run at defences on the wings. Add Mhango to that list now, it’s total danger. What is more, the midfield combination of Musa Nyatama and Ben Motshwari will be expected to play a commanding role at the belly of the park and the addition of Siphesihle Ndlovu and Fortune Makaringe is expected to create a healthy competition at the belly of the park for the mighty Buccaneers. Much is expected from Pirates this season and they certainly have the ammunition to march towards the title come May 2020.
Moeneeb Josephs of Bidvest Wits reacts during the Absa Premiership match between Platinum Stars and Bidvest Wits at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on August 4, 2013 in Rustenburg, South Africa.
(Aug. 3, 2013 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
The “Title Pretenders,” Wits and Cape Town City
Benni McCarthy's charges in Cape Town City probably didn't believe enough that they had a real fighting chance last season, but the one thing they have - that many PSL teams lack - is their fighting spirit. When they are a goal or two down, they don't simply throw in the towel. What they needed was to further bolster their squad and the acquisition of Aboubaker Mobara, Bernio Verhagen and Tashreeq Morris will make them even more difficult to beat.
On the other hand, Bidvest Wits boasting a coach that has won four league titles in Gavin Hunt, always makes the Clever Boys one amongst the favorites. Having international stars such as Namibian winger Deon Hotto and the Bafana Bafana trio of Thulani Hlatshwayo, Buhle Mkhwanazi and Sifiso Hlanti, also puts Wits in the title conversation. The quartet will be eager to bring what they learned at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt to the university side.
There has been a change of leadership over the last two years at Wits following the departure of the company’s founder and billionaire Brian Joffe. Budgets have been slashed after Joffe's departure as the new bosses do not possess the same deep pockets for the club that the billionaire had. Players like Daylon Claasen‚ Edwin Gyimah‚ Darren Keet‚ Vuyo Mere‚ Bantu Mzwakali and Denis Weidlich were released but Wits have made some promising signings as they look to again challenge for the title. Brandon Petersen will start in goal ahead of Ricardo Goss while Phathutshedzo Nange from Black Leopards‚ has the potential to become an influential midfielder.
Conclusion
All in all, ready to build on the promising previous season and go one better, Pirates look like serious title contenders. For all we know, they are the main side that can push Sundowns all the way. One may argue that perhaps it’s too soon to judge them; nonetheless they look like the real deal. On the other hand, Chiefs will be looking to restore their pride and tarnished reputation by winning some silverware. Cape Town City will be looking to break into the top three and finally, Wits will continue to lurk behind with the hope of pouncing when unexpected, like they did three seasons ago. We’re in for a lot of shocks and drama yet again.
Who’s your money on to walk away with the title this season? The ABSA Premiership is here, feel it!
ABSA Premiership: Four horse title race goes down to the wire
Four unrelenting teams separated by only two points and with only seven matches remaining in the South African ABSA Premiership. Not many title races get much better than this.
“ The nation’s soccer lovers will need to fasten their seat belts and brace themselves for an emotional roller coaster. We are set for an exciting close of the season. In the top six‚ Pirates have 40 points from 23 games‚ Mamelodi Sundowns have 40 from 22‚ Cape Town City 39 from 23‚ Bidvest Wits 38 from 22. ”
Premier League football around the globe is hitting its penultimate moment characterized by competitiveness for the title. In South Africa’s ABSA premiership, it is no different. The Absa Premiership campaign is heading towards an exciting climax with several teams having a mathematical chance of winning the league title.
Going into Gameweek 23, Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates are currently top the table alongside rivals Mamelodi Sundowns as both sides sit on 40 points with seven and eight games to play respectively. Next is Cape Town City who are third with 39 points while Bidvest Wits’ recent form has seen them slip from top spot to fourth, on 38 points from 22 matches. Several of the Absa Premiership’s top sides still have to play each other over the course of what will be an exhilarating few weeks in the South African top-flight, with the Buccaneers and Brazilians set to battle it out in what could potentially be a title-deciding fixture at the end of April. Below we look at the run-in and assesses each team’s prospects of winning the coveted prize.
Orlando Pirates
One may be quick to think that the log leaders have it easy going into the last stretch of the remaining season. That is however not the case. Looking at their title run in, the Bucs still have to play all three of their title rivals in the next two months, starting with a matchup against Bidvest Wits, then a crunch fixture against Sundowns on May 5 before playing Cape Town City a week later. They face the toughest title run-in compared to the rest of the teams. Mind you, Pirates are still part of the CAF Champions league tournament as well, something that may hamper their domestic run-in. Juggling their Premiership assignments with continental duties still on their minds could be massively taxing. Perhaps the biggest motivation for Pirates is the pain of not having any silverware for the past five seasons, and as such, they may want to put a stop to that by going all the way. Do they have the capacity and depth to win it? I say yes.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Orlando Pirates celebrate winning the Absa Premiership Final match against Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium on May 21, 2011 in Soweto, South Africa.
(May 20, 2011 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
Abafana Ba style, as they are fondly known, are now used to such circumstances, having won the league twice in the past three seasons. They certainly know what it takes to deliver at the most critical time. They are no doubt the favourites to land the title for various reasons. These include the fact that Sundowns have played a game less than Pirates, and if they were to win that game, it would give them a three-point cushion going into the remaining seven fixtures. Moreover, it is an open secret that Sundowns has the most depth compared to the rest of the teams in the league, and that on its own gives them options to rotate their squad in the coming busy period. However, the Brazilians also somewhat face a similar predicament as Orlando Pirates. They too are still competing in the CAF Champions League and that might disrupt their title charge. Either way, Pitso Mosimane’s side will be hoping they replicate their heroics where they won both the ABSA Premier League and the CAF Champions League in the same season. Looking at their remaining fixtures, Downs do not have it easy. Amongst others, they are still to face cross-town rivals SuperSport United before the potential title decider against Pirates in their penultimate match of the season.
Cape Town City FC
If anyone had ruled Cape Town City out of this season’s Absa Premiership title race, then their win against Mamelodi Sundowns last night would no doubt have changed their minds. Their 2-1 resounding victory over fellow title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns blew the race wide open. The Citizens came from a goal down to register a memorable 2-1 victory over the defending champions, thanks to brilliant goals from Kermit Erasmus and new signing Chris David. The victory came barely a week after Sundowns had beaten Cape Town City 3-2 in the reverse fixture.
Pitso Mosimane of Mamelodi Sundowns reacts during the Absa Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Maritzburg United at Loftus Stadium on December 20, 2013 in Pretoria, South Africa.
(Dec. 19, 2013 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
It is no doubt that Coach Benni McCarthy used the January transfer window wisely, signing Kermit Erasmus and Thato Mokeke, two players who are already making a big impact in the side. Erasmus has bagged three goals in as many matches, while Mokeke is doing an immense job in midfield. New man Chris David, who was signed last week, showed the quality he possesses with a brilliant goal against Sundowns and much more will be expected from him in the final few months of the campaign.
Other than hosting Pirates in their penultimate league match of the season‚ City appear to have the best run-in of all the teams in the title race‚ at least on paper. Nonetheless, judging by the fluidity of the results this season‚ nothing is certain and there will be more twists in this race. Still, the scales seem to be tipped in City’s favour if one considers the fact that unlike title rivals Pirates and Sundowns‚ they (City) don’t have to worry about the Champions League. Nonetheless, City still have some tricky fixtures against the likes of Polokwane City and Bloemfontein Celtic that may prove daunting.
Bidvest Wits
Another team that is not to be ruled out of the title contention is Bidvest Wits, the 2017 champions, who sit on fourth place and just two points behind Pirates. Interestingly, Wits had been top of the league for a period dating back to the time before Christmas until the end of February when they were dethroned by Sundowns. Worse, Wits’ loss against Cape Town City also dented the club’s title hopes as it set them back two points adrift the log leaders and will therefore be banking on their remaining league games to have a shot to claim another title. That said, the Students as they are popularly known, will be banking on their remaining league games to have a go at the prospect of winning the league again. However, Wits also face a tough title run-in encompassed by tough fixtures including matches against Pirates and Supersport United.
Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt has described the Absa Premiership title race as “crazy”, due to the inconsistency of clubs currently battling it out for the biggest prize in local football. Wits dropped points yet again over the weekend, squandering the two-goal lead they had at half-time to lose 3-2 to fellow title challengers Cape Town City at Bidvest Stadium on Saturday.
Conclusion
Title run-ins surely don’t get any better than this. The nation's soccer lovers will need to fasten their seat belts and brace themselves for an emotional roller coaster. We are set for an exciting close of the season. In the top six‚ Pirates have 40 points from 23 games‚ Mamelodi Sundowns have 40 from 22‚ Cape Town City 39 from 23‚ Bidvest Wits 38 from 22. Which fixtures are you most looking forward to in the Absa Premiership title run-in?
African Stars: Pick of the weekend's action
It’s all here, Belfodil’s quick brace that stunned league leaders, Dortmund; Zaha’s return to the scoresheet, En-Nesyri’s hat-trick, Alex Iwobi, Liverpool, and much more of the weekend’s action from all over the world.
Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona duels for the ball with Youssef En-Nesyri of Malaga during the La Liga match between Malaga and Barcelona at Estadio La Rosaleda on March 10, 2018 in Malaga, spain.
(March 9, 2018 - Source: Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images Europe)
The weekend came and didn’t disappoint. From the mauling of Chelsea by Pep’s 6-star Manchester City, a dramatic Soweto derby stalemate and Benfica’s historic 10-0 dismantling of Nacional - it’s fair to say we were thoroughly entertained. Even more interesting is the growing number of African footballers grabbing headlines and superheroing the show for their sides. Here are the selected highlights involving such players.
En-Nesyri scores the first La Liga hatrick for Leganes
The 21-year-old Moroccan was perhaps the biggest winner of the weekend as he led Leganes to a 3-0 victory over sixth placed Real Betis. Youssef En-Nesyri made it 2-0 at the halfway mark of the match before adding a third after the restart, becoming the first ever player to score a Spanish La Liga hatrick in the club’s history. The youngster has since scored 7 times in his last 5 league matches for the side and is fast becoming a priceless gift for both club and country. It’s becoming clear that his 2018 FIFA world cup substitute strike in Lions of the Atlas’ 2-2 draw against Spain was not a fluke, he may be that goal getter that the North African country has been in need of. It’s actually turning out to be an interesting build up to the June 2019 AFCON finals.
Liverpool’s realise their African dream
Fans during the Carling Black Label Champion Cup match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on July 29, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa. At least two people have been reported to have been killed and several injured in a crush during the game at South Africa's biggest stadium.
(July 28, 2017 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
Jurgen Klopp’s title chasing Liverpool regained top spot in the premier league for at least a few hours before Manchester City’s “rude” bashing of Chelsea and all of Matip, Keita, Mane and Salah made a telling contribution to the result. Cameroonian defender, Joel Matip partnered with the Reds’ chief of defence, Virgil Van Dijk to deliver yet another clean sheet, a league high of 14 for the Merseysiders. Naby Keita was central to a renewed Liverpool midfield which had been almost non-existent in recent weeks, holding onto the ball, sliding passes and going out at opponents in super sonic speed. The Guinea national team captain enjoyed his best game yet for Liverpool and is starting to justify the price attached to his services. As for the forwards, Mane headed Liverpool ahead in the 24th minute for his 12th premier league goal of the season, making it 4 consecutive league goals for the first time in the Senegalese’s career. The Egyptian king wrapped up the scoring in the 48th minute, adding to Gini Wijnaldum’s cool finish and making it 3 goals and 3 points for Liverpool on the day.
Soweto still belongs to The Ghost
Sol Bamba of Cardiff City wins a header over Denis Odoi of Fulham during the Premier League match between Cardiff City and Fulham FC at Cardiff City Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom.
(Oct. 19, 2018 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
One of the most anticipated club football matches on the continent ended in a 1-1 stalemate as Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs gave in everything to claim bragging rights over Johannesburg’s Soweto township. For Chiefs in particular, it sure tasted like a defeat as they are yet to beat the Buccaneers in the last 12 meetings between the two sides. Quite fairly, Amakhosi sure looked like the side with a score to settle as their troubled Amabhakabhaka in the opening stages, with Khama Billiat and Bernard Parker spearheading that attack.Their efforts were eventually rewarded in the 53rd minute as Billiat won a penalty which Daniel Cardoso calmly converted. They could have gotten a second moments later as Billiat latched onto a quick overhead pass, only for his effort to skew inches wide of the goal. As the long awaited victory seemed assured for the Lords, heartbreak came in the 80th minute as Thembinkosi Lorch was sent through on goal, expertly rounding off the goalkeeper to extend Pirates’ unbeaten run against their bitter rivals to a record 12.
Other matches
Nigerian international, Alex Iwobi was on the score sheet as Arsenal saw off relegation threatened, Huddersfield Town to keep their top four hopes alive. Senegal’s M’baye Niang also grabbed a goal for Rennes who beat St Etienne 3-0 to move within a point of the league’s top 4 teams. It was a night to forget for Achraf Hakimi and Dortmund who blew away a 3 nil lead with only 25 minutes to go as they finished 3-3 against Hoffenheim whose Algerian striker, Ishak Belfodil struck twice to secure a point for the visitors. Wilfried Zaha returned to the score sheet as he grabbed an equalizer for Crystal Palace’s 1-1 draw against West Ham and so did Ivory Coast’s Sol Bamba who added a goal for Cardiff as they sealed an emotional win since learning of the demise of Emiliano Sala.
PSL South Africa: Sundowns edge closer to title after edging Golden Arrows
Mamelodi Sundowns could have secure their third PSL title in five years
Time seems to be delaying the inevitable as far as the South African Premier Soccer League title is concerned. Title favorites, Mamelodi Sundowns saw off Golden Arrows 1-0 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The Brazilians are now six points clear of second placed Orlando Pirates with only three matches left to play. Bafana baStyle’s superior goal difference of 12 mean that if they can grind out one more win, they certainly will become champions, yet again - to make it a record 8 PSL titles and the third one in 5 years.
The Brazilians had to score from the penalty spot in the 24th minute after a thoroughly entertaining first half which saw the woodwork doing all the work for the visitors, Golden Arrows. Pitso Mosimane named an unchanged line-up from the 2-0 win over Bidvest Wits with the trio of Themba Zwane, Percy Tau and Sibusiso Vilakazi leading the charges and causing all sorts of problems for the Abafana Bes'thende. Uruguay’s Gaston Sirino was the first to beat goalkeeper Mbaeva after showing some composure inside the Arrows box only to have his shot rattled by the cross bar. Vilakazi was then brought down inside the box by Mathiane which Ricardo Nascimento converted for the Tswane boys. Even after half time, Sundowns were pretty much in control, playing enterprise football full of trickery. Arrows goalkeeper had to pull off some heroic saves to keep the match at 1-0.
PSL South Africa: ‘Love letter’ on the pitch as Sundowns edge closer to title
Mamelodi Sundowns zero in on the PSL Title
Mamelodi Sundowns are close to winning their 3rd PSL title in five years after coming from behind to beat Baroka FC by 2-1 on Sunday. After a slow start which saw former Masandawana man, Lucky Nguzana open the scoring, Sundowns center back, Wayne Arendse equalized at the stroke of half-time after he was left unmarked at the far post. A more comfortable second-half performance saw Sibusiso Vilakazi and PSL player of the year favorite, Percy Tau combine flowery passes with the latter, tucking away the ball into the back of the net for Masandawana’s second goal of the day. Tau is now tied with Rodney Ramagelela on the top scoring charts, both sitting on 11 for the season.
However, as you would expect from the Absa PSL, something else stole the headlines for the match. A note from the Sundowns coaching staff with player instructions in the 72nd minute seemed to circulate among three other players before eventually finding its way to the skipper, Denis Onyango who terminated the transition by chewing the note. Only them know what was written in that letter. I wonder who was sending love, or could it be the Brazilians’ winning formula who are now 13 unbeaten in the league.
The Sundowns gaffer, Pitso Mosimane is not leaving anything to chance in the title race as he borrowed a leaf from Sir Alex Ferguson as he described this stage of the campaign as a “squeaky bum time,” nerves begin to jangle.
Sundowns’ closest rival to the title is Orlando Pirates who play a tricky Super Sport United on Wednesday.