Are Masandawana and Orlando Pirates a class above the rest?

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.”

— Siphosethu Thwala, FirstTouch Africa

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!

Al Ahly: The road to continental dominance

“Al Ahly was founded in 1907 as a way to unite young people from across high schools in Egypt who had become very instrumental in the fight against colonialism.”

— Simiso Shabangu, FirstTouch Africa

The hardest part about excellence is not attaining it, but it is sustaining it. To be continuously at the top, you do not need to take a chance at excellence, but it has to be in your DNA. That has been the case with Al Ahly and they were crowned as not just the Club of the Year, but the Club of the Century by the Confederation of African Football in 2000. They are arguably one of the most successful clubs in the world.

Beautiful History

Al Ahly was founded in 1907 as a way to unite young people from across high schools in Egypt who had become very instrumental in the fight against colonialism. Such intentional beginnings are ones that First Touch Africa celebrates as they are core to the reason why we celebrate football. We appreciate football for its ability to unite people from different walks of life towards a common goal. Even though the club was in Egypt, its first President was Mitchel Ince who was a British man.  The club went on to unite 50 million fans outside of Egypt.

Al Ahly's Ahmed Mohammed celebrates his winning goal during the international friendly match between AS Roma and Al Ahly on May 20, 2016 in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

(May 19, 2016 - Source: Chris Whiteoak/Getty Images Europe)

Winning was never by chance

Just after its inception, the club participated in the Sultan Hussein Cup which ran from 1917 to 1938 and won that competition 7 times. When the Egyptian Premier League was initiated in 1948, Ah Ahly won the championship until 1960. In total, they scooped the cup 39 times with some of these cups coming for 8 years in a row. As a fan, it means watching your team for years and not tasting disappointment like everybody else. It is such a soothing experience. Because success is not constricted by location, it is not surprising that when they took to the continental level, they won the African Champions League in 1982 and 6 times after that. When they play their games, they are able to attract as many as 74 000 in the Cairo’s International Stadium..

Business is as clean as the football they play

Beyond the more than 100 accolades in 100 years  that the club has been able to get, Al Ahly is also well commended for the way it is able to handle its business dealings with high standards of professionalism and integrity. Sometimes, we hear about under the table dealings that happen in other clubs, but Al Ahly was even dubbed as the “club of values” by its former president Salem Salim. It is always encouraging to know that behind a team’s glory, there is also some glorious activities that enhance the reputation of the club.

Still soaring high

Presently, the club is being coached by Martin Lasarte after they sacked their former coach Patrice Carteron. This was after they fell short at the face of Tunisia’s Esperance in the CAF Champions League. This sacking is proof that excellence is a guarantee where there exists flexibility to change. As time goes, this club is all out to do well for itself in the continental sports arena.

2018 CAF Champions League Final: North African date on the books

All the draws, travels, cheers, cries, outbursts and many other priceless moments that always come with the CAF Champions league have once again led up to this moment, the grand finale. The biggest club football tournament in Africa, that pitches the best form each country has reached the climax and just like last year, two North African clubs will got to war for the ultimate prize.

Esperance Sportive team discussing tactics before the FIFA Club World Cup 5th Place match between Club de Futbol Monterrey and Esperance Sportive de Tunis at Toyota Stadium on December 14, 2011 in Toyota, Japan.

(Dec. 13, 2011 - Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)

One of the biggest stories leading to the final has been that of Angolan club, Primeiro de Agosto. Primeiro were eyeing their first CAF Champions League since their inception in 1977 and had indeed moved mountains to achieve just that. They knocked out the likes of 5 time champions TP Mazembe and fellow dream chasers, Mbabane Swallows of eSwatini in the running to the semi-finals. With exciting attacking football and underdog status, Primeiro had become everyone’s favorite in the semifinal mix of dominant North African clubs. However, they respectfully bowed out last night in Tunisia after an eventful second leg semi-final against Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

Primeiro headed into the leg with a narrow 1-0 advantage and doubled that lead, seven minutes after kickoff. Esperance quickly responded with two goals before half-time to bring the tie down to the wire. An unfortunate second half for Primeiro saw them score one more to turn the tie on its head to their favor before Esperance struck twice again, courtesy of defensive errors by the away side. The tie ended 4-3 on aggregate and Primeiro’s manager bemoaned a hostile environment with lit flares, limited visibility, noise and explosives in the stadium by the home fans.

“It was everything but not football, many things happening off the field, bombs exploding off the field, there was an invasion of the pitch 20 came onto the field, It is a shame for me it’s a shame for the organisation - it’s not like football it’s like a terror film.”

— Zoran Manojlovic, Primeiro de Agosto Manager

Al Ahly's Ahmed Mohammed celebrates his winning goal during the international friendly match between AS Roma and Al Ahly on May 20, 2016 in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

(May 19, 2016 - Source: Chris Whiteoak/Getty Images Europe)

In the other semi-final, the most successful club in the history of the competition, Al Ahly cruised into the final after seeing off ES Setif of Algeria, 3-2 on aggregate. The Egyptian club opened the scoring in Algeria to triple their advantage before ES Setif scored two second half goals to fight back. It was all too little to late for Setif, as Al Ahly booked a consecutive final spot. The Red Devils will be looking to put behind the disappointment of the 2017 Champions League final loss to Wydad Casablanca of Morocco.

The 2018 CAF Champions League final will be two legged, to be played on the 2nd of November in Egypt before the return leg, a week later in Tunisia.

Who are you rooting for?

CAF Club Competitions: Zamalek knocked out by debutants, Sundowns and Raja Casablanca advance

Five-time African champions, Zamalek, bowed out of the CAF confederation cup tournament in courtesy of a shock defeat by Ethiopia’s Welyta Dicha who are making their first appearance in the tournament. Both sides recorded 2-1 victories in their home countries forcing the tie to reach penalty shoot-out where Zamalek lost 4-3 in front of their Egyptian fans. Pressure is mounting on Zamalek to step up after their rivals Al Ahly won the Egyptian League title a week ago, with about six weeks to spare and are well on course to go further in the CAF Champions League.

Elsewhere, Masandawana(Mamelodi Sundowns) had to dig deep to go past a stubborn Rwandan outfit, Rayon Sports FC and reach the group stages of the CAF Champions League. Rayon Sports had held the Brazilians to a 0-0 draw in Rwanda only to lose 2-0 in South Africa this past weekend. There were no major surprises in an encounter between former champions, Raja Casablanca and Mauritania’s Nouadhibou where the former eased into the last 16 (group stages) with an aggregate win of 4-2.

CAF Champions League is the premier club competition on the continent, similar to Europe’s UEFA Champions League whilst CAF Confederation Cup is Africa’s version of the Europa League.