The traditional big three in South African football – Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns – have had a strong start to the Betway Premiership season, with all three teams being unbeaten heading into the first Fifa break. However, despite their impressive form, each team has areas to work on when the season resumes. Sundowns are top of the log standings with 20 points, one ahead of second-placed champions Orlando Pirates, and seven ahead of fourth-placed Kaizer Chiefs.
Sundowns have been prolific in front of goal, scoring 19 times in just eight matches, thanks to their attacking depth which includes the returning Cassius Mailula and the lethal Brayan León. However, coach Miguel Cardoso has been frustrated with his team’s porous defence, which has seen Bafana Bafana No 1 and captain Ronwen Williams breached too easily. The team has been dealing with injuries to right-back Khuliso Mudau and centre-back Keanu Cupido, resulting in an unsettled defence.
Orlando Pirates will also face a busy schedule when the season resumes, including the MTN8 final against Sundowns, league matches, and continental football. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has been concerned about the immaturity of some of his young players, who have been showboating instead of playing constructive football. Ouaddou has been criticised for being too harsh on the youngsters, but he argues that there’s nothing impressive about showboating when the team needs results.
Kaizer Chiefs have struggled with consistency, drawing matches they were expected to win easily. The team’s mixed start has been attributed to costly mistakes, including those made by goalkeeper and captain Brandon Petersen. Petersen made three mistakes in three league games, and Chiefs were unable to win any of those matches. His injury just before the break could prove to be a blessing in disguise as he can use the time off to reflect and work on his weak areas.
Chiefs’ problems have not been limited to Petersen, with experts arguing that his defence could have done better to protect him. The team’s shortcomings have given coach Molefi Ntseki some food for thought, and he will be looking to address these issues when the season resumes. Meanwhile, newcomer Renaldo Leaner may get an opportunity to prove himself as the No 1 goalkeeper ahead of Petersen.
The resumption of the season after the Fifa break will see Sundowns face Pirates in the MTN8 final, resume their league campaign, start the CAF Champions League group stage, and compete in the Carling Knockout. Pirates will have a similarly busy schedule, except for the CAF Super Cup and Fifa Intercontinental Cup. The teams will have had a three-week break to fine-tune their shortcomings and hopefully return like well-oiled machines when the season resumes.
The MTN8 final between Sundowns and Pirates will be held on Saturday, 10 October, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, with tickets going on sale online on Friday, 2 October. All three teams will be watched with interest heading into the remainder of the season, as they look to address their respective challenges and make a strong push for silverware.
Key points
- Sundowns must tighten up at the back to maintain their top position in the league.
- Pirates face a test of squad maturity as they juggle domestic and continental football.
- Chiefs need to eliminate costly errors to achieve consistency in their performances.
