Stage is set for PSL return | The Citizen

It’s always easier to predict the outcome of the rest of the season when it is midway through because the evidence of who is in desperate need for luck, who needs to consolidate and who has an outside chance, is all there.

Today marks two days before the much anticipated return of the DStv Premiership and there is no better way than to kick things off with a clash of egos between defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns and title hopefuls Orlando Pirates.

Sundowns are not cruising as they usually do as Rulani Mokwena’s side finds itself sitting on 28 points, just five ahead of rookies Richards Bay. If Pirates are serious about their title ambitions, they need to do themselves a favour and collect maximum points against Masandawana.

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If there is anyone who can go pound for pound with Bafana Ba Style, it has to be the Sea Robbers. Jose Riveiro’s side has proven, over the years, that they are more than capable of causing an upset, particularly in Sundowns’ own backyard. Meanwhile, Arthur Zwane has a point to prove in Naturena.

Kaizer Chiefs will travel to KwaZulu-Natal where they will confront a Golden Arrows side and having gone into the break oozing confidence of winning the Soweto derby, “10111” is not only under pressure to maintain consistency, but he will need to do that in manner that will convince the Amakhosi nation that he is indeed the right man to return Chiefs to its glory days. The Glamour Boys will resume the league on 21 points.

In matters at the opposite end of the table, one gets the sense that it is the end of the road for Maritzburg United. For a club that has been in the top flight for 15 seasons, 13 of which are uninterrupted, they need to shape in or shape out.

The Team of Choice are at the foot of the log and having finished inside the top eight only seven times out of 14 is quite alarming.

The club is known to be one that is in the business of developing players and selling them to the premium sides. Nothing wrong with focusing on the business side, but it is high time that United swing the pendulum towards the side of results on the pitch .