Clubs just not Top 8 material
Chippa United | Progression
Home ground: Sisa Dukashe/Nelson Mandela Bay
The man in the hot seat: Kwanele Kopo
Kopo personifies the ambitions of the Chilli Boys this season as he sets out to prove himself among the country’s elite. His appointment as sole head coach has seen him receive the backing of the club and he will set out to redefine his reputation mainly as an academy coach.
Star man: Andile Jali
Chippa’s transfer business this term has not been different from the previous seasons where the club has opted to overhaul huge chunks of the squad. The Gqeberha-based outfit released 16 players last season and enlisted the services of 12 new signings, among them the well-travelled and experienced figure of Andile Jali.
Having finished last season in 12th place in the log standings, Kopo and his men are expected to target a top-eight place, one that would come at a surprise considering the club’s major changes.
The return of former TS Galaxy gem Aphelele Teto to the country is expected to excite Eastern Cape fans while ex-Orlando Pirates winger Azola Matrose also joined Chippa permanently this term.
Last season: 12th
Best finish: Sixth (2015/16)
Predicted finish: 12th
Golden Arrows | Experiment
Home ground: Mpumalanga Stadium
The man in the hot seat: Mabhuti Khenyeza
The playing style of Khenyeza has been frequently described as robust, fast paced and aggressive as he was during his playing days. Being a former striker, it makes sense that he appreciates a philosophy built on being able to outscore the opposition.
Star man: Nduduzo Sibiya
The new season is expected to be one of experimentation and rediscovery for the Durban-based club having narrowly missed out on a top-eight spot for two seasons in a row.
Abafana Besthende have, for many years, displayed some of the most enterprising football in the division, a trait that goes back to when Khenyeza himself broke through into the club’s first team as a youngster.
The club have been known to find rough gems and turn them into diamonds but in the latest transfer window, they opted for experienced heads having signed one player under the age of 25, in right-back Keanan Phillips.
Last season: Ninth
Best finish: Fourth (2020/21)
Predicted finish: 11th
Richards Bay | Glittering
Home ground: King Zwelithini/Umhlathuze Sports Complex
The man in the hot seat: Brandon Truter
Previously labelled the draw king of the division following his stint with Swallows FC, Truter is back among the elite hoping to set the record straight. The Cape Town-born coach has ambitions of getting his side playing attractive football as he returns for his second stint with the Natal Rich Boyz.
Star man: Thabiso Kutumela
The coming season sees Richards Bay trying to start a new chapter in their top-flight book as they attempt to make the jump from relegation survivors to regular top-eight competitors.
Following on from their retention of their top-flight status, energy guru Phakwe Gas has arrived to fuel their ambitions of flying among the top sides in the Betway Premiership.
The Natal Rich Boyz used that ‘support’ to secure eight new signings, among them former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns man Thabiso Kutumela as well as Siyethemba Sithebe, formerly of Kaizer Chiefs.
The loss of the club’s best player last season, Sanele Barns, might prove a huge blow in the long term but their retention of Ugandan goalkeeper Salim Magoola might just feel like a new signing.
Last season: 15th
Best finish: 13th (2022/23)
Predicted finish: 10th
AmaZulu | Recognition
Home ground: Moses Mabhida Stadium/King Zwelithini
The man in the hot seat: Pablo Franco Martin
Spanish-born coach Martin views the coming season as an opportunity to show what he’s about, having established a defensively solid foundation in the previous campaign. Now with four transfer windows under his belt, it is expected that the ex-Real Madrid man might have a good chunk of players to suit his preferred style and it will be on show in the coming season.
Star man: Pule Ekstein
Usuthu are facing a tough battle for recognition in the 2024/2025 season having disappeared from the top-eight scene in recent seasons.
The KwaZuluNatal-based club have referenced their excellent 2020/2021 season, in which they finished second and qualified for CAF competition, as the standard of their aspirations.
However, back-to-back finishes outside the top eight (12th and 11th) suggest the club are recognised as one of the best only in words and not in actions.
In Martin’s second season in South Africa and seven signings later, Usuthu will undoubtedly go to war with their ambitions as well as opposition teams to try return to the top-four place they feel they rightfully deserve.
With four new attackers recruited, Martin will look to find solutions to the club’s lack of goal threat and have balance in defence and attack.
Last season: 11th
Best finish: Second (2020/21)
Predicted finish: Ninth