Mamelodi Sundowns will rely on their experience and squad depth to keep Orlando Pirates at bay in the title run-in.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
The climax of the PSL season, where the real challengers are separated from the pretenders, is upon us. But before the thrills and spills are unleashed in the next few days, let’s catch our breath and reflect on the traditional "big three".
With every passing campaign, the PSL proves its uniqueness. Stories are not pre-written but told in real time, as there’s a whirlwind of events on a daily and weekly basis.
There’s only the last quarter of the season remaining, with two of the four trophies — the MTN8 and Carling Knockout — already won, both by Orlando Pirates. Only the Betway Premiership and Nedbank Cup are still up for grabs.
Given that success, the season has belonged to Pirates. They have succeeded where most of their 15 counterparts have failed on the pitch — an achievement that illustrates the tactical prowess of coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
The Moroccan has shown that no project is too big to handle, having been lured from Marumo Gallants. His belief in local competencies, continuing with a largely South African technical team, has also helped him thrive.
That success would not have been possible without the players. They have steered Pirates into calmer waters, and things could get even better if they go all the way and win the league title.
In the true sense of “let the football do the talking”, the Ghost have heeded the call, rallying behind the team after seeing the desire, determination and mentality to succeed.
It hasn’t all been smooth. There have been allegations of ill-discipline, which have momentarily disrupted their momentum, as a quieter dressing room might have ensured full focus instead of reported suspensions.
It is not over yet. The grand prize, the league title, is still up for grabs. But Pirates know better than anyone that they will need to double their efforts if they are to wrestle it away from serial champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
The league is not like any other silverware for Sundowns; it’s their bread and butter. It guarantees not only local dominance but also a place among Africa’s elite the following season.
Sundowns had not fully flexed their muscles earlier this season, allowing Pirates into the title conversation with fewer than 10 games to play. It was uncharacteristic, given their habit of building an early lead.
Their struggles unsettled the fanbase, with calls for the dismissal of coach Miguel Cardoso and sporting director Flemming Berg, and the return of Pitso Mosimane.
Those calls ultimately fell on deaf ears, as the club opted to stick with the duo. Perhaps that was a blessing in disguise. Sundowns are back, playing attractive football and collecting points with ease.
Players who were once on the fringes, amid possible exits, have returned to prominence in Cardoso’s matchday squads. That’s why another title celebration at Chloorkop looks increasingly likely.
The euphoria that Sundowns have made a tradition has, however, become a rare experience at Naturena. Kaizer Chiefs have struggled for consistency, often stumbling into short-lived success.
Chiefs won the Nedbank Cup last season, ending a 10-year trophy drought. They were expected to build on that foundation under coach Nasreddine Nabi. Instead, the club parted ways with him early in the season and promoted his assistants.
Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef vowed to prove their critics wrong, but recent performances have forced them into making apologies after a poor run of form.
Some observers have even called for their dismissal, arguing that a struggling Chiefs side is not good for South African football. However, the Motaung family has persisted with them, setting a top-three finish as the target.
That still looks achievable after back-to-back league wins, but whether they can sustain that form remains uncertain. They are neither convincing nor particularly threatening in attack.
With fatigue setting in across the league, conditioning coach Safi Majdi will need to ensure the squad remains physically ready to capitalise on their games in hand.
It would be a welcome sight for the big three to all embody that tag this season. I can only hope they live up to the hype and expectations when the final lap gets underway after this window break.