Top 10 things we learned from PSL before international break

Published on by Joel Oliver

The PSL entered its fourth week for most teams but for some, it was matchday three and at the conclusion, only Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have an unblemished record.

Sundowns sent an early warning by beating Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday while Pirates overcame stiff resistance from Richards Bay to claim maximum points.

It leaves last season’s top two as the teams to beat yet again but what did we learn from the weekend’s round of matches?

Nabi is ‘cooking’

Nasreddine Nabi 11
Nasreddine Nabi, Image – Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs might have lost but there were clear signs that new coach Nasreddine Nabi has got them going in the right direction given how quickly they started and the manner they took the game to Sundowns.

It is still early days and the problems of last season were also laid bare but with Nabi, who has said they are just at 20 per cent, they are in safe hands, and rivals will not want to face them when the veteran tactician completes the jigsaw puzzle.

Who will stop Sundowns?

Sundowns maintain winning streak with victory over Chiefs
Iqraam Rayners – Picture by Mamelodi Sundowns

Even this early in the season, it appears that Mamelodi Sundowns are in pole position to make it eight straight PSL titles after putting on a great show yet again despite going down to an early Chiefs goal.

Coach Manqoba Mngqithi’s credentials are being questioned but the quality and depth of Sundowns’ squad is not in doubt and it could be what gets them over the line even if those in the dugout might not be up to standards, as some observers have claimed.

VAR badly needed

The errors witnessed in the game between Chiefs and Sundowns highlighted why VAR is badly needed in the PSL as with it, Amakhosi would not have perhaps walked home empty-handed on Saturday.

The calls keep growing following a number of controversial decisions across the division and it is good that Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has taken notice and promised to begin talks with the powers that be in South African football.

Strength in depth at Pirates

Orlando Pirates players celebrate Kabelo Dlaminis goal against Richards Bay. Photo Orlando Pirates

For the second game running, Orlando Pirates saw a substitute make a major impact after Kabelo Dlamini came off the bench to score a brilliant freekick in their win at Richards Bay.

It follows on the two goals scored by Evidence Makgopa in Tuesday’s 3-0 over Polokwane City and coach Jose Riveiro will be happy that the substitutes are producing the goods which will not only push the regulars to up their game but also come in handy over the course of the season as matches pile up.

Lucas Ribeiro for MVP?

Lucas Ribeiro Costa of Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo Mamelodi Sundowns

Lucas Rubeiro Costa was not among the nominees for the PSL awards in 2023-24 despite 25 goal involvements (16 goals and nine assists) but he has continued to do his talking on the pitch with three goals and as many assists this season.

Costa has been on target in all three games and when not scoring, he is looking to tee up a team-mate. It will be hard to ignore the Brazilian for the end-of-season accolades if he maintains this form.  

Golden boot headed to Sundowns?

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Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Arthur Sales – Photo by Mamelodi Sundowns

With Ribeiro Costa bagging three goals, the race for the Golden Boot is on and the Brazilian is among the early pace setters but has internal competition in the name of new team-mate Iqraam Rayners who has also bagged three goals.

Last season’s winner Tshegofatso Mabasa is yet to start setting the league alight as he only has one but the likes of Makgopa and Monnapule Saleng are slotting in well at the club as they are among the seven players on two goals.

Lehlohonolo Mojela good value for money

Lehlogonolo Mojela celebrates his goal against AS Vita. Photo - Stellenbosch FC
Lehlogonolo Mojela celebrates his goal against AS Vita. Photo – Stellenbosch FC

Lehlohonolo Mojela continues to prove that he was a good purchase for Stellenbosch FC as he has now bagged four goals in eight games for his new side.

The former TS Galaxy attacker opened his PSL account in the 1-1 draw with Polokwane City and it could be the start of many more given how good he has been in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Chippa for top 5?

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Stanley Bobo Nwabali of Nigeria during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations match between Cote dIvoire and Nigeria at Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire on 18 January 2024 – Photo by Icon Sport – Photo by Icon Sport

Chippa United coach Kwanele Kopo keeps exciting fans and pundits with his detailed tactical explanations and he seems to be applying them to good effect on his squad.

The Chilli Boys have so far won two, drawn one and lost another of their four games but the way they are playing suggest it will not be a 12th place finish but rather somewhere higher up the table, perhaps in the top five where they are after matchday four.

Woes for AmaZulu & TS Galaxy

Sead Ramovic throws another jibe at Rulani Mokwena
Sead Ramovic – Photo by TS Galaxy

Basement sides AmaZulu and TS Galaxy remain the only sides without a point after three matches and will need to wake up quickly to avoid running into trouble early in the season.

Of the two, Galaxy should worry more as their three defeats have come against sides they should have recorded positive results against in Richards Bay, SuperSport United and Chippa United as AmaZulu had Kaizer Chiefs in between matches with Polokwane and Maruno Gallants.

New signings impressing

Ian-2

A number of new signings have already made their mark starting with Rayners at Sundowns, Mojela at Stellenbosch, Inacio Miguel and Bradley Cross of Kaizer Chiefs and on Sunday, it was the turn of Ian Otieno of Richards Bay who pulled off stunning saves to keep his side into the game until Pirates’ late stunner.

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Joel Oliver

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.