The 2024/25 Premier Soccer League season will commence on Saturday, September 14 after a delayed start owing to negotiations between the new sponsor and the management.
Teams have been signing players to strengthen their weak areas; Mamelodi Sundowns, who are the defending champions, last season's runners-up Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have brought in some good players.
Stellenbosch are also regarded as the dark horse in the league title race owing to their recent exploits across all competitions.
Who will win the PSL? Barker predicts
Stellies head coach Steve Barker believes defending champions Masandawana have higher chances of winning their eighth consecutive crown.
“I think [Sundowns] have shown enough quality that they will win many, many football leagues. For me, they’re still the firm favourites to take the league,” Barker stated.
However, the Brazilians and coach Manqoba Mngqithi have been under immense pressure after being eliminated from the MTN8 by Stellenbosch.
The Brazilians lost the first leg by a solitary goal before another 2-0 defeat to crash out 3-0 in aggregate.
How did Stellies manage to beat a quality Sundowns team?
“They are still a good team and great individuals, but the reason we got through in the last two games is just really a good structure, good planning, good preparation, and good tactical sort of,” Barker continued.
“We believed, sometimes you got to be brave against Sundowns because if you don’t go close and pressurize them and you give midfielders and defenders on the ball, they use the time they have and hurt you.”
