Former Kaizer Chiefs winger, Junior Khanye, has predicted the winner of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership.
The league recently secured a new sponsorship deal with Betway after DStv ended its five-year contract a year early. There was still a remaining year in the contract as it was set to end in 2025.
Mamelodi Sundowns were the sole champions of the league during DStv's sponsorship era. Moreover, they have secured an impressive seven consecutive league titles since the 2017/18 season.
The departure of Rulani Mokwena has led many to speculate about a potential decline for Masandawana.
However, Khanye confidently predicted that Mamelodi Sundowns will continue their dominance and win the league next season. He argued that the team's strong core will remain unaffected by coach Rulani Mokwena's departure.
JUNIOR KHANYE ON WHO WILL WIN 2024/25 SEASON
“Sundowns players know what to do without being coached,” said Khanye on iDiski TV as quoted by iDiski Times.
“The team did not break. The team is still the same. I mean the likes of [Teboho] Mokoena, Mshishi, [Marcelo] Allende, [Lucas] Ribeiro, [Ronwen] Williams and [Grant] Kekana are still there.
“The spine is still there so how do you break those players. The players I have mentioned are national [team] players so it’s still going to take some time before they are challenged.
“Orlando Pirates are going to be number three because one, they lost bra Stan a very influential person. This coach is not consistent by himself. I mean if you are going to bench Relebohile Mofokeng in a cup final and bring him on in the last 15 minutes, what the player did, did not need coaching. It was individual brilliance.
“The boy is talented and like the best players in the world he took a risk and it worked. The coach didn’t have a reason to start him on the bench.
“The same goes for [Tshegofatso] Mabasa his top striker. The coach makes wrong decisions where certain players are concerned and he no longer has the guidance from Bra Stan. Even with signings, Bra Stan had an influence.
“Cape Town City have signed a couple of players that I think will be good. I hope that South Africa doesn’t retire Kamohelo [Mokotjo]. I saw him at Sekhukhune [United] the guy is still good and one of the best passers and experienced. He is properly developed and he has been with Kwanele Kopo and went to Holland at an early age. He has awareness and has the ability to make a team tick.”