CAPE TOWN – Excitement is building as Mzansi awaits the start of the PSL season. Teams have been unveiling their new kits, the PSL have announced the dates of the fixtures and some players and coaches have settled in at their new clubs. So we took a look at the fixture list, and picked out 10 must-watch games in the 2018/19 league campaign…
Saturday August 4, 2018: Mamelodi Sundowns v Kaizer Chiefs
The very first match of the season is a huge one at Loftus Versfeld – reigning champions Masandawana against what Amakhosi fans will hope is a revitalised Chiefs outfit under new coach Giovanni Solinas.
Wednesday August 29, 2018: Kaizer Chiefs v Bloemfontein Celtic
The return of Steve Komphela to the FNB Stadium! Just this time he will be in the visitors’ dug-out, and it will be interesting to see what kind of reception he gets from the same Chiefs fans who virtually drove him out of the Amakhosi job by going on the rampage at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Saturday October 27, 2018: Orlando Pirates v Kaizer Chiefs
The first Soweto Derby of the season will take place at Orlando Stadium. Let’s all hope it’s not going to be a ‘Drawby’.
Saturday January 5, 2019: Kaizer Chiefs v Mamelodi Sundowns
The first match of the new year for both teams, and the return match after the opening round. Just where will Sundowns be with regards to the Champions League? How would Chiefs have performed in the MTN8 and Telkom Knockout?
Pitso Mosimane celebrates Sundowns' league title triumph with his players after the final game of the season. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Wednesday January 16, 2019: Mamelodi Sundowns v Orlando Pirates
The first league clash between the top two teams from last season. Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic has made several signings to compete in all competitions, but can the Buccaneers knock Pitso Mosimane’s bunch of winners off their pedestal?
Tuesday January 22, 2019: Highlands Park v Mamelodi Sundowns
It might seem odd to punt the promoted NFD winners against the current SA kings, but Highlands have long called the Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa the ‘Slaughterhouse’. Let’s see if they can ‘slaughter’ Masandawana…
Saturday February 9, 2019: Kaizer Chiefs v Orlando Pirates
The second Soweto Derby of the season. Will it be Amakhosi or Buccaneers fans with the bragging rights?
Saturday April 27, 2019: Orlando Pirates v Mamelodi Sundowns
On Freedom Day next year, will Pirates conquer, or is it going to be ‘KaBo Yellow’ for Masandawana?
Wednesday May 8, 2019: Cape Town City v Orlando Pirates
Just a few days before the end of the season, the PSL title may have already been decided. But let’s hope it’s not, as travelling to Cape Town will be a tough test for Pirates – especially if they need three points to stay in the league race… or even win it!
Saturday May 11, 2019: Free State Stars v Mamelodi Sundowns
Pitso Mosimane hasn’t lost to Stars while at Sundowns, but their last match was a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld in February. A lot of water will flow under the bridge before they face each other in the final league match of the season, but Pitso Mosimane has a grudging respect for Luc Eymael – even though he criticised the Belgian for speaking about the Kaizer Chiefs job when Steve Komphela was under pressure. Goble Park is not the most welcoming ground in the league, so Sundowns will hope that they don’t need three points to win the title in this game.
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