Following their final positioning on the log standings in the last campaign, very few would’ve expected Abafana Besthende and the Natal Rich Boyz to beat StellenboschFC and TS Galaxy respectively.
Even more of a surprise was a youthful Royal AM holding a Cape Town City side glittering with new recruits from a busy off-season of shopping.
Now looking to build on those confidence-boosting results, the three clubs jet off to different parts of the country at the weekend, while fellow KZN outfit AmaZulu FC wait to play Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday.
#BetwayPrem - RESULTS:
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) September 18, 2024
✅ @orlandopirates score a late winner at home.
✅ @goldenarrowsfc1 secure maximum points against @StellenboschFC away.
✅ @SekhukhuneFc win at home against @Magesi_FC. pic.twitter.com/cCyZbyIqMP
Arrows will welcome returnees Marumo Gallants to the Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale in a 3pm kick-off today as they target back-to-back wins to open their season.
Back in their own backyard, Arrows step onto the pitch with their chests high in this encounter, especially considering their record against their next opponents.
Abafana Besthende have never lost to Bahlabane Ba Ntwa in the four meetings they’ve had over the years, with the KZN club recording two wins and two draws.
Arrows head coach Mabhuti Khenyeza made a winning return to the hotseat after being replaced by Steve Komphela last season.
The club have also introduced a former teammate of Khenyeza in the dugout with Kagiso Dikgacoi joining two weeks ago.
Khenyeza welcomed the addition of ‘KG’ and explained how their trio with Musa Bilankulu will function.
“It’s a good addition to our team because three brains are better than two,” he said after their win at Athlone Stadium.
“You can see for yourself on the touchline that we communicate and the good thing about it is we all grew up together, so we understand each other in terms of the characters. But the most important thing is the respect and listening when sharing ideas.
“I don’t act as the head coach, I give them the freedom to do whatever it is that’s going to help the team benefit.”
🎥 Preparing for our first away encounter of the Season #BetwayPrem 💪⚽️#NatalRichBoyZ pic.twitter.com/TJLrTJnaUT
Meanwhile, a trip to East London’s Buffalo City Stadium awaits Bay today for a match against Chippa United scheduled for 8pm.
Having lost to Orlando Pirates last time out, Chippa are expected to pose a great threat to the visitors as they look to get points on the board.
Chilli Boys head coach Kwanele Kopo will hope his team can keep up their dominance of this fixture, having won the last three meetings and scored eight goals in the process.
Having survived against City last week, the task doesn’t get easier for Royal AM as they square up against SuperSport United at 5.30pm at the TUT Stadium in Pretoria.
Gavin Hunt’s men are also looking to bounce back from an opening-round derby loss to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Although they won the last clash between the two teams in Pietermaritzburg, Royal have never beaten Matsatsantsa in Tshwane and will look to break that ‘curse’.