Sundowns out to reclaim crown as Pirates bid to prove title credentials in new PSL season

Mamelodi Sundowns will begin the 2026-27 Premiership season determined to wrestle back domestic supremacy from Orlando Pirates, whose first league title in 14 years has set up a compelling battle at the top of South African football.

The new campaign kicks off tomorrow with the central question whether Pirates’ triumph, which halted Sundowns’ eight-year stranglehold on the league, was the start of a new era or a one-off interruption.

Pirates have lost gifted attacker Relebohile Mofokeng but moved aggressively to reinforce. Highly rated Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen, described internally as a pure “finisher”, has been added to sharpen the attack, while centre-back Sibangani Zulu is among several defensive recruits aimed at giving the champions greater depth across the campaign.

Sundowns, fresh from lifting their second CAF Champions League title last season, enter with a different kind of pressure. With continental glory finally secured again, The Brazilians are expected to play with more freedom domestically, but will be fuelled by a desire to win the league in honour of Jayden Adams, the club’s young star who passed away. Their major domestic signing is Siyanda Ndlovu, one of the standout performers at Golden Arrows and widely regarded as one of the division’s most coveted players.

Usuthu and Chiefs eye step up

AmaZulu appear well-placed to challenge the traditional heavyweights after finishing fourth under Arthur Zwane last term. With most of that squad retained, continuity is the watchword in Durban, but AmaZulu have also targeted specific areas for improvement, signing left-back Omega Mdaka and forward Khomotjo Lekoloane from Stellenbosch to add balance and depth.

Kaizer Chiefs, who ended last season in third, are under renewed expectation to mount a serious title challenge. A new technical team led by Fernando da Cruz has been installed, and while the hierarchy’s message has been that Chiefs must compete for the championship, Da Cruz has been candid that further attacking reinforcements are required to meet that objective, with the club expected to back him in the market.

Stellenbosch and Sekhukhune labelled dangerous outsiders

Stellenbosch go into the season with a reshaped squad after allowing several players to leave, but coach Gavin Hunt’s history of rebuilding competitive, title-chasing teams – he has four league titles to his name – underpins optimism in the Cape. Stellies have added proven experience in Thabiso Lebitso from Pirates and Terrence Mashego from Sundowns as they construct a new core.

At Sekhukhune United, Cedric Kaze takes full control after helping Chiefs to third place as co-coach last season. More than 10 players have been released as Babina Noko embark on a new phase under the Burundian, but their record over the past four campaigns – never finishing lower than seventh – suggests they are unlikely to slip quietly out of contention.

Crowded fight for top-eight places

Durban City will attempt to build on a landmark season in which they finished eighth and lifted the Nedbank Cup. Despite that success, interim coach Pitso Dladla has departed, replaced by former Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef. Chairman Farook Kadodia has publicly demanded a repeat of last year’s achievements, and the club has moved for seasoned campaigners Gaston Sirino, Bandile Shandu and Tashreeq Morris to underpin that ambition.

Golden Arrows, who returned to the top eight for the first time in five years, have doubled down on their structural approach after losing key men Isaac Cisse and Siyanda Ndlovu. They have appointed Pitso Dladla, fresh from his Nedbank Cup win at Durban, as successor to Manqoba Mngqithi in a move that signals a push for further improvement rather than consolidation.

Richards Bay, who finished 11th last season, have overhauled their technical set-up, promoting Ronnie Gabriel to sole head coach after the departure of co-coach Papi Zothwane. Their recruitment drive has included Philani Sithebe and Khayelihle Mncube as they seek to marry last season’s strong home form with greater consistency on the road.

Siwelele, in the midst of a significant rebuild after parting with 23 players, believe they have traded quantity for quality. Coach Lehlohonolo Seema has spoken positively about the new-look squad despite the exits of Gamphani Lungu, Ricardo Goss, Neo Rapoo and Samir Nurkovic. New arrivals such as Thabiso Sesane and Selaelo Rasebotja underpin what appears a more balanced group, with their traditionally strong home support expected to be a factor again.

Marumo Gallants have targeted a return to the top half after a fraught season that ended with a 14th-place finish. The club has undergone wholesale structural change, revamping both the squad and technical team, persuading coach Phuti Mohafe to leave Polokwane City and shifting home base from Bloemfontein to Royal Bafokeng Stadium. Sporting director Paul Matthews has been hired to oversee football operations as Gallants aim to entrench themselves in the top eight.

Polokwane City, seventh last term under Mohafe, face an uncertain transition following his move to Gallants. New coach Bayano Moloto steps into his first top-flight role with a largely unheralded group of signings, including Lucky Malatsi, Vuyo Kopamotse and midfielder Tshepang Matube, as Rise and Shine attempt to remain as awkward opponents despite their upheaval.

New boys and familiar strugglers in relegation frame

Kruger United’s first Premiership season has been overshadowed before a ball is kicked by wage issues, with some players reportedly unpaid or paid late during pre-season. Promoted from the Motsepe Foundation Championship, they have turned to a number of players released by other clubs – among them Fiacre Ntwari, Kwanda Mngonyama, Thabang Sibanyoni, Katlego Mohamme and Tatenda Tavengwa – and are widely expected to face a difficult campaign.

Milford, promoted via the play-offs, have reinforced largely with players from the lower leagues who have little experience of the top flight. Given the modest profile of their recruits, a finish in the top half would represent a major surprise.

Chippa United once again appear set for a season of battling against the drop. The return of experienced coach Brandon Truter offers some continuity, but the Chilli Boys have been quiet in the transfer market. Their most significant boost is the return of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who left midway through last season but is now back to anchor their defence.

TS Galaxy have handed Bernard Parker the job on a permanent basis after he helped steer the club away from relegation trouble last term. However, his inexperience in full-time management is a concern, and The Rockets have again opted for major squad surgery, unveiling 14 new players including defender Sifiso Ngobeni. The scale of change means Galaxy will, in effect, be starting from scratch.

Predictions split over title and cup honours

Pundit Neville Khoza expects Sundowns to reclaim the league, with Pirates tipped to dominate the cups. He predicts Sundowns to win the Premiership, Kaizer Chiefs to lift the MTN8, and Pirates to secure both the Nedbank Cup and the Carling Knockout. His forecast for individual honours sees Oswin Appollis of Pirates named Footballer of the Season and Sundowns’ Brayan Leon finishing as the league’s top scorer.

Sihle Ndebele, by contrast, backs Pirates to defend their title, and also has them taking both the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout. He predicts Stellenbosch to win the Nedbank Cup, with Pirates’ Tshepang Moremi as Footballer of the Season and Brayan Leon again as the leading marksman for Sundowns.

With contrasting expectations and multiple clubs reshaping squads and technical teams, the 2026-27 Premiership season begins with the reigning champions under pressure to validate their crown – and their greatest rivals intent on reminding South African football of the old order.