Orlando Pirates begin Betway Premiership title defence against promoted Milford United

Orlando Pirates will begin their defence of the Betway Premiership title with a home match against newcomers Milford United at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

The fixture comes as the new Betway Premiership season gets under way this weekend, with Pirates starting their campaign against one of the clubs joining the division as rookies.

Milford United’s appearance at Orlando Stadium follows their promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL). The club are among the new faces in the competition, while Pirates enter the opening round as the reigning champions.

The start of the season was also the focus of the 115th episode of the Arena Sports Show, where Siwelele FC coach Lehlohonolo Seema outlined his ambition to guide his side to a better finish than they managed last term.

Siwelele FC ended last season in 10th place in the Betway Premiership. Seema is now targeting an improvement on that position as his team prepares for the new campaign.

Speaking to host Mahlatse Mphahlele, the experienced coach also disclosed that this was his first pre-season as a coach. His comments came as clubs completed their preparations for the return of competitive action in the Betway Premiership.

Seema shared the programme with Abram Mongoya, who is preparing for his first season as a coach in the PSL. Mongoya earned that opportunity after helping Mpumalanga-based Kruger United secure automatic promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Kruger United’s move into the PSL represents a step up for Mongoya, who will now coach at the top level of South African football for the first time. His promotion success with United has placed him among the coaches beginning a new chapter with the start of the Betway Premiership campaign.

For Pirates, Saturday’s game offers the opportunity to begin their title defence at home. Their opponents, Milford United, will be making their first appearance in the fixture as fellow rookies in the competition.

The match at Orlando Stadium is therefore set to bring together the reigning champions and a newly promoted side on the opening weekend. While Pirates will be seeking to protect the championship trophy they won last season, Milford United will start their PSL campaign against one of the division’s established clubs.

The contrasting objectives of the two teams provide the main storyline for the opening fixture: Pirates are trying to retain their crown, while Milford United begin life among the country’s leading clubs.

Seema’s Siwelele FC will also enter the new season with a clear target after finishing 10th last term, while Mongoya begins his first PSL coaching challenge after guiding Kruger United to promotion.

The Betway Premiership season starts this weekend, with the opening-day meeting between Orlando Pirates and Milford United scheduled for Saturday at Orlando Stadium.

Source: TimesLIVE