The curtain will fall on the PSL top-flight season this month, with all the domestic trophies already decided, results recorded, champions noted, and tales of heroic deeds to be recalled in years to come.
The Betway Premiership, MTN8, Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout were all won by different clubs. That’s why senior football writer Mihlali Baleka profiles the four clubs that managed to get their hands on silverware this season.
Mamelodi Sundowns – Betway Premiership
Sundowns secured a record-extending eighth consecutive league title, and 15th overall, after beating Chippa United 3–0 in their penultimate game on Wednesday.
They lived up to their ‘Bafana Ba Style’ moniker, going about their business with swagger and class, breaking records along the way. Sundowns have scored 63 goals in the league this season so far – a record in the PSL-era, surpassing the previous best of 56.
Coach Miguel Cardoso also deserves plaudits for getting the best out of his squad despite only taking charge late last year.
Kaizer Chiefs – Nedbank Cup
Chiefs ended their 10-year trophy drought by lifting the Nedbank Cup, becoming the first club in the top flight to win the country’s premier knockout competition 14 times.
Amakhosi reached this milestone with some breathtaking victories over their rivals, Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, in the semi-final and final, respectively. The Ke Yona Cup brought some much-needed relief to the club and its supporters, salvaging what had been a disappointing league campaign.
Coach Nasreddine Nabi’s side has been inconsistent in the league — they must win their next two matches to have any chance of finishing in the Top 8.
Orlando Pirates – MTN8
The Sea Robbers became the first club to win the MTN8 in three successive seasons during the PSL-era, after defeating AmaZulu, Sundowns and Stellenbosch en route to the final.
The Sea Robbers tried to carry that MTN8 momentum into their league campaign, but fell short, finishing runners-up to Sundowns on all three occasions.
Outgoing coach Jose Riveiro will have fond memories of the MTN8, having won all three finals at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. With a new manager set to take the reins next season, they will have big shoes to fill, especially in maintaining the club’s domestic cup pedigree.
Magesi – Carling Knockout
Dikwena tša Meetse achieved the improbable by winning the Carling Knockout at the first attempt, having only been promoted from the National First Division last season.
Their triumph was historic. They defeated Pirates in the opening round before claiming victory over Sundowns in the final in Bloemfontein. Coach Clinton Larsen didn’t last long enough to carry that form into the rest of the league campaign, as he was replaced by Owen Da Gama.
‘RubberDoll’, as Da Gama is affectionately known in football circles, has impressed in his long-awaited return to the dugout, ensuring the club is not embroiled in a relegation battle.
