Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs kick off their Betway Premiership campaigns next weekend with high stakes and contrasting expectations. Photo: Backpagepix
The countdown is almost over. This weekend the Betway Premiership returns, but this is not a season that begins with one favourite and 15 challengers.
Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs all enter the new campaign carrying vastly different expectations, making the opening weekend feel like the start of three separate journeys rather than one title race.
For Pirates, the challenge is no longer about chasing the champions. They are now the team everyone wants to beat.
The Buccaneers begin their title defence against newly promoted Milford FC at Orlando Stadium, with the pressure of proving that last season’s historic success was the beginning of a new era rather than a once-off achievement.
