The highly anticipated 2024/25 Betway Premiership kicks off this weekend, ushering in a new era of South African football. With Betway as the league’s new title sponsor, the PSL has unveiled an exciting season ahead, marked by the introduction of the league’s fresh slogan, “Lisegazini Forever” – which translates to  “It’s in our blood.” This powerful mantra speaks to the passion and legacy of football in the country, as the league aims to keep fans on the edge of their seats with top-tier action throughout the season.

Adding to the excitement, a new Betway Premiership trophy is in the works, with a unique design that will honour the league’s storied history. The trophy will be inscribed with the names of previous winners, symbolising the rich tradition and fierce competition that have defined the league over the years. As the new season kicks off, the stage is set for thrilling battles, new rivalries, and unforgettable moments, making this edition of the Premiership one for the history books.

As the much-anticipated 2024/25 Betway Premiership season kicks off this weekend, football fans across South Africa are gearing up for a thrilling start. However, the opening fixtures will be marked by notable absences, as key players and even a coach face suspension, a blow to their respective teams. The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has confirmed that Kaizer Chiefs’ star defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Sekhukhune United’s Lindokhule Mtshali, TS Galaxy’s Macbeth Mahlangu, and SuperSport United’s head coach Gavin Hunt will all miss the first round of matches due to suspensions. Their absence could potentially shift the balance of power in the initial stages of the competition.

Despite these setbacks, the opening weekend promises a lineup of thrilling matchups. The action kicks off on Saturday with Royal AM taking on Cape Town City at Harry Gwala Stadium. Both teams will be eager to start their season on a high note, with Royal AM looking to leverage their home advantage.

In Soweto, Orlando Pirates will host Chippa United at Orlando Stadium. Pirates, fresh off their MTN8 quarter-final victory, will be looking to carry that momentum into their league campaign. However, they will be wary of Chippa United, who will come to Johannesburg determined to cause an upset.

The weekend’s action will also feature Marumo Gallants locking horns with Kaizer Chiefs at the Toyota Free State Stadium. This fixture is bound to draw attention as Chiefs will be without their key defender, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe. His absence, due to a suspension carried over from the last game of the previous season, will likely force coach Molefi Ntseki to rethink his defensive strategy. Chiefs fans will be eager to see how the team adapts without one of their defensive pillars.

Sunday, the 15^th of September 2024  will see Richards Bay FC face TS Galaxy at the King Zwelithini Stadium. TS Galaxy’s defensive structure will be under scrutiny as they play without Macbeth Mahlangu, who was sent off during the MTN8 quarterfinals. His absence could leave a gap in their backline, which Richards Bay will no doubt aim to exploit.

Another fixture sees Stellenbosch FC welcoming Golden Arrows to the Danie Craven Stadium. Stellenbosch will be hoping to get off to a strong start in front of their home crowd, while Golden Arrows, a team known for their resilient performances, will be keen to spoil the party.

A unique aspect of the Betway Premiership’s opening weekend is the scheduling adjustments made to accommodate CAF interclub competitions. Teams such as Mamelodi Sundowns, Sekhukhune United, Orlando Pirates, and Stellenbosch FC are involved in continental duties, meaning some of their league fixtures have been rescheduled to midweek. Supporters can look forward to these postponed games on Tuesday, September 17th, and Wednesday, September 18th. These teams will juggle both local and continental ambitions, adding an extra layer of complexity to their early season campaigns.

Key Suspensions Impacting Teams

Kaizer Chiefs will be one of the most affected teams this weekend as they miss the services of their Botswana international defender, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe. His suspension comes as a result of accumulating four yellow cards, the last of which came during the final match of the 2023/24 season against Cape Town Spurs. Chiefs’ defense, already a point of concern last season, will need to be airtight to fend off a dangerous Marumo Gallants side in his absence.

Similarly, TS Galaxy will feel the absence of centre-back Macbeth Mahlangu, who received a red card during their recent MTN8 quarterfinal clash. His suspension means Galaxy will have to find a quick solution to bolster their defense as they prepare to take on Richards Bay.

On the coaching front, SuperSport United will be without the tactical expertise of Gavin Hunt. The seasoned coach will serve a suspension, leaving his team without their leader on the touchline. Hunt’s absence could present a challenge as SuperSport looks to kick-start their campaign with a win, but the team’s experience might see them through this difficult situation.

The start of a new Betway Premiership season always brings excitement, unpredictability, and drama, and this weekend is no different. Despite the absence of some key players and coaches, the competition remains fierce, with every team looking to stake an early claim for supremacy. 

For clubs like Kaizer Chiefs, TS Galaxy, and SuperSport United, this weekend will be a test of depth and adaptability. Other teams will look to exploit these early vulnerabilities, knowing full well that any advantage gained at the start of the season could be crucial in the long run.

As fans flock to stadiums and tune in from across the country, the Betway Premiership is set to deliver another season of unforgettable moments, thrilling matches, and intense rivalries. With so much at stake right from the first whistle, this weekend is just the beginning of what promises to be an electrifying campaign. Whether it’s the pressure of avoiding relegation or the pursuit of glory, every team will be pushing themselves to the limit.

This weekend marks the start of yet another exciting chapter in South African football.