PSL News

Football411's Anthony McLennan continues to look at how the PSL teams have fared thus far this season and rates their performances.

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Click here for Spotlight on the PSL: Part 1

Bidvest Wits

Four wins and three draws from 10 games has been a reasonable start to the season for the Clever Boys. The current squad is the strongest the club has had in years, with quality and experience added to the side during the off-season in the form of players such as Mathew Pattison, Calvin Kadi, Aaron Mokoena and Erwin Isaacs.

Indeed on paper Wits now have one of the strongest squads in the PSL. Expectations will be high though and anything less than a fifth-placed finish would be a disappointment.

But considering that the new players need time to gel under new coach Antonio Lopez Habas, it has been a pretty good start so far. The big bosses will be holding thumbs though that the team does not fall away in the second half of the campaign as they are accustomed to doing.

Standout player:Tinashe Nengomasha. The Zimbabwean was shunted out of the Amakhosi camp but is proving that he still has plenty to offer in the PSL. Every successful team needs a warrior, and in Nengomashe, Wits have just the man to lead the team into tough battles.

Moroka Swallows

The Birds were always going to battle if they lost Siyabonga Nomvethe to injury, and although Katlego Mashego has done well up front, Bhele's absence has been felt. Winning the MTN8 was a great achievement for the club, a boost for their morale and their coffers, but in terms of overall form, Swallows have been nothing more than 'OK' this season and a lack of quality in squad depth means they'll need to punch above their weight to get into a title-challenging position.

Their current position of seventh could well be around the position the Birds find themselves in at the end of the campaign - the club badly needs to start some introducing more youth in to the team if they are to be successful in the years ahead.

Standout player: Lerato Chabangu. The playmaker and goal-scorer has carried on where he left off last season, and was in devastating from especially during the opening five or six games. If the added expectations of performing for Bafana Bafana do not weigh him down, Chabangu should again play a key role in the months ahead.

Bloemfontein Celtic

Clinton Larsen has had his work cut out in trying to get a new-look team to gel as quickly as possible. Their form has been inconsistent thus far, but the side is beginning to show signs of being a decent unit, despite having a squad with very few big names.

The amazing comeback win over Orlando Pirates in the TKO last eight game would have been a huge morale booster. And with players such as Lennox Bacela, Lyle Lackay and Letladi Madubanya coming into their own after struggling to make the grade at their former clubs, Phuya Sele Sele appear to be a team on the up.

Standout player: Ruzaigh Gamildien. The all-action attacking midfielder seems to get better with each game. He is a driving force to the team and a constant threat to opposition with his movement and appetite for attacking.

Free State Stars

Currently in ninth position, Stars are not enjoying the kind of form they did last season. But considering the club continues to lose its best players season after season, it's not too surprising.

Ea Lla Koto may have reached the TKO last four, but cracks are perhaps beginning to show in a squad that lacks experience - the 4-0 defeat away to Platinum Stars an example of this. Their current position on the table may be as good as it gets for the Free State side this season.

Standout player: Katlego Mashego has continued to show the promise he displayed last season. The attacking midfielder appears to be a player of real quality. But will Stars keep him beyond this season when the likes of Orlando Pirates come knocking? Probably not.

Black Leopards

It's been a better start than last season, but with only two wins and six draws, Lidoda Duvha's inability to finish off games appears to be a problem, as is their porous defence. Ian Palmer has come in to replace the suspended Sunday Chidzambwa. But the Zimbabwean remains as technical director, making for a potentially awkward situation.

The side's good showing in Africa has, however, given the club a renewed sense of self belief, that they are good enough to stay in the PSL at least. With players such as Mongezi Bobe, Rodney Ramagalela and Raymond Monama in the side, a 10th to 12th placed finish should be well within their capabilities.

Standout player: Bobe is the captain and inspiration, an accomplished player who keeps the team ticking over in attack.