African News

PSL action has been thick and fast with the league already a third of the way through.

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Predict result and win big with Soccer6

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But with a break in proceedings due to the Telkom Knockout we take a look at how the teams have fared thus far, and predict whether they will rise or fall in the months ahead.

Here's a look at the top five clubs:

Kaizer Chiefs

Looking to win their first league title since 2005, it's been a dream start for new coach Stuart Baxter.

Seven wins and three draws sees the Amakhosi heading the standings over champions Orlando Pirates.

Chiefs appear to be a side growing into a confident unit, playing with more authority, more swagger each week, with the tag of potential title winners appearing to be sitting comfortably.

But what has really set Amakhosi apart this season is the form of their striking trio. Bernard Parker has already struck seven league goals, while Lehlohonolo Majoro has six and Kingston Nkatha is on four.

The side has also had one of the best defences in the league for the last two seasons and now with a strike force to match, there is every reason for optimism.

Standout player: Bernard Parker. Strong on both feet and a player that does not only score goals, but also gets involved in overall play, he is really coming into his own in his second season at the club.

Orlando Pirates

Bucs decided to fire, or should we say, redeploy coach Augustus Palacious, bringing in Roger de Sa.

The former Wits manager appears to have taken to the job, cutting a cool and composed figure even when results have not gone according to plan.

It's an important trait to have in the Bucs hot-seat and the associated pressures.

But on the field though the Sea Robbers appear to have lost the aura of invincibility that surrounded the team in their back-to-back treble-winning season.

Mistakes have crept in, and Pirates have dropped points and lost matches they should not have, and have already found themselves dumped out of two cup competitions.

And while Benni McCarthy and Collins Mbesuma are proven goal-scorers, they both lack the mobility and levels of fitness they once had.

Standout player: Sifiso Myeni. The former Wits winger has plenty of competition for a place out wide, but is quickly establishing himself as a game-breaker in the Bucs colours.

Platinum Stars

Currently in third place after a run of five straight wins, the team from the North West have been the surprise package thus far. Especially considering that the team has very few big name players and have consistently finished in the lower regions of the table.

Instead it's the likes of Ennocent Mkhabela, Henrico Botes and Thuso Phala that have producing the goods for Stars.

One has to wonder though if Cavin Johnson's men can maintain their momentum or whether they will run out of steam.

A lack of quality in depth, and a lack of support, Stars must be the most poorly followed side in the league, are likely to be contributing factors that will see the team sliding down the table.

Standout player: Thuso Phala. Phala's form in his first spell at Stars earned him a move to Chiefs and then Sundowns, but he never really lived up to his potential. Now a senior player at Stars, Phala's energy and creativity are very important to Dikwena.

Maritzburg United

The Team of Choice are a club on the up and have every reason to believe they can finish in the top six. The team is well run and there is a feeling of stability at the club; players are looked after, and the team is well supported by the locals of Pietermaritzburg, all factors which contribute towards success.

More than a handful of new players were brought in to bolster the squad, and while Delron Buckley has stood out, nearly all the others have contributed positively.

Coach Ernst Middendorp has made the side a very difficult team to beat, and has assembled a steely back five.

Standout player: Delron Buckley might have gotten most of the headlines, but defender Mario Booysen has been a crucial cog in defence, not only shoring things up at the back, but also providing several goals with his height always making him a threat at set pieces.

University of Pretoria

Tuks have been superb and have taken to the top flight with ease, perhaps unsurprising when considering the holistic and efficient way in which the club's academy produces players, several of which are in today's first team squad.

Coach Steve Barker has been there for years now and has fostered a father-like figure with his charges. They've also made some wise signings, such as Mame Niang and Dipsy Selolwane.

On the field, AmaTuks have shown themselves to be well organised and efficient, and they have the patience and confidence to hang in to a game until their chances come, which often prove to be late in the game, highlighting perhaps high levels of fitness amongst the players.

Standout player: Aubrey Ngoma. The diminutive player was sold to Pirates in the off-season, but loaned back to Tuks. He'll be forever remembered for his superbly taken four goals against Ajax Cape Town, but has impressed throughout with his accomplished play in attack.

Stay tuned for part 2...

by Anthony McLennan

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