Premiership
Lance Fredericks|Published
Can you feel the charged atmosphere yet?
It may be early, but for diehard football fans, the fact that the Betway Premiership takes centre stage again on Tuesday, with the league's Top 4 all in action on the same night, must mean something.
Let’s recap. Mamelodi Sundowns lead the way on 20 points, one ahead of Orlando Pirates, while AmaZulu’s impressive start has them third on 16 points and Kaizer Chiefs occupy fourth on 13.
There is still a long way to go in the season, but that makes Tuesday’s programme an interesting one rather than a routine return from the break. The leaders have an opportunity to strengthen their positions — and the chasing pack will be watching closely.
Here are four questions to ponder before the action resumes.
Can Sundowns stay top?
RICHARDS BAY v MAMELODI SUNDOWNS @ Richards Bay Stadium, 7.30pm
The Brazilians have set the early pace and are yet to lose with six wins and two draws thus far.
On paper, their return fixture is one they will expect to win. Richards Bay are 14th with three points and have yet to record a league victory. But that is precisely why there will be little margin for error if Sundowns fail to collect maximum points.
A victory would take them to 23 points and ensure they remain the team everyone else has to catch. The question is whether the league leaders can return from the break with the same consistency that carried them to the summit.
Can Pirates switch straight back to league mode?
ORLANDO PIRATES v TS GALAXY @ Orlando Stadium, 7.30pm
This could be the most intriguing fixture of the four after the Sea Robbers faced Sundowns in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Pirates entered that final sitting second, with an unbeaten record, and one game in hand over their rivals Sundowns. Regardless of what happened in Durban, they will then have to reset quickly to refocus their efforts on the league.
A cup victory could bring a surge of confidence. A defeat could leave them needing to regroup. Either way, the turnaround is remarkably short. Can the defending league champions move seamlessly from MTN8 final mode back into the title race?
It is a case of wait and see.
Are AmaZulu the real surprise package?
DURBAN CITY v AMAZULU @ Chatsworth Stadium, 7.30pm
Usuthu have quietly inserted themselves into the early title conversation.
With five wins, one draw and one defeat, they have shown form and confidence so far this season. Granted, it is far too early to start talking seriously about a title challenge, but that does not make their position any less interesting.
They now face Durban City, who have seven points from seven matches, and who last week announced Eric Tinkler as their new coach after ditching former Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef. A win would take AmaZulu to 19 points and keep them firmly in the leading group. A stumble, meanwhile, could allow the teams behind them to close the gap.
So, perhaps the bigger question is not whether AmaZulu can win the Premiership, but whether they can stay in the conversation.
Can Chiefs turn unbeaten into convincing?
KAIZER CHIEFS v STELLENBOSCH @ FNB Stadium, 7.30pm
The Amakhosi are another team whose position needs a little unpacking. They are fourth and unbeaten after seven league matches — but they have maintained that record through three victories and four draws.
That makes their next step fairly obvious. Chiefs need to start turning draws into wins if they want to stay within striking distance of the leaders.
Stellenbosch sit seventh on nine points, so this is hardly a guaranteed three points. A Chiefs victory would take them to 16 points and potentially put them right back among the leading pack. The question is whether their unbeaten start can develop into something more substantial.
One Tuesday, plenty of movement
There is no need to overstate the importance of a league round this early in the season. But with Sundowns, Pirates, AmaZulu and Chiefs all playing on the same night, Tuesday could provide a useful snapshot of where the leading pack stands after the break.
For Pirates and Sundowns, there is the added complication of their MTN8 final just three days earlier. The league may still have months to run, but the top four have already given themselves something worth protecting.
Tuesday, they get another chance to do exactly that.