Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has tipped Kaizer Chiefs for a successful 2023/24 season.
The new season gets underway on Friday, 04, with a clash between DStv Premiership defending champions Sundowns and Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium (19:30).
Meanwhile, Chiefs, under the guidance of new coach Molefi Ntseki, will open their league campaign at home against Chippa United at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday, 6 August.
A few days later, on Wednesday, 09 August, Sundowns will host Chiefs in what promises to be a thrilling game.
Rulani Mokwena believes Amakhosi’s newest recruits will help the club do well this season.
The Soweto giants have not won a trophy since 2015, but Mokwena thinks that they have the potential to challenge for silverware this year.
MOKWENA SAYS CHIEFS WILL SHINE IN THE NEW SEASON
“All 15 teams in the league are going to be very difficult. You have seen all the rivals, especially the teams that finished in the top eight, have made incredible investments in their squads,” said Mokwena.
“Kaizer Chiefs, a lot stronger this season, and they are going to create a lot of problems for many teams.
“The season looks extremely competitive because of the improvement of the teams in the league. You see that a lot of our rivals have strengthened their squads.
“They’ve improved their teams with some very good players. Of course, we’ve done the same; we’ve improved our squad. We are excited as Sundowns because we understand that the season will be difficult. We are definitely going to be tested.”
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The Glamour Boys have signed seven new players to reclaim their glory days. They have acquired the services of defenders Given Msimango and Thatayaone Dilthokwe.
Midfielders in midfielders Edson Castillo, Mduduzi Mdantsane, Tebogo Potsane and Pule Mmodi. Chiefs also signed striker Ranga Chivaviro.
In addition, the Sundowns tactician, Mokwena, also named several teams that might test his troops by challenging for the league title and other domestic trophies on offer.
“SuperSport United have made a great investment. Orlando Pirates are a lot stronger and have signed some very good players,” he said.
“AmaZulu have a new coach [Pablo Franco Martin] with great experience and, of course, a good pedigree. Cape Town City looks much stronger with the players they brought in.
“Sekhukhune United are stronger, and they finished strong last season. Swallows finished strong last season, and they will be a very competitive side.”