CATCHING SUNDOWNS

WHAT ARE GOING TO BE THE STORYLINES IN THE 2024/25 PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE SEASON?

- Nick Said

The new Premier Soccer League season is again upon us this month with the usual cast of characters bidding for success.The big question will be whether there is a credible candidate to challenge the all-conquering Mamelodi Sundowns, whose dominance of the domestic scene is now overwhelming.

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are always seen as the biggest challengers but in recent seasons both AmaZulu and Cape Town City have emerged as surprise runners-up.

Will there be another unexpected club rising to prominence? Or will it be business as usual? What can be expected from the 2024/25 season? This is what you need to know about the upcoming campaign:

SUNDOWNS' MISSING SECOND STAR

For several seasons now, Sundowns' coaches have made it clear their top priority is winning the African Champions League. This is always a bold target set at the beginning of the campaign, and one which they have not been able to achieve. Despite all their resources, the South African champions have consistently faltered in their bid for continental glory since they won their first, and only, Champions League title in 2016. They have come tantalisingly close but not reached the final since, which by their lofty standards must go down as failure. It seems ludicrous to label them such after their recordbreaking achievements domestically but that is the standard they have set themselves.

CLUB WORLD CUP