Six talking points from 2022/23 PSL season

The 2022/23 PSL season concluded most recently after the Nedbank Cup final, which saw Orlando Pirates crowned champions defeating Sekhukhune United 2-1.

FARPost writer Otis Ntshangase looks at six talking points of the just-ended season.

JOSE RIVEIRO COMPLETING A DOUBLE ON HIS DEBUT PSL SEASON

Coach Jose Riveiro had a great first season with the Soweto giants. The Spaniard clinched two trophies the MTN8 at the beginning of the season beating AmaZulu FC 1-0 in the final. He went on to win the Nedbank Cup.

To add, the 47-year-old bagged a CAF Champions League spot for next season for the first time since 2018/19 season. The Bucs finished second three points above third placed SuperSport United.

KAIZER CHIEFS’ RED CARDS AND PENALTIES IN THE PSL

The Soweto giants were handed many penalties and their opponents received many red cards.

Chiefs’ opponents received a total of 10 red cards and Amakhosi were awarded nine penalties. The incidents led to an uproar. The football fraternity claimed Chiefs are getting favours from the referees.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS DOMINANCE

Sundowns continued bossing the DStv Premiership. This time around they did it in style with Rulani Mokwena at the helm. The Tshwane giants won the league with seven matches to spare.

Additionally, Masandawana created a new record of unbeaten streak in the league. They went 20 matches undefeated after registering 14 victories and six draws.

CHIPPA UNITED CHOPPING AND CHANGING COACHES

The Chilli Boys were in the headlines for wrong reasons, chopping and changing coaches in search stability and results.

The Gqeberha side appointed five coaches in one season. These are namely Daine Klate, Morgan Mammila, Kurt Lentjies, Siyabulela Gwambi and Lehlohonolo Seema.

Despite struggling for consistency, they managed to survive the drop from the SA topflight on the last day of the league drawing 0-0 against Golden Arrows.

SEKHUKHUNE UNITED FINISHING SEVENTH AND REACHING NEDBANK CUP FINAL

Brandon Truter led Sekhukhune United to their best topflight season.

Truter lifted Babina Noko from 15^th position up to seventh in six months. To add, Sekhukhune had a good run in the Nedbank Cup reaching the final.

For reaching the final, Sekhukhune automatically sealed a spot for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup as Pirates will be playing in the Champions League.

MARUMO GALLANTS RELEGATION

The Polokwane side dropped to the Motsepe Foundation Championship after finishing at the bottom of the log.

Gallants were rocked with many scandals which may have disturbed their progress. These ranged from changing coaches and financial difficulties [failing to pay players and two member held hostage in Libya over unpaid hotel bill].

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