It feels as though we're about to witness the beginning of a new era in domestic football in South Africa.
Last season, Mamelodi Sundowns romped to a seventh league title in a row. On their way to the title, Rulani Mokwena's men were peerless, and the outcome was known as soon as the first ball was kicked.
In the end, Sundowns finished 23 points ahead of second place Orlando Pirates, and their only loss during the entire competition came on the last day when they were beaten by Cape Town Spurs at Loftus.
Invincibility was well within their grasp, but they fell at the final hurdle. A week later, teen sensation Relebohile Mofokeng scored with the last kick of the game as Pirates beat the Brazilians in the final of the Nedbank Cup. Mokwena's band of mighty men looked vulnerable.
After the league ended, the higher-ups at Chloorkop decided it was a good idea to get rid of Mokwena, the man who had led the team through a historic season that ended with two trophies in the cabinet.
And with Pirates continuing to grow in confidence under Jose Riveiro, and Kaizer Chiefs making all the right noises, Sundowns' supremacy could finally be under threat.
After two strong seasons under Riveiro, Orlando Pirates could finally become serious contenders to Sundowns. The Soweto giants have quality all over the park, from the back, right up to the front.
Patrick Maswanganyi should be well supported by the likes of Mofokeng and Tshegofatso Mabasa. Pirates have all the ingredients to mount a serious title challenge.
With Nasreddine Nabi as their new coach, Kaizer Chiefs could also find themselves involved in a tussle to wrestle the league trophy away from Sundowns.
But, with their squad still needing a bit of work in terms of recruitment, it's unlikely they'll be involved the whole way. But, the coming season should be better than the previous one.
Another side who will be confident of mounting a challenge are Stellenbosch FC, who pushed Pirates all the way in the race for second last season.
Gavin Barker has been building an impressive unit in the Cape Winelands, but his biggest worry will be whether they can keep hold of their stars.
But, regardless of what happens, Mamelodi Sundowns will start the season as the favourites. Despite departures, they still have quality all over the park and it will take a massive effort to topple them.
Newly promoted Magesi FC are in for a tough time. Cape Town Spurs couldn’t handle the change in pace when they were promoted, as they went straight back down after just one season in the top division.
There is a massive gap in class between the top flight and the second tier, and Magesi are about to find out.
Chippa United were one of the teams that struggled last season, and that won't change.
Another team that will have a difficult season are Golden Arrows. Before Steve Komphela arrived from Moroka Swallows, the team were in sixes and sevens, and were heading towards a relegation dogfight. Komphela got them through rocky waters, but now that he’s gone, it’ll be back to square one.
The usual suspects from Mamelodi Sundowns will be worth keeping an eye on. Themba Zwane might be turning 35 in August, but he’s still able to keep up with anyone in the league. He will be key if Sundowns want to retain their crown.
Orlando Pirates' Patrick Maswanganyi and Iqraam Rayners of Stellenbosch FC will also be looking to have big seasons to push their clubs.
It’s crazy to think that Relebohile Mofokeng will only be turning 20 in October. He was so good in his breakthrough season, he earned an international call-up. His biggest moment came when he scored the winning goal with the last kick of the game in the Nedbank Cup final.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has urged him to remain in the country for one more year before making the move to Europe.
Siyabonga Mabena of Mamelodi Sundowns only turns 18 next year but has already been making a name for himself in the league. Playing out wide on the left, he’s a player that can get the crowd going with his ability with the ball. It might be too soon to say he's destined for the top, but he's impressed enough to suggest he could have a good future in the game.
IOL Sport