The PSL top division season began with two competitions—the Betway Premiership and MTN8—which started over the last two weeks. These matches marked the debut of several new coaches at their respective clubs. The results of these mentors have been mixed: some immediately demonstrated their strength, while others faced difficulties or started slowly.
Below is an overview of how each new coach has begun their tenure.
Fernando Da Cruz — Kaizer Chiefs
Da Cruz began his period with a confident 3-1 victory over Kruger United in the Betway Premiership. However, this match does not reflect the team's full readiness to compete for trophies, as they were eliminated from the MTN8 quarter-finals on Sunday evening after a 1-0 defeat to Golden Arrows. Chiefs appear vulnerable defensively and disjointed in attack; they conceded easy goals that goalkeeper Brandon Petersen should have handled easily, lacking fluidity and effectiveness in front of goal.
Cedric Kaze — Sekhukhune United
After Chiefs' joint management with Khalil Ben Youssef, which led to a third-place finish, Kaze arrived at Sekhukhune with high expectations. To date, he has succeeded by ensuring a perfect start through victories in both the league debut and the MTN8 quarter-final. Following a major squad overhaul in winter, Kaze successfully balanced a mix of experienced leaders and new acquisitions, with newcomers adapting well and veterans leading the team forward.
Bayano Moloto — Polokwane City
The departure of Futi Mohafe was supposed to signal a new era for the club, and the team is indeed showing a much stronger start than in previous years. City won its first league match, defeating Richards Bay 2-1 away, and then drew 3-3 with Stellenbosch on Wednesday evening. Moloto continued the foundation laid by Mohafe, adding sharper attacking output.
Bernard Parker — TS Galaxy
After Adnan Beganovitch's dismissal last season, Parker took charge temporarily and saved the team from relegation, highlighted by a famous victory over Mamelodi Sundowns. The former international player for Bafana Bafana has now taken over the club permanently. He started his official term with a draw—a result marred by several errors, including finishing the match with men reduced. In a recent match, he lost to Sundowns 3-2 on Wednesday evening.
Brandon Truter — Chippa United
Truter took over 'Chilli Boys' late last season to secure their status as a top-division team, and he has been retained for the new season. The 'Brackies' started the season with a draw against Golden Arrows, and then also drew with Richards Bay on Wednesday evening. Although these were not ideal results, they remain positive points upon which further development can be built.
Pitso Dladla — Golden Arrows
Dladla arrived at Arrows with high expectations after leading Durban City to a Nedbank Cup victory and a top-eight finish in his first season. He continued his work at Arrows where he left off at City. After starting the league campaign with a draw against Chippa, he guided Arrows to the MTN8 semi-finals with an impressive victory over Kaizer Chiefs. Ahead of the MTN8 quarter-finals, players from the eight clubs are discussing the upcoming matches.
Phuti Mohafe — Marumo Gallants
Mohafe began his tenure with a draw against Kruger United on Wednesday evening after their first league match against Mamelodi Sundowns was postponed. He is expected to transform Gallants, helping them avoid recurring battles for survival and achieve stronger results in cup competitions such as the Carlin Knockout and the Nedbank Cup.
Khalil Ben Youssef — Durban City
Ben Youssef is experiencing a sluggish start at City, having lost both his league debut and the MTN8 game, which already raises early doubts about his future. His team lacked attacking power in the final third and looked vulnerable defensively, scoring only one goal while conceding three.
Abram Magonya — Kruger United
Magonya lost his first league match to Chiefs, as defensive errors exposed his team's inexperience in the top division. He earned his first point against Marumo Gallants on Wednesday evening. This defeat underscored that the team is still trying to find its rhythm, and team cohesion and the influence of veterans have yet to manifest.
Dr. Xanti Pupuma — Milford
Milford felt the might of champions Orlando Pirates, suffering a 2-0 defeat in their first top-division match. However, judging by the overall play, they should be fine if they maintain the same structure and mentality throughout the season.
