We pick four potential relegation contenders for the new season

ROYAL AM | Deep Waters

Home ground: Harry Gwala Stadium

The man in the hot seat: John Maduka

The experienced Maduka has found himself in arguably the most difficult coaching seat in the country and is expected to work miracles. His bond with Royal AM and proven tactical astuteness have placed him on a whirlwind journey to achieve the near impossible.

Star man: Kabelo Mahlasela

Royal AM will begin their second consecutive season without making any new signings as their Fifa ban remains, with Thwihli Thwahla resisting the urge to pay away their problems.

While their off-field issues continue to affect the club negatively, concerns on the field still remain, too, compounded by an anxious 13th spot last season, just three points above the relegation zone.

Their transfer woes were further worsened by several exits from the Pietermaritzburg-based club, with the likes of Shawn Mogaila, Menzi Masuku and Thato Lingwati hitting the exit doors.

Last season: 13th

Best season: Third ( 2021/22)

Predicted finish: 16th

MARUMO GALLANTS | Floundering

Home ground: Free State Stadium

The man the hot seat: Dan “Dance” Malesela – The 59-year-old has seen it all in the South African top flight. After his dismissal by Baroka at the end of last season, Malesela is back for his third stint as Gallants coach and is expected to try to prove his pedigree once more with shoe-shining football.

Star man: Phathutshedzo Nange

After their acquisition of Moroka Swallows’ top-flight status, Bahlabane Ba Ntwa step into the ‘big league’ with a certain degree of mystery surrounding their squad.

Off-season arrival Nange is the biggest name on their squad sheet ahead of the new season and they’ll hope to use the 32-year-old’s experience and guile to have a decent season. Given their level of quality and depth, many have already tipped Gallants to be one of the teams floundering at the bottom, while trying to find their feet.

Dance, meanwhile, is not only known for playing an expansive brand of football but is also quite the personality on the mic as well and will grab the attention of several of his opponents.

Last season: 11th (Motsepe Foundation Championship – Premiership status bought)

Best season: 10th (2021/22)

Predicted finish: 15th

POLOKWANE CITY | Disaster awaits

Home ground: Old Peter Mokaba Stadium

The man in the hot seat: Phuti Mohafe.

He remains a caretaker with no prospects of being given the job permanently. And he clearly gets instructions on technical matters from the chairman, as evidenced by that phone call during the MTN8 clash with Mamelodi Sundowns. He should just use the chance to market himself to much more serious clubs.

Star man: Oswin Appolis

Rise and Shine are being run like a spaza shop and while they had a fantastic campaign last time around, their lack of professionalism is about tosee them implode.

How owner Johnny Mogaladi does not see the need for formalising the coaching position and giving Mohafe the job permanently, or getting someone he trusts beats me. And his insistence on blocking the moves of both Appolis as well as Thabang Matuludi smacks of short-sightedness.

Relegation to the lower league is the only thing that will teach Mogaladi to infuse some professionalism into the running of the club, and it could transpire in this coming campaign.

Last season: Eighth

Best season: Fifth (2018/19)

Prediction: 14th

MAGESI FC | Adventure

Home ground: Old Peter Mokaba Stadium (to switch to Seshego Stadium in November)

The man in the hot seat: Clinton Larsen

He is a wily old tactician with vast Premiership experience having coached no less than four clubs in the top flight. The Durbanite is a pragmatic and sensible coach who knows not to raise his and the club’s hopes unduly and will eke out results good enough to keep the club afloat in their maiden elite league campaign.

Star man: Kgaogelo Sekgota

It has been refreshing to hear a technical team in charge of a team from the Limpopo province saying they enjoy full reign without interference from management. Here’s to hoping that the club bosses at Magesi FC do not change their ways on seeing the bright lights of the Premiership.

Larsen has put together a pretty balanced squad with the infusion of some seasoned campaigners such as Kagogelo Sekgota, Gift Motupa, Wonderboy Makhub and just like he did in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, expect him to go about his business under the radar, collecting the necessary points to keep Dkwena (Crocodiles) afloat in the Betway Premiership. They are definitely not going to be the whipping boys like most newcomers have been.

Last season: Motsepe Foundation Championship champions

Best season: Elite league rookies

Prediction: 13th