As the curtain falls on the 2024/25 PSL season, former professional footballer and outspoken analyst Junior Khanye has offered his reflections on a campaign filled with drama, emerging talent, and overdue triumphs. The former Kaizer Chiefs winger focused his attention on the country’s “Big Three” – Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs – commending their individual journeys and performances across the season.
Mamelodi Sundowns: Predictable Dominance
Khanye began with what he called an expected outcome – Mamelodi Sundowns clinching the Betway Premiership title yet again.
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“I saw it coming,” he said confidently. “They’ve got a strong team, and they have depth in their squad. They have seasoned players who also play for the national teams.”
The Brazilians once again demonstrated their class and consistency across all fronts. With a squad boasting players with experience in the CAF Champions League and regular exposure to international football, Sundowns maintained their grip on domestic dominance.
“They hardly panic, and they play the way they want,” Khanye noted. He credited the coaching staff for instilling a philosophy that has become synonymous with Sundowns’ style of play. Despite expectations for another piece of silverware, Khanye believes their league triumph alone is a testament to their superior planning and squad management.
“It’s going to be difficult for other clubs to stop Mamelodi Sundowns,” he warned, underlining the gap between the defending champions and the chasing pack.
Orlando Pirates: Youth and Flair Shine Bright
Turning his attention to Orlando Pirates, Khanye was full of praise for the Buccaneers’ bold approach, especially their reliance on youthful talent.
“They are an exciting team,” he said. “They did well in challenging Sundowns with all the high-profile players they have and doing so playing mostly with young players.”
Khanye highlighted the impact of youngsters like Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi – players who brought energy, creativity, and unpredictability to Pirates’ campaign. He also applauded the performances of Patrick Maswanganyi and Thalente Mbatha, who despite not being considered veterans, showed maturity well beyond their years.
“Compliment to Pirates for being in position one for some time during the first round of the season,” he added, though noting that inexperience may have cost them during the latter stages. Still, he credited coach Jose Riveiro for trusting in youth and securing the MTN8 title – a tangible reward for a season of growth.
“For me, Pirates are the second-best team in the league after Sundowns because they had a better season than most clubs,” Khanye concluded.
Kaizer Chiefs: A Long-Awaited Return to Glory
Perhaps the most emotional highlight of the season was Kaizer Chiefs’ triumph in the Nedbank Cup – their first major trophy in a decade. For a club with such rich history, the victory represented more than just silverware; it was a symbol of resilience and renewal.
“Well done to them for winning the Nedbank Cup after 10 years of not winning any major trophy,” Khanye said, showing rare admiration for his former club. He admitted to being one of the harshest critics of Chiefs’ players, particularly Yusuf Maart, but acknowledged how the midfielder rose to the occasion in the final.
“They showed character in the final,” he said. “I didn’t think that Pirates showed up in that game. Chiefs’ plan worked very well.”
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Khanye also praised young talents like Mduduzi Shabalala and Ashley Du Preez, who stepped up when it mattered most. While he maintains that the club still has much to improve upon, Khanye emphasized that the Nedbank Cup win could mark the beginning of a turning point.
“While I still feel that Chiefs has a long way to go, we need to compliment them for how they responded by winning a trophy after a long time,” he reflected.
