DSTVPremThe opening round of DSTV Premiership season continues on Saturday and our focus is on Orlando Pirates v Swallows and Royal AM v Kaizer Chiefs

 

 

 

Before we take a look at these matches let's take in an outright betting update to win the DSTV Premiership title with odds from @Hollywoodbets. (note this market will be suspended when Cape Town City kick off against Sundowns on Friday).

 

Sundowns 11/10

Kaizer Chiefs 5/1

Orlando Pirates 6/1

Cape Town City 8/1

Royal AM 14/1

25/1 and upwards the rest.

 

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Note, prices quoted are subject to change

 

Orlando Pirates 0.82/1 Draw 9/4 Swallows 7/2

 

Pirates could finish only sixth in the DSTV Premiership last season and their points tally of 44 was all of 21 behind champions Sundowns. They won 10 and lost 6 of their league matches and those 14 draws meant they were never in the hunt for the title. A few Bucs stalwarts have been released and coach Jose Riveiro is the man tasked with overseeing a much improved domestic campaign.

 

Swallows finished second from bottom last season and then preserved their top flight status coming though the promotion / relegation play offs. They won just 4 league games all season, drawing another 14 and they scored just 22 league goals whilst conceding 36. Dylan Kerr continues in the coaching role and Swallows have been wheeling and dealing in the transfer market.

 

The Verdict

 

A glance at the weekend coupon shows Pirates as the only odds on shot for this first round of matches. Swallows have lost the services of 6 players to the likes of Chiefs, Royal AM and Stellenbosch and whilst I'd be nervous about labelling Pirates as “banker material” I think they will get the job done, narrowly.

 

Bet: Pirates to win by 1 goal exactly at 2.55/1 with Betway

 

 

Royal AM 21/10 Draw 2/1 Kaizer Chiefs 1.36/1

 

Royal AM were the surprise package last season and for much of the campaign they looked likely to finish as runners up. They faded late on, drawing 4 and losing 2 of their final 6 league games and had to settle for third spot with a points total of 47. Royal AM have bolstered the squad and they could be a handful once again.

 

Chiefs are still looking to end their trophy drought and 2021/22 saw then finish fifth with the same points total as Royal AM. Stuart Baxter's second spell in charge didn't end well and a strong finish under Arthur Zwane sees him continue in the role. Chiefs have had a major clear out with several big names released including Manyama, Nurkovic (now with Royal AM), Castro, Cardoso and Bernard Parker. New recruits have arrived from Stellenbosch and Swallows and how quickly they settle in will be key.

 

The Verdict

 

Royal AM completed the double over Chiefs last season and given the huge turnaround in personnel at Chiefs those odds at the time of writing suggest the home side might be worth chancing to take maximum points

 

Bet: Royal AM to win at 21/10 with Betway

 

Note, prices quoted are subject to change

 

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