iDiski TV analyst Junior Khanye has predicted his top three for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season listing Mamelodi Sundowns as his champions, followed by Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu completing his top three.
Sundowns did not do well on the domestic front last season, failing to win any trophy while also relinquishing the league title to Pirates in a tight race that was decided on the final day of the season.
They came second with 68 points, a point from Pirates at the summit of the log though they clinched their second continental title. The team has had an extended off-season period following the passing of talented midfielder Jayden Adams with Khanye believing there is quality in the team to fill Adams’ shoes.
“Number one is Mamelodi Sundowns,” said Khanye on iDiski TV.
“If they were able to win the Champions League, why won’t they do the same with the Betway Premiership? I believe the Champions League is harder than the Betway Premiership. They are a very strong team unfortunately they lost Jayden Adams who was among the best three midfielders there.
“There’s Marcelo Allende who has also been scoring, there’s also [Sphelele] Mkhulise who deserves a chance to play. Jayden was a diamond and may his soul rest in peace. I also wish the players will switch on because it will be a bit difficult for them, their mind-set. They have a strong team and players that can fill in Jayden’s position. They also have goal scorers.
Pirates did not only win the league last term but a treble, a first in 14 years and they will go into the new term without the award winning Relebohile Mofokeng who made a transfer to the Belgian Pro League after a stellar season.
The former Kaizer Chiefs winger believes it will be difficult to replace such a player while Pirates’ exploit have also woken Sundowns up.
“Pirates will finish second because they lost an influent player, gifted and carried the team [Relebohile Mofokeng],” added Khanye.
“Not to say others didn’t contribute but the boy decided a lot of games. He contributed a lot to the treble. I saw they brought in the likes of Ghampani Lungu, [Neo] Rapoo and others but I don’t think they will be able to fill those shoes. Losing the boy is big. I don’t see them pushing Sundowns again.
“Sundowns has now put Pirates under pressure by winning the star because Pirates’ only star was won in 1995. Pirates will have to choose to either defend their domestic trophies or sacrifice them.”
Khanye further applauded Usuthu coach Arthur Zwane for how well the KZN side performed last season saying he believes AmaZulu will be even better in the new campaign.
“AmaZulu will finish third; Arthur Zwane did very well last season,” said Khanye.
“He was a bit unsettled in the beginning but as time went his team became very strong. Pule Ekstein played a major role there, an experienced player he’s settled there, he has a lot of support, and the coach believes in him.
“The team looked strong with experienced and new players but the coach needs to fix how easy they were conceding. I have seen the signings they have made now. So for me AmaZulu will finish third because they didn’t play badly last season and I think they will be even better this season.”
You can view Khanye’s full predictions on iDiski TV official YouTube channel.
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