Coastal clubs were their own worst enemies in the Premiership this season

Final Whistle Column

The big three of SA football – Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns – all won a piece of silverware in the same season in a while.

That was pleasing for their fans as it also signalled why Gauteng remains the harbour of local football in the country.

Sundowns were the big winners, though, winning their record-extending eighth Premiership title in a row with a game to spare.

But the teams from Soweto gave their staunch supporters something to celebrate as well – Pirates and Chiefs won the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup respectively.

Both achievements were historic for either side – Pirates became the first team to win an MTN8 three-peat, while Chiefs bagged their first silverware in 10 seasons.

The domestic honours were all close to staying in Gauteng, but Sundowns missed out on the Carling Knockout to newbies Magesi FC in the final hurdle.

It was a disappointing outing for Sundownsm which must have played a part in the dismissal of coach Manqoba Mnqgithi late last year.

But the neutral football supporter – like yours truly – feels it is befitting that the fourth trophy went to Limpopo, instead of the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal or Eastern Cape.

Most of the coastal clubs have failed to step up this season as they’ve either performed below-par on the pitch or in the boardroom this campaign.

The expulsion of Pietermaritzburg-based club Royal AM was deserving as they brought the league into disrepute, leading to their season being declared null and void.

Their provincial counterparts, AmaZulu, Golden Arrows and Richards Bay, have yet again failed to deliver when it matters the most: on the field.

As a result, it’s only AmaZulu from the lot who are guaranteed top-flight football next season for now as Arrows and Richards Bay are still flirting with the playoffs.

It’s fast becoming a norm for KZN teams to b drawn in the relegation debate with every passing season, something that’s disappointing, given their vast heritage.

Usuthu, for instance, boast a rich history as they have one of the most following in the country, thanks to the support of the Zulu nation.

As a result, Arthur Zwane will be crossing fingers that he at least cements their top-eight spot in order to play MTN8 football next season, something that will increase their silverware chances.

The coastal-based club that has managed to at least try to and keep up with their inland counterpart this season is Stellenbosch FC, who are very unfortunate to end the season trophy-less.

Stellies lost to Pirates in the MTN8 final and Simba in the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final following another gallant campaign from coach Steve Barker and his troops.

However, not the same praise can be reserved for Stellies’ cross-town rivals Cape Town City as they’ve had a torrid season.

City fell from grace this season, so much so that they are all but bound to play in the playoffs next month as they occupy the embarrassing spot with two games to play.

Their poor run of form this season, which has seen them bag only 23 points from 26 games, incredibly came under three coaches.

Eric Tinkler started the season and was replaced by Muhsin Ertugral on New Year’s Eve, before he was fired and replaced by Diogo Peral recently.

The latter has also found the going tough, so much so that he has only salvaged a point from four games, and that’s why their playoff participation will be confirmed if they fail to beat Polokwane City today.

Meanwhile, Chippa United are yet again safe from relegation this season, adding to last season’s decent run.

Cut coach Thabo September’s troops haven’t been at their best recently.

The Gqeberha-based club recently lost the last four games, including the penultimate clash, which saw the Brazilians being crowned the kings of SA football yet again!