Manqoba Mngqithi predicts unpredictable Betway Premiership season

After five rounds of fixtures, the league table already tells an interesting story. Sekhukhune United lead the standings, edging Kaizer Chiefs on goal difference, while defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns sit two points back in third. Despite their pedigree, the Brazilians have yet to find top gear.

Orlando Pirates, last season's runners-up, have also made a shaky start. Adjusting to life under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, the Buccaneers have suffered two early defeats and are down in fifth place, already playing catch-up.

Mngqithi, who watched his side narrowly lose to Chiefs last weekend, believes the unpredictability of the opening weeks sets up a fiercely competitive season ahead.

"Personally I'm impressed with how the league looks because I like competition, a contest, and for each and every coach to dig a little bit deeper to try and transform his team so we can see the improvement of players and teams," Mngqithi was quoted by IOL.

"When there's no clear front-runners, I think it makes the competition a little bit more interesting. This season will come with a lot of surprises, and I like it like this."

The 54-year-old knows plenty about success, having spent more than a decade at Sundowns, where he was part of the technical team that lifted five league titles.

But with no side streaking ahead early on, he believes the door is wide open for challengers to disrupt the traditional hierarchy.