A chance to test depth for KZN teams

Six KwaZulu-Natal clubs will fine-tune their preparations for the new football season when they compete in this weekend’s annual KZN Premier’s Cup. The pre-season tournament offers coaches a valuable opportunity to assess new signings, test combinations and experiment with tactics before competitive action gets under way. The 2026/27 Betway Premiership season kicks off on August 1, followed by the Motsepe Foundation Championship on August 8, the MTN8 on August 21 and the DStv Diski Challenge on September 5.

This year’s Premier’s Cup features AmaZulu, Durban City, Lamontville Golden Arrows, Richards Bay, Milford and Pietermaritzburg-based Midlands Wanderers. The two-day tournament starts tomorrow at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont, with the final scheduled for Sunday at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu. Richards Bay are the defending champions after lifting the trophy last year.

Previous winners include Royal AM (2022 and 2024) and AmaZulu (2023). Midlands Wanderers are the only Motsepe Foundation Championship side in the tournament, with the remaining teams coming from the Betway Premiership. Wanderers founder and head coach Vincent “Masenti” Myeni welcomed the opportunity to compete against top-flight opposition.

[paywall]

“We are honoured to be part of this prestigious tournament. Although it is a pre-season competition, it is extremely important because it allows us to test ourselves against PSL clubs. “It also gives coaches the chance to assess new players and try different tactical approaches before the season begins,” said Myeni. “We expect the tournament to sharpen us ahead of the new campaign.”

[/paywall]