It's first vs second in league opener ...

SOME members of the football fraternity felt that Mamelodi Sundowns co-coaches Rhulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi were robbed of the Premiership Coach of the Season award last season after it was awarded to Benni McCarthy instead. But not to worry!

The Sundowns coaching duo Mngqithi and Mokwena will get a chance to settle that debate on the field by their team faces McCarthy's AmaZulu in the opening match of 2021/22 league season.

The Brazilians will host Usuthu at Loftus on August 20.

Was McCarthy worthy of being crowned the “Outstanding Commander in Chief of Season” against a coaching duo who won their first league title?

That question could very well be answered in Tshwane after the PSL released this season's league fixtures yesterday with last term's top two teams pitted against each other in the curtain raiser.

Sundowns' character in the new season will be tested from the outset. They'll meet Kaizer Chiefs, who finished eighth last term, in the opening round of the MTN8 next Saturday.

After a roller-coaster season last term, having sneaked into the top eight on the last day of the campaign, Chiefs have been busy in the transfer window, strengthening their squad with eight new players.

Some of the new players have already shown that they are the real deal, inspiring Chiefs to win the Carling Black Label Cup against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates on

Sunday. Amakhosi won 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regulation time.

But many a fan will know that was a pre-season game – with not much significance.

Instead, they will be eager to see how the two teams will square off when they clash in the league on November 6 and March 5 at FNB and Orlando Stadium respectively.

The promotion-relegation play-offs will start on May 29 with the league ending on May 21.

Meanwhile, the GladAfrica Championship season will get underway on August 21 and come to a close on May 15.

Royal AM, the team which took the PSL to court after they felt they were denied the right of being crowned champions last season, have made the fixture list.