Kaizer Chiefs will be hoping Mamelodi Sundowns dropping points in their league opener for the first time in a number of seasons is a good omen for them, having also bagged a win over the weekend.
Sundowns have made it a forgone conclusion to open a league campaign with maximum points, as out of their eight consecutive titles, only once have they started without victory.
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The Chloorkop-based outfit, however, went on to claim the title, after finishing two points ahead of Orlando Pirates.
It would be a slight concern for Miguel Cardoso's men, though, that besides opening against a big team, it is the first time they have dropped points in a league opener during their eight years as champions.
There is a case to be made, however, that championships are mathons, as the Tshwane giants also had a scare last season, after a 1-0 defeat to TS Galaxy in their second game and in fact lost also to Polokwane City on matchday five but put on a 14-game winning streak that put the title in the bag, for example.
Even in 2022/23, Sundowns suffered a shock 1-0 loss to TS Galaxy in their second league game and, of course, recovered to claim the crown.
Besides opening with a draw against a big team, Amakhosi, six seasons ago, the last time they were disappointed in their opening game was in 2014/15, being held to a 1-1 draw by Maritzburg United.
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Unlike in other seasons, where Sundowns overcome early hiccups to clinch the title, The Brazilians have a handicap of having virtually no pre-season training.
They assembled for just over a week in Rustenburg before their MTN8 quarterfinal win over Richards Bay FC, following FIFA Club World Cup participation.
