With their respective first fixtures of the season confirmed, the duo of Durban City FC and Orbit College have been advised about how to navigate the Betway Premiership waters.
Under thr guidance of Gavin Hunt, City will travel to Mpumalanga to meet TS Galaxy on 10 August, while a day earlier Orbit wil also be away to AmaZulu FC.
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Vladislav Heric, who is familiar with both the topflight as well as the National First Division, suggests that the two teams learn from his past experiences to prevent disappointments.
"It's hard to say if these two teams are ready because pre-season just started two weeks ago," says Heric.
"They definitely need more time. But you can't buy experience, and that's a fact.
"You might win your first match, but that depends on a lot of factors, like whether AmaZulu and TS Galaxy underestimate you as a new team. However, that might not be sustainable.
"So, I advise them to keep the same squads. That’s what I did when I was with Bay United a number of years ago.
"I maintained the core of the team and kept most of the players when I was promoted in Gqeberha. In our first few games, we were sixth on the log and played well," he adds.
The Serbian says they even claimed the scalp of Mamelodi Sundowns twice in one week, in the Telkom Knockout and the league.
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"It’s beneficial to keep the players who contributed last season because those who have spent a long time together will always have an advantage.
"They will be facing strong teams in Galaxy and AmaZulu, but all they need is to be brave - that's all. It’s better than starting all over again."
Orbit have kept faith with Pogiso Makhoye as the man in charge.
