The Top 5 DStv Premiership Players to Watch After AFCON Break Restart

• The DStv Premiership returns this weekend after a six-week AFCON-forced hiatus
• Mamelodi Sundowns are favourites being nine points clear with two games in hand
• Cape Town Spurs will have the motivation to chase struggling Moroka Swallows

The DStv premiership returns this weekend after a protracted postponement.

The allegiances forged during AFCON will be assigned to the memory banks as domestic rivalries are reignited with ferocity.

The restart is graced by a fixture between SuperSport United and Stellenbosch FC, but it is the players who get their chance to grab their deserved limelight.

Sports Brief touches on five DStv Premiership players who will be in the spotlight as the season gets underway.

DStv Premiership players to watch

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1. Antonio van Wyk

AFCON 2023 may have been too early for the crafty winger but anyone with footballing eyeballs can appreciate the Stellenbosch FC winger's talents.

The Maroons have an enticing fixture against fellow youth proponents SuperSport United on the opening evening and Van Wyks' development will be among the key narratives of 2024.

2. Khanyisa Mayo

The league's joint top-scorer opens his 2024 account with a trip to the new villains, Chippa United. However, it is yet to be seen how Siviwe Mpengesi's own fans will react to the Stanley Nwabali controversy.

City are second on the table and coach Eric Tinkler will not accept anything other than points, with Mayo the leading their significant threat.

3. Luke Baartman

With Moroka Swallows imploding, Cape Town Spurs have a definitive target to aim for in the coming 14 matches.

Baartman is a world-class talent in a sea of Green Point mediocrity. The Dube Birds are 15 points above the Urban Warriors and if Ernst Middendorp is able to unleash Baartman's electric potential, survival is possible.

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4. Thembinkosi Lorch

In a twist of fate, Thembinkosi Lorch could make his Mamelodi Sundowns debut against his former club. Fortunately, it will not be at Orlando Stadium but in Atteridgeville.

With Sundowns' Bafana Bafana players likely to be used sparingly by Rulani Mokwena, Lorch should be guaranteed a start and all of South Africa will have watching this topical transition.

5. 'Ox' Mthethwa

The Kaizer Chiefs midfielder was shunned by Hugo Broos in favour of Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole. The talented anchorman has grown under Cavin Johnson and will be pivotal in Amakhosi's second-half surge.

Chiefs play Royal AM on Sunday afternoon and Johnson will want to make a statement of intent for the remainder of the season.

Rulani Mokwena hails Lorch

Sports Brief recently reported on the Mamelodi Sundowns coach's praise for Thembinkosi Lorch.

The late move surprised many fans as the player was tipped to stay with Orlando Pirates.

Lorch could make his Sundowns debut this weekend when they face the Buccaneers.