Neck and neck into final straight

The PSL season reaches the halfway mark on Wednesday and even the most jaded fan will tell you the league race is still wide open.

Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates are the hot tips, with dark-horse Ajax Cape Town lurking.

Before this weekend's round of fixtures, the three teams were each separated by a point.

The loss of key players has finally caught up with SuperSport United, the title holders for the last three years, this season. Matsatsantsa a Pitori are in disarray and languishing in the relegation zone.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS

Christmas break form: They were unstoppable just before the recess and even opened a wholesome seven-point lead that has been slashed to a single point after AmaZulu and Chiefs proved to be flies in the Spanish ointment of coach Antonio Habas - leaving him out of sorts and out of ideas.

Defensive record: Although they have conceded nine goals after 13 rounds, the greater concern must be that Matthew Booth has had to play with almost all the defenders at the club, with Habas failing to settle on a consistent back four. He has been playing roulette with defenders Vuyo Mere, Thapelo Tshilo, James Mayinga, Siyanda Xulu, Innocent Mdledle, Method Mwanjale and, to some extent, Eduardo Ferreira and Sibusiso Khumalo. Goalkeeping has also been problematic, with young Wayne Sandilands relegating veterans Brian Baloyi and Calvin Marlin to the bench after the duo started showing signs of ageing.

Attacking record: Mabhuti Khenyeza, Katlego Mphela, Nyasha Mushekwi and Papi Zothwane are among the league's sharpest shooters. But 20 goals in 13 matches is not a title-winning statistic for a side that can afford to leave stars such as Elias Pelembe, Surprise Moriri and Richard Henyekane on the bench.

Window period transfers: Uncharacteristically, Sundowns did not buy. They released four players - Koketso Mmotong, Mayinga, Mere and Tshepo Ramokala. Depth, more than coach Habas's intuition, has helped the five-time champions.

Sundowns last five opponents: Arrows (home), Ajax (home), AmaZulu (away), Chiefs (home), Celtic (home).

KAIZER CHIEFS

Christmas break form: Vladimir Vermezovic has been the most adventurous of all the coaches, combining his players to provide sublime attacking football with equally good defensive work. They went into the break on a high after wins over Bidvest Wits and Mpumalanga Black Aces. They continued after the recess with a convincing victory against Sundowns.

Defensive record: Amakhosi have conceded just seven goals in the league (no team has conceded fewer) and Itumeleng Khune continues to be the best goalkeeper the country has seen in years.

Attacking record: Chiefs' downfall could be their over-reliance on chakalaka-hot striker Knowledge Musona. The deadly Zimbabwean had scored nine goals in 13 rounds with more on the way. But Musona's teammates misfire like a 1972 Datsun and they need to come to the party. Abia Nale is second with a limp two goals.

Window period transfers: Chiefs signed Stanton Lewis from Ajax Cape Town and released Jose Torrealba, David Mathebula and Thabang Rooi. They also renewed the contract of Reneilwe Letsholonyane.

Chiefs' last five opponents: Wits (a), Aces (h), Sundowns (a), Ajax CT (h) and AmaZulu (a).

ORLANDO PIRATES

Christmas break form: They collected seven of a possible nine points in December and re-started on a high by defeating SuperSport last week.

Defensive record: Pirates have suffered the fewest losses but they have been hamstrung by four draws. The Buccaneers have drawn matches that they should have easily won and this might just come back to haunt them at the end of the season.

Attacking record: Following some exciting off-season buys, in Daine Klate, Patrick Malokase, Ruben Cloete, Robyn Johannes, Isaac Chansa, Ezenwa Otorogu and Mark Mayambela, the Buccaneers were expected to fire on all cylinders. Like Chiefs, they scored a modest 16 goals and will need some consistency and potency in front of goal.

Window period transfers: Not active at all with a huge squad of 36 players jostling for the 11 starting positions.

Pirates' last five opponents: Bloemfontein Celtic (a), Moroka Swallows (h), Platinum Stars (a), SuperSport (h) and Arrows (h).

AJAX CAPE TOWN

Christmas break form: Blowing hot and cold like the Cape Town weather, having won twice, lost once and drawn once in their last four matches.

Defensive record: They put on a poor defensive showing in the first round with ancient goalkeeper Hans Vonk conceding a goal in every match.

Attacking record: Their strikers have been impressive, scoring 19 goals so far. Thembinkosi "Terror" Fanteni and Thulani Serero are spearheading Ajax's title chase with their fine form.

Window period transfers: The return of prodigal son Brent Carelse from SuperSport has boosted the Capetonians - but they had to release Mario Booysen as part of the swop deal with United. They also released Lewis to Chiefs.

Ajax's last five opponents: Sundowns (a), Golden Arrows (h), AmaZulu (h), Chiefs (a), Maritzburg United (h).