Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have failed to win a trophy between them in the past two seasons, a barren run virtually unheard of since the start of the 1970s.
It means they go into the pre-season Carling Black Label Champion Cup at the FNB Stadium on Saturday with perhaps a bit more fire in their belly, as the loser will enter the new season with even more doom and gloom hanging over them.
Neither squad is overflowing with talent compared to yesteryear, but in the spirit of the bizarre Black Label Cup selection process, KweséESPN takes a look at what a combined XI between the two in a 4-4-2 formation might look like.
ITUMELENG KHUNE (KAIZER CHIEFS)
Khune is the undisputed number one goalkeeper in South Africa with vast experience on the domestic and international stage. He has battled with injury in recent years, but when fit there is no-one who compares with his shot-stopping ability, game awareness and distribution.
ABBUBAKER MOBARA (ORLANDO PIRATES)
Mobara can play at right-back, centre-back or even defensive midfield, and was a shining light in an otherwise dismal 2016/17 season for Pirates. The Bafana Bafana international says he prefers the centre or right of defence, so we have given him the fullback position ahead of Chiefs' Ramahlwe Mphahlele in a tight call.
LORENZO GORDINHO (KAIZER CHIEFS)
Gordinho enjoyed a solid campaign last season, winning international recognition along the way. He is a consistent performer and rarely makes errors, contributing with a few goals at the other end of the pitch too.
ERICK MATHOHO (KAIZER CHIEFS)
The experienced Mathoho remains one of the top centre-backs in the country. He may be short on pace, but is strong in the tackle and a powerful presence at the back. He reads the game very well and has formed a solid combination with Gordinho over the last 12 months. So dire were Pirates' centre-backs last season they didn't come close to selection in our team.
THABO MATLABA (ORLANDO PIRATES)
Tsepo Masilela of Chiefs might feel aggrieved not making the side, but his 'glass ankles' are a worry and he has perhaps lost some of that zip he once had going forward. Matlaba was used as a centre-back by Pirates for some of last season, a disastrous move when clearly his best position is to defend from left-back and join the attack going forward.<
OUPA MANYISA (ORLANDO PIRATES)
Manyisa can play centrally or on the right, and offers hard work and a good passing range. More often than not he makes the right decisions and is a potential match-winner, even if last season was not his best as captain of a very poor Pirates team.
THAMSANQA SANGWENI (ORLANDO PIRATES)
The classy Sangweni is a new signing for Pirates from Chippa United and should boost the quality of their midfield with his high work-rate, good use of the ball and organisational skills. More of a defensive midfielder than an offensive one, he can control the tempo of the game.
WILLARD KATSANDE (KAIZER CHIEFS)
Katsande has developed into a superb midfielder, bringing some steel and ball-winning skills to the centre of the park. He never stops running and is a player who offers 100 percent in every game.
SIPHIWE TSHABALALA (KAIZER CHIEFS)
Veteran winger Tshabalala looked destined for the scrap-heap at the start of last season as he lost his place in the Chiefs side, but bounced back superbly and by the end of the campaign was named the club's Player of the Season. The pace has gone, but he is clever on the ball, makes the right runs and still has a left foot better than most.
GUSTAVO PAEZ (KAIZER CHIEFS)
The Venezuelan showed enough in the second half of last season to suggest he is a real find. A consummate finisher, something that is rare in the PSL, he does not waste chances and despite having a small frame, gets himself around the park. The kind of player that can create a goal from nothing.
TENDAI NDORO (ORLANDO PIRATES)
Ndoro was sublime in the first half of last season but shocking in the second as his confidence evaporated in the midst of the team's struggles. But that does not mean there isn't an excellent striker in there and if the Zimbabwean can rediscover his touch in front of goal, he remains one of the best in the league.