Real Native, formerly known as Casric Stars, open their Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign by hosting Cape Town City on Friday as both sides chase the promotion they narrowly missed last season.
The rebranded Mpumalanga outfit start a new chapter under its fresh identity while Cape Town City look to convert their strong previous campaign into a return to the Betway Premiership.
Newly promoted Hope FC make their professional debut on Saturday against Pretoria University after claiming the ABC Motsepe League national title.
Fellow newcomers NWU FC also begin life in the second tier at home to Upington City following their runners-up finish in the national playoffs.
Relegated pair Magesi and Orbit College will be desperate for an immediate bounce-back as they start their bids for a quick return to the top flight.
Orbit travel to Leicesterford City while Magesi face Midlands Wanderers in key early tests.
The opening weekend sets an ambitious tone for a competitive Motsepe season full of promotion hopefuls and all eyes will be on whether the experienced sides or the hungry new arrivals set the early pace.
MATCHDAY 1 FIXTURES
All matches to kick off at 3pm CAT
FRIDAY
Real Native v Cape Town City
Solomon Mahlangu Stadium
Venda v Lerumo Lions
Thohoyandou Stadium
SATURDAY
Hope FC v Pretoria University
Athlone Stadium
Hungry Lions v Gomora
Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium
Leicesterford City v Orbit College
Lucas Moripe Stadium
Midlands Wanderers v Magesi
Mpumalanga Stadium
NWU FC v Upington City
NWU Fanie Du Toit Sports Ground
The Bees v Highbury
KaNyamazane Stadium