Chiefs and Pirates tipped to gain ground as Sundowns battle AFCON fatigue

Former defender Thomas Sweswe has highlighted the potential challenges Mamelodi Sundowns might face after the 2023 AFCON. This could create an opening for Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have unfortunately been playing second fiddle to Mamelodi Sundowns over the years.

However, Sweswe reckons Amakhosi and Pirates have a golden opportunity to perform in the second half of the current season. The former Chiefs defender believes the Brazilians might struggle with fatigue, giving Chiefs, Pirates and other DStv Premiership teams a chance to gain ground.

Mamelodi Sundowns have ten of their best players at AFCON, forming the core of the Bafana Bafana squad. These include Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane, Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Mothobi Mvala and Thapelo Maseko.

Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, Thapelo Morena and Terrence Mashego complete the list. Revered striker Peter Shalulile is also on duty with The Brave Warriors of Namibia.

Prior to AFCON, Masandawana’s stars have been regular participants in the CAF Champions League. They also played in the first edition of the African Football League, where they won the maiden edition.

WHAT THOMAS SWESWE SAID

At the moment, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena have complained about fatigue at the ongoing AFCON tournament. The duo has been instrumental for both Bafana Bafana and the Pretoria-based side.

And Sweswe opines that it is an opportune time for the Soweto giants to gain more ground in the second round of the DStv Premiership.

“While they [Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates] are on a break, Sundowns have the backbone of their team on national duty. It’s obvious the breaks are used to restrategize and recover,” Sweswe told FARPost.

“As for Kaizer Chiefs, they are doing it with the rest of the team because none of them is on national team duty. Pirates has players at AFCON, but they are not as many as those from Sundowns. So their recovery is almost similar to that of Kaizer Chiefs.

“And the way I see it, the two Soweto teams should have a stronger second half of the season than Sundowns. Of course, it will not be easy to overtake them, but they will most likely go into the second half in better shape.”

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