An Orlando Pirates legend has pinpointed what he believes gives Mamelodi Sundowns the edge as his former club aims to dethrone the Tshwane giants in the title race.
Sundowns have established themselves as the dominant force in SA football, securing a remarkable seven consecutive Betway Premiership titles in a row.
While Pirates have consistently been touted as title contenders, they have struggled to maintain consistent performances to challenge Sundowns’ reign.
In the current season, Sundowns are on track to defend their crown. After eight matches, they sit atop the log with 21 points, a tally matched by their closest rivals, Pirates. However, the Tshwane giants hold the edge with a superior goal difference.
According to Pirates legend, the current promises to be another thrilling contest as the Soweto giants aim to dethrone the reigning champions.
EUGENE ZWANE SAYS PIRATES HAVE A STRONG SQUAD DEPTH LIKE SUNDOWNS
The retired footballer believes the Sea Robbers have a strong squad depth like Sundowns. In the Pirates team, there are talented players like Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Sipho Chaine, Thalente Mbatha and Thabiso Sesane.
Sundowns, on the other end, have great players like Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Lucas Ribeiro, Khuliso Mudau and Marcelo Allende.
However, Zwane asserts that Sundowns possess a deeper squad, which provides them with a greater degree of resilience in the face of injuries, suspensions, and potential fluctuations in player performance.
“Everyone wants to dethrone Sundowns at the top, and we’ve seen this season that Sundowns is a beatable team,” Zwane told FARPost.
“What counts in their favour [Sundowns ] is the depth in their squad; they don’t get affected with suspensions that much, they don’t get affected by injuries that much and loss of form. They can replace a top player with another top player.
“But Pirates is closing that gap from player to player. The coaches have managed to assemble a strong team that has a lot of depth and quality in every position.
“I don’t think Orlando Pirates are now affected by injuries, suspensions or loss of form in their play. Therefore, they are closing the gap on Sundowns. They should just be consistent in their performances, and then success is going to come.”
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