Former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Roger De Sa says Orlando Pirates have closed the gap but still believes the Tshwane giants’ depth makes them unstoppable in the Betway Premiership.
De Sa has joined the growing list of voices praising the Buccaneers’ impressive start to the season, but he still believes Kabo Yellow remain in a league of their own.
After Sundowns’ record eighth consecutive league title last season, Pirates began this campaign with real intent to end their dynasty. The Soweto giants made 12 new signings, including Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule, Sihle Nduli and Tshepang Moremi, and they’ve looked sharp under Abdeslam Ouaddou, the French Moroccan tactician who has quickly made his mark.
Ouaddou has guided the Buccaneers to 12 wins in 17 matches across all competitions, suffering only three losses and two draws. His team has been solid defensively with seven clean sheets, scoring 27 goals and conceding just 10. He also etched his name into club history as the first Pirates coach to win eight consecutive matches.
De Sa, who himself lifted major trophies with Bidvest Wits [Nedbank Cup 2010] and Ajax Cape Town [MTN8 2015], believes Ouaddou’s side have brought new life to the title race, but insists Sundowns are still the benchmark.
“They [Pirates] have improved a hell of a lot,” De Sa told FARPost. “They have definitely narrowed the gap between Sundowns and the rest of the teams in South Africa.
“Sundowns were running away. Pirates have put some respectability on the log and on the competition. They have come up with some good performances and are showing good signs that they can compete.”
Still, the former Bucs mentor feels that Sundowns’ depth and consistency remain unmatched in local football.
“They could possibly derail Sundowns, but I still maintain Sundowns will be favourites. They got a hell of a squad. And they continue to build on their squad. They could probably fill two teams in the PSL and finish first and second.”
Despite his admiration for the champions, De Sa acknowledged that Pirates are slowly closing the gap, and that in itself is a positive for South African football.
“But having said that, Pirates have shown some signs of narrowing the gap,” De Sa added.
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