Former Durban City FC head coach Gavin Hunt has pinpointed some key advantages that uniquely position the Buccaneers in this season’s title race. Pirates are eager to dethrone the perennial champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, as they currently lead the pack.
Hunt, who was sacked by City, guided the club against Orlando Pirates just two days before his axing. After the match, the four-time league winner shared the factors that could make this season dramatically different from the recent past.
The victory, Pirates’ 10th in 12 games, saw them leapfrog Sundowns to claim the top spot and establish a three-point lead. Sundowns’ 1-1 draw with Siwelele FC ensured Pirates will go into the new year at the top of the table.
WHAT GIVES PIRATES THE ADVANTAGE ACCORDING TO HUNT?
According to Hunt, Pirates’ significant squad depth, built over the last few seasons, coupled with an early exit from continental football, hands them a major advantage.
Hunt was highly complimentary of the Buccaneers’ recent recruitment strategy, which has resulted in a deep pool of talent.
“If you look at the squad that Pirates has got in the last three years. This Pirates squad, I think they have got huge impact players which makes the difference,” Hunt said.
“When they bring on Apollis and these types of players, they make a huge impact on the game, and they are the country’s best players, sitting on the bench.”
Crucially, Pirates’ early knockout from the CAF Champions League means they can now concentrate fully on the domestic campaign, benefiting from a rested, fine-quality squad while Sundowns remain committed to the strenuous continental competition.
“I think them being out of Africa… Out of Africa my friends [laughs]… you’ve got no idea if you have never been there,” Hunt emphasised, underscoring the taxing effect of the CAF Champions League schedule. “So, to not play in Africa, I think it’s a big plus for them and with the squad, you know.”
Masandawana have maintained an iron grip on the league, winning the last eight consecutive titles and nine of the last 10 overall. Last season, the Pretoria side asserted unstoppable dominance, winning the title by a massive 12-point margin after securing the top spot from game eight until 30.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE INVOLVEMENT COULD PROVE DIFFICULT
However, Hunt believes the defending champions’ involvement in continental football could prove to be difficult this season.
“I think Sundowns, it’s very difficult. You know when they go across the fronts, and their focus has always been the Champions League, hasn’t it?” the former Kaizer Chiefs coach explained.
This season already shows a stark contrast: at the same stage last year, Sundowns had a six-point lead with 33 points from 12 games. Currently, they trail an in-form Pirates, who remain unbeaten since August.
While Hunt stopped short of naming a definitive winner, he made a strong case for why the gap will close dramatically. He predicted that the race will “go down to the wire.”
“I am not saying who is going to win the league, but I just think their squad is very strong,” he said of Pirates. He concluded, “So, it could certainly be a bit closer than anything before this year.”
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