Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has explained why Mamelodi Sundowns remain in the driving seat to clinch the Betway Premiership title, despite a relentless challenge from a resurgent Orlando Pirates.
The Brazilians maintained their momentum with a crucial 2-1 victory over Arrows at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening, marking their sixth consecutive league win in the second round of the 2025/26 season. Masandawana found the back of the net through the clinical duo of Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners, while Junior Dion managed to pull one back for the KwaZulu-Natal outfit.
Unbeaten in the league since the turn of 2026, the Chloorkop-based giants are currently chasing a historic ninth consecutive league title to further solidify their domestic dominance. Sundowns’ recent resurgence has seen them collect maximum points against the likes of Golden Arrows, AmaZulu FC, Pirates, and Orbit College FC, while also completing a league double over Sekhukhune United.
Despite this formidable run of form, Sundowns currently sit second in the log standings, tied on 44 points with Pirates after 19 matches. They remain behind the Sea Robbers, who occupy the summit by virtue of a superior goal difference.
Pirates preserved their lead following a dramatic, hard-fought 2-1 win against Polokwane City FC at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on the same evening. The Soweto giants initially broke the deadlock through Relebohile Mofokeng in the second half, only to be pegged back by a Bonginkosi Dlamini equaliser.
However, Pirates showcased their title credentials by snatching all three points in the dying minutes of the game. Patrick Maswanganyi emerged as the hero, meeting a pinpoint cross from Deon Hotto to convert with his weaker foot to send Buccaneers back to the top.
MNGQITHI LABELS SUNDOWNS AS FAVOURITES IN TITLE RACE
With the championship battle seemingly destined for a photo-finish, Mngqithi has weighed in with his expert opinion, insisting that Sundowns remain the favourites due to their unparalleled squad depth.
The highly-rated tactician possesses an intimate understanding of the Sundowns machinery, having enjoyed a trophy-laden decade with the club between 2013 and 2024. Mngqithi arrived at Chloorkop as an assistant to Pitso Mosimane, before transitioning into a co-coaching role alongside Rulani Mokwena and briefly serving as the sole head coach.
“What I’ll say is that I always believed that Sundowns have what it takes to win the league, and I’ve always said it. I’m not mincing my words there,” said Mngqithi.
“If you look at the players that were not on the pitch [against Arrows], that team has what it takes to win the league. I like the competition that Pirates are bringing, I like the competition that every other team is bringing, but the reality is this team has depth. Other teams, maybe I can take one or two big teams and say if player A and B were not in the team, the team would not be the same.
“At Sundowns, if Teboho [Mokoena] is not there, Marcelo Allende is there, Jayden Adams is there, Bathusi Aubaas is there, and [Sphelele] Mkhulise is there. For me, Mkhulise should be playing regularly as well, so there is so much depth in every position.”
The Arrows mentor concluded by noting that Sundowns’ ability to rotate high-quality personnel will be the deciding factor as the pressure of the campaign mounts.
“Based on that, even when the season becomes stressful, they’ve got enough quality for the PSL. So I don’t think there is any issue there and no one should think there is contention there; for me, it’s a no-brainer.”
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