Richards Bay FC co-coach Papi Zothwane has weighed in on the Betway Premiership title race between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns and explains why he sees a tight finish.
The Buccaneers currently lead the standings, but they are tied on 47 points with second-placed Masandawana, who have an inferior goal difference. Third-placed Sekhukhune United have a distant 14 points fewer than the leading pack, and chances of spoiling the title contest as dark horses appear slim.
An intriguing race is already being witnessed as the leading two giants are constantly swapping the number one spot.
Pirates entered this week on top of the table but were temporarily removed from the summit on Wednesday when Sundowns beat Orbit College FC 2-0 away at Olympia Park Stadium. But the Soweto giants got back to the top 24 hours later when they dismissed a stubborn Richards Bay FC 2-0 at home.
However, the Soweto giants almost failed to reclaim top spot and needed a stoppage-time penalty to wrap up the match 2-0. The contest appeared headed for a 1-0 win, which would have seen the Tshwane giants retain pole position.
PIRATES AND SUNDOWNS QUALITIES MAKE PSL TITLE RACE UNPREDICTABLE, SAYS ZOTHWANE
After witnessing his side fall to Pirates, Zothwane has noted some marks of a champion in Pirates and sees the same in his former club, Sundowns.
“It’s difficult to say, because two of the biggest teams are competing for the league title. Obviously, the team that plays against Pirates and Sundowns wants to do well,” said Zothwane. “I think it’s a title race that will be decided mostly in the last games. But it’s a difficult one. I can’t conclude now where I see it going.
“Both teams have quality, and they are winning their games. Let’s hope they continue the same way. As for us [Richards Bay], we are fighting for the top eight.”
OUADDOU THROWS DOWN THE GAUNTLET TO SUNDOWNS IN PSL TITLE RACE
Meanwhile, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has drawn battle lines in Pirates’ title fight with Masandawana, saying they are ready for a brutal battle for the league crown.
“I want to keep on the positives, we still have 10 games, I think,” Ouaddou said. “We are going to fight until the last minute, the last second. We are going to die on the pitch for this race.”
RELATED STORY: Ouaddou dedicates Pirates’ summit leap to fallen superfan ‘Makhalanjalo’