Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has weighed in on the Betway Premiership title race, explaining why Mamelodi Sundowns will once again edge out Orlando Pirates in the battle for top honours this season.
The German tactician, who remains the last coach to push Sundowns all the way to the final day of a league campaign in 2019/20 while at Chiefs, believes the race has tipped firmly in favour of the Tshwane giants.
Pirates currently lead South Africa’s top division with 58 points after 25 games. Their latest victory came on Saturday in an impressive 3-0 win over AmaZulu FC at the Orlando Stadium. Meanwhile, Sundowns were on continental duty the same day, defeating Esperance 1-0 at Loftus Versfeld [2-0 on aggregate] to book their place in the CAF Champions League final.
As a result of the Buccaneers’ win, Sundowns have dropped to second place with 56 points—two behind Pirates—though the Brazilians still hold two games in hand.
According to Middendorp, Pirates may have already paid the price in their 1-1 draw against Siwelele FC at home, which he feels could have serious consequences in the final reckoning.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ DEPTH MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
“It will be interesting to see how it will end, but from my side, Sundowns, if you ask me, I will say it now directly, it’s again Sundowns [to win the league],” Middendorp said on the Car Wash 2.0 podcast.
“You have to win games against Durban City FC away [Sundowns did so], because they are in a good run. You have to win it, you have to manage it, even with 1-0 [wins]. If you do that, then you are fine.
“You cannot draw with Siwelele FC at home and hope you win the championship. It’s not possible,” he added.
“I think it’s all about team management [at Sundowns], options inside the squad. In my opinion, the only playing position they are not competitive in is [goalkeeping]. If Ronwen [Williams] gets injured, they would be in a very disastrous situation, in the national team [Bafana Bafana], probably the same.
“But the rest, there are so many options. Defending, system, formation, options to react, impact from the bench. Even to take four or five players out, with a squad like this, it’s very clear,” Middendorp explained.
WINNING BECOMES THE EXPECTATION AT SUNDOWNS
Middendorp added that Sundowns’ winning the league has become the norm. He said that while much is often made of their Champions League ambitions, claiming the domestic title is expected of them.
“Sundowns show us every season. They are never happy with the squad, even if they win the league by 15 points. They improve the quality, and they look for more competition. Sundowns make sure to get players who are better than what they had; they avoid complacency in players.
“You can find players drop 5% after winning the league, players become complacent, but Sundowns bring in new players to move away from that problem,” Middendorp added.
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