Former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo has given his verdict on the Betway Premiership title race as the Buccaneers battle it out with Mamelodi Sundowns for glory, revealing what he feels is the best-case scenario for the two contenders.
Khuzwayo reckons Pirates have waited long enough to claim the Betway Premiership title, having last won it in 2012. For him, Pirates are the fitting candidates to win the 2025/26 PSL title.
Pirates are currently leading the Betway Premiership table with 59 points, one point ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns, who have 58 points from 25 games. Pirates have been consistent, dropping only six points recently, while Sundowns have drawn their last two games, including a 0-0 draw against Richards Bay FC.
Sundowns face Polokwane City FC at Seshego Stadium on Wednesday, looking to snap their two-game winless streak after draws against Stellenbosch FC and Richards Bay FC.
PIRATES DESERVE THE LEAGUE TITLE
According to Khuzwayo, the best-case scenario is for Pirates to win the league title, while Sundowns bag the CAF Champions League title.
In an interview with FARPost, Khuzwayo said: “I would love to see Orlando Pirates win it all – they’ve been waiting since the 2011/2012 season, when they last took home the PSL title. It would be amazing to see them lift the trophy again. They deserve it.
“That being said, Mamelodi Sundowns has been dominating the PSL for the past eight seasons, and a ninth consecutive title would be a remarkable achievement.”
Khuzwayo added: “But, you know, Sundowns has been dominating the PSL, but this year is going to be close to a decade if they take the league, and honestly, it’s going to be a beautiful story.
While Khuzwayo is rooting for a Sundowns victory in the Champions League to aid Chiefs’ continental aspirations, the former goalkeeper’s “boost” theory faces a significant regulatory hurdle.
Under current CAF rules, South Africa is strictly capped at two entrants for the Champions League. A victory for Masandawana would not grant the Betway Premiership a third spot; rather, it would simply see Sundowns qualify as defending champions alongside the domestic league winners.
Despite the technicality, Khuzwayo remains optimistic that a Sundowns triumph could somehow shift the landscape for his former side.
“Coming back to my favourite team, Kaizer Chiefs – they’re trying. I wish Sundowns win the CAF Champions League so [Chiefs] can get a spot in the Champions League. A team like Kaizer Chiefs needs that boost, and once they get the right players, they’re going to be unstoppable next season,” he concluded.
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