Sundowns will effortlessly beat Pirates, says former Chiefs, Bucs star
Former Kaizer Chiefs star Marks Maponyane has explained why he predicts an ‘easy win’ for Mamelodi Sundowns when they face Orlando Pirates in a much-anticipated DStv Premiership clash on Saturday, 4 February, at Orlando Stadium.
Sundowns and Pirates will face each other for the fourth time in the 2022/23 campaign after clashing in a two-legged MTN8 semifinal and Carling Black Cup.
The Buccaneers have seemingly found their best form after claiming three successive wins in the league with nine goals scored in the process.
On the other side, Sundowns are on a 14-match winning streak, and Maponyane reckons it will be difficult for Pirates to beat the Tshwane giants.
WHY MAPONYANE BELIEVES SUNDOWNS WILL BEAT PIRATES
“Orlando Pirates will have to come up with something extraordinary to beat Mamelodi Sundowns,” Maponyane told FARPost.
“I hear people are saying Pirates have been on form and they can beat Sundowns, I don’t think so.
“Sundowns will beat Pirates the same way they beat Kaizer Chiefs a few weeks ago.
“The quality that is in that Sundowns team is unmatched hence I said it will take something very special.
“I mean it’s not a fluke that they have been performing the way they do, winning 14 games in a row says a lot about the team.
“I know Pirates might have the likes of [Thembinkosi] Lorch and [Olisa] Ndah returning for this encounter but I doubt that will make a huge difference,” added Maponyane.
The Brazilians have been a dominant force in the South African elite league, and look set to clinch their sixth Premiership title in a row.
Sundowns have won 17 games, drawing one and losing only on two occasions after 20 games played.
The Chloorkop-based side is sitting pretty at the summit on 52 points, leading the chasing pack by 21 points.
Sundowns will be looking to complete a double on Pirates after beating them 2-0 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium at the end of last year.
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