AFCON: Why Pirates will have a PSL advantage over Sundowns

Orlando Pirates have nine players representing Bafana Bafana in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Nkosinathi Sibisi, Evidence Makgopa, Sipho Chaine, defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi – who has since joined the Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire, Thalente Mbatha Sipho Mbule, Relebohile Mofokeng and Tshepang Moremi are the players from the Buccaneers who made the South Africa squad.

The defending Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns produced Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, and Bathusi Aubaas.

Former Masandawana attacker Lucas Sebona insists the Sea Robbers will have an advantage in the race for the South African top flight football after Bafana Bafana return from the biennial competition.

How Pirates might beat Sundowns to PSL crown

“Definitely, there will be some changes when the PSL resumes, but Pirates and Sundowns will continue to dominate because most of their players are active in Morocco”, Sebona tells KickOff.

“Yes it will catch up with them, but they have depth in their squads. The team that will suffer the most between the two is Sundowns. Pirates might escape because they are using a lot of youngsters.

“Youngsters can recover very quickly from fatigue. Sundowns most of their star players; they are old now. It may take time for them to recover.

“The rest of the teams will have to start from scratch and pick up their match fitness. Especially we Africans celebrate Christmas holidays too much. It’s harder if you don’t have self-discipline.

“Especially the teams without sponsors they are going to suffer the most. The only teams that are going to survive this period are Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Orlando Pirates due to the facilities they own. Their bosses will get them competitive friendlies”.