Benni McCarthy picks title favourite between Pirates and Sundowns

South African football legend Benni McCarthy has shared his thoughts on the gripping PSL title race, tipping his former club Orlando Pirates to edge out perennial champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

With only seven matches left in the 2025/26 season, the contest for the league crown appears to be a two-horse race. Sundowns currently hold a narrow two-point advantage (56) over the Soweto giants (54), making the final stretch too close to call.

Despite Sundowns‘ lead, McCarthy, who is now the head coach of the Kenyan national team, believes the Buccaneers have what it takes to go all the way.

Bafana legend tips ex-club to end title drought

“I have watched Pirates a few times now. They made really good signings this season,” McCarthy told KickOff. “They brought in good players, players that are hungry to win and achieve.”

The former striker highlighted the team’s fighting spirit as a key factor in their challenge against the financially powerful Sundowns.

“They fight, and that’s what you need. You need players who are not afraid to fight,” he explained. “Sundowns spent big money on getting the best players, but Pirates are showing great fight and resilience, and that’s what you need.”

McCarthy suggested this resilience could be the “edge they need to finally challenge Sundowns all the way for the title, and possibly be crowned champions.”

Benni McCarthy on hurdles facing Pirates

Oswin Appollis, Rele Mofokeng and Yanela Mbuthuma of Orlando Pirates

However, the 2004 UEFA Champions League winner acknowledged the significant psychological hurdles facing Pirates, who last won the league in 2012. He noted that winning the title after such a long drought is a formidable challenge, especially with Sundowns showing no signs of letting up.

“Sundowns have become accustomed to winning the league. It’s not new to them, they know the pressure,” McCarthy added. “They know what they have to do and how to handle the situation they are in.”

“For Pirates, it’s been about 13 years… they have almost forgotten how to deal with those moments. So it will be much harder for them now. But if they can do it, it will be amazing for South African football.”