Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Junior Khanye does not believe that Orlando Pirates have what it takes to win the PSL title despite their impressive start to the season.
The Buccaneers have made a great start to the season, winning their opening seven games, to move to the top of the table with the maximum 21 points, three ahead of champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Despite that, Khanye feels it will still be Sundowns celebrating an eighth straight league title come the end of the season and believes the Brazilians will win it with a 10-point margin over Pirates who he does not think have enough quality to challenge on multiple fronts.
“For me the upper hand I give to Manqoba [Mngqithi] because he has experienced players and also because those players don’t want to lose,” said Khanye told iDiski TV.
Khanye says Pirates cannot beat Sundowns home & away
“Home and away, Pirates is going to lose against Sundowns. I know there will be other games but that’s where I’m starting it. The mind-set will also play a big role.
“The experience of playing the Champions League for a couple of years, winning the league and the quality of players is also going to play a big role. Also, there is competition in each position at Sundowns.
“Yes, I’m backing Sundowns and they won’t win by three points, the difference will maybe be 10 points. Write this down, Pirates are going to drop.”
Khanye says the second half of the season will prove to be Pirates’ waterloo as he doubts whether they can stop the Brazilians home and away.
Will the champions win with a double-digit margin again?
“The second round will surprise you and they must still face each other. Even if one of the games ends in a draw, Sundowns will have an upper hand,” he added.
“Pirates won’t defeat Sundowns twice. It’s going to be difficult for Orlando Pirates and I’m sorry pound-for-pound they won’t match Sundowns’ individual brilliance and experience. Sundowns will win this league with a 10 points difference.”
Pirates last won the league title in the 2011-12 season and fans are hoping that Jose Riveiro can end the 12-year wait after winning five trophies in the over two years he has been in charge.
