Mngqithi explains why Sundowns will still win PSL title despite Pirates’ great run

Orlando Pirates might be having a great season and leading the PSL standings after 19 games but Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi does not think they will win the title.

Pirates have been in good form this season and currently top the table with 44 points but Mamelodi Sundowns are right there with them as they have a similar tally and only second on goal difference.

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team have performed admirably and displayed steel on Wednesday when they conceded a late equaliser but still went on to win against Polokwane City to keep their dreams of a first league title since 2012 alive.

Mngqithi in awe of Sundowns’ quality

“𝔽𝕠𝕣 𝕞𝕖, 𝕚𝕥’𝕤 𝕒 𝕟𝕠-𝕓𝕣𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕣.” 🧠👆

Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi explains why Mamelodi Sundowns remain favourites to clinch the #BetwayPrem title despite the relentless challenge from Orlando Pirates. pic.twitter.com/OnEO6krZiZ
— Mthokozisi Dube (@dube_mthoko) March 5, 2026

However, Mngqithi, whose team suffered a 2-1 loss to Sundowns on Wednesday, feels there are no doubts about who will be crowned champion as the Brazilians have too much quality compared to their title rivals.

“I’ve always believed that Sundowns have got what it takes to win the league, and I’ve always said it,” Mngqithi told the media.

“I’m not mincing my words because even if you look at the players who weren’t on the bench, that team has got what it takes to win the league.”

Mngqithi, a former Sundowns coach, has singled out the depth in squad that the club has as the key factor why he does not see any other team winning the league.

Why are the Brazilians ahead of their rivals?

Grant Kekana and Teboho Mokoena celebrate a goal for Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo – Mamelodi Sundowns

“I like the competition that Pirates is bringing — and the other teams — but the reality is this team [Sundowns] has got depth. And not just depth; I can take one or two big teams and say if player A and player B would not be in the team, they would not be the same,” he added.

“But at Sundowns, if Teboho [Mokoena] is not there, Marcelo [Allende] is there, Jayden Adams is there, so is [Bathusi] Aubaas. It is the same for me: [Sphelele] Mkhulise should be playing regularly as well.

“So there is so much depth in every position and based on that, even when the season becomes stressful, they’ve got enough quality. I don’t think there is any issue there and nobody should think there is serious contention there. For me it is a no-brainer.”