Orlando Pirates PSL hopes: You can’t draw with Siwelele & expect to win! Ex- Chiefs coach

Orlando Pirates‘ hope of beating Mamelodi Sundowns to the Premier Soccer League title is almost extinct, according to former Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp.

The Sea Robbers are currently on top of the South African top-tier with 58 points after 25 outings. The Soweto giants have played two more games as opposed to the defending champions who have been engaged in the CAF Champions League outing.

Masandawana have two points fewer than Bucs, meaning if they win their matches in hand will give them a five-point advantage over the Buccaneers.

Not possible for Pirates to win league?

Middendorp has explained why it will be tough for Pirates to win the league for the first time since 2011/12 season.

“It will be interesting to see how it will end, but from my side, Sundowns, if you ask me, I will say it now directly, it’s again Sundowns [who will win PSL],” The German told 2.0 Podcast.

You have to win games against Durban City FC away [Sundowns did so], because they are in a good run. You have to win it, you have to manage it, even with 1-0 [wins]. If you do that, then you are fine.

“You cannot draw with Siwelele FC at home and hope you win the championship. It’s not possible,” he explained.

Sundowns re never happy with their squad

“I think it’s all about team management [at Sundowns], options inside the squad. In my opinion, the only playing position they are not competitive in is [goalkeeping]. If Ronwen [Williams] gets injured, they would be in a very disastrous situation, in the national team, probably the same,” the tactician further opined.

“But the rest, there are so many options. Defending, system, formation, options to react, impact from the bench. Even to take four or five players out, with a squad like this, it’s very clear

“Sundowns show us every season. They are never happy with the squad, even if they win the league by 15 points. They improve the quality, and they look for more competition. Sundowns make sure to get players who are better than what they had; they avoid complacency in players.

“You can find players drop 5% after winning the league, players become complacent, but Sundowns bring in new players to move away from that problem,” Middendorp concluded.