Is it Orlando Pirates or Sundowns? McCarthy opines

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have been chasing the Premier Soccer League this season, and currently, just a point separates the two.

The Sea Robbers are on 48 points from the 21 matches that they have played, while the defending champions come in the second position having played a game less. On Tuesday, however, they are scheduled to host Marumo Gallants on Tuesday.

Deon Hotto, Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis of Orlando Pirates celebrating a goal. Photo: Orlando Pirates

Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy is excited about the stiff competition witnessed this season. He has explained why Masandawana have been dominant, before underlining the value addition Bucs will add to PSL if they get crowned.

14 years is a long time for Orlando Pirates

“I think the recruitment and everything has been so much better, and Pirates look like they can make a push,” the Kenya coach told iDiski Times.

Orlando Pirates vs Siwelele player. Photo: Orlando Pirates

“But, yeah, I think it’s really sad that it’s been a long time. Yeah. 14 years ago, was the last time that Pirates dominated and won.

“Credit has to go to Mamelodi Sundowns. Very nice! Patrice [Motsepe] came in, put the money there, it’s easy. You can get sidetracked, but the way that he went about it, he got the right coaches in, he got the right stability to stabilise the club and to win nine back-to-back. Is it nine times?

Themba Zwane of Mamelodi Sundowns receives trophy from FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe during the African Football League 2023 Final match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Waydad at the Loftus Stadium, Pretoria on the 12 November 2023 - Photo by Icon sport - Photo by Icon Sport — Themba Zwane of Mamelodi Sundowns receives trophy from FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe during the African Football League 2023 Final match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Waydad at the Loftus Stadium, Pretoria on the 12 November 2023 – Photo by Icon sport – Photo by Icon Sport

“I think it’s more competitive, but then Sundowns have been so dominant. It’s like their recruiting is phenomenal. They are relentless in the way they pursue to be champions, it is also applaudable,” he added.

Orlando Pirates have their work cut out

“Like, wow, you envy that because to have that mindset, you win the championship, you win the league, you’re the champ and a lot of players lose their focus. Now, you think you’re bigger than what you are. Like, you made it, because that’s very common in South Africa. You win one thing, and all of a sudden, you’re the man, you’re the superstar,” he continued.

Oswin Appollis and Kamogelo Sebelebele of Orlando Pirates. Photo: Orlando Pirates

“But they’ve been at it year after year after year. So, yeah, those players, the mentality that they have is incredible, so you have to commend that. And it will be hard for everybody else to be chasing that because somehow, it’s harder to win. And those players also know what it means to be a champion. And you can see that they thrive on it, and they don’t want to give that up.

“So, it’s not going to be easy for Pirates to surpass that because they know what it takes or what needs to be done to get over the line, because they’ve been doing it for the last eight seasons straight.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso celebrating a trophy

“So Pirates have their work cut out for them, but I hope, I think it will be a good advert for South African football if Pirates can change it up and somebody else can win the league, and the dominance is not so high, it’s always a one-sided affair because then I’m sure teams like Chiefs will also be inspired by that.

“‘Like, hey, you know what? Our recruitment, whatever we can do, if Pirates can change that trajectory, we can too.’ And other teams will follow suit, you know? “So, I’m wishing Pirates all the best in their pursuit of winning the title, and I hope they can do it for South Africa,” McCarthy concluded.