Orlando Pirates: Why Kaizer Chiefs & Sundowns have been told to forget PSL title

Orlando Pirates won the Premier Soccer League title last season, ending their 14-year drought.

The immediate former champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, who were chasing their ninth consecutive title, finished second. Kaizer Chiefs managed to finish third, which was their highest finish in six years.

Apart from the league, the Sea Robbers further won the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout under Abdeslam Ouaddou, who was making his debut for the club after succeeding Jose Riveiro.

Despite losing Relebohile Mofokeng, Bucs have managed to keep most of their top players. They have also added Mthetheleli Mthiyane (Stellenbosch FC), Sbangani Zulu (Richards Bay), Bohale Ngwato (Siwelele), Ghampani Lungu (Siwelele), Neo Rapoo (Siwelele), Aphiwe Baliti (Siwelele), Matome Mmolai (Leicesterford City), and Sebastian Pedersen (Sogndal Fotball, Norway).

Pirates to make it two in a row?

The Sea Robbers’ former defender Innocent Mdledle has now explained why he feels Ouaddou’s men will win the South African top-tier for the second time in a row.

“Competition brings results, even if you sign five or more players in a season, the most important thing is that you play as a team,” Mdledle told FARPost.

“Like I said, if there is competition, it helps the team to win games. So for me I think it’s good that the club has brought in new faces because it helps the players or and new players grow as well. It also gives the club results.

“Pirates are always improving each and every season. They are the only team that has been trying to give problems to Mamelodi Sundowns. So definitely they are going to defend the title, I have no doubt about that,” he concluded.

Bucs started their title defense on Saturday with a 2-0 victory against newbies Milford FC.