Former Orlando Pirates winger Daine Klate has discussed why his former side are the “closest” in the league to catch Mamelodi Sundowns.
Klate was part of the Ezimnyama Ngenkani golden generation which won double treble in between 2010 and 2012.
While Pirates experienced a period of decline in recent years, Klate believes that coach Jose Riveiro has been steadily rebuilding a winning culture at the club.
He is confident that the current Pirates squad possesses the necessary talent to challenge Sundowns' dominance in South African football.
‘THEY CAN PUSH SUNDOWNS’
“100%! I think it’s been a good process. The Orlando Pirates coach has done really well since coming on board for the past three seasons,” said Klate.
“I think winning, obviously a couple of trophies along the way helps a lot. And yeah, they are the team that I earmarked to push Sundowns.
“They are able to push Sundowns with the depth and the quality in their squad, with the brand that Orlando Pirates is and what they stand for, I do believe that in every season they should be always competing and always being there.
“You know, I was fortunate enough to move to Orlando Pirates back then in 2010 and obviously made a difference in terms of us winning trophies.
“It was a good period we were in the club. I think with me seeing how they are operating, and how they’re winning a couple of cups along the way, I think they are really a team that is the closest to Sundowns at the moment.”
