Why former Chiefs coach believes Pirates will overthrow Sundowns from PSL dominance

Orlando Pirates have been tipped to, finally, go all the way this season in the Premier Soccer League chase.

The Sea Robbers finished second, behind Mamelodi Sundowns, in the previous three editions under the then coach Jose Riveiro who, eventually, left for Al Ahly at the end of his contract, but lasted for a couple of months before being fired.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who replaced the Spaniard, has done well to ensure the Sea Robbers continue their push for the league, they last won more than a decade ago.

Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt, who was recently fired by Durban City, has explained why he feels Pirates, who are at the summit of the Premier Soccer League table with 28 points, two more than Masandawana who have played a game more.

Very difficult for Sundowns to win PSL?

“I don’t really care, but if you look at the squad that they’ve got the last three years, this Pirates squad, I think they’ve got huge impact players, which makes the difference,” Hunt told the media.

“If you look at this squad, I think that’s going to be possibly [the factor]. And they’ve been out of Africa. Out of Africa, my friend you’ve got no idea. If you’re out of Africa, I think it’s a big plus for them.

“With the squad, when they bring in on [Oswin] Appollis, these types of players, they make a huge impact on the game. And they are the country-based players, sitting on a bench. So, I think that’s the difference in the squad, I think.

“They’ve got huge pace and speed, which hurt teams, and I think that’s the difference. So, I’m not saying who’s going to win the league, but I just think this squad is very strong. 

“I think for Sundowns, it’s very difficult. You know when you go across the front, and their focus has been the Champions League than here. So, it could be, certainly, a bit closer than anything before this year,” Hunt concluded.