The Betway Premiership title race remains extremely tight, with Orlando Pirates sitting just two points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and seven matches left to play.
Both sides are pushing hard as the season reaches its decisive phase, with little room for error at the top of the table.
ORLANDO PIRATES SHOWING REAL IMPROVEMENT
Accoriding to the Buccaneers’ former striker McCarthy, the Soweto giants’ fighting spirit has simply kept them in the title race.
“I have watched Pirates a few times now,” McCarthy told Kick Off. “They made really good signings this season. They brought in good players, players that are hungry to win and achieve.
“They fight, and that’s what you need. You need players who are not afraid to fight. Sundowns spent big money on getting the best players, but Pirates are showing great fight and resilience, and that’s what you need.”
Also read: What a Pirates win means for Sundowns tonight
SUNDOWNS EXPERIENCE STILL A MAJOR FACTOR
McCarthy pointed to Sundowns’ experience as a factor that is likely to be the difference between Pirates winning or losing out.
“Sundowns have become accustomed to winning the league. It’s not new to them, they know the pressure,” he added.
“They know what they have to do and how to handle the situation they are in. For Pirates, it’s been about 13 years… they have almost forgotten how to deal with those moments. So it will be much harder for them now. But if they can do it, it will be amazing for South African football,” McCarthy added.
In the past three seasons, the Buccaneers finished runners-up behind Sundowns. In 2022/23, Sundowns ended with 70 points to Pirates’ 54. The following season it was 73 to 50, and last term 73 to 61.
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