Manqoba Ngwenya says Orlando Pirates are no longer chasing shadows in the Betway Premiership, they’re setting the pace.
The former midfielder believes the Buccaneers are currently outshining the defending champions, not just on the table, but on the pitch.
APPLAUSE FOR ORLANDO PIRATES
The Buccaneers and Kabo Yellow are level on 25 points, separated only by goal difference. The numbers already lean slightly towards the Sea Robbers: 11 games played compared to Sundowns’ 12. But for Ngwenya, the real separation is in the football.
The former attacker says Orlando Pirates are winning games with purpose and personality. All types of quality goals have been flowing consistently.
“In the past few seasons, there’s been no real competition in South African football; teams were only competing for second place since everyone expected Sundowns to win the PSL title every year,” Ngwenya told KickOff.com.
“Orlado Pirates are saving the PSL from becoming a farmers league, where one team dominates season after season,” he added.
Orlando Pirates’ Bongani Cashibe stays tight on Mamelodi Sundowns’ Manqoba Ngwenya. Image: Gallo
“I think, in terms of play, Pirates are better than Sundowns right now. Sundowns are still adjusting to a new coach, so we are still in the rebuilding phase, but the good thing is we are also not dropping points,” the former maestro concluded.
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SUNDOWNS DYNASTY
Orlando Pirates have finished second to Mamelodi Sundowns three seasons in a row. 2022/23: Sundowns ran away with 70 points, while Pirates settled for 54. In 2023/24, the pattern continued, Sundowns on 73, Pirates lagging on 50.
Last season, the margin closed slightly, but Sundowns still took 73 points to Pirates’ 61.
Next up for the Sea Robbers is a trip to KwaZulu-Natal, where they’ll take on Durban City at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 29 November, with kick-off at 15:30. Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns travel to North Africa for a CAF Champions League clash against Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger on Friday night at 21:00.