Orlando Pirates legend Daine Klate has agreed that the Sea Robbers have been buzzing this season.
According to the six-time Premier Soccer League (PSL) champion, the PSL is finally feeling competitive again after Mamelodi Sundowns won eight consecutive titles.
DAINE KLATE APPLAUDS ORLANDO PIRATES
Instead of the familiar story of Sundowns running away with the title, the Buccaneers currently sit top of the log at the halfway mark, holding a three-point lead with a game in hand.
Add to that the MTN8 and Carling Knockout trophies already secured under Abdeslam Ouaddou, and Orlando Pirates have set the tone for a season that feels very different.
The former winger says it is refreshing to see Sundowns’ dominance being challenged, insisting the league is healthier when more than one club is genuinely in the title conversation. “We wanna see the league go down to the wire,” Klate told Soccer Laduma. “I think this season, Sundowns will push Pirates,” he said.
While Klate expects Sundowns to respond strongly in the second half of the campaign, he feels Orlando Pirates may have a slight edge.
He pointed to the club’s heavy representation in the national team as a sign of their strength and consistency, even while acknowledging that Sundowns also boast significant quality throughout their squad.
“But I think Pirates have the advantage of nine players in the national team, even though Sundowns also have a number of players. They are doing well.”
CALLING ON KAIZER CHIEFS TO STEP UP
The Orlando Pirates legend admitted he would love to see Kaizer Chiefs re-enter the title conversation, arguing that their presence at the top would elevate the league even further. “I would like to see Chiefs coming into that mix,” Klate added.
“Once Chiefs get into that mix, South African football is gonna go to another level,” the Gqeberha-born legend concluded.