Former Durban City coach Gavin Hunt has weighed in on who might win the league between high-flying Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
While Sundowns have dominated the league in recent years, winning it eight times in a row, Pirates last lifted the title in the 2011/12 season.
However, this season, the Sea Robbers look like a much stronger outfit and could have what it takes to challenge Sundowns’ long-standing dominance.
Currently, Pirates sit at the top of the table with 28 points from 12 matches, while Sundowns are close behind on 25 points.
Though Hunt stopped short of naming a clear winner, he seems to lean towards Pirates as the favourites. He believes their squad depth is a key factor, with their substitutes always able to make a real impact.
He added that another factor could be that Pirates no longer have a busy schedule, having been eliminated from the CAF Champions League.
On the other hand, Hunt suggests Sundowns could struggle considering their inconsistent start to the season and their schedule in Africa.
“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,” said Hunt.
“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.
“And 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.
“And 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.”
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