JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 16: Makhehlene Makhaula of Orlando Pirates injured during the Nedbank Cup, Last 16match between Orlando Pirates and Hungry Lions at Orlando Stadium on March 16, 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
Ex-Bafana winger explains why Orlando Pirates will beat Mamelodi Sundowns for the league
Lebohang ‘Cheeseboy’ Mokoena(37) has tipped Orlando Pirates to win the Betway Premiership over rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Lebohang ‘Cheeseboy’ Mokoena has explained why Orlando Pirates will beat Masandawana for the league title.
The 37-year-old retired footballer played for both Pirates and Sundowns during his playing career. Masandawana have won the Betway Premiership seven times in a row but their dominance appears to be coming to an end. The team lost back-to-back games against Stellenbosch FC in the past six days and have looked sluggish this season under new coach Manqoba Mngqithi.
Cheeseboy says Orlando Pirates will triumph over Mamelodi Sundowns
Speaking to Peter du Toit on SoccerBeat, Mokoena highlighted Pirates’ strengths.
“The Buccaneers are red-hot, they are on fire at the moment. This season is their season you know, I think they can also see it themselves by looking at the opposite team(Sundowns). They(Pirates) started off well, they are scoring goals and you can see the supporters are even filling up the stadium.
“It just shows that everyone is starting to believe at Pirates that it is possible for them to win this league.”
Mokoena also mentioned the depth of the Orlando Pirates team, saying their squad will get them over the line ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns.
I think Coach Riveiro has a good thing going and I think he has a solid squad which he can rotate,” he said. He mentioned Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi’s importance in the Pirates’ lineup.
“Tito is very crucial and is one of the key players for Pirates this season and hopefully he does not get injured because I don’t see anyone filling his position. He is an exciting player, he brings the team to life, so if they lose a player like Tito, it’s going to be difficult for them this season,” ex-Bafana winger Mokwena added.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates kick off their league campaign later this month. Both teams have already played competitive football this season having featured in the MTN8.
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