Former Orlando Pirates winger Dikgang Mabalane feels the chasers for the league title have every reason to have hope as Mamelodi Sundowns have started to show signs of vulnerability.
‘Terminator’, the former speedy winger-turned pundit was full of praise for Pirates’ 2024/25 season thus far as they have won the MTN8, in the Nedbank Cup final, CAF Champions League last-four, with Sundowns, and still in the race for league honours.
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Sundowns hold a12-point lead, which is set to be cut down to nine with the expulsion of Royal AM but cuts off two games in hand for Pirates in the fixture list.
“Pirates have done well closing the gap with Sundowns, giving them a bit of competition, it looks good for them going forward, there’s still a chance for them as chasers to get there, it will be interesting in the last five, six games to see how that goes,” Mabalane said.
“With coach Riveiro as well, who has done well for the club, it’s good to see Pirates enjoying this form and momentum carrying them, it’s been a good season for them.”
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Mabalane, who was speaking at the SuperSportBets media event on Tuesday at FNB Stadium feels Sundowns have shown signs they are no longer the invincible season they were in seasons gone by – but it’s the cost of being so dominant for so long.
The Brazilians remain on course for an eighth consecutive league title, should they not slip up, with the title still within their own hands as things stand – while they could also cap off the campaign with a second star before the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign.
“I have picked it up, looking at Sundowns this season, they have not been the same, gear six, so to speak – we have seen the vulnerabilities, being exploited, when you go wide, dealing with crosses, they have been found wanting,” he stated.
“Teams are understanding that, exploiting the weaknesses – but more than anything, I don’t think Sundowns have reached the level that they would have… if they honest, I think they would also think they have not reached that level.
“But it’s understandable, teams understand how they play now, they have been so dominant, for so long, obviously teams will figure out how they play, plan, and analyse for them, it’s difficult for a team like Sundowns, you have to keep the standard high, unfortunately for them.”
