Dikgang Mabalane has identified an area where Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are lacking when compared to dominant side Mamelodi Sundowns.
Sundowns are currently looking good to secure their sixth consecutive title, with a lead of five points at the top of the standings. Richards Bay are in second place, with SuperSport United, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates below. Sundowns will be looking to move further away from the Buccaneers when the two sides clash in Tshwane on December 30.
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Mabalane feels Sundowns have an edge with the quality they have in their squad, including the foreigners they have brought in. This is where he feels Sundowns have done well, in terms of bringing in foreigners who are of a high quality.
"I think Sundowns are still a formidable side, but they were not even in gear five in the first half of the season. They were not at the level they would have wanted to be. Imagine if they get to gear number five, or six, where they gain the momentum and confidence. Then I believe no one will catch them," Mabalane said to the Siya crew.
"Regarding Chiefs and Pirates, it's always been a discussion of whether Chiefs and Pirates can catch up with Sundowns. Historically they have been the ones dominating when it comes to South African football, but at this point Sundowns have been doing it. On the pitch, with cup and league pedigree, Sundowns have it. In fact, they are getting even more players to beef up, but it's not about only the league for them. It's also about continental football. They are aiming higher.
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"I think Pirates at some point looked promising and gained confidence, but I still feel that it's difficult to compete with Sundowns when you look at the quality of players. Sundowns edges them when it comes to the depth and the quality they get. Sundowns import quality players, like Sirino and Allende. This is where Pirates and Chiefs are lacking. It's going to be difficult to compete with Sundowns. Chiefs, on the other side, are blowing hot and cold.
