Former Orlando Pirates defender Edward "Magents" Motale, a 1995 CAF Champions League winning captain, has boldly stated that Mamelodi Sundowns' era of dominance in the DStv Premiership League is nearing its end.
In an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma, Motale expressed his belief that Pirates are poised to challenge Sundowns' supremacy from the next season onwards.
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Drawing from his extensive experience in football, Motale observed that Pirates have already demonstrated their capability to stand toe-to-toe with Sundowns.
"From my personal view and with my experience in football this was the last season where Sundowns dominates in the league as well as the cups. But as you know for the cups it's not a problem. Last season Pirates won two and they have already defended one and they are in the finals of the other so if there is a team to match Sundowns going forward I think it's Orlando Pirates," Motale told Soccer Laduma.
"We have good players. They are quality and good for the club. If we can just continue like this even next season then we can challenge Sundowns for the league title. I don't think it can be a problem at all. Look at the quality we have! All we need to do is be consistent every season then we can compete with Sundowns for the league title," Motale believes.
Furthermore, the Bafana Bafana 1996 Afcon winning member highlighted the importance of starting the season strongly, both in the league and the MTN8.
"What we should do is give the same energy in the league at the beginning of the season just the way we do with the MTN8. If we can maintain the same approach in the league from the start until the end of the season then there won't have a problem to fight for the title. If you see how we play in the second half of the season, we are unstoppable! If we can do the same from the start then we could give Sundowns a run for their money.
"That's how Sundowns themselves do it. There is no difference between the start and the end and that's their advantage. We need to do the same from next season then we will match Sundowns. I see Pirates matching Sundowns and competing for the title next season," Magents concluded.
Motale's insights shed light on the potential shift in the balance of power within South African football. With Pirates showing signs of resurgence and Sundowns' long-standing dominance, the upcoming seasons promise an exciting and competitive landscape.
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