With the football season heating up, former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Lebohang ‘Cheeseboy’ Mokoena has shared his thoughts on why Orlando Pirates might edge out Sundowns for the league title this year.
Mokoena’s Take on the League
At 37, Mokoena brings a wealth of experience from his days playing for both Pirates and Sundowns.
Despite Sundowns’ impressive seven-season streak as Betway Premiership champions, their current form suggests their reign might be ending.
Recently, they faced back-to-back losses against Stellenbosch FC and seem to be struggling under their new coach, Manqoba Mngqithi.
Orlando Pirates’ Strong Performance
In a chat with Peter du Toit on SoccerBeat, Mokoena pointed out that Orlando Pirates are currently in excellent form.
“The Buccaneers are on fire right now.
This season seems to be theirs, and they can feel it too,” Mokoena said.
“They’ve started strong, scoring goals, and the stadiums are packed.
It’s clear that everyone at Pirates believes they can win the league.”
Squad Depth and Key Players
Mokoena also highlighted the depth of the Pirates’ squad as a major advantage.
He praised Coach Riveiro for building a solid team with good rotation options.
“Tito Maswanganyi is crucial for Pirates this season.
He’s an exciting player who really energizes the team.
If he gets injured, it’s going to be a tough season for them,” Mokoena added.
Looking Ahead
As Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates prepare to kick off their league campaign later this month, both teams have already made their mark in the MTN8.
The season promises to be an exciting one with plenty of action on the horizon.
