Bad news for Orlando Pirates! Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos makes bold statement on PSL title race - 'Mamelodi Sundowns will again be champions with 12-15 points ahead, Kaizer Chiefs are still struggling'

Orlando Pirates are set to host Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premier Soccer League on Sunday at the FNB Stadium.

The Soweto giants will be hoping to avenge the 4-1 defeat suffered in the initial meeting at the Lofters Versfeld Stadium.

Sundowns have opened a massive 18-point gap over second-placed Pirates who have four matches in hand worth a potential 12 points if they win all four.

A loss on Sunday to their title rivals will potentially lock Bucs out of the race for the PSL crown.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is anticipating a tough fixture but insists Jose Riveiro's men have to rise for the occasion or risk dropping out out of the race.

"It's important for Sundowns, but it's also important for Pirates," the 72-year-old Belgian stated.

"I think if Pirates lose that game, it's definitely finished to be champions. So it's a very important game for both sides.

"Let's hope and pray there are no injuries."

The Bafana tactician further added that Nasreddine Nabi's men are not yet the finished article, and predicted Downs will win the league with a huge points advantage.
"Sundowns will again be champion with 12-15 points ahead. Kaizer Chiefs are still struggling," he added on SABC 1
"Maybe Sundowns will be angry now, but it's too easy for Sundowns to be champions. We are 8 games before the end and already they are champions unless they start losing games now. Pirates still have 4 games but they have to win them. And it will not be easy to win them.
"I hope next year there will be more fight for the championship with 3, 4 teams fighting for the league. The level will be higher. I hope it happens next year."

Pirates have to show their mental strength by pushing hard for the PSL despite the odds being against them.

It will be the best way to respond to their critics and hopefully persuade Jose Riveiro to extend his contract beyond the end of this season.

For Chiefs, Nabi has to ensure he gets it right next season since the management is giving him the resources he needs to deliver.