Ex-Orlando Pirates' captain explains Bucs 'are currently on par with Mamelodi Sundowns' and what Kaizer Chiefs must do to catch up

Orlando Pirates’ former captain Benson Mhlongo has claimed Bucs are at the same level as their Premier Soccer League rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.

The retired defender has explained why he thinks Bucs are at the same level as PSL defending champions and what their Soweto rivals need to do to reach that level.

"Since the bus accident, Pirates have been remarkable. It's great to see every Pirates player performing well. They need to maintain this level both in Africa and in the domestic league," Mhlongo said, as per KickOff.

"The Pirates players are competing against each other. The inclusion of Sipho Mbule has boosted the confidence of the skilled players, and he leads by example, supporting these young talents," he added.

"Up front, Evidence Makgopa is eager to deliver, and Tshegofatso Mabasa wants to prove himself, which makes them exciting to watch. When your team starts to compete internally, you are bound to dominate."

“They are currently on par with Sundowns."

Mhlongo has also advised Chiefs on what to do in order to catch up with their fellow heavyweights in PSL.

"Chiefs, on the other hand, have just started and do not have a consistent starting XI. Pirates have maintained a steady line-up for the past two seasons," he added.

"Chiefs need to stick with a single team for two seasons and focus on building consistency. They must decide on a coach and give him two or three seasons to make an impact."

“That's what Pirates did with José Riveiro – they gave him enough time," he continued.

Chiefs started their 2025/26 campaign positively collecting three points and keeping clean sheets before the coaching turmoil behind the scenes caught up with them and their momentum faltered.

Pirates on the other hand, lost their two opening games, putting coach Abdeslam Ouaddou under immense pressure.

However, the Soweto giants are now on different trajectories; stabilised Bucs are doing well while Chiefs struggle.

The Sea Robbers already have a title in their cabinet, the MTN8 Cup, and are still in contention for the Carling Knockout Cup. The Glamour Boys are out after they were eliminated by Stellenbosch.

Even looking at the club's representation in the Bafana Bafana squad, Bucs are a dominant side, while Mduduzi Shabalala is the only player from Naturena. Indeed, Shabalala was called up because Relebohile Mofokeng got injured.

When club duties resume, Amakhosi will be keen to fight hard and get back on a winning momentum. For Pirates, the challenge remains to keep their winning run, across all competitions, going.

On October 18, Chiefs will face DR Congo's Simba in a CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary duel after scraping through the first round on penalties against Angolan side Kabuscorp. 

The Sea Robbers cruised through their preliminary round, beating Lioli of Lesotho 7-0 on aggregate, and have been scheduled to play St Eloi Lupopo, also from DR Congo, at the same stage but in the Champions League.