Former Kaizer Chiefs star explains why Orlando Pirates will not beat Mamelodi Sundowns in the PSL title race - 'It’s going to be the same thing that happened last season'

Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Junior Khanye has predicted which clubs will finish in the top three in the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season.

According to the retired forward, Mamelodi Sundowns will defend the title, while Orlando Pirates will again fail in their pursuit to win it.

“The best number two in the country for the past two…three years, Orlando Pirates will finish second,” Khanye said, as quoted by iDiski Times.

“They have got talented players, they have got good scouts, and I was also impressed with their pre-season, but who are they going to be competing against? It’s going to be the same thing that happened almost like last season," he added.

“They’ll do well in the first round and decline in the second round because of the inexperience. Yes, they have signed a star in Sipho Mbule, but they need depth even on the bench. I’m also not sure if the new coach will play the players according to their strengths."

Khanye pinpointed reasons why he is giving Masandawana a high chance to win the league again.

“Number one is obvious: one of the best teams on the continent, Mamelodi Sundowns. How they played at the Club World Cup against high-profile teams speaks volumes.

“They have set a standard, and [Lucas] Ribeiro is staying, and [Iqraam] Rayners too, who has proven me wrong. One of their strengths is that how they defend is how they attack, and they simply will win the league.”

And who will finish in third place? Khanye picked Eric Tinkler's Sekhukhune United.

“Three for me is going to be Sekhukhune because of the type of players they have signed and a hard-working coach who is also talented,” Khanye predicted.

“I think the way he is coaching is the way he was playing. I also thought of Stellenbosch, but they have been stripped of players. I think they have lost players and haven’t been able to replace them, and it happens every year.”

The upcoming season gives Sundowns a chance to win a ninth consecutive title, but their rivals, including Pirates and Chiefs, have strengthened, hoping to put an end to their dominance.

After finishing as runners-up for the last three seasons, Bucs are, predictably, going to be Sundowns top rivals next season again. The Sea Robbers stumbled at the later stages of last season, allowing the Brazilians to win the record eighth straight title.

Both PSL heavyweights are focusing on the MTN8 tournament that will take place early in August before the season begins.

Pirates are the defending champions and are expected to fight tooth and nail to retain it. Downs will also want it because this will boost their morale going into the new season.