Former Mamelodi Sundowns star adamant Masandawana WILL NOT successfully defend PSL title - 'Orlando Pirates will use the Champions League heartache as a motivation to win at all costs'

Mamelodi Sundowns have been dominating Mzansi football for almost a decade, winning eight Premier Soccer League titles in the last nine seasons.

Seven of those crowns have been simultaneous, and they might make it eight in a row this year.

They lead the race with 58 points after 23 games, meaning they will be crowned if they secure wins in the remaining five games, even if their closest challengers, Orlando Pirates, don't drop points.

Bucs have had one of their best campaigns in South African top-flight football in recent times.

However, they were eliminated from the Caf Champions League after narrowly falling to Pyramids at the semi-final stage.

Mamelodi Sundowns defied the odds to get past Al Ahly and make the final hurdle.

Pirates' former midfielder Benedict 'Tso' Vilakazi is convinced the Buccaneers will give their best and beat Masandawana to the title.

"Pirates have what it takes to win this league. It's still open for them. They've gained massive experience in the Champions League and I see them winning all their remaining games,'' he told Sowetan.

"On the other hand, I fear Sundowns will slip up...I mean, they don't look dangerous these days. Even against Al Ahly [in the Champions League semifinals second leg in Cairo last Friday] they had to rely on an own goal to reach the final. So, I really think they will drop points and Pirates will catch them.

"Pirates will use the Champions League heartache as a motivation to now win the league at all costs. Remember, before losing to Pyramids, they were unbeaten in the Champions League, so they can repeat that in the league," Vilakazi concluded.

Coach Miguel Cardoso hopes to win his first Premier Soccer League title in Mzansi and then follow that up with continental glory.

However, Jose Riveiro, who is leaving at the end of the season, will push his players to make history and win him an elusive league title as a parting gift.