Mamelodi Sundowns sporting director Flemming Berg makes bold claim about the standard of football in South Africa - 'PSL in same level with Belgium's second tier'

Mamelodi Sundowns' Sporting Director, Flemming Berg, has confidently compared the standard of football in South Africa to that of the lower division in Belgium.

Although South Africa’s Premier Soccer League is arguably amongst the richest football competitions in Africa and the entire world, the Masandawana official holds a different view. 

Berg, who spent seven years at English Premier League powerhouse Chelsea FC as an international scout, suggests that the quality of the PSL is comparable to Belgium's Challenger Pro League.

"The second league in Belgium, sorry to the PSL guys, but it is as high as the level of the PSL," Berg said at the Business Of Football Conference.

"You may not know that, but it is, especially on the technical side. Very, very strong level and tactical side, very strong." 

Berg joined Sundowns in April 2022 after holding the position of Head of Elite Football Development at the Danish Football Association. 

Upon his arrival at the Tshwane giants, he brought in players like Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Arthur Sales from the Challenger Pro League, which he compared to the PSL.

Berg has faced significant criticism lately after Rhulani Mokwena's exit, with numerous allegations that he was recruiting players without the coach's consent.

Sundowns have been performing impressively in the league, with certain players recruited by Berg, such as Ribeiro, making significant contributions to the team's success.

Masandawana are set to face off against Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout final scheduled for Saturday, November 23 at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.