Mngqithi questions Orlando Pirates' resolve to challenge for PSL crown - 'Bucs' rotation backfired & they don't do well against smaller teams'

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates both have a 100 percent winning record in the 2024/25 Premier Soccer League race.

The defending champions are aiming at winning their eighth successive crown while the Soweto giants are aiming at winning their first league title since the 2011/12 season, despite all their recent success in domestic cup competitions.

Jose Riveiro started the season well and registered an 11-match unbeaten run across all competitions. However, he made a few changes in the Carling Knockout's Round of 16 which ended in a 3-2 loss to newly promoted Magesi FC.

Nevertheless, the Sea Robbers bounced back on Tuesday with a hard-fought 2-0 win over SuperSport United.

Pirates are in the Caf Champions League and face a tough group against Algeria's CR Belouizdad, the mighty Egyptian side Al Ahly and Ivorian powerhouses Stade d'Abidjan.

After falling in the Carling Knockout Cup, Sundowns' Mngqithi now has doubts whether the Bucs can handle two tough competitions.

"I think I said it from the beginning in the launch that for me they are the team that’s going to be really pushing us," he said after his side's win over Royal AM.

"I hope and pray they do have the depth to carry themselves during the group stages and the league because I think that’s where the separation will take place because I do believe they are a very good team.

"They tried to rotate the squad, unfortunately, it did not work out very well in the Carling. But honestly speaking I think they are a team that will really pose a lot of problems.

"But I still maintain that they are a team that doesn’t do well against small teams. So far, they have really done well but let’s continue and see because that’s where I think maybe the championship will be decided," Mngqithi concluded.

Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has a massive task to help the Sea Robbers end their long Premier Soccer League drought, while maintaining a challenge on the continent against tough opponents.

As for Mngqithi, he will be focused on winning the elusive second Caf Champions League crown for the club as well as defending the PSL title they won with a record points haul under previous coach Rhulani Mokwena.