Why Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs cannot compete against Mamelodi Sundowns – 'Do they have a style of play?'

Former Baroka FC coach Kgoloko Thobejane has discussed why Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have struggled to compete against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The tactician has said that Bucs and Amakhosi's inability to go toe-to-toe against Masandawana can only be explained by one thing: play style. 

"Ah, Chiefs and Pirates cannot compete with Sundowns; at Sundowns, they have a style of play," Thobejane told KickOff.com.

"But do Pirates have a style of play? Do Chiefs have a style of play? When Pirates are playing Sekhukhune United, they are playing this way, and when they are playing another club, they are playing that way," he added.

"So, Sundowns, you play against them using the low block, or you use counter-attack... they don't mind. That's football; that's how we compete. Once you change your style of play according to your opponents, then you change who you are.

"You don't have an identity. In fact, all these 15 other clubs in the PSL are doing the same thing. They have no identity."

While specifically discussing Bucs, Thobejane said the club has always been helped by the fact that they have players who can score, nothing else.

"Yes, Pirates, they have bought good players, but which style must these new players adapt to? Pirates, in most games, are helped by the fact that they have players who can score goals," he said. 

Sundowns have established themselves as a big force in the PSL and indeed have been champions for eight consecutive seasons.

Pirates have been trying to compete against the Tshwane giants, finishing second in the last three seasons under Jose Riveiro.

Riveiro left to join Al Ahly, and that means the Sea Robbers are beginning a new era – under Abdeslam Ouaddou – and whether the Moroccan can keep the club even more competitive is a question that only time can answer.  

When Pirates were giving Masandawana the run for their money, Chiefs, on the other hand, were struggling badly. In fact, last season, they finished ninth, and this points to their diminishing fear factor in the league.  

The 2025/26 season opens a new chapter that the Soweto giants can attempt and put an end to what has been a monotonous dominance by Downs.  

Pirates and Chiefs have strengthened their playing units, and whether they brought on board quality players can only be tested by the rigorous campaign ahead.