Has Orlando Pirates' time finally come as league glory beckons?
Orlando Pirates lead the Betway Premiership standings, challenging Mamelodi Sundowns’ eight-year title reign despite Sundowns’ superior squad depth and valuation. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
As Orlando Pirates top the Betway Premiership standings heading into the festive break, the question arises: Has their time finally come to usurp the Mamelodi Sundowns throne?
Sundowns have won the last eight league titles in a row, and with their status as the richest club not just in South Africa but on the entire continent, it’s difficult to see how any club in Mzansi can eclipse the Brazilians.
But Pirates are doing it. So far.
Pirates stand proud at the summit of the league table after 12 games, two points ahead with a game in hand over Sundowns.
Pirates Favoured for Title, But Sundowns’ Squad Depth Poses Major Challenge
All the signs point to Pirates being the favourites to win the title, but the league is a marathon, not a sprint, and that is where the true quality of a side will prove invaluable.
If we’re talking value though, the Sundowns squad is currently valued at around R656 million. Compare that to the R437 million of Pirates, and you begin to appreciate what the Soweto Giants are really up against.
Former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs player Shaun Bartlett recently spoke about the depth of Sundowns.
“Sundowns have an unbelievable squad; not just 11 players, they have 30 to 40 players that can go at any time and perform, so I think that is the biggest challenge for Orlando Pirates to either match or do better than those players at Sundowns,” Bartlett told IOL.
As the attention turns to Bafana over December as they begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco, Pirates will have plenty of time to ponder the significance of how close to creating a piece of history they are.
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
** JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Send us an email with your comments, thoughts or responses to iolletters@inl.co.za. Letters should be a maximum of 500 words, and may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Submissions should include a contact number and physical address (not for publication).