Legend confident Pirates can end Sundowns’ league monopoly

After clinching the second spot last season, legend Teboho Moloi is pushing Orlando Pirates to end Mamelodi Sundowns’ monopoly in the league.

Currently camping in Europe, Pirates will pose a serious threat to their domestic rivals in the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season.

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Under coach Jose Riveiro and in his debut campaign in the South African top flight, the Soweto giants defied the odds and scooped the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup trophies.

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LEGEND: PIRATES CAN END SUNDOWNS’ LEAGUE DOMINANCE

The retired midfielder and former Pirates assistant coach, Moloi predicts a challenging season in the African continent for the Buccaneers but says they have a chance to win the league.

The Soweto giants finished 16 points behind Masandawana in the league but Moloi is upbeat they can put up a strong fight to end Sundowns’ dominance.

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Sundowns have clinched the title for six consecutive seasons, meaning there is no other PSL team that has lifted the crown since the arrival of DStv as a league sponsor in 2020 taking over from Absa.

“Riveiro did well in his debut season with Pirates, but all that will be forgotten if the team doesn’t push seriously for the league title in the coming season,” Moloi said per TimesLIVE.

“There will be no excuse to not challenge for the league title, but I think it will be too much to expect them to also do well in the Champions League.”

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Following an impressive debut campaign with Pirates, Moloi is unsure if Pirates can do well in the tournament as Riveiro is not experienced in continental football.

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At the same time, he takes a look at the Spaniard’s squad, saying he did well but having inexperienced players might count against Pirates.

“There are a lot of things to consider when playing in the Champions League,” Moloi added.

“The travelling alone can be a big shock to a lot of players; playing two to three matches a week will take its toll on most. Coaches at Pirates, including Riveiro, will make their debut in the Champions League.

“All these factors must be considered before anyone can think Pirates can immediately make the sort of impact Sundowns have been making in the Champions League. It takes a lot of consistency to understand the Champions League.”