Pirates v Sundowns: Photo Credit: Mamelodi Sundowns Media
South Africa’s veteran coach Farouk Khan has explained why Mamelodi Sundowns remain the Betway Premiership title favourites despite Orlando Pirates’ improvements this season.
Khan told Pan-Africa Football that Pirates have closed the gap with Sundowns but the latter still has enough depth and quality to defend the domestic title for the seventh consecutive season.
“Yes, Sundowns are, definitely, still favourites even though they have made a coaching and technical department change,” he said when asked for his expert opinion of the league race this season."
The Pretoria-based giants recently shook up the coaching set up, bringing in Miguel Cardoso to replace Mangoba Mngqithi in a response to the team’s slow and indifferent performance at home and in Africa.
Despite such changes, the Stars of Africa Academy owner believes Sundowns still have the depth and quality to retain the domestic championship.
“The quality they have in-depth is second to none in the Premiership,” he added.
The former Kaizer Chiefs coach acknowledged the strides Pirates have made in the domestic league and CAF Champions League after reaching the group stages unbeaten and with a game to spare.
“As for Pirates, they have made significant strides in improving the squad over the past few seasons, by signing the right players for their respective Game Model. They have also introduced some exciting young players,” he explained.
The ex-Kaizer Chiefs mentor praised Pirates coach Jose Riveiro for turning around the Buccaneers’ fortunes.
“The leadership of their technical has managed to get the right balance and mentality as well as discipline and team spirit. They have closed the gap but are not yet there,” Khan said.
Khan has been Stars of Africa Football Academy director since 2003 after opting to groom the next generation of players instead of working for top teams.
The veteran trainer boasts coaching experience of over 30 years and has worked in several capacities as a head coach and an assistant coach at other PSL clubs such as Engen Santos and Sundowns.
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