Manqoba Mngqithi has shared his thoughts on the ongoing Betway Premiership title race, insisting that the battle between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates is unlikely to be decided on the final day of the season.
Pirates have recently strengthened their push for the title with two dominant victories, including a 6-0 win over TS Galaxy and a heavy 5-0 triumph against Golden Arrows. These results have seen them close the gap on Sundowns to just two points, keeping the pressure firmly on the defending champions as the season enters its crucial stages.
Despite the excitement surrounding the tight race, Mngqithi believes that one of the teams could fall behind before the final round of matches. With seven games still to be played and 21 points available, he stressed that there is still a lot of football left and many possible twists before the title is decided.
The Arrows coach also highlighted how unusual this season has been compared to previous campaigns. Typically, one team would have already built a significant lead of over 10 points by this stage, making the title race more predictable. However, this time around, the competition has remained open, largely due to Pirates’ consistency and determination to challenge Sundowns at the top.
Mngqithi admitted that he has enjoyed the competitiveness Pirates have brought into the league, saying it has made the title race more exciting for fans across South Africa. He pointed out that the pressure Pirates are putting on Sundowns has added a new level of intensity to the championship, which is not often seen in recent seasons.
While Sundowns remain strong, especially with their impressive winning streak and involvement in the CAF Champions League, the added pressure could still influence the outcome. Mngqithi remains eager to see how the situation unfolds, as both teams continue to fight for the top spot in what is shaping up to be a thrilling conclusion to the season.