Former Mamelodi Sundowns slayer Thulasizwe Mbuyane has revealed where he thinks his ex-team Orlando Pirates will have an edge over The Brazilians in next season's league title race.
Sundowns have won seven league titles on the trot, and with DStv said to be in the process of ending their relationship with the PSL, will be keeping the trophy in their cabinet without any other club having won the league under the banner of DStv Premiership.
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For the most part, Pirates have been 'always a bridesmaid, never a bride', notably finishing as runners-up in the last two seasons. For all their venom in cup competitions, having won a cup double in two successive seasons (2022/23 and 2023/24), the Soweto giants have flattered to deceive when it comes to the most prestigious prize in domestic football.
Hope springs eternal among the Ghost, however, going into next term, with the club having gone into the market to bolster the team for an all-out assault.
This is where the man affectionately known as 'Juju' feels his former side could hold all the aces in pursuit of their first league title since 2011/12.
"Look, the signings they've made so far were in preparation for the upcoming season, with the hope that they will eventually win the league. As much as Jose Riveiro has been winning cup competitions, the bigger picture is the league. Now, they have been signing players that will fit in very well at the club," states Mbuyane.
I'm happy because these are the departments I wanted them to fix. I think this season they will compete for the league."
The Mamelodi-born former marksman says Sundowns are not to be taken for granted, however, despite all the changes that have taken place at the club both on the bench and in playing personnel.
"Sundowns still have the same team. Yes, Rulani [Mokwena] is gone, but Manqoba [Mngqithi] has been there for a while, plus now they also have the experience of Steve Komphela. But it's just that the signings that Orlando Pirates have made give them the advantage," he says.
"As much as the coach [Mngqithi] knows the team, there's an adaptation process that needs to take place. He won't change everything because he's been there, he's a veteran, a good coach. So, it's no train smash. A few players might have left, but Sundowns still have a team. They are a big team, make no mistake."
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Asked which of Bucs' new signings raise his testosterone levels ahead of what promises to be an exhilarating campaign, Mbuyane points at a massive acquisition as being one to watch.
"I like this foreigner who was playing in Angola [Gilberto]. I'm looking forward to seeing him playing in South Africa. He's a very good player."