Mngqithi Predicts “Surprises” In A Tight PSL Title Race
Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes this year’s league title race will be full of surprises, a welcome change from the usual lack of competition.
He finds it “boring when the league has no contest,” and the start of the season promises otherwise.
For the past eight years, Mamelodi Sundowns have dominated the league. While Orlando Pirates have attempted to challenge them in the last three seasons, they have ultimately fallen short.
This season, however, has seen a resurgence from Kaizer Chiefs. They are currently joint-top of the Betway Premiership table with 13 points from five matches, level with Sekhukhune United, who hold the top spot on goal difference.
Impressively, the Chiefs, who narrowly lost the 2019/20 league title to Sundowns in the final minutes, have yet to concede a goal this season.
They showcased their strong form with a goalless draw against Sundowns at FNB Stadium last week, a significant improvement from previous encounters where they were often easily defeated.
Meanwhile, Sundowns are in third place, two points behind Sekhukhune and Chiefs. With the way the season is unfolding, it seems the PSL won’t be a one-horse race this time.
Pirates, who brought in a new coach during the offseason, appear to be back on track, having won their last four matches, including three league games, to move up to fifth place.
“Personally, I’m impressed with how the league looks,” said Mngqithi, whose side lost to the Chiefs at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
“I like competition, I like a contest, I like each and every coach to dig a little bit deeper to try and transform his team so that we can see the improvement of the players and the team.”
“When there is no clear front runner, I think it makes the contest a little bit interesting. Personally, I’m very impressed. I think this one can come with a lot of surprises in the end. I like it like this.”
When the season resumes after the FIFA international break, the Chiefs will face Sekhukhune United in a top-of-the-table clash at FNB Stadium on 16 September.
It is expected to be a tactical battle between the two sides.
