Hunt: Pirates Has A Big Chance To Win The League
Recently sacked Durban City coach Gavin Hunt has tipped Orlando Pirates to make the title race tough for Mamelodi Sundowns this season, saying the Buccaneers now have major impact players compared to previous years.
Hunt, who was dismissed by City on Monday, added that Pirates’ absence from the CAF Champions League is also a big advantage, as it allows them to fully focus on the Betway Premiership — a title they have not won since the 2011/12 season.
Hunt’s short stint ended after Pirates beat City 2-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium last Saturday.
That win lifted Pirates to the top of the Betway Premiership with 28 points after 12 matches, two points ahead of second-placed Sundowns, who have played a game more following their draw against Siwelele on Wednesday.
“If you look at the squad they had over the last three years and compare it to what they have now, I think they’ve got real impact players, which makes a difference,” Hunt said.
“You look at the squad they’re bringing on… Pirates being out of Africa — my friend, you have no idea if you’ve been there. Not playing in Africa is a big plus with the squad they have. They brought in Oswin Appollis and players like him; they make a huge impact on the game. These are some of the best players in the country, sitting on the bench!
“I think that’s the difference with this squad. They have tremendous pace and speed, which hurts teams, and that’s what sets them apart.
“I’m not saying who is going to win the league, but I think their squad is very strong.”
While Pirates crashed out of the Champions League in the second preliminary round to Éloi Lupopo, Sundowns — as expected from the giants of African football — reached the group stages.
Sundowns have won the league for eight consecutive seasons, even while going deep in the Champions League, just as they did last season when they reached the final.
“I think for Sundowns it’s very difficult because their focus has always been more on the Champions League,” Hunt added.
“Certainly, it will be closer than it has been in the last few years.”
Hunt reiterated that if his former club Bidvest Wits — which ceased to exist in 2020 — were still around, they would have won another league title after he guided them to the 2016/17 championship, the last time a club other than Sundowns won the league.
“If we were still here, we would have won the league. Anyway, another story — Wits.”
