Why Mamelodi Sundowns Might Not Retain the Betway Premiership Title This Season
- Mamelodi Sundowns are still one of the favourites to win the Betway Premiership despite a poor start this season, while rating them by their standard
- The Brazilians dropped points in their mouthwatering clash against Orlando Pirates over the weekend
- A sports journalist in an exclusive interview with Briefly News explained why the Pretorian giants might find it hard to defend their title this season
Mamelodi Sundowns missed out on the chance to extend their lead in the Betway Premiership table after dropping points against Orlando Pirates this weekend.
The Brazilians have won the last eight South African league titles and are hoping to make it a ninth successive season this campaign.
Source: Getty Images
Miguel Cardoso's side has started the season poorly, but is still at the top of the league table; however, it could lose that position if Pirates play their outstanding matches and win.
A sports journalist has explained why Masandawana might find it hard to retain the Betway Premiership this season.
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Why Sundowns' title defence looks uncertain
Football analyst Uche Anuma, in an exclusive interview with Briefly News, suggested that Sundowns might lose the Betway Premiership title this season.
"Mamelodi Sundowns are not looking as strong as they were last season in the league, and could lose the title to either Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs if they are not careful," he said.
"It is glaring that the Brazilians are missing a top player like Lucas Ribeiro this season and are not killing off games in the league to show their dominance like last season.
"The addition of Nuno Santos and Miguel Reisinho are good, but it came late, as they should've made those transfers before the start of the season."
Source: Getty Images
Anuma also explained how the rise of Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, who are also named as favourites, could cost Sundowns their chances of retaining the league title.
"It has been evident this season that both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have improved compared to last season, especially Pirates," he added.
"If you watched the game closely on Saturday, you would have seen that Sundowns were lucky to end the game with a point, as the Soweto giants were the better side for most of the game.
"Against Kaizer Chiefs earlier this season, when they played a goalless draw, they would have lost that encounter as well if Amakhosi had converted their chances in the match."
What's next for Mamelodi Sundowns?
Mamelodi Sundowns are still on top of the league, three points ahead of Orlando Pirates, who have two games in hand. This means their top position could be overturned if the Soweto giants get all six points in their outstanding matches.
The Brazilians will hope to keep up the momentum when they compete in the CAF Champions League and also have a chance to win the Nedbank Cup after missing out last season.
Cardoso speaks on title race
Briefly News also reported that Miguel Cardoso commented on the title race in the Betway Premiership after Mamelodi Sundowns dropped points against Orlando Pirates.
The Portuguese manager led the Brazilians to their eighth successive league title last season.
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Source: Briefly News
