Why Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns Should Be Wary of Kaizer Chiefs in Title Race
- Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have been warned against underestimating Kaizer Chiefs in the title race this season
- The three Premier Soccer League giants have been tipped to win the Betway Premiership this campaign, ahead of other teams
- A football analyst opened up to Briefly News about the reason the Brazilians and the Buccaneers need to be wary of the Glamour Boys
Kaizer Chiefs were named among the favourites to win the Betway Premiership title at the beginning of the season, but were ranked behind Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
Source: Twitter
The Glamour Boys performance last season in the league under the guidance of former coach Nasreddine Nabi led to so many Premier Soccer League not agreeing with the favourite tag placed on the Soweto giants, but since they've let go of the Tunisian tactician, they've constantly shown consistency in their in every game, blending experience and youthful energy in their squad to secure crucial wins.
Since the start of 2026, Kaizer Chiefs have won all four of their matches with a 1-0 margin, and are third on the league standings, two points behind the Brazilians and the Sea Robbers, who are both on 32 points, with the Bucs playing one game less.
In their first game this year in the league, they defeated Lamontville Golden Arrows, and followed it up with a win against Marumo Gallants at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
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Why Sundowns and Pirates should fear Chiefs
Football analyst, Uche Anuma, while in a chat with Briefly News, explained why Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates should be wary of the new Kaizer Chiefs under their two co-coaches, Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef.
"Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns cannot afford to underestimate Kaizer Chiefs, as the Amakhosi’s tactical discipline and attacking prowess since Nasreddine Nabi left have made them a formidable opponent," he said.
"With key players like Glody Lilepo, Aden McCarthy, Brandon Peterson, Lebo Maboe and others in form and a clear strategy on and off the ball, the Glamour Boys are capable of turning tight matches in their favour, potentially altering the title race if they are not taken seriously this early.
"For Pirates and Sundowns, staying alert and maintaining consistency in winning their games will be crucial if they hope to fend off Kaizer Chiefs’ challenge and remain on track for PSL glory this season."
Team to beat this season
Anuma went on to share his thoughts on the team to beat and clear favourites among the three clubs in the Betway Premiership this season.
"Kaizer Chiefs might have been putting in consistent work and also Orlando Pirates dominating the domestic competition after being knocked out of the CAF Champions League, Mamelodi Sundowns still edge both Soweto-based clubs in terms of clear favourites and the team to beat," he added.
"I love how the management of Sundowns quickly noticed that they needed to recruit players in the winter transfer window, which has helped them since the start of the second half of the season.
"Winning eight consecutive league titles is no joke, with loads of experienced players still in the team, the Brazilians are still the number one favourites to win the Betway Premiership this season."
Source: Getty Images
Chiefs, Pirates, Sundowns battle for SA forward
Briefly News also reported that Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are in a transfer battle as they are all interested in snapping up a South African forward.
The three PSL giants were said to be looking for the possibility of signing the winger before the winter transfer window closes.
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Source: Briefly News
