Benni McCarthy Picks Favourite to Win Betway Premiership Between Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates

• Benni McCarthy has shared his thoughts on the Betway Premiership title race between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates
• The South African football legend also named the team that he thinks would end up winning the league this season among the two
• The former Orlando Pirates striker went further to highlight the Sea Robbers' major challenge of not winning the title in 14 years

Former Cape Town City head coach Benni McCarthy has predicted the team that would win the Betway Premiership this season as the title race intensifies between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Sundowns have won the last eight league titles in the Premier Soccer League, and are on course to make it nine consecutive seasons this campaign, with the Sea Robbers trying to stop them.

With just seven fixtures remaining in the 2025/26 campaign for the Brazilians and six for the Bucs, the championship race has effectively boiled down to two contenders.

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Sundowns sit slightly ahead on 56 points, with the Soweto-based club close behind on 55, setting up a tense and unpredictable finish.

McCarthy backs former club to win league

Even with Sundowns holding the advantage, McCarthy, now managing the Kenyan national team, feels Pirates possess the quality and mentality to win the Betway Premiership this season.

“I’ve had the chance to watch Pirates on several occasions this season, and they’ve recruited really well,” McCarthy said in an interview with KickOff. “They’ve added players who are motivated and eager to succeed.”

The Bafana Bafana legend pointed to the squad’s determination as a crucial weapon in their pursuit of the title, especially when going up against a well-funded Sundowns side.

“They show real fight, and that’s essential. You need players willing to battle for results,” he noted. “Sundowns have invested heavily to assemble top talent, but Pirates are demonstrating resilience and hunger, which are just as important.”

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According to the South African tactician, that grit could provide the decisive advantage needed to push Sundowns all the way, and potentially secure the championship.

McCarthy identifies Orlando Pirates' major challenge

Despite his optimism, McCarthy acknowledged the mental challenge facing Orlando Pirates, who have not lifted the league trophy since 2012. He stressed that ending such a prolonged drought is no easy task, particularly against a team as experienced as Sundowns.

“Sundowns are used to winning the league, it’s second nature to them. They understand the pressure and know how to manage situations like this,” he explained.

“For Pirates, it’s been around 13 years without a title. Handling these high-pressure moments won’t come naturally anymore, which makes the task tougher. But if they manage to pull it off, it would be a massive boost for South African football.”

Ex-Pirates star dreams of coaching Chiefs

Briefly News earlier reported that a former Orlando Pirates forward harbours aspirations of coaching Kaizer Chiefs in the future.

The former Bafana Bafana star also mentioned an English Premier League giant as one of the clubs he dreams of managing in the future.

Source: Briefly News