Former Orlando Pirates winger Daine Klate has shared his thoughts on
whether the Buccaneers can establish a period of long-term dominance in the
PSL, should they finally end their long wait for the Betway Premiership
title this season.
Despite being the most successful side in domestic cup competitions
recently, winning five trophies under Jose Riveiro and two more this season
under Abdeslam Ouaddou, the league title has remained elusive. Now, sitting
top at Christmas for the first time since 2004, the question is whether
Pirates can take over as the league’s dominant force.
Klate, however, believes the immediate goal is sustained competition, not
outright supremacy. “I don’t think they are going to be dominant over
Sundowns as such,” Klate told PSLSA. “But I’m happy that they are competing
with Sundowns now. They are on Sundowns’ level at the moment, and that’s all
one could ask for.”
He emphasized the need for a tighter title race after years of Mamelodi
Sundowns’ runaway success. “For the past eight seasons, there has not been
any competition for Sundowns. They have won the league without any
competition… We wanna see the league go down to the wire.”
While acknowledging Sundowns will push hard, Klate pointed to Pirates’
strong squad depth as a key advantage. “I think Pirates have the advantage
of nine players in the national team… They are doing well.”
Looking at the bigger picture, Klate believes a competitive trio at the top
would elevate the local game. “I would like to see Chiefs coming into that
mix,” he added. “And once Chiefs get into that mix, South African football
is gonna go to another level.”
Pirates currently hold a two-point lead over Sundowns at the summit of the
Betway Premiership, with a game in hand.
