Will Pirates Dethrone Sundowns? Nyirenda shares thoughts | OneFootball

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Nyirenda weighs in on whether Pirates can topple Sundowns

SABC

Former PSL coach Wedson Nyirenda has given his verdict on whether Orlando Pirates can finally topple Mamelodi Sundowns and win the league title, with the club’s last league glory dating back to the 2011/12 season.

The two teams opened their Betway Premiership campaign with disappointing results as the Brazilians were held to a 1-1 draw by Chippa United, while the Buccaneers suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sekhukhune United on Saturday.

Bucs’ defeat comes in a season where the club is aiming for loftier ambitions, having made several statement signings to bolster their squad after finishing as runners-up to Sundowns for three consecutive seasons.

However, the Zambian tactician, who won the 2018 Telkom Knockout with Baroka FC at the expense of Pirates, says signing a lot of players doesn’t necessarily translate into winning or competing for the league, stressing the importance of new arrivals being able to gel with the rest of the team.

“Orlando Pirates signing a lot of players is one thing and it is yet another thing to bring those players together and it is a new coach altogether. So, it takes a lot of work to blend the team and start picking up results,” said Nyirenda in an exclusive interview with Africa Foot.

“With some patches, it works within a short period of time, depending on how quick the players adapt to your tactics and philosophy. But be careful with players that have entitlement mentality, players who think they are bigger than other players.

On the other hand, Nyirenda believes knocking Sundowns off their perch will take some great effort from the rest of the teams in the South African topflight division. Masandawana have won a record extending eight consecutive championships to date.

“Sundowns have a flowing team in place. They have been together for some time and what holds them together is the scouting and the recruitment system. I think their timing, choice and system of player acquisition and release are by far very competitive,” he added.

“For Sundowns to be toppled will take some great resolve from the other competing clubs in the Betway Premiership.

The last team to win the league in South Africa is the now-defunct Bidvest Wits, who clinched the title during the 2016/17 season under coach Gavin Hunt. In a season that promises to be entertaining, it remains to be seen whether Downs can be halted.