Khanye: I'm still giving the title to Sundowns

Football analyst Junior Khanye is not ready to take his foot off the accelerator in relation to his prediction, maintaining that Mamelodi Sundowns are still primed to defend their Betway Premiership crown.

Having finished their domestic season, Sundowns' chances of winning the league title appear slim, having handed the advantage to Orlando Pirates after a 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy FC midweek.

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They are on 68 points, while Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men have collected 65. It means having to rely on Bucs dropping points, first against Durban City at the Orlando Amstel Arena Saturday (15:00), and then against Orbit College FC next weekend.

"I'm not gonna change what I said before, Sundowns can still win the league this season," says Khanye, in conversation with KickOff.

"Yes, Pirates have an advantage, but Pirates can surprise you and draw against Durban City. They are playing against a Durban City FC team that is fighting for a Top Eight spot.

"Yes, Pirates deserve the Team of the Season award, their coach Abdeslam Ouaddou deserves the Coach of the Season, he's done better than Jose Riveiro.

"Sundowns' schedule is very difficult. What their coach Miguel Cardoso is saying is not an excuse, they are playing every three days or so. It's rare to see Sundowns sitting seven days without playing.

“But still, they've reached the Champions League final when there was no one giving them a chance. I believe they can win the Champions League.

"They lost to TS Galaxy because of their busy schedule. In the Kaizer Chiefs game, the referee was the Man of the Match for me. (Siphesihle) Ndlovu was supposed to be given a red card,” he adds.

Khanye believes how this season panned out will serve as a wake-up call to the Tshwane giants going forward.

“Pirates really pushed them. They are currently the best attacking team in South Africa, hence their games are sold out everywhere they play. There are games whereby I felt Sundowns didn't do more.

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“But I'm still saying, Sundowns can defend their title. Pirates can draw against Durban City or lose. And also, remember that once Orbit College lose against Pirates, they are relegated.

“Therefore, I'm still giving the title to Sundowns."