'People get five, six there...' - Zwane on 'different level' Pirates

AmaZulu FC coach Arthur Zwane has praised Orlando Pirates for their consistency over the years as they appear set to finally wrestle the Betway Premiership title away from Mamelodi Sundowns.

Pirates last won the league title during the 2011/12 season, while Downs have dominated South African football in recent years, winning the league eight consecutive times since the 2017/18 campaign, with the Buccaneers often finishing as runners-up.

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As things stand this season, Pirates occupy second place on the table with two matches remaining, while Sundowns, who sit three points ahead, have already finished their fixtures.

The Sea Robbers will face Durban City FC on Saturday at sold-out Orlando Amstel Arena, and a victory would see them crowned the 2025/26 Betway Premiership champions.

Even if they fail to get the job done on Saturday, Pirates will still have another opportunity in their final match of the campaign against Orbit College FC, placing them in a strong position to finally end their long wait for league glory.

Zwane, a former Pirates winger, believes Durban City will struggle to stop the Soweto giants at the Amstel Arena, highlighting just how dominant Abdeslam Ouaddou's side have been at the venue.

"You would have thought Sundowns would push Orlando Pirates all the way. Yes, they might have, but by the look of things, Pirates might win the league," Zwane shared with the media in Durban.

"Yes, anything might happen, but you know there in Orlando, it's an Arena there, and sometimes we have got to give credit where it's due.

"That place, gentlemen... The people, they go there, they get five, they get six, they get... we got three there, my guy."

The former Kaizer Chiefs coach also praised Pirates for the progress they have made in recent seasons and believes they deserve credit for consistently challenging at the top.

"That team is at a different level at that place, that is why we've got to give credit where it's due.

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"Take that very same team two, three years ago. You could see it coming. They've been knocking and knocking. You understand?

"So, when you look at football, we needed that competition in football. And for them to push the way they pushed, at some point they deserve something.

"They have been number two, number two. They have been coming."