Bookies make Orlando Pirates favourites to end Sundowns PSL reign

Orlando Pirates have been backed to be the squad that finally dethrones Mamelodi Sundowns as the PSL champions by the bookmakers.

Orlando Pirates are cooking something special

Sundowns have once again been installed as the clear favourites.

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However, Orlando Pirates have some hope of upsetting the recent trends.

Coming in just behind Orlando Pirates are their fierce rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

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SuperSport United and Cape Town City are also considered to be top contenders.

Sundowns have won the last six premiership titles and have been the dominant force in South Africa football this decade.

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However, it seems that something is happening at Mayfair.

Former Orlando Pirates left-back Innocent Chikoya believes that this could be a great season for the Soweto Giants.

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He feels that the transfer window and pre-season all point to Orlando Pirates having a great campaign.

He has faith in Riveiro’s ability to continue to make progress with his squad.

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“Pirates are cooking something big. They are cooking something special for the season ahead,” Chikoya said, according to Goal.com.

“From my point of view they have made good signings and they have done very well in the off-season. The most important part of the whole process is that they have kept the core of the team from last season.

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“This will make it easy for the new players to gel and fit in with the rest of the team. This is very good for continuity.

“They have a squad which is capable of defending the trophies they won last season. They can go all the way and win the league as well and do well in Africa.

“That’s why I am saying they are cooking something big. The technical team knows what to do and that’s why they had a good pre-season training both in Spain and locally.”

A solid preseason

Ahead of them is a season where they will hope to compete well in the Caf Champions League alongside their domestic commitments which will test their depth.