Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has openly acknowledged that Orlando Pirates have assembled one of the most formidable and deep squads in the Betway Premiership. Following the third encounter between the two giants this season, the Portuguese coach confidently stated that the Sea Robbers are noticeably stronger than they were last season.
Praise for Squad Depth
Reflecting on the recent 1-1 draw, Cardoso noted that the difference was not just in the level of football played, but in the unprecedented depth the Buccaneers now possess across all positions.
Cardoso, though new to the South African league, quickly spotted a key evolution in the Pirates setup. He told the media that the team is now “much more balanced” than in the past, emphasizing their ability to maintain high pressure even when making substitutions.
“Now they can change players and still keep a lot of pressure on opponents with the quality they bring from the bench.”
The coach revealed his surprise after asking his analysts to detail the entire Pirates squad. He pointed out that several players who were key starters and match-winners last season are now beginning games on the bench, highlighting the fierce internal competition.
“You look at players who were key last season, the second striker [Patrick Maswanganyi], [Thalente] Mbatha, [Deano] Van Rooyen, and now they’re not playing,” Cardoso said. “Even Rele [Relebohile Mofokeng], one of their best players last season, is not playing. That tells you how strong this team has become.”
A Dangerous Roster Built for the Long Haul
Cardoso acknowledged that in their recent match, the Pirates squad led by coach Abdeslam Ouaddou (who took over from Jose Riveiro earlier this year) was missing some of its usual dynamic flair. He noted that players like Maswanganyi and Sipho Mbule had to cover for absences, and while they worked hard, they couldn’t exploit space as effectively as absent regulars like Mofokeng or Sebelebele (likely referring to Kamogelo Sebelebele).
In Cardoso’s estimation, the Buccaneers are “stacked, dangerous, and built to fight on every front,” a clear sign that Sundowns faces serious competition this season.
As of the current standings, Orlando Pirates trail Mamelodi Sundowns by three points at the top of the league, but significantly, they hold two games in hand, meaning they could potentially leapfrog the defending champions.
