Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi predicted Orlando Pirates would challenge his team for the league title, but said Bucs' "tendency to lose against small teams" will give them the edge.
''I think Orlando Pirates are our main rivals this season because they have enough depth and quality, but they tend to lose against small teams, and the league is won by winning the 'small' games,'' Mngqithi said.
Sundowns will be gunning for their eighth title on the trot in the 2024-25 Betway Premiership that kicks off this weekend. Betway's late replacement of DStv as sponsor in the off-season, after the pay channel withdrew from its contract a year early, is among the reasons for the late kickoff of the league. With the club's immense resources and his excellent squad, Mngqithi is confident of another league victory.
I am confident that our team is fully equipped to secure victory in the upcoming match. We have proven ourselves in the DStv and now it's time to do the same in Betway. It is our responsibility to win, especially with all the resources at our disposal. Despite not reaching the MTN8 final, there is no reason to panic as this has always been a challenging competition for us.
Even when we won the Champions League [in 2016], the only cup we did not win was the MTN8. We have a responsibility to fight to win the championship,'' Mngqithi said.
Despite the criticism he's been subjected to after their MTN8 semifinal elimination, Mngqithi responded: "You always need to turn away from the crowd when you lead the orchestra."
Sundowns face Swazi side Mbabane Swallows at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday in the second preliminary round of the Caf Champions League.
On September 17, they face SuperSport United at the same venue to kick off their 2024-25 Premiership campaign.
Despite winning the Champions League in 2016, the only cup we didn't win was the MTN8. We have a responsibility to fight for the championship,'' Mngqithi said.
Mngqithi responded to criticism he'd received after their MTN8 semifinal elimination, saying: "When you're leading the orchestra, turn away from the crowd. It's always important."
At Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, Sundowns will face Swazi side Mbabane Swallows in the second preliminary round of the Caf Champions League.
On September 17, they kick off their 2024-25 Premiership campaign against SuperSport United.
