Eric Tinkler is pleased that the PSL teams have raised their standards in order to compete and end Mamelodi Sundowns' dominance in the PSL

Eric Tinkler believes the standard raised by PSL teams in challenging Mamelodi Sundowns is commendable.

For the past seven seasons, Sundowns have been dominating the PSL with no team challenging them.

By this time of the season, the halfway mark, the Brazilians are known to have been on top of the Betway Premiership table with more than a 10 point gap.

But this has not been the case this season as Orlando Pirates are currently on top of the standings.

Also PSL sides such as Sekhukhune United, Kaizer Chiefs, AmaZulu and TS Galaxy have also been impressive in the PSL that the point difference among those teams is minimal.

“But as I said, what’s important here is that other clubs have raised the bar,” said Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler.

“Pirates have raised the bar, and we Sekhukhune are currently raising it. Kaizer Chiefs are performing much better than in previous seasons, and AmaZulu are having an outstanding season with a young squad. Galaxy have also got a lot better. There are going to be teams taking points away from Sundowns, so I don’t see that gap getting massive.

“A few weeks ago, the gap between ourselves and ninth place was smaller. But the gap from third to ninth has actually grown now. Previously, Sundowns would be nine points ahead of everyone else at this stage, with Pirates perhaps four or five points ahead of the rest. Now, the gap between 13th and 5th is significant, which shows a real improvement in the quality of the teams competing at the top.”