Ernst Middendorp on the Betway Premiership title race: Orlando Pirates must forget because Mamelodi Sundowns will not fail to defend their title

Ernst Middendorp has ruled out Orlando Pirates from winning the Betway Premiership.

The former Kaizer Chiefs, Maritzburg United and Moroka Swallows coach said Mamelodi Sundowns will successfully defend their title.

“It will be interesting to see how it will end, but from my side, Sundowns, if you ask me, I will say it now directly, it’s again Sundowns to win the league,” Middendorp said on the Car Wash 2.0 podcast.

“You have to win games against Durban City FC away Sundowns did so, because they are in a good run. You have to win it, you have to manage it, even with 1-0 wins. If you do that, then you are fine.”

The German-born coach highlighted that the 1-1 draw Pirates played against Siwelele FC was detrimental to their challenge for the title.

“You cannot draw with Siwelele FC at home and hope you win the championship. It’s not possible,” he added.

“I think it’s all about team management at Sundowns, options inside the squad. In my opinion, the only playing position they are not competitive in is goalkeeping. If Ronwen Williams gets injured, they would be in a very disastrous situation, in the national team Bafana Bafana, probably the same.

“But the rest, there are so many options. Defending, system, formation, options to react, impact from the bench. Even to take four or five players out, with a squad like this, it’s very clear.”