Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi feels his side will have the edge on Orlando Pirates this season.
Both teams are competing in the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League, as well as all of the local cup competitions.
But while Sundowns have a squad capable of competing on all fronts, Pirates are potentially short in quality, admits Mngqithi, despite admitting that the Buccaneers do pose a threat to their title chase.
Both teams have kicked off their campaigns with perfect league starts, while Pirates have won silverware already this season in the MTN8.
But Jose Riveiro’s side came unstuck in their Carling Knockout Cup as they rotated their side and lost to newly-promoted Magesi as Downs thrashed Golden Arrows 5-0.
Mngqithi said on FARPost: “I think I said it from the beginning in the launch that for me they are the team that’s going to be really pushing us.
“I hope and pray they do have the depth to carry themselves during the group stages and the league because I think that’s where the separation will take place because I do believe they are a very good team.
“They tried to rotate the squad, unfortunately it did not work out very well in the Carling. But honestly speaking I think they are a team that will really pose a lot of problems.”
The Downs boss added that he also felt Pirates were susceptible to the smaller league teams, and that could be their downfall.
“But I still maintain that they are a team that doesn’t do well against small teams. So far, they have really done well but let’s continue and see because that’s where I think maybe the championship will be decided,” he explained.