Ernst Middendorp rules out Orlando Pirates league title hopes, backs Sundowns to reign

Veteran tactician Ernst Middendorp has delivered a blunt verdict on the Betway Premiership title race, firmly ruling out Orlando Pirates while tipping Mamelodi Sundowns to retain their crown with authority.

Speaking on the Car Wash 2.0 podcast, the former Kaizer Chiefs and Maritzburg United coach made it clear that, in his view, the title race is already tilting decisively in Sundowns’ favor.

“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 stated confidently.

The German coach pointed to Sundowns’ consistency and ability to grind out results as the defining factor separating them from their rivals. According to him, championship-winning teams are built on resilience—especially in tight matches where style takes a back seat to results.

“You have to win games away from home, like against Durban City FC, and Sundowns did so because they are in a good run,” he explained. “Sometimes it’s about managing games, even winning 1-0. If you can do that regularly, then you are on the right track.”

In contrast, Middendorp was critical of Pirates’ inability to capitalize on key moments, singling out their recent home draw against Siwelele FC as a major setback in their title pursuit.

“You cannot draw with Siwelele FC at home and hope you win the championship. It’s not possible,” he said, underlining the fine margins that define title races.

Beyond results, Middendorp highlighted squad depth and tactical flexibility as Sundowns’ biggest strengths. He praised their ability to rotate players without weakening the team, emphasizing the impact of quality options across the pitch.

“I think it’s all about team management at Sundowns—the options inside the squad,” he noted. “Defensively, tactically, in terms of formation, and even impact from the bench, they have solutions everywhere.”

However, he did identify one potential vulnerability: goalkeeping. Middendorp warned that an injury to Ronwen Williams could expose a critical weakness for both Sundowns and the national team, Bafana Bafana.

“The only position where they are not competitive enough is goalkeeping. If Ronwen Williams gets injured, it could be a disastrous situation,” he cautioned.

Despite that concern, Middendorp remains convinced that Sundowns’ overall strength, depth, and winning mentality will carry them to yet another league triumph—leaving Pirates and the rest of the chasing pack with too much ground to recover.