Orlando Pirates backed to retain Betway Premiership title by Lehlohonolo Majoro

Lehlohonolo Majoro believes Orlando Pirates can defend their Betway Premiership title in a more competitive season after ending Mamelodi Sundowns’ eight-year dominance of South Africa’s top flight.

Pirates, Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs finished first, second and third respectively last season, creating a different look at the top of the table and raising hopes of a closer title race.

“Having seen Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Kaizer Chiefs finish first, second, and third respectively, it’s really encouraging for us as football fanatics because it’s been a long time since we’ve seen a table look like that,” Majoro told IOL in an exclusive interview.

The former Bafana Bafana striker has extensive experience of South Africa’s biggest clubs. Between 2011 and 2016, he played prominent roles for both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, as well as having top-flight spells with AmaZulu, Bidvest Wits and Cape Town City.

Majoro also spent five years with the national team and understands the expectations that come with performing on the biggest stage in South African football.

Mamelodi Sundowns had won eight consecutive league titles before Orlando Pirates finally displaced them last season. Although Sundowns remain the division’s benchmark because of the depth of their squad, Majoro believes stronger competition throughout the league would benefit South African football.

“Not undermining other teamswe’ve seen AmaZulu under Coach Arthur putting their hands up to showcase that they’re not just here to add numbers,” Majoro explained. “Sekhukhune is among those, Polokwane has always been a surprise package, and for the first time, we saw Stellenbosch finish outside the top eight. I’m sure they will want to fight their way back into the top eight and return to winning ways.”

AmaZulu, under Coach Arthur, are among the clubs Majoro feels have shown they can challenge established expectations. He also identified Sekhukhune and Polokwane as teams capable of making an impact, while noting the unusual absence of Stellenbosch from the top eight.

Despite the focus usually placed on the so-called ‘Big Three’, Majoro said the competitive level across the division means every club can take points from its opponents.

“It’s going to be very tricky and very interesting. There’s no such thing as ‘small teams’ anymore. I believe each and every team that is prepared and willing to go the extra mile to get three points will get them.”

The former Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs forward expects the title race to remain closely contested, but ultimately favours his former club to keep hold of the trophy.

“I have no doubt that the Big Three will battle it out until the end. Hopefully, we will see Orlando Pirates defend their trophy again this season.”

The new Betway Premiership campaign therefore begins with Orlando Pirates as defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns seeking to reclaim the title and Kaizer Chiefs completing a renewed top-three contest. Majoro’s prediction is that the three leading clubs will remain involved until the final stages, with Pirates retaining the crown.

The interview was conducted exclusively for IOL by Michael Sherman.