Kaizer Chiefs title outsiders as Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns lead the way, says Quinton Fortune

Former Manchester United and Bafana Bafana midfielder Quinton Fortune says Kaizer Chiefs should not be expected to mount an immediate Betway Premiership title challenge, with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns still the teams to beat.

Fortune has welcomed the direction of the Soweto club ahead of the new campaign, but believes Chiefs remain outsiders while the reigning powers of South African football continue to set the standard.

“I think Kaizer Chiefs will be outsiders this season because Pirates and Sundowns are too strong. Chiefs will be there or thereabouts, but it ultimately comes down to the kind of players they sign,” Fortune told IOL in an exclusive interview courtesy of Premier Bet.

Orlando Pirates ended Mamelodi Sundowns’ eight-season grip on the league title last season, claiming their first championship since 2012. Their success followed three successive campaigns in which Pirates had finished as runners-up to Sundowns.

That result represented a significant change in the balance of power in the Betway Premiership. Sundowns had dominated the competition for eight seasons, while Pirates had repeatedly come close before finally moving ahead of their rivals.

Kaizer Chiefs, meanwhile, were left watching as their Soweto rivals took the major honours. The club are now beginning a new era under French coach Fernando da Cruz, who was recently appointed as their head coach.

Da Cruz, 53, has previously managed Lille and AS FAR. He now faces the challenge of leading Kaizer Chiefs, a club Fortune described as South Africa’s most popular and one that carries considerable expectations.

Fortune said the new manager should be given time to establish his methods and allow the squad to adjust. He also stressed that Chiefs’ prospects would depend heavily on the players recruited to strengthen the team.

“They have a new coach who needs time, and the squad needs to adapt. A lot depends on who comes in to strengthen the team. Chiefs will always attract top young talent because everyone in South Africa wants to play for themthey are like the Manchester United of the region.

“However, Sundowns just look incredibly strong. When you win the CAF Champions League to become champions of the African continent, you clearly have something special.”

Fortune’s assessment leaves Chiefs positioned as potential challengers rather than immediate title favourites. He believes they can remain competitive and “be there or thereabouts”, but considers the quality and depth of Pirates and Sundowns to be a major obstacle.

For Chiefs, the arrival of Da Cruz and the recruitment that follows will therefore be central to their prospects. Fortune’s warning is that the club may need more time before they can realistically compete with the two leading sides for the Betway Premiership title.

IOL Sport @Michael_Sherman