Watch VideoBenni McCarthy wants Orlando Pirates to win the league, but says Mamelodi Sundowns have the edge

BAFANA legend Benni McCarthy speaking during his book launch at Exclusive Books in Cavendish Square in Cape Town on Thursday. BENNI McCARTHYwould love nothing more than to see Orlando Pirates winning the league title for the first time since he played a key role in delivering the championship for The Ghosts way back in 2012. But South Africa’s all-time leading scorer believes reigningBetway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns are the horse to back in the tightest race in a long time.

“Pirates have their work cut out for them, but I hope they win it because I think it will be a good advert for South African football if somebody else can win the league and end this highdominance of Sundowns,” McCarthy said. Speaking on the periphery of the publicity tour of the launch of his self-titled biography –BENNI–McCarthy praised the Buccaneers for having signed well and doing things right in their quest to stop Sundowns from making it nine titles in a row. “Listen, I think the recruitment and everything has been so much better and Pirates are looking like they can make a push.

I think it’s really sad that it has been 14 years ago since Pirates last dominated and won.” “Credit has to go to Mamelodi Sundowns. Since Patrice (Motsepe) came in and put the money there they have gone about things the right way. They got the right coaches in, got the right stability to win eight titles back-to-back.” He explained why he believes the Brazilians have been the kings of the domestic championship for as long.

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“Sundowns have been so dominant. Their recruiting is phenomenal. They are relentless in the way they pursue to be champions, it is to be applauded.

Like, wow, you know. You envy that because to have that mindset, something else. “You win the championship, you win the league, you’re the champ, and that sometimes leads to a lot of players losing their focus.

“Now, you think you’re bigger than what you are. Like, you made it and that’s very common in South Africa. You win one thing and all of a sudden, you’re the man, you’re the superstar.

But they’ve been at it year after year, after year. So, yeah, those players, the mentality that they have is incredible and you have to commend that.”

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