In the competitive world of South African football, the rivalry between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates is always intense, especially as both teams chase the coveted Betway Premiership title.
Former player Aubrey Ngoma, who has experienced life with both clubs, recently shared his insights on the differing approaches of these two giants as they strive for league success this season.
Ngoma’s Journey in South African Football
Ngoma kicked off his professional career with AmaTuks during the 2012/13 season and later made his mark with both the Pirates and Sundowns.
His time at Pirates spanned from 2012 to 2015, followed by two fruitful seasons at Sundowns.
Additionally, he had stints at Cape Town City FC and SuperSport United, amassing a wealth of experience across various teams.
Now 35, Ngoma remains an avid follower of both Sundowns and Pirates, particularly as they are set to contend for the 2024/25 Betway Premiership title.
Pirates have already made a splash this season, claiming the MTN8 Cup and securing victories in all three of their league matches.
Sundowns are equally impressive, having won their first three matches, including a significant victory over rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
Ngoma’s Perspective on Pirates’ Title Aspirations
While Pirates fans are hopeful that this season could mark a turning point for their team, Ngoma emphasizes that the gap between them and Sundowns remains narrow.
In a recent interview with FARPost, he articulated the key differences he sees in their strategies.
“Both teams are well assembled, but the real distinction lies in how they approach their games,” Ngoma explained.
He pointed out that Pirates tend to excel in cup competitions, partly because players are motivated by the rewards at stake.
“Pirates put significant effort into the four matches that lead to a cup title, but they struggle to maintain consistency in the league,” he noted.
“On the other hand, Sundowns prioritize avoiding defeats and aim to win 80 percent of their matches in a ten-game stretch.”
The Challenge Ahead for Pirates
Ngoma acknowledged that, in terms of quality, both teams are comparable. However, he highlighted Sundowns’ ability to endure throughout a long season as a defining factor.
“That consistency over 30 games sets them apart, which is why they’ve clinched the league title seven times in a row,” he said.
He also expressed interest in seeing how Kaizer Chiefs perform, as they have started the season on a decent note.
Ngoma’s Legacy and Achievements
Reflecting on his own career, Ngoma boasts an impressive record, having secured three PSL titles, two MTN8 trophies, and two Telkom Knockout titles with Sundowns and Cape Town City.
His individual accolades include the PSL Midfielder of the Season award and the Telkom Knockout Player of the Tournament.
Over his career, he played in more than 100 matches for Cape Town City, scoring 18 goals and providing 24 assists, solidifying his legacy in South African football.
What Lies Ahead
As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see if Pirates can leverage their cup-winning mentality to challenge Sundowns in the league.
With Ngoma’s insights, fans have much to look forward to as the race for the Premiership heats up.
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