Orlando Pirates legend Shakes Gwabeni has backed the Buccaneers to overtake Sundowns in the race for the 2022/23 DStv Premiership title.
Although the Buccaneers suffered a blow to their title pursuit with a shocking loss to Sekhukhune United, the Buccaneers have been backed to bounce back, and even topple Mamelodi Sundowns.
"It's not a train smash as people make it sound like," said former Pirates midfielder Shakes Gwabeni.
"Obviously the red card [against Sekhukhune] played a role n how the game went and maybe some bad decisions were taken but I think Pirates has been well-coached this season.
"Sundowns is the goal for everyone, they've set a standard that the other teams must now try and overcome, but I look at Pirates this season and I see a proper team. I see a team that is capable of over throwing Sundowns and win the league this season."
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Pirates and Sundowns proved to be evenly matched when they met in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final at the Orlando Stadium last Saturday, settling for a 0-0 draw.
The tie will be in the second-leg scheduled for 22 October at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Pirates will be desperate to get back to winning ways when they take on the premiership's Darkhorse in Richards Bay at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday night.