Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has picked out Orlando Pirates as one of the strong contenders for the Betway Premiership title this season.
Pirates and Sundowns have emerged as early-season pacesetters after winning all their league games since the start of the campaign.
In the latest round of fixtures, the Tshwane giants beat Royal AM 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday to reclaim top spot after the Buccaneers had defeated SuperSport United the previous day.
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The two sides are tied on the same number of points, but the defending champions enjoy a better goal difference.
Pirates are set to host AmaZulu FC in their next league match at Orlando Stadium on Friday, while Sundowns travel to Limpopo to face Polokwane City on Sunday.
"For me, they are a team that I think will be pushing us. I hope and pray that they have the depth to carry themselves during the (CAF Champions League) group stages and the league because that is where I think the separation may take place," said Mngqithi at the post-match press conference.
"I do believe they are a very good team, and they try to rotate the squad. Unfortunately, it didn't work out very well during the Carling Cup (against Magesi FC), but honestly speaking, they are a team that poses many problems. I still maintain that they are a team that doesn't do well against small teams and so far, they have done well.
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"But let's continue and see because that's where I think the championship will be decided," added the 53-year-old.
Both giants are representing South Africa in the CAF Champions League group stage this season, with the depth within their respective squads set to be tested to the limits as they navigate didferent competitions.