While tipping Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates to battle for top honours in the Betway Premiership once again, Bafana Bafana legend Quinton Fortune believes the Soweto giants will be hit hard by the departure of ‘Rele’.
“Relebohile Mofokeng has left for Europe now, and he was Pirates’ main player—whereas Mamelodi Sundowns have the money,” Fortune told IOL in an exclusive interview, courtesy of Premier Bet.
Although Fortune never played domestic football in South Africa—having moved abroad early to join Tottenham Hotspur’s youth academy—he revealed that he always kept a close eye on the game back home.
The former midfielder enjoyed a stellar seven-year spell at Manchester United during their glory era, but his heart remained rooted in local football.
Rising Competition in South African Football: Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns, and Pirates Battle for Supremacy
“Kaizer Chiefs were the team I loved growing up in South Africa,” Fortune said. “One of my favourite players as a teenager was Nelson ‘Teenage’ Dladla, who played for a great Chiefs side.
“They’ve always had amazing teams, but now Sundowns are stepping up, putting down the money, and buying the best young players. They recruit from abroad and bring in foreign coaches. I understand their facilities are top-tier. They are champions of Africa—they won the CAF Champions League—and that says it all.”
With Pirates recently breaking Sundowns’ long-standing stranglehold on the league title, Fortune believes the heightened competition is fantastic for South African football.
“Of course, it’s not going to be a case of Sundowns winning every single season. I’m glad Pirates broke their spell, but I’m sure Sundowns will regroup and strengthen their squad. They will always be the team to beat, but I still love Chiefs.
“They’re my team in South Africa. I grew up watching them for years—and Pirates too, because the great Jomo Sono played for them—but I’m rooting for Chiefs. I hope they can get back to the top.”
@Michael_Sherman
IOL Sport
