Makhehleni Makhaula downplays Sundowns technical changes

Speaking to the media during the club’s new kit launch at Orlando Stadium today, Makhaula says the best Pirates can do is to focus on themselves. 

After losing their head coach Rulani Mokwena and several other backroom staff members, Makhaula insists the league title race is not just about Sundowns.

"For me, I would say I don't think what happened [with] Sundowns technical team changes could make us favourites or whatever, because they still have the same players and the same assistant coaches," said Makhaula.

"So it's the same team, but we don't know – they can come out and maybe surprise us with something else, and the league is not about Sundowns, there's Richards Bay, AmaZulu, Kaizer Chiefs, etc.

"But because they [Sundowns] are always winning the league, everyone is going to say, 'No.'"

After successfully defending their MTN8 and Nedbank Cup trophies, and storming into the top two to return to the CAF Champions League next season, many people have tipped Pirates as favourites to dethrone Sundowns in the DStv Premiership. 

Makhaula says, from their recent trip to Spain, they have shown they have the capacity to challenge for the league title.

"We have the capacity to challenge them, we have the players, I've seen it in Spain, and the new guys have gelled well," he added.

"I once said to my roommate, you know we have a really good squad, and we can challenge for the league, but we must concentrate on each and every game.

"Because if you don't concentrate, teams will punish you, and when they punish you, it's difficult to come back sometimes."

READ: Tlhopie Motsepe: Focus on Mamelodi Sundowns bigger picture