Junior Khanye Makes Bold Sundowns Claim After Pirates End Their League Dominance

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder and football analyst Junior Khanye believes Mamelodi Sundowns could benefit from losing the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title to Orlando Pirates, arguing that the setback may have restored the hunger and determination needed to maintain their success.

Sundowns dominated South African football for several seasons, establishing themselves as one of the country's most successful teams. However, Pirates ended their league-winning run by capturing the 2025/26 championship, marking a significant shift in the domestic football landscape.

Speaking during the mystery guest segment on The Carwash Podcast, powered by CourierIt, Khanye made his position clear, saying, “It was good for them to lose the league!”

The analyst's remarks suggest that losing a championship can sometimes serve as a valuable wake-up call for a team accustomed to winning. Despite having a talented squad, Sundowns must continue demonstrating hunger, tactical discipline and consistency if they want to remain at the top of South African football.

Khanye believes the disappointment could encourage the Brazilians to reassess their standards and approach future competitions with renewed determination. Their reputation and squad depth alone cannot guarantee trophies, particularly with rivals such as Pirates continuing to strengthen their challenge.

Sundowns have already demonstrated their ability to respond by winning the MTN8, providing another trophy for their cabinet and reinforcing their ambitions for the remainder of the campaign.

Khanye has also backed the Tshwane giants to challenge for three additional major domestic honours: the Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout.

However, achieving that objective will require consistent performances across multiple competitions, where mistakes can quickly derail championship ambitions.

Meanwhile, Pirates' league triumph has intensified their rivalry with Sundowns. While the Buccaneers celebrate ending their opponents' dominance, the Brazilians will be determined to prove that one disappointing league campaign has not ended their winning ambitions.

Khanye's comments have therefore raised an interesting question: could losing the title ultimately make Sundowns even more determined to reclaim their position at the summit of South African football?

Source:

https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2116150626929242233