The two traditional giants meet on Saturday in a clash which could influence their campaign at the start to the year
Orlando Pirates assistant coach Fadlu Davids has described Mamelodi Sundowns as a new team with a “completely changed structure” which makes them favourites to clinch the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title.
The two teams meet at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday as league action continues after the festive break.
Under co-coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena, as well as senior coach Steve Komphela, Sundowns are leading the PSL table, five points ahead of fifth-placed Pirates, and Davids feels their rivals are well-placed to retain the league title.