Orlando Pirates legend Benedict Vilakazi has made a passionate plea to Kaizer Chiefs to stop Mamelodi Sundowns from tightening their grip on the Betway Premiership title race.
Masandawana currently sit five points clear of their closest challengers, Pirates, with just three matches remaining.
A victory over Amakhosi would leave Sundowns needing only a win and a draw to secure yet another league crown especially if the Buccaneers drop points.
Pirates legend backs Chiefs to beat Sundowns
Speaking on iDiski TV, Vilakazi admitted the title race appears all but decided, but still hopes for a late twist.
“Realistically, Sundowns are going to run away with the league,” he said. “But my wish is for someone to stop them. I hope Chiefs can do that because if Sundowns win their ninth league title, I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Vilakazi warned that Sundowns’ dominance could stretch well into the future, pointing to the squad’s balance of experience and quality.
“When I look at the average age of their players, it’s around 28. That gives them another four or five years at the top. With their tempo, attitude and performances, they [Sundowns] can keep winning,” he added.
The former Pirates star stressed that a Sundowns victory this season could make it even harder for rivals to challenge in the coming years.
“My wish is for Chiefs to stop Sundowns so that next season all teams have a fair chance to fight for the league,” he said.
Vilakazi also expressed hope that, should Chiefs fail in their mission, other PSL sides facing Sundowns before the end of the campaign might still spring a surprise and keep the title race alive.
Pirates have to beat Stellenbosch on Tuesday evening and hope for Sundowns to lose points against Chiefs if they are to have an advantage in the title race.