Mamelodi Sundowns' fifth consecutive league title further demonstrates that the DStv Premiership is becoming a “farmers league”.
To put things into perspective, the farmers league is a term used by football fans to mock a league where one team always dominates without really being challenged, with Paris Saint Germain in France and Bayern Munich in Germany the prime examples of this.
Sundowns have also turned the local Premiership into a one-sided league. Last season they clinched the title with three games to play. Sundowns' supremacy begs the question: how can they be stopped?
Orlando Pirates coach Mandla Ncikazi believes the PSL should introduce a financial fair play regulation, like in Europe, to restrict Sundowns' spending, insinuating their dominance is influenced by the fact no team can match their financial muscle.
The Pirates mentor thinks injuries affected their ability to challenge Sundowns this season.
“We must cap their spending, have a financial fair play rule because Covid-19 has affected a lot of teams, whether in terms of supporters or revenue, but Sundowns haven't been affected. For teams that play with development players, development was closed as Safa structures were closed but [for] Sundowns it's a Woolworths; they buy at Woolworths and we buy at Pick n Pay and Spar,” Ncikazi said.
“If Spar and Pick n Pay are closed we can't buy. I think it's a scenario like that. With them, they buy what's ready, that's the difference. But as Pirates we just have to be competitive. Pirates are not far off Sundowns. Maybe if we weren't as unfortunate with injuries at the start of the season – 13 players were injured – [we would have done better].”
Sundowns wrapped up the title after a goalless draw against Cape Town City on Wednesday in Tshwane. City coach Eric Tinkler also weighed in on how Sundowns' dominance could be ended.
“That Sundowns jersey carries a lot of weight, especially over the past 10 years. Gone are the days when we used to speak about the dominance of Chiefs and Pirates,” said Tinkler.
“Sundowns dominate now and when you come up against them, there's anxiety and nervousness. If the players [of other teams] can try and get over that, I think then there's a chance of stopping them.”
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