EXCLUSIVE: Quinton Fortune rules out early title for Kaizer Chiefs: 'Pirates and Sundowns too strong'

Former Bafana Bafana star Quinton Fortune believes Kaizer Chiefs will remain league outsiders this season while Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates dominate the Betway Premiership. Picture: BackpagePix

Former Manchester United and Bafana Bafana midfielder Quinton Fortune has praised Kaizer Chiefs ahead of the new Betway Premiership season, though he warned fans not to expect an immediate title run.

"I think Kaizer Chiefs will be outsiders this season because Pirates and Sundowns are too strong. Chiefs will be there or thereabouts, but it ultimately comes down to the kind of players they sign," Fortune told IOL in an exclusive interview courtesy of Premier Bet.

Orlando Pirates recently broke Mamelodi Sundowns' eight-season stranglehold on the league, capturing their first league title since 2012. Pirates had long telegraphed the takeover, having finished as runners-up to the Brazilians for three consecutive seasons prior to their triumphant run.

Meanwhile, Amakhosi could only watch from the sidelines as their Soweto rivals collected all the plaudits.

Chiefs Appoint Fernando da Cruz as New Head Coach: Patience Urged Amid Sundowns' Dominance

Chiefs recently announced the appointment of 53-year-old French tactician Fernando da Cruz as their new head coach. Having previously managed Lille and AS FAR, Da Cruz now steps into the pressure cooker of leading South Africa's most popular football club.

Fortune urged patience with the new manager while drawing parallels to his former club in England.

"They have a new coach who needs time, and the squad needs to adapt. A lot depends on who comes in to strengthen the team. Chiefs will always attract top young talent because everyone in South Africa wants to play for them -- they are like the Manchester United of the region.

"However, Sundowns just look incredibly strong. When you win the CAF Champions League to become champions of the African continent, you clearly have something special."

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Orijinal haber: https://iol.co.za/sport/soccer/psl/2026-08-11-exclusive-quinton-fortune-rules-out-early-title-for-kaizer-chiefs-pirates-and-sundowns-too-strong/