Chiefs, Pirates, Sundowns: Who Has the Stronger Squad?

The transfer window is still open, and clubs are still strengthening for the new season. Business continues in the transfer market, and we have taken a closer look at the so-called ‘Big Three’ – Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns – to find out who has the strongest squad and which team is best placed to dominate the 2026/27 campaign.

Mamelodi Sundowns: The Squad to Beat

It’s not a doubt that Sundowns have built one of the strongest squads in African football. The Brazilians have been recruiting top talent across the world, and maintain experienced leaders, which has made them the benchmark in South Africa.

Their squad features quality in every department, allowing the coaching staff to rotate players without a significant drop in performance. The depth and quality that the Tshwane giants have is a major reason behind their domestic dominance and strong performances on the continent.

Key strengths include:

• Exceptional squad depth
• Experienced international players
• Strong midfield control
• Reliable defensive structure
• Multiple goal-scoring threats

Sundowns has the combination of young and experienced players, but the current African champions prefer to rely more on experienced players, which is what separates them from their biggest rivals. Downs have not been active during this transfer window, as they have signed two players so far, Antonio Van Wyk and Siyanda Ndlovu.

Orlando Pirates: Youth Meets Experience

The Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates have become one of the most exciting teams in South African football. Their squad brings together experienced campaigners with emerging stars capable of changing games in an instant.

The Buccaneers are known for their attacking football, pace on the wings, and energetic midfield. Their young core has added an excitement to the squad, and the experienced players have given leadership at key fixtures.

Strengths include:

• Fast attacking transitions
• Talented young players
• High work rate
• Strong team chemistry
• Excellent cup competition record

Pirates continue to challenge Sundowns consistently and remain serious contenders for every trophy they compete for.

Kaizer Chiefs: A Club in Transition

Kaizer Chiefs remain one of the biggest clubs in Africa thanks to their massive fanbase and history of the club. However, the recent seasons have seen Chiefs focused on rebuilding the squad after several inconsistent campaigns. The Soweto giants have been failing to challenge for the league title for years now.

The club has brought in younger players but kept hold of experienced pros to show the next generation the way, but consistency has been a problem.

Chiefs have some exciting attacking options and are getting better defensively, but they still need more depth in the squad to match Sundowns and Pirates over a season.

Their new coach Fernando Da Cruz has also admitted that the team are not ready to challenge the league and they need to improve their squad ahead of the new season.

“For the moment no,” Da Cruz told the media at the post-match press conference on Chiefs’ title chances.

“But we are looking for offensive options and when we have the entire squad then we can assess if we are able to challenge other teams to win the title, and to go well in the Confederation Cup.”

Who Has the Strongest Squad?

Looking at the current squad quality, depth, and consistency, the Brazilians remain the strongest side among the “Big Three”. Their ability to compete domestically and in CAF competitions while rotating quality players gives them a major advantage.

The Ghosts are their closest challengers, boasting a talented squad capable of upsetting any opponent on their day.

Chiefs continue their rebuilding journey and have the potential to close the gap, but they still need greater consistency and depth to challenge for every major trophy.

Bet on Soccer with Bet.co.za

With the PSL starting this coming weekend, you can place a bet with Bet.co.za backing either Pirates, Sundowns or Chiefs. You can also bet on other major international domestic competitions like the Premier League.

Before placing your next wager, take time to analyse:

• Recent team form
• Head-to-head records
• Injury news
• Home and away performances
• Squad rotation for busy schedules

Conclusion

The rivalry between Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns remains one of the biggest attractions in African football. The Chiefs are still in rebuild mode; Pirates will be looking to defend their league title, while Sundowns will be looking to claim it back and dominate the continent.