Aubrey Modiba sounds warning as Orlando Pirates lead Premiership race

The Tshwane giants are aiming for a ninth consecutive league crown, but this season, Pirates are proving to be formidable challengers.

The Soweto side currently sit at the top of the standings with a two-point lead and a game in hand, an unusual position for Sundowns at this stage of the campaign.

"At the start of the year, we're usually cruising at the top, but Pirates are seriously giving us a run for our money," Modiba told journalists after the Nedbank Cup draw in Sandton this week.

"It's tough. Pirates are doing well, and so are other teams. The reason we are behind is not collecting maximum points from other teams, and I think it's good for our league."

The Bafana Bafana star praised Pirates' squad depth and their focus this season, noting that their absence from the Champions League allows them to concentrate fully on domestic competitions.

"You can see the squad that Pirates have. They've got depth, and their full focus is going to be on the Nedbank Cup and the league. For us, it's to make sure we defend our title. It's not going to be easy this season."

Sundowns, meanwhile, have been active in the January transfer window, bringing in Monnapule Saleng, Khulumane Ndamane, and South American attacker Brayan Leon.

Modiba highlighted Saleng's signing as particularly significant, praising the former Pirates attacker's quality and potential impact.

"He's a very good signing for us. He brings quality into the team. We know what he can do and what he has done in his previous team. I can't wait to have him in the team, so that he can help us in the league and in the competitions we still have to play. It's a very quality signing for us," he added.

In the Nedbank Cup, Sundowns have been drawn to face Motsepe Foundation Championship side Gomora United in the Last 32, as they prepare to defend their domestic titles against stiff competition.