Cape Town - Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic has given the club's congratulations to Absa Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns for their eighth title success.
Sundowns claimed the PSL championship after beating Ajax Cape Town 3-1 this past weekend, which ensured the gap was too big for the second-placed Sea Robbers to close.
Meanwhile, Pirates lost 1-0 to Cape Town City in a result which had no bearing in the title race as the Brazilians controlled their own destiny with a win against the Urban Warriors.
Speaking to SuperSport after the defeat to City, Sredojevic said: "I have to be a gentleman but we have to promise them (Sundowns) much fierce competition next season.
"I want to congratulate them, they've been at the top undisputed for much of the season. I congratulate my colleague Pitso Mosimane and the management (of Sundowns).
He added that Bucs would be more capable of competing in 2018/19, saying: "Both teams will represent the country in (CAF) Champions League next season.
"We believe we have had a wonderful season behind us with one match to go. In the first half of the season, we brought to bring stability. It's a process, we grew up as a team.
"I want to thank the players for working hard, they have had sleepless and hard working days."