Milutin Sredojevic believes next season’s Absa Premiership campaign will not be a two-horse race between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Serbian coach guided the Buccaneers to a second-place finish in the league with one match left to play until the end of the current campaign.

Sredojevic says it will take a lot of effort to outmuscle Sundowns and reach the level of football they have shown this campaign.

‘I have the highest degree of respect for Sundowns‚’ Sredojevic told the media.

‘I believe that Sundowns being in the Champions League will not have a positive impact on us or any other team.

‘Sundowns are a very competitive team and they are now used to playing in the Champions League.

‘They have pushed their benchmark very high. For us to reach their level and outmuscle them will take a lot of effort.

‘You can’t talk about a two-horse race when you talk about next season.

‘For us, every single opponent in all five competitions we will be involved in next year‚ we will have to give our utmost respect.’

Orlando Pirates will welcome Free State Stars to the Orlando Stadium in their final Absa Premiership encounter on Saturday, with kick-off set for 3pm.