The Swansea City boss was speaking to the official site ahead of the Swans visit to Newcastle this weekend where they will pit their wits against the league leaders.
And Sousa explained that he believed Newcastle would remain within the top two this season sealing an instant return to the Premier League they dropped out of in May.
Sousa said “Newcastle are serious candidates to win the league and I believe they will get promoted
“They belong in the Premier League.
“They are top of the table for a reason. They have players with Premier League quality, for sure.
“I have seen them not play so well in games and still win. That is down to experience and the quality of the players.
“Sometimes they don’t even have to run to win games; just walk!
“They are top, but if we are at our best we will be difficult for any opposition to beat
“If we show the same spirit and talent on Saturday, then that will include Newcastle as well.
“It will be a fantastic environment to play football and every player and manager should have the taste for it.
“I think we could earn respect from every other team in our division if we could beat Newcastle.”