In 0.81 playing them will be a bit easier, as some changes were done to their initial province, troops they can recruit and such.

Right now, Saka are a blast to play once you have made a good start. They are hard, as they were meant to be. It is starting out that is next to impossible in 0.80

Post 0.81 a lot of new stuff is planned. I hope I cleared this up a bit.