Orlando Pirates could be six points adrift of Sundowns before they kick off against Magesi. Here’s what’s next in a tight title race.
Orlando Pirates will need to stand up to the pressure of recent history
Pirates are chasing down a team that’s won the title in eight consecutive seasons. Sundowns face Siwelele on Saturday, 9 May; a win for the Brazilians would take them six points clear at the summit. Pirates travel to Magesi later that evening with kickoff at 20:00. The match will be on DStv channel 202.
Ten-man Sundowns claim a point against Kaizer Chiefs
After a 1-1 draw between Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns on Wednesday, Pirates have the initiative again in a topsy-turvy title race. They trail the Brazilians by three points. However, Pirates have a game in hand and a superior goal difference. Here’s what they still need to negotiate:
Remaining Orlando Pirates fixtures
- Saturday, 9 May vs Magesi FC, Seshego Stadium – 20:00
- Saturday, 16 May vs Durban City, Orlando Stadium – 15:00
- Saturday, 23 May vs Orbit College, Royal Bafokeng Stadium – 15:00
Remaining Sundowns fixtures
- Saturday, 9 May vs Siwelele, Loftus Versfeld – 17:30
- Saturday, 16 May vs TS Galaxy, Solomon Mahlangu Stadium – 15:00
Title permutations as Orlando Pirates aim to end the drought
Pirates know that convincing wins in their three remaining fixtures will likely secure the title. They trail Sundowns by three points, with a game in hand, but have a favourable goal difference of +41; Sundowns’ sits at +34. Sundowns kick off first on Saturday against Siwelele, so Pirates could trail them by six points when their match with Magesi kicks off that evening. It’s going to the wire in 2025-26. If the Sea Robbers win their three matches, that will likely be adequate to secure the title. That is, unless Sundowns win their remaining fixtures against Siwelele and TS Galaxy by massive scorelines to close the goal difference gap.