Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are set to clash this week in an eagerly awaited Betway Premiership match.
Both teams currently occupy the top two positions on the league table and are considered strong contenders for the title, while Kaizer Chiefs are seen as dark horses.
Given the quality and consistency of both teams, it is likely that the winner of this season’s Betway Premiership will be either the Buccaneers or the Brazilians. Kaizer Chiefs trail by eight points and, despite having a game in hand, it seems unlikely they can secure 11 wins in their remaining 15 matches to become serious title contenders.
On Wednesday evening, all attention will be on the FNB Stadium as Pirates host Sundowns for the second time this season.
A victory for the Buccaneers would extend their lead at the top of the table to nine points, while a draw would still leave them with a six-point advantage heading into the Soweto derby at the end of the month.
There is a pressing need for a decisive outcome in the match between Pirates and Sundowns.
The two teams have met three times this season; their first two encounters in the MTN8 semi-finals concluded with the Buccaneers winning on penalties after a 2-2 aggregate draw.
Pirates and Sundowns match needs a winner
The league match at Loftus Versfeld also ended in a 1-1 draw, making it the third draw overall. Fans are growing tired of these 1-1 stalemates, and many are hoping for a more attacking and open game this time. In all three previous draws, Sundowns scored first, leaving Pirates to respond. It will be intriguing to see how the match unfolds if the Sea Robbers take the lead at the .
For Kaizer Chiefs, a draw would be a favourable result if they can also secure a win against Stellenbosch next week.