Orlando Pirates head into the clash with confidence, chasing a first league crown since 2012. Under Abdeslam Ouaddou, they’ve set a PSL record with 11 consecutive home wins and already lifted the MTN8 and Carling Knockout, keeping hopes alive for a historic clean sweep with the league and Nedbank Cup still in play.
Mamelodi Sundowns arrive fresh from CAF Champions League success over MC Alger, determined to close the gap at the top and possibly overtake the leaders. Their last meeting ended 1-1, a reminder of how evenly matched this fixture remains.
Form Guide
The Buccaneers come into the clash unbeaten in their last five outings, showing consistency, defensive strength, and attacking fluency. They’ve built momentum with solid performances across league and cup competitions, underlining their growing belief in the title chase.
Sundowns, meanwhile, have won three of their last five matches, balancing domestic success with progress in the Champions League. While they’ve shown resilience, occasional lapses have highlighted vulnerabilities, especially away from home.
Together, the two sides bring strong form into this encounter, setting up a high‑stakes battle that could shape the direction of the title race.
How to watch
The match is scheduled to kick off this evening at 19:30 and will be live on SuperSport’s DSTV channel 202 (SuperSport PSL) and on SABC 3. Additionally, the match can be streamed on Showmax and sabc plus.com, with the build-up set to commence an hour before kick-off.
Players to watch
Orlando Pirates
Relebohile Mofokeng
Bafana Bafana international Mofokeng has been in impressive form since the start of 2026, providing two assists and scoring a goal in the last three league games to help AmaBhakaniya reclaim top spot.
The ‘President yama2k’ has faced Sundowns on seven previous occasions in all competitions, winning four matches, drawing once and losing twice while scoring three goals against the defending league champions. He did not feature in the first round 1-1 draw against Masandawana due to injury, and could be the deciding factor in the clash in his new number ten role.
Oswin Appollis
The diminutive winger has managed to produce good performances for club and country in big matches and will need to be at his best when he comes up against Bafana teammate Khuliso Mudau on Wednesday.
Appollis has yet to score in 2026 and will be looking to break his dry spell against Sundowns, a team against which he has never scored or provided an assist, even during his time at Polokwane City.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Brayan Leon
The Colombian forward has adapted quickly with the Tshwane giants, scoring four goals in his six appearances since joining Masandawana in January.
Leon has scored in both Betway Premiership matches he has featured in, and his movements in the final third will be tricky to deal with for the Bucs defence.
The 25-year-old is proving to be as influential as former Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro, but will have to prove his worth in his first clash against the Buccaneers.
Teboho Mokoena
Masandawana talisman Mokoena will be a crucial cog in midfield duels against a talented Orlando Pirates midfield that includes fellow in-form Bafana star Thalente Mbatha.
Mokoena’s ability to score from range and take set-pieces could also be a key factor in what is expected to be a tight match.
The 29-year-old has played the third most minutes in the team this season behind Marcelo Allende and Ronwen Williams, and will be an important part of the line-up, which will be without suspended midfielder Bathusi Aubaas.
Betting odds (supplied by Hollywoodbets)
Orlando Pirates 37/20| Draw 18/10 | Mamelodi Sundowns 37/20