The stage is set for a monumental clash in the Betway Premiership as Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates gear up for a pivotal encounter on Saturday.
This match promises to be a spectacle of football as both teams push for supremacy in South Africa’s premier league. With both squads in form and the title hanging in the balance, fans are in for a thrilling football feast!
Title Race
Sundowns, champions for the last seven seasons, hold a six-point lead at the summit of the league, but Pirates, with a game in hand, are hot on their heels.
The Brazilians come into this match with confidence, having secured a convincing 3-0 victory against SuperSport United midweek. New signing Jayden Adams scored his first goal for the club, complemented by a brace from Tashreeq Matthews.
On the other hand, Pirates showed resilience in their 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United, with Deon Hotto and Makhehlene Makhaula finding the net. This victory was not without its challenges, as Linda Mntambo’s late goal for Sekhukhune kept the tension high till the final whistle.
Read: Jose Riveiro makes vow ahead of title race showdown with Mamelodi Sundowns
Since their last domestic defeat in November 2024 to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout, Sundowns have been nearly unstoppable, with six wins and one draw in all competitions.
Pirates, themselves, are riding a wave of form with five consecutive wins across all tournaments since their loss to Cape Town City a month ago.
Players to watch
Lucas Ribeiro of Sundowns has been a revelation, his flair and vision pivotal in recent matches. During the past week, Mamelodi Sundowns tactician Miguel Cardoso revealed details about his one-on-one conversations with the 26-year-old.
Cardoso noted that despite Ribeiro’s impressive performances, he sees even greater potential for improvement and believes the player could achieve even higher levels of success.
“One of the things I said to Lucas [Ribeiro] when I arrived here, knowing that he was in good form in the league, was to try to tell him that there are always things that can be done,” said Cardoso.
“Try to make him understand that ambition he should have to try and develop himself should be present every day in his life.
“We work hard on the mindset of the players, a lot. We work hard on that. And I think the message is [for all] of them. With commitment, hard work, a strong mindset on getting better, respect and waking up every day thinking that this is the day to do my best.
The Pretoria-based outfit will face their toughest test yet in the Betway Premiership when they lock horns with Orlando Pirates later today and I expect Ribeiro to be in the thick of things.
How to watch
The match is scheduled to kick-off at 15:30 on Saturday, 08 February and will be carried live on the public broadcaster’s radio stations for commentary. The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport channel 202 and can also be streamed on Showmax.
Loftus Versfeld Stadium
The 51 000 seater stadium will host the clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
The venue has been something of a fortress for Sundowns, who dominated the South African topflight last season, winning 13 of their 15 league matches played here.
Shared with the Blue Bulls rugby team, Loftus has been the stage for iconic sporting moments, including the 2023 African Football League final, multiple Currie Cup finals, and the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Betting odds (supplied by Hollywoodbets)
To win (90 min)
Mamelodi Sundowns 21/20 | Draw 21/20 | Orlando Pirates 3/1
Historically, in 79 league encounters, Sundowns have dominated with 37 wins to Pirates’ 21, with 21 draws. However, Sundowns’ recent unbeaten run against Pirates in league games adds an extra layer of intrigue.
Their last meeting in the Nedbank Cup final saw Pirates triumph, suggesting anything is possible when these giants clash. Furthermore, the last ten league matches between these teams have seen Sundowns generally having the upper hand, with the exception of a few tightly contested games.
With both sides likely to cancel one another out, we tip a 0-0 score line at 56/10!