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The South African Premiership enters its final stretch once the international break ends, bringing the season-long battle between the Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns to its epic conclusion.
The Pirates are currently ahead in the table by a single point and hold a better goal difference, though the Sundowns have a game in hand. If you’re following the action from South Africa, you can find the best football coverage and betting codes at Bettors.
While both sides need to give everything in the final push to win the league title, each has a Zimbabwean player who is ready to step up and make the crucial difference for their team.
Msendami waiting in the wings for the Pirates
There’s no denying that the Orlando Pirates have a lot of talent out on the wing. Oswin Appollis has six assists this season, joint top with the Buccaneers’ left back Deon Hotto. There’s also left-winger Relebohile Mofokeng, who has five assists of his own and is the team’s top scorer with seven goals.
This is leaving limited opportunities for Zimbabwe’s Daniel Msendami. He joined the Pirates in January from the Marumo Gallants as part of a huge double transfer that also included Mpho Chabatsane.
So far, Msendami has been deployed as a substitute, coming on as a late replacement for the likes of Mofokeng and Appollis. However, if the Pirates want to secure the league title, they’ll need to use him more fully.
Msdendami has had a breakout season, impressing at the Africa Cup of Nations and establishing himself as a key player for Gallants before his transfer. He even scored the winning goal against the Pirates when the two played earlier in the season. This earned him his move to the Buccaneers, and it’s time to use him if they want to end up as champions.
Cup specialist Lunga ready for the league
Divine Lunga is in an interesting position with the Mamelodi Sundowns. There’s no denying he’s one of the team’s more important players, but Lunga’s opportunities only ever seem to come in cup competitions.
He made three appearances at the 2025 Club World Cup and was even selected for the Matchday 1 Best XI squad. He’s also made three appearances in the CAF Champions League and two more in the South Africa 8 Cup. His league opportunities, however, have been limited.
Lunga has only completed 90 minutes in the league once so far this season, as Aubrey Modiba is generally preferred at left back. He’s also now fighting for minutes with Fawaaz Bsadien, who had a standout match before the international break against the Marumo Gallants.
One of Lunga’s biggest strengths is his versatility, and he’s able to play centre-back as easily as he can down the left. With so many big games still to come for the Brazilians, there should be more league opportunities for Lunga, giving the Zimbabwean a chance to lift his team towards the title.
Online Reporter