Online
The race for the South African Premiership title is nearing its end, as Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates prepare for the final stretch of the 2025/26 season.
Just one point separates the two teams at the top of the table. Currently, Pirates hold the advantage, although Bafana ba Style do have a game in hand which could potentially be decisive.
While both teams will hope to end the year on top, Zimbabwe is guaranteed to have a Premiership champion no matter the outcome. Left-back Divine Lunga will be hoping to continue Sundowns’ dominance in South Africa, while Daniel Msendami and the Bucs are looking to upset the established order.
Pirates hoping to capitalise on Sundowns’ recent lapses
After finishing as runners-up behind Sundowns in the last three seasons, 2025/26 could be the best opportunity for Pirates to end their rivals’ eight-year streak as champions.
While Sundowns have only lost once all year – against Golden Arrows in September 2025 – they have suffered back-to-back draws against Stellenbosch and Richards Bay.
That has opened the door for Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team to leapfrog their title rivals into first place. But they will need to be flawless in their remaining games and hope that Sundowns slip up yet again.
Having beaten AmaZulu and drawn against Kaizer Chiefs, Pirates have a difficult fixture against Stellenbosch next on May 5. Nevertheless, Msendami and his teammates are favorites for that match, and fans can place wagers on the final result by using a World Sports Betting sign up bonus code.
Easier matches against Magesi and ORBIT College lie either side of a tricky contest against Durban City. But Pirates are able to give the Premiership their full attention, something which is not true of Sundowns.
Fatigue could lead to Sundowns’ Premiership demise
Currently, Miguel Cardoso and Sundowns are navigating not just their final Premiership matches, but also the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR. It’s been a gruelling season for the reigning South African champions, but it could yet prove to be a memorable one.
However, their success on multiple fronts means players are fatigued heading into the final matches of the season, something which is impacting results on the pitch, as seen against Stellenbosch and Richards Bay.
To make matters even more difficult, Sundowns will play three matches in the space of a week against tough opposition. Polokwane City, Kaizer Chiefs, and Siwelele could all capitalise on how tired the Brazilians are, dealing their title hopes a blow at the same time.
If Cardoso, Lunga, and Sundowns can come through that period unscathed, then they might still hold all the cards heading into the final game of the season against TS Galaxy. Any mistakes, though, will likely prove costly.
Online Reporter