Sundowns’ Worst Start in Six Years Gives Pirates a Real Shot at the Premiership Title

The Betway Premiership might look familiar at the top Mamelodi Sundowns still lead the pack but beneath the surface, the reigning champions are showing signs of vulnerability not seen in years. And Orlando Pirates are quietly circling.

A Changing of the Guard?

For the first time since the 2019/20 season, Sundowns have stumbled out of the gate. They’ve picked up 21 points from their first 10 matches impressive on paper, but by their lofty standards, it’s their slowest start in six seasons.

During that 2019/20 campaign, the Covid-hit season that saw them snatch the title from Kaizer Chiefs in dramatic fashion, they had just 18 points at this stage. Since then, they’ve routinely sprinted ahead early, even going unbeaten in their first 10 matches in 2023/24 en route to a record-breaking 23-point title margin.

This time, though, the story feels different.

Pirates Finding Form After Rocky Start

The Buccaneers, meanwhile, have turned an uncertain start into something special. After dropping their first two games to Marumo Gallants and Sekhukhune United, Orlando Pirates have gone on a blistering six-match winning streak all without conceding a single goal.

They sit three points behind Sundowns with two games in hand. Win those, and the Bucs could leapfrog the champions for the first time in years.

Their current tally of 18 points from eight matches is their second-best in the last seven seasons, bettered only by last year’s 21-point surge over the same stretch. However, as every Bucs fan remembers, they faded late and finished 12 points behind Sundowns. This season feels like a different kind of battle more balanced, more unpredictable.

A Massive Showdown At Loftus

The two heavyweights will collide this Saturday at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria (kick-off at 3:30pm CAT), a fixture that could redefine the title race before the halfway mark.

Sundowns enter the clash on the back of a convincing 7–1 aggregate victory over Remo Stars in the CAF Champions League, but they’ll be short-handed. Key players Teboho Mokoena and new signing Miguel Reisinho are suspended, while Themba Zwane, Iqraam Rayners, Malibongwe Khoza and Mothobi Mvala are sidelined through injury.

Pirates aren’t without their own challenges midfielder Selaelo Rasebotja and defender Thabiso Sesane are still nursing knocks, while Olisa Ndah, Makhehleni Makhaula and Tapelo Xoki remain unavailable. Star youngster Relebohile Mofokeng has also been out since October’s international break.

However, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou remains focused on discipline and consistency, making his expectations clear after their 2–1 Carling Knockout win over Magesi:

“When you have the possibility to score goals, score goals. We are not here to joke. We are here to perform and to give results,” Ouaddou told reporters, visibly frustrated by missed chances.

Players To Watch

Nuno Santos (Sundowns): The Portuguese midfielder has been a revelation blending creativity and sharp finishing and will be vital in orchestrating play for Masandawana.

Tshepang Moremi (Pirates): The 21-year-old winger is in electric form, with seven goals in 14 appearances this season. His pace and confidence in front of goal could be the X-factor at Loftus.

Fans Sensing A Shift

On social media, Pirates supporters are buzzing with cautious optimism. One X (Twitter) user wrote, “If we beat Sundowns on Saturday, it’s on. This is our season, Bucs family!” Another joked, “Masandawana are looking human again time to strike.”

Meanwhile, Sundowns fans have urged calm, reminding rivals that this script has played out before slow start, fast finish, title in the cabinet.

What’s At Stake

For Sundowns, Saturday’s clash is about restoring dominance and silencing whispers of decline. For Pirates, it’s about proving that this resurgence is real and that South African football’s balance of power might finally be shifting.

If the Buccaneers can pull off a win at Loftus, not only will they draw level on points with the champions, but they’ll do it with momentum and belief on their side.

And for the first time in a long while, the title race might not be a one-horse show.

{Source:SuperSport}

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