Pirates Out To Capitalise After Sundowns Slip-Up

Title-chasing Orlando Pirates will run out at a sold-out Orlando Stadium this afternoon knowing that destiny is now firmly back in their own hands when they host newly-crowned Nedbank Cup champions Durban City in their final home match of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign.

Headlining the penultimate round of fixtures in what has become one of the most captivating title races in recent memory, the Buccaneers return to familiar territory with the atmosphere expected to reach fever pitch at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

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After months of chasing Mamelodi Sundowns at the summit, Pirates suddenly find themselves within touching distance of ending their long wait for league glory following Sundowns’ shock defeat away to TS Galaxy in midweek.

That result has left the Brazilians stranded on 68 points having completed their campaign, while Pirates sit just three points behind on 65 with two matches still remaining.

More importantly for Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men, goal difference appears heavily in their favour, meaning victory this afternoon would place their hands firmly on the coveted Premiership trophy heading into the final weekend.

The Buccaneers have responded impressively to the pressure in recent weeks, stringing together back-to-back victories at a crucial stage of the season to ensure the race goes right down to the wire.

And with their final home fixture carrying all the ingredients of a potential title-defining occasion, Pirates will be eager to reward the Bucs faithful with another memorable afternoon in Soweto.

Standing in their way, however, is a Durban City side enjoying a dream return to the Premiership.

Fresh off lifting the Nedbank Cup earlier this month after defeating TS Galaxy in the final, City have already secured continental football for next season and now have their sights set on finishing inside the top eight.

Currently seventh on the standings, the Durban outfit could still climb as high as the top four depending on results elsewhere, while maximum points in Soweto would all but guarantee a top-eight finish.

Having already proven themselves capable of competing with the division’s elite this season, City will arrive with confidence and little pressure on their shoulders – a combination that could make them dangerous opponents for a Pirates side carrying the weight of expectation.

Pirates have confirmed that midfielder Masindi Nemtajela remains doubtful after missing the recent trip to Polokwane through injury, although the Buccaneers are expected to maintain the core of the side that has reignited their title ambitions at the perfect time.

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With tension, expectation and celebration all set to collide in Soweto, the stage is perfectly set for another dramatic chapter in the Premiership title race.

Predicted Pirates XI: Sipho Chaine, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Deon Hotto, Oswin Appollis, Makhehleni Makhaula, Thalente Mbatha, Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa, Patrick Maswanganyi.