This is a enormous clash between what is clearly the best two teams in the country. They have drawn three of their last four encounters as well while Pirates are unbeaten in their last 25 games. This could go the distance.
Key Stats - Pirates Unbeaten in 25
- Orlando Pirates are unbeaten in 25 matches.
- Orlando Pirates have drawn 1-1 in their last 3 matches vs Mamelodi Sundowns.
- Mamelodi Sundowns are undefeated in their last 4 matches vs Orlando Pirates.
- Mamelodi Sundowns are undefeated in 13 of their last 14 matches.
Three Draws in Last Four
Mamelodi Sundowns hold a 24-18 advantage vs Orlando Pirates across 58 previous meetings with 16 draws.
After three 1-1 draws in a row, Sundowns won 2-1 away at Pirates in the league when the clubs last met in February 2026.
Pirates Aiming for Fifth Straight MTN8
Pirates have ten wins and two draw in 12 matches so far this season. They’re on 19 points from seven league fixtures and are chasing a fifth MTN8 trophy in a row.
Bucs won 4-0 at Kruger United before a 0-0 draw away at La Cure Waves of Mauritius. A 3-1 home victory followed at home vs La Cure Waves, before a 2-0 win over Durban City.
Their last match saw a 2-0 win at Marumo Gallants. Pirates only had 10 shots in the match and needed a 74th-minute set piece to seal the three points.
Sundowns with Six Wins in Seven Matches
Sundowns have won six of their last seven matches. They’re chasing just a second MTN8 crown in the last 19 years, having lifted silverware in their last match.
A 2-0 home win over Milford in the league was followed by a 2-1 PSL win at Golden Arrows. After beating Siwelele 3-0, they scored in the dying moments to rescue a 1-1 draw at Chippa United.
Their last match saw a 2-1 win over Saudi giants Al Ahli as they won the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Sundowns had 68% possession and allowed just one shot on target in the second half.
Predicted Lineups & News
Orlando Pirates (4-3-3): Chaine; Sebelebele, Seema, Sibisi, Hotto; Dansin, Mthiyane, Mokobodi; Appollis, Mbuthuma, Moremi.
Orlando Pirates have striker Evidence Makgopa and midfielder Thalente Mbatha back in training. Sihle Nduli is still several weeks away from a return in the engine room.
Mohau Nkota is nearing a return after knee surgery to boost the wide areas. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is still without Andre De Jong in the number ten role.
Mamelodi Sundowns (4-2-3-1): Williams; Matuludi, Khoza, Ndamane, Hotto; Allende, Mokoena; Morena, Santos, Matthews; Leon.
Sundowns have four major injury doubts for this match. Grant Kekana was substituted in the last game and is 50-50 to be fit to start in defence here.
Left back Aubrey Modiba and midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas need late fitness tests. Keanu Cupido is still absent in defence, but Arthur Sales is available in attack after surgery.