Can Orlando Pirates Really Catch Mamelodi Sundowns?

Mamelodi Sundowns extend their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership to six points over Orlando Pirates, raising questions about whether the Buccaneers can mount a serious challenge for the title.

 

Mngqithi questions Orlando Pirates' resolve to challenge for PSL crown -  'Bucs' rotation backfired & they don't do well against smaller teams' |  Goal.com South Africa

 

Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance at the top of the Betway Premiership table is once again becoming a cause for concern for their rivals, and the latest results have only added to their aura of invincibility.

Following a dramatic 2-1 victory over Magesi FC, the defending champions extended their lead to six points over second-placed Orlando Pirates, who were hoping to keep pace with the high-flying Brazilians.

The match against Magesi FC, a side that had previously stunned Sundowns in the Carling Knockout in November, was a test of character for the reigning champions.

Despite being caught off guard early in the game when Magesi’s Wonderboy Makhubu put his team ahead in the 12th minute, Sundowns displayed their trademark resilience.

It took over an hour for them to find an equalizer, but Lucas Ribeiro finally broke the deadlock with a stunning volley just beyond the hour mark, sending the Sundowns faithful into raptures.

 

Pressure on Mamelodi Sundowns to keep pace with Orlando Pirates in Betway  Premiership

 

With the match looking destined for a draw, it was Tashreeq Matthews who would emerge as the hero, scoring a fortunate winner with just four minutes of regulation time remaining.

His cross into the box deflected off a Magesi defender and found its way into the back of the net, sealing the three points for Sundowns.

This victory took them to 33 points after 12 matches, with a commanding six-point gap between them and Orlando Pirates, who have 27 points.

Although Pirates have a game in hand, the gap is beginning to look daunting. The Buccaneers had been leading the table earlier in the season, riding high on an impressive winning streak.

However, their momentum was halted by Sundowns, who have now overtaken them and are showing no signs of slowing down.

The reality is that despite Pirates’ early-season success, it seems almost inevitable that Sundowns will continue to assert their dominance.

The last time a team other than Sundowns won the league was back in the 2016/2017 season when Bidvest Wits lifted the trophy. Since then, Sundowns have been on an unprecedented run, winning the last seven league titles in a row.

Their consistency and depth of talent have made them the undisputed kings of South African football, and with each passing season, their stranglehold on the league title seems more unbreakable.

 

Mngqithi questions Orlando Pirates' resolve to challenge for PSL crown -  'Bucs' rotation backfired & they don't do well against smaller teams' |  Goal.com South Africa

 

For Orlando Pirates, the question now is whether they can mount a serious challenge to Sundowns’ reign. The six-point gap is not insurmountable with 18 games remaining, but every match from here on out will be crucial.

The Buccaneers will need to find a way to not only stop Sundowns from extending their lead but also ensure they remain consistent throughout the rest of the campaign.

It’s clear that the race for the title is far from over, but the writing on the wall is beginning to look all too familiar.

Sundowns’ relentless pursuit of another league title is well underway, and the question now is whether Orlando Pirates can close the gap and stop them from making it eight in a row.

The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether Pirates can catch up or whether Sundowns will continue to cruise toward yet another trophy.

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