Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates players meet and greet during the Betway Premiership 2024/25 match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on 08 February 2025
Samuel Shivambu, Backpages
The 2024/25 Betway Premiership season has been a thrilling contest, with Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates emerging as the primary contenders for the title.
Currently, Sundowns have established a nine-point lead over Pirates, following a decisive 4-1 victory against their rivals at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on February 8.
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That victory not only extended Sundowns’ lead but also highlighted their intent to retain the championship.
However, Pirates, under the guidance of Jose Riveiro, remain resolute.
Riveiro, who has led the Buccaneers to five cup titles in two years, including three consecutive MTN8 trophies, has instilled a winning mentality within the squad.
His success in cup competitions has been remarkable, but the league title remains elusive.
Former Pirates and Sundowns midfielder, Benedict Vilakazi, believes the title race is far from over.
Tso, as the Buccaneers’ all-time highest goalscorer is known in football circles, has highlighted the competitive nature of the league and suggested that the championship could be decided in the final matches of the season.
Looking ahead, both teams have crucial fixtures that could influence the title race. Pirates have two games in hand, presenting an opportunity to narrow the gap.
Their upcoming midweek fixture against Golden Arrows in Hammarsdale is pivotal. Simultaneously, Sundowns will face Marumo Gallants at the Dr. Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The outcomes of these matches could significantly impact the standings and set the tone for the remainder of the season.
As the season progresses, fans can anticipate a fiercely contested battle for supremacy.
“When it comes to our football in the country right now, you can never say it’s over when it is not yet over. As the idiom says, it isn’t over until the fat lady sings, and I see the title race going to the end of the season. I still believe that if Pirates can continue with what they have been doing in how they play, I think this season’s title race could go until the very end,” said Vilakazi, speaking exclusively to the Siya crew.
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“(Against TS Galaxy), Sundowns dropped points at a crucial moment when they were not supposed to do that. When you look back at how Sundowns did last season, something like that didn’t happen. Last season around this time of the season, Rulani was gone with the title. Sundowns was at the top and far away from competitors who were trying to catch them. Look at what is happening this season, it’s completely different, and no one wants to say anything about it. Even now that I am raising the issue, some people might say I am talking because he (Mokwena) is my friend and all of that, but that’s not the case and I am just stating facts here. We just need to be honest and be realistic on what is happening. Around this time last season, we were not even discussing the issue, Rulani’s team was gone with the League. But now here we are, and no one is saying anything. But let’s be reminded that Rulani lost only one game last season at the very end, but it doesn’t look like we appreciated that,” concluded Vilakazi.
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