Former Orlando Pirates striker Lelo Mbele has thrown his weight behind the Buccaneers in the heated Betway Premiership title race, insisting that the Soweto giants deserve to be crowned champions based on the quality of football they have produced this season. With Mamelodi Sundowns sitting top on 65 points and Pirates just three behind on 62, the final weeks promise to be decisive. Mbele, speaking from his home in DR Congo, told KickOff that the current Pirates side should not suffer the agony of finishing second after such an impressive campaign, adding that it has been far too long since the club lifted the league trophy.
Mbele also took aim at Sundowns’ prolonged dominance, arguing that a single team winning the title for nearly a decade damages the competition’s appeal. He suggested that a Pirates triumph would inject fresh excitement, not only for the club’s immense fanbase but also for sponsors and neutral supporters. According to the former striker, the hype surrounding a Pirates title win would far outweigh another Sundowns coronation, especially given that Kaizer Chiefs are no longer genuine contenders. He believes that even the league’s sponsors would secretly welcome a change at the top.
The Congolese forward highlighted the frustration of watching both Soweto giants go more than a decade without a league title, despite their ability to draw massive crowds. With Pirates chasing their first championship in 13 years, the run-in will be crucial. Sundowns face Siwelele FC at home on 9 May and travel to TS Galaxy, while Pirates have a tricky away fixture against Magesi FC on the same day, followed by home meetings with Durban City and a trip to Orbit College. The next few weeks will determine whether Mbele’s wish becomes reality.