Mamelodi Sundowns have handed Orlando Pirates a Premier League title advantage after a stunning 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium, leaving the Buccaneers on the brink of championship glory. The loss means Sundowns end their campaign on 68 points, and a win for Orlando Pirates against Durban City at Orlando Stadium on Saturday will confirm the Sea Robbers as the 2025/26 Betway Premiership champions. The result also allowed TS Galaxy to secure their top-flight status for next season, adding further drama to a match that delivered high stakes from the first whistle.
The clash exploded into life immediately, with Arthur Sales missing an early chance for Sundowns after a defensive error from Galaxy captain Mlungisi Mbunjana, only for goalkeeper Ira Tape to deny the Brazilian. Galaxy responded fiercely, earning a penalty when Zuko Mdutyelwa brought down Seluleko Mahlambi, and Victor Letsoalo sent Ronwen Williams the wrong way in the seventh minute. The hosts doubled their lead in the 18th minute when Mahlambi set up Sedwyn George, who fired a low right-footed strike beyond Williams to make it 2-0.
Sundowns fought back before halftime, with Brayan Leon powering home a header from Nuno Santos’ cross in the 37th minute and then converting a penalty after Mpho Mvelase handled in the area. However, Galaxy refused to back down, striking again just a minute into the second half when Siphesihle Maduna crossed for Mvelase to tap into an open net. The match became a chaotic end-to-end contest, but Williams and Tape stood firm as Galaxy held on for a massive victory, leaving Sundowns to watch and wait for Pirates to seal the title.