Orlando Pirates can smell their first Betway Premiership title in almost 14 years, but there is still work to be done. After a 1-1 draw between Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns, Pirates know that convincing wins in their three remaining fixtures will likely secure the league crown. They trail Sundowns by three points with a game in hand and hold a significant advantage in goal difference, sitting at +41 compared to Sundowns’ +34. Sundowns kick off first on Saturday against Siwelele, meaning Pirates could be six points adrift by the time they face Magesi that evening.
If the Sea Robbers win their three matches, that will likely be adequate to secure the title, unless Sundowns win their remaining games against Siwelele and TS Galaxy by massive scorelines to claw back the goal difference gap. Perennial champions Sundowns know how to get the job done, having been crowned champions for eight successive seasons. Until the race is officially over, Sundowns fans will believe their side can deliver, though it is funny what pressure can do to football teams.
Pirates will have two games in hand on Saturday night, but everyone knows that does not equate to points on the board. Their remaining fixtures see them travel to Magesi on Saturday, host Durban City on 16 May, and finish away at Orbit College on 23 May. Sundowns, meanwhile, face Siwelele on Saturday and TS Galaxy on 16 May. With everything still to play for, the 2025-26 title race is going to the wire.