The scent of silver polish is thick in the air around Soweto, but Orlando Pirates fans will have to endure one more week of nervous anticipation before their hands can wrap around the Betway Premiership trophy. Following Mamelodi Sundowns’ 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy on Wednesday, the math has become incredibly simple for Jose Riveiro’s men. Pirates currently sit on 65 points with two games remaining, while Sundowns have finished their campaign on 68. Four points from their final two fixtures would mathematically guarantee a first league crown since 2012. Even three points could do the trick, but only if Pirates avoid a catastrophic goal-difference swing. The Buccaneers hold a comfortable +44 goal difference against Sundowns’ +36, and with all three of their league losses this season coming by a single goal, the idea of a heavy defeat seems far-fetched.
The club’s official coronation, however, will not occur until the 23rd of May. Before that, Pirates must navigate a Saturday, 16 May home clash against Durban City at Orlando Stadium. Victory in that match would leave Riveiro’s side needing only a draw a week later against Orbit College at Royal Bafokeng Stadium to seal the deal. The math is straightforward, and the team’s consistency suggests they will not stumble now. The three league defeats they have suffered have all been by a razor-thin single goal, indicating a resilience that has carried them to the cusp of glory after 14 years of waiting.
Adding a layer of intrigue to the chase, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has openly claimed that the Premier Soccer League’s congested fixture schedule has worked in Pirates’ favor. The Portuguese boss lamented that his side’s packed calendar will ultimately contribute to the Sea Robbers ending their long title drought. Whether that assessment serves as sour grapes or a legitimate grievance, the fact remains that Pirates control their own destiny.