Free State soccer analyst and commentator DJ Pots Mzwandile Sontyale
By Sello Masilo
Free State soccer analyst and commentator DJ Pots Mzwandile Sontyale has predicted a 2-1 victory for Mamelodi Sundowns over Orlando Pirates in today’s Betway Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium, stating that “Sundowns will close the league today.” The match, set to kick off at 15:30, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of South Africa’s football giants. According to Pots, “Though it will be a tough game, it will be impossible for any other team to reach Sundowns after this.” With Pirates eager to attack and Sundowns poised to strike back, this fixture is shaping up as a defining moment in the 2024/25 season.
Introduction: A High-Stakes Showdown
Today, the iconic FNB Stadium in Johannesburg will host a blockbuster Betway Premiership match as Orlando Pirates face off against Mamelodi Sundowns. This isn’t just another game—it’s a battle for supremacy, pride, and potentially the league title. Sundowns, the current leaders, aim to extend their dominance, while Pirates are desperate to close the gap and end a losing streak against their rivals that stretches back to 2020. “This Betway Premiership fixture is not just about league points; it’s a battle for supremacy with the intensity of a cup final,” said Sundowns’ assistant coach Steve Komphela, capturing the magnitude of the occasion.
Fans are buzzing with excitement, filling social media with predictions and banter. The stadium, known as Soccer City, is expected to be a sea of yellow and black-and-white as over 94,000 supporters pack the stands. Local vendors are gearing up for the crowds, turning this into a celebration of football and community spirit. With the historical rivalry adding extra spice, all eyes are on this 15:30 kickoff.
Sundowns’ Season So Far: A Dominant Force
Mamelodi Sundowns have been the standout team in the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season. As of 15 March 2025, they lead the table with 65 points from 27 matches, boasting 20 wins, 5 draws, and just 2 losses. Their goal difference of +36 reflects their attacking flair and defensive solidity, with 48 goals scored and only 12 conceded.
Key Performances
• Opening Match: Sundowns kicked off the season with a 3-0 win over SuperSport United on 17 August 2024, setting the tone for their campaign.
• Big Wins: A 4-1 thrashing of Kaizer Chiefs on 21 September 2024 and a 5-0 demolition of Golden Arrows on 12 October 2024 showcased their firepower.
• Recent Form: In their last 10 games, Sundowns won 8, drew 1, and lost 1—a 2-1 defeat to Stellenbosch FC on 1 March 2025, their only slip in months.Star Players
• Peter Shalulile: The Namibian striker leads the league with 15 goals, his clinical finishing a constant threat.
• Lucas Ribeiro: The Brazilian winger has 7 goals and 5 assists, adding creativity and pace.
• Ronwen Williams: The goalkeeper’s 12 clean sheets underline Sundowns’ defensive strength.Sundowns play a possession-based 4-3-3, averaging 65% possession per game. Their high pressing and quick transitions have overwhelmed opponents, making them favourites today.
Pirates’ Season So Far: Resilience and Potential
Orlando Pirates sit in second place with 52 points from 24 matches, with 16 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses. Trailing Sundowns by 13 points but with three games in hand, they remain in the title race. They’ve scored 47 goals and conceded 20, showing attacking intent but defensive frailty.
Key Performances
• Opening Match: Pirates started with a 2-0 win against Chippa United on 18 August 2024, building early momentum.
• Standout Results: A 3-2 victory over Cape Town City on 5 October 2024 and a 2-1 win against SuperSport United on 8 March 2025 highlight their grit.
• Recent Form: In their last 7 games, Pirates won 5, drew 1, and lost 1—a 1-0 defeat to Chiefs on 15 February 2025.Star Players
• Zakhele Lepasa: With 10 goals, he’s Pirates’ top scorer, thriving as the focal point.
• Monnapule Saleng: His 8 goals and 6 assists make him a key playmaker.
• Innocent Maela: The captain’s leadership steadies a sometimes shaky defense.Coach Jose Riveiro opts for a 4-2-3-1, focusing on counter-attacks and set pieces, where Pirates have scored 10 goals this season. “We’ve got the talent to challenge anyone,” Riveiro said, eyeing today’s clash as a turning point.
Head-to-Head: Sundowns’ Upper Hand
The rivalry between Pirates and Sundowns is legendary, but recent history favours the latter. Since 2020, Sundowns have won 8 of their last 10 league meetings, with 2 draws. Pirates’ last win was a 3-1 triumph on 17 February 2018 at Orlando Stadium.
Memorable Encounters
• 11 February 2017: Sundowns crushed Pirates 6-0 at Loftus Versfeld, a result that sparked fan outrage.
• 1 November 2022: A 2-2 draw at FNB Stadium saw Pirates equalize in stoppage time, showing their fighting spirit.
• 17 February 2024: Sundowns won 2-0, extending their streak.“Sundowns have had our number, but today’s a new day,” said Pirates captain Maela. Sundowns’ Shalulile countered, “We’re ready to keep winning.”
Tactical Preview: Styles Collide
Sundowns’ possession game will clash with Pirates’ counter-attacking threat. In their 4-3-3, Sundowns rely on midfielder Teboho Mokoena to dictate play and Ribeiro to stretch defenses. Pirates’ 4-2-3-1 hinges on Miguel Timm breaking up play and Saleng’s speed on the break.
“Pirates will want to attack, but Sundowns will strike back,” Pots predicted. Set pieces could be decisive—Pirates’ 10 goals from dead balls match Sundowns’ aerial prowess. The midfield battle between Mokoena and Timm will shape the game’s flow.
Possible Line-Ups
• Sundowns: Williams; Mudau, Kekana, Lebusa, Modiba; Mokoena, Zwane, Allende; Ribeiro, Shalulile, Maema.
• Pirates: Chaine; Maela, Ndah, Sibisi, Hotto; Timm, Mbatha; Saleng, Dlamini, Maswanganyi; Lepasa.Expert Insights: What They’re Saying
DJ Pots is confident: “Sundowns will beat Pirates 2-1. Though it will be a tough game, it will be impossible for any other team to reach Sundowns after this.” Sundowns’ Steve Komphela echoed the stakes: “This Betway Premiership fixture is not just about league points; it’s a battle for supremacy with the intensity of a cup final.”
Former Pirates star Happy Jele told TimesLIVE, “Pirates can upset Sundowns if they take their chances.” Analyst Phumlani Msibi from Soccer Laduma added, “Sundowns’ depth might edge it, but Pirates have the spirit to fight.”
FNB Stadium: The Perfect Stage
The FNB Stadium, with its 94,736 seats and African pottery design, is a footballing cathedral. Host of the 2010 World Cup final, it’s no stranger to big moments. “The vibe will be unreal,” said Pirates fan Sipho Ndlovu. Vendors like Maria Khumalo expect a busy day: “This match lifts the whole area.”
What’s at Stake: Title Race and Pride
A Sundowns win would push their lead to 16 points, a gap that, with only 9 games left for most teams, could seal the title. “Sundowns will close the league today,” Pots insisted. It’d also boost their CAF Champions League campaign. For Pirates, a victory cuts the gap to 10 points with games in hand, keeping their slim title hopes alive and securing CAF Confederation Cup qualification.
Fan Fever: The Buzz Builds
Social media is ablaze. “Sundowns 3-1,” tweeted @SundownsFanatic, citing their unbeaten run against Pirates. “Time to break the curse,” countered @PiratesLoyal. Posts from as far as London highlight global interest, with @FootyWorld calling it “a must-watch.”
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