Sundowns vs Pirates
The Betway Premiership heats up today as defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns host rivals Orlando Pirates in a high-stakes clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Kicking off at 15:30, the match is completely sold out, with fans urged to arrive early as no tickets will be available at the venue. Broadcast live on SuperSport 202 and SABC 1, this encounter promises fireworks between two of South Africa’s football giants. With Sundowns aiming to extend their unbeaten run and Pirates looking to close the gap at the top, expect a thrilling battle in Tshwane.
Match Details and Build-Up
- Date and Time: Saturday, 1 November 2025, 15:30 SAST
- Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
- Broadcast: SuperSport 202, SABC 1
- Tickets: Sold out – no sales at the stadium; ticket holders advised to arrive early for security checks
This fixture comes at a crucial point in the 2025/26 PSL season. Sundowns, under coach Manqoba Mngqithi, have started strongly with a perfect record, sitting atop the table with 30 points from 10 wins. Pirates, managed by José Riveiro, are in second with 20 points but have two games in hand, making a win here vital to challenge for the title. The Soweto giants are buoyed by their recent Carling Knockout semifinal qualification, but face a stern test against the Brazilians.
The rivalry, known as the “Battle of the Giants,” has seen Pirates finish second to Sundowns in the last three seasons, adding extra spice. Head-to-head stats favour Sundowns slightly in recent years, with 5 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses for Pirates in their last 17 meetings across all competitions.
Team News and Predicted Line-Ups
Mamelodi Sundowns
Sundowns will miss key midfielder Themba Zwane due to injury, a big blow to their creativity. However, Teboho Mokoena returns from suspension, bolstering the engine room. Ronwen Williams is expected in goal, with a strong backline including Aubrey Modiba and Grant Kekana. Up front, Peter Shalulile and Iqraam Rayners will lead the attack.
Predicted XI: Williams; Mudau, Kekana, Lebusa, Modiba; Mokoena, Allende; Mashego, Ribeiro, Rayners; Shalulile.
Orlando Pirates
Pirates boast a reinvigorated defence, having kept clean sheets in recent games. Sipho Chaine is set to start in goal, with a back four including Thabiso Sesane and Olisa Ndah. Midfield could see Patrick Maswanganyi or Sipho Mbule, with Tshegofatso Mabasa leading the line. No major injuries reported, giving Riveiro a full squad to choose from.
Predicted XI: Chaine; Lebitso, Sesane, Ndah, Hotto; Mbatha, Timm; Saleng, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa.
Predictions and Key Battles
Experts favour Sundowns for a narrow win, predicting a 2-1 scoreline, given their home advantage and unbeaten streak. Pirates’ solid defence could keep it tight, but Sundowns’ attack might prove too much.
Watch for midfield duels: Mokoena vs Mbatha could dictate the tempo, while Shalulile’s finishing against Ndah’s defending will be crucial. Betting tips lean towards over 2.5 goals, reflecting the teams’ scoring form.
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