Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns Prediction: Can the Buccaneers Stop the Brazilians’ Dominance?

Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns – Orlando Pirates will host Mamelodi Sundowns in a high-stakes Betway Premiership encounter at FNB Stadium on Sunday. The Buccaneers are desperate for a win after their frustrating goalless draw against Stellenbosch FC, who played most of the match with 10 men. Failure to secure three points will all but end Pirates’ slim hopes of challenging for the league title.

Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns Match Details

Date: Sunday, 16 March 2024
Kickoff: 15:30 CAT
Venue: FNB Stadium
Broadcast: SuperSport

Orlando Pirates Under Pressure to Keep Title Hopes Alive

The Soweto giants had an excellent chance to capitalise after Brian Onyango’s 35th-minute red card left Stellenbosch short-handed. However, they struggled in the second half, and Tshegofatso Mabasa’s late strike was correctly ruled out for offside. Now, they face an even greater challenge against the dominant Sundowns.

Sundowns Firmly in Control of the Title Race

The defending champions continued their relentless march toward an eighth consecutive league title with a 2-0 win over AmaZulu. Goals from Peter Shalulile and Arthur Sales helped Sundowns extend their lead at the top of the table. With Pirates sitting 18 points behind despite having four games in hand, catching up with the Brazilians will be an uphill battle.

Sundowns have been almost unstoppable this season, dropping only eight points. Their emphatic 4-1 victory over Pirates in the reverse fixture showcased their superiority, but Pirates have proven to be a tricky opponent in recent cup competitions, notably winning last season’s Nedbank Cup final 2-1.

Team News & Expected Line-ups

Orlando Pirates: Patrick Maswanganyi has been gradually reintroduced to the squad following his injury layoff and is expected to start against Sundowns. He featured in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final win over SuperSport United and gained more minutes in the Stellenbosch clash.

Predicted Line-up:
GK: Sipho Chaine
LB: Deon Hotto
CB: Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi
RB: Deano van Rooyen
CM: Thalente Mbatha, Makhehlene Makhaula
LW: Relebohile Mofokeng
AM: Patrick Maswanganyi
RW: Mohau Nkota
ST: Tshegofatso Mabasa

Mamelodi Sundowns: The newly signed Lebo Mothiba is still working his way back to full fitness after a lengthy injury spell and is unlikely to feature.

Predicted Line-up:
GK: Ronwen Williams
LB: Aubrey Modiba
CB: Malibongwe Khoza, Lucas Suárez
RB: Khuliso Mudau
CM: Marcelo Allende, Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams
LW: Tashreeq Matthews
ST: Iqraam Rayners
RW: Lucas Ribeiro Costa

Key Stats & Players to Watch

• Mamelodi Sundowns have already netted 50 league goals this season, just two shy of their previous campaign’s total with eight matches still to play.
• Peter Shalulile (127 Premiership goals) is closing in on Siyabonga Nomvethe’s record of 129 goals.
• Sundowns boast three players—Lucas Ribeiro Costa (13 goals), Iqraam Rayners (9 goals), and Peter Shalulile (6 goals)—who have scored more league goals than Pirates’ top scorer, Tshegofatso Mabasa (5 goals).

Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns Prediction & Betting Tips

Given Sundowns’ dominance and Pirates‘ inconsistency, the visitors are favourites. Pirates may be motivated by their home crowd, but Sundowns’ attacking depth and defensive solidity make them difficult to beat. Expect a competitive clash, but Sundowns should edge it.

Score Prediction: Orlando Pirates 1-2 Mamelodi Sundowns

With the title race slipping away, Orlando Pirates must produce a near-perfect performance to keep their slim hopes alive. Sundowns, on the other hand, will aim to extend their dominance and take another step toward yet another Premiership crown. It promises to be an intense battle at FNB Stadium, with fans set for an entertaining encounter between two of South Africa’s biggest clubs.

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