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3mo ago

Pirates Back on Top as Sundowns Juggle CAF Duty in Tight Premiership Race

Pirates lead on goal difference with 10 matches left, and Sundowns’ 3-0 CAF quarterfinal first-leg win adds scheduling strain that could influence the run-in.

Iqraam Rayners of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates goal with teammates during the CAF Champions League 2025/26 match against Stade Malien at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria on Friday. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Oswin Appollis celebrates scoring a goal during the Betway Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Richards Bay at Orlando Amstel Arena on Wednesday. Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
Grant Kekana and Miguel Cardoso, Head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns during the CAF Champions League 2025/26 quarter final press conference at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Thursday. Photo: Samuel ShivambuBackpagePix

Overview

  • Orlando Pirates beat Richards Bay 2-0 with goals from Oswin Appollis on 26 minutes and a stoppage-time penalty by Evidence Makgopa to reach 47 points and a +25 goal difference, edging Mamelodi Sundowns (+24).
  • Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou vowed to “fight until the last second,” as Pirates made it three league wins in a row and welcomed Kamogelo Sebelebele back from suspension with Sipho Mbule back in contention.
  • Pirates host Siwelele on Saturday and can move three points clear if they win before Sundowns return to league action against Marumo Gallants on Tuesday.
  • Sundowns outclassed Stade Malien 3-0 in their CAF Champions League quarterfinal first leg at Loftus, then travel to Bamako for the return, with Miguel Cardoso criticizing the limited preparation time caused by domestic scheduling.
  • Coverage highlights a two-team title race with Pirates seen to have a relatively favorable remaining fixture list, while Sundowns must navigate a congested April across league and continental commitments.