The Betway Premiership is witnessing a heavyweight clash for the ages, and Orlando Pirates assistant coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes the battle for supremacy is mirroring the elite drama of the English Premier League. As the season enters its final weeks, the Moroccan tactician has likened the duel between the Buccaneers and Mamelodi Sundowns to the iconic rivalry between Manchester City and Arsenal.
With Pirates setting a new club record for points in a PSL campaign, the “Dream” of a first league title since 2012 remains alive, even as they chase the defending champions from two points behind.
Reviving the “Spark” of South African Football
Ouaddou insists that the competitiveness displayed this season is exactly what the local game needed to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
- The Interest Factor: “If you know at the beginning of the season who is going to be champion, you lose interest,” Ouaddou noted. He credits this year’s “fight” for reigniting the passion of the South African football public.
- The Standard of Play: By pushing Sundowns to the limit, Pirates have effectively ended the era of predictable finishes, forcing both sides to pursue perfection in the final rounds.
- The Final Day Drama: Ouaddou believes the race is so tight that the trophy might only find its home on the very last day of the season.
The Mathematical Standoff
Despite the excitement, the road to glory remains a tactical tightrope. Pirates currently sit on 62 points with a superior goal difference, but they must win their remaining three games and pray for a Sundowns stumble.
The Final Sprint: Remaining Fixtures
The title race reaches a crescendo this Saturday, with both giants in action simultaneously.
| Team | Opponent | Date | Venue |
| Mamelodi Sundowns | vs Siwelele FC | Sat, 9 May | Home |
| Orlando Pirates | vs Magesi FC | Sat, 9 May | Away |
| Mamelodi Sundowns | vs TS Galaxy | TBC | Mbombela Stadium |
| Orlando Pirates | vs Durban City | Sat, 16 May | Home |
| Orlando Pirates | vs Orbit College | Sat, 23 May | Away |
