The scent of silverware is heavy in the air at Mayfair. Following Mamelodi Sundowns’ shock 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy on Wednesday, the path to the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title is now a straight sprint for Orlando Pirates.
While the “Ghost” is ready to celebrate, the official crowning moment requires a few more boxes to be ticked. Here is the timeline for the Buccaneers’ potential coronation.
The Magic Number: 4 Points
Mamelodi Sundowns have officially concluded their season with 68 points. Orlando Pirates currently sit on 65 points with two matches left to play.
- The Saturday Scenario (May 16): If Pirates beat Durban City, they will move to 68 points. Due to their massive +44 goal difference (compared to Sundowns’ +36), they would effectively be champions-elect, as it would take a double-digit loss in their final game for them to lose the top spot.
- The Official Coronation (May 23): Even with a win this Saturday, the mathematical “guarantee” and the official trophy presentation are expected to take place on the final day of the season against Orbit College.
Remaining Fixtures
Mark your calendars for the final two hurdles:
- Orlando Pirates vs. Durban City
- Venue: Orlando Stadium
- Date: Saturday, 16 May
- Kickoff: 15:00
- Orbit College vs. Orlando Pirates
- Venue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium
- Date: Saturday, 23 May
- Kickoff: 15:00
Bitter Rivalry: Cardoso Slams the Schedule
Not everyone is celebrating the Pirates’ surge. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has voiced his frustration, claiming that a “congested fixture schedule” effectively handed the advantage to the Sea Robbers. Cardoso argued that his team was “beaten by the calendar” rather than their opponents.
Regardless of the off-field chatter, the momentum remains firmly with Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men. Led by the stellar form of Relebohile Mofokeng, the Buccaneers have lost only three times all season—never by more than a single goal—making a late-season collapse look highly unlikely.
