The Betway Premiership title race has reached its fever pitch, and former Orlando Pirates marksman Lelo Mbele is adding his voice to the chorus of those calling for a change in the South African football hierarchy. With the Buccaneers currently trailing Mamelodi Sundowns by just three points, Mbele believes a Pirates triumph is not just a club necessity, but a requirement for the health of the league.
As the season enters its final three weeks, the gap between the log-leaders and the Soweto giants has narrowed to a single result, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the 2025/26 campaign.
Pirates: The “Deserving” Champions?
Speaking from his home in the DR Congo, Mbele emphasized that the quality of football produced by Jose Riveiro’s side this season warrants the ultimate prize.
- Performance vs. Pain: Mbele noted that finishing second after such a high-caliber season would be “painful” and undeserved for a team that has played with such flair.
- The Drought: Having not lifted the league trophy since 2012, Mbele insists that a Pirates victory would bring a much-needed refresh to a competition he believes has become “boring” due to one-team dominance.
The “Bigger Hype” Theory
Mbele also touched on the commercial and cultural impact of a Soweto giant reclaiming the throne.
- Sponsorship & Neutral Appeal: He suggested that sponsors and neutral fans alike “secretly wish” for a Pirates victory, arguing that the hype surrounding a Bucs title would far exceed another Mamelodi Sundowns celebration.
- The Soweto Giants Gap: The retired striker expressed frustration that both Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have gone over a decade without a league title, despite their massive fanbases. “It is boring that the giants have not won… yet they are the only teams that can have almost 100,000 fans when they play,” Mbele remarked.
The Title Run-In: Who Has the Edge?
The math is simple: Sundowns (65 points) lead Pirates (62 points). However, the Buccaneers have a game in hand and a superior goal difference ($+41$ vs $+34$), meaning the title is effectively in their hands if they win their remaining fixtures.
Mamelodi Sundowns Fixtures
- 9 May: vs Siwelele FC (Home)
- TBC: vs TS Galaxy (Away)
Orlando Pirates Fixtures
- 9 May: vs Magesi FC (Away)
- 16 May: vs Durban City (Home)
- 23 May: vs Orbit College (Away)
