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LEEK Football analyst and commentator DJ Pots Mzwandile Sontyale
Existive football analyst and commentator DJ Pots Mswandile Sontyale has a 2-1 victory for Mamelodi Sundowns for predicted on Orlando Pirates in today’s Betway Premiership collision in the FNB Stadium, which will close the competition today. ” The game, which starts at 3.30 pm, promises to be an exciting meeting between two of the football giants of South Africa. According to Pots: “Although it will be a tough match, it will be impossible for another team to reach Sundowns afterwards.” With pirates who like to attack and sunset ready to hit, this fixture becomes a limited moment in the 2024/25 season.
Introduction: a showdown with high bet
Nowadays, the iconic FNB Stadium in Johannesburg will organize a blockbuster Betway Premiership match while Orlando pirates encounters Mamelodi Sundowns. This is not just a game – it is a battle for supremacy, proud and possibly the competition title. Sundowns, the current leaders, want to expand their dominance, while pirates are desperate to close the gap and to end a losing line against their rivals that extends until 2020. “This Betway Premiership nature is not just about competition points; it is a battle for supremation with the intensity of a cup final, said with the intensity of a cup final, co -co -co -. Komphela, who recorded the extent of the occasion.
Fans buzzing with excitement and filling social media with predictions and chattering. The stadium, known as Soccer City, is expected to be a sea of yellow and black and white, because more than 94,000 supporters pack the stands. Local sellers are preparing for the crowds and turn this into a celebration of football and community spirit. With the historic rivalry that adds extra herbs, all eyes on this kick -off from 3.30 pm.
Sundowns’ season so far: a dominant power
Mamelodi Sundowns have been the striking team in the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season. From March 15, 2025, they will lead the table with 65 points of 27 games, with 20 victories, 5 draws and only 2 losses. Their target difference of +36 reflects their attacking flair and defensive firmness, with 48 scored goals and only 12 admitted.
Important versions
• Opening Match: Sundowns kicked off the season with a 3-0 win over SuperSport United on 17 August 2024, setting the tone for their campaign.
• Big Wins: A 4-1 thrashing of Kaizer Chiefs on 21 September 2024 and a 5-0 demolition of Golden Arrows on 12 October 2024 showcased their firepower.
• Recent Form: In their last 10 games, Sundowns won 8, drew 1, and lost 1—a 2-1 defeat to Stellenbosch FC on 1 March 2025, their only slip in months.
Star players
• Peter Shalulile: The Namibian striker leads the league with 15 goals, his clinical finishing a constant threat.
• Lucas Ribeiro: The Brazilian winger has 7 goals and 5 assists, adding creativity and pace.
• Ronwen Williams: The goalkeeper’s 12 clean sheets underline Sundowns’ defensive strength.
Sundowns play a possession based 4-3-3, on average 65% own per game. Their high urgent and fast transitions have overwhelmed opponents, making them favorites today.
The season of Pirates so far: resilience and potential
Orlando Pirates is in second place with 52 points of 24 games, with 16 wins, 4 draws and 4 losses. With a sunset with 13 points, but with three games in hand, they stay in the title race. They scored 47 goals and admitted 20, with attacking intention but defensive vulnerability.
Important versions
• Opening Match: Pirates started with a 2-0 win against Chippa United on 18 August 2024, building early momentum.
• Standout Results: A 3-2 victory over Cape Town City on 5 October 2024 and a 2-1 win against SuperSport United on 8 March 2025 highlight their grit.
• Recent Form: In their last 7 games, Pirates won 5, drew 1, and lost 1—a 1-0 defeat to Chiefs on 15 February 2025.
Star players
• Zakhele Lepasa: With 10 goals, he’s Pirates’ top scorer, thriving as the focal point.
• Monnapule Saleng: His 8 goals and 6 assists make him a key playmaker.
• Innocent Maela: The captain’s leadership steadies a sometimes shaky defense.
Coach Jose Riveiro opts for a 4-2-3-1, aimed at counterattacks and set pieces, where Pirates scored 10 goals this season. “We have the talent to challenge everyone,” said Riveiro, who saw today’s collision as a turning point.
Head-to-head: Sundowns’ prevail
The rivalry between pirates and sunset is legendary, but recent history is in favor of the latter. Since 2020, Sundowns have won 8 of their last 10 league meetings, with 2 draw. The last victory of Pirates was a 3-1 triumph on 17 February 2018 in Orlando Stadium.
Memorable encounters
• 11 February 2017: Sundowns crushed Pirates 6-0 at Loftus Versfeld, a result that sparked fan outrage.
• 1 November 2022: A 2-2 draw at FNB Stadium saw Pirates equalize in stoppage time, showing their fighting spirit.
• 17 February 2024: Sundowns won 2-0, extending their streak.
“Sundowns have had our song, but today is a new day,” said Pirates Captain Maela. Sundowns’ Shalulile went against: “We are ready to keep winning.”
Tactical preview: Styles collide
The possession game of sundowns will clash with the inconvenient threat of Pirates. In their 4-3-3 trust sundowns in midfielder Toho Mokoena to dictate play and Ribeiro to stretch the defense. The 4-2-3-1 hinges of Pirates on Miguel Timm break the game and the speed of Saleng during the break.
“Pirates will want to attack, but sunset will go back,” Pots predicted. Set pieces can be decisive – the 10 goals of Pirates of Dead Ballen Match Sundowns’ Aerial Prowess. The midfield battle between Mokoena and Timm will form the current of the game.
Possible line-ups
• Sundowns: Williams; Mudau, Kekana, Lebusa, Modiba; Mokoena, Zwane, Allende; Ribeiro, Shalulile, Maema.
• Pirates: Chaine; Maela, Ndah, Sibisi, Hotto; Timm, Mbatha; Saleng, Dlamini, Maswanganyi; Lepasa.
Insights from experts: what they say
DJ Pots is convinced: “Sundowns will beat Pirates 2-1. Although it will be a tough game, it will be impossible for another team to reach sundowns after this. “Steve Komphela from Sundowns repeated the bet:” This Betway Premiership laminy is not just about competition points; it is a struggle for supremation with the intensity of a cup final. “
Former Pirates star Happy Jele told Timeslive: “Pirates can make sunset as of the region if they take their chances.” Analyst Phumlani Msibi from Soccer Laduma added: “Sundowns” depth can run, but pirates have the spirit to fight. “
FNB Stadium: The perfect stage
The FNB Stadium, with its 94,736 seats and African earthenware design, is a football cathedral. Host of the World Cup Final 2010, it is no stranger to big moments. “The atmosphere will be unreal,” said Pirates fan Sipho Ndlovu. Sellers such as Maria Khumalo expect a busy day: “This competition will lift the entire area.”
What is at stake: title race and pride
A Sundowns victory would push their lead to 16 points, an opening that, with only 9 games for most teams, could seal the title. “Sundowns will close the competition today,” Pots said. It would also increase their CAF Champions League campaign. For Pirates, a victory lowers the gap to 10 points with games in hand, so that their slender title hopes stay alive and secure the CAF Confederation Cup qualification.
Fan Fever: The Buzz Builds
Social media are on fire. “Sundowns 3-1,” tweeted @sundownsfanatic and quoted their unbeaten run against pirates. “Time to break the curse,” @Piratesloyal prevented. Messages from London mark global interest, with @footyworld calling it ‘a must-watch’.
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