A game featuring two of the top teams in the Betway Premiership is coming up when Mamelodi Sundowns play hosts to Orlando Pirates on Saturday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld.
Coming from a victory in the Tshwane Derby on Wednesday, Masandawana will be looking to claim another victory this week against an Orlando Pirates side which is six points shy of the top which is currently held by the reigning league champions.
The Buccaneers’ last trip to Loftus Versfeld came in February 2024 in the league, where spoils were shared after Marcelo Allende opened scoring in the final stages of the match. Since then, the two have faced each other once where Pirates were victorious.
Heading to this game, the past results won’t matter, as coach Miguel Cardoso stated at the press conference on Thursday. He also said his side is aware of how important a victory against the Soweto Giants is.
“Everybody is aware a positive result will give us a good advantage, a draw will keep three points advantage depending on the outstanding match Pirates will play. A defeat will give us a similar number of points ahead of them. I believe the championship will continue to be tough, whatever happens in this game. No team will give up and both teams can still achieve the desired results. There is another match to play against Pirates and other games. I expect a tough match and an open championship after that,” the Bafana Ba Style coach said.
Both sides have been having a great run of form, having recently won the Tshwane Derby and Soweto Derby respectively and grabbing three points in their last fixtures. With both vying for the championship in the league, it is without a doubt the fixture will be not only mouthwatering but physically demanding too. Coach Miguel believes the match will be a difficult one but he is hoping to get all points on offer.
“Pirates have been doing well, I think we are in the right moment too, but I also believe that in one year, our team will be stronger than it is now as I see it. It will be a wonderful clash between the two teams and let’s hope we do things right to win the match. Whatever happens in the game will keep the championship open until the end, that’s for sure. Both teams want to win the match and I think that’s the most interesting aspect of the game.”
The Masandawana coach concluded and said he is looking to see a match that will accentuate South African football, saying: “I believe the match will have different moments, but I hope that indeed we have a good football game that can highlight South African football to the world, and I would like it to be broadcast abroad so we can show the level of football we can play here.”
Mamelodi Sundowns will host Orlando Pirates on Saturday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld. Kick-off has been scheduled for 15H30, live on SuperSport TV.
Well done coach and the rest of your technical team. I for one never believed you’ll turn this team around and I profoundly apologise for underestimating you. You’re indeed such a great reader of the game. The team really played well and at the right tempo. I now understand we can’t approach every game with the same intensity, even Jayden Adams is no longer playing with the intensity he used to play with @ Stellies. I’m very much pleased with the signings we’ve made this January window. It should really be scary to the rest of the PSL teams to note that Cardoso expects the team to start playing they way he wants in a year and half. You ask yourself what it would be like if they’re playing like this and the coach is not yet satisfied.