Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns | Classic clashes that shaped a fierce rivalry
Orlando Pirates will host Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night in a highly anticipated clash between the Betway Premiership’s top two sides.
Image: Created by ChatGPT
Soweto giants and league leaders Orlando Pirates host reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns in what shapes as the most anticipated meeting between the two sides in years.
At the halfway mark of the Betway Premiership season, the Sea Robbers have made their intentions clear. After nearly a decade of Sundowns dominance, Pirates are six points clear at the summit and firmly positioned to challenge for a first league title in 14 years.
While Wednesday night’s clash will not decide the championship, it could prove a defining moment in the title race.
IOL Sport revisits some of the most memorable league meetings between the two rivals.
The Loftus humbling – February 11, 2017 – Mamelodi Sundowns 6–0 Orlando Pirates
Pitso Mosimane’s Sundowns delivered one of the most ruthless displays in the rivalry’s history, dismantling Pirates 6–0 at Loftus Versfeld.
Themba Zwane – the only survivor from that match who could feature this week – opened the scoring early, Percy Tau added a second before halftime, and the contest unravelled completely after the break.
Despite the emphatic victory, Sundowns did not win the league that season. Bidvest Wits edged Mosimane’s side by three points – the last time Sundowns failed to secure the title.
Pirates, under Augusto Palacios, and later Kjell Jonevret, endured one of their bleakest campaigns, finishing 11th – just five points above the relegation zone.
Champions reassert their authority – February 8, 2025 – Mamelodi Sundowns 4–1 Orlando Pirates
Pirates arrived in Tshwane last February brimming with confidence and intent on closing the gap to the defending champions. Instead, they were handed a sobering reminder of Sundowns’ pedigree.
Grant Kekana, Teboho Mokoena and a Lucas Ribeiro brace sealed a commanding win, with Deon Hotto scoring Pirates’ only goal.
The result halted Pirates’ momentum and reaffirmed Sundowns’ status as the kings of South African football.
Pirates strike back – March 16, 2025 – Orlando Pirates 2–1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Just over a month later, Pirates responded emphatically. Relebohile Mofokeng struck twice inside five minutes at Orlando Stadium to stun the champions.
Khuliso Mudau reduced the deficit with 20 minutes remaining, but Pirates held firm to secure a statement victory.
Although the title ultimately slipped away, the win demonstrated that Jose Riveiro’s side could match Sundowns on the biggest stage.
A title race twist before the shutdown – January 15, 2020 – Orlando Pirates 1–0 Mamelodi Sundowns
Gabadinho Mhango’s solitary goal handed Pirates a narrow victory in a match that had significant implications for the title race.
At the time, it appeared Kaizer Chiefs would capitalise. But when the season was suspended two months later due to the Covid-19 pandemic and eventually resumed, Chiefs faltered and Sundowns claimed yet another championship.
Another chapter awaits
History between these two is rarely neutral. Dominant victories, title swings and psychological blows have defined their rivalry.
Now, with Pirates holding a slender advantage and belief surging through Soweto, Wednesday’s encounter presents an opportunity not just to collect three points, but to shift the balance of power.
For a decade, Sundowns have set the standard. This may be Pirates’ clearest chance yet to redefine it.
IOL Sport