Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have been the best teams in the land in the last few seasons, winning titles and trophies respectively.
Sundowns are the reigning champions of South African football after winning the Premiership title for seven successive seasons.
They’ve battled in cup competitions recently, though, as Pirates are the reigning ‘cup kings’ after bagging five trophies out of seven in less than three years.
The two teams have continued with their zeal to be the best among the best this season as they are not only challenging for the title, but the continental crown as well.
Sundowns and Pirates are in the CAF Champions League quarter-final in which they’ll face Esperance and MC Alger early next month in the two legged tie respectively.
Pirates’ striker Tshegofatso Mabasa, speaking ahead of the teams’ top-of-the-table clash at FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon, opened up on what makes them different from the rest.
“I think it’s the mentality. Once you win a trophy, you just want more as a player. You must have that certain sort of mentality,” Mabasa said.
“Ourselves and Sundowns have shown that over the last couple of years, and that’s why you see us doing well in Africa as well.
“We don’t want to stop but continue getting more trophies – not only for our respective clubs, but for the nation as a whole as well.”
The wait is almost over, an epic clash is upon us this weekend! 🔥
⚽ Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates
📆 16 March
⏰ 15H30
🏟 FNB Stadium
📺 SS 202 & SABC 1
🎟️ https://t.co/4UK03GplH6 – Ticket holders encouraged to arrive early.#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/tZCJ8vOj42— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) March 13, 2025
Pirates are second on the local standings with 40 points, 18 behind log Sundowns who have played four games more.
The four games could generate 12 points for Pirates if they win all of them, trimming the gap to just six in the battle for the top honours of SA football.
However, Pirates could take a step further into closing in on the champions if they beat them at the Calabash. But Mabasa doesn’t think their title fate solely lies on that game.
“No, I don’t think so,” Mabasa said. “I have said that we still have a lot of games to play and points to fight for. So, anything is possible in football.
“But we know that on Sunday, we must go out there and fight, and hopefully get three points which will get us in the right direction if we want to win this league.”
