Mamelodi Sundowns Eye Premiership Glory as Soweto Giants Collide at FNB Stadium
While the nation’s spotlight falls on the iconic Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium this Saturday, Mamelodi Sundowns will quietly edge closer to sealing another Betway Premiership title in what’s shaping up to be a historic season for the Tshwane juggernauts.
The Brazilians, fresh from securing a place in the CAF Champions League final, continued their domestic dominance on Wednesday with a resounding 3-0 win over Richards Bay, widening the gap between themselves and their nearest title challengers, Orlando Pirates.
The Numbers Behind Sundowns’ Imminent Glory
Sundowns currently sit comfortably at the top of the standings, and with only five matches left in their league campaign, they are just 10 points away from clinching their eighth consecutive Premiership crown. That figure could drop depending on the result of the Soweto Derby — should Pirates fail to claim victory over Chiefs, the path becomes even smoother for Rulani Mokwena’s side.
With Royal AM expelled from the league earlier this season, the campaign will officially conclude with 28 matches per team instead of the traditional 30, meaning every point counts even more in this truncated title race.
If Pirates manage to win all of their remaining matches, they will finish on 67 points. Sundowns, already within nine points of that total, would only require one additional point beyond that to mathematically seal the title.
Next Stop: Cape Town City
The Tshwane outfit’s next assignment is an away trip to face Cape Town City—a side currently struggling to find form and dangerously close to the relegation zone. Despite boasting talent across the squad, the Citizens are reeling, and Sundowns will be confident of walking away with all three points.
The clash is a tale of two contrasting seasons: Sundowns aiming to solidify domestic supremacy while juggling continental ambitions, and City trying desperately to avoid the dreaded play-offs.
Momentum Favors the Champions-Elect
Sundowns’ form has been electric, both locally and on the continent. Their recent win over Richards Bay was another show of strength and depth, with players like Lucas Ribeiro, Themba Zwane, and Peter Shalulile all hitting peak form at just the right time.
Meanwhile, Pirates’ shock defeat to Sekhukhune United midweek has handed Sundowns a golden opportunity to pull further away. And with Kaizer Chiefs fighting for a top-eight finish, this weekend could prove doubly beneficial for the Brazilians.
Eyes on the Prize
With their eyes firmly fixed on another domestic title, Sundowns now control their own destiny. Should they defeat Cape Town City and Pirates drop points in the derby, the celebrations in Tshwane could begin even earlier than expected.
While all roads lead to FNB Stadium for derby drama, don’t look away from Cape Town — Mamelodi Sundowns could quietly take another giant leap towards the title that now feels inevitable.
