Ronwen Williams: Sundowns Ready to Shine Against Orlando Pirates
Mamelodi Sundowns captain Ronwen Williams has emphasized his team’s readiness and intentions ahead of their highly anticipated clash with Orlando Pirates. The top-of-the-table encounter will take place at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 15:30.
The fixture pits defending champions Sundowns against title contenders Pirates in a match that could have significant implications for the Premier Soccer League standings. While Sundowns have dominated the league in recent years, Pirates believe they have what it takes to challenge their supremacy after finishing a distant second in the last two campaigns.
Williams Warns of Sundowns’ Potential
Speaking ahead of the match, Williams issued a confident warning to the Buccaneers, highlighting Sundowns’ improving form and growing confidence.
“Like I have mentioned in the past few weeks, the best of Mamelodi Sundowns is still to come because of all the changes that we have had,” Williams said.
The Sundowns goalkeeper pointed to the team’s recent scoring spree—netting seven goals in just three days—as evidence of their progress.
“It shows the good work that we are doing. It shows that we are getting our confidence back as a team and the identity. We have a lot of positives to take to the next game and towards the end of the season.”
A Rivalry Renewed
Saturday’s clash will be particularly significant for Williams, who has faced Orlando Pirates more than any other opponent in his career. He has played against the Buccaneers 36 times and conceded 40 goals during those encounters. Sundowns, however, have failed to win their last three meetings with Pirates, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the match.
“Both teams have been playing well, and we know that these games are won by small margins. If you look into the last few games that we have played against them, there hasn’t been a high score, but the football has been the highest quality,” Williams noted.
He added that the match would “unite the country” due to its significance and the exceptional form both teams have displayed this season.
Stakes Are High
For Sundowns, a win would extend their lead over Pirates to nine points, further solidifying their position at the top of the table. For Pirates, victory would bring them within three points of the league leaders and bolster their title ambitions.
“For us, the most important is three points because three points take us nine points ahead of them. With them, it brings them three points closer,” Williams explained.
As anticipation builds, fans can expect a thrilling encounter between two of South Africa’s top footballing sides. With Sundowns aiming to assert their dominance and Pirates determined to close the gap, this match promises to deliver drama, passion, and top-quality football.
