Orlando Pirates Legend Declares Title Race Over After Mamelodi Sundowns Slip Against TS Galaxy
The Betway Premiership title race has taken a decisive turn after a dramatic set of results that have shifted momentum firmly toward Orlando Pirates. Former Buccaneers midfielder Hleza Mofedi believes the championship is now effectively out of reach for rivals after Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy. The defeat left Sundowns on 68 points but unable to add to their tally, as they have already completed their league fixtures. Pirates, meanwhile, have maintained strong form and now need only a small number of points from their remaining matches to secure the title. The situation has created growing excitement among supporters, with belief rising that the Soweto giants are on the verge of ending a long wait for league glory.
The turning point came over a tense midweek period that reshaped the entire title picture. Pirates did their part by delivering a commanding 3-0 victory over Magesi FC, a result that applied immediate pressure on Sundowns at the top of the table. The expectation was that the defending champions would respond under pressure, but TS Galaxy produced a disciplined and aggressive performance to disrupt those plans. Their 3-2 win exposed defensive weaknesses and ended Sundowns’ 13-match unbeaten league run. With Sundowns unable to play further league games, their fate now depends entirely on results elsewhere. That shift has placed Pirates in a powerful position heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
Mofedi, who played a key role in the club’s successful 2002 season, sees strong similarities between the current squad and that championship-winning side. He believes the team’s confidence, structure and momentum mirror the winning mentality that defined Pirates in earlier eras. Speaking about the current group, he praised their consistency and mental strength throughout the season. He also highlighted how the squad has handled pressure situations with maturity, especially in matches where the title race intensified. According to him, this version of Pirates has shown the kind of composure needed to finish a season strong. His comments reflect a growing sentiment among former players who believe the club has reached a decisive stage in its rebuild.
The former midfielder did not hold back when describing his belief that the title is already secured in all but official terms. He stated that only an extraordinary collapse could prevent Pirates from lifting the trophy this season. His confidence is based on both the team’s recent performances and the psychological advantage they now hold over their rivals. He pointed to the unity within the squad and the strong form of key players as factors that separate them from the rest of the league. The belief inside the club appears to be matched by supporters who are preparing for a potential title celebration in the coming fixtures. This growing confidence has added intensity to every remaining match in the campaign.
Attention now shifts to Pirates’ upcoming clash against Durban City, a fixture that could seal the championship if results go their way. The match is expected to draw a packed crowd at Orlando Stadium, with anticipation building around a possible coronation moment. Durban City arrive with momentum of their own after recent success, but Mofedi does not believe they have the consistency to derail Pirates at this stage. He expects the Soweto giants to control the match and deliver a result that brings the title within reach of confirmation. His prediction of a 3-1 win reflects his strong belief in the team’s attacking strength and defensive stability. The fixture has now taken on added significance as fans wait for what could become a historic afternoon.
Despite the confidence surrounding Pirates, the final outcome still depends on execution under pressure. Football history has shown that title races can shift quickly when expectations rise too early. However, the current balance of form, points and momentum places Pirates in a commanding position. Sundowns’ defeat to TS Galaxy has left them without control over the race, a rare situation for a team that has dominated South African football in recent years. Pirates now carry the responsibility of finishing the job and avoiding any late-season slip-ups. If they maintain their current standards, they will close out the campaign as champions.
As the season reaches its final stages, belief within the Pirates camp continues to grow stronger. Mofedi’s comments reflect a wider sentiment that the club is on the verge of reclaiming its place at the top of South African football. The remaining fixtures now carry the weight of potential glory, with supporters expecting a final push to complete the job. For Sundowns, the defeat to TS Galaxy has left them watching from the sidelines, hoping for a miracle that never seems likely to arrive. For Pirates, the path is now clear and the opportunity is firmly in their hands.
