Orlando Pirates will host Durban City in a potentially title-deciding Betway Premiership clash on Saturday at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto. 

The Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00.  

The Buccaneers head into the match knowing the league title is now firmly in their hands after rivals Mamelodi Sundowns stumbled earlier this week by losing 3-2 to TS Galaxy. 

After years of chasing the crown, Pirates are now one strong finish away from ending a 14-year wait for the championship.

This match against Durban City is the first of their final two league fixtures, with an away clash against Orbit College FC still to come next weekend.

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The Buccaneers are two victories away to own the title. If they win this match, they would only need to avoid defeat against Orbit College in their final match to mathematically secure the championship.

A draw would keep the race alive to the final match, meaning Pirates would likely need a win in the final game to guarantee the title.  The Buccaneers have a superior goal difference. 

What makes Pirates’ 2025/26 campaign remarkable is how dramatically it changed after the opening weeks. 

They lost their first two league matches and immediately looked out of the title picture. 

But from there, the Buccaneers produced one of the strongest recoveries in recent PSL history.

Under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, Pirates developed into the league’s most balanced side, a very defensively solid side while becoming devastating in attack.

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Their turning point came during the middle part of the campaign when they began blowing teams away with high-scoring performances. 

Victories such as 6-0 against TS Galaxy, 5-0 against Golden Arrows, 3-0 away at Magesi, and key wins over Stellenbosch and Kaizer Chiefs, showed that Pirates were no longer grinding out results, but they were dominating matches.  

During these matches several players have been central to Pirates’ title charge, hoping to keep the momentum going on Saturday. 

Relebohile Mofokeng has produced another sensational campaign and established himself as one of the best young players in the country. His goals, creativity and confidence in big matches have made him the face of Pirates’ revival.  

While Sipho Chaine has been exceptional in goal, with reports highlighting his clean-sheet record as one of the foundations of Pirates’ success. Patrick Maswanganyi continued to provide creativity in midfield.

Meanwhile, Oswin Appollis added goals and became the big also look out at the club, Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa contributed important goals during the run-in.

Recent statistics showed that the Buccaneers have already reached 53 league goals this season, breaking their previous 30-game PSL-era record of 52 goals set in 2004/05.  

Earlier in April they were still chasing the old mark after reaching 50 goals, but their late-season scoring surge pushed them beyond the historic total.  

With the match on Saturday, the supporters are looking at Pirates to update the goals this season and wrap up the title. 

INSIDE POLITICS

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South African footballer Sinamandla Zondi died on Tuesday after collapsing in the warm-up before a second-tier match, his club Durban City said.

The 22-year-old was taken to hospital ahead of Durban’s game against Milford FC and the match was abandoned at halftime when officials were told Zondi had died.

The cause of death was still to be determined.

“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Sinamandla Zondi, aka Sgora, a loved member of the Durban City family,” the club said in a statement.

“Sinamandla was more than a talented footballer, He was a teammate, a friend, a brother, a son and an inspiration to all who knew him.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, teammates, coaches and everyone affected by this tragic loss. We will continue to support those close to him during this difficult time.”

The defender made his professional debut in September 2021 and had been a regular for his club this season as they sit top of the standings and are on course for promotion to the top flight of South African football.

Reuters

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