Betway Premiership: Factors That Could Prevent Mamelodi Sundowns From Topping Orlando Pirates
- Mamelodi Sundowns have been handed a golden opportunity to move past Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership standings
- The defending champions saw the Soweto giants drop points during the weekend clash against Siwelele FC at Orlando Arena
- A football analyst, during an exclusive chat with Briefly News, explained the challenges that could hinder their chances
Mamelodi Sundowns have a good chance of overtaking Orlando Pirates on the Betway Premiership table this week after the Soweto giants dropped points in their last game.
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The Buccaneers missed out on the chance to extend their lead at the top of the log after playing out a 1-1 draw against Siwelele FC on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
The draw put the Soweto-based club one point ahead of the Brazilians, but that can change when the defending champions take on Marumo Gallants in the next league game on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Why Sundowns could struggle to overtake Pirates
Football analyst Uche Anuma, in a chat with Briefly News, highlighted the reason Sundowns might find it difficult to overtake Pirates on the Betway Premiership table.
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The Pretoria giants are still going strong in the CAF Champions League, as they recently defeated MC Alger during the last group game and took the lead in their quarter-final first leg against Stade Malien.
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"The title race is getting tougher, and I was surprised Pirates could drop crucial points at home against Siwelele FC," he said.
"It's a wake-up call for Sundowns too, and there are many factors that could hinder them from taking over from the Bucs as league leaders.
"They are still in the CAF Champions League, and it looks like it's taking more of their focus as they are in the knockout phase.
"Miguel Cardoso's squad management would be tested to the limit at this point of the season, because they can't afford to make any mistakes in both the league and the Champions League.
"The Champions League can be a huge distraction to them if the technical crew don't manage the squad properly."
What's next for Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns' next match in the Betway Premiership would be against Marumo Gallants, and a win for Miguel Cardoso's side would take them to the summit of the league standings.
They also have a second leg CAF Champions League quarter-final clash against Stade Malien, and they are on course to secure a semi-final ticket just like they did last season in the same competition.
It is a congested schedule for Sundowns and Cardoso, but the deed is done, and they need to be focused on the two competitions if they want to avoid ending the season trophyless.
Kaizer Chiefs make offer for Nigerian star
Briefly News earlier reported that Kaizer Chiefs have made an offer to a Nigerian international, who is currently a free agent.
The Soweto-based club were silent during the January transfer window as they were unable to bolster their first-team squad.
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Source: Briefly News
