Why Orlando Pirates Might Miss Out on Winning Betway Premiership Title Ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns

• Orlando Pirates are now favourites to win the Betway Premiership, but suffered a setback in their last game against Durban City
• The Soweto-based club are one win away from ending their 14-year wait for winning the Betway Premiership title
• A football analyst in a chat with Briefly News shared his thoughts on Orlando Pirates missing out on the title this season

Orlando Pirates have suffered a major setback in the Betway Premiership title race this season as they dropped crucial points against Durban City on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

The Soweto-based club played out a goalless draw against Durban City, and failed to go level on points with Mamelodi Sundowns, who are presently on top of the standings. The Pretoria giants are on 68 points after playing 30 games, while the Sea Robbers are currently on 66 points from 29 matches.

The Buccaneers need a win in the last match of the season to end the Brazilians' dominance and win the league title for the first time in 14 years.

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Why Pirates could miss out on title

Football analyst Themba Modise spoke exclusively with Briefly News while sharing his thoughts on Pirates' last league game of the season against Orbit College.

He believes the Sea Robbers might struggle against Orbit College as the club needs to stop Abdeslam Ouaddou's side from defeating them at the Mbombela Stadium in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

"I am a Mamelodi Sundowns fan, but I have to be objective on this, it is Orlando Pirates' title to lose, it's no longer in our hands, but they shouldn't underestimate Orbit College in their last match," he said.

"I expect them to defeat Orbit College as other people also would judge both teams on paper, but we should consider the fact that the home need the match also as they are in relegationg battle.

"They need the maximum points against Pirates, even if it is a result that is difficult to get, I think they would give their all in that match and make it tought for Ouaddou and his boys."

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Rating Orlando Pirates' season

Modise gave a detailed assessment of Orlando Pirates' season and also shared his opinion on how Abdeslam Ouaddou would be rated if he ends up not winning the league after winning the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup titles.

"Orlando Pirates have done well for themselves this season, and I would rate it a successful season even if they end up not winning the Betway Premiership," he added.

"Thought it would be disappointing for Ouaddou if he didn't end up lifting the league title, but he has done well in his debut season, and I would rate him 8/10. Winning two official titles and one unofficial title is not a small feat."

Ouaddou calls out Pirates 'boo boys'

Briefly News also reported that Abdeslam Ouaddou addressed Orlando Pirates fans who were booing the team against TS Galaxy in the league.

The former Marumo Gallants manager stressed that his players are fully committed every time they step onto the pitch.

Source: Briefly News