Ex Kaizer Chiefs Coach Backs Orlando Pirates to Beat Mamelodi Sundowns to Betway Premiership Title

• Orlando Pirates are close to ending Mamelodi Sundowns' reign in the Betway Premiership this season, with one game to go
• The Soweto-based club have received backing from a former Kaizer Chiefs head coach as they get ready to face Orbit College FC
• The Sea Robbers need a win against the relegation-threatened team for them to end their 14-year wait for a league title this campaign

Orlando Pirates have received massive support to win the Betway Premiership this season and end Mamelodi Sundowns eight-year dominance.

Mamelodi Sundowns currently sit two points clear but have already concluded their league fixtures, meaning Pirates missed the opportunity to go top after a goalless draw against Durban City on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

It has been a wonder debut season for Abdeslam Ouaddou as he has guided the Soweto giants to three trophies, with one of them not being official. He kick-started his time at the club by winning the MTN8, and he followed it up with the Carling Knockout Cup after defeating his former club, Marumo Gallants, in the final. The unofficial title was the Black Label Cup, in which the Sea Robbers defeated the Premier Soccer League All Stars.

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Ex-Kaizer Chiefs coach backs Pirates

Despite Orlando Pirates failing to seize their first chance to clinch the Betway Premiership title, former Kaizer Chiefs mentor Muhsin Ertugral remains confident that the Sea Robbers will complete the job on their second attempt this Saturday against Orbit College FC.

Now, they have one final shot at glory when they face Orbit College FC at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit. The scenario is straightforward: a win guarantees them the championship.

However, anything short of victory, whether a draw or defeat, will hand Sundowns a record-extending ninth consecutive league title.

Ertugral on pressure and end-of-season demands

Ertugral also commented on how demanding the end of the season is and the pressure the players face during that period.

“These situations are never straightforward. From the outside, it often appears simpler than it really is on the pitch. The players are under immense pressure to deliver, and while everyone expects that decisive goal, it doesn’t always materialise,” Ertugral told Ongama Gcwabe for SportsBoom.co.za.

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“I won’t be critical of the players—they gave everything. Success is never accidental. Over the course of the season, in my view, the team has performed strongly, and ideally they should finish it off in the final week.”

“Of course, it won’t be easy because they are up against a team also fighting to avoid relegation. But ultimately, achievement is never down to luck—it must be earned.”

Cardoso questions bigger issues after Cupido's injury

Briefly News previously reported that Miguel Cardoso questioned Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana selections after Keanu Cupido suffered an injury during Sundowns’ clash against Kaizer Chiefs.

The Sundowns coach praised Cupido’s performances and suggested the defender deserved more recognition at the international level while also criticising the physical nature of recent PSL encounters.

Source: Briefly News