Orlando Pirates may have secured only three wins in their last six matches, but they are still in contention for the Betway Premiership title.
Their recent disappointing 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs kept them at the top of the league table with 59 points, especially after their rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns, dropped points.
Although Sundowns trail by just one point and have a game in hand, they face a challenging schedule with five fixtures in two weeks, which could lead to them dropping valuable points as they also prepare for the CAF Champions League final.
Having won eight consecutive league titles, the Brazilians are being pushed to their limits by the Buccaneers. To clinch their ninth straight Betway Premiership title, they must win all their remaining matches.
Why Orlando Pirates may claim the Betway Premiership title
Fatigue has not set in yet, with four matches remaining. However, their away fixtures against Magesi and Orbit College will not be easy, as both teams are fighting to avoid relegation.
If these teams aim for a win against the Buccaneers, they might play an open game, which could expose them defensively.
A particularly tricky match for Pirates is against Stellenbosch FC in Athlone. Both Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs struggled against Stellenbosch in 2026, which serves as a warning for the Sea Robbers.
This match is scheduled for 6 May, kicking off at the same time Sundowns plays Chiefs. If Pirates secure a victory in Cape Town while Sundowns fail to beat Amakhosi, the Buccaneers could be very close to winning the Betway Premiership title.
With just four matches remaining, Pirates have three weeks to prepare which gives them an advantage over Sundowns. The likes of Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis and Thalente Mbatha will have 10 days of rest until their next match against Stellenbosch.
Four wins could be enough for Pirates to claim their first Betway Premiership title in 14 years.
