Mamelodi Sundowns or Orlando Pirates: Who has the tougher final fixtures?

It’s a two-team race for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title between current log leaders Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The sides have distanced themselves from the chasing pack with just a handful of matches remaining this season and have all-but confirmed their places in next season’s CAF Champions League.

Yawning gap to third place

At the time of publishing, the Buccaneers lead Masandawana by a single point, but crucially, the latter has a game in hand.

Orlando Pirates are 12 points ahead of third-placed Kaizer Chiefs, but have played one more match than their bitter Soweto rivals.

Crucially, Orlando Pirates improved their all-important goal difference to +39, compared to Mamelodi Sundowns’ +30, but otherwise it could barely be tighter as we head into the home stretch.

Updated Betway Premiership log

Orlando Pirates are looking for their first title – and fifth overall – since the 2011/12 season.

It’s been 5 092 days since the Soweto giants’ supporters last cheers a league title win.

However, for Mamelodi Sundowns, they are seeking a ninth-consecutive title – and a 16th overall – in what is the 30th season since the dawn of the professional era in 1996/97.

Remaining fixtures

So, who has the tougher run-in to the end of the season?

The two sides don’t have to play one another again. The first clash between the sides ended in a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld on 1 November last year. The return fixture at FNB Stadium on 18 February this year ended in a 2-1 win for Mamelodi Sundowns.

Should the race for the title come down to the final weekend of the season, on paper at least, Orlando Pirates appear to have the easier task against current bottom side Orbit College, while Mamelodi Sundowns will be up against 12th-ranked TS Galaxy.

Both are out of the Nedbank Cup, but Mamelodi Sundowns must still contend with the two-legged CAF Champions League final against Moroccan side AS FAR as a distraction.

Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates have a favourable run-in to the end of the season, with three of their remaining four matches scheduled against teams currently in the bottom half of the table.

Orlando Pirates’ remaining matches

Tuesday, 5 May vs Stellenbosch FC, Athlone Stadium – 19:30

Saturday, 9 May vs Magesi FC, Seshego Stadium – 20:00

Saturday, 16 May vs Durban City, Orlando Stadium – 15:00

Saturday, 23 May vs Orbit College, Royal Bafokeng Stadium – 15:00

Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns’ final five domestic fixtures will be affected by the CAF Champions League final.

Those two matches are scheduled to take place on Friday, 15 May (in Pretoria) and Sunday, 24 May (in Rabat).

However, as per the PSL’s current remaining league fixture list, Masandawana are scheduled to play their final match on 16 May – which would require moving.

The scheduling pressure is heightened by FIFA regulations requiring club competitions worldwide to conclude by 25 May to allow national teams sufficient preparation time ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Fortunately for coach Miguel Cardoso, the club’s deep squad provides the flexibility needed to rotate players and manage fatigue during the congested period.

With both league and continental ambitions still alive, Mamelodi Sundowns will need to balance their commitments carefully as the season approaches its decisive stage.