Orlando Pirates have spent the past three seasons collecting trophies: three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups.
But when it comes to the Betway Premiership, Mamelodi Sundowns have simply been a different beast as the Buccaneers came second best in three seasons on the trot.
In the 2022/23 season, it was 70 points to 54. The season after that? 73 to 50. Last term, the gap narrowed, but only slightly, with Sundowns on 73 and the Buccaneers on 61. Three seasons, same story: Pirates good, Sundowns ruthless.
ORLANDO PIRATES MOVING LIKE SEA ROBBERS THIS SEASON
This season, Orlando Pirates look different. They’re sharper, more confident, and finally consistent. With two games in hand and only three points behind Sundowns, the title talk suddenly feels real.
And according to former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Calvin Marlin, Kabo Yellow remain favourites to lift a staggering ninth league title on the bounce.
“It looks like they’re going to take another one,” Marlin told The South African’s Siseko Gwegwe.
“It’s early days, but like we said, for the last couple of years, I mean, their squad’s massive and very strong. You know, whoever plays, it’s not much of a change in their squad.”
Pressed on whether Orlando Pirates actually look strong enough to challenge this season, the 49-year-old didn’t rule it out, as long as the Sea Robbers don’t lose against Sundowns while also getting the smaller jobs done.
“Yeah, man. Well, it all depends, really,” Marlin replied. “I mean, you know, if you look at Pirates, I mean, they don’t have to beat Sundowns to win the league. If they just keep getting points against all the other clubs… and pray that Sundowns slip up as well.
“Orlando Pirates look really solid. As long as you don’t maybe give away six points to Sundowns, if you beat all the other clubs that you should beat, they’ll be in a chance,” Marlin concluded.
For now, Sundowns shift focus to the CAF Champions League against St-Eloi Lupopo in Tshwane, while Orlando Pirates return to Betway Premiership action at the Orlando Stadium against Chippa United on Tuesday, 25 November at 19:30.
Also read: Confirmed: CAF have made a decision on Orlando Pirates CASE