Orlando Pirates’ 2–0 win over Chippa United lifted them to 25 points, level with log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership.
It’s a tie, but a deeper look at the wins columns reveals something more.
WINS ON THE BOARD
A quick look at the wins column, and the Buccaneers are feeling stronger: eight victories from 11 games, compared to Mamelodi Sundowns’ seven from 12. Fewer matches, more wins, and suddenly the momentum feels very much on Orlando Pirates’ side.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ wins have included 2–0 victories over AmaZulu and Chippa United, 1–0 wins against TS Galaxy and Stellenbosch, plus bigger results like 3–1 over Durban City, 4–1 against Richards Bay, and 3–0 over Magesi FC.
Orlando Pirates, though, have made winning a habit, even when margins are thin. Four of their victories have been classic 1–0 grind-it-out wins over Stellenbosch, Orbit College, Siwelele and Polokwane City. Then there’s the more commanding 3–0 win over Chippa United, a 3–1 away triumph against Golden Arrows, and two separate 2–0 wins over Chippa (including one from the second round).
BUCCANEERS PAIN OVER THE PAST THREE SEASONS
The importance of this stat becomes clearer when you remember the past three seasons. Orlando Pirates have been runners-up to Mamelodi Sundowns in three consecutive campaigns:
- 2022/23: Sundowns 70 points, Pirates 54
- 2023/24: Sundowns 73 points, Pirates 50
- Last term: Sundowns 73 points, Pirates 61.
Coming up for the Sea Robbers is a trip to KwaZulu Natal to battle Durban City on Saturday 29 November. Kick off is set for 15:30 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, while Kabo Yellow face Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger in North Africa on Friday night at 21:00 t in the CAF Champoins League.