A top-of-the-table showdown is set for Sunday afternoon as Orlando Pirates welcome Mamelodi Sundowns to the FNB Stadium for a highly anticipated league encounter. Sundowns, sitting comfortably with an 18-point lead at the summit, will be eager to extend their dominance, while Pirates will be determined to put up a strong fight in front of their passionate home crowd.

Mamelodi Sundowns have been unstoppable this season and head into this fixture on the back of a 2-0 victory over AmaZulu. Their last encounter with Pirates saw them claim a commanding 4-1 win at Loftus Versfeld, with Lucas Ribeiro Costa scoring twice, supported by goals from Grant Kekana and Teboho Mokoena. Their recent dominance over the Buccaneers is undeniable, as they remain unbeaten in their last five PSL-era league encounters at FNB Stadium, winning four and drawing one. Another victory on Sunday would see them achieve five consecutive away wins against Pirates for the second time in PSL history.

Orlando Pirates will be looking to turn their fortunes around after settling for a draw against Stellenbosch FC earlier in the week. A win against the log leaders would not only be a massive confidence boost but could also serve as a turning point in their campaign. However, history does not favor them, with head coach Jose Riveiro yet to secure a league victory against Sundowns in five attempts, managing just one draw while suffering four defeats.

Shalulile Anticipates an Exciting Clash

Mamelodi Sundowns’ talisman Peter Shalulile, who holds the record for most goals in this fixture among current players with five, is anticipating a thrilling battle.

“It’s going to be a hard game. Orlando Pirates are a big club, but we are going to do what we do best—work hard, follow the coach’s plan, and give our best on the day. It’s going to be an exciting match, one worth coming to the stadium to watch. We encourage the Yellow Nation to come in numbers because they are the ones who motivate us, and we look forward to making them proud,” said Shalulile.

This will be the 58th league meeting between the two sides since the 1996/97 season, and the first at FNB Stadium since its renovation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Shalulile is also on the brink of making history, as he sits on 127 PSL goals—just two away from equaling Siyabonga Nomvethe’s record of 129 goals across all South African top-flight competitions.

With high stakes, history on the line, and two of South Africa’s biggest clubs going head-to-head, this match promises to be an unmissable showdown. Kick-off is set for 15:30 at the FNB Stadium.