Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns Predictions - Downs to extend five-year unbeaten Bucs league run

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 14 Mar 2025

John Eastwood 14 Mar 2025

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Mamelodi Sundowns aim to extend unbeaten run against Orlando Pirates to 11 league matches.
Sundowns boast best defensive record with only 12 goals conceded in 22 matches.
Orlando Pirates struggling in head-to-head, with 8 losses in last 9 PSL matches versus Sundowns.

Expired

Sundowns to beat Pirates in the league yet again (Getty Images).

Orlando Pirates Predictions vs Mamelodi Sundowns Predictions

Sundowns are backed to extend their unbeaten league run vs Pirates to 11 matches. I’m backing an away win with a clean sheet as Bucs have trouble scoring vs Downs.
Orlando Pirates Predictions vs Mamelodi Sundowns Predictions
Head to Head
Orlando Pirates Form & Team News
Orlando Pirates Predicted Lineup
Mamelodi Sundowns Form & Team News
Mamelodi Sundowns Predicted Lineup

Orlando Pirates have lost 8 of their last 9 PSL matches vs Mamelodi Sundowns.
Orlando Pirates have failed to score in 7 of their last 10 PSL matches vs Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mamelodi Sundowns have won 19 of their last 22 PSL matches.
Mamelodi Sundowns have conceded just 12 goals in 22 PSL matches (best defensive record).

Head to Head

Mamelodi Sundowns hold a 23-13 advantage vs Orlando Pirates across 52 previous meetings with 14 draws.

Sundowns won 4-1 when the clubs last met in February.

Orlando Pirates Form & Team News

Pirates drop points in midweek, meaning the gap to table-topping Sundowns is now at 18 points. Bucs have four games in hand but this fixture is a must-win to keep the title race alive.

They beat Cape Town City 2-1 at home before a surprise 2-0 loss at Marumo Gallants despite outshooting their opponents 16-6. A 1-0 league win followed at Chippa United.

The Sea Robbers drew 2-2 at SuperSport United in the Nedbank Cup before winning a penalty shootout. In midweek, they could only draw 0-0 at ten-man Stellenbosch FC despite playing 55 minutes with an extra man.

Coach Jose Riveiro will recall midfielders Thalente Mbatha and Patrick Maswanganyi. Both players were left out of the XI in midweek to protect against suspensions.

Defenders Thabiso Sesane, Thabiso Monyane and Olisa Ndah are injured. The latter has a small chance of returning to the bench for this one.

Orlando Pirates Predicted Lineup

Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Mako; Makhaula, Mbatha; Hotto, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Makgopa.

Mamelodi Sundowns Form & Team News

Sundowns hold an incredible 18-point lead over second-placed Orlando Pirates. They have played four matches more, though.

A 4-2 win at Sekhukhune United was followed by a steady 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs with just two shots on target allowed. A 1-1 draw at Golden Arrows saw Downs outshot Arrows 19-6.

In midweek, the Brazilians made light work of AmaZulu in a 2-0 home win. They had 65% possession and outshot Usuthu 16-6.

Coach Miguel Cardoso had goalkeeper Ronwen Williams back from injury in midweek. Marcello Allende was given a rest and will start here.

Themba Zwane and Rivaldo Coetzee are out injured in the midfield area. Arthur Sales is pushing for a start up-front after a major impact in recent matches as a substitute.