Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates set for high-stakes Betway Prem showdown at Loftus

The rivalry between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates has quickly become one of the biggest events on the local sporting calendar. When the two teams meet in a Betway Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3.30pm), there will be no love lost.

Sundowns have been the dominant team over the past eight years, winning the league title — now known as the Betway Premiership. Pirates, however, have been hot on the Brazilians’ heels in the last three seasons, finishing runners-up each time.

The intense rivalry has spilled over onto both domestic and international levels. Pirates have beaten Sundowns in their last three cup meetings in the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup.

This season, the sides played to a 1-1 aggregate draw in the MTN8 semi-final, but Pirates held their nerve when it mattered most, winning the tie on penalties to progress to the final, where they beat Stellenbosch 3-0 to claim a record fourth Wafa Wafa crown.

The magnitude of that fixture seems to have carried over into national team banter within Bafana Bafana, as players from the two clubs often tease each other about their domestic encounters.

As the teams prepare to clash at Loftus, there’s more than just three points at stake. A win for Sundowns would extend their lead over Pirates to six points, while a Pirates victory would see them draw level with the Brazilians on 21 points, with a game in hand.

“With Pirates, I think if you check the last few seasons, they’re a team that’s been pushing in the league, especially towards the end of the campaign,” recalled Sundowns’ Aubrey Modiba during Thursday’s pre-match press conference at their Chloorkop base.

“Obviously, there’s banter in the national team as well because we have more or less the same number of players. Yeah, we’re always talking about this game. We don’t want to lose, heading into the national team camp, because the banter will be something else among us players.

“They’ve been doing well in the league, pushing us to the limit. But most importantly, taking three points from them will give us an edge in clinching the league.”

Both teams made the country proud on the continent last season. Sundowns were finalists in the CAF Champions League, while Pirates reached the semi-finals.

Entering the current season, however, the script has changed. Sundowns qualified for a record 10th group-stage campaign in the Champions League, while Pirates stumbled at the final hurdle, losing to St Eloi Lupopo on penalties.

Some have regarded Pirates’ continental heartbreak as a blessing in disguise, believing they can now fully focus on dethroning Sundowns and ending their 13-year league title drought. Modiba, however, disagrees. He believes Pirates have the resources to compete for all trophies.

“Being in the Champions League would have helped them more. I think they have a very good squad. They have depth and have signed quality players this season,” Modiba said.

“Even if they were still in the Champions League, they would’ve still given us a run for our money. They have quality, so they could’ve juggled the Champions League, the league, and the MTN8.

“So, I don’t think their elimination from the Champions League changes anything, because they still have great depth in their squad.”

While Pirates are expected to have most of their regulars available, Sundowns will be without suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena — among a long list of absentees.

“Tebza is a very important player for our team. We know what he offers,” Modiba said. “But we’ve got other players who can come into the team and help us.

“So yes, we’re definitely going to miss him for this game, but hopefully we can win it for him as well.”