Mamelodi Sundowns veteran attacker Themba Zwane has outlined the strategy the club will employ against Orlando Pirates in the much-anticipated Betway Premiership encounter on Saturday.
Sundowns and Pirates will lock horns in a league encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, with kick-off set for 15:30 for the sold-out game. Both sides are coming to this match with their tails high after collecting maximum points in the midweek games.
Masandawana claimed a convincing 3-0 victory over rivals SuperSport United in the Tshwane Derby, while Pirates edged Sekhukhune United with a 2-1 scoreline at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The two in-form giants – Sundowns and Pirates are involved in what promises to be a nail-biting title race. The Brazilians occupy the top spot, whereas The Buccaneers are sitting second on the league table.
Downs have collected 39 points in 14 matches played so far, and they are holding a six-point advantage on Orlando Pirates, who are on 33 points with one game in hand.
WHAT DID THEMBA ZWANE SAY ABOUT THE CLASH BETWEEN SUNDOWNS AND PIRATES?
Pirates will be looking to narrow down the gap on the log standings with a victory over Sundowns. However, Themba Zwane revealed a tactical plan to overcome the Jose Riveiro-coached team.
‘Mshishi’, who is currently out with an injury, said Sundowns needs to apply high pressure on the Soweto giants and make sure their rest defence is well structured to walk away with three points.
“I think it’s going to be a good game on Saturday because Pirates are a good team, and we can say the same thing about us,” Zwane said.
“So I think for us, our plan is to go at them, put them under pressure, and we remain consistent with what we’re doing. I mean, our rest defence is proper, and I think we have a chance to win.”
Meanwhile, Zwane has been sidelined for over three months after sustaining an injury when Bafana Bafana played Congo Brazzaville in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers in October 2024.
Since the start of the 2024/25 campaign, the 35-year-old has featured in five appearances across all competitions and provided one assist.
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