South African football legend Eugene Zwane has identified a key factor that could see Orlando Pirates edge Mamelodi Sundowns in a fierce Betway Premiership title race during the final stretch of the season.
The Buccaneers are currently locked in a high-stakes battle to end the dominance of Sundowns, who have secured the league title for eight consecutive seasons.
However, the 2025/26 campaign has taken a different tune, with Pirates leading the pack as the season is reaching its fever pitch. As it stands, the Abdeslam Ouaddou-led Buccaneers occupy the top spot on the Betway Premiership table with 59 points after 26 matches.
On the other hand, Masandawana follow closely in second place with 58 points from 25 outings. While Bafana Ba Style hold a game in hand that could swing the momentum back in their favour, the congested fixture list and continental commitments are starting to weigh heavily on the defending champions. This was proven in their last two league matches, in which they played draws against Stellenbosch FC [1-1] and Richards Bay FC [0-0].
ZWANE IDENTIFIES CAF CHAMPIONS FINAL AS A FACTOR THAT COULD DISTRACT SUNDOWNS IN TITLE RACE WITH PIRATES
Zwane believes the distractions of the CAF Champions League final could be a problem for Sundowns. This comes after the Brazilians have successfully reached the Champions League final for the second consecutive time, where they are set to face Moroccan giants AS FAR in May.
And also leading up to the Champions League final, Sundowns will be desperate to avoid a repeat of last season’s psychological heartbreak, where they fell short against Egypt’s Pyramids FC.
The former Pirates midfielder explained that the magnitude of a continental final often creates a subconscious shift in player mentality.
“I think Pirates can hold on to their lead because what could also work in Pirates’ favour is the fact that Sundowns are in the CAF Champions League final,” Zwane told FARPost.
“You have to understand the magnitude of playing in the final of the Champions League. This is going to impact players because nobody will want to get injured and be stuck in a fear of missing out on the final.”
While Sundowns are known for their incredible squad depth, Zwane suggests that human nature might lead some stars to manage themselves on the pitch to ensure they are fit and avoid injuries for the big stage.
“But it also depends on the mentality of the Sundowns players. However, we do know that ahead of a big final, there are players who would sacrifice the smaller games, preferring to be on the bigger stage, and this could work in Pirates’ favour in the games leading up to the Champions League final,” he added.
BANANA SKINS: THE THREE TEAMS THAT COULD RUIN SUNDOWNS’ SEASON
Before the big CAF final, the Brazilians face a tricky domestic run-in with league fixtures against Kaizer Chiefs, Polokwane City, and Siwelele FC looming large. Interestingly, these are the same three sides that recently dented Pirates’ title hopes by holding the Sea Robbers to draws in the second round of the campaign.
Sundowns will need to navigate these potential banana skins carefully to maintain their momentum ahead of their continental showdown.
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