Watch VideoOrlando Pirates v Mamelodi Sundowns: Five key players to watch in title clash

Oswin Appollis has been the heartbeat of the Pirates’ midfield this season, dictating play and carving out chances. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Many seasons have come and gone with teams attempting to unseat Mamelodi Sundowns from their domestic throne, yet few have mounted as serious achallenge in recent years as Orlando Pirates. Their looming showdown at FNB Stadium this Wednesday (7.30pm kick-off) could provide the clearest indication yet of where this season’s league crown is ultimately headed.

While the campaign has only reached its halfway mark — and plenty of twists may still lie ahead in what has been a markedly improved season compared to the last — the stakes extend beyond just three points. A misstep on the night could shift momentum significantly in the title race. Sundowns will be banking on it being third time lucky.

The sides have already met twice this season, with both encounters ending 1-1. Those stalemates proved costly for Miguel Cardoso’s men, resulting in dropped ground in the league race and elimination from the MTN8 — a competition Pirates went on to lift. This time, Pirates step away from their traditional fortress, the Amstel Orlando Arena, but they will draw confidence from last season’s 2-1 victory over the Brazilians at FNB Stadium — a result that slightly disrupted Sundowns’ title charge.

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They now arrive boasting an impressive14-match unbeaten runin the league and will be eager to build on that momentum. With so much riding on the contest at this relatively early stage of the season, the outcome could prove pivotal. Here are five key players who could shape the clash:

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