Pirates looking to keep pressure on Sundowns in title race

Nkosinathi Sibisi of Orlando Pirates challenged by Angelo Van Rooi of Golden Arrows during the Betway Premiership 2025/26 match in November last year. The sides are set to meet again on Tuesday. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, however, has not given up hope of winning his first league title since taking over from Jose Riveiro at the beginning of the current season.

“The PSL is a stronger league. It’s very tight this season, it’s a marathon race. In a marathon, you don’t have to calm down in terms of rhythm and winning,” explained Ouaddou.”We need to give our best in every game and take points.

In the end, we’ll see.”Pirates have been in remarkable form heading into the international break, and the question now is whether they can pick up where they left off. Their most recent league outing was a 6-0 demolition of TS Galaxy away from home on 22 March, a result that sent a clear message to Sundowns that they will fight until the end for the title. Prior to the game against Galaxy, the Buccaneers beat Polokwane City 2-1 away, dispatched Richards Bay 2-0 at home and hammered Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium.

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Head-to-head statistics favour the Buccaneers going into this clash as they are unbeaten against Abafana Besthende in the last nine matches since 2021. Pirates have won all five of their last meetings with Arrows, making them clear favourites to win this match.Ouaddou’s charges won 3-1 in the reverse fixture at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban in November last year.

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