Soccer
Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: Sunday, March 16 2025 Kickoff Time: 17:30 CAT Venue: FNB Stadium, Johannesburg Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are set to clash in a last-ditch effort for the Buccaneers to challenge for the Betway Premiership at FNB Stadium on Sunday, 16 March 2025. The Brazilians continue their dominant league campaign, while Pirates aim to upset the defending champions. Expect a competitive fixture as both teams seek vital points. You can bet on soccer games, including a piece of this action on our recommended South African betting sites.
Jose Riviero speaks to Thalente Mbatha//Getty Images
Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns meet in a key Betway Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium on Sunday, 16 March 2025. Sundowns, leading the table, are unbeaten in their last five league outings and will aim to strengthen their title push. Pirates, second, have a last-ditch effort at clawing back some points over rivals Sundowns, and winning this six-pointer will decide their fate. Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns fans looking to back their team or explore betting options can take advantage of a free welcome bonus to enhance their experience.
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Downs Firm Favourites
Orlando Pirates: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.81%
Draw: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.57%
Mamelodi Sundowns: 4/5 (1.80) – 55.56%
*Odds courtesy of Hollywoodbets, subject to change.
Head-to-Head Record
Last Five Meetings (All Competitions):
08/02/25: Mamelodi Sundowns 4-1 Orlando Pirates
01/06/24: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-2 Orlando Pirates (CUP)
17/02/24: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 Orlando Pirates
07/10/23: Orlando Pirates 0-0 Mamelodi Sundowns (8C, Pirates won on penalties)
20/09/23: Orlando Pirates 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Orlando Pirates: Current Form – WWLWW
Orlando Pirates have put in some great performances and found really good results which has put them in title contention every season since Jose Riveiro, but they have not been perfect. When challenging for the title against Sundowns, the Buccaneers must be perfect – and unfortunately, they haven’t.
In their heavy 4-1 defeat to Sundowns earlier this season, Pirates gave Sundowns a little too much respect, allowing them time on the ball. Riveiro admitted his side made avoidable defensive errors that led to the first half ending two goals in favour of the opposition. In the second half, Amabhakabhaka played with a lot more confidence, which let them pull one goal back, but another two followed. The discipline from Pirates will be crucial.
Key Players to Watch
- Tshegofatso Mabasa: The Bucs striker has had success against Gallants in the past, scoring a hat-trick this past December, and crosses paths with them just a week after bagging his second hat-trick of the season.
- Relebohile Mofokeng: The winger’s ability to find space to put the cross in and cut in to neatly find his teammates has found him assisting four goals this season – the most of any Pirates player.
- Sipho Chaine: The goalkeeper has a strong defence to thank for his lead in the cleanest sheets this season (7), but his shot-stopping is not the only highlight. He has been coach Riveiro’s talisman for distribution from the back.
- Thabang Monare: Monare’s experience and composure will be key in avoiding errors and breaking up opposition attacks.
Orlando Pirates Team News
Nkosinathi Sibisi made his return to the fold in their midweek game versus Stellenbosch, but Pirates are still waiting for goalkeeper Sipho Chaine and midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi, while Monnapule Saleng has reportedly been left out of two matchday squads due to contractual disputes.
Mamelodi Sundowns: Current Form – WWWWW
Mamelodi Sundowns have one last corner to turn in search of their eighth Betway Premiership title in a row. Their league run is undeniably dominant, and their previous fixture versus Pirates was a real flex of muscle against the only league challenger.
With an astonishing +36 goal difference, Sundowns are not just winning games – they are doing so in style. A victory against Orlando Pirates will put a second hand on the trophy, and Masandawana must just wait for the permission to lift it.
Key Players to Watch
- Lucas Ribeiro Costa: Lucas Ribeiro Costa is a headline act for Sundowns’ attack this season, leading the goal-scoring charts!
- Iqraam Rayners: There is no such thing as a one man show, and a lot of what Ribeiro Costa has been able to do is part and parcel of the work Iqraam Rayners is doing in the yellow jersey.
- Ronwen Williams: The organization for Sundowns all starts at the back, and that unity is a large part in thanks to captain Ronwen Williams.
Mamelodi Sundowns Team News
There are no fresh injury concerns or suspensions reported, so Coach Cardoso will have a full squad to select from for the upcoming match.
Predicted Line-Up
Orlando Pirates, 4-2-3-1: S. Mpontshane; B. Shandu, N. Sibisi, T. Xoki, P. Mako; M. Makhaula, K. Dlamini; D. Hotto, N. Ndlondlo, R. Mofokeng; E. Makgopa.
Mamelodi Sundowns, 4-3-3: R. Williams; T. Morena, G. Kekana, A. Boutouil, A. Modiba; T. Mokoena, M. Allende, S. Mbule; L. Ribeiro Costa, I. Rayners, P. Shalulile.
Suggested Bets
Draw: With two quality teams going up against each other, setting up to make sure that they don’t lose, a stalemate cannot be written off. (28/10 with Supabets)
Over 2.5 Goals: Pirates will want to keep this a low-scoring affair, but the firepower from Sundowns will open the flood gates. (7/10 with Betway)
Value Bets
Sundowns to Win Either Half: In an effort for more value than the straight Sundowns win, back the Brazilians to win either half. (11/10 with YesPlay)
Sundowns to Score in Both Halves: Given their quality in attack, Sundowns could have enough chances to find the back of the net in both halves. (15/10 with 10bet)
Prediction: Sundowns to Win and Both Teams to Score (Yes)
If Pirates want a sniff at the title – although a long shot – they must defeat Sundowns here. But Sundowns' firepower and dominance will thrust them to another three points. Pirates need defensive discipline and more confidence to take the game to Sundowns, but the defending champions' ability to capitalize on errors, let alone make their own chances, will prove too much.
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