Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates: Preview, team news, time and where to watch

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will renew their rivalry when they clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

Pirates and Sundowns are coming from winning situations but in different circumstances as the Buccaneers bounced back from their CAF Champions League elimination to beat Magsis FC in the Carling Knockout quarter-final while the Brazilians have had a free week since beating Remo Stars 2-0 and 7-1 on aggregate in the Champions League.

Both teams are separated by just three points on the PSL table with Sundowns top on 21 points from 10 games while the Soweto giants are fourth on 18, having played two matches less.

Form guide

Pirates have been in good form with 12 wins from their last 14 games in all competitions with their 3-0 loss to St Eloi Lupopo away in the Champions League the only blip.

In the PSL, the Buccaneers have won their last six on the bounce, a scary run of form that should worry Sundowns, who cannot say the same about themselves.

Sundowns have dropped nine points from their first 10 games, a rare occurrence in the last three seasons, when they have enjoyed flawless starts to the season.

The Brazilians have already lost one and drawn three of their first 10 league games with draws against Chippa United, Kaizer Chiefs and Marumo Gallants as well as defeat to Golden Arrows.

This is not Sundowns like and they will head into the contest against Pirates with question marks over them unlike previous seasons when they were overwhelming favourites.

Recent head-to-head record

Sundowns and Pirates have already met twice this season, both in the MTN8 semi-final, which ended 1-1 on both occasions, although the Soweto giants won it on post-match penalties.

However, in the PSL, Sundowns had gone unbeaten against Pirates in five matches (four wins and a draw) until March this year when the Buccaneers won 2-1. That was after Sundowns had destroyed them 4-1 in the corresponding fixture a month earlier.

Team News

Pirates could still be without Relebohile Mofokeng, the match winner against Sundowns in March, as he is still recovering from an injury with long-term absentees Makhehlene Makhaula, Olisah Ndah, Thabiso Sesane and Thapelo Xoki among those likely to be unavailable.

Meanwhile, Sundowns will be light in midfield owing to the suspensions of Teboho Mokoena and Miguel Reisinho who have been impressive. Themba Zwane is also still unavailable due to an injury.

What have the coaches said?

“It’s very interesting that you ask about Teboho’s situation because it was a coincidence that he got a yellow card in the last minute of the match when our next game was against Pirates. I just hope that the ones we are going to play in his place are at his level.” – Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi Sundowns

“I think we don't have to be worried [about missing chances]. It's just as a coach I want to attract the attention of my players that football is scoring goals and when you have the possibility to score goals – score goals because like I said before at the end of the league, every goal is important.” – Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates.

Time and where to watch

The sold out match will be held at Loftus Versfeld Stadium from 15:30 and will be live on both SABC1 and SuperSport TV.

𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓_𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇

🆚 @Masandawana
🗓 01 November 2025
🎟 Sold Out
⏰ 15H30
🏟 Loftus Versfeld Stadium
📺 @SuperSportTV
📺 @Official_SABC1

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/ZxOykVCZHC

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) October 31, 2025

Predicted Lineups

Sundowns possible XI: Williams, Mudau, Modiba, Cupido, Kekana; Aubass, Allende, Nuno Santos; Matthews, Sales, Rayners

Pirates possible XI: Chaine, Lebitso, Hotto, Mbokazi, Sibisi; Nduli, Namtajela, Mbule; Appollis, Moremi, Makgopa