Is it Orlando Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns for PSL title? Richards Bay coach Papi Zothwane opines

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have been on each other’s necks in the race for the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League crown.

Both have 47 points from 20 games, but Bucs are on top of the table owing to their superior goal difference. However, this weekend the Sea Robbers can go three points clear with a win against Siwelele FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

The defending champions, Sundowns, will be up against Malian outfit Stade Malien in the CAF Champions League quarter-final on Friday night. The game will be played at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium where Miguel Cardoso’s men will be going for nothing less than a win ahead of the second leg.

While the Brazilians are chasing their ninth crown in a row and 10th title in 11 years, the Soweto giants are hoping to go all the way for the first time since the 2011/12 campaign.

Both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have quality

Richards Bay coach Papi Zothwane anticipates a tough competition that will go to the wire. He argues the quality within the teams is good, and the level of output is close.

“It’s difficult to say, because two of the biggest teams are competing for the league title. Obviously, the team that plays against Pirates and Sundowns wants to do well,” the tactician told the media.

 “I think it’s a title race that will be decided mostly in the last games. But it’s a difficult one. I can’t conclude now where I see it going.

“Both teams have quality, and they are winning their games. Let’s hope they continue the same way. As for us [Richards Bay], we are fighting for the top eight,” he concluded.