Chasing Sundowns: Who have Orlando Pirates still to play in the Betway Premiership season?

On paper, Sundowns face what could be the more challenging end to the season, even if three of their last four matches are on home soil, compared to three away games for Pirates.

Sundowns will welcome Polokwane City once more on Sunday, followed by a midweek encounter with Kaizer Chiefs, and then Siwelele on May 9, wrapping up with an away trip to TS Galaxy that still needs confirmation due to a potential conflict with the first leg of their CAF Champions League final.

Playing at home offers a significant edge, yet there are risks involved, especially in their upcoming battle against Chiefs.

Turning to Pirates, their schedule includes matchups against two teams from the lower end of the table, which they should handle comfortably, plus two tougher opponents in the middle of the pack.

Below is a rundown of their leftover games.

Stellenbosch FC vs Orlando Pirates

Tuesday, May 5 – Athlone Stadium

Pirates face a tough road test against Gavin Hunt's Stellenbosch side, marking this as potentially their trickiest remaining fixture straight away.

Stellenbosch have proven resilient lately, managing a draw against Sundowns in the league and consistently troubling Chiefs throughout the campaign.

Pirates secured a 1-0 league victory over them early in the season and followed it with a 3-0 win in the MTN8 final. Interestingly, six out of the previous seven clashes have taken place either at Pirates' ground or on neutral territory.

Their most recent trip to Stellenbosch ended in a 0-0 stalemate in March 2025. Before that, in September 2023, Pirates triumphed 2-1 in the first leg of an MTN8 semi-final.

Overall, Pirates have visited Stellenbosch seven times, claiming just two wins alongside two losses and three draws.

Magesi vs Orlando Pirates

Saturday, May 9 – Peter Mokaba Stadium

Magesi FC are battling to stay in the division, but they have displayed positive momentum recently under Allan Freese's guidance.

Their recent results include a 5-2 triumph against Durban City and a 0-0 stalemate with TS Galaxy, which has edged them away from the relegation zone, though only by goal difference.

They could pose problems, but Pirates will still anticipate taking the points.

Magesi pulled off a surprise 3-2 upset against Pirates in their debut clash in the Carling Knockout back in 2024, but Pirates have since dominated with three victories and one draw.

Pirates edged a 1-0 win on their sole prior visit to Magesi during the previous season.

Orlando Pirates vs Durban City

Saturday, May 16 – Orlando Stadium

Durban City aim for a spot in the top eight, yet their performance has plummeted in recent weeks, managing just a single point from the last 12 on offer after their Nedbank Cup final run.

Now free from that cup commitment, they might bounce back, but Pirates, hosting at home, will fancy their chances of prevailing.

However, since losing 2-1 to Sundowns at Orlando Stadium, Durban City have notched three home wins and three draws across all competitions, including a penalty shootout defeat to second-division Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup.

Pirates took the earlier league meeting against Durban City 2-0 back in November.

Orbit College vs Orlando Pirates

Saturday, May 23 – Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace

Orbit College could still be scrapping to avoid the drop by the season's close, unless they are already doomed beforehand.

They sit at the foot of the standings, one point above the danger line, but their worse goal difference might stretch that margin to two points.

No side has endured more defeats than their 16, or leaked more goals at 52, and only Siwelele with 15 and Marumo Gallants with 18 have netted fewer times. It forms a grim set of figures.