How Orlando Pirates can end their 14-year wait for the Betway Premiership title

Although nothing will be settled in mathematical terms this weekend, a win against Durban City would essentially secure the trophy for them, an outcome that appeared hardly feasible considering Mamelodi Sundowns dominance over recent seasons.

The most competitive the league title contest has been in recent memory was during the 2019/20 campaign, when Sundowns edged out Kaizer Chiefs by just two points on the last matchday to claim the prize.

Following that, The Brazilians have claimed the league title with ease, winning by margins of 13, 16, 16, 23 and 12 points.

Orlando Pirates have demonstrated progress in the past few years, yet they had not come close enough to challenge Sundowns until this term.

However, they now have the opportunity to achieve what seemed unlikely when the season began, with remaining fixtures against Durban City at home this Saturday and struggling Orbit College away on May 23.

Pirates are three points behind Sundowns but hold a better goal difference of +44 against The Brazilians +36.

Securing a victory over Durban City on Saturday would place them level on points at the summit, though ahead due to the superior goal tally.

It would require an utter disaster in the following match to prevent them from winning the league. For instance, if they win 1-0 against Durban City, they would need to suffer a 9-0 defeat to Orbit College merely to match the goal difference. Such a result is unimaginable.

Sundowns maximum hope lies in the opponents Pirates face managing to stop them from gaining points.

Durban City require further points to guarantee a top-eight finish mathematically, although they may have already achieved that. Orbit College are battling against relegation, but they might have ensured safety before the final round.

Both teams are not performing well currently. Even after Durban City won the Nedbank Cup, they remain without a league victory in their past six Betway Premiership outings (D3 L3). Orbit College have managed only two triumphs in their previous 18 encounters (D5 L11).

Thus, it seems virtually assured that Pirates will attain ten league titles overall, breaking a 14-year drought since their previous success in 2011/12 and marking 55 years since their inaugural win in 1971.

To note, Sundowns boast 18 title victories, while Pirates Soweto competitors Kaizer Chiefs possess 12.

Sundowns have dominated the league for the past eight consecutive seasons, ever since Bidvest Wits took the honours in 2016/17.