Orlando Pirates v Mamelodi Sundowns – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

 Bucs have lost both league matches this season. Sundowns have won eight of their last 14 fixtures vs the Sea Robbers have were beaten 2-1 in the last meeting.  

Match: Orlando Pirates v Mamelodi Sundowns
When: Saturday, 16 August 2025, 15:00

Orlando Pirates Form

Pirates had a very strong 2024-25 season. They finished second in the PSL table, won a trophy, reached the CAF Champions League semi-finals and were beaten in the Nedbank Cup final. They drew three of their final five PSL matches last term as coach Jose Riveiro departed.

This season under new mentor Abdeslam Ouaddou began well with a 2-0 win over Polokwane City. Two league losses have followed. They lost 1-0 at home to Sekhukhune United despite having 67% possession. In midweek, a late goal leaked saw a 2-1 loss at Marumo Gallants despite outshooting their opponents 18-5 in a largely dominant display.

Orlando Pirates Team News

Bucs are without injured defensive duo Nkosinathi Sibisi and Olisa Ndah. Lebone Seema was a surprise starter at centre back in midweek but Tapelo Xoki is another option. Rele Mofokeng and Sipho Mbule will return to the starting XI.

Makhehlene Makhaula is injured in midfield and coach Abdeslam Ouaddou does not seem to rate Thalante Mbatha. Deano Van Rooyen is out of favour at right back and Buitomelo Radiopane could again lead the line in preference to more proven options.

Orlando Pirates Motivation

Pressure is already mounting on the new coach and he needs a good result and performance here.

Bucs will look to play on the front foot and try to take a first leg lead in this semi-final. A draw would not be a bad result either.

Sundowns Form

Sundowns won the PSL title last season with 24 wins in 28 matches. They went to the FIFA Club World Cup and performed well despite not progressing out of their group. A 1-0 win over Ulsan was followed a 4-3 defeat to Dortmund where they outshot the German club 16-8 with 2.74 xG produced.

A 0-0 draw vs Fluminense saw them knocked out. This term began with a 4-0 MTN8 thrashing of Richards Bay. A 1-1 draw vs Chippa United in the league opener saw a 1-0 lead surrendered. In midweek, Sundowns had 80% possession in a 2-0 win over AmaZulu as they outshot Usuthu 19-6.

Sundowns Team News

Coach Miguel Cardoso is still without Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Khuliso Mudau as both players seek moves away. Arthur Sales and Zuko Mdunyelwa are set to play as the duo down the right flank.

Fawaaz Basadien will hope to start at left back but Divine Lunga could be preferred. Themba Zwane or Jayden Adams will complete the midfield, either in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 shape.

Sundowns Motivation

The Brazilians are a little bit in flux right now as they seek clarity over the futures of a few players. Motivation is high to avoid defeat in this first leg.

Sundowns will look to dominate the game but they often shut up shot when 1-0 up under this coach.

Key Stats

Orlando Pirates have lost their last 2 matches.

Pirates have lost 8 of their last 14 matches vs Sundowns.

Mamelodi Sundowns have won to zero in 7 of their last 8 league matches.

Sundowns have kept 14 clean sheets in their last 19 matches.

Verdict

Pirates have real issues at the back right now and question marks in attack. Sundowns may be without two of their best players but they should eke out a win by one goal in this first leg.

Best Bet: Mamelodi Sundowns win at 2.50

Value Bet: Mamelodi Sundowns win to zero at 4.00