In his first column for Hollywoodbets Sports, ambassador and goalkeeping legend Brian Baloyi insists that Orlando Pirates are not yet completely out of the title race as they host runaway league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
The title race is not over until mathematically impossible...
With Pirates trailing Sundowns by 18 points in the league standings, many football fans believe the Betway Premiership title race has already been decided, with Sundowns set to be crowned champions.
Pirates dropped crucial points on Tuesday after being held to a goalless draw by Stellenbosch FC, but Sunday’s upcoming clash between the title rivals remains critical.
The Soweto giants host Sundowns at FNB Stadium, and victory is essential if Pirates are to keep their slim title hopes alive.
However, even with a win, the Buccaneers will need other teams to do them a favour by taking points off Sundowns, while also ensuring they win all of their remaining matches, especially as they still have four games in hand.
From now on, every match for Pirates will feel like a final, with the faint hope that Sundowns might drop points somewhere along the way.
This Sunday’s match will carry a do-or-die intensity for the Sea Robbers. While a win over Sundowns won’t completely reverse the fortunes of the league, it would certainly shift the dynamics, if only slightly.
Pirates are known for their entertaining football, but if they want to overcome Tshwane side, Jose Riveiro’s men will need to dig deep. The Brazilians are unaccustomed to being constantly attacked, which is exactly the approach Riveiro should adopt.
Sundowns are used to facing teams that sit back and play a low block, but when confronted with an attacking side, they are forced into unfamiliar territory. Pirates should take advantage of this by going all out, particularly out on the flanks where they can exploit their speed and skill.
The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams fighting for dominance. Both sides feature players who represent their national teams, making this one of the biggest games in the PSL.
Both teams in challenging each other while advancing to the quarterfinals of the Caf Champions League, are elevating the standard of South African football, showcasing an elevated level of play.
Despite their contrasting different styles, Sundowns’ methodical control versus Pirates’ free-flowing attack, both teams are exciting to watch.
And this is one of the reasons their clashes often draw full stadiums. South African fans love to watch entertaining football, and this match is expected to deliver just that.
The last line of defence
The performance of the goalkeepers will be crucial to the outcome of this high-stakes encounter.
Rowen Williams of Sundowns and Sipho Chaine of Pirates have both worked hard to don the Bafana Bafana jersey, and both will need to bring their A-game on Sunday.
But it’s not just about the goalkeepers, the defence on either side will need to stay sharp and protect their shot-stoppers, as the match is likely to produce plenty of action in front of goal.
The goalkeeper who delivers the strongest performance could ultimately be the difference-maker in this eagerly anticipated showdown.
