ON THE MOVE Makhehlene Makhaula in action for Orlando Pirates against Chippa United on Wednesday during the Betway Premiership clash. Picture: Deryck Foster/BackpagePix
Image: Picture: Deryck Foster/BackpagePix
Mathematically, Orlando Pirates are right in the Betway Premiership title chase, but don’t bank on any more Mamelodi Sundowns slip-ups.
While Sundowns’ 1-1 draw with Golden Arrows on Wednesday may have come as a surprise, they still enjoy a healthy 16-point lead at the top of the table.
Of course, second-placed Pirates do have four games in hand over Sundowns, but closing that gap is by no means guaranteed.
In fact, the lead of Sundowns could have been even less had Pirates not suffered a shock result over the weekend when they went down 2-0 to Marumo Gallants.
To their credit, Pirates bounced back with a 1-0 win over Chippa United on Wednesday - while Sundowns dropped points in their respective fixture.
Here’s the thing though, Sundowns are gunning for their eighth league title in a row, and it’s difficult to see anyone but the Brazilians standing tall at the end of the season.
Sundowns are generally expected to win every match they play in the league, and much the same can be said of Pirates. On March 16, though, the best indicator of where the league title may be heading could be determined.
Pirates will welcome Sundowns to FNB Stadium in this fixture, which could perhaps give the best indication of the Buccaneers’ true title credentials.
It’s also no secret that Sundowns’ packed fixture schedule of late has affected them. The table-toppers played eight matches in February.
Those February fixtures were made up of seven league matches and one Nedbank Cup game. In April, Sundowns will also be back in action in the Caf Champions League in a two-leg quarter-final against ES Tunis over the space of a week.
For comparison, Pirates played five games in February as two of their fixtures were postponed. The Soweto Giants, though, are still currently involved in the Nedbank Cup and the Caf Champions League and will need to make up their other league fixtures before the season ends.
Come May, another long season will have drawn to a close, and although the title race may currently seem closer than ever, it may just be an illusion.
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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