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Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Date: November 01, 2025 Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium Kickoff Time: 15:30 (SAST) A new-age rivalry between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, two of the most storied clubs in South African football, has lit up the Betway Premiership and become a continuous battle for supremacy. Both these clubs are known for their rich history and fiercely contested matchups in past meetings, which adds an extra layer of anticipation around this fixture. From powerful ownerships to star-studded lineups, Sundowns and Pirates will need to rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that is worthy of earning maximum points, especially for the fact that both teams find themselves in the hunt for domestic honours.

Marc Strydom
Marc Strydom

Last updated: 2025-10-27

Chad Nagel

7 minutes read

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Pirates' South African defender #44 Mbekezeli Mbokazi (L) tackles Sundowns' South African midfielder #4 Teboho Mokoena

Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Teboho Mokoena /Getty Images

The Betway Premiership is here to provide yet another mouthwatering contest as reigning league champions Mamelodi Sundowns host title contenders Orlando Pirates in Pretoria at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on 01 November 2025. This is not just a top-of-the-table clash but an early marker of intent, which makes for a spectacle to witness for fans on both sides. If you’re eager to cash in, keep an eye out for South African soccer betting sites to place your bet. 

Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability

  1. 1

    HOME (SUNDOWNS): 3/10 (1.3) – 76.9%

  2. 2

    DRAW: 1/1 (2.0) – 50%

  3. 3

    AWAY (PIRATES): 1/1 (2.0) – 50% 
    Odds courtesy of Hollywoodbets, subject to change

Head-To-Head Record

Last five meetings (All Competitions)

  1. 1

    23/08/2025: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 Orlando Pirates 

  2. 2

    16/08/2025: Orlando Pirates 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns 

  3. 3

    16/03/2025: Orlando Pirates 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns 

  4. 4

    08/02/2025: Mamelodi Sundowns 4-1 Orlando Pirates

  5. 5

    01/06/2024: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-2 Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns Current Form – WWLWL

Coach Miguel Cardoso has found ways to adapt and adjust his tactics for different opponents, which has led his team to success. Despite the slow start to the season, the Brazilians have found their rhythm and slowly begun to show their true potential as they are a team that strongly believes in their style of play as well as their tactical approach to every game. 

Coming into this fixture, Sundowns made light work in their CAF Champions League outing against Remo Stars, advancing to the next round after a 7-1 aggregate scoreline over the two legs. With three victories and two defeats from the last five games in all competitions, the Brazilians will be full of confidence ahead of facing Pirates. Furthermore, they will have a full week to prepare for this encounter, which could give them the advantage in claiming another crucial three points off their closest rivals.

Key Players To Watch

  • Tashreeq Matthews: Matthews does not always get the praise he deserves, but has always come up with important goals for Sundowns and has continued to show up as well as being the creative spark in midfield for his team. His versatility enables him to influence the game and find ways to link up play with his vision and precise passing in the final third.
  • Iqraam Rayners: Rayners has gone from strength to strength ever since he joined the Brazilians and has become an integral addition to the attacking department. The Bafana Bafana international is no stranger to finding the back of the net and is already the leading goal scorer for his team. He uses his strength to hold off defenders and has intelligent movement to make runs behind the defence, which allows him to pounce on any scoring opportunities. 
  • Teboho Mokoena: Mokoena is the glue that holds everything together in the midfield for the Brazilians. He has the ability to control the tempo of the game and contribute to attack with his range of passing and decisive through balls. His presence on the field brings a sense of security, which allows the team to play with confidence. 

Mamelodi Sundowns Team News

Club legend Themba Zwane still finds himself on the sidelines battling with injuries and has no time frame for his return to action. Mothobi Mvala will be out for an extended period after he had to undergo surgery on his knee injury.

Orlando Pirates Form – WWLWW

Abdeslam Ouaddou was welcomed with very little enthusiasm when he replaced Jose Riveiro; in fact, it came as a big surprise, not only to the Bucs nation but to the whole football community. Despite his shaky start to the new campaign, the Moroccan managed to secure a fourth consecutive MTN8 title, his first trophy as Pirates coach, and has started to win over the hearts of the Buccaneers faithful with the way he has gone about his business. 

The Sea Robbers staged a major comeback and overturned a 3-0 deficit in their second-round meeting with St-Eloi Lupopo to level the tie 3-3 on aggregate. However, it was not to be, and they lost 7-5 on penalties to bow out of the CAF Champions League. 

At the time of writing, Pirates will host Magesi in their quarter-final clash of the Telkom Knockout on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, which will give them the chance to bounce back and regain confidence ahead of this weekend's battle with Sundowns. With three victories from the last three league matches, coach Ouaddou will be eager to extend their unbeaten streak and edge closer to claiming top spot in the league standings.

Key Players To Watch

  • Sipho Mbule: Mbule has always been in the spotlight and rightfully so because of the exceptional talent he possesses. Since joining Pirates, the Bafana Bafana international has reminded the whole nation that he is who people say he is. He has elevated his game and is arguably the best player in the country right now. His creativity and ability to influence the game have been nothing short of spectacular, and he is one to keep an eye on in this fixture as he returns to face his former employers.
  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi: Mbokazi's rise to stardom has been special. The 20-year-old has proven himself as one of the best defenders this season, if not the best at the moment, not only on club level but on the international stage as well. His defensive qualities are unmatched, which has earned him the nickname "TLB" and continues to improve, despite his young age. He has been given the armband to captain Pirates, which speaks volumes about the type of player he has become.
  • Oswin Appollis: Appollis was underrated at Polokwane City, but after making his dream move to the Buccaneers, he is now showing what he is capable of on a consistent level. Despite his short stature, he is very explosive in one-on-one situations, technically sound, and knows how to find the back of the net. His versatility allows him to influence the game in many ways, which has seen his game flourish.

Orlando Pirates Team News

Pirates super-star, Relebohile Mofokeng, is still fighting his way back to full fitness and is a doubt for this fixture. He is joined by Deano van Rooyen and Tapelo Xoki, both of whom are recovering from their respective injuries. Thabiso Sesane is still going through his recovery process after he ruptured his Achilles. However, there is some positive news as Olisa Ndah is back in full training.

Predicted Line-Up

  1. Mamelodi Sundowns: 4-2-3-1
    R. Williams (C), K. Mudau, M. Khoza, K. Cupido, A. Modiba, T. Mokoena, M. Allende, N. Santos, A. Sales, T. Matthews, I. Rayners

  2. Orlando Pirates: 4-2-3-1
    S. Chaine, K. Sebelebele, N. Sibisi, M. Mbokazi (C), D. Hotto, S. Nduli, S. Mbule, P. Maswanganyi, O. Appollis, T. Moremi, E. Makgopa

Suggested Bets

By choosing a betting site with a welcome bonus, you can look forward to a significant payout to elevate your betting journey. 

  1. Both Teams To Score: Both teams will be out for the win, which will see goals scored from either side. (6/10 with Hollywoodbets)

  2. Over 2.5 Goals: This fixture will produce a winner, and goals will come as the match unfolds. (7/10 with Betway)

  3. Double Chance – Pirates Win/Draw: This is a must-win fixture for Pirates as they edge closer to replacing Sundowns at the summit of the Betway Premiership table. (4/10 with Hollywoodbets)

Value Bets

This match provides soccer punters a chance to win big with strategic insights to boost their odds of success.

  1. Anytime Scorer (Iqraam Rayners): Rayners has been a reliable goal scorer for his team and should find the early breakthrough with his scoring ability in front of the nets. (15/10 with Supabets)

  2. First Team To Score – Mamelodi Sundowns: Sundowns have been deadly in front of goal recently, and with their attacking threat and home-ground advantage, expect the Brazilians to hit first. (5/10 with Hollywoodbets)

  3. Winning Margin – Orlando Pirates By 1: Pirates have everything to play for in this fixture, which will give them that extra boost of motivation to come away with maximum points. (18/10 with 10Bet)

Prediction: Orlando Pirates to Win

Orlando Pirates have assembled a team to compete for league honours, and if they want to knock Sundowns off the podium, then these are the type of matches they need to overcome. Coach Ouaddou has not lost to Sundowns yet, winning and drawing his two matches with the Brazilians, which will give him the determination to go out and secure a victory on enemy territory, as it will set a statement of intent for the entire league. 

Marc Strydom
Marc StrydomSports Writer

Marc Strydom is a dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting industry, mostly as a Chief Editor of a sports betting publication in South Africa. While Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, football and NBA are his favourites. His articles feature on multiple top-rated platforms, covering a wide range of topics.