Mamelodi Sundowns told to stay calm as Pirates crank up title pressure

Mamelodi Sundowns’ grip on the Premiership crown may have loosened slightly, but former midfielder Sello Mahlangu believes panic has no place in Chloorkop as the season reaches its decisive stretch.

The reigning champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday, a result that has tightened the title race and handed renewed belief to Orlando Pirates.

The Buccaneers now sit top of the table with 58 points, one ahead of Sundowns, though they have played an extra match. That fine margin has injected fresh tension into a campaign that once appeared comfortably controlled.

Despite the shifting momentum, Mahlangu insists Sundowns remain in a strong position. In his view, the recent wobble is less a crisis and more a reminder of football’s natural unpredictability, particularly at the business end of a demanding season where fine details often determine outcomes.

“The nature of football is inherently unpredictable, Pirates are on our heels,” Mahlangu explained to KickOff. “As the late Cebo Manyaapelo aptly noted, in football there is no therefore.”

A deeper concern, however, lies in Sundowns’ attacking efficiency. Mahlangu pointed to missed chances and a lack of clinical finishing as key reasons for recent dropped points. Matches that should have been comfortably closed out have instead remained open, allowing opponents to stay alive and exploit late opportunities.

“Our recent performances have not been optimal, especially since we are not consistently scoring,” he said. He added that control in football is often defined by ruthless finishing, noting that a two-goal cushion offers security that a single strike advantage simply cannot guarantee in high-pressure encounters.

Even so, the former Sundowns midfielder remains convinced the situation is manageable. He dismissed suggestions of mounting pressure within the squad, arguing that their experience and consistency still tilt the odds in their favour as the run-in intensifies.

“Sundowns are under no significant stress,” he asserted, “and the probability of winning the league remains high.”