Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance in South African football is facing a serious threat after the club suffered a surprise 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy on Tuesday night, a result that has reignited the race for the league title heading into the final stretch of the season.
Despite remaining top of the standings with 68 points, Sundowns now hold only a narrow three-point advantage over Orlando Pirates, who still have two outstanding matches that could dramatically change the title picture.
At the centre of Orlando Pirates’ resurgence is Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who has transformed the club into genuine title contenders after years away from the summit of South African football.
Ouaddou Chasing Historic Achievement With Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates have not lifted the league title since the 2011/12 campaign, and the current season now presents a major opportunity to end a drought that has lasted more than 14 years.
With two postponed fixtures still to be played, Pirates are increasingly viewed as one of the strongest challengers to Sundowns’ domestic dominance, which has stretched across eight consecutive league titles since the 2017/18 season.
Ouaddou has earned praise for the calm and tactical discipline he has brought to the team, carefully managing the pressure while taking advantage of Sundowns’ demanding schedule.
Sundowns Face Double Pressure Before FAR Rabat Showdown
The growing domestic pressure comes at a difficult time for Sundowns, who are also preparing for a crucial CAF Champions League showdown against FAR Rabat.
The first leg is scheduled for May 17 in Pretoria before the return fixture takes place in Rabat on May 24, forcing the South African giants to balance their pursuit of both domestic and continental success.
Sundowns now face the challenge of defending their league crown while remaining fully focused on their Champions League ambitions during one of the most demanding periods of the season.
Ouaddou’s Rising Reputation Continues to Grow
For Ouaddou, the title race represents more than just a battle for points. The Moroccan tactician is edging closer to what could become one of the defining achievements of his coaching career.
Should Orlando Pirates manage to dethrone Sundowns, Ouaddou would cement his status as one of the most influential figures in South African football and guide the club to a historic triumph that once seemed unlikely.
With Sundowns battling continental pressure and Orlando Pirates building momentum under Ouaddou, the South African title race is shaping up to deliver one of its most dramatic finishes in recent years.
