Mamelodi Sundowns FC handed Orlando Pirates the 2025‑26 Betway Premiership title in five crucial games, a string of missed chances that left them just one point shy of the summit. The Sundowns, currently second in the Premier Soccer League with 68 points from 30 games, sit 1‑point behind the Pirates after a season of dramatic swings.

Which matches turned the tide?

The first turning point came on 12 March 2026 at Loftus Versfeld, when Sundowns fell 2‑1 to the Pirates despite dominating possession. A late header by Gabadinho Mhango sealed the win for Orlando, leaving Sundowns with three points dropped in a direct clash. Two weeks later, a 0‑0 draw at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium against Kaizer Chiefs meant another two points lost, as a missed penalty by Themba Zwane proved costly.

How did the defeats affect the title chase?

Each slip‑up shaved points off Sundowns’ tally while the Pirates kept a steady march. After the 1‑0 loss to AmaZulu on 5 May, the gap widened to two points, and a 3‑2 defeat at home to SuperSport United on 19 May turned the deficit into a single point with only ten games left. The final blow arrived on 2 June, when a 2‑2 draw with Maritzburg United left the Sundowns with 57 goals scored and 21 conceded this season, a +36 goal difference that now feels hollow.

What does this mean for the remainder of the season?

With the league standing at 2nd in the Premier Soccer League, 68 pts, 20W‑8D‑2L from 30 games, Sundowns must win every remaining fixture to force a playoff. The recent form LWDWW shows a mix of resilience and lingering doubt. Coach Rhulani Mokwena has hinted at rotating the squad, but injuries to key forwards like Peter Shalulile could hamper any late surge.

Can Sundowns still snatch the crown?

The math is tight: a win in each of the final six matches would bring Sundowns to 86 points, while the Pirates would need to stumble twice. The pressure is mounting on both camps, and the next derby against the Pirates on 15 July could be the decisive showdown. Fans will be watching every tackle, every set‑piece, hoping the Sundowns can rewrite the narrative that has defined their season so far.