2024/25 Betway Premiership
Matchday 11
Mamelodi Sundowns v Orlando Pirates
Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Pretoria, South Africa
Saturday, 1 November 2025
Kick-off is at 15h30 CAT
Orlando Pirates have the chance to go level with Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns when they lock horns at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, November 1.
The Buccaneers can now focus solely on domestic matters after they failed to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stages following a 5-4 defeat to Saint-Eloi Lupopo on penalties in the second round.
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side are on a superb run of form in the league, having won their last six matches in a row after a poor start which saw them lose two on the spin in the opening month of the season.
The Soweto giants beat Polokwane City 1-0 most recently in the top flight, while they progressed to the Carling Knockout semi-finals with a 2-1 victory over defending champions Magesi on October 28.
Pirates trail the Brazilians by three points in third place, although they do crucially have two games in hand, with Sekhukhune United two points ahead of them in second position.
Bafana ba Style have yet to ride their stride despite sitting at the top of the table even though they went unbeaten in their opening eight matches before losing 1-0 to Golden Arrows on September 24.
Miguel Cardoso’s side haven’t won more than two consecutive league fixtures this term and they were eliminated from the Carling Knockout by Marumo Gallants in a shootout earlier this month.
Masandawana reclaimed top spot from Babina Noko when they cruised to a 4-1 win over Richards Bay on September 27.
Ouaddou has warned his players to stop joking around after they showboated against Magesi in the last 15 minutes, antics he described as “nonsense”.
“I want to attract the attention of my players that football is [about] scoring goals, and when you have the possibilities to score goals, score goals because at the end of the league, every goal is very important,” he said.
“So, don’t joke, we are not here to joke. We are here to perform. We are here to give results, so if someone wants to enjoy the joke, he can go to make five-a-side with his colleagues.
“My big disappointment is the last 15 minutes, and it is the first time I will address that. If we want to be more ambitious, if we want to go forward, we have to stop this nonsense of playing sterile possession and to enjoy playing small passes.
“I think if we want to do this, we have to go to the circus. I’m not here to go to the circus or play circus. I’m here to improve my players, to go forward, and we have to stop this nonsense.”
Head-to-Head (Last Five Betway Premiership Meetings)
- Matches – 5
- Sundowns wins – 3
- Pirates wins – 1
- Draws – 1
Betway Premiership Matchday 11 fixtures:
- Friday, October 31
- 19h30: Durban City v Kaizer Chiefs
- 19h30: Siwelele v Sekhukhune United
- Saturday, November 1
- 15h30: Mamelodi Sundowns v Orlando Pirates
- 15h30: Orbit College v Magesi
- 18h00: Polokwane City v Richards Bay
- 20h15: Chippa United v AmaZulu
- Sunday, November 2
- 15h30: TS Galaxy v Stellenbosch
- 18h00: Golden Arrows v Marumo Gallants