Orlando Pirates Close In on PSL Title as Cardoso Questions Fixture Fairness
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has accused PSL officials of favoring Orlando Pirates, citing a 'red carpet' treatment and his own team's congested schedule. Following Sundowns' 3-2 loss to TS Galaxy, Orlando Pirates now stand on the verge of securing their first league title in 14 years, needing just four points from their final two matches.
Orlando Pirates are on the verge of clinching their first Betway Premiership title in 14 years after rivals Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a costly 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy on Wednesday night.
The result leaves Pirates needing just four points from their remaining two matches to secure the championship. The title race has intensified as the season approaches its final stretch.
Following the defeat, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso criticized what he described as an unfair fixture schedule, arguing that his team had been placed under excessive pressure during a congested run of matches.
Cardoso said the demanding calendar over the last three weeks had significantly affected his players’ performance levels. He insisted the defeat was less about tactics and more about fatigue caused by scheduling challenges.
The Sundowns coach also suggested that Orlando Pirates had benefited from circumstances surrounding the season, comments likely to fuel further debate among supporters and analysts across the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Pirates currently sit on 65 points, just behind Sundowns’ total of 68 points after the defending champions completed their campaign. However, Pirates still have two fixtures remaining and also hold a superior goal difference.
The Soweto giants will host Durban City at Orlando Stadium before concluding their season away to Orbit College at Royal Bafokeng Stadium. Their consistency throughout the campaign has strengthened confidence among supporters that the long wait for a league title may finally come to an end.
Pirates have shown resilience this season, with each of their league defeats coming by a single-goal margin. That record has reinforced belief within the club that they can handle the pressure of the closing fixtures.
Attention has also turned to rising star Relebohile Mofokeng, who has played a key role in Pirates’ campaign. The young midfielder is increasingly being mentioned as a strong contender for the league’s Most Valuable Player award should the club complete its title charge.
With only two matches remaining, the Betway Premiership title race appears set for a dramatic conclusion as Pirates edge closer to a potentially historic triumph.