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Thalente Mbatha, Orlando Pirates, Teboho Mokoena, Mamelodi Sundowns, August, 2025Backpage
Khothatso Leballo

Lucas Thwala advises Orlando Pirates on how to take advantage of Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso's 'pressure to win' in PSL title race

Since winning the 2011/12 Premier Soccer League title, the Buccaneers have found it hard to lift this trophy. But their rivals Masandawana have clinched it for the last eight seasons in a row. That leaves the Soweto giants with a challenge to break the dominance of the Tshwane giants.

  • Patrick Maswanganyi and Marcelo Allende, Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    Pirates closing in on Sundowns

    Three points separate Premier Soccer League log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and third-placed Orlando Pirates.

    But the Soweto giants have two games in hand, giving them an opportunity to leapfrog the Brazilians, whose coach Miguel Cardoso seems to be under immense pressure.

    Former Pirates defender, Lucas Thwala, has given Abdeslam Ouaddou's men some advice on how to take control of the title race. 

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  • Lucas Thwala of Bafana BafanaGetty Images

    No room for a slip-up

    "The Buccaneers are getting closer," Thwala told KickOff.

    "If they can capitalise on the two-game advantage they have over Sundowns, they will be in the driver's seat. 

    "They shouldn't lose points unnecessarily. There should be no room for losses."

  • Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi Sundowns, September 2025Backpage

    First round sets the tone, Cardoso under pressure

    “All their remaining games in the first round should be approached with the intention to win or, at the very least, secure a draw," the Bafana Bafana 2010 World Cup player said.  
    "Once you start losing games in the first round, it becomes challenging in the second round when everyone is fighting for survival.
    "Sundowns coach [Miguel Cardoso] is still likely to drop points. You can tell he's facing pressure to win.  
    "We all know that Sundowns will be formidable in the second round. It's critical for Pirates to start accumulating enough points now."

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  • Jayden Adams, Mamelodi Sundowns, Patrick Maswanganyi, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpage

    What comes next?

    Both Pirates and Sundowns are focusing on their respective CAF Champions League matches this weekend. 

    The Buccanerers are staring at the exit door from this competition after losing 3-0 to FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo in the first leg of the second preliminary round.

    But Masandawana made life simple for themselves by beating Remo Stars away in Nigeria in the first leg.

    They then return for domestic duties with the Buccaneers hosting Magesi in a Carling Knockout quarter-final match next Tuesday, while  Sundowns host Pirates in a league match on November 1.

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