Soweto Derby! Orlando Pirates confident of beating Mamelodi Sundowns to PSL title ahead of Kaizer Chiefs clash - 'We will never give up'

Orlando Pirates lost 1-0 to Sekhukhune United in midweek to slip to in their Premier Soccer League title race.

Currently placed second on the table, Pirates now trail log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by 12 points and the Brazilians have played two games fewer.

But the Buccaneers captain, Innocent Mael,a is, however, refusing to rule out Pirates as contenders for the league crown.

“No, I don’t believe the league is gone. I don’t think the guys also believe that you know," Maela said when speaking to reporters.

"I think as long as we have a chance to go out there, we never give up. But yeah, I mean it is an absolute setback for us not to collect the three points on Wednesday, but it is what it is.

"Now, it’s for us to make sure that we improve going into the next one and come back strong, but it’s far from being over.”

Pirates' defeat by Sekhukhune in midweek ups the stakes for them ahead of Saturday's Soweto Derby clash with Kaizer Chiefs.

That makes it a must-win for them to stay in the race for the league title.

However, their fate is not in their hands as they now have to bank on Sundowns to falter while they win their games.

Chiefs and Pirates are finalising preparations for the showdown at FNB Stadium.

While Pirates are concerned with catching up with Sundowns, Chiefs are fighting to get themselves back in the top eight.