Teko Modise questions the hype around Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns PSL clash - 'Is it a big fixture?'

Mamelodi Sundowns appear to be running away with the league, sitting on 58 points after 22 games, while Orlando Pirates, who have four games in hand, are struggling with inconsistency, having won two, drawn two, and lost two of their last five matches.

Their upcoming clash against Masandawana carries immense pressure for the Soweto club, especially after suffering a 4-1 defeat in their previous encounter.

Jose Riveiro will be desperate to secure a positive result against Miguel Cardoso to keep Pirates in the title race, at least theoretically.

Former footballer turned analyst Teko Modise, who played for both clubs, believes the points gap has diminished the hype around the fixture.

He argues that the game lacks the excitement it once had, as Sundowns remain dominant and Pirates' inconsistency and fixture congestion have made it difficult for them to mount a serious title challenge.

“But is it, but is it a big one now?

"Now, when you look at this fixture, is it a big one from an emotional point of view, or is it just a big fixture?

"Because the question, the reason why I’m asking this question is, I strongly believe that a victory [for Sundowns] then closes the conversations of the league”, Modise stated on the Pitchside Podcast.

Orlando Pirates' dropped points against Marumo Gallants and Stellenbosch have made their title challenge even tougher.

The Buccaneers are now playing catch-up with four matches in hand, while juggling domestic and continental cup competitions, and national team commitments, with a congested fixture schedule, fatigue is becoming a concern for Riveiro’s squad.

Besides not chasing Masandawana, they are also missing Monnapule Saleng who has been frozen out and his influence is missed as the team's goal count has dropped.

Mamelodi Sundowns, on the other hand, have been relentless in their pursuit of an eighth consecutive league title.

The gap between the two teams has raised questions about the competitiveness of the title race and Pirates will need to be almost perfect from their FNB Stadium clash with Downs, until the last game of the season, if they want to keep the league chase alive.

Orlando Pirates host league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday, March 16, in a make-or-break clash for the Soweto club's title ambitions.

Jose Riveiro will be aiming for a positive result to keep their title hopes alive as a defeat could all but hand Sundowns their eighth league title in a row.