Strange statistic adds intrigue to Pirates-Sundowns clash

There has been a strange statistic building in recent clashes between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, where the home side has battled for victories on their own turf.

In fact, the hosts have only won two of the previous 19 clashes between the sides, dating back to 2011, and none of the last six, though both matches last season finished as 0-0 draws.

The last home victory came in 2017 with Sundowns’ famous 6-0 success that inflicted a club record defeat on The Buccaneers, while before that they also claimed a 2-0 victory in 2015.

Pirates have not won at home to Sundowns in eight matches, since a 3-2 MTN8 semifinal win in August 2011.

That was at the end of a three-game home winning run against The Brazilians, but they have not managed a single win on their home patch since, though strangely they have not battled for successes on the road.

In the 19 games played during this run, there have been six Pirates wins, seven Sundowns victories and six draws, showing that contests have been tight – even if the away side has held sway.