Orlando Pirates have the chance to stretch their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership, while Mamelodi Sundowns will look to trip them up as the two giants clash at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Kick-off is at 7:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).
CURRENT FORM
Orlando Pirates come into Wednesday’s crunch match off the back of a convincing 3-0 win over Marumo Gallants at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
The victory saw Pirates take a six-point lead at the top of the Betway Premiership standings. They have so far collected 38 points, taken from 12 wins, two draws and two losses.
The Buccaneers have won their last 11 consecutive home matches and have not lost in the league since 12 August.
The club’s last defeat from open play came in their CAF Champions League qualifying clash with Saint-Éloi Lupopo on 19 October in Lubumbashi.
The Sea Robbers will be looking to extend the gap at the top of the table while simultaneously dealing a blow to their closest challenger and the defending champions.
Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a vital win at the weekend, beating the club's former head coach Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger 2-0 at Loftus Versfeld to advance to the knockout stage of the CAF Champions League.
In the Betway Premiership, Masandawana are second on the log, trailing Pirates by six points with a game in hand.
Their record for the season stands at nine wins, five draws and one loss, which came at the hands of Lamontville Golden Arrows in September.
Following their loss to Al Hilal SC on 30 January, the Brazilians are unbeaten in their last three games and will look to keep their streak going at the expense of the log leaders.
The focus shifts to #BetwayPrem.🔥
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) February 15, 2026
Let's meet at FNB Stadium on Wednesday Masandawana. #Sundowns #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/l4l9afnDaC
Now in the unfamiliar position of chasing top spot, Sundowns will be looking to boost their own title hopes and pull Pirates to within reach.
While there is still much football to be played this season, the gargantuan clash could have major title implications as the season slowly approaches its business end.
WHAT WAS SAID
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made clear that he and his players are looking forward to Wednesday’s clash.
“We are really impatient to play these games. And you know that these kinds of games are special, special for the players, special for the coaches, special for the fans. You know that it's one of the biggest Classicos in Africa,” he said.
Speaking after his side’s CAF Champions League win on Saturday, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso said his sole focus is Wednesday’s clash.
“Put yourselves in my chair here and believe me I'm much more worried about the Pirates match,” said Cardoso.
“Maximum focus on Wednesday, a very important match, a very beautiful match to prepare (for) and for sure a fantastic show in terms of what is football for South Africa, that's what we are going to worry about.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Orlando Pirates: Relebohile Mofokeng has produced magic for the Buccaneers recently. The 21-year-old has bagged three goals and two assists in his last three appearances and will be looking to continue his fine form on Wednesday.
Mamelodi Sundowns: Brayan León has wasted no time settling in at Sundowns. The Colombian has managed four goals in his first six games for Masandawana and could prove to be the difference on Wednesday with his quick, darting runs.
HEAD-TO-HEAD (league record since 1985)
Orlando Pirates wins: 22
Mamelodi Sundowns wins: 38
Draws: 22