Orlando Pirates’ Title Hopes Remain Alive, Warns Club Legend Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi
Orlando Pirates’ all‑time leading goalscorer Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi has reminded the Buccaneers that the 2024‑25 Premiership race is far from settled, despite Mamelodi Sundowns’ recent 1‑1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Speaking on Thursday, Vilakazi stressed that Pirates must treat every remaining match as a final, noting that a clean sweep of their last three games would guarantee the championship – but only if they avoid complacency.
Current Standings and Goal Difference
According to the latest Premier Soccer League (PSL) table, Pirates sit in second place with 53 goals scored and 12 conceded, giving them a goal difference of **+41**. Sundowns lead the league with a three‑point advantage, having netted 48 goals while letting in 14, for a difference of **+34**. Pirates also have one game in hand over the Brazilians.
These numbers mean that if both teams win all of their remaining fixtures, the title will be decided on goal difference – a scenario Vilakazi believes is likely.
What Vilakazi Said
“It’s not over yet, but Pirates have an advantage now because if they win all their games, they will become champions. They shouldn’t rest on their laurels and think it’s already done… they still have to go out and win their last three games.”
“I really believe both teams will win their remaining games, so it will all come down to goal difference. Sundowns are capable of scoring a lot of goals in their last two games, that’s why I say Pirates shouldn’t relax… they must also try to score as many goals in their last three games.”
Vilakazi’s warning draws from his own experience as a Pirates icon who scored more than 100 goals for the club across two spells, giving him insight into the pressure of title chases.
Upcoming Fixtures
The PSL has released the schedule for the final match‑day cluster:
- Friday: Durban vs Stellenbosch, Chatsworth (7:30 pm)
- Saturday:
- Gallants vs Bay, Petrus Molemela (3 pm)
- Orbit v AmaZulu, Olympia Park (3 pm)
- Galaxy v Chippa, Mbombela (3 pm)
- Arrows v Polokwane, King Zwelithini (5:30 pm)
- Sundowns v Siwelele, Lucas Moripe (5:30 pm)
- Magesi vs. Pirates, Peter Mokaba (8 pm)
- Sunday: Sekhukhune vs. Chiefs (5:30 pm)
Pirates will face bottom‑placed Magesi at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday evening, while Sundowns host Siwelele earlier the same day. A win for Pirates, coupled with a Sundowns slip‑up, would see the Buccaneers move to the top of the table ahead of their final encounter with Durban City on 16 May.
Why Goal Difference Could Decide the Champion
If both sides win their remaining matches, the current goal‑difference gap of seven goals in favour of Pirates would be the deciding factor. Sundowns have shown the ability to post high‑scoring victories this season, which Vilakazi highlights as a reason for Pirates to push for additional goals rather than merely securing narrow wins.
Analysts from the PSL’s official statistics unit note that, over the last five matches, Sundowns have averaged 2.4 goals per game, whereas Pirates have averaged 1.8. Maintaining or improving those averages could prove critical in the final stretch.
Looking Ahead
Vilakazi’s message is clear: the Buccaneers must treat each of the last three games as a cup final, focus on both defensive solidity and attacking potency, and avoid the trap of assuming the title is already secured. With the PSL’s tight race and the historical weight of Sundowns’ recent dominance, the upcoming fixtures promise a thrilling conclusion to the 2024‑25 season.
