Pirates should play cards well – Kamwendo

Orlando Pirates FC legend Joseph Kamwendo has sent a message to the Soweto giants’ players, as they sniff at the Betway Premiership holy grail following Mamelodi Sundowns’ uncharacteristic implosion.

The former Buccaneers playmaker spoke about the Betway Premiership run-in on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, before the holders suffered a shock 3-2 loss to TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga.

Miguel Cardoso’s men wound up their campaign while leaving the gates open for Pirates to snatch the title that has been a personal effect for Masandawana for eight straight seasons.

What Pirates need now to seal the title

Commenting on the bright prospects for Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side to wrap the PSL title in the remaining two games, Kamwendo called for the Soweto giants to hold their nerves.

“I feel these are good moments for any footballer,” the Malawian said. “We all fight to be champions, so when you have this opportunity, two games to go, and there are two teams that have the chance to win the championship. For Mamelodi Sundowns, they are used, but for Pirates, it has been a few years since they won the championship.”

The current Zimbabwe’s CAPS United assistant coach and head of youth said it was important for the Buccaneers to handle pressure and avoid thinking too much that they are about to cross the line.

Sundowns’ loss leaves the door open for Pirates

“If I were one of the guys now in the squad for Orlando Pirates, yes, pressure will always will be there, but what is important now is to realise that you are only two games away for one to become a champion so that is where the passion and everything comes in,” added the 39-year-old who was on the books of the PSL side between 2010 and 2011.

“This is a very good chance for Orlando Pirates to reclaim the championship from Mamelodi Sundowns…I feel that Pirates have all the chances to go all the way and win this championship.

“They should take advantage…Pirates have two games, so they just must play their cards very well, knowing that a win in these two games would give them the championship. I am wishing the team very well, and it is good to see that we have a very big chance of taking the trophy from Sundowns.”

Sundowns switch focus to CAF Champions League

Tuesday’s loss for the Pretoria-based giants on Tuesday gives the Buccaneers the luxury of just needing three points from their remaining PSL fixtures against Durban City on Saturday, 16 May, and Orbit College FC on 23 May, to claim the elusive championship.

After the PSL game, Sundowns have now switched their focus to the CAF Champions League crunch final, first leg match against AS FAR scheduled for Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Friday, 15 May 2024.

The second leg will take place in Rabat on 24 May. All three games are indeed cup finals for the yellow nation.

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