Makhehlene Makhaula’s blunt admission on Sundowns dominance

Orlando Pirates midfield hardman Makhehlene Makhaula has made a candid admission regarding Mamelodi Sundowns’ stranglehold on South African football, describing the Brazilians’ eight-year reign as “sad” to witness for those in the chasing pack.

The veteran midfielder was speaking ahead of Wednesday’s titanic Betway Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium, where the Buccaneers have a golden opportunity to move nine points clear of the defending champions.

Pirates enter the “African Clasico” in imperious form, having dispatched Marumo Gallants 3–0 this past weekend thanks to strikes from Yanela Mbuthuma, Patrick Maswanganyi, and a solo masterclass from the red-hot Relebohile Mofokeng.

With the Sea Robbers seemingly on the verge of ending a league title drought that stretches back to 2012, Makhaula didn’t mince his words about the psychological toll of Masandawana’s dominance.

“For me, I take each and every game as a big match, but with Sundowns, everyone is looking forward to the game because I think, somewhere, somehow, it is sad always seeing them win the league,” Makhaula told the media.

‘It’s Sad Seeing Them Win’ – Makhaula on Sundowns’ 8-Year Reign

While the football fraternity has billed Wednesday’s encounter as a potential title decider, Makhaula was quick to temper expectations, insisting that the trophy won’t be handed out in February.

“I can say that winning will make us happy because everyone is looking at this fixture and everyone is saying it could be the decider of the league, but I’m saying, what if we play a draw?” he questioned.

“What if we win or they win? There are also other teams that are competing because we’re not only playing Sundowns. Those points against the other teams are important. So we need to push them hard so that they can see [what it takes] to win the league.”

The Numbers Behind the Dominance

Makhaula’s “sadness” is rooted in the sheer statistical weight of Sundowns’ era:

8 Consecutive Titles: A record-breaking run since the 2017/18 season.

The Gap: Pirates currently sit 6 points clear, but Sundowns have historically thrived under the pressure of a congested fixture list.

As the two giants prepare to lock horns at the “Calabash,” Makhaula’s comments highlight a shifting mentality within the Pirates camp—one that acknowledges the past but is no longer intimidated by it.