TOTAL DOMINATION: Marcelo Allende warns Pirates: ‘We want everything’

Marcelo Allende has sent a clear warning to Orlando Pirates ahead of tonight’s massive Soweto showdown: Mamelodi Sundowns are coming for the trophy.

With the Betway Premiership title race reaching a boiling point, Masandawana head to the FNB Stadium tonight knowing they cannot afford to slip up.  The clash, kicking off at 19:30, could define the title race. The Brazilians currently trail the log-leading Buccaneers by six points, though they hold a game in hand.

🚨𝙂 𝘼 𝙈 𝙀 𝘿 𝘼 𝙔🚨

🆚 Orlando Pirates
⏰ 19H30
🏟 FNB Stadium
📺 SS 202
🎟️ https://t.co/pnoh2PkPeC #Sundowns #BetwayPrem #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/VoYGaR8Gas

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) February 18, 2026

A victory tonight would slice that deficit in half, putting the defending champions right back in the driver’s seat.

Marcelo Allende believes the momentum from their recent CAF Champions League success against MC Alger is the key to unlocking the Pirates’ defence.

Marcelo Allende Rallies Sundowns for Crucial League Tie Against Pirates

“It’s going to be a nice game, a big one also, very important for the league,” the Chilean playmaker noted. “We want to win everything. We want to win all the cups and the league.”

A major boost for Masandawana has been the immediate impact of January signing Brayan León. The Colombian forward has netted four goals in his first few appearances, including a brace that secured Champions League quarter-final qualification.

“The adaptation is going well,” Allende said of his fellow South American. “He has scored many goals in five or six games, which shows his quality. He needs to keep going and stay healthy, and he can help us a lot.”

Team News While Sundowns ride high on confidence, they will be without the grit of midfielder Bathusi Aubaas, who is serving a one-match suspension. The sides played to a 1-1 stalemate in the reverse fixture at Loftus, suggesting tonight’s encounter will be equally tight.

In continental news, Sundowns learned their fate yesterday, drawing Stade Malien of Mali in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the first leg set for March 15.