Pirates suffer big blow ahead of massive Sundowns showdown

Orlando Pirates will be without defender Thabiso Lebitso for their high-stakes Betway Premiership clash against Mamelodi Sundowns tonight. The two giants of South African football meet at the FNB Stadium in a match that could define the title race.

Despite raising hopes of a return after being spotted training with the main squad at Rand Stadium on Monday, the club confirmed on Tuesday that the 33-year-old right-back remains sidelined.

Lebitso has not featured competitively since the Carling Knockout Cup final against Marumo Gallants in December, a gruelling encounter that went into extra time. His absence means he has now missed all five of Pirates’ fixtures in 2026 as he battles for full fitness.

The club stated: “They [Pirates] head to their assignment against the Tshwane giants with no fresh suspension worries, while the likes of Tapelo Xoki and Thabiso Lebitso continue to recover from their respective injuries.”

𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇_𝐃𝐀𝐘

🆚 @Masandawana
🗓️ Wednesday,18 February 2026
🏟️ FNB Stadium
⏱️ 19:30
🎫 https://t.co/hXyvlhzIqm
📺 @SuperSportTV
📺 @SABC3

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/Uil8nhqbB5

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) February 18, 2026

Pirates’ Defensive Depth Tested

While Lebitso’s experience will be missed, Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is not without options. The Moroccan tactician is likely to call upon Deano van Rooyen or Kamogelo Sebelebele to fill the void on the right side of the defence. The situation is further complicated by the continued unavailability of Bandile Shandu, who has been out of action since August 2025.

Fortunately for the Buccaneers, there are no new suspension concerns, allowing Ouaddou to select from a relatively strong squad as they look to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Ouaddou: “We are Ready”

Speaking ahead of the match, Ouaddou emphasised the mental and physical preparation his side has undergone.

“About this game, I think it’s been a while since we’ve been preparing. Let’s say two weeks ago, we already started having the game in our mind,” Ouaddou revealed.

“Even though we were focused on the Nedbank Cup and the Marumo Gallants match as well, we prepared well… mentally and physically. My players are ready, there is a lot of trust, a lot of confidence and unity as well. These kinds of games are special for the players, coaches and the fans. It is one of the biggest Classicos in Africa.”

The Stakes: Title Race Intensifies

Tonight’s fixture is undeniably the marquee matchup of the 2025/26 season so far. Pirates currently sit atop the Betway Premiership standings, six points clear of second-placed Sundowns. A win for the Soweto giants would open up a significant nine-point gap, firmly placing the destiny of the title in their hands.

The Buccaneers enter the clash in formidable form, unbeaten in their last 14 league matches. Their recent run includes back-to-back 2-0 wins over Magesi and AmaZulu, followed by a convincing 3-0 drubbing of Marumo Gallants last weekend. Their success has been built on a rock-solid defence, particularly at home, where they have conceded just one goal all season.

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns arrive in Soweto knowing they cannot afford to drop points. Although they have a game in hand, a loss tonight would be a severe blow to their title defence.

The Brazilians have been juggling domestic and continental commitments, recently booking their spot in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over MC Alger. Domestically, they remain unbeaten in their last six outings, collecting 14 points from a possible 18. However, their away form has been slightly inconsistent, with only three wins on the road this season.

Coach Miguel Cardoso will be forced to reshuffle his pack, with midfielder Bathusi Aubaas suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Defender Mothobi Mvala is also out injured, though Keanu Cupido could make a return to the squad.

Head-to-Head History

Recent history suggests a tight affair. The two sides have already met three times this season—twice in the MTN8 semi-finals (where Pirates advanced on penalties after a 2-2 aggregate draw) and once in the league at Loftus Versfeld, which ended 1-1 thanks to a late Cemran Dansin equaliser for Pirates.

The last time they met at FNB Stadium in the league, Pirates emerged 2-1 victors courtesy of a Relebohile Mofokeng brace, a result that ended years of Sundowns’ dominance in the fixture.

Match Details

Fixture: Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns

Venue: FNB Stadium, Soweto

Kick-off: 19:30 CAT

TV Coverage: SuperSport PSL and SABC 3

Tickets: Available via MyTicket