Chasing nine-in-a-row: The math behind Sundowns’ path to glory

As the Betway Premiership enters its final stretch, the title race has swung back in favour of Mamelodi Sundowns, leaving the defending champions with their destiny firmly in their own hands.

🚨𝙂 𝘼 𝙈 𝙀 𝘿 𝘼 𝙔🚨

🆚 Marumo Gallants
⏰ 19H30
🏟 Loftus Versfeld
📺 SS 202#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/pz2qfabIPl

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) March 17, 2026

Following a weekend where rivals Orlando Pirates dropped crucial points, the math for Masandawana has become simple: win every remaining game, and they will secure an unprecedented ninth consecutive league title without needing to look at other results.

The Race for the Summit: Sundowns v Pirates

The Tshwane giants currently trail Orlando Pirates by a single point (48 to 47), but crucially hold a game in hand. That advantage could be realized as early as tonight (Tuesday, 19:30 CAT) when they host Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Current Standing: 2nd Place (47 points)

The Objective: A win tonight moves Sundowns two points clear at the top of the table.

Form Guide: The Brazilians are on a seven-game winning streak in 2026 and recently dispatched Stade Malien 3-0 in the CAF Champions League.

Historical Precedent: The 10-of-10 Challenge

While 10 wins from the final 10 games sounds like a tall order, Sundowns have a history of clinical finishes. In the 2013/14 season under Pitso Mosimane, the club famously won nine games in a row (matches 21 through 29) to snatch the title.

However, they don’t always need perfection. History shows their championship runs vary in intensity:

The “Easy” Run (2023/24): Finished a massive 23 points ahead of Pirates.

The “Cruising” Run (2022/23): Managed the title with just four wins and six draws in their final 10 fixtures.

Tonight’s Opposition: Marumo Gallants

While the the PSL champions are soaring, Marumo Gallants arrive at Loftus in a desperate state. Languishing in 14th place, Gallants have managed only one victory in their last 10 outings. Despite their struggles, they previously held Sundowns to a draw in the first round—a result the defending champions will be keen to avoid repeating tonight.

The local football calendar is heating up elsewhere:

Kaizer Chiefs: Recently snapped a four-match losing streak with a 1-0 win over Durban City; they face Magesi FC this Saturday.

Orlando Pirates: Looking to reclaim momentum against TS Galaxy on Sunday, March 22.