The AFCON factor: Ex-Sundowns star explains Pirates’ advantage in title race

Former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Lucas Sebona believes the current Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hiatus will play directly into the hands of Orlando Pirates, potentially tilting the Betway Premiership title race in their favour.

As the league pauses for the continental showpiece in Morocco, Orlando Pirates sit at the summit of the table, holding a slender three-point lead over perennial champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

While both teams have a significant number of players away on international duty, Sebona argues that the physiological makeup of the two squads will determine who hits the ground running when domestic football resumes.

Fatigue Versus Recovery After AFCON

Sebona notes that while both giants possess the squad depth to handle the heavy scheduling, the age profile of the players will be the deciding factor.

“Pirates might escape [the fatigue] because they are using a lot of youngsters,” Sebona told reporters. “Youngsters can recover very quickly from fatigue. At Sundowns, most of their star players are older now. It may take more time for them to recover from the intensity of a tournament like AFCON.”

Beyond the top two, Sebona warned that the mid-to-lower table teams face an uphill battle to maintain match fitness. He pointed to the “self-discipline” required during the festive season and the vast resource gap between the “Big Three” and the rest of the league.

“The teams without sponsors are going to suffer the most,” Sebona explained. “The only teams that are going to survive this period are Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Orlando Pirates due to the facilities they own. Their bosses have the resources to arrange competitive friendlies to keep them sharp.”

Current Title Race Snapshot

The break comes at a crucial time for the “Brazilians,” who have endured an uncharacteristically slow start to the 2025/26 campaign.

Orlando Pirates: 1st Place (3-point lead)

Mamelodi Sundowns: 2nd Place

Key Factor: Player recovery rates following the AFCON final in Morocco.

As the rest of the league looks to “start from scratch” regarding match fitness, the battle at the top seems set to remain a private affair between the Soweto Giants and the Tshwane outfit—provided the Buccaneers’ youth can outrun the experience of Chloorkop.