Despite widespread belief that Orlando Pirates have made significant strides this season compared to the last, a closer look at the statistics reveals a different story—one of stagnation.
The 2-2 stalemate against Richards Bay on Friday was a major setback for their championship ambitions, especially with Mamelodi Sundowns sitting a point ahead and with an extra match in hand.
This result leaves the Pirates with 55 points from 24 matches, mirroring their tally from the 2024/25 season, where they also recorded 55 points with six games remaining.
Thus, it’s reasonable to conclude that they aren’t significantly better off than this time last year, despite the prevailing sentiment of marked improvement this season.
The key difference can be seen in their goal difference. After 24 matches of the 2024/25 season, they netted 31 goals, while this season they’ve struck 47—a remarkable increase. They conceded 17 goals at the same juncture last term, compared to just 11 this year.
This gives them a goal difference of +36 compared to +17 from last season. However, this positive statistic hasn’t translated into additional points.
Essentially, they are winning by larger margins but aren’t securing more victories, which is what really counts.
In fact, their current record shows 17 wins, four draws, and three losses after 24 games, compared to 18 wins, one draw, and five losses at the same point last season. They have actually won one less match this season than they did at this stage last year.
Interestingly, Sundowns’ form at this stage last season wasn’t significantly stronger either, suggesting their inconsistency this year is what has kept Pirates’ title hopes alive.
Currently, Sundowns possess 56 points from 23 games in the 2025/26 season, compared to 58 points at the same point last year—a mere two-point difference.
When viewed in this light, the title race this year appears quite similar to last season’s, where Sundowns eventually triumphed by a comfortable 12 points.
Fans neutral to both clubs will be hoping for a far tighter contest this time around to maintain excitement leading into May; however, Friday’s result indicates this may not be the case.
Compiled by SportArena.au
Fanpage: SportArena.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
