Orlando Pirates claimed bragging rights in their top-of-the-table Betway Premiership clash against Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium on Sunday.

Relebohile Mofokeng opened the scoring after just four minutes and then popped up to double the Buccaneers’ lead two minutes later.

That’s the way the score remained as the teams headed for the changing rooms at half-time.

Defender Khuliso Mudau halved the deficit for Maswandwana in the 66th-minute, but the Buccaneers were able to hold on to claim the full three points.

With their win Orlando Pirates cut Mamelodi Sundowns’ lead atop the standings to 15 points.

The Soweto giants also have four matches in hand.

TEAMS

Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns

MATCH PREVIEW

It will be a Sunday like no other when Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns battle it out in Soweto.

The two giants lock horns in a top-of-the-table Betway Premiership encounter at FNB Stadium.

It’s a fixture that has historically drawn massive interest from across the country, and its upcoming instalment is expected to be no different.

It comes along at a crucial stage of the 2024/25 season this time around, with its outcome likely to change the shape of the rest of the league campaign.

A rare atmosphere is anticipated not only at the match venue, but also in other parts of Soweto and surrounding areas.

As a result, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) will implement strict traffic measures that will be in operation from 08:00.

Road closures

The following routes will be closed.

A detailed road closure map is available on the Stadium Management SA website.

Transport options

Parking is free and vehicles parked in non-designated areas will be towed.

Those attending the match are advised to not take directions from illegal car guards.

All parking areas open at 09:00.

Additional directional signage will be in place to assist patrons to parking and drop-off areas.

To ease traffic congestion in and around the stadium precinct, supporters are encouraged to make use of several transport options available.

Rea Vaya stations will start operating at 09:00 and ride tickets will be sold at the Soccer City station.

Buses will operate at five-minute intervals between 11:00 and 15:30.

The last buses departing FNB Stadium are expected to leave at 19:00.

There are additional transportation options available, including taxis and Park and ride services.

Ticket info

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:30 with gates at FNB Stadium opening at 11:30.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early to soak up the carnival atmosphere and avoid any possible delays closer to kick-off time.

Only valid tickets will be accepted at the gates and those engaging in selling or purchasing illegal tickets will be arrested and prosecuted.

Tickets can be purchased digitally on pirates.opentickets.co.za , Stadium Management SA website and the OpenTickets website.

Physical thermal tickets are available at over 1 700 outlets nationwide, including Shoprite, USave, and Checkers.

Match day entertainment

The pre-game beer garden, located opposite Gate K at FNB Stadium Promenade Amphitheatre will be operating from 11:30 to 14:30, and is exclusive to ticket holders.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early to stand a chance of winning prizes.

Will Orlando Pirates catch Mamelodi Sundowns before the end of the season?

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