GAME DAY: Pule Mmodi could be Orlando Pirates’ unlikely ally as Kaizer Chiefs face Mamelodi Sundowns test

Pule Mmodi could be the unlikely source of hope for Orlando Pirates' fans, who will be backing arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs to do them a favour against Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday night (7.30pm kick-off).

Sundowns host Chiefs in a crucial Betway Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. A win for the Brazilians would move them just two victories away from securing a record-extending ninth consecutive league title.

Given Sundowns’ dominance in the title race, they are expected to win their remaining matches against Siwelele and TS Galaxy, making the encounter against Chiefs their most difficult fixture due to the historic rivalry between the two sides.

While Chiefs are focused on consolidating third place, they also carry the hopes of some Pirates supporters, as a win for Amakhosi would keep the gap at the top of the log to just two points, with the Sea Robbers holding a game in hand.

Mmodi, who came to the fore in the Soweto derby by helping Chiefs secure a 1–1 draw with a goal that dented Pirates’ title hopes, could once again play a decisive role in influencing the title race in the Bucs’ favour.

“If I get the chance, I will be very happy to score because I love playing in big games,” Mmodi said on KaizerChiefs.com in the build-up to the Sundowns clash.

However, history is not on Chiefs’ side. The last time they beat Sundowns away dates back to April 2021, while the five most recent meetings in Pretoria have all ended in wins for the hosts. Mmodi, though, is unfazed.

“The record is there, but it is history,” he added. “This is a new game, and we are going there to give our best to get a good result. We know Sundowns are trying to win the league and are as hungry for the points as we are, but we will be ready for them.”

Sundowns are juggling a congested schedule as they push to wrap up the league early before focusing on their CAF Champions League final against AS FAR. That fixture congestion has raised questions over fatigue, but Mmodi believes it will not weaken their challenge.

“I don’t think it will make any difference,” Mmodi said. “Sundowns have a lot of depth in their squad, so they will put out a very strong team. That said, we have made good use of the week and have prepared very well for the match.”

Meanwhile, Chiefs have ample reason to want to beat Sundowns, as a win for AmaZulu in their KwaZulu-Natal derby against Golden Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday night (7.30pm kick-off) could increase pressure on their hold on third place.

Usuthu are currently hot on Chiefs’ heels, sitting fourth on the log with 42 points, just five behind Amakhosi. The two sides are also set to meet in a crucial penultimate fixture of the season at Moses Mabhida Stadium on May 16.