Five matches where Mamelodi Sundowns handed the league title to Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns are set to end the domestic season without winning a trophy, having all but relinquished their grip on the title to rivals Orlando Pirates, who need only one win from the last two games to end the Brazilians' eight-year dominance.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has cried foul over the heavily congested domestic calendar, saying it prevented his side from fielding their strongest team consistently.

While there is some sympathy for Cardoso’s complaints, Sundowns still boast the best squad money can buy in South African football. With that comes the expectation that they should rotate players without suffering a major drop in quality. However, that was not the case, and several costly results ultimately handed the title advantage to Pirates. Here are five matches that proved decisive in the race.

TS Galaxy 3-2 Mamelodi Sundowns

Sundowns arrived in Mbombela fully aware that Pirates still held the upper hand in the title race because of their superior goal difference. The last thing they needed was a defeat that would further boost Pirates’ confidence in securing the league with a game to spare.

Instead, Galaxy not only beat Sundowns to all but extinguish their title hopes, but also secured their own top-flight status for next season.

Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 Kaizer Chiefs

Sundowns hosted Chiefs in Pretoria hoping to strengthen and cement their two-point lead at the top of the standings. But it was not to be. Chiefs struck first and forced Sundowns to settle for a draw after they could only salvage a point.

Those dropped points allowed Pirates to edge closer, knowing that if both sides won their remaining fixtures, the Buccaneers would likely claim the title on goal difference.

Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 Stellenbosch FC

Stellenbosch arrived in Pretoria a few weeks ago determined to frustrate the defending champions and leave with a positive result. Sundowns’ sloppiness late in the game handed the visitors a penalty, allowing them to rescue a valuable point.

Coach Gavin Hunt was pleased with the draw, though deep down he would have preferred all three points. He briefly thought they had secured victory when he sprinted half the length of the field celebrating Tshegofatso Mabasa’s goal, only for it to be ruled out for offside.

Siwelele 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns

Siwelele have built a reputation as difficult hosts at the City of Roses, where their passionate supporters create a hostile environment for visiting teams.

Sundowns learned that the hard way late last year. A mistake from goalkeeper Rowen Williams gifted the hosts a goal, forcing Lebohang Mothiba to come off the bench and rescue a point for the champions.

Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 Orlando Pirates

Sundowns did not necessarily need to beat Pirates to retain the title this season. But the draw appeared to give Pirates belief that Sundowns’ dominance could finally be challenged.

Having finished the first half of the season at the top of the table, Pirates now have every reason to believe they can end the campaign there as well. That confidence may well have been sparked by that 1-1 draw against Sundowns last year.