Mamelodi Sundowns resume title chase: Orbit College face daunting task at Loftus fortress

The long wait for domestic football comes to an end this week as the PSL resumes following the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations, with Mamelodi Sundowns wasting no time in returning to the title conversation.

Masandawana host Orbit College at Loftus Versfeld on Monday night knowing the second half of the season leaves little room for error. 

Sitting second on the standings with 26 points, Sundowns trail pace-setters Orlando Pirates and must begin chipping away at the gap if they are to defend their league crown.

The champions have been typically difficult to beat, suffering just one defeat so far while building a solid platform through control and defensive discipline. 

With 20 goals scored and only seven conceded, Sundowns have remained competitive even during periods where fluency has dipped.

Their home form has been particularly reliable. Loftus has once again proven a fortress, with Sundowns unbeaten on home soil this season, collecting five wins and a draw — a record they will be keen to extend as they resume their pursuit of Pirates.

In spite of persistent speculation around the technical bench during the AFCON break, Miguel Cardoso is expected to be in charge for this fixture.  The Portuguese coach has instilled a possession-based approach, prioritising game management and structure, an identity that has kept Sundowns firmly in the hunt.

The challenge now is consistency. Recent draws, including a 1-1 stalemate against Siwelele FC before the break, have slowed momentum, making fixtures like this one non-negotiable in the title context.

Orbit College arrive in Pretoria carrying a very different narrative. In their debut season in the top flight, survival is the overriding objective. They currently sit 13th on the table with 13 points, still adjusting to the unforgiving demands of Premiership football.

Their task has been made harder by the January departure of Monnapule Saleng, who returned to Orlando Pirates before completing a high-profile move to Sundowns. 

The winger had been one of Orbit’s few consistent attacking outlets during his loan spell, and his exit strips the newcomers of creativity and pace at a crucial stage of the campaign.

Away from home, Orbit have found the step up particularly brutal, managing just one victory on the road. Defensive lapses have often been punished, a concern amplified by a 3-0 defeat to Durban City FC. Head coach Pogiso faces the daunting task of steadying his side against a team designed to suffocate opponents through sustained pressure and territorial dominance.

For Sundowns, the equation is simple. These are the fixtures that underpin championship runs — matches that must be won with authority, not emotion. Anything less would invite further pressure, not only from Pirates but from within.

As the PSL curtain rises again, the champions know the chase begins now.