"We need a fair ref in this thrilling fixture," says Robert Marawa

Last weekend, Orlando Pirates fans were sent into raptures as their team secured a dramatic last-minute penalty win against arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs at Soccer City.

This weekend, the drama continues in the Betway Premiership as the Buccaneers face a stern test against league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in what promises to be a captivating encounter.

To get his expert insights on this mouthwatering clash, we caught up with Showmax Premier League ambassador Robert Marawa.

Here's what he had to say:

"This is a fixture that we have all been waiting for. Two teams that will be coming together after having successfully navigated their ways through the derbies. Sundowns managed to beat SuperSport United convincingly, while Pirates managed to beat Chiefs at the death with the penalty. The bottom line is that both won their respective derbies. Pirates had a game in between as they are playing catch up, but they remain a game behind Sundowns. Beating Sekhukhune United gives them an upper hand psychologically and mentally, so it is a game I look forward to for many reasons.

"I really hope, however, that we have a good and fair referee in the game. Someone who can follow the game, interpret the game, and hopefully there will be minimal areas of debate. We don’t want too many question marks around refereeing decisions. It’s now that time of the season where we are in the second round of Premiership games, and there is all to play for. Sundowns and Pirates is a sold-out affair and I am thoroughly looking forward to it. I will be there physically to watch the game and I am incredibly excited.

"I know it’s only halfway through the season, but one thing I can tell you is that the game between Sundowns and Pirates gives us an opportunity to look at how Lucas Ribeiro and Relebohile Mofokeng get to perform. For me personally, Mofokeng and Ribeiro are the players of the season. When looking at who will be awarded the player of the season, it can only be between these two for me personally. Somebody like Ribeiro may be slightly edging Mofokeng, but that’s just my personal opinion. Be that as it may, this game provides that level of excitement.

Catch Mamelodi Sundowns v Orlando Pirates live on Showmax Premier League on Saturday, 8 February 2025, at 15:30.

More like this

Sport

Catch all the action from the Premier League live on Showmax PL.

The best Premier League signings of 2025's summer window

With clubs busier than ever in the transfer market, is it shaping up to be one of the toughest seasons in the Premier League?

LiveMade in South Africa

Catch Liverpool v Arsenal live on Showmax Premier League on Sunday, 31 August 2025 at 17:30

Alexander Isak a great option for LFC's attack, say former Liverpool striker David Ngog

This weekend, the Premier League ignites as LFC faces Arsenal in a huge clash. Before the showdown, Showmax chatted to former LFC striker David Ngog.

LiveMade in South Africa

Showmax Premier League weekly watchlist: 4-9 September 2025

Stream all Premier League and PSL games live on Showmax Premier League.

Live

Sibusiso Vilakazi believes his former club Mamelodi Sundowns will edge out Pirates in the second leg of the MTN8 semi final.

Vilakazi's verdict: Sundowns to "edge it" in high-stakes MTN8 semi-final

This weekend, all eyes will be on Lucas Moripe stadium as Mamelodi Sundowns face off against Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final.

LiveMade in South Africa

Newcastle and Liverpool battle it out at St James Park on Monday, 25 August 2025. Catch all the action live on Showmax PL.

Rivalries reignite in thrilling Premier League games on Showmax

The Premier League drama is back in full swing, and this coming weekend promises another thrilling rollercoaster ride for football fans worldwide.

Live

The Big 6ix on new Premier League season and their SA adventure

Showmax Premier League caught up with The Big 6ix to hear their new season predictions and verdict on their South African trip.

Live

Pyramids v Mamelodi Sundown - CAF Champions League Final

Will anyone stop the champs? Booth on Downs' quest for a 9th title

The Betway Premiership officially kicks off this weekend, and Showmax Premier League has you covered with all the action. Catch Mamelodi Sundowns take on Chippa United on Saturday, 9 August 2025, at 15:00.

Live South Africa

Catch the Community Shield final between Crystal Palace and Liverpool, live on Showmax PL.

The curtain rises: Wembley Showdown - LFC vs Crystal Palace

This Sunday, Wembley Stadium will host the FA Community Shield, an epic clash between Premier League champions Liverpool and FA Cup winners Crystal Palace. Catch the action live on Showmax PL.

Live

The Mommy Club NBO now streaming

The Chocolate Empire, now streaming

What to binge this weekend

Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist

Writer-director Brady Corbet, actor Adrien Brody and the production team behind The Brutalist tease out the tense relationship between art, money and power.

First