Catch Sundowns v Pirates live on Showmax Premier League on Saturday, 8 February.

Sameer Naik

6 February 2025

"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.

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