Orlando Pirates look to Cup redemption after Mamelodi Sundowns defeat

Pirates went down 2-1 to the Brazilians in a fiercely contested encounter at a packed FNB Stadium on Wednesday night. The fixture had been billed as a potential title decider, with both sides closely matched near the top of the standings despite more than ten matches still remaining in the season.

While the loss allowed Sundowns to close the gap, Pirates remain top of the Betway Premiership table with 38 points from 17 matches. Masandawana are second on 35 points, having played one game fewer.

Makhaula acknowledged the disappointment of the result but stressed that the outcome does not define Pirates' season.

"It's a really disappointing result and not what we wanted," Makhaula told the club's media team. "But we stuck to the plan, and it was a game of two halves. They dominated the first half, but in the second half we took the game to them and started creating chances."

The midfielder felt Pirates showed greater intent after the break, enjoying more possession and applying pressure, even though they were unable to force an equaliser.

"It's one of those days where you have to accept the loss and move forward," he said. "We're not only playing Sundowns in this league. There are still many games to play, and it's not the end of the title race."

Makhaula also drew confidence from Pirates' position at the summit, urging consistency in the remaining fixtures.

"We're still on top of the log and we need to maintain our dominance," he added. "To our supporters, we're sorry, but they must keep believing in us."

Pirates will now look to respond in the Nedbank Cup when they face Casric Stars in the last-16 tie at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.