Pirates take a six-point lead into the encounter, albeit they have played one game more than the reigning champions, and have a golden opportunity to open up a substantial gap on the chasing field going into the final third of the season.
It is not the first time there has been a significant clash between the two clubs as we look at the top five clashes between the two in the Premier Soccer League era, from 1996 onwards.
1998: Pirates 1 Sundowns 1
The two clubs met in the BoB Save Super Bowl final at Soccer City at the end of the season and with Bafana Bafana’s maiden appearance in the World Cup looming. In an era when the rules dictated that a drawn match meant a replay, the worst outcome for the administrators was a stalemate.
And so it transpired, as Raphael Chukwu netted for Sundowns and John Moeti for Pirates. The replay was postponed until after the World Cup in France, causing a bizarre situation with, effectively, the last game of the previous season being completed while the new campaign had already begun.
The replay also ended 1-1, with Sundowns then taking the trophy 6-5 on penalties after extra time. In so doing, they became only the third side to achieve the league and cup double in the NSL era.
2005: Pirates 0 Sundowns 4
Pirates were top of the table and looking to strengthen their chances of taking the title, but their best-laid plans were blown away at the Johannesburg Stadium as Sundowns weathered a first-half onslaught from their hosts and then sucker-punched them after halftime.
Siaka Tiene, who enjoyed a free role, caused havoc in the Pirates’ backyard, and his goal, nine minutes into the second half, came as little surprise. Coach Angel Capa introduced Surprise Moriri for Peter Ndlovu in the 78th minute, and the striker made an immediate impact, heading home the second goal in the 83rd minute and then another six minutes after that.
Midfielder Godfrey Sapula, who masterminded the engine room for Sundowns, crowned his sterling performance by scoring the fourth goal on the stroke of full time.
2011: Pirates 3 Sundowns 2
The first leg of the MTN8 semi-final saw Pirates come from 2-1 down to score twice in the closing stages and take a lead to the second leg, which ended 1-1 and meant they went through to the final 4-3 on aggregate.
At the Orlando Stadium, Thulasizwe Mbuyane scored first to give the hosts the lead, which Moeneeb Joseph then sought to protect by saving Katlego Mphela’s penalty but could not stop the Sundowns striker burying the rebound.
Musa Nyatama made it 2-1 to Sundowns, but in the closing stages, Tlou Segolela snapped up a loose clearance to hammer home on the half volley, and then Bongani Ndulula sent Wayne Sandilands the wrong way with a decisive penalty.
2017: Sundowns 6 Pirates 0
A new record defeat for the Buccaneers, sparking an ugly riot from frustrated supporters at the ground.
It took 20 minutes for the Sundowns to open the scoring through Themba Zwane, and then Percy Tau added a second for the Sundowns two minutes before the interval. The The Bucs conceded a penalty in the 62nd minute, and Ricardo Nascimento made no mistake from the spot.
It was soon 4-0 as Thapelo Morena fired home just before the 70th minute. The last two goals from Morena and Tau then sparked the riot, which held up the game for more than half an hour before it could be resumed and finished. Coach Augusto Palacios lasted two more games after that before being replaced by Kjell Jonevret from Sweden.
2022: Sundowns 0 Pirates 3
The second time in a year that Pirates had been beaten 3-0 at home, but the first in May came after they had already secured the title and moved their game against Stellenbosch FC to the University of Pretoria Stadium.
This one was much more important, with a place in a cup final at stake. Sundowns were hot favourites in the second leg, with home advantage at Loftus Versfeld, having held Pirates to a goalless draw in the first game at the Orlando Stadium.
But Pirates pulled off a shock as Kermit Erasmus netted early in the first half before Monnapule Saleng sealed the victory with two late goals for the Buccaneers. It took eight minutes before Saleng found space on the right and used his trickery to beat Aubrey Modiba before crossing for Erasmus to head home.
Pirates then held their hosts at bay, restricting their chances to fire shots at goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane in the first half but having some good fortune after the break when substitute Neo Maema shot just wide on the hour mark.
As time began to run out, Sundowns were left with little option but to throw caution to the wind, allowing Pirates to counter-attack. Zakhele Lepasa set up Saleng for a 2-0 scoreline. Modiba was then shown a red card for kicking out at Saleng, who added the third.