An Orlando Pirates star has hit back at critics and insisted that despite the 18-point gap opened up by Mamelodi Sundowns, the Fat Lady has not sung to declare the league title race over.
A thriller awaits spectators as Pirates meet Sundowns at FNB Stadium on Sunday, with more than 40 000 tickets sold as per Thursday's update.
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Call it a six-pointer, as a win for the defending champions could signal lights out for the Buccaneers in matters relating to the title race, while three points for them will keep the suspense ongoing for the time being.
Tshegofatso Mabasa, who is the go-to man for goals for the Soweto giants, holds the view it's not over yet.
"The league is not gone, it's far from being gone," he told journalists at the pre-match press conference on Thursday.
"I always hear this from people, including yourselves (the media), but I don't believe it's gone. We don't believe it's gone as a group. We still have faith in it, and like I said, we have to win the remainder of our games.
"I know we are capable of doing that, we have shown that in the beginning of the season.
"There will be a lot of pressure, yes, but I know that we are up for the challenge and we are ready," he continued.
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Sundowns walked away 4-1 victors the last time the two sides met in February.