Final-day drama: Premiership battles set for decisive Saturday showdowns
Image: BackpagePix
As the Premiership gears up for a spectacular Saturday with six matches kicking off simultaneously at 3pm, the schedule is brimming with intense rivalries and the potential for unexpected twists.
The teams will be vying for crucial points that could shape their seasons.
Each club brings its own narrative, and the outcomes have the potential to reshape the Premiership log on a day that marks the final matches for 12 teams.
Four other teams – Orlando Pirates, Magesi FC, Golden Arrows, and SuperSport United – each have one outstanding fixture following Saturday's round.
Every goal scored and every point earned will matter more than ever, with several positions potentially being decided on goal difference as the PSL season reaches its climax.
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Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
CAF Confederation Cup ticket
A gripping showdown is set as Stellenbosch FC and Sekhukhune United battle for a coveted place in next season's CAF Confederation Cup.
With just one match remaining, the stakes could not be higher. Stellenbosch currently sit third, holding a slender one-point lead.
Their route to continental football is straightforward: a victory in their derby clash against Cape Town City on Saturday would seal qualification, securing a second consecutive appearance on the African stage.
However, if they draw or lose, the door opens for Sekhukhune, who will be looking to take full advantage with a win at Lamontville Golden Arrows in Durban.
Should Stellenbosch lose and Sekhukhune draw, goal difference will determine who earns the final Confederation Cup ticket in what has become a tightly contested race.
No holds barred in Top 8 scramble
The race for the final MTN8 spots is heating up, with a frantic fight to fill the remaining three positions.
Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch, Sekhukhune and TS Galaxy (who, like Sundowns, have completed their league campaign with 28 games) have already secured their berths in this prestigious tournament.
AmaZulu, in sixth with 34 points, appear safe thanks to their superior goal difference, giving them a comfortable cushion.
That leaves six clubs in a fierce struggle to claim the final two slots: Polokwane City (33 points), Kaizer Chiefs (31), Chippa United (31 from 28 games), Marumo Gallants (31), Richards Bay (30) and Magesi (29).
Polokwane could secure their spot even with a draw or loss against Chiefs.
For the others, victory is essential if they are to secure a place in next season's Top 8 – setting the stage for a nail-biting finale.
One more to go. But before we close the chapter, let's rewind to Jaedin's goal last time out 🔥
Let's finish strong 💪 pic.twitter.com/oSpq7TJdTS — Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) May 22, 2025
Promotion-relegation play-offs awash with uncertainty
Following Royal AM's expulsion, no club faces automatic relegation, but the team finishing 15th will enter the PSL promotion-relegation playoffs against two First Division sides.
The battle to avoid this fate is tight, with three teams still at risk: Lamontville Golden Arrows (26 games, 27 points), SuperSport United (26 games, 26 points) and Cape Town City (27 games, 26 points).
If City lose to Stellenbosch on Saturday, they will be consigned to the play-offs – unless SuperSport fail to win either of their two remaining fixtures.
Should both clubs end on 26 points, goal difference will determine who drops into the playoff zone.
Arrows are best positioned to escape danger, but back-to-back defeats – against Sekhukhune and SuperSport – could see them slide into trouble.
After Saturday's action, the final picture will come into focus when Arrows and SuperSport replay their abandoned February fixture, wrapping up what has been a turbulent and unpredictable season.
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