Title celebrations, Top 8 fights and relegation battles in final stretch of Premiership
Mamelodi Sundowns' Arthur Sales celebrates winning the Betweay Premiership this past week. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: Backpagepix
The Betway Premiership season is nearing its climax with everything still to play for in the final fixtures. While Mamelodi Sundowns have wrapped up a record eighth consecutive title, they aim to finish the campaign in dominant fashion ahead of the CAF Champions League final.
For others, the stakes are equally high: Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs seek strong finishes; Stellenbosch, Magesi, and Sekhukhune chase continental and Top 8 dreams; while Cape Town City, Golden Arrows, and SuperSport United are still navigating the perils of the relegation zone.
Here's your complete guide to the weekend's action.
SATURDAY
Orlando Pirates vs TS Galaxy
Venue: Orlando Stadium, Soweto
Odds: Pirates 1.52 | Draw 3.90 | TS Galaxy 6.40
Prediction: Orlando Pirates 2–0 TS Galaxy
Interim coach Mandla Ncikazi takes charge for the first time as Orlando Pirates host TS Galaxy. With the departure of coach Jose Riveiro now confirmed, Ncikazi, alongside Rayaan Jacobs, is tasked with steadying the ship and finishing the season positively.
Riveiro, departing after a disappointing run that saw the Buccaneers miss out on three trophies, expressed confidence in the continuity of his former technical team, citing strong familiarity with the players.
Pirates must now regroup and look to end their campaign with pride, starting with Saturday's fixture. TS Galaxy face a stern challenge against a team seeking redemption at home.
Sekhukhune United vs Kaizer Chiefs
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
Odds: Sekhukhune 3.20 | Draw 3.10 | Chiefs 2.30
Prediction: Sekhukhune United 1–2 Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs are riding high after ending their 10-year trophy drought with a Nedbank Cup victory over arch-rivals Orlando Pirates. However, fans are expecting the Glamour Boys to carry that momentum into the league.
With only two games remaining, Chiefs must win both to secure a Top 8 finish, beginning with this tricky away encounter against Sekhukhune United. Despite the silverware, uncertainty looms over coach Nasreddine Nabi's future, with speculation of his release. A strong finish might just buy him more time.
Stellenbosch FC vs SuperSport United
Venue: Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch
Odds: Stellenbosch 1.99 | Draw 3.15 | SuperSport 4.00
Prediction: Stellenbosch 2–0 SuperSport
Stellenbosch, currently fourth, are in pursuit of a top-three finish and a CAF Confederation Cup place. They host a revitalised but still struggling SuperSport United side, who sit just three points above the relegation zone.
Stellies were displaced from the top three after a 3–0 defeat to champions Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend. With two matches left, they'll be pushing hard to leapfrog Sekhukhune United, who hold a one-point advantage.
Polokwane City vs Cape Town City FC
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
Odds: Polokwane 2.46 | Draw 2.90 | Cape Town City 3.15
Prediction: Polokwane City 1–0 Cape Town City
Polokwane City aim to solidify a Top 8 finish when they face relegation-threatened Cape Town City. Polokwane are currently seventh and have shown strong home form with 15 league victories at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
City, on the other hand, have failed to score in five of their last six games and sit at the bottom of the table. Their struggles in front of goal could cost them dearly again.
Marumo Gallants vs Chippa United
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
Odds: Gallants 2.07 | Draw 3.15 | Chippa 3.70
Prediction: Draw 1–1
In a battle with Top 8 implications, 10th-placed Marumo Gallants host eighth-placed Chippa United.
Gallants, traditionally associated with relegation scraps, are in superb form — three wins and two draws from their last five have ensured their safety. Chippa, meanwhile, are looking to recover from two heavy losses to Sundowns. A draw may be enough to maintain their position, but they'll be desperate for a win.
Richards Bay vs Golden Arrows
Venue: King Zwelithini Stadium, Umlazi
Odds: Richards Bay 2.27 | Draw 2.95 | Arrows 3.45
Prediction: Draw 1–1
This KwaZulu-Natal derby has significant stakes. Richards Bay need just one more win to confirm their survival, while Golden Arrows are only three points above the relegation zone.
Arrows are winless in six and under pressure to deliver, but Richards Bay's morale is high after a crucial victory over TS Galaxy. Expect a tight affair with few goals.
SUNDAY
Kick-off: 5:30pm | Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Odds: Sundowns 1.29 | Draw 5.00 | Magesi 10.00
Prediction: Mamelodi Sundowns 2–0 Magesi FC
Mamelodi Sundowns continue to dominate South African football after clinching a record-extending eighth consecutive DStv Premiership title last Wednesday with a 3–0 victory over Chippa United.
Their focus now shifts to finishing the league on a high, with coach Miguel Cardoso urging his side to maintain top form against Magesi FC ahead of next weekend's CAF Champions League final first leg against Pyramids.
A win on Sunday would see the Brazilians equal last season's 73-point mark — a testament to their consistency and dominance. With Magesi safe and Sundowns firing on all cylinders, a professional performance is expected from the champions in Pretoria.
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