Final day drama: Relegation battles, Top 8 hopes and CAF glory on the line this Saturday
The first leg of the CAF Champions league final will see Mamelodi Sundowns host Pyramids at Loftus on Saturday. Photo: Timothy Bernard Independent Media
Image: Timothy Bernard Independent Media
It all comes down to this. The final day of the Betway Premiership promises high-stakes drama across South Africa, with relegation survival, MTN8 qualification, and CAF dreams all hanging in the balance.
Every kick, tackle, and goal could reshape destinies as teams jostle for position in a nail-biting end to the domestic campaign. Meanwhile, continental attention turns to Pretoria, where Mamelodi Sundowns begin their quest for a second CAF Champions League crown against Egyptian challengers Pyramids FC.
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SATURDAY Betway Premiership
Kaizer Chiefs v Polokwane City
Chiefs chase MTN8 spot and stability in season finale
🕒 3pm | 📍 FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
Kaizer Chiefs' season finale at FNB Stadium on Saturday against Polokwane City could determine the trajectory of both their immediate future and that of coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Despite ending a decade-long trophy drought with their recent Nedbank Cup win, Chiefs' inconsistent league form has left them at risk of missing out on next season's MTN8. Speculation is rife that Nabi could be shown the door—unless a strong finish sways the club's hierarchy. Victory over Polokwane could offer both a glimmer of redemption and much-needed stability.
Prediction: Kaizer Chiefs 2 Polokwane City 1
Betting odds: Kaizer Chiefs win 1.75 | Draw 3.25 | Polokwane City win 5.20 Magesi FC v Marumo Gallants FC
Confident Magesi eye safety against struggling Gallants
🕒 3pm | 📍 Seshego Stadium, Polokwane
Magesi FC are not yet mathematically safe from relegation, but they head into their final two matches of the season with growing confidence. They have shown impressive form in the second half of the campaign and will look to continue that momentum when they face Marumo Gallants at the Seshego Stadium.
Owen da Gama's charges were recently outclassed by a rampant Mamelodi Sundowns side chasing an eighth consecutive league title. However, needing just a point to secure their top-flight status, Magesi have already done much of the hard work and should be well-positioned to see out the season above the drop zone.
Prediction: Magesi FC to win 1-0
Betting odds: Magesi FC win 2.44 | Draw 2.90 | Marumo Gallants win 3.20
SuperSport United v Richards Bay FC
Relegation-scrapping SuperSport host relaxed Richards Bay
🕒 3pm | 📍 Lucas Moripe Stadium, Pretoria
Matsatsantsa a Pitori find themselves deep in a relegation battle, with their turbulent season now set to go down to the wire. Currently sitting 14th on the log by virtue of goal difference, their clash against the already-safe Natal Rich Boys is a must-win affair.
SuperSport will take heart from having already secured two victories over the KwaZulu-Natal outfit this season—once in the league and again in the Nedbank Cup. With Richards Bay having little at stake, United may just find the edge needed to grind out a crucial result.
Prediction: SuperSport United to win 1-0
Betting odds: SuperSport United win 1.84 | Draw 3.10 | Richards Bay FC win 4.90 Cape Town City v Stellenbosch FC
Survival or African dreams as Cape Derby decides fates
🕒 3pm | 📍 Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Cape Town City face a monumental task to avoid the promotion/relegation play-offs. Nothing less than a win against Stellenbosch at Cape Town Stadium will do in their final fixture of the season.
Stellenbosch, however, have their eyes on a third-place finish and qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup. A win secures it; a draw or loss leaves them relying on Sekhukhune United to lose to Golden Arrows—an unlikely scenario. For City, rooted to the bottom of the log, even victory might not be enough to avoid the dreaded play-offs.
Prediction: Cape Town City 1 Stellenbosch FC 1 Betting odds: Cape Town City win 3.65 | Draw 3.15 | Stellenbosch FC win 2.09
AmaZulu v Orlando Pirates
Pirates focus on form as AmaZulu eye MTN8 lifeline
🕒 3pm | 📍 Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
Orlando Pirates head to Durban with second place in the Betway Premiership already secured, while AmaZulu are fighting to hold on to eighth spot and a place in next season's MTN8.
Arthur Zwane's Usuthu have won two of their last four and are showing improved form at just the right time. Pirates, adjusting to life after José Riveiro's sudden exit, may rotate their squad slightly with one eye on recent fatigue.
However, the Buccaneers remain dangerous, having won four of their last five league outings. With both sides motivated by contrasting objectives, this clash promises to deliver intensity and drama in equal measure.
Prediction: Draw 1-1 Betting odds: AmaZulu win 5.20 | Draw 3.50 | Orlando Pirates win 1.68 Golden Arrows v Sekhukhune United
Survival meets African qualification in nerve-racking finale
🕒 3pm | 📍 Mpumalanga Stadium, Durban
It's do-or-die for Golden Arrows as they host Sekhukhune United in their final Betway Premiership match, needing a win to avoid the relegation play-offs.
Arrows are winless in seven and sit just one point above the drop zone, with their top-flight survival hanging by a thread. The return of Manqoba Mngqithi sparked brief optimism, but the pressure is now at its peak.
Sekhukhune, on the other hand, are chasing a CAF Confederation Cup berth. They must win and hope Stellenbosch drop points against Cape Town City. With high stakes for both sides, expect a fiercely contested and emotionally charged encounter.
Prediction: Draw 1-1
Betting odds: Golden Arrows win 2.95 | Draw 3.10 | Sekhukhune United win 2.44
Captains Aly Gaber of Pyramids, left, and Rowen William of Mamelodi Sundown will lead their respective teams during the first leg of the CAF Champions League final on Saturday. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: Backpagepix
CAF Champions League final, first leg
Mamelodi Sundowns v Pyramids FC
Battle-hardened Sundowns aim to strike first in CAF final
🕒 6pm | 📍 Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Mamelodi Sundowns, the 2014–15 CAF Champions League winners, host Egypt's Pyramids FC in the first leg of the final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday evening. Having fallen short in the knockout stages over the past six seasons, the Brazilians are back in the final and full of confidence.
Rhulani Mokwena's side are on an eight-match unbeaten run across all competitions, displaying their resilience and class throughout the campaign. The visiting Pyramids, runners-up in the 2019–20 CAF Confederation Cup, are contesting their first-ever Champions League final—an impressive feat for the emerging Cairo-based club.
However, the Egyptians' poor away form is cause for concern. They have suffered multiple defeats on the road in this competition and often struggle in front of goal when travelling. With experience, momentum and home advantage in their favour, Sundowns are tipped to take control of the tie.
Prediction: Mamelodi Sundowns 2 Pyramids FC 1
Betting odds: Mamelodi Sundowns win 1.73 | Draw 3.16 | Pyramids FC win 5.13
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