Betway Premiership: Orlando Pirates look to drive home advantage in title race at Magesi

All the upcoming fixtures will influence these elements, ensuring no irrelevant games with just three matchdays remaining.

Here are the key discussion points before the weekend action.

Sundowns on the brink

Mamelodi Sundowns lead the Betway Premiership by three points, yet their midweek draw against Kaizer Chiefs has given the upper hand to Orlando Pirates in second, who hold a match to spare.

Sundowns face two fixtures left, starting with a home game versus Siwelele on Saturday, followed by an away trip to TS Galaxy on Tuesday, right before the opening leg of their CAF Champions League final.

With a goal difference of +34 compared to Pirates' +41, if both clubs claim victories in their leftover games as anticipated, it will hinge on that margin. Sundowns face an uphill battle to bridge the difference, particularly should Pirates continue their winning streak.

Three stalemates in the past five league outings have posed problems, along with struggles to seal matches decisively. Siwelele, aiming for a top-eight spot, have shared points in four of their recent five and have turned resilient under manager Lehlohonolo Seema.

The sides drew 1-1 in the earlier meeting this season. Sundowns must avoid another tie at all costs.

Pirates must maintain scoring form

Pirates grabbed control via a 2-0 triumph over Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday and view their last three encounters as highly achievable.

They travel to struggling Magesi FC at the bottom on Saturday, then host Durban City the next weekend, wrapping up against relegation candidate Orbit College on May 24.

These opponents will fight desperately for safety, though Pirates possess superior talent and remain unbeaten across 11 outings (W7 D4) following a 2-1 defeat at home to Sundowns back in February.

They cannot risk a draw either, but having netted 19 times in their previous six fixtures, averaging over three goals each, they have rediscovered their attack. Additionally, they boast the leagues strongest backline.

Encounters with Magesi have not always been straightforward, holding three victories from five prior clashes (D1 L1). They secured a 2-0 success in the January return match.

Big game in race for third

Kaizer Chiefs encounter a crucial contest in their pursuit of third position and CAF Confederation Cup qualification next term, visiting Sekhukhune United on Sunday.

Chiefs hold a five-point edge over fourth-placed AmaZulu and six over Sekhukhune, all with three games to go.

However, Chiefs have gone four without a win (D3 L1), although their latest was a solid 1-1 draw at Sundowns where they impressed, yet lost Mdu Shabalala to injury and Siphesihle Ndlovu to a ban.

Sekhukhune appeared set for third, but a slump in results led to Eric Tinklers departure, succeeded by Paulus Masehe. They have kept grinding on, including a 3-1 away win at faltering Chippa United during the week.

Sekhukhune triumphed 3-1 over Chiefs earlier, and in the last seven meetings, they hold three wins and two draws (L2), a strong showing.

Desperate Chippa

TS Galaxy and Chippa United seemed secure recently, but their slumps combined with rivals gaining ground have thrust them into relegation concerns.

Chippa sit with 24 points, merely two clear of the play-off slot and three from direct demotion.

Consecutive defeats to AmaZulu (5-1) and Sekhukhune (3-1) resulted in coach Vusi Vilakazi's sacking midweek amid rising alarm.

Galaxy possess 27 points for slightly more breathing room, but a 12-match barren spell (D3 L9) in league play signals poor momentum and keeps outcomes uncertain.

Nevertheless, a home win here would allow them to focus on the future.

Galaxy have dominated history, taking seven of 14 encounters (D3 L4), including a 5-2 home record without ties.

Caretaker Bernard Parker knows he won't lead next season, but aims to bow out positively and likely remain as deputy.

Different ambitions

Orbit College and AmaZulu bring contrasting aims to their Saturday clash in Rustenburg, with AmaZulu hunting Chiefs for third while Orbit seeks distance from the drop area.

Orbit grabbed a vital 2-1 midweek success at Magesi to escape the bottom, marking only their second league victory in 16 (D4 L10). Repeating that would boost their staying-up chances immensely.

AmaZulu have managed one win in five (D3 L1), hampering their third-place charge and letting Chiefs survive with average displays.

Orbit have the worst home haul with 11 points this term, explaining their predicament. Eight losses on their patch exceeds the next poorest by two. They have leaked the most goals at 21 and scored the fewest with 10 across 13 outings.

AmaZulu (W4 D4 L5) rank sixth for away performances, yet have netted just 11 in 13 road games. Anticipate a low-scoring affair.