Soweto Derby Steals the Spotlight in Betway Premiership Amid Other Vital Fixtures

The marquee match will grab most attention, yet seven additional important encounters could influence CAF spots, next years MTN8 entries or survival battles.

Below are the key highlights prior to these fixtures.

The marquee clash

The standout fixture this weekend is the Soweto derby scheduled for Sunday, with both sides arriving in strong shape.

Kaizer Chiefs triumphed over Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final back in May, yet beyond that, the Sea Robbers have controlled recent derbies, securing six victories in the previous seven encounters.

This represents their finest streak in the rivalry since its inception in 1970.

However, Chiefs enter buoyed by 16 points from the most recent 18 on offer, a sequence that has virtually locked in their third position.

For Pirates, a victory is essential to sustain their championship push, as they hold a one point lead over runners up Mamelodi Sundowns, despite an extra game played. They must avoid any stumbles.

The Sea Robbers secured a comfortable 3-0 triumph during their February meeting, although Chiefs were hampered by injuries and anticipate a stronger performance now.

No stalemates have occurred in the past 17 league and cup clashes since 2019. During that period, Pirates have claimed nine wins against Chiefs eight. The previous deadlock was a 2-2 result in the Telkom Knockout during November 2019.

Sundowns aim to resume victories

Supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns desire a Chiefs success as they head to Richards Bay on Sunday, seeking to reclaim the summit.

The Brazilians managed only a 1-1 stalemate against Stellenbosch midweek, and with a packed schedule, the campaigns remainder will challenge their stamina considerably.

Following this, they face Polokwane City in home and away ties next week to complete league obligations before the CAF Champions League decider.

The Stellenbosch draw halted a 10 match winning streak for Sundowns in the league, whereas Richards Bay have gained seven points from their latest nine possible.

Sundowns have overwhelmingly prevailed in this matchup, taking all 10 prior games, netting 25 goals while allowing just three.

Due to the unusual scheduling, this marks their initial trip to Richards Bay since December 2024. The preceding three league and cup outings occurred in Pretoria, where Sundowns tallied 11 goals and yielded one.

Parkers managerial debut

Ex Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana forward Bernard Parker will debut as a manager when he guides struggling TS Galaxy in their pivotal home game versus Magesi FC on Sunday.

Galaxy dismissed coach Adnan Beganovic on Thursday, less than two weeks before the Nedbank Cup final against Durban City the following Saturday.

This followed a dismal league spell, losing nine and tying once in their last 10 outings, placing them dangerously near the drop zone.

A defeat against Magesi might drag them deeper into the survival fight. Currently, they sit five points above the second from bottom spot.

Magesi follow a uncommon success, having thrashed Durban City 5-2 recently, their first instance of scoring five in a Premier Soccer League match.

Magesi hold an unbeaten record over Galaxy across four past clashes, with three triumphs and one tie, including a 2-1 success earlier this term.

Magesi are still the sole Premier Soccer League team without an away win this season, recording five draws alongside eight losses.

Orbit seek momentum

Since reaching the Nedbank Cup final next weekend, Durban City have dropped three straight league games, encompassing that unexpected 5-2 loss to faltering Magesi FC.

They aim to reverse fortunes against Orbit College, who have fallen to the foot of the standings and managed just one win in 15 across all competitions lately, featuring three ties and 11 reversals. That lone success came away to TS Galaxy last month.

City once targeted a top three finish for CAF Confederation Cup qualification next year but now focus on securing a top eight berth for MTN8 access.

Their form leaves only three points between sixth placed City and ninth placed Stellenbosch FC.

A win might lift Orbit from the bottom pair if results elsewhere favour, though a tie would probably leave them last considering their poorer goal tally.

City dominated the earlier matchup 3-0 in December, while last seasons two second division meetings concluded level.

Usuthu grasp at third spot

AmaZulus aspirations for third seem faded after collecting merely two points from nine recent ones, yet a home tie with Chippa United offers a route to recovery.

Usuthu lag seven points behind third placed Chiefs and have an additional game played, meaning they would require victories in their final five to harbour realistic hopes.

Chippa remain entangled in relegation concerns despite better recent displays. They lead the play off place by four points and the direct drop by five. Nonetheless, another win might suffice for safety.

Their away record has been lacklustre, with one victory in 12 road trips this season, plus four draws and seven losses, as AmaZulu defeated them 3-0 in the away leg last November.

Usuthu have taken four of the last six head to heads, with one tie and one loss, though overall Chippa edge with nine wins to seven and five draws from 21 prior games. This encompasses six successes in 10 Durban visits, one tie and three defeats.