by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – ORLANDO Pirates have emerged as the most significant threat to Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance in the Betway Premiership title race, while traditional rivals Kaizer Chiefs are steadily regaining form and could soon join the fray.
The Buccaneers’ 1-1 draw against Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday kept the title race alive. Meanwhile, Amakhosi claimed a crucial 1-0 away victory over Durban City at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, a result that further tightens the top half of the league table.
After the weekend’s fixtures, Pirates remain third with 19 points from just nine matches—two games fewer than Sundowns, who top the standings with 22 points from 11 outings.
If Pirates capitalise on their games in hand, they could leapfrog the reigning champions and move to the summit.
Kaizer Chiefs, currently fourth with 19 points from 10 matches, also have a chance to close the gap. A victory in their game in hand could see them level on points with Sundowns, depending on other midweek results.
Chiefs will look to seize that opportunity when they host unpredictable newcomers Orbit College FC at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday evening.
Second-placed Sekhukhune United remain another strong contender in this increasingly competitive season. With 20 points from 10 matches, Babina Noko could climb to the top if they defeat Richards Bay at home on Tuesday.
Sundowns, who host TS Galaxy on Wednesday, are under pressure to return to winning ways to preserve their title defence. Any slip-up could see them overtaken, heightening the possibility of the championship race going down to the wire this season.
Orlando Pirates, on the other hand, face a challenging away fixture against Golden Arrows at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Durban on Wednesday.
Arrows, rejuvenated under coach Manqoba Mngqithi, have become formidable opponents both home and away. They demonstrated their prowess over the weekend by thrashing Marumo Gallants 4-0 at the same venue.
As the 2025/26 Betway Premiership unfolds, the league continues to deliver high drama—celebrations for the victors and despair for those battling relegation.
The lower end of the table remains precarious, with Chippa United, Magesi FC, Stellenbosch FC, and Siwelele all struggling to climb out of danger.
With the Premier Soccer League (PSL) releasing a full slate of midweek fixtures, unpredictability remains the defining feature of this campaign.
Each team has everything to play for, and only the most composed and consistent sides are likely to emerge with maximum points.
Midweek Fixtures – Betway Premiership
TUESDAY, 4th November 2025 (19:30)
- AmaZulu FC vs Polokwane City
- Chippa United vs Magesi FC
- Kaizer Chiefs vs Orbit College FC
- Sekhukhune United vs Richards Bay
WEDNESDAY, 5th November 2025 (19:30)
- Durban City vs Marumo Gallants
- Golden Arrows vs Orlando Pirates
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs TS Galaxy
- Stellenbosch FC vs Siwelele
— CAJ News