Kaizer Chiefs poised to disrupt title chase as Sundowns and Pirates’ fixtures are unveiled

Mamelodi Sundowns (56 points, +30 goal difference) and Orlando Pirates (54 points, +36) are neck and neck in the battle for the championship, with each side having seven matches left to play.

Chiefs, Richards Bay, and Stellenbosch FC will face both title contenders in their upcoming fixtures. Kaizer Chiefs could potentially do their fierce Soweto rivals Pirates a significant favour by taking points from Sundowns on May 6.

Polokwane City is yet to face Sundowns in both home and away matches this season, with the first encounter set for next Wednesday, and the second on the final day of the season. The Pirates have secured victories against Polokwane City in both of their earlier meetings this season, but Sundowns have only triumphed twice in their last four encounters with Rise and Shine (D1 L1), including a surprising 1-0 loss on their last trip to Limpopo.

Out of Sundowns’ final seven fixtures, four will be played at home, where they’ve demonstrated near invincibility for several years. Their home matches include encounters with Stellenbosch, Chiefs, Siwelele, and Polokwane City.

The team will also travel to face Richards Bay and TS Galaxy—who have recently become a challenging opponent for Sundowns, having eliminated them from the Nedbank Cup this season.

Meanwhile, the Pirates have three remaining home games, set against AmaZulu, Chiefs (on April 26), and Durban City.

Their away fixtures include trips to Richards Bay, Stellenbosch, Magesi FC, and Orbit College on the final day of the league.

The exact date for the season’s conclusion hinges on whether Sundowns reach the final of the CAF Champions League, as there is a clash with the scheduled dates.

The season is currently earmarked to finish on May 23, while the league is required to conclude by May 24 to enable players to be released for the Bafana Bafana World Cup squad.

The first legs of the Champions League final are slated for May 15 and 24. However, according to the Betway Premiership regulations, all matches in the last two rounds must be played simultaneously, meaning the final games could be rescheduled to midweek if Sundowns proceed to the final.

The Brazilians will kick off their semi-final campaign away against Tunisian club Esperance on Sunday.

Sundowns’ remaining fixtures: Polokwane City (away), Stellenbosch FC (home), Richards Bay (away), Kaizer Chiefs (home), Siwelele (home), TS Galaxy (away), Polokwane City (home).

Pirates’ remaining fixtures: Richards Bay (away), AmaZulu (home), Kaizer Chiefs (home), Stellenbosch FC (away), Magesi FC (away), Durban City (home), Orbit College (away).