Major Showdowns: Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns Battle It Out in Betway Premiership Matchups

While outcomes won’t be finalised in this round, the direction of the league could become significantly clearer. Here are the key talking points heading into the matches.

Chiefs on the Hunt for a Hat-Trick

Kaizer Chiefs will be aiming to secure a hat-trick of wins in the Betway Premiership as they seek to rekindle their challenge for third place against Orbit College, who currently sit second from bottom, on Monday.

The Chiefs have experienced a rollercoaster ride in league form, remaining unbeaten for nine matches (W4 D5) before suffering three consecutive defeats that dampened their title hopes. They are now keen to return to winning ways.

Trailing AmaZulu by just a point in the battle for third and a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, the Chiefs have two games in hand and could potentially leapfrog AmaZulu with just a draw, thanks to their superior goal difference.

Orbit College finds themselves near the relegation zone, but they are only a single goal difference from climbing to 13th place with a win.

In their previous encounter, the Chiefs achieved a decisive 4-1 victory back in November—an impressive scoreline that marked their largest win in the league since a 3-0 triumph against AmaZulu in August 2023. It was also the only league match in which they scored four goals since 2021.

Gunning for Third

AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United share similar aspirations as they prepare to clash in Durban on Monday.

Recent poor form, with no victories in five matches (D3 L2), has seen Sekhukhune slip down the ranks in their quest for third place. However, should results favour them, they could regain their position by the end of the day.

AmaZulu are also looking for a third consecutive league win after navigating a challenging phase, with their performance under former Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane reflecting that of the Chiefs.

Sekhukhune have managed to earn a single point from their last nine available away, while AmaZulu put an end to a three-match winless streak at home by defeating Richards Bay 2-1 in their latest outing.

Historically, Usuthu have had the upper hand in their past four encounters in Durban, winning twice with one draw and one loss to Sekhukhune. The previous match this season ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

Aiming for Top Position

Orlando Pirates will put an end to their unusual 16-day break as they face the challenging Lamontville Golden Arrows in Soweto on Tuesday.

Their last match saw a stunning 6-0 victory over TS Galaxy, propelling them to the summit of the Betway Premiership. However, since then, Mamelodi Sundowns have reclaimed the top spot.

Both teams have played 22 fixtures, but Sundowns lead with 53 points and a goal difference of +29, while the Pirates sit just behind with 51 points and a +31 goal difference.

Golden Arrows can be unpredictable, so it’s hard to tell what sort of challenge Pirates will face—this could either turn into an easy win or a tough struggle.

Nevertheless, Pirates have won the past seven encounters against Golden Arrows and have not faced defeat to them since 2021. At home, they haven’t lost to the Durban outfit since 2015.

Since late January, Pirates have taken part in nine league matches, winning seven, but frustrating losses against Sundowns at home and Siwelele in Orlando were significant setbacks.

In contrast, Golden Arrows have recently taken seven points from their last three matches.

A Challenging Away Game

Mamelodi Sundowns will take their impressive nine-match winning streak to Durban City on Tuesday, with City celebrating their place in the Nedbank Cup final.

This will be a tough away fixture for Sundowns, as City has proven to be resilient at home, suffering only two league defeats this season, against Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

With the CAF Champions League semi-final approaching, particularly the second leg away to Esperance on Sunday, Sundowns’ coach Miguel Cardoso must ensure the team’s focus remains on the task at hand.

While winning yet another league title is crucial, success in the Champions League could be pivotal for Cardoso’s future at the club.

Sundowns’ only league loss this season came in Durban, where they were beaten 1-0 by Golden Arrows. They have also drawn four times in 11 away matches this campaign.

On the other hand, Durban City boasts the best home record this season behind Sundowns and Pirates, notching up seven wins from 11 fixtures.

In their prior encounter in Pretoria, Sundowns secured a 3-1 victory in September.

Relegation Dogfight

An important relegation battle looms on Tuesday when Magesi FC take on Marumo Gallants in Seshego.

Magesi currently sit at the bottom of the table, having accumulated only 14 points from 21 games, while Gallants lie just above them in third bottom with 18 points.

Should Magesi secure a victory, they will narrow the gap to just one point, with a game in hand, injecting new life into their survival hopes.

Gallants have managed just one win against nine losses in their last ten matches across all competitions, but they will be looking to turn their fortunes around under new coach Jamil Benouahi, who is the latest candidate to tackle the challenges faced by the struggling club.

Magesi, meanwhile, have not tasted victory in 13 fixtures (D6 L7) and find themselves in a dire situation, with their last win occurring against TS Galaxy in October.

Historically, the two teams have met six times, with Magesi ahead in their head-to-head record, claiming two victories alongside three draws.