Three matches on Saturday from South Africa's Betway Premiership served as an appetizer before Sunday's major title clash between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
The bottom half of the table was on full display and all three games featured fiercely bought battles with more fouls than shot attempts. Playing simultaneously in the early matches, Marumo Gallants and Magesi FC grinded their way to 1-0 victories.
Magesi, previously consigned to the bottom of the table earlier in the year, continue to embrace a pragmatic approach under coach Owen da Gama who is doing spectacularly with last season's second tier champions. Lehlegonolo Mokone's first half goal was the difference in a big result over visiting Golden Arrows at the Seshego Stadium in Polokwane. Magesi's last four matches have featured one goal each, three of which have gone in their favor.
In Cape Town, Marumo Gallants earned a gritty result of their own in similar circumstances over hosts Cape Town City. Malawian footballing legend Gabadinho Mhango struck in the 7th minute to move Gallants out of the relegation zone. The former Premiership top scorer with Orlando Pirates during the 2019-20 season now has five goals this season for Gallants.
In the late match, Chippa United moved further away from the drop zone at the expense of Polokwane City with a 2-0 result. The struggles continue for early season surprise package Polokwane who continued their free fall out of the top five. Defender Azola Ntsabo's first career top flight goal was followed by an own goal from Polokwane's Kenyan goalkeeper Brian Bwire.
Tomorrow features the league's top sides and the aforementioned Sundowns-Pirates clash, where reigning champions Sundowns can all but put away any doubts.
Results
Friday
AmaZulu 1-2 TS Galaxy
Saturday
Magesi 1-0 Golden Arrows
Cape Town City 0-1 Marumo Gallants
Chippa United 2-0 Polokwane City
Sunday fixtures
Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Richards Bay vs Kaizer Chiefs
Sekhukhune United vs Stellenbosch
League Table
GP | Points | |
Mamelodi Sundowns | 22 | 58 |
Orlando Pirates | 18 | 40 |
TS Galaxy | 23 | 35 |
Sekhukhune United | 21 | 34 |
Stellenbosch | 20 | 32 |
Polokwane City | 22 | 31 |
AmaZulu | 23 | 30 |
Kaizer Chiefs | 21 | 29 |
Chippa United | 20 | 25 |
Golden Arrows | 19 | 24 |
Magesi | 23 | 23 |
Cape Town City | 23 | 23 |
Marumo Gallants | 22 | 22 |
Richards Bay | 21 | 21 |
SuperSport United | 21 | 21 |
Royal AM* | 11 | 8 |
The team that finishes last is relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
The team that finishes second from last qualifies for a three-team relegation playoff with the second and third place teams from the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
*Royal AM have not played a match since December due to ongoing financial and legal issues and are likely to be expelled from the Premier Soccer League.
The champion and runners-up qualify for the 2025-26 CAF Champions League
Third place qualifies for the 2025-26 CAF Confederation Cup along with the champion of the Nedbank Cup.
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